April 9 2014 Volume-VI Issue-7

The first thing fans, players, coaches & parentswant to know after the big game is always,

”Is this going to be on ”

Shore Sports Network has established itself as a leader in scholastic sports coverage in Monmouth and Oceancounties, providing more video highlight clips, in-depth reporting, feature stories and

regular updates than ANY OTHER OUTLET in the area.

Shore Sports NetworkWeb S i te Features

n Get Video Highlights of all the important games that Shore Conference fans will be talking about.

n Catch up on the action you might have missed

n Watch video clips of everything from the action early in the event to the big finish as well as video interviews

with various athletes.

n www.shoresportsnetwork.com is the most visited sports site in the Shore Conference during the scholastic year

n Follow us on Twitter (over 12,000 followers) and Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news

n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.

S t e v e M e y e rDirector High School Divisions m e y e r @ a l l s h o r e m e d i a . c o m7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

S c o t t S t u m pM a n a g i n g E d i t o rs t u m p @ a l l s h o r e m e d i a . c o m

S e n i o r C o n t e n t P r o v i d e r sM a t t M a n l e y / / M m a n l e y 2 1 @ g m a i l . c o mB o b B a d d e r s / / b a d d e r s @ a l l s h o r e m e d i a . c o m

S h o r e S p o r t s N e tw o r ki s pub l i shed by: A l l S h o r e M e d i a L L C26 Oxford Drive Wayside NJ, 07712

Copyright 2014 All Shore Media LLC All rights reserved Reproductionin whole or in part without the permission of Shore Sports Network & All Shore Media LLC is prohibited

2 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

3

Table of Contents

SSN Divisional

Predictions................................................Page 4

Baseball

Divisional Previews..................Pages 6 thru 17

2014 Shore Conference Baseball:

What to Watch For..........................Page 12-13

Boys Lacrosse

Divisional Previews...................Pages 18 thru 20

Basketball All-Star

Review....................................................Page 28

Ocean & Monmouth County

School Directions................................Page 29

BASEBALL1. WALL

With returnees at all eight positions in the field and two starting pitchers back as well, the Crimson Knights willrun it back after going 22-6 last year with, essentially, the same team. Wall does lose No. 2 starter Luke Malone,who also helped out at the plate and in the outfield, but the Crimson Knights have enough to overcome one losswhile every other team is dealing with many more.

2. JACKSON MEMORIALThere is no ACC-bound, Red Sox draft pick in the lineup – at least not at this point anyway – but the Jaguarsretained a lot of what made them good last year: defense around the diamond and tough outs at the plate.Pitching is a question mark again this year, but it was also a question mark last year, when Jackson went 14-0 inClass A South.

3. RED BANK CATHOLICThis could very well be the year the Caseys relinquish their top spot in Class A Central to St. John Vianney, buteven though the Lancers have more senior talent returning than the Caseys do, there was still a pretty sizablegap between the two teams last year. RBC still has a top player in the middle of the field in Al Molina, whosearm on the mound will be a major factor this year in the division race after he served as the closer last year.

4. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMYJust like Jackson and RBC, CBA lost Division I talent and is still exceedingly talented. The Colts lost four ACCplayers to graduation and gained one when sophomore Brandon Martorano committed to North Carolina overthe offseason. While the sophomore backstop is still developing, the Colts have three fully-developed hitters andDivision I recruits in the middle of the order in Will Morgan, Ryan Ramiz and Pete Papcun recruits, and alegitimate ace in sophomore Luca Dalatri, who was arguably CBA’s best pitcher last year as a freshman afterace John McCarren went down with an injury.

5. ST. JOHN VIANNEYThis ranking is a conservative one, as the Lancers have the most individual offensive talent of any team in theconference this year. Wall is a little more spread out with its talent, but SJV has four players who put up All-Shore numbers last year in Evan Pietronico, Joe Rotelli, Anthony Santoro and Anthony LaVigne. The pitchingcould not stay healthy in 2013, and if the Lancers’ fortune changes in the form of a healthy staff, they become aMonmouth County and Shore Conference favorite.

6. Toms River East 7. Toms River North 8. Jackson Liberty9. Central Regional 10. Toms River SouthTeams to Watch:Howell, Freehold Township, Rumson-Fair Haven & Marlboro

V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATIONC o n t a c t : S t e v e n M e y e r 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

s m e y e r @ a l l s h o r e m e d i a . c o m

C l a ss A No r th 1 . C BA2 . Howe l l3 . F r eeho l d Twp .4 . Ma r l bo r o5 . Mana l apan6 . M i dd l e t own Sou th7 . C o l t s Ne ck8 . M i dd l e t own No r th

C l a s s A C en t r a l 1 . Red Bank C a tho l i c2 . S t . J ohn V i anney3 . Rumson - Fa i r Ha ven4 . Sho re5 . Manasquan6 . Ra r i t an7 . Ho lmde l8 . Monmouth

C l a s s A Sou th 1 . J a ckson Memor i a l2 . T oms R i v e r E as t3 . T oms R i v e r No r th4 . T oms R i v e r Sou th5 . B r i c k Memor i a l6 . B r i c k7 . L a cey8 . S ou the rn

C l a s s B No r th 1 . Wa l l2 . O cean3 . Red Bank4 . Ma tawan5 . F r eeho l d6 . Nep tune7 . L ong B r an ch

C l a s s B C en t r a l 1 . S t . Rose2 . Po i n t Bea ch3 . Ma te r De i P r ep4 . Keansbu rg5 . Hen ry Hudson6 . Keypo r t7 . Ranney8 . Asbu ry Pa rk

C l a s s B Sou th 1 . J a ckson L i b e r t y2 . C en t r a l Reg i on l3 . Ba rnega t4 . Manches te r5 . Po i n t Bo r o6 . Mons i gno r Donovan7 . P i ne l ands8 . L akewood

BOYS LACROSSE

1. Rumson-Fair Haven2. Southern3 CBA4. RBC5. Red Bank6. Manasquan7. Holmdel8. Colts Neck9. Freehold Twp.10. Lacey

GIRLS LACROSSE

1. Red Bank Catholic2. Rumson-Fair Haven3. Manasquan4. Shore Regional5. Wall6. Red Bank7. Ocean8. St. John Vianney9. Toms River North10. Colts Neck

4 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

5V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

6 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

Anyone on a Class A South coaching staff willsay it as though they rehearsed it over and

over again like it was a bunt defense: “Class ASouth is the the toughest division in the state.”Ocean County’s division of baseball giants hasbeen a gauntlet for some time now and while thatwas the case for seven of the teams last year, it’shard to imagine Jackson Memorial understoodwhat all the fuss was about. The Jaguars went 14-0and although those on the team would insist itwasn’t as easy as it looked – especially in light oftwo tournament losses to Toms River North andone to Brick Memorial – an unbeaten divisionmark goes against the notion that the division isanybody’s game every year.

While Jackson Memorial enters the season as thefavorite again, it is as a tentative favorite. Not onlydo the Jaguars need to replace a number of playersvital to last year’s success, but there are five otherteams with rosters that stack up with the Jaguarsroster on paper. It is implied every season, but itrings especially true this year: Class A South willbe wildly competitive.

Division LineupBRIAN GALLAGHER, CATCHER, BRICK – Take your pickbetween Gallagher and Toms River South’s Ryan Shiffer.Gallagher, who also has a good defensive reputation, edgedhim in OPS and is the senior, so he wins the virtual coin flip.

MATT GUARINO, 1B, JACKSON MEMORIAL – Came a longway from hitting well under .200 as a sophomore: .411, ninedoubles, three home runs and 31 RBI.

CHRISTIAN CAMPBELL, 2B/SS, TOMS RIVER SOUTH – Aproven table-setter (.430 on-base percentage last year),Campbell is looking at a likely move from second to shortstopfor his senior year.

JON MEOLA, SS, TOMS RIVER EAST – A University ofVirginia recruit, Meola ripped seven doubles and hit his lonehomer of the 2013 season off of future ACC opponent KarlBlum (Duke).

CHARLIE MULÉ, 3B, TOMS RIVER EAST – A hittingmachine as a junior, Mulé hit .476 with five doubles whilebringing a steady glove to the hot corner.

RUSSELL MESSLER, OF, TOMS RIVER SOUTH – The toolsare impressive and the numbers even more so. The Rutgersrecruit also showed a much-improved handle on the strikezone last year (.606 on-base percentage), knowing when to bepatient and when to pounce.

KYLE CALA, CF, BRICK MEMORIAL – If Messler was thebest outfielder in the division, Cala was right with him. Thesenior was a doubles machine during the state tournament,ripping one in three straight Central Jersey Group IV games.

NICK DABRIO, OF, JACKSON MEMORIAL – A Seton Hallrecruit, Dabrio had only one at-bat last year due to a backinjury, but is entering this season 100 percent healthy.

CONNOR ROONEY, SS/P, LACEY – Could easily be listedwith the pitchers as well, but Rooney brings enough to thetable offensively and defensively to put him with the hitters.

Division RotationSTEVE SLAGMOLEN, RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Showedhis mental toughness by striking out Matt Thaiss in thebottom of the seventh of the Ocean County Tournament final,the defining moment in a strong season for Slagmolen.

ANTHONY DEBLASIO, RHP, TOMS RIVER EAST – DeBlasiohelped bring some stability to the rotation behind PaulSchifilliti and is ready to take over as the No. 1 this year.

ANTHONY ASSANTE, RHP, BRICK MEMORIAL – Gave theMustangs a chance to win every time out during thepostseason and took a tough no-decision in the sectional finalagainst Hunterdon Central after 4 1/3 innings.

BRETT HYERS, RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Some armtrouble cut his season short, but Hyers wasimpressive in his sophomore debut, posting a 17-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20 innings.

TYLER MELLOT, RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH –Toms River South continues to churn out qualityarms of all shapes and sizes, and Mellot isanother who gets a lot behind his fastball despitea slight frame. His 1.44 ERA in 24 inningssuggests something is working.

Breakout Players to WatchJOEY ROSE, SS/P, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Lotsof power potential here. Rose has a chance to bea very good one for the Mariners.

RYAN TACAKS, RHP, JACKSON MEMORIAL –Although the Jaguars have to replace a lot ofpitching, they were not particularly strong on themound relative to the rest of the team. Tacakshas the repertoire to change that.

NICK MOGLIA, 1B/RHP, BRICK – With a yearto grow into his 6’5” frame, Moglia should besharper on the hill this year while also providingsome help at first base.

BRIAN MARKOSKI, 1B, BRICK MEMORIAL –Exhibited great command of the strike zone as afreshman (17 walks) and a season of at-batsshould only help.

BRANDON JANOFSKY, SS, JACKSONMEMORIAL – The only established starter onthis list, Janofsky has a chance to be a very goodplayer for the Jaguars. He will be looking tobuild on a .250 season at the plate, although hisdefense at second base was already stellar.

Burning QuestionsHOW MANY TEAMS HAVE A REALISTIC CHANCE ATWINNING THE DIVISION?

The answer appears to be as many as six: Jackson, the threeToms Rivers and the two Bricks. Regardless of the order inwhich you put the teams, there is a good case to be made forthe sixth team in the bunch as far as a division title goes.Every team has talent and every team has an area of concernand that’s what makes the A South race the most interestingShore Conference division race heading into the season. Itwould not be a surprise to see a division winner with four orfive losses and it would be a little surprising if one of the sixfails to make the SCT.

WHICH OUTFIELDER HAS THE BETTER SENIORSEASON: RUSSELL MESSLER OR KYLE CALA?

While Messler has the edge in each of the last two years,Cala is a four-year starter who is poised to break severalBrick Memorial career records this season. While milestonesare a nice résumé builder for a Player of the Year candidacy, itcomes down to production and performance, and in that case,it could still go either way. Both teams will be relying heavilyon their respective slugging outfielder, so any team successwill be telling as well.

WHICH GROUP WILL MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT: THEJACKSON MEMORIAL PITCHING STAFF OR THE NEWTOMS RIVER NORTH POSITION PLAYERS?

Both units have been impressive in the preseason thus far,so the early indication is that both will be positives for theirteams this year. While pitching normally wins the day,Jackson Memorial has not asked its pitchers to be stars inrecent years because the Jaguars have had such great defensesbehind them and potent offenses to get back any runs that theygive up. They pound the bottom of the strike one and let thedefense work, which will be the formula again this year. TomsRiver North, meanwhile, will need to find some offense whilealso developing a defense that can back up a talented but stillsomewhat unproven pitching staff.

WILL CARMEN SCLAFANI BRING HIS WINNING TOUCHTO THE BRICK BASEBALL TEAM AS WELL?

Anyone who watched Sclafani on a football field saw anexample of a winning player, and while it wasn’t so obviouson the baseball field, that same sense of the moment wasthere. Sclafani brought stability to the shortstop position forthe Mariners and also came up with a number of big hits outof the No. 9 spot in the order, racking up 21 RBI to lead theteam. Not only does he bring the same element to Brick’steam, but his departure is also a hit to a division rival,although the Mariners will use it as an opportunity to playsome talented youngsters. If Brick can pitch better than it didlast year and keep games close, Sclafani will likely findhimself winning some games for the Dragons.

IS TOMS RIVER EAST PRIMED FOR A RETURN TOCHAMPIONSHIP FORM?

As with any other team in the division, Toms River East hasits share of unknown quantities heading into the year, namelyat catcher and on the right side of the field. But with threesenior starting pitchers coming off solid seasons and a mix ofpower, contact and athleticism on the left side of the diamond,the Raiders have the ingredients to get back to the top of thedivision if some of the unknowns become positives. With asenior-heavy team and one of the better juniors in the state inshortstop Jon Meola, Toms River East should propel itself outof the middle of the pack and into a late-season race.

By Matt Manley – Staff WriterTeams listed by predicted order of finish

Jackson Memorial first baseman Matt Guarino

7V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

Baseball and fastpitch softball training isabout to get a huge upgrade on the JerseyShore. A new state of the art 32,250 squarefoot indoor facility is being built right hereat the Jersey Shore and will be located 1mile off 195 in Howell, NJ.Baseball U a travel organization that has helped over 240 players earn a

college education through scholarships the past 8 years will be behind thisproject. Not only have they helped players move on to college they also havehad 57 alumni drafted by Major League Baseball including 4 first roundselections.

The facility will be called U Athletic Performance and will bring one stopshopping to the serious athlete. U Athletic Performance will also offer a topflight strength, speed and agility program. An athlete will be able to come inwork on their sports specific skills and also then attend a private or groupsession of strength, speed and agility to help turn them into a complete athlete.

The facility will have a full turf area that will be 175’ x 130’. This area willhave 40’ ceilings at its peak allowing full infield workouts for all levels ofcompetition and be fully netted in essence making it a giant batting cage.There are batting cages all around the state but very limited venues that willallow a team to not only have full workouts but hit live inside and allowfielders to make plays as if they were outside.

Every year northeast colleges head south on their springs trips and competeagainst teams that have been outside for weeks seeing live pitching andfielding balls off actual live at bats. The U Athletic Performance venue willallow teams to be game ready. We need not look any further than this pastwinter and now spring to see just how important this venue can be for thecollege, high school and youth players looking for an advantage over others.

Monmouth UniversityBaseball and BrookdaleCommunity College will beusing the facility as they seethe advantage of not onlybeing able to see livepitching and have full fieldworkouts but also fieldingon turf instead of hardwoodfloors. The turf gives theplayers a true bounce andmore realistic approach totheir practices.

With easy access from the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 18and Interstate 195 there are 48 high schools all within 29 miles of U AthleticPerformance. Teams of all levels are always looking for a competitiveadvantage and we feel that this is just the answer for and affordable option.

Teams will be able to come in and use the facility and train with their staffor U Athletic Performance will be able to provide instruction to their teamwith our professional staff of current and former MLB players, college as wellas MLB organizational coaches.

Baseball U has traveled to some of the top professional as well as collegevenues in the country and taken ideas from each facility along the way. Thetechnology that they are going to be able to provide will be second to none.Many places offer video and they plan on doing that as well but wanted totake it to the next level. An example would be imagining a player at a privatelesson. An instructor can make adjustments or show them the video at a latertime. They will be able to have a batter take a swing or throw a pitch and givethem instant feedback with a high tech system that will show them right thenand there prior to their next swing or pitch on a big screen hi-def TV. Not onlywill they be able to tell them what they are doing but they can see what theyare doing giving them proper adjustments instantly.

U Athletic Performancewants to be a big part ofthe community and wantsthe little leagues to be ableto hold their tryouts at thefacility. The numbers aredropping with youthbaseball and with everygood high school programit starts at the youngerlevels. If you go to a TomsRiver South, North or Easthigh school baseball game

you will find that they are highly attended by little leagues and it is no mistakeyear after year that the Toms River programs are competitive. It starts at theyounger levels and those little league age players in Toms River look at theirhigh school programs as minor league baseball. It is the belief of U AthleticPerformance to get the little leagues in the facility and bring them a greatexperience and in doing so all the high schools will benefit in the long run.

U Athletic Performance wants to be able to provide a great experience to allnot matter what their ability including Challenger Baseball providingopportunities for the handicap as well. For baseball to remain Americas gameU Athletic Performance believes that it starts with the youth at all levels.

Winter leagues and tournaments will be a big part of U Athletic Performanceas well. Teams entering these events will be able to have pregame battingpractice as well as play games to stay sharp any time of the year.

One thing is for sure and that is that Baseball and Fastpitch softballwill be given an opportunity that much of the state will not havecome this fall of 2014.

The U Athletic Performance website will be up and running soonbut those interested in finding out more about the facility can visitwww.BaseballU.net for more information.

Indoor Baseball and Softball ComingTo The Shore

8 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

It’s easy to forget now after only one team in thedivision made any noise in the postseason, but

the Class B North race was actually the tightestone in the Shore Conference last year. Wall wonthe division by a game over Matawan and lostgames to Freehold and Neptune during the season.Wall went on to beat CBA to advance to theMonmouth County Tournament championshipgame and also reached the NJSIAA Central JerseyGroup III final, which masked the fact that theKnights had to hold their breath while trying tolock up the division.

This year should not be so close. Wall returns allbut one starter from last year’s 22-6 team while therest of the division copes with the usual amount ofturnover. St. Rose looks like a safe pick to winClass B Central, but if one had to guarantee adivision winner out of the six Shore Conferencedivisions, Wall in B North might be the way to go.That should actually make for a more interestingdivision rather than a less interesting one becauseevery game will be a chance to pull an upset for

Wall’s opponent, and in baseball, as Neptuneproved in no-hitting Wall last year, you just neverreally know.

Division LineupDAN WONDRACK, CATCHER, WALL – The Shore isbecoming known for its catching talent and Wondrack leadsthe Class of 2015.

JACK GIFFORD, 1B, WALL – Last season was a bit of adown year for Gifford, who was a revelation as a sophomorein 2012. Expect a return to form in the middle of Wall’slineup.

COREY MARTIN, SS/2B, RED BANK – Won a starting jobat second base last year and hit .415. Martin will make themove to shortstop, which means his defense will be more of apriority than any offensive improvement.

CONNOR MULLAN, SS, LONG BRANCH – Displayedpower during his junior year to the tune of nine extra-basehits, including 2 homers.

JIMMY MCGRORRY, 3B, OCEAN – Most of Ocean’s tophitters last year were seniors, but McGrorry did knock in 20runs while hitting .280 as a junior.

TIM WILLEY, OF, WALL – With a number of big hits to hiscredit, Willey was third on the team in on-base and sluggingpercentage, trailing only Wondrack and Nick Martinez in eachcategory.

NICK MARTINEZ, CF, WALL – One of the more underratedplayers at the Shore, Martinez ran a .480 on-base percentage

with eight doubles and 24 runs scored.

JACOB NAPPI, OF, RED BANK – Nappi could take a spotin the lineup or the rotation, and after hitting over .400 lastseason and with a career hit total approaching 100, he gets thenod in the outfield.

ZACH GODFREY, C, OCEAN – Led all Spartans returneesin average (.313) and doubles (six) and will also provideexperience behind the plate.

Division RotationTYLER SWIGGART, RHP, WALL – The George Washingtonrecruit posted an ERA and WHIP that were each below 1.00last season thanks to his control (19 walks in 67 2/3 innings)and a three-quarter delivery that is difficult for hitters tohandle.

RYAN LILLIE, LHP, OCEAN – A breakout pitcher lastseason, Lillie posted a 2.29 ERA and struck out 34 in 49innings as a junior.

STEVE COLTRAIN, RHP, WALL – One of the best No. 3starters in the Shore (1.98 ERA with a 3-0 record) last year,Coltrain will move into the No. 2 spot behind Swiggart.

A.J. FORGIONE, RHP, RED BANK – Enters the season asthe No. 2 in the rotation behind Nappi, but last year’snumbers would put him in the conversation as one of the bestin B North.

MIKE CREAMER, RHP, MATAWAN – Probably more of athreat at the plate going into the year, but Creamer has to besomewhere on this list and his ability on the mound gets him aspot with the pitchers.

By Matt Manley – Staff WriterTeams listed by predicted order of finish

Breakout Players to WatchDANTE CUZZOLINO, RHP/INF, FREEHOLD – A key varsitycontributor as a freshman and sophomore, Cuzzolino will pickup plenty of innings for the Colonials this year.

SAM MAXWELL, OF/RHP, OCEAN – The Spartans arelooking for new sources of offense and Maxwell has shownsigns that he can not only give them good at-bats, but possibly

even some quality innings on the mound.

BOBBY KNEE, 3B/RHP, NEPTUNE – One of ahandful of Neptune seniors that might get morerecognition with more wins. With enough of thoseplayers earning their due, the wins could take careof themselves.

BOBBY PATTERSON, RHP, WALL – Lastyear’s Wall pitching rotation was a hard one tocrack and after waiting his turn, Patterson will bechamping at the bit to deliver.

NICK SANTUCCIO, RHP, MATAWAN – After ajunior season as a reliable starter, Santuccio isready to take on more innings and the Huskiesmay need that to happen in order to challenge forthe division title again.

Burning QuestionsWILL A WHOLE TEAM OF RETURNINGSTARTERS BENEFIT FROM LAST YEAR’S BIG-GAME EXPERIENCE?

Based on returning players, Wall should be theShore’s best team this year, but in order to finishoff a championship of some kind, the CrimsonKnights will have to get over the hump in achampionship game. The only way to do that is toget to the championship game, and getting back isnever as simple as it seems. Still, a team as solidas Wall is at every position with experience intight elimination games fits the profile of a clubready to take the next step.

WHICH TEAM POSES THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FORTHE HEAVILY FAVORED CRIMSON KNIGHTS?

Ocean is the safe answer based on the Spartans’ recenthistory as a team that competes for division titles every year,and also on the fact that they have a quality No. 1 starter inRyan Lillie who is capable of beating Wall. Red Bank,however, might be equally dangerous with two quality arms atthe top of the rotation, including another standout left-hander

in Jacob Nappi. Wall is the heavy favorite and any losses theCrimson Knights suffer will probably have more to do withthe pitching matchup on that particular day, but enough ofthose days would make this race surprisingly interesting.

CAN FREEHOLD RELOAD WITH REPLACEMENTS FORTWO ALL-SHORE LEVEL PITCHERS AND A CENTERFIELDER?

Freehold’s advantage in replace Mike Bolton, Jake Yanezand Jason Lundy is that a lot of the players thatcomplemented those three last year are back and will justhave to do their jobs a little better to get back to where theywere. The trouble, in all likelihood, will be finding twopitchers as reliable as Yanez and Bolton. With a lot of options,however, Freehold remains a dark-horse in the division if afew things work out.

DOES MATAWAN HAVE ENOUGH REMAINING TO GETBACK INTO THE TOP HALF OF THE DIVISION?

A healthy Mike Creamer will be a good start for Matawanin trying to replace one of its better senior classes in the lastdecade. Creamer will be the team’s top hitter, defender andpitcher if all goes well, but the Huskies will also need someof their part-time players to handle their increased roles. RedBank and Ocean are not so far ahead that Matawan can’tcompete if most of the previous scenario comes to pass.

ARE EITHER NEPTUNE OR LONG BRANCH LEGITIMATESLEEPERS IN THE DIVISION?

Long Branch returns a standout in Connor Mullan but littleelse to the starting lineup, which makes any ideas of asurprise season hard to envision. The Scarlet Fliers, on theother hand, proved last year that they can hang with a topteam when they no-hit Wall with two pitchers in a 6-2 win.Replacing catcher Jason Richard will be a tall order, but a lotof the junior talent from last year is back as senior talent in2014, which could make for an interesting season at Neptune.

9V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

Wall senior Tyler Swiggart

It’s not often that a baseball team is successful thanksin large part to one player, but there is one instance

in which that’s the case. It’s not a revelation that thepitcher has the most control over the outcome of a game,but the fact that he does not pitch every game limits hisimpact over the course of the season. High schoolbaseball, however, is a sport that allows one player todominate a season because not only are many pitchersgood hitters, but they also have a chance to pitch inabout a third of their team’s games.

What does this have to do with anything? The topprojected teams in Class B South are built on pitchingand in one case, a pitcher. The regular season will be ameasure of pitching depth vs. one dominant starter,unless of course the team with the ace also has somesecret weapons on the mound. There may be somedivisions that have an edge in quantity of pitching talent,but no Shore Conference division has the top-level armsthat can be found in Class B South.

Division LineupNIK FRAIM, CATCHER, BARNEGAT – Has shown a good feel forhitting since he won the starting job as a freshman and hit .387 withpower (nine doubles and a homer) as a sophomore last year. Fraimhandled a hard-throwing, ACC left-hander (Mike McCoy) as afreshman and now is helping Barnegat’s next wave of pitchers.

TERRENCE BERKELEY, 1B/C, POINT BORO – Might play moreat catcher, but the bat will play regardless of position.

JAMES SOFIELD, 2B/SS, JACKSON LIBERTY – With a lot of talentfrom last year graduated, Sofield will shoulder more of the load,which includes a move to shortstop.

JAISON JEREZ, SS, LAKEWOOD – A bright spot in an otherwiserough season, Jerez was an all-division selection by the coaches.

RUSS PETRANTO, 3B, MONSIGNOR DONOVAN – Injuryderailed a breakout sophomore season, but Petranto still hit .367 withthree doubles.

JOE LETINSKI, OF, BARNEGAT – While the Bengals youngpitching is the draw of the roster, the outfield quietly had a goodseason last year, led by Letinski (.286, four doubles, two triples)CHRISTIAN BEARDON, OF, CENTRAL – Showed some pop lastseason with a homer and a triple while also knocking in 11 runs.RYAN ULRICH, OF, BARNEGAT – Another good athlete inBarnegat’s outfield, Ulrich scored 12 runs and racked up fivedoubles last year and profiles well at the top of the order.MARQUIS DRUMRIGHT, 1B, CENTRAL – Central had some goodbats coming off the bench last year and Drumright was very good in

the pinch-hitting role, as well as in theoccasional start.

Division RotationANDREW DIPIAZZA, RHP, CENTRAL –One of the top pitchers in the state, theAlabama recruit will try to top his juniorseason, when he went 9-0 with a 0.85ERA and 106 strikeouts in 66 innings.DAN SERREINO, RHP, JACKSONLIBERTY – Seton Hall recruit was a big-game pitcher for the Lions, beating RedBank Catholic and CBA in the ShoreConference Tournament.DEVIN TOMEI, RHP, MANCHESTER –With a tall, athletic frame and a goodfastball, Tomei projects to build on ajunior season in which he was tough tohit, but struggled at times to find thezone.JASON GROOME, LHP, BARNEGAT –Coming off an impressive freshmanseason, Groome should continue toimprove as he continues to grow afteralready demonstrating at a young agethat he knows how to pitch.MIKE DUNHAM, RHP, POINT BORO –Emerged as Point Boro’s top starter as ajunior last year and has the tools toimprove on a solid year.

Breakout Players to WatchJAKE DOMINGUEZ, RHP, CENTRAL – Fourteen outs are not awhole lot in one season’s work, but of the 14 batters Dominguezretired last season, 10 of them went down on strikes.COLLEN O’CONNOR, OF, BARNEGAT – Another player with asmall sample of success, this sophomore went 7-for-15 with a doublelast season, which should earn him some time this year.JONATHAN MEANEY, INF/P, MANCHESTER – The Hawks will belooking for some offense this year and Meaney might be able to helpas a sophomore who can play the infield spots and also throw someinnings.MITCH MERRILL, SS, PINELANDS – No one wants to endure asophomore slump, but Merrill would have gladly taken that insteadof a season lost to injury. The junior should pick up right where heleft off at the end of his impressive freshman season.HOWARD TAYLOR, UTIL, JACKSON LIBERTY – The Lions can usehim at a few different positions, including on the mound. He workeda .414 on-base percentage and ran a tidy 11-to-2 strikeout-to-walkratio in 15 innings.

Burning QuestionsWHAT WILL ANDREW DIPIAZZA DO FOR AN ENCORE?

High school baseball is unique because unlike a high schoolfootball or basketball star who has made his college decision, a goodbaseball prospect still has a chance to play himself into a draft pick.DiPiazza will likely be on the draft radar, and if that’s not enoughmotivation, Central has a chance to do some real damage this seasonafter reaching four straight sectional semifinals. DiPiazza will be a

big part of any success the team has,and if they go as he goes, the GoldenEagles will go far.

CAN JACKSON LIBERTY OVERCOMESOME KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATIONAND TAKE ANOTHER STEP TOWARDA CHAMPIONSHIP?

Technically, Jackson Liberty has beena championship team based on itssuccess in Class B South, but the Lionshave also made two deep runs in theShore Conference Tournament undercoach Jim Rankin. Of course, JacksonLiberty would like to finish off an SCTtitle, but the Lions would also like tobottle that SCT mojo and unleash it inthe Group III playoffs. Although thereare some questions offensively, theLions return two proven pitchers andhave a deep stable of arms behind them.Regardless of the offense, that kind ofpitching makes Jackson Liberty adangerous team in any tournament.

CAN DEVIN TOMEI DEVELOP INTO ATOP STARTING PITCHER ANDCARRY THE MANCHESTER STAFF?

The tools are all there for Tomei, aCampbell recruit who will look to attack the strike zone with thisseason after an up and down junior year. The Hawks have someoptions behind their ace, but if Manchester is to contend for thedivision and make a postseason run, it will be with Tomei as its go-topitcher.

BARNEGAT IS THE SLEEPER, BUT CAN THE BENGALS REALLYWIN THE DIVISION?

The Bengals opened some eyes last year with an early-season winover Jackson Liberty, which should be proof enough that Barnegathas what it takes to contend. Last year, they were probably a yearaway from doing so on a game-to-game basis, but now that some oftheir key players have grown some, the Bengals will have a chanceto not only beat the top teams in the division, but also hang withthem in the division race. With three quality pitchers in the fold,Barnegat should be taken seriously as threat in Class B South.

DOES MONSIGNOR DONOVAN STAND A CHANCE AFTERGRADUATING ITS WHOLE PITCHING STAFF AND MOST OF ITSLINEUP?

As rare as it is to see a team like Wall basically bring its wholeteam back, it’s almost as rare when a team like Monsignor Donovanreturns only one regular starter, either on the mound or in the field.Russ Petranto showed he can produce at the varsity level last year,but he is the only proven commodity coming back for the Griffinsthis year. Moreover, none of the Griffins starting pitchers are back,so any notion that Monsignor Donovan will contend this year isbased on the premise that experience means little.

10 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

By Matt Manley – Staff WriterTeams listed by predicted order of finish

Jackson Liberty's Dan Serreino

1 1V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

12 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

ith the 2014 Shore Conferencebaseball season underway, there

are plenty of storylines to keep aneye on before the action really

starts to heat up when the conference andstate tournaments get underway in May.

The Shore is hoping to make astronger imprint in the postseasonthis spring after winning only onesectional championship last seasonand not having a team reach anNJSIAA Group final for the firsttime since 2007. The lone returningsectional champion from last seasonis defending NJSIAA Central JerseyGroup II winner MonmouthRegional. The Falcons are out toshow that the wins will keep comingunder new coach Paul Crivelloafter the retirement of Hall ofFame coach Ted Jarmusz and thegraduation of a strong senior class.So far, senior pitcher Jon Bonczykhas helped them hold their own inClass A Central.

Here are other things towatch as the seasonprogresses.

Andrew DiPiazza’s journeytoward the MLB Draft

The 6-foot-6 senior right-hander iscommitted to the University ofAlabama and is coming off a juniorseason in which he earned All ShoreMedia Pitcher of the Year honors bygoing a perfect 9-0 with a 0.85 ERAand 106 strikeouts in 66 innings. Hisbrilliance last year has put himsquarely on the Major LeagueBaseball Radar, as there were scoutsfrom the Mets, Reds and others inattendance when he earned a nodecision in his first start thisseason. A top 10 pitcher in thestate, his size and framemeans he projects toeventually throw in the mid-90s. He has a chance to be selected in the top 10 rounds of thisJune’s Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, which

could mainly depend on his signability as far as whatteams will offer him to break his commitment toAlabama. He has the potential to be Central’s bestpitcher since former big leaguer Al Leiter, a ShoreConference legend.

Russell Messler’s drive to become one ofthe best in Toms River South history

One of the state’s top programs and the home ofseveral storied Shore Conference talents, TomsRiver South is a difficult place to make a dent inhistory. However, Messler is on pace to put upone of the best careers of any Shore Conferenceoutfielder in the last 20 years. The Rutgers

recruit could become the rareShore player to bat .500 orbetter in three varsityseasons, and do it inone of the mostcompetitive divisions in

that state, for that matter.

A two-time, first-team All-Shore selection, Messler hit .500with a .606 on-base percentageand a .932 slugging percentage asa junior. He flashed a power bat out of theleadoff spot, slugging 7 doubles, 6 homersand 2 triples while also scoring 39 anddriving in 20. With one more big season, hecould put himself in the statistical pantheonfor the Indians and cement himself as one ofthe Shore’s most productive players in thelast decade. He already launched his firsthomer in Toms River South’s secondgame this season while continuing toalso be a disruptive force on thebasepaths.

St. John Vianney’s push for oneof its best seasons ever

Thisyear’s Lancers featureone of the fiercestmiddle orders in theShore Conference anda plethora ofscholarship players.Senior catcherAnthony Santoro, afour-year varsityplayer, is headed toRutgers, while senioroutfielder EvanPietronico and seniorpitcher Justin Chinhave both signed withNew Jersey Instituteof Technology. Seniorfirst baseman JoeRotelli, who formsthe slugging heartof the lineupw i t hSantoro,

Pietronico and senior thirdbaseman Anthony LaVigne, hascommitted to Division II power Carson Newman. Seniorpitcher/shortstop Chris Morris has signed with Seton Hall,giving the Lancers the most talented roster they have hadsince the Kyle MacLachlan-led team that reached theNJSIAA Non-Public South A final in 2008.

While the Lancers have captured multiple division titles inrecent years, they are looking to get over the hump in thetournaments to bring home some postseason titles. They gotoff to a 3-0 start this spring and beat nemesis Red BankCatholic for the first time in four years along the way, whichis a good sign. Pietronico and Rotelli already homered by thethird game, and the offense was not held under six runsthrough the first three games. With Chin, Morris and Dan

B y S c o t t S t u m p – M a n a g i n g E d i t o r

TRS’s Russell Messler

13

Schirmacher leading the rotation, if thisteam stays healthy, it has a chance toput up one of the best seasons in quitea while for the Lancers.

The rise of the sonToms River East junior

shortstop Jon Meolaflashed his potential lastseason for the Raiders inearning All ShoreMedia third-team All-Shore honors, andhe appearspoised for ab r e a k o u tyear for a

team looking toreclaim its position

among the Shore’s elite.

Meola has already committed tothe University of Virginia, which has

been ranked in the top two in the country allseason by Baseball America. Meola is the son of

former U.S. men’s national soccer team star goalieTony Meola but has begun to carve his own identity

thanks to his burgeoning baseball career. Already one of thetop fielding shortstops as a sophomore, he looks to be alinchpin in the Raiders’ lineup offensively this spring to putthem in the thick of the Class A South race after being out ofthe picture for the last few years.

The rise of young talent at CBA While DiPiazza rightfully receives plenty of praise as the

Shore Conference’s dominant pitcher, Christian BrothersAcademy sophomore Luca Dalatri appears to be in line to bethe next lockdown pitcher in the area to catch the eye ofMajor League Baseball scouts. Dalatri played a significantrole on the Colts as a freshman with a 1.25 ERA and 40strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. At 6-foot-5 with a fastball thatalready touches 90 miles per hour, he has the type of framethat big-league scouts love. He already has a one-hitter to hiscredit against defending Class A North public championMiddletown South this season and gives CBA an ace whoshould be a major factor in the tournaments.

He is not the only burgeoning star on CBA, assophomore catcher Brandon Martorano has alreadycommitted to ACC power North Carolina. Martorano waspart of the 15U National Team this summer that won theCOPABE Pan-American Championships in Colombia. Hesaw some time as a freshman but has stepped up to a muchbigger role this season as a starter. He and Dalatri shouldbe a formidable battery that will be as good as any in thestate for the Class of 2016. Add those two to a Colts teamthat has an All-Division I outfield in Will Morgan (OldDominion); Ryan Ramiz (Seton Hall) and Pete Papcun(Monmouth) and you have a squad talented enough tomake a run at multiple tournament titles.

Toms River North looks to reloadWith the retirement of 20-year headcoach Ted Schelmay and thegraduation of stars like thepitching tandem of Karl Blum(Duke) and Ron Marinaccio(Delaware) from the team thatfinished No. 1 in the Shore lastyear, it appeared that Toms RiverNorth would have a lot of heavylifting to get back in the mix as atitle contender. However, so farunder new coach Andy Pagano, itlooks like the departure of theirstandouts has only paved the way foranother wave of young talent to makeits presence felt.

The Mariners have alreadyhanded defending Class ASouth champion JacksonMemorial its first divisional

loss since 2012, and newcomers like juniors Jeff Venditto andMike Tiplady have come out on fire in their first season asvarsity starters. Venditto and Tiplady went a combined 14-for-18 in the first week of the season to get Toms River Northoff to an unbeaten start, and sophomoreJustin Rose has also been a key contributor.With experienced pitchers Steve Slagmolenand Brett Hyers leading the way on themound, Toms River North doesn’t appearto be going anywhere when it comes todefending its titles in the Ocean Countyand Shore Conference Tournaments from ayear ago.

Wall is out to finish the jobThe preseason No. 1 team in the Shore

Sports Network Top 10, the CrimsonKnights have returned nearly their entirestarting lineup from a 22-win team thatreached the championship games of theMonmouth County and Central JerseyGroup III Tournaments last season.

With a rotation led by GeorgeWashington recruit Tyler Swiggart and adeep lineup headed up by Nick Martinez,Dan Wondrack, Chris Barcas and TimWilley, the Crimson Knights are the heavyfavorite to repeat as Class B North champsand make a serious run at multiple

tournament titles after coming close to a pair of themlast season.

St. Rose looks to break throughThe Purple Roses are once again the heavy

favorite to win the Class B Central title, so they areback to the annual question of whether they can do damagein the tournaments once they get out of divisional play.Second baseman Conor Gammond is one of the best in theShore Conference at his position after hitting .471 as a junior.Seniors Jimmy Gowen and Parker Haggerty head up a rotationthat graduated Wagner recruit Brad Currao, who was theirbig-game pitcher last year. That role now belongs to Gowen,who went 4-0 last season and will be counted on to throwmany of the big nondivisional and tournament games.

Healthy seasons for several standoutsSeveral players crucial to their success who missed part or

all of last season have returned to hopefully improve theirteam’s fortunes this season. Jackson Memorialpitcher/outfielder Nick Dabrio is back after sitting out lastyear with a back injury, and he has already emerged as a toptwo-way threat for the defending Class A South champions.Shore Regional senior Matt Cosentino also missed most oflast season with an injury, and the George WashingtonUniversity recruit now anchors the middle of the Blue Devils’lineup while also bolstering their pitching staff.

Rumson-Fair Haven senior righty Shane McCarthy, a SetonHall recruit, is back to head up the rotation after missing allof last season following elbow surgery and combines with OldDominion recruit Morgan Maguire to give the Bulldogs asolid 1-2 punch on the mound. Pinelands junior shortstopMitch Merrill, who started as a freshman and missed all oflast season with an injury, has given an immediate boost tothe Wildcats, who upset defending Class B South championJackson Liberty in the season opener on the heels of a four-win season.

Wall catcher Dan Wondrack

V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

There is no debating that Red Bank Catholichas turned itself into a premier Shore

Conference baseball program and the Caseys’dominance within their division is evidence of that.Still, RBC has its share of demons like everyoneelse and the bitter endings that have befallen themin recent years despite Shore ConferenceTournament and Monmouth County titles havehaunted them some.

RBC can still take solace in the fact that thedivision is again theirs to lose after going 14-0 in ACentral last year. The Caseys should not get toocomfortable, however, because there are actuallyteams good enough to take their title. St. JohnVianney has the best roster it has had in years,while Rumson-Fair Haven boasts one of the beststarting pitching trios in the Shore Conference.Mix in the high-scoring offenses throughout therest of the division, and Class A Central appears tohave thin ice (and hitters parks) around every turn.

Division LineupANTHONY SANTORO, CATCHER, ST. JOHNVIANNEY – he Rutgers University recruit hit.416 with 10 extra-base hits (two home runs),stole 10 bases and assumes the mantle as theShore’s top defensive catcher.

JOE SADLER, 1B, HOLMDEL – Led theconference in batting average (.552), on-basepercentage (.628), and slugging percentage as ajunior.

ANDREW SCHULZ, 2B, SHORE – Table-setter(.489 on-base percentage) on a team that wasquietly one of the better offenses in the ShoreConference in 2013.

AL MOLINA, SS, RED BANK CATHOLIC –Coastal Carolina recruit is one of the best in thefield, at the plate and on the mound, whichmakes Molina a preseason Player of the Yearcandidate.

BRUCE STRICKLAND, 3B, RARITAN – Finishedpercentage points behind Sadler for the ShoreConference batting title (.551), rapped 10doubles, and went 6-2 on the mound for goodmeasure.

EVAN PIETRONICO, OF, ST. JOHN VIANNEY –New Jersey Institute of Technology recruit posted eye-popping numbers in the middle of the loaded Lancers order:.519 average, 10 doubles, four home runs, 10 stolen bases.

MATT COSENTINO, OF, SHORE – The George WashingtonUniversity recruit was limited to 32 plate appearances lastyear, but he made them count: 12 hits, three doubles, two

triples, one homer, 10 walks, 11 stolen bases.

CHRIS DRUMMOND, OF, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN – Thetwo Division I pitchers on his team have generated most ofthe talk, but Drummond let his play do the talking last year:.449 on-base percentage with eight doubles, and a 3.36 ERAwith 21 strikeouts in 25 innings.

By Matt Manley – Staff WriterTeams listed by predicted order of finish

SJV Catcher Anthony Santoro and pitcher Dan Schirmacher

14 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

15V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

JOE ROTELLI, 1B/DH, ST. JOHN VIANNEY – The Carson-Newman College recruit slugged a robust .787 as a junior,which was somehow only second on the team to Pietronico(.831).

Division RotationTOM PUZA, RHP, RED BANK CATHOLIC – Quietly one ofthe most dependable pitchers in the Shore last year: 39 2/3innings with a 1.06 ERA and 40 strikeouts.

MORGAN MAGUIRE, RHP, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN – Willpitch for Justin Verlander’s alma mater (Old Dominion) in twoyears, but for now will help anchor a rotation that could bethe Shore Conference’s version of the Detroit Tigers.

SHANE MCCARTHY, RHP, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN – Missedall of 2013 while recovering from elbow surgery, but reportshave been positive on the Seton Hall recruit heading into hissenior season.

JUSTIN CHIN, LHP, ST. JOHN VIANNEY – Gutted throughthe 2013 season while battling some shoulder trouble, postinga 1.25 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 33 innings.

DAN SCHIRMACHER, RHP, ST. JOHN VIANNEY – One ofthe breakout pitchers of 2013, Schirmacher logged 48 qualityinnings (2.02 ERA) and earned a reputation as a staff horse inonly his sophomore season.

Breakout Players to WatchTOM PULCINE, INF, RARITAN – The .344/.412/.410 slashline as a sophomore suggests he could be the next bigbreakout offensive player at Raritan. And there is one of thoseevery year.

JACK SHEEHAN, 3B/P, MANASQUAN – After showing offhis athleticism on the basketball court for the Warriors 19-4squad, Sheehan brings versatility to the diamond for apotentially upstart Manasquan club.

EVAN MADIGAN, 2B/SS, RED BANK CATHOLIC –Played some innings at second base at the end of his freshmanyear and is a projected top-of-the-order hitter for one of theShore’s best programs heading into his sophomore year.

JAMES KELLY, 3B/P, SHORE – Had a breakout of sortslast year in the batter’s box (.319, five doubles), but thejunior should also take a big leap forward on the mound whilealso further developing as a hitter and fielder.

TYLER FISCHER, SS, HOLMDEL – Held his own at theplate during his freshman year, so another year to maturephysically could mean a jump up in production as asophomore.

Burning QuestionsIS THIS FINALLY VIANNEY’S YEAR IN CLASS ACENTRAL?

If ever there was a year for St. John Vianney to run downRed Bank Catholic, this should be it. RBC returns enoughtalent to start the season as the favorite considering theCaseys went 14-0 in the division last year, but no teamoutside of Wall returns the amount of production that Vianneybrings back. If the Lancers can keep their top three pitchershealthy and Red Bank Catholic has some trouble putting astaff together, SJV could dethrone the defending champs.

WITH TWO PRESUMABLY HEALTHY DIVISION IPITCHERS HEADING THE ROTATION, IS RUMSON ATHREAT TO WIN THE DIVISION?

No team with two Division I arms at the top of its rotationcan ever be considered a “sleeper” to win its regular-seasondivision title, but if this season is supposed to be a racebetween non-public rivals Red Bank Catholic and St. JohnVianney, then Rumson is the team that could sneak throughthe back door. Any team that relies on two or three pitchers isalso crossing its fingers that those arms stay nice and healthy,but if they do and the Bulldogs can become just an average-to-above-average team in the field and at the plate, that givesthem a shot.

WHAT CAN MATT COSENTINO DO WITH A FULL SEASONAND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SHORE?

The numbers Cosentino put up in 22 at-bats and 32 plate

appearances last year were staggering. His total number ofofficial at-bats was equal to the number of times he reachedbase and his slash line of .545/.687/1.000 rivals that of Sadler,which should put Sadler’s year into perspective as well.Cosentino could be one of the Shore’s best offensive playersthis season, but if he can fully bounce back on the moundafter an injury-shortened 2013, he could be a Player of theYear sleeper, which means Shore would likely be contendingfor a Group I title.

CAN MANASQUAN FLIP THE SCRIPT IN CLOSE GAMES?

The Baltimore Orioles’ surprise 2012 playoff appearanceraised some debate about the degree to which luck is involvedin a team’s record in one-run games (the Orioles went 29-9, aMajor League record for winning percentage in such games).I’m not here to settle that debate, but if luck has anything todo with it – or even if the slightest adjustment can change thefortunes of a team – then Manasquan could be one of thesurprise teams in the conference this year. Not only should theWarriors improve as their young core develops, but theyshould also be able to avoid a 1-8 record in one-run gamesand a 2-12 record in games decided by three runs or fewer,which was the nightmare they endured last year.

WHAT DOES THE POST-JARMUSZ ERA HAVE IN STOREFOR MONMOUTH?

Paul Crivello is disciple of Ted Jarmusz, so while Crivellowill bring his own approach to coaching, the culture ofbaseball at Monmouth should remain for the time being.Unfortunately for Monmouth, while the culture remains, theplayers don’t. The Falcons have to replace their top twopitchers and the entire middle of the batting order, which ismore than they’ve had to address in recent years. There havebeen years in which there was not much pitching returning orthe offense had some question marks going into the season,but this is the first year in some time that Monmouth will nothave any power bats or arms returning to the fold. In the longrun, Crivello could very well pick up where Jarmusz left off,but it might have to start with baby steps as he looks to reloadthe program.

Despite some early-season drama,Class A North turned out to be no

contest last year, with Christian BrothersAcademy rolling to wins in its last ninedivision games to win the division by threegames over Howell and Middletown South.The Colts will have to replace some of thebest graduating talent in the ShoreConference and while they are sortingthings out, the rest of the division willattempt to pounce on the opportunity to takecontrol of the race.

Just as is the case in Class A South, thereare a whole lot of possibilities when itcomes to the possible order of the standingsat the end of the season. Marlboro andFreehold Township finished last year strong,Howell started fast and all three bring back a lot oftalent. Manalapan has a promising sophomoreclass that is ready to complement the returningpieces, while Middletown South returns someposition-player talent and always seems to exceedexpectations. CBA is the defending champ and is,thus, the favorite, but this division won’t be arunaway again this season.

Division LineupBRANDON MARTORANO, CATCHER, CBA – Although helooked like a freshman at the plate at times, any strugglesMartorano had were par for the course for a player stillgrowing into his frame. He showed an advanced approach andsome power in a small sample of at-bats while also displayinga polished game behind the dish. He has already committed toNorth Carolina as a sophomore.

NICK CARDACE, 1B, FREEHOLD TWP. – Season wentoverlooked last year on a non-playoff team, but Cardace isright up there with any hitter in the division.

KYLE BREY, SS, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH – Excellentdefensive shortstop and steady at the plate in each of the lastthree years for one of the Shore’s top public school programs.

JOHN DIANA, SS, MANALAPAN – Showed his offensiveceiling with a .396 average and seven doubles during hissophomore year.

CHRIS TALBOTT, 3B, FREEHOLD TWP. – One of the besttwo-way players in the division also has a nice combination ofpower and speed. Talbott went deep twice and also swiped 10bags last year.

RYAN RAMIZ, OF, CBA – Coming off a big year at the platein which he hit .483 with a .600 slugging percentage, Ramizwill probably pitched differently now that Joe Dudek is nothitting behind him.

WILL MORGAN, OF, CBA – Although it was eight behindDudek, Morgan was second on the team with three homers asa sophomore last year and figures to be a top run-producerthis year for the Colts.

JORDAN GONZALEZ, OF, COLTS NECK – After mashing(.350/.422/.650 with three homers) in 40 at-bats last year, theCougars would take a fraction of that over 70 this year.

PETE PAPCUN, OF/3B, CBA – Could have used some morebreaks in a year in which he hit .263, but the MonmouthUniversity recruit showed some power (five extra-base hits)and patience (.383 on-base percentage).

Division RotationRYAN WARES, RHP/2B, HOWELL – Arguably the bestoffensive player in the division as well, Wares will need to bea shutdown, No. 1 pitcher again as the Rebels look to ride themomentum from last year’s surprise season.

LUCA DALATRI, RHP, CBA – At an athletic 6’5” with afastball that already approaches 90 miles-per-hour, Dalatri hasall the makings of another great CBA pitcher and was awfullyclose to such status last year when he pitched to a 1.25 ERAand allowed only 33 baserunners in 39 1/3 innings with 40strikeouts.

ANDREW NARDI, LHP, MARLBORO – With ace AdamAshenfarb on the shelf, Nardi stepped into the role of ace andhelped lead Marlboro to the Central Jersey Group IVsemifinals.

JOE ELLERMAN, RHP, FREEHOLD TWP. – Went 5-1with a 1.38 ERA as a junior and was the winning pitcher in awin over Jackson Memorial, the highlight of FreeholdTownship’s eight-game winning streak to end the season.

ALEX WOLF, RHP, MANALAPAN – One of the morereliable returning arms in the division, Wolf pitched to a 2.80ERA in 40 innings as a junior last season.

Breakout Players to WatchTYLER KAY, OF, COLTS NECK – After hitting .345 as asophomore, look for Kay to add some pop to his stat line as ajunior

JAKE SADOWITZ, LHP/1B, MANALAPAN – Has theskills and make-up to become one of the Shore Conference’sbest two-way players and should help on the moundimmediately.

CHRIS RODRIGUEZ, OF, MANALAPAN – Speedy centerfielder wasn’t quite ready with the bat as a freshman last year,but should be ready to fly this season as part of a talentedManalapan sophomore class.

GRIFFIN ARNOTT, OF, CBA – Hit better than .400 inlimited duty last year and could be lined up for a big juniorseason, similar to what Ramiz did for the Colts last year.

MATT PLATENYK, RHP, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH – Theright-hander lost his junior season to injury and will look tomake up for lost time. The Eagles always seem to come upwith pitching and Platenyk looks like he could be the guy thisyear.

Burning Questions

IS CBA’S TRIO OF SLUGGINGOUTFIELDERS AND A TALENTEDSOPHOMORE BATTERY ENOUGH TOREPEAT IN A NORTH?

The Colts don’t have quite as muchback as Howell or Freehold Townshipdoes, but they were also much better thanevery other A North team over the courseof the schedule last season. Ryan Ramiz,Pete Papcun and Will Morgan all hit in themiddle of the batting order last year andstack up with any other middle-of-the-order in the division. There are also someother good pitchers and catchers in thedivision, but none have the ceiling thatDalatri and Martorano do. Dalatri alreadylooks like one of the top pitchers in theconference based on his freshman yearresults.

CAN FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP WINENOUGH GAMES EARLY TO MAKE ITS

ANNUAL LATE-SEASON SURGE COUNT?

With a lot of juniors last year, the Patriots did not quitehave the sense of urgency needed at the beginning of theseason and it may have cost them a chance to play in theShore Conference and NJSIAA Group IV tournaments. Theydid, however, close the season on an eight-game winningstreak, which came a year after they won the MonmouthCounty Tournament to end the season. With more seniors inthe mix this year and, quite frankly, more talent, FreeholdTownship looks poised to put it together in April this timearound.

AFTER A SURPRISING 2013, CAN HOWELL’SEXPERIENCED LINEUP HOLD UP OVER THE LONGHAUL?

The Rebels fell off after beginning the season 7-3 andended up tied for second place in Class A North, three gamesout of first place. While that might have been a littledisappointing based on where they started, it was right onschedule with the overall plan, as the Rebels ran out a lineupof mostly new starters that hoped to make some noise andposition themselves for a run in 2014. That is exactly whatthey did and as long as they don’t feel haunted by a 4-7 finishto the season, there should be little to no ill-effects of therough finish.

CAN MIDDLETOWN SOUTH COMPETE WITHOUT ARETURNING “ACE”?

The Eagles have always survived heavy losses to graduation,but they have also had a returning pitcher at the top of therotation in each of the last five years. Senior Matt Platenykmight have been in position to earn a rotation spot last year ifnot for an injury, so if he and the rest of the staff makes asmooth transition to the varsity mound, Middletown South hasshown it can do the little things to win games.

IS MANALAPAN BUILDING UP FOR ANOTHER MAJORTHREE-YEAR RUN?

The Braves’ talented Class of 2016 crop did not contribute tothe varsity team last year, but now that the group is sophomores,it should start to make an impact this year. It will take strongyears from seniors Alex Wolf and Matt Parke, as well as juniorsJohn Diana and Nick Serra to form the foundation so thatsophomores like Jake Sadowitz and Chris Rodriguez can step inand contribute to a winning team that could be especiallydangerous come late May.

By Matt Manley – Staff WriterTeams listed by predicted order of finish

16 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

Another baseball season is upon us and yetagain, the Class B Central division goes

though St. Rose. Even after Point Pleasant Beachdethroned the Purple Roses in 2010, the 2011season came with the expectation that St. Rosewould return angry and ready to take back thedivision (which it did).

The Roses, however, are not unbeatable and ifthey run the B Central table again like they did lastyear, they will have earned it. Point Beach, MaterDei and Keansburg return enough talent to give St.Rose a push with the right pitching match-up andshould the Roses drop a game the first timethrough the division schedule, things could getinteresting.

Division LineupJOE RUTH, CATCHER, MATER DEI PREP – If you preferyour catchers play in April, go with Keyport’s Jonathan Triggor St. Rose’s Will King. If you don’t mind the 30-day waitbecause of the NJSIAA transfer, then it’s hard to say no to lastyear’s numbers for the Keyport transfer. Or his last name.

SEAN STRUNCIUS, 1B, POINT BEACH – Hit .326 with sixdoubles last year in a lineup that scores a lot of runs.Struncius should have plenty of chances to drive in runs withNoah Yates back in the order.

CONOR GAMMOND, 2B, ST. ROSE – The lone Class BCentral position player to find himself on an All-Shore teamlast season, Gammond should be considered among the bestall-around infielders in the Shore to open the season.

NOAH YATES, SS, POINT BEACH – After missing all of 2013because of elbow surgery, Yates will be one of the more

fascinating players to watch because of his stellar sophomoreseason, as well as his exploits in football and basketball.

PAUL BACON, 3B, ASBURY PARK – Quietly had a solidseason for the Blue Bishops, highlighted by a .442 on-basepercentage, a .486 slugging percentage and three triples whileplaying the hot corner.

BEN THOMPSON, OF, HENRY HUDSON – Hitcomfortably over .300 as a junior while ripping five doublesand three triples. Thompson also punched out 32 batters onthe mound.

JOHNNY KUSSMAUL, OF, ST. ROSE – Although not aheadliner yet, Kussmaul hit .353 with 16 runs scored as asophomore on a 19-win Purple Roses team.

RYAN PRIMA, OF, POINT BEACH – Spent the seasonhitting near the bottom of Point Beach’s deep batting order,but still collected a number of big hits for the Gulls. He’llshift up in the order this year.

MATT ECKERT, 2B, MATER DEI PREP – One of thebetter all-around returning players in the division, Eckertshowed some pop from the second base position with twohome runs and six doubles.

Division RotationJIMMY GOWEN, LHP, ST. ROSE – The lefty will move to thetop of the St. Rose rotation, which has been a ratherprestigious position over the last decade or so.

MIKE POLITANO, LHP, KEANSBURG – With 57punchouts in 43 innings last year, Politano will look to put theTitans on his back as they try to make a run at a publicdivision title.

JOHN VAN SCHOICK, RHP, POINT BEACH – Went 6-0with a 2.06 ERA in 34 innings as a freshman and may againnot have to carry the staff with Noah Yates back in the fold.

ANTHONY STANZIALE, RHP, MATER DEI PREP – TheSeraphs struggled on the mound for most of last season,particularly against non-division competition, but Stanzialewas sharp overall: 27 strikeouts with eight walks and an even

3.00 ERA in 30 innings.

PARKER HAGGERTY, RHP, ST. ROSE– A spot starter for one of the bestpitching staffs in the Shore Conferencelast year, Haggerty will bring quality stuffto the hill for the Roses every three gamesor so as a starter.

Breakout Players toWatchJOE BREHENY, 1B/P, KEANSBURG –After coming on at the end of last season,the senior first baseman will help anchorthe middle of the Titans lineup and alsogive them some innings on the mound.

JAY CRISCUOLO, RHP, ST. ROSE –After going 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA last yearin spot duty, the Purple Roses will rely agood deal on the junior right-hander thisyear while considering him as the No. 1guy next year.

RYAN STEWART, 3B/1B, ST. ROSE –The Purple Roses always prepare the nextplayers in line to step in and play, andStewart showed he will be ready byhitting .400 in limited duty last year.

IAN TERRY, INF/P, KEANSBURG –Slotted as the No. 3 starter on the mound,Terry should give the Titans a little bit ofeverything, even when he’s not on themound.

WILL WELLS, OF, ASBURY PARK – A senior with goodtools, Wells got lost in the B North shuffle on a Neptune teamthat has struggled. He will join another struggling program,but he will also be facing the back of a lot of Group Irotations, which should be to his liking.

Burning Questions

REMEMBER NOAH YATES?

If you follow Shore Conference basketball or football, theanswer to this question is “Remember? How could I forget?”But if you are a baseball-only fan, the name might only ring abell. Here are some numbers to refresh your memory: .436average, 13 doubles, 23 RBI while playing standout defense atshortstop. Point Beach finished a game behind St. Rose withYates as its shortstop in 2012 and although the Garnet Gullshave a lot to replace, they are getting a whole lot back inYates, who is headed to Yale to play football.

HOW WILL JIMMY GOWEN TAKE TO THE ROLE OF ST.ROSE ACE?

The job of the St. Rose’s top pitcher not only comes with afair amount of prestige, but it also comes with a lot ofresponsibility. The pervasive stigma is that St. Rose pitchershave it easy pitching in Class B Central, but the No. 1 pitcheron the staff is more likely to get the ball against each top non-divisional opponent. Gowen should certainly have theconfidence to handle the job after a fantastic junior season, soit’s just a matter of executing when he gets the ball.

IS KEANSBURG READY TO MAKE A MOVE TO THE TOPOF THE DIVISION?

The Titans likely have the best two-way player (three-waycounting defense) in the division in Mike Politano, at leastamong the players who played last year. Keansburg will havea chance against St. Rose with their ace on the mound, but therest of the pitching staff will have to come through against therest of the schedule. A more likely scenario is that Politanopitches Keansburg to a big win or two, but the Titans can’tquite keep up with the leader of the pack.

WILL MATER DEI GET ENOUGH BOUNCE-BACKPERFORMANCES AT THE PLATE AND ON THE MOUND TOCONTEND FOR A DIVISION TITLE?

The Seraphs went 11-3 in the division last season, which iscertainly something on which to build. If the goal is beatingout St. Rose for a division title, the first step has to be to rackup wins against the rest of the division. Mater Dei went 11-1against the division outside of St. Rose, which would havemade things interesting if the Seraphs could have beaten St.Rose. With Point Beach and Keansburg boasting some toptalent, St. Rose will have to be on top of their game at alltimes and if the Purple Roses are not, the door could be openfor one of the other contenders.

CAN RANNEY MAKE SOME MORE PROGRESS AFTERWINNING TWO B CENTRAL GAMES LAST SEASON?

Ranney is a rather fascinating case study and a little differentthan some of the public schools that recently joined the ShoreConference. The Panthers are an established program that isattempting to ramp up its program now that they are in a morecompetitive environment. Regardless of what one might think ofClass B Central as compared to the five other Shore Conferencedivisions, it is a very competitive division to have to join as asmall non-public program. The Panthers still have a young teamand are still a relative unknown, so while 2014 appears to beanother building year in the making, one of these years Ranneywill sneak up on us all.

By Matt Manley – Staff WriterTeams listed by predicted order of finish

St. Rose 2nd baseman Conor Gammond

17V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

Jo in TheShore Sports Network Team Today!Interested in joining our team andthink you have what it takes to becovering sports in the ShoreConference for Shore SportsNetwork? We are looking for localwriters interested in covering sportslike Lacrosse, Baseball, Football,Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Track,Ice Hockey and more as part of our

newspaper and our website(www.shoresportsnetwork.com). Grabyour chance to appear regularly inThe Shore Sports Network by-weeklypublication and posted onwww.shoresportsnetwork.com whilehelping us recognize more athletesand bring more stories to ShoreConference sports fans. This is your

chance to become a regularcontributor to a growing business onthe cutting edge of covering sports inMonmouth and Ocean County.Just contact Managing EditorScott Stump @stump@allshoremedia.com

18 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

Christian Brothers AcademyHEAD COACH: Dave Santos, 16th season (200-78) 2013 RECORD: 12-6.2014 OUTLOOK: The Colts return an experienced group ofattackmen and midfielders, led by senior attackers ThomasDeiner and Matt McGuiness. Deiner is the leading returningscorer coming off a 35-goal, 31-assist season. McGuinessfinished last season with 34 goals and 25 assists. Seniormidfielders Thomas Palisi (17 goals) and Frank Isola, alongwith defensemen Brett Anderson and Joe Ventura, round outCBA’s returning starters. Junior middie Nicholas Gazzillo iscoming off a 14-goal season and steps into a starting role.Junior Evan Bynoe steps into the starting goalie spot after thegraduation of Jack Wilson.

Colts NeckHEAD COACH: Jeff Rosenberg, 10th season (85-68)2013 RECORD: 12-72014 OUTLOOK: The Colts return an experienced group ofattackmen and midfielders, led by senior attackers ThomasDeiner and Matt McGuiness. Deiner is the leading returningscorer coming off a 35-goal, 31-assist season. McGuinessfinished last season with 34 goals and 25 assists. Seniormidfielders Thomas Palisi (17 goals) and Frank Isola, alongwith defensemen Brett Anderson and Joe Ventura, round outCBA’s returning starters. Junior middie Nicholas Gazzillo iscoming off a 14-goal season and steps into a starting role.Junior Evan Bynoe steps into the starting goalie spot after thegraduation of Jack Wilson.

Freehold TownshipHEAD COACH: Mike Ferrando, 3rd season (22-10)2013 RECORD: 15-32014 OUTLOOK: The Patriots lost a ton of offensiveweapons from last season, including the Shore’s leadingscorer, Dan Bloodgood. Freehold Township brings backstandout face-off man Billy Sasso in the midfield along with50-goal scorer Steven O’Brien and junior Brandon Nunez atattack. Juniors Collin Bitsko and Mike O’Brien anchor thedefense in front of first-year starting goalie Chris Favale.

HowellHEAD COACH: Anthony Bonjavanni, 2nd season (11-8)2013 RECORD: 11-82014 OUTLOOK: The Patriots lost a ton of offensiveweapons from last season, including the Shore’s leadingscorer, Dan Bloodgood. Freehold Township brings back

standout face-off man Billy Sasso in the midfield along with50-goal scorer Steven O’Brien and junior Brandon Nunez atattack. Juniors Collin Bitsko and Mike O’Brien anchor thedefense in front of first-year starting goalie Chris Favale.

Freehold TownshipHEAD COACH: Mike Ferrando, 3rd season (22-10)2013 RECORD: 15-32014 OUTLOOK: Junior attackmen Jake Sherman and MarkBuannic lead the offense with junior middie and face-off manZach Ornstein providing solid two-way play. Juniordefenseman Anthony Pozsonyi anchors the defense withjunior Pete Rush stepping into the starting role in goal.

Long BranchHEAD COACH: Fran Pannullo, 1st season2013 RECORD: 0-182014 OUTLOOK: The Green Wave are on their third coach inas many seasons as they continue to work towards theprogram’s first win. Returners include Tyler Schick, TerryManning, Chris Arcos, Alex Mishyn, Andrew Tomas, RonaldGuidetti, Christian Berrocal, Ishmael Best, Tomas Conlon,Erick Chavez, Kyle Marhan, Dax Davis and Alex Pellbring.

MarlboroHEAD COACH: Alex Sinkovich, 1st season2013 RECORD: 6-112014 OUTLOOK: Alex Sinkovich takes over as Mustangs

head coach and has senior attackmen Matt Lewis and TylerGiersbach, senior midfielder Chris Coyle, and seniordefensemen Joe Delacalle, Eric Mallow and BrianPrestigiacomo as top returners as they look to climb the ladder in A North.

NeptuneHEAD COACH: Robert Schulte, 1st season2013 RECORD: 3-132014 OUTLOOK: The Scarlet Fliers have a new head coachin Robert Schulte and bring back senior attackman ArmandoQuintana, seniors midfielders Josh Burns, Michael Dove andjunior midfielder Ryan Balzarano, and senior defensemanFranklin Doremus.

OceanHEAD COACH: Warren Towns, 7th season (33-68)2013 RECORD: 4-122014 OUTLOOK: Leading scorer Joey Appio, a sophomore,returns along with senior goalie Bobby Graziano and juniormidfielder Steven Graziano, the latter of whom finished with84 ground balls last season. The Spartans also return seniordefenseman Chris Marcinkeiwitz, junior defenseman HaydenMatarrazzo, junior defenseman Chris Psomias, sophomoredefenseman Alex Bravo, junior attackman Christian Goslinsophomore Midfielder Erik Rant and attackmen Connor Daly.

Red BankHEAD COACH: Don Femminella, 4rth season (32-27)2013 RECORD: 8-112014 OUTLOOK: The Bucs graduated leading scorer MaxParis, but return plenty of offense with brothers Jake and ColeSmolokoff along with senior attackman Karl Hottman. Thedefense is lead by seniors Ryan Seely, Zach Bradley and JackHammond in front of sophomore goalie Jon Pierce. Seniorattackman George Zackman has been productive early in theseason, as well.

WallHEAD COACH: Chris Knight, 9th season (78-72)2013 RECORD: 11-52014 OUTLOOK: All three starting attackmen return aftercombining for over 150 points last season. Seniors KyleMcDonough, Kyle Critchlow and Bruno Setteducati give theCrimson Knights one of the top attack lines in the Shore.Senior long stick midfielder Tim Foley had over 85 groundballs last season and leads the defense along with seniors PhiShields and Nicholas Bongiovanni. Senior Hunter Kaplanreturns as Wall’s starting goalie. Sophomore Michael Steppehas been solid early and gives Wall another weapon on attack.

By Bob Badders – Staff WriterTeam listed in alphabetical order

Howell junior midfielder Zach Ornstein

19V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

HolmdelHEAD COACH: Sal Guastella, 6th season (48-38)2013 RECORD: 9-62014 OUTLOOK: The Hornets return a strong group ofseniors that includes attackman Joe Tages, midfielders MarkScherzer and Matt Dixon, and defenseman Tim Davis as theylook to remain among the Shore’s best. Tages is the leadingreturning scorer after posting 31 goals and 17 assists lastseason. Scherzer had 13 goals and 19 assists along with 50ground balls, and Dixon had 12 goals and eight assists, 129ground balls and won 52 percent of face-offs. Davis, astandout pole, had 87 ground balls.

ManasquanHEAD COACH: Rob Hoffman, 1st season2013 RECORD: 111-92014 OUTLOOK: Standouts Joe Murphy and Blaine Birchlead the Warriors for first-year head coach Rob Hoffman.Birch was a top-10 scorer in the Shore last season with 74points. Jack Bianco and Kieran Preston also return for one ofthe conference’s oldest programs.

Monsignor DonovanHEAD COACH: Howard Baranker, 1st season2013 RECORD: 0-132014 OUTLOOK: The Griffins snapped a 19-game losingstreak this season and look to build from there under first-year head coach Howard Baranker. Senior midfielders CouperMcClay and Dante Mojares return along with junior

attackman Kevin Higgins, junior long stick middie LawrenceAliseo and junior defenseman Mike Merlucci.

Red Bank CatholicHEAD COACH: Ryan Eichner, 10th season (83-70)2013 RECORD: 4-112014 OUTLOOK: The Caseys were young and inexperiencedlast season, leading to an uncharacteristic 4-11 season. Theyreturn their leading scorer, junior attackman Tim Barrile,along with senior midfielder Alex Spezio, the leading returneron ground balls. Sophomore Matt Benjamin steps into thestarting spot in goal.

Rumson-Fair HavenHEAD COACH: Andy Eastwood, 1st season2013 RECORD: 18-32014 OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs have established themselvesas the premier team in the Shore Conference and continue toclimb the state’s hierarchy. They advanced to the NJSIAAGroup I final last season, falling to powerful Mountain Lakes,8-6. Rumson graduated several top players, but has plenty oftalent returning to make a run at its fourth straight ShoreConference Tournament title. Johns Hopkins recruit ChrisHubler controls the midfield while Syracuse recruit ConnerPhillips and Siena recruit J.T. Jennings anchor a stingydefense. Chestnut Hill recruit Colin Shea, a 30-goal scorer,leads the attackmen along with senior Dominic Padula andpromising sophomore Robbie Garavente. Seniors BryceMetzger and Logan Pagano give Rumson a pair of top-notchgoalies to work with after the graduation of Dylan Rotchford.

St. John VianneyHEAD COACH: Mike Dowd, 5th season at SJV, 25th overall(185-153)

2013 RECORD: 7-122014 OUTLOOK: Senior attackmen T.J. Coleman, PatGribbon and Christian Byer give the Lancers an experiencedgroup of scorers to work with. Also returning are seniorattackman Dan Louriero, senior defenseman Ryan Lucas,senior midfielder Joe Poretta, junior long stick midfielderAidan Cole, junior defensemen Lou Iovine and Kyle Boyle,sophomore goalie D.J. Soriano, junior middies Matt Adelfioand Rich Mullarkey and sophomore defenseman Mike Gentile.

St. RoseHEAD COACH: Kevin Preston, 1st season2013 RECORD: 3-122014 OUTLOOK: First-year head coach Kevin Prestoninherits a team that returns leading scorer Matt Frost (31-19-50) along with defensemen Joe Erbe and J.P. Regan, who had102 and 81 ground balls, respectively, last season. Alsoreturning are attackman Sean Sullivan, junior attackman ScottDimmit, junior defenseman Andrew Sarre and junior longstick midfielder Louis Melone.

Shore RegionalHEAD COACH: Greg Malfa, 4th season (31-21)2013 RECORD: 13-52014 OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils took a big step forward in2013 and look to continue their winning ways under fourth-year head coach Greg Malfa. Returners include senior goalieChristian Bostwick, senior defenseman Kurt Hendricksen,senior attackman Chris Francisco, senior attackman EvanJones, senior midfielders Dennis Vaccaro and KevinNewenhouse, junior defenseman James Bedell, junior longstick midfielder Mitchell Candido and sophomore middieDoug Goldsmith.

By Bob Badders – Staff WriterTeam listed in alphabetical order

20 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

21V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

BarnegatHEAD COACH: Ryan Dalon, ninth season (31-98)2013 RECORD: 11-82014 OUTLOOK: The Bengals have the look of a program onthe rise coming off consecutive winning seasons, including aprogram-best 11 wins last year. Senior attackman EthanTonneson returns after a breakout season in which he scored41 goals and dished out 51 assists. He is one of threereturning 20-goal scorers from last season along with juniorattackman Matt Manno (27-19-46) and sophomore midfielderJ.J. McKenna (23-12-35). McKenna also collected a team-best84 ground balls and won 58 percent of face-offs. Juniormidfielder Ricky Gerena added 75 ground balls. Seniordefenseman Greg Moran and senior goaltender Matt Grobelnylead the defense. Grobelny had a .650 save percentage lastseason.

BrickHEAD COACH: Len Zdanowicz, 3rd season (22-13)2013 RECORD: 10-72014 OUTLOOK: Leading scorer David Kearns, a seniorattackman, leads the Green Dragons’ group of returners afterscoring 54 goals and adding 43 assists to finish third in theShore in scoring with 97 points. Kearns also had 78 groundballs. Senior attackman Louie Ray finished with 24 goals, 20assists and 64 ground balls last season and senior midfielderBrendan Rack added 76 ground balls. Junior midfieldersHunter Palmer and Pat Adamatis, senior midfielder WasifAmin, junior defenseman Kyle Leary and sophomoreattackman Anthony DiChristina round out Brick’s topreturners.

Brick MemorialHEAD COACH: Brent Middlemiss2013 RECORD: 8-92014 OUTLOOK: The Mustangs need to replace virtually allof their scoring from last season, and will do so with seniormidfielder Griffin Carney and junior attackman Bailey Sharpeas returning double-digit goal scorers. Senior ChristianMcGratty has gotten off to a strong start with 12 goals in theteam’s first four games. Senior Jake Lombardo anchors thedefense in front of first-year starting goalie, senior C.J.Guarino.

Jackson MemorialHEAD COACH: James Buchanan, 2nd season (14-3)2013 RECORD: 14-32014 OUTLOOK: The Jaguars were hit exceptionally hard bygraduation, losing some top defenders and their three leadingscorers who accounted for over 175 points last season. Juniorattackman Troy Wolf returns to lead the offense after a 28-goal sophomore season and senior Vinny Celidonio anchorsthe defense in front of senior goalie Cody Weisel, who posteda .647 save percentage last season. Senior middie and face-offace Scott Wedgeworth also returns off a junior season inwhich he won 66 percent of draws and also picked up 127ground balls. It’s been a rough start for the Jags so far, as

they’ve dropped their first four game to open the season.

Jackson LibertyHEAD COACH: Anthony Dzienkiewicz, 1st season2013 RECORD: 6-102014 OUTLOOK: Junior middie Andrew Ferullo andsophomore middies Matthew Ferullo and Joe Leone have ledthe offensive charge early in the season with six, five and fivegoals, respectively, through the teams 2-2 start to the seasonunder first-year head coach Anthony Dzienkiewicz. Keyreturners for the Lions include senior defensemen DominickLogotte and A.J. Korzonowski, senior attackman Bill Londis,sophomore goalie Christopher Mullholland, sophomore longstick midfielder Christopher Stefanowicz, junior attackmanConnor Moschetti, junior middie Shawn DeJesus and juniordefenseman Patrick Gahagan.

LaceyHEAD COACH: Shane Allen, 5th season (13-56)2013 RECORD: 10-82014 OUTLOOK: The Loins made great strides last season inqualifying for the Shore Conference and NJSIAATournaments, and so far this year have proven they’re aprogram gaining traction. They defeated Jackson Memorialfor the first time in program history in the opening weeks andalso posted a victory over Wall as part of a 4-1 start. CatholicUniversity-bound senior Dan Cannon leads the cast ofreturning starters along with senior attackman and BelmontAbbey recruit Joe Long and senior defenseman CaseySullivan, a Marywood recruit. Five juniors have joined thefray this season, including football standouts George Sayreand Lucas Sirotniak.

SouthernHEAD COACH: John Pampalone, 8th season (82-45)2013 RECORD: 18-22014 OUTLOOK: The Rams made history last season inwinning the Class A South division title, reaching the ShoreConference Tournament final and advancing all the way tothe Group IV final. The Rams lost a good amount tograduation, but also return a ton of firepower as they look toreach the top. Junior attackman Dylan Jinks, a Hartfordrecruit, is coming off a 53-goal, 31-assist season in which hewas a All Shore Media first team attackman as well as theSouth Jersey Player of the Year and a US Lacrosse All-American. Junior attackman Brendan Mullen also posted 53goals with 20 assists, while junior middie Shawn McManusreturns after a balanced 63-point year. Senior face-off aceBilly Dowd returns after winning 82 percent of his draws lastseason. Junior defenseman Mike Adragna, a 6-foot-3 playerwho will be starting for the third straight season, anchors thedefense in front of standout junior Brendan Lefanto, who hada .700 save percentage last season. Double-digit scorers ChrisSmith, a junior, and Brian Dunphey, a senior, give Southerngreat depth in the midfield.

Toms River EastHEAD COACH: George Peters, 11th season2013 RECORD: 6-102014 OUTLOOK: The Raiders are faced with the task ofreplacing all of their top players after a 6-10 season. They

will look to senior attackman Kevin Kennedy to lead thecharge offensively with fellow seniors Matt Gudzak, RichWajda and Nick Sarnowski. Senior Dylan Jusino leads thedefense in front of senior goaltender Sean Hopf. Juniorattackman Robert Long and sophomore middies Eric Johnsonand Mike Grasso round out the Raiders cast of returners.

Toms River NorthHEAD COACH: Brett Smith, 11th season (74-64)2013 RECORD: 4-112014 OUTLOOK: The Mariners look to rebound from a 4-11season with senior returners Kevin Dougherty, Joe Suchocki,Tayler Boschetti and Ryan Prima in the midfield, juniorattackman Mike Colello, junior defenseman Alex Scherer,junior middies Tyler Foss and Joe Vitiello and seniordefenseman Gunnar VanBezooijen. Newcomers includesophomore poles Tom Donovan and Matt Haegan, juniormidfielder Mike Hoy, sophomore attackmen Josh Francis andRyan Clancy, sophomore goalie Austin Bennet and freshmanattackman Andrew Lombardi.

Toms River SouthHEAD COACH: Matt Zuech, 11th season (72-85)2013 RECORD: 4-102014 OUTLOOK: After an 0-2 start, the Indians picked up ahuge 6-5 win over Freehold Township, which could providemomentum heading into the bulk of their divisional schedule.Key returners for Toms River South include senior attackmanDino Vitale, senior goalie Jeremy Brown, senior defensemenGarret Hall and Mike Donzanti, senior midfielder C.J. Muller,junior defenseman Colin Enright and sophomore LSM PatToal.

By Bob Badders – Staff WriterTeam listed in alphabetical order

Southern junior attackmen Dylan Jinks

Special Thanks to thephotographers who supplied the

photos seen throughout this issue

t was another great send-off for the seniors to capthe Shore Conference basketball season at thisyear’s Shore Basketball Coaches AssociationSenior All-Star Games on March 28th at Wall.II

A Memorab le Dayo f B a s k e t b a l lBy S c o t t S t ump – Manag i n g Ed i t o r

V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 422

Asbury ParkSchool Address: 1003 Sunset Avenue, Asbury ParkDirections: From south - Parkway exit 100A. Take Route 66 east to traffic circle. Follow Route35 north to Sunset Avenue. Turn right; school is about two miles on left. From north - Parkwayexit 102 to Asbury Avenue east. Asbury Avenue runs into Route 66 and then same as above.

Colts NeckSchool Address: 59 Five Points Road, Colts NeckDirections: Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold. School is two to three miles aheadon the left.

Freehold BoroSchool Address: 2 Robertsville Road, FreeholdDirections: Take Route 18 to Route 79 south. Turn left onto Robertsville Road. Filed is oneblock ahead on left.

Freehold TownshipSchool Address: 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold TownshipDirections: Take Route 9 to Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524). Go west on Route 524.School is one mile ahead on left.

HowellSchool Address: 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, HowellDirections:Route I-195 west to Lakewood-Farmingdale exit for Route 547 west (towardFarmingdale). Go about 200 yards to Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, turn left. School is abouttwo miles on left.

HolmdelSchool Address: 36 Crawfords Corner Road, HolmdelDirections: Parkway exit 114. Go west on Red Hill Raod. At first intersection, turn right ontoCrawfords Corner Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on the right.

KeansburgSchool Address: 140 Port Monmouth Road, KeansburgDirections: Parkway exit 114. Turn right off ramp onto Red Hill Road. At first light, turn leftonto VanShoik Road. VanSchoik becomes Laurel Avenue. Take Laurel across Route 35 toRoute 36. Turn right on Route 36 and take to jughandle left turn for Main Street. At first light,turn right onto Port Monmouth Road. School is down on the right.

KeyportSchool Address: 351 Broad Street, KeyportDirections: Parkway exit 117. Take G.S. Parkway Exit 117. Bear left on to Route 36 south.Take jughandle left onto Atlantic Street. School is on the left.

Long BranchSchool Address: Indiana Avenue, LongBranch

Directions: Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36east, bear onto route 71 past Monmouth University

and turn left on Westwood Avenue. Make a right onto Bath Avenue and then a right ontoIndiana Avenue. School is ahead on right.

ManalapanSchool Address: 30 Church Lane, ManalapanDirections: Route 9 to Route 522 west. Turn right on Tennent Road, then left onChurch lane. School is a half mile on right.

ManasquanSchool Address: 159 Broad Street, ManasquanDirections: From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34 south two miles to Manasquan/SeaGirt Exit. Go under Route 34 and follow Atlantic Avenue through circle. School is about onemile ahead on left. From south - Parkway exit 98. Take route 138 west to route 34 south, followrest of above directions.

MarlboroSchool Address: 95 Route 79, MarlboroDirections: Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a few miles ahead on left.

MatawanSchool Address: 450 Atlantic Avenue, AberdeenDirections: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in leftlane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the Parkway.Before toll booth, turn right on Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At next light, turnright on Church Street. At next light, turn right on Atlantic. School is just ahead on the right.

Mater DeiSchool Address: 538 Church Street, MiddletownDirections: Parkway exit 114. Turn right on Red Hill Road, follow to end. Turn left ontoKings Highway, and right on Harmony Road, Take Harmony Road across Route 35 and turnright on Cherry Tree Farm Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on left.

Middletown NorthSchool Address: 63 Tindall Road, MiddletownDirections: Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road and follow to end. Turn rightonto Kings Highway. Make a right and follow to Route 35 south to the jughandle for TindallRoad. Take the jughandle and then make a right to Tindall Road. The school will be a half mileon right.

Middletown SouthSchool Address: 501 Nutswamp Road, MiddletownDirections: Parkway exit 114. Go east on Red Hill Road to light for Dwight Road. Turn righton Dwight Road to Middletown-Lincroft Road. Cross Middletown-Lincroft Road toNutswamp. School is a half mile on the right.

Monmouth RegionalSchool Address: 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton FallsDirections: Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at first traffic light to Hope Road and gonorth to Tinton Avenue. Turn left on Tinton Avenue and go about half a mile to school entranceon the right, just before Parkway overpass.

NeptuneSchool Address: 55 Neptune Boulevard, Neptune.Directions: From north: Parkway Exit 102. Make a right on Asbury Avenue after the exit andtake that until it intersects with Rt. 66 east. Bear right on to Neptune Boulevard and stay to theright at the exit. Go straight at the stop sign and go through the next traffic light. School isdown on the right. From south: Take Parkway Exit 100 A (Rt. 66 East/Asbury Park) and followdirections above from Rt. 66.

Ocean TownshipSchool Address: 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean TownshipDirections: Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West Park Avenue, school is a halfmile on the right.

RaritanSchool Address: 419 Middle Road, HazletDirections: From north - Parkway exit 114. Make a left off the exit onto Red Hill Road,which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turnleft, school is on the right. From south - Parkway Exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road,which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turnleft, school is on the right.

Red Bank RegionalSchool Address: 101 Ridge Road, Little SilverDirections: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to end to Route 35 (Broad Street),turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. School is one and a half miles on right.

Red Bank CatholicSchool Address: 112 Broad Street, Red BankDirections: Parkway exit 105. Take Rt. 520 (Newman Springs Road) east for about 4 milesand make a left at the traffic light on to Rt. 35 north/Broad Street. School is about 1 1/2 milesdown on the left.

Rumson-Fair HavenSchool Address: 74 Ridge Road, RumsonDirections: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Route 35 (Broad Street),turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. After about three miles, Hardingbecomes Ridge Road. Pass Red Bank Regional High School and go about three more miles.Rumson-Fair Haven will be on the left.

St. John VianneySchool Address: 540 Road, HolmdelDirections: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in leftlane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the parkway. Beforetollbooth, turn right onto Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At first light, turn left ontoChurch Street. At next light, turn right onto Line road. School is on left.

Shore RegionalSchool Address: Route 36 east, West long BranchDirections: Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles, cross route 71. School isjust ahead on the right.

WallSchool Address: 18th Avenue & New Bedford Road, WallDirections: Parkway exit 98. Take Route 138 east about two miles to second light,turn right onto New Bedford Road. Follow to school entrance on left.

BarnegatSchool Address: 180 Bengal Boulevard, BarnegatDirections: From the north - Parkway to exit 67 (Barnegat). Make a left at the end of theexit ramp onto Bay Avenue. At second light make a left onto Barnegat Boulevard North. Goapproximately one mile and make a left onto Bengal Boulevard. School is on the left. Fromthe South-Parkway to Exit 63. Follow route 72 east to route 9 north. Make a left onto BayAvenue. Make a right onto Barnegat Boulevard North and follow above direction.

BrickSchool Address: 346 Chambers Bridge Road, BrickDirections: From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go straight at light, follow toRoute 88. Cross Route 88, go under Parkway overpass and school is just ahead on right. Fromsouth- Parkway exit 90. School is short distance on right from off-ramp.

Brick MemorialSchool Address: 2001 Lanes Mill Road, BrickDirections: From South - Parkway exit 90. Ramp will put you on Chambers Bridge Road.Take first jughandle U-turn and go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Cross Route 88 andfollow to second light, where there is a convenience store on the left and a gas station on theright. The right and go over the Parkway. Pass the 7-Eleven and take the jughandle left turn forLanes Mill Road. Go straight across, bear right just pass Lanes Mill Elementary School. Highschool is on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Bear left after the toll. Follow jughandlearound, turn right at light at gas station. Follow directions above after going over the Parkway.

Central RegionalSchool Address: Forest Hills Parkway, BerkeleyDirections: From north - Parkway exit 77. Turn left off exit onto Double Trouble Road,follow it to traffic light. Turn left on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right.Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot. From south - Parkway exit 77.Turn right on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far endof school or at middle school lot.

Jackson LibertySchool Address: 125 North Hope Chapel Road,Jackson

Directions: From south- Route 9 north to Cox Cro Road Roadin Toms River. Make a left onto Cox Cro and follow about two

miles to 527 (Whitesville Road). Make a right onto 527 and follow for about 4-5 miles.Make a right onto South Hope Chapel Road/CR-547. School is just ahead on the left. Fromnorth - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to Exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527South. Follow for 6-7 miles and turn left onto South Hope Chapel Road (just after 527becomes 528 at Whitesville Road). School is about a half mile on the right.

Jackson MemorialSchool Address:Don Connor Boulevard, JacksonDirections: From south - Route 9 north to Route 571. Go about 10-12 miles west to Route528 intersection. Turn right on Route 528. Continue on Don Connor Boulevard and make aright. School is a quarter mile on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west toexit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527 South. At second light turn right onto Route 528.Continue to Don Connor Boulevard and make a left. Follow directions above.

LaceySchool Address:Haines Street, LaceyDirections: Parkway Exit 74. Turn right on Lacey Road. Follow less than two miles, takejughandle left turn for Manchester Avenue. Go to the first light, turn right on Haines Street.School is on the right.

LakewoodSchool Address: 855 Somerset Ave, LakewoodDirections: From south - Parkway exit 90. Take immediate jughandle U-turn to go west onChambers Bridge Road. Turn left onto Route 88, follow to New Hampshire Avenue and turnright. Take New Hampshire to end, turn left onto Ridge. Go about 1 ½ miles to school onright. From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go straight at light, follow road toRoute 88 intersection. Turn right on Route 88 and follow rest of directions above.

ManchesterSchool Address: 101 Colonial Drive, ManchesterDirections: Parkway to Exit 82A. Take Route 37 west about five miles tojughandle for Colonial Drive. Cross 37 and follow back to school parking lot.

Monsignor DonovanSchool Address: 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms RiverDirections: Parkway to Exit 82. Take Route 37 east and turn right on Hooper Avenue. Gosouth on Hooper about a half mile and turn left at the first light. School is on the right.

Pinelands RegionalSchool Address:Nugentown Road, Little Egg HarborDirections: Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about three miles. Turn right onNugentown Road. School is three miles on the right.

Point Pleasant BeachSchool Address: St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, Pt. Pleasant BeachDirections: From north - Route 35 south. After crossing Manasquan River, follow signsfor Broadway/Beach and make U-turn onto route 35 North. Make a quick right ontoBroadway. Make a right onto St. Louis Avenue and follow until you see the field. From south -Route 35 north. Make a right onto Broadway and continue with above listed directions.

Point Pleasant BoroSchool Address: Laura Herbert Drive, Point PleasantDirections: From north - Parkway Exit 91. Stay left off exit and take jughandle around tolight at gas station. Turn right and follow Burnt Tavern Road to Route 70. Turn left on Route70 and at next intersection turn right onto Herbertsville Road. Stay on Herbertsville Road tointersection with Route 88. Go straight through light to school less than a mile on the right.From south - Route 88 east to Beaver Dam Road and make a right. School entrance is aheadon right.

Southern RegionalSchool Address: 600 North Main St. (Route 9), StaffordDirections: Parkway exit 63. Take Route 72 east about two miles and bear rightonto Route 9 north. Take Route 9 about three miles and school is on the left.

Toms River EastSchool Address: Raider Way, Toms RiverDirections: Parkway Exit 82, Take Route 37 east to Coolidge Avenue jughandle. Go northon Coolidge one mile to Raider Way. Turn left, school entrance is on the left.

Toms River NorthSchool Address: Old Freehold Road, Toms RiverDirections: Parkway Exit 82. Take Route 37 East. At first light take a jughandle left ontoRoute 166 north. Bear right at next traffic light onto Old Freehold Road. School is about threemiles ahead on right.

Toms River SouthSchool Address: 101 Hyers Street, Toms RiverDirections: Parkway exit 82. Take Route 37 east. Turn right onto Hooper Avenue. The fieldis a half mile down on the right behind the Ocean County Courthouse.

Field locations may vary. Check with school

Field locations may vary. Check with school

23V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4

24 V O L UM E - V I / I S S U E - 7 / 4 / 9 / 1 4