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Here is a look at the baseball teams in the Courier News coverage area in the Skyland Conference and the Union County Conference for the 2025 season.
More: Baseball preview index: Links to Courier News and Home News Tribune 2025 preseason package
More: Baseball rankings: Area Skyland Conference and UCC preseason Top 10
Coach: Max Newell, 18th season
Last year’s record: 30-3, State Group 4, North 2, Somerset County, Skyland Delaware champs
Top letter winners lost: Matt Fattore (INF/RHP), Devin Goldberg (INF/OF), Joey Letko (OF/RHP), Cory Rible (RHP), Michael Taylor, Frankie Verano (OF), Joe Spirra (UTL), Mike Lentini (P)
Roster: Jack Lanum (Sr., P/SS/2B), Oscar Kilgallon (Sr., C/P), Matt Cichocki (Sr., 1B/OF/P), JR Rosado (Sr., C/P), Bobby Gillespie (Sr., P), Ethan Carey (Sr., P), LJ Aponte (Sr., P), Owen Crimmins (Sr., LHP), Matt Lehberger (Sr., OF/SS/2B), Kellan Komline (Jr., OF/P), Michael Lobosco (Jr.), Connor Price (Jr., 3B/P), Kevin Kelly (So., 3B/P), Nick Spirra (So., 1B/3B), Nico Moore (So., OF/P), Aarnav Vajjhala (Sr., P), Phil Alifano (Sr., C/2B), Drew Lipke (Sr., OF), Brad Sweet (Sr., OF), Joey Confalone (Jr., OF), Stephen Pikulin (Jr., OF), Colin Ricciardi, Josh Moore
Outlook: The ability is here to do exactly what was done last season. Senior catcher Jayden ‘JR’ Rosado and an experienced and talented pitching staff led by seniors Jack Lanum and Owen Crimmins and junior Kellan Komline are a solid core to start. The Panthers won their final 14 games last season, and this club is eager to resume. Senior catcher JR Rosado is back with the objective of improving on his 34 hits and 24 RBIs and Matthew Lehberger will be aiming to up his 33 hits. Matt Cichocki scored 30 runs, Owen Crimmins was 10-0, Kellan Komline threw to an 0.66 ERA and Jack Lanum to 1.05 ERA.
Coach: Matt Mosko, 4th season
Last year’s record: 10-15
Top letter winners lost: Liam Gallagher (2B/SS), Max Romanok (3B/RHP), Alex Orr (P/1B), Jake Battagliese (OF), Peter Cipparulo (OF), JJ Lotierzo (OF), Jack McLaughlin (P), Shailen Patel (P/2B/SS), Logan Raganath (DH)
Roster: Alex Reiling (Sr., C/1B), Krish Patel (Sr., P), Garrett Herndon (Sr., C), Mark Ward (Sr., C), TJ Westlake (Sr., 1B/P), James Drinkwater, (Sr., 1B/P), Jason Williams (Sr., 2B/3B), Brian Quabeck (Sr., SS), Aidan Cooper (Sr., 3B/P), Andrew Advani (Sr., OF), Brayden Fox (Sr., OF/P), Rahil Shah (Sr., OF), Tommy Kester (Jr., OF), Elijah Dawes (So., 3B/SS), Anthony Guerrero (Jr., OF), Drew Kipila (Jr., OF), Shane Borer (Jr., P), Samuel Malone (Jr., INF), Apoorva Nigam (Jr., INF), Shane Khurana (Jr., OF)
Outlook: The Raiders will be out to find some consistency in their quest to get their first winning season since 2019. They didn’t win back-to-back games last season but did split 10 games in the rich division. Senior pitcher Krish Patel was a first-team division player last season. The Raiders have a skilled catcher in Alex Reiling and center fielder Andrew Advani was second team all-division.
Coach: Kevin Cuozzi, 9th season
Lost year’s record: 16-11
Top letter winners lost: Jack Brunetti (C/1B), Kaleb McGann (INF), Tyler Stallwood (INF), Tommy Baase (3B/RHP), Mike Contiliano (SS), Nick Augusta (RHP/RF/LF), Jared Jacobus LHP)
Roster: Danny Contiliano (Jr., CF), Soren Gregor (Jr., UTL/RHP), Kozak (Jr., UTL), Jesse Allen (Jr., UTL), Ryan Lundari (Sr., RHP)
Outlook: Senior righty Ryan Lundari and junior center fielder Danny Contiliano will give the Red Devils a strong core to get back to challenging for division, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex and section titles. Central has a roster full of versatile players and that will be a big factor in such a tough division. Expect varying lineups because of the players’ ability to play different roles.
Coach: Kevin Cust
Last season record: 17-9
Top letterwinners lost: Josh Thompson (P/INF), Danny Ferguson (C), Sean Henry (P), Nick Bozzo (P), Nick Giardina (P), Nick Watson (OF)
Roster: Jay Labrador (Sr., 3B), Jayden Capindica (Sr., OF), Colin Kassai (Sr., OF), Rob Sikorski (Sr., LHP), Will Macken (Sr., RHP), Aidan English (Sr., OF), Dan Brea (Sr., OF), Owen Schilling (Jr., C), Cole Raymond (Jr., LHP), Conor Quinn (Jr., 1B/P), Justin Labrador (So., SS), Nehemiah Diaz (Jr., INF), Tylor Cardoso (Sr., UTL), Kyle Bare (Sr., LHP), Chris Ryden (Sr., RHP), Ryan Auten (Jr., LHP), Jackson Trego (Jr., RHP), Jackson Lewis (Jr., UTL), Luca Cantanzarite (Fr., 2B), Michael Drelich (Jr., LHP), Jonathan Feltre (Fr., RHP)
Outlook: The Spartans went 17-9 last year and won a North Non-Public B title two season ago. Now, they added Wake Forest commit junior Ryan Auten – a transfer from Delaware Valley – at the top of their rotation. Sounds promising. They should expect to be one of the top non-public programs in the state. Owen Schilling, Jayson Labrador, Justin Labrador, Colin Kassai, and Jayden Capindica are all back.
Coach: Ben Yocum, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 20-6, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex champions
Top letter winners lost: Tyler Anderson (INF), Ben Linzer (RHP), Wyatt DeMeo (OF), Nick Hernandez (OF), Jesse Lance (INF)
Roster: Aaron Dorr (Sr., INF), Zach Fronio (Sr. LHP), Nick Politi (Sr., OF), Tim Raiello (Sr., P), Chris Sand (Sr., UTL), Brandon Suler (Sr., P), Christian Zamrok (Sr., INF), Graham Berry (Jr., INF), Hunter Brown (Jr., P), Nicholas DeSimone (Jr., P), Alex Famolari (Jr., P), Jack Goodman (Jr., OF) Connor Hansen (Jr., OF), Liam Kane (Jr., C), Zach Linzer (Jr., C), Brooks Lunger (Jr, P). Jadon Krisanda (So., P)
Outlook: Another potentially outstanding club with an impressive resume. Why not make a run for a North 2 Group 3 section and Skyland Delaware Division titles? The talent is present. Senior lefty and Boston College-commit Zach Fronio and senior Brandon Suler will lead the staff. Suler went five scoreless innings for the win Friday in the season-opening 8-1 win over Hopewell Valley. Senior righty Chris Sand (Rutgers commit) had Tommy John surgery in the offseason but may get time in the infield.
COACH: Tom Blackwell, 20th season
Last year’s record: 21-9
Top letter winners lost: Steven Dresner (OF), Max Faltas (P), Zack Kucerka (1B), Joshua LaTourette (OF), Ben Lerner (P/DH), Matthew Martine (1B), Charlie Paul (P), Andrew Reynolds (2B/P), Nick Rossi (C), Ezra Sadowsky (OF/P), Nick Sellitti (OF), Kevin Taylor (C), Brady Wilson (P/INF)
Roster: Matt Bober (Sr., UTL), Quinn Dashefsky (Sr., C), Andrew Foley (Sr., INF), Bode Ganny (Sr., 1B), Alex Kovatch (Sr., OF), Connor McLachlan (Sr., P), Aidan Stieglitz (Sr., P), Kieran Callanan (Jr., INF), Jake Dolan (Jr., OF/P), Lucas Grob ( Jr., INF), Lucas Liston (Jr., P), Ryan Luo (Jr., OF), Colin Newcomb ( Jr., OF), Tobias Nicholson (Jr., OF), Sawyer Paul (Jr., OF), Matt Pypcznske (Jr., C/INF), Dan Rafanello (Jr., 1B/P), Andy Yuan (Jr., P), Casey Kucerka (So., 3B/P), Dimitri Romer (So., INF/P)
Outlook: Junior infielder Kiernan Callahan and junior outfielder Jake Dolan were second team All-Skyland Delaware last season. Those two and senior Quinn Dashefsky had more than 20 hits. They also have years of experience in big games. Senior Aidan Stieglitz looks like he could be an ace here. No reason to think Ridge won't again be a factor at county and section tournament time.
Coach: Derrick Castillo, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 10-13
Top letter winners lost: Ryan Mrotek (LHP), Warren Bell (RHP/1B), Jake Cruz (C)
Roster: Tim Attanasio (Sr., OF), Jacob Gordon (Sr., C), Devin Gorelick (Sr., UTL), Pranay Karthikeyan (Sr., 1B), Stanley Madera (Jr., 3B/P), Shay Patel (Sr., 2B ), Roderick Ray (Sr., OF/1B), Izaiah Robinson (Sr., OF/P), Shayne Rooney (Jr., OF/P), Mike Schiermeyer (Sr., SS/RHP), Dylan Shah (Jr., RHP/3B), Defraily Sosa (Jr., P), Jon Walker (Sr., C), Elijah Zavatsky (Jr., C/RHP), Pat Ziegler (Jr. UTL), Dyland Roche (So., SS/RHP)
Outlook: The Warriors finished 7-3 in the division, a second place to Immaculata, now residing in the Delaware. A strong core of seniors led by St. Peter’s University-commit shortstop Mike Schiermeyer and Caldwell University-commit and All-Area first team outfielder Isiah Robinson lead the way. Schiermeyer and Robinson were also first team all-division. Junior Stanley Madera was a second team all-division third baseman.
Roderick Ray will be a referred walk on at Kean University. Junior pitchers Madera, Shane Rooney and Dilan Shah got valuable varsity innings last season in the shadow of lefty ace and first team division player Ryan Mrotek. The Warriors’ baseball growth has been given a major boost from former Warrior and Rutgers’ Big 10 Player of the Year Josh Kuroda-Grauer, now playing in the Oakland Athletics’ system.
Coach: Pete Mueller, 24th season
Last season: 8-18
Top letter winners lost: Lucas Heines (C), Cole Schulberg (C)
Roster: John Donahue (Sr., P/OF), Kenta Komotsu (Jr., INF/P), Shay Cheskis (Sr., OF), Evan Puleio (Sr., C/OF), Mason Neufeld (Sr., SS/P), Jake Hayes (Sr., P/1B), Michael Englert (Fr., OF), Sebastian Kyler (Fr., P/INF), Liam McDonnell (Sr., P/OF), Andrew Davis (Sr., 1B), Patrick Fogarty (So., P/INF), John Keeler (Sr., OF), Spencer Harris (Jr., OF), Luke Awadalla (Jr., 1B/P), Alex Bender (Soph., OF), Henry Maddox (So., P/1B), Saiyuj Kobla (So., C/1B), Jack Schmelzer (So., OF/1B)
Outlook: The Cougars lost 10 of their last 12 games last season. Can this be a season of significant improvement? They haven’t had a winning campaign since 2017 when they were 20-11. The Cougars will be very young outside of Seton Hall-commit John Donahue. Donahue, Neufeld and Komatsu will lead the offense.
Coach: Chris Banos, 11th season
Last season: 10-16
Top letter winners lost: Ajay Cray (INF/OF), Will McNamara (C), Chase Wengryn (OF/P), Chase Insabella (OF), Jack Manning (1B), Dylan Hornick- (INF/P), Jacob Nash (INF), Mike Colantuono (P/OF), Jason Daleo (INF)
Roster: CJ Banos (Sr., 3B), Ryan Ciesla (Sr., P), Ethan Flynn (Sr., INF), Andrew Kessler (Sr., P/INF), Chase Koplitz (Sr., P/OF), Owen Melchione (Sr., C), Robby Wright (Sr., 1B/OF), Dalton Carman (Jr., P/INF), Jordan Snow (Jr., OF), Justin Snow (Jr., OF), Luca Aceto (Soph., P/INF), Michael Meyers (So., P/INF)
Outlook: The Pioneers move from the grind of the Skyland Delaware Division to the Raritan where they should contend for the division. Kean University-commit Chase Koplitz was a first team All-Delaware player and CJ Banos (NJ City University) and Ciesla (Stevens Institute) were on second team. Somerville has a surplus of pitching and there’s talent too. The Pioneers quest is to win a division title and get back into the county and section races.
Coach: Joe Tremarco, 23rd season
Last season: 14-15
Top letter winners lost: Jason Wu (INF), Will Hunsinger (OF)
Roster: Ethan Byrd (Sr., P), Rob Centamore (Jr., P), Jake Keirstead (Sr.), Ethan Clayton (Sr., P), Landon Pudlak (So., INF), Max Payne (Jr., P)
Outlook: The Warriors have some strong arms and supported it with sound defense last season. Pitchers Ethan Byrd, Robert Centamore, Max Eder and Max Payne give the Warriors quite a foursome. Byrd and senior catcher Jake Keirstead were first team all-division and Eder and Payne second team. Keirstead hit .356.
Coach: Jeff Falzarano, 18th season
Last year’s record: 9-13-1
Top letter winners lost: Joey Cassella (P/INF), Henry Depew (OF/P), Ryan Gaglione (OF), Charlie Gonella (P/INF), Evan Hoeckele (P/INF), Connor Laverty (P/OF), Ryan Tondo (Sr., INF)
Roster: David DePierro (Sr., C/OF), Matt Falzarano (Sr., C), Jaden Farmer (Sr., P/OF), James Ferrante (Jr., P/UTL), Alex Fraunfelder (Jr., P/OF), James Gallagher (Jr., P/OF/1B), Terrence Hanratty (Sr., P/INF), Casey Hoeckele (Jr., P/INF), Sonny Liranzo (Jr., INF), Joey Santos (Sr., P), Matty Stefani (Sr., P/INF)
Outlook: The Mountaineers have been playing ‘up’ for years and it has certainly been a positive in the grind of the Skyland Conference. Bernards should be right in the middle of the division race. Senior catcher Matt Falzarano, a division first team player last season, begins his fourth season with a .344 career batting average. The catching position will be even more significant this season with a younger pitching staff. Junior pitcher Casey Hoeckele and senior pitcher Matty Stefani were second team all division last season. Senior David DePierro was an honorable mention pick.
Coach: Marty White, 22nd season
Last year’s record: 12-7-1
Top letter winners lost: Jack Reardon (RHP), Danny Shapiro (RHP), Kevin Hults (RHP), Jared Leeds (RHP), Luke Brogan (RHP/INF), Stoy Fohring (INF), Ryan Auten (Jr., LHP, transferred to Immaculata)
Roster: Mossimo Pecchia (Jr., RHP), Brady Reardon (Sr., RHP), Jimmy Hintenach (Sr., 2B/OF), Jack Hancsin (Sr., RHP), Tommy Denvir (So., RHP), Cooper Fransen (Jr., P/SS), David Hudock (Jr., C/1B), Dylan Rasimowicz (Fr., IF/OF/P), Gabriel Miller (So., P/OF/IF), Chris Cialone (So., P/3B/1B), Matt Feeney (Sr., P/OF/1B), Owen Neiber (Jr., DH), Carter Glacken (Fr., 3B/P)
Outlook: The Terriers will be very young. They lost all-division players Dan Shapiro and Jack Reardon to graduation and another one as promising junior lefty Ryan Austen transferred to Immaculata. Coach Marty White said the team lost seven starters and six of their best pitchers. The Terriers always seem to find their way as contenders at tournament time. To make that happen, Del Val will need to avoid mental errors and overcome the physical ones. Jimmy Hintenach was second team all-division and pitcher Jack Hancsin honorable mention.
Coach: David Pasquale, 13th season
Last year’s record: 12-12-1
Top lettermen lost: John DiGregorio (C), Matt Park (3B/1B), Colin Chou (P/1B/CF), Dylan Sempervive (P/OF), Danny Sasse (OF), Michael Ricciardulli (OF/2B), Robert Kirsh (P/C)
Roster: Joey Dwek (Sr., LHP/OF), Bobby Niesmertelny (Jr., RHP/1B), Jack Markovich (Jr., SS/RHP), Joey Fava (Jr., LHP/OF), Jude Waters (Jr., 2B), Luc Jansson (Jr., C/IF), Steven McRae (Jr., P/OF), Declan Marcucci (So., OF), Drew Aromando (So., P/OF), Niko West (So., P/1B/3B), Gavin Bucceri (So., INF/P), Aksh Kothari (So., INF/OF), Andersen Eide (Fr., OF/P), Owen Ehrenkranz (Fr., P/OF/3B), Trip Hegarty (Fr. UTL), Noah Schultz (Fr., C)
Outlook: The Knights graduated some very good players in first team all-division players John DiGregorio and Colin Chou. But another first-teamer returns in shortstop Jack Markovich, who’s also a pitcher. Gill has but two seniors on the roster, but it is a deep club. Senior lefty Joey Dwek and sophomore Drew Aromando are two of the seasoned pitchers. Both made second team all-division last season.
Coach: Anthony Feltre, third season
Last year’s record: 9-13-1
Top letter winners lost: Alex Payne (P/1B), Kailar Ahn (RHP/SS), Neil Srikanth (RHP/3B)
Roster: Matthew Carrieri (Sr., OF), Joaquin Stevenson (Sr., 3B), Diego Galvan, (Sr., OF), Michael Cardona (Jr., RHP/OF), Cody Mattson, (Jr., RHP/1B), Ryan Moye (Jr., INF/RHP), Langston McDonald (So., RHP/INF), Aaron Wu (So., RHP/IF), Zach Zaslow (So., OF/INF), Shane Varneckas (So., RHP/OF/INF), Riley Wong (So., C/INF), Jakob Braun (Soph., RHP/INF), Jaxon Beal (So., OF), Matias Stevenson (So., INF), Sam deLaurier (Fr., INF/RHP), Albert Hong (Fr., RHP/OF), Mathew Hauck (Fr., C/OF/1B), Andrew Crowley (Fr., C), Lucas Blumberg (Fr., OF)
Outlook: Pingry moves from the Skyland Raritan to Valley Division and figure it a plus, though the Big Blue has proved it can play with upper-tier conference schools. Matt Carrier returns after a season in which he made second team all-division. The Big Blue is deep and that should lead to perhaps more wins than expected.
Coach: Larry Santowasso, 30th season
Last year’s record: 12-15
Top letter winners lost: Max Treonze (RHP), Evan Laub (2B)
Roster: Ethan Nepomuceno (Jr., C/INF), Maddox Chu (Jr., C/OF), Cody Rullo (Sr., OF), Ryan Takacs (So., OF/P), Jake Brown (So., 3B/P), Anuj Banireddy (Jr., P), Alex Perez (So., SS/3B), Peter Wheeler (Jr., P/INF), Mason Cimini (Soph., P/1B), Micah Krugar-Serrano (So., C), Li Perez (Jr., P/OF), Matt Bilmes (Jr., P/INF), Peter Liu (So., INF/OF), Roshan Jagannathan (Fr., UTL), Oliver Cohen (So., UTL)
Outlook: Rutgers Prep is only a couple seasons removed from winning four one-run games to win the Somerset County Tournament. They followed that up by advancing to the North Non-Public B final where the Args lost 4-3 to St. Mary Rutherford. They have graduated ace Max Treonze and second baseman Evan Laub, who contributed so much in that run. But Santowasso’s club might be a good ‘sleeper’ pick in this division that looks wide open. The Args move from the Raritan to Valley divisions. They opened the season Saturday as junior Li Perez – a Seton Hall commit – threw a five-inning, 10-strikeout perfect game in a 11-0 triumph against Manville in a Skyland Conference inter division contest. Young talent is behind players like Maddox Chu, Ethan Nepomuceno and Cody Rullo, who were all second team division players last season. Peter Wheeler made honorable mention.
Coach: Dave LoPoidevin, 5th season
Last year’s nrecord: 5-11
Top letter winners lost: Damian Ogonowski (RHP/INF), Jarred Wooden (CF)
Roster: Aiden Boehm (So., 1B/P), Julian Chacon (Fr., RF), Jon Coiro (Sr., INF/OF), Lucas Coleman (Sr. UTL/RHP), Ryan Cunya (Fr., SS), Raymond Konkle (Sr., C/INF), Emilio Sereno (Fr., 2B), Jacob Salkeld (Sr., OF/INF.), Vinny Wisniewski (So., UTL), Jayden Cruz (So., UTL)
Outlook: Bound Brook’s sub high school programs are slowly building the Crusader foundation in the sport. Boehm is one of the products with veterans Coleman, Coiro and Konkle part of the field leadership. The Crusaders opened the season Friday with a 12-2 home loss to Dunellen. They play host to Plainfield Tuesday is another non-conference game before opening the Skyland Mountain Division season next Tuesday at home with Belvidere.
Coach: Rob Snyder, 12th season
Last year: 11-9
Key losses: James Mascola, Sebastian Carvajal, Louis Kotyuk, Aidan Shimp
Outlook: The Mustangs will be after a third straight winning season. Manville has graduated 22 players from teams that won 25 games in that span. This year's squad returns five players with experience in D'Ambrosio, Canica, Petrone, and both Shimps. Junior Nate Guerrazzi had a solid pre-season earning him a spot in the lineup. The Mustangs are going to rely on that experience very early in the season while the newcomers get up to speed. Snyder expects solid contributions from freshmen Wright, Canuso, and the Johnson brothers. Sophomores Honkisz, Castellucci, and Bucciero are also expected to contribute.
Coach: Ben Donaghy, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 13-10
Top letter winners lost: Dillon Gallagher (RHP/SS/1B), Cooper Currie (RHP), Aaron Zalescik (C/OF/RHP), Anthony Venettone (INF/RHP), Danny Rose (INF/C/RHP), Ryder Manfready (OF)
Roster: Nate Lawton (Sr., RHP/OF), Aaron Parisi (Sr., SS), Ed Cooper (Sr., 1B/DH), Trevor Lingerfield (Jr., INF), Landon Katz (Jr., OF/1B/P), Tyler Silverman (Sr., C), Zach Naughton (Jr., C/RHP)
Outlook. The Eagles nearly won the division last season. South finished 6-2 in division, a game behind Warren Hills. Lawton and Cooper were first team all-division last season. South opened the season Saturday with a 13-7 win at Paulsboro. Cooper, Lawton and Lingerfield drove in two runs apiece.
Coach: Ryan Cahill, 1st season
Last year’s record: 7-18
Top letter winners lost: Brandon Aulert (INF),Ian Carlson (INF/OF), Joe Nolan (C), Dylan Jordan (1B/P)
Roster: Bryen Flaherty (Sr., 2B/P), Matteo Tramutola (Jr., P/1B/OF), Carter Nielsen (Jr., SS), Joe Wernicki (So., SS), Brenton Ansbach (Sr., 3B/P), Alexander Dyevich (Jr., 1B/P), Dylan Vernick (Jr., OF/P), Julian Liu (Fr., OF), Ryan Knapp (Jr. OF/P), Jack Schlaudecker (So., INF/P), Navio Delgado (So., C)
Outlook: Cahill replaces Corey Kent who led the Vikings to a state Group 2 title and 25-4 season in 2021. The Vikings have switched places with Warren Hills with the Blue Streaks moving up to the Skyland Valley and the Vikes taking the spot in the Mountain.
Coach: Chris Roof, 25th season
Last season record: 28-5
Top letterwinners lost: Matthew Shaffer (2B/SS), Matthew Kosuda (UTL)
Roster: Matty Diskin (Sr., 1B/P), Anthony DeNora (Sr., OF/P), Zach Geerstma (Jr., SS), Michael Novotny (Jr., LHP/1B), Dom Labisi (Jr., RHP/3B), Keith Mann (Jr., RHP),
Outlook: The Highlanders have become perennial contenders for county, section and state titles. They captured their fourth Group 2 state and Union County Tournament titles and matched a program record for wins in a season last year. They return plenty of players who made it happen and could do it all again. Junior shortstop Zach Geertsma, a University Virginia commit, and senior Stetson University-bound right hander Matty Diskin return. And much more behind those two. They look to repeat as state and county champions for the first time.
Coach: Chris Brodeur, 18th season
Last season record: 11-14
Top letterwinners lost: Robby Roth (INF/LHP), Luca Vitale (OF/LHP), Andrew Kowatntz (OF/RHP)
Roster: Ethan Cifarelli (Sr., RHP/3B), Troy Faucher (Jr., C), Matt Santacross (So., LHP/OF),Vince Graziano (Sr., LHP/1B), James Miller (Sr., RHP/IF), Kyle Felt (Sr., OF), Patrick Valeo (Sr., OF) Eric Yu (Sr., OF), Christian Benward (Jr., UTL), Devin Cumiskey (Jr., UTL), James Keneally (Jr., UTL), Thomas LaGana (Jr., UTL), Rhys Mozian (Jr., UTL),
Alex Chomiak (So., UTL), Andrew Kruep (Soph., UTL), Michael Schmidt (So., UTL)
Outlook: Ethan Ciarelli will be out to master the No. 1 spot in the Pioneers rotation. He will pitch for Alvernia University next year.
The team will be a mix of returning players and newcomers. New Prov has been drilling on eliminating poor play through emphasizing key situational hitting. Pitching depth and defensive versatility are strengths for a team looking to chase county, section and division success.
Coach: John ‘JR’ Luccarelli, 1st season
Last season’s record: 20-9
Top letter winners lost: Jaden Carpien (INF), Evan Doyle (P/1B), Luke Doyle (INF), Chris Kennedy (INF), Matt Greisman (OF), Javier Gutierrez (OF), Anthony Veglia (1B/P/C), Matt Capozzolo (P), Joe DeFrancesco (INF/OF), Ryan Quinones (P/OF)
Roster: Jackson Lorenzetti (Sr., INF), Jack Sponheimer (Sr., OF), CJ Bates (Sr., P/1B), Michael Bellistri (Sr., C), Sam Beirne (Sr., P/INF), Joe LaRosa (Jr., OF), Alex Bolton (Jr., OF/INF), Jack Byrne (Jr., P/INF), Thomas Dowling (So., C), Clay Friedrichs (Jr., INF), Brenden Gallagher (Sr., C)
Outlook: The Raiders will be a young team and miss some of their graduated leaders from a team that won the Union County Conference Watchung Division. C.J. Bates and Jack Byrne are experienced pitchers. Jack Sponheimer, Joe LaRosa and Alex Bolton will be the core on both offense and defense. Jack Masterman and Jackson Lorenzetti have been contesting the third base and shortstop positions. Luccarelli, a physical education teacher in the district, replaces Joe Higgins, who was Raiders coach for 10 seasons.
Coach: Jay Cook, 6th season
Last season record: 19-7
Top letter winners lost: Tomas Cestero (Sr., RHP/OF), Jack Chavez (Sr., RHP), Randy Davis (Sr., 3B), Kevin Dowling (Sr., OF), Kellen Edwards (Sr., OF)
Roster: Grant Como (Sr., LHP), Jake Alfano (Sr., INF/1B), Brady Trajkovski (Sr., INF)
Outlook: The Blue Devils lost a memorable Union County Tournament final to state champ Governor Livingston 10-8 – falling short of what would have been a remarkable comeback. The Blue Devils will likely be back as a county contender though graduation losses were heavy. Lefty Grant Como looks like the ace here and seniors Jake Alfano and Braedon Trajkovski had strong junior seasons.
Coach: Waldy Arias, 1st season
Last season record:4-13
Top letterwinners lost: Estarlin Rosario, Miguel Colon
Roster: Jayden Amarante (So., INF), Jourdan Bartlett (Sr., OF), Dayyan Beverly (Jr., OF), Andrew Cabrera (Sr., INF/P), Angel Cruz (So., P/OF), Jared Knight (Sr. OF/P), Benjamin La Paz (Sr., SS/P), Rhuell Morel (Fr., C), Ryan Castillo (Sr., INF/OF), Jasiah Wynn (Sr., 1B/P), Ronald Mateo (Jr., INF/P), Frandy Rodriguez (Jr., OF), Rafael Diaz (Fr., INF/P), Austin Mercedes (So., INF/ P), Robert Morris (Jr., INF), Yefferson Muñoz (Fr., INF/P)
Outlook: Pitching and defense have been the primary pre season focus for the Cardinals. Arias replaces Sean Radu, who stepped down after nine seasons. Junior Ronald Mateo, senior Ben La Paz, senior Andrew Cabrera and sophomore Angel Cruz look like the leaders. Arias is counting on big seasons from both Cabrera and Cruz on the mound and at the plate. Senior Jasiah Wynn is a 6-foot-7 first baseman who has been sound on defense and improved offensively.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Baseball preview: A look at area Skyland Conference and Union
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SKYLAND CONFERENCE
Delaware Division
BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN
Coach: Max Newell, 18th season
Last year’s record: 30-3, State Group 4, North 2, Somerset County, Skyland Delaware champs
Top letter winners lost: Matt Fattore (INF/RHP), Devin Goldberg (INF/OF), Joey Letko (OF/RHP), Cory Rible (RHP), Michael Taylor, Frankie Verano (OF), Joe Spirra (UTL), Mike Lentini (P)
Roster: Jack Lanum (Sr., P/SS/2B), Oscar Kilgallon (Sr., C/P), Matt Cichocki (Sr., 1B/OF/P), JR Rosado (Sr., C/P), Bobby Gillespie (Sr., P), Ethan Carey (Sr., P), LJ Aponte (Sr., P), Owen Crimmins (Sr., LHP), Matt Lehberger (Sr., OF/SS/2B), Kellan Komline (Jr., OF/P), Michael Lobosco (Jr.), Connor Price (Jr., 3B/P), Kevin Kelly (So., 3B/P), Nick Spirra (So., 1B/3B), Nico Moore (So., OF/P), Aarnav Vajjhala (Sr., P), Phil Alifano (Sr., C/2B), Drew Lipke (Sr., OF), Brad Sweet (Sr., OF), Joey Confalone (Jr., OF), Stephen Pikulin (Jr., OF), Colin Ricciardi, Josh Moore
Outlook: The ability is here to do exactly what was done last season. Senior catcher Jayden ‘JR’ Rosado and an experienced and talented pitching staff led by seniors Jack Lanum and Owen Crimmins and junior Kellan Komline are a solid core to start. The Panthers won their final 14 games last season, and this club is eager to resume. Senior catcher JR Rosado is back with the objective of improving on his 34 hits and 24 RBIs and Matthew Lehberger will be aiming to up his 33 hits. Matt Cichocki scored 30 runs, Owen Crimmins was 10-0, Kellan Komline threw to an 0.66 ERA and Jack Lanum to 1.05 ERA.
HILLSBOROUGH
Coach: Matt Mosko, 4th season
Last year’s record: 10-15
Top letter winners lost: Liam Gallagher (2B/SS), Max Romanok (3B/RHP), Alex Orr (P/1B), Jake Battagliese (OF), Peter Cipparulo (OF), JJ Lotierzo (OF), Jack McLaughlin (P), Shailen Patel (P/2B/SS), Logan Raganath (DH)
Roster: Alex Reiling (Sr., C/1B), Krish Patel (Sr., P), Garrett Herndon (Sr., C), Mark Ward (Sr., C), TJ Westlake (Sr., 1B/P), James Drinkwater, (Sr., 1B/P), Jason Williams (Sr., 2B/3B), Brian Quabeck (Sr., SS), Aidan Cooper (Sr., 3B/P), Andrew Advani (Sr., OF), Brayden Fox (Sr., OF/P), Rahil Shah (Sr., OF), Tommy Kester (Jr., OF), Elijah Dawes (So., 3B/SS), Anthony Guerrero (Jr., OF), Drew Kipila (Jr., OF), Shane Borer (Jr., P), Samuel Malone (Jr., INF), Apoorva Nigam (Jr., INF), Shane Khurana (Jr., OF)
Outlook: The Raiders will be out to find some consistency in their quest to get their first winning season since 2019. They didn’t win back-to-back games last season but did split 10 games in the rich division. Senior pitcher Krish Patel was a first-team division player last season. The Raiders have a skilled catcher in Alex Reiling and center fielder Andrew Advani was second team all-division.
HUNTERDON CENTRAL
Coach: Kevin Cuozzi, 9th season
Lost year’s record: 16-11
Top letter winners lost: Jack Brunetti (C/1B), Kaleb McGann (INF), Tyler Stallwood (INF), Tommy Baase (3B/RHP), Mike Contiliano (SS), Nick Augusta (RHP/RF/LF), Jared Jacobus LHP)
Roster: Danny Contiliano (Jr., CF), Soren Gregor (Jr., UTL/RHP), Kozak (Jr., UTL), Jesse Allen (Jr., UTL), Ryan Lundari (Sr., RHP)
Outlook: Senior righty Ryan Lundari and junior center fielder Danny Contiliano will give the Red Devils a strong core to get back to challenging for division, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex and section titles. Central has a roster full of versatile players and that will be a big factor in such a tough division. Expect varying lineups because of the players’ ability to play different roles.
IMMACULATA
Coach: Kevin Cust
Last season record: 17-9
Top letterwinners lost: Josh Thompson (P/INF), Danny Ferguson (C), Sean Henry (P), Nick Bozzo (P), Nick Giardina (P), Nick Watson (OF)
Roster: Jay Labrador (Sr., 3B), Jayden Capindica (Sr., OF), Colin Kassai (Sr., OF), Rob Sikorski (Sr., LHP), Will Macken (Sr., RHP), Aidan English (Sr., OF), Dan Brea (Sr., OF), Owen Schilling (Jr., C), Cole Raymond (Jr., LHP), Conor Quinn (Jr., 1B/P), Justin Labrador (So., SS), Nehemiah Diaz (Jr., INF), Tylor Cardoso (Sr., UTL), Kyle Bare (Sr., LHP), Chris Ryden (Sr., RHP), Ryan Auten (Jr., LHP), Jackson Trego (Jr., RHP), Jackson Lewis (Jr., UTL), Luca Cantanzarite (Fr., 2B), Michael Drelich (Jr., LHP), Jonathan Feltre (Fr., RHP)
Outlook: The Spartans went 17-9 last year and won a North Non-Public B title two season ago. Now, they added Wake Forest commit junior Ryan Auten – a transfer from Delaware Valley – at the top of their rotation. Sounds promising. They should expect to be one of the top non-public programs in the state. Owen Schilling, Jayson Labrador, Justin Labrador, Colin Kassai, and Jayden Capindica are all back.
NORTH HUNTERDON
Coach: Ben Yocum, 3rd season
Last year’s record: 20-6, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex champions
Top letter winners lost: Tyler Anderson (INF), Ben Linzer (RHP), Wyatt DeMeo (OF), Nick Hernandez (OF), Jesse Lance (INF)
Roster: Aaron Dorr (Sr., INF), Zach Fronio (Sr. LHP), Nick Politi (Sr., OF), Tim Raiello (Sr., P), Chris Sand (Sr., UTL), Brandon Suler (Sr., P), Christian Zamrok (Sr., INF), Graham Berry (Jr., INF), Hunter Brown (Jr., P), Nicholas DeSimone (Jr., P), Alex Famolari (Jr., P), Jack Goodman (Jr., OF) Connor Hansen (Jr., OF), Liam Kane (Jr., C), Zach Linzer (Jr., C), Brooks Lunger (Jr, P). Jadon Krisanda (So., P)
Outlook: Another potentially outstanding club with an impressive resume. Why not make a run for a North 2 Group 3 section and Skyland Delaware Division titles? The talent is present. Senior lefty and Boston College-commit Zach Fronio and senior Brandon Suler will lead the staff. Suler went five scoreless innings for the win Friday in the season-opening 8-1 win over Hopewell Valley. Senior righty Chris Sand (Rutgers commit) had Tommy John surgery in the offseason but may get time in the infield.
RIDGE
COACH: Tom Blackwell, 20th season
Last year’s record: 21-9
Top letter winners lost: Steven Dresner (OF), Max Faltas (P), Zack Kucerka (1B), Joshua LaTourette (OF), Ben Lerner (P/DH), Matthew Martine (1B), Charlie Paul (P), Andrew Reynolds (2B/P), Nick Rossi (C), Ezra Sadowsky (OF/P), Nick Sellitti (OF), Kevin Taylor (C), Brady Wilson (P/INF)
Roster: Matt Bober (Sr., UTL), Quinn Dashefsky (Sr., C), Andrew Foley (Sr., INF), Bode Ganny (Sr., 1B), Alex Kovatch (Sr., OF), Connor McLachlan (Sr., P), Aidan Stieglitz (Sr., P), Kieran Callanan (Jr., INF), Jake Dolan (Jr., OF/P), Lucas Grob ( Jr., INF), Lucas Liston (Jr., P), Ryan Luo (Jr., OF), Colin Newcomb ( Jr., OF), Tobias Nicholson (Jr., OF), Sawyer Paul (Jr., OF), Matt Pypcznske (Jr., C/INF), Dan Rafanello (Jr., 1B/P), Andy Yuan (Jr., P), Casey Kucerka (So., 3B/P), Dimitri Romer (So., INF/P)
Outlook: Junior infielder Kiernan Callahan and junior outfielder Jake Dolan were second team All-Skyland Delaware last season. Those two and senior Quinn Dashefsky had more than 20 hits. They also have years of experience in big games. Senior Aidan Stieglitz looks like he could be an ace here. No reason to think Ridge won't again be a factor at county and section tournament time.
Raritan Division
FRANKLIN
Coach: Derrick Castillo, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 10-13
Top letter winners lost: Ryan Mrotek (LHP), Warren Bell (RHP/1B), Jake Cruz (C)
Roster: Tim Attanasio (Sr., OF), Jacob Gordon (Sr., C), Devin Gorelick (Sr., UTL), Pranay Karthikeyan (Sr., 1B), Stanley Madera (Jr., 3B/P), Shay Patel (Sr., 2B ), Roderick Ray (Sr., OF/1B), Izaiah Robinson (Sr., OF/P), Shayne Rooney (Jr., OF/P), Mike Schiermeyer (Sr., SS/RHP), Dylan Shah (Jr., RHP/3B), Defraily Sosa (Jr., P), Jon Walker (Sr., C), Elijah Zavatsky (Jr., C/RHP), Pat Ziegler (Jr. UTL), Dyland Roche (So., SS/RHP)
Outlook: The Warriors finished 7-3 in the division, a second place to Immaculata, now residing in the Delaware. A strong core of seniors led by St. Peter’s University-commit shortstop Mike Schiermeyer and Caldwell University-commit and All-Area first team outfielder Isiah Robinson lead the way. Schiermeyer and Robinson were also first team all-division. Junior Stanley Madera was a second team all-division third baseman.
Roderick Ray will be a referred walk on at Kean University. Junior pitchers Madera, Shane Rooney and Dilan Shah got valuable varsity innings last season in the shadow of lefty ace and first team division player Ryan Mrotek. The Warriors’ baseball growth has been given a major boost from former Warrior and Rutgers’ Big 10 Player of the Year Josh Kuroda-Grauer, now playing in the Oakland Athletics’ system.
MONTGOMERY
Coach: Pete Mueller, 24th season
Last season: 8-18
Top letter winners lost: Lucas Heines (C), Cole Schulberg (C)
Roster: John Donahue (Sr., P/OF), Kenta Komotsu (Jr., INF/P), Shay Cheskis (Sr., OF), Evan Puleio (Sr., C/OF), Mason Neufeld (Sr., SS/P), Jake Hayes (Sr., P/1B), Michael Englert (Fr., OF), Sebastian Kyler (Fr., P/INF), Liam McDonnell (Sr., P/OF), Andrew Davis (Sr., 1B), Patrick Fogarty (So., P/INF), John Keeler (Sr., OF), Spencer Harris (Jr., OF), Luke Awadalla (Jr., 1B/P), Alex Bender (Soph., OF), Henry Maddox (So., P/1B), Saiyuj Kobla (So., C/1B), Jack Schmelzer (So., OF/1B)
Outlook: The Cougars lost 10 of their last 12 games last season. Can this be a season of significant improvement? They haven’t had a winning campaign since 2017 when they were 20-11. The Cougars will be very young outside of Seton Hall-commit John Donahue. Donahue, Neufeld and Komatsu will lead the offense.
SOMERVILLE
Coach: Chris Banos, 11th season
Last season: 10-16
Top letter winners lost: Ajay Cray (INF/OF), Will McNamara (C), Chase Wengryn (OF/P), Chase Insabella (OF), Jack Manning (1B), Dylan Hornick- (INF/P), Jacob Nash (INF), Mike Colantuono (P/OF), Jason Daleo (INF)
Roster: CJ Banos (Sr., 3B), Ryan Ciesla (Sr., P), Ethan Flynn (Sr., INF), Andrew Kessler (Sr., P/INF), Chase Koplitz (Sr., P/OF), Owen Melchione (Sr., C), Robby Wright (Sr., 1B/OF), Dalton Carman (Jr., P/INF), Jordan Snow (Jr., OF), Justin Snow (Jr., OF), Luca Aceto (Soph., P/INF), Michael Meyers (So., P/INF)
Outlook: The Pioneers move from the grind of the Skyland Delaware Division to the Raritan where they should contend for the division. Kean University-commit Chase Koplitz was a first team All-Delaware player and CJ Banos (NJ City University) and Ciesla (Stevens Institute) were on second team. Somerville has a surplus of pitching and there’s talent too. The Pioneers quest is to win a division title and get back into the county and section races.
WATCHUNG HILLS
Coach: Joe Tremarco, 23rd season
Last season: 14-15
Top letter winners lost: Jason Wu (INF), Will Hunsinger (OF)
Roster: Ethan Byrd (Sr., P), Rob Centamore (Jr., P), Jake Keirstead (Sr.), Ethan Clayton (Sr., P), Landon Pudlak (So., INF), Max Payne (Jr., P)
Outlook: The Warriors have some strong arms and supported it with sound defense last season. Pitchers Ethan Byrd, Robert Centamore, Max Eder and Max Payne give the Warriors quite a foursome. Byrd and senior catcher Jake Keirstead were first team all-division and Eder and Payne second team. Keirstead hit .356.
Valley Division
BERNARDS
Coach: Jeff Falzarano, 18th season
Last year’s record: 9-13-1
Top letter winners lost: Joey Cassella (P/INF), Henry Depew (OF/P), Ryan Gaglione (OF), Charlie Gonella (P/INF), Evan Hoeckele (P/INF), Connor Laverty (P/OF), Ryan Tondo (Sr., INF)
Roster: David DePierro (Sr., C/OF), Matt Falzarano (Sr., C), Jaden Farmer (Sr., P/OF), James Ferrante (Jr., P/UTL), Alex Fraunfelder (Jr., P/OF), James Gallagher (Jr., P/OF/1B), Terrence Hanratty (Sr., P/INF), Casey Hoeckele (Jr., P/INF), Sonny Liranzo (Jr., INF), Joey Santos (Sr., P), Matty Stefani (Sr., P/INF)
Outlook: The Mountaineers have been playing ‘up’ for years and it has certainly been a positive in the grind of the Skyland Conference. Bernards should be right in the middle of the division race. Senior catcher Matt Falzarano, a division first team player last season, begins his fourth season with a .344 career batting average. The catching position will be even more significant this season with a younger pitching staff. Junior pitcher Casey Hoeckele and senior pitcher Matty Stefani were second team all division last season. Senior David DePierro was an honorable mention pick.
DELAWARE VALLEY
Coach: Marty White, 22nd season
Last year’s record: 12-7-1
Top letter winners lost: Jack Reardon (RHP), Danny Shapiro (RHP), Kevin Hults (RHP), Jared Leeds (RHP), Luke Brogan (RHP/INF), Stoy Fohring (INF), Ryan Auten (Jr., LHP, transferred to Immaculata)
Roster: Mossimo Pecchia (Jr., RHP), Brady Reardon (Sr., RHP), Jimmy Hintenach (Sr., 2B/OF), Jack Hancsin (Sr., RHP), Tommy Denvir (So., RHP), Cooper Fransen (Jr., P/SS), David Hudock (Jr., C/1B), Dylan Rasimowicz (Fr., IF/OF/P), Gabriel Miller (So., P/OF/IF), Chris Cialone (So., P/3B/1B), Matt Feeney (Sr., P/OF/1B), Owen Neiber (Jr., DH), Carter Glacken (Fr., 3B/P)
Outlook: The Terriers will be very young. They lost all-division players Dan Shapiro and Jack Reardon to graduation and another one as promising junior lefty Ryan Austen transferred to Immaculata. Coach Marty White said the team lost seven starters and six of their best pitchers. The Terriers always seem to find their way as contenders at tournament time. To make that happen, Del Val will need to avoid mental errors and overcome the physical ones. Jimmy Hintenach was second team all-division and pitcher Jack Hancsin honorable mention.
GILL ST. BERNARDS
Coach: David Pasquale, 13th season
Last year’s record: 12-12-1
Top lettermen lost: John DiGregorio (C), Matt Park (3B/1B), Colin Chou (P/1B/CF), Dylan Sempervive (P/OF), Danny Sasse (OF), Michael Ricciardulli (OF/2B), Robert Kirsh (P/C)
Roster: Joey Dwek (Sr., LHP/OF), Bobby Niesmertelny (Jr., RHP/1B), Jack Markovich (Jr., SS/RHP), Joey Fava (Jr., LHP/OF), Jude Waters (Jr., 2B), Luc Jansson (Jr., C/IF), Steven McRae (Jr., P/OF), Declan Marcucci (So., OF), Drew Aromando (So., P/OF), Niko West (So., P/1B/3B), Gavin Bucceri (So., INF/P), Aksh Kothari (So., INF/OF), Andersen Eide (Fr., OF/P), Owen Ehrenkranz (Fr., P/OF/3B), Trip Hegarty (Fr. UTL), Noah Schultz (Fr., C)
Outlook: The Knights graduated some very good players in first team all-division players John DiGregorio and Colin Chou. But another first-teamer returns in shortstop Jack Markovich, who’s also a pitcher. Gill has but two seniors on the roster, but it is a deep club. Senior lefty Joey Dwek and sophomore Drew Aromando are two of the seasoned pitchers. Both made second team all-division last season.
PINGRY
Coach: Anthony Feltre, third season
Last year’s record: 9-13-1
Top letter winners lost: Alex Payne (P/1B), Kailar Ahn (RHP/SS), Neil Srikanth (RHP/3B)
Roster: Matthew Carrieri (Sr., OF), Joaquin Stevenson (Sr., 3B), Diego Galvan, (Sr., OF), Michael Cardona (Jr., RHP/OF), Cody Mattson, (Jr., RHP/1B), Ryan Moye (Jr., INF/RHP), Langston McDonald (So., RHP/INF), Aaron Wu (So., RHP/IF), Zach Zaslow (So., OF/INF), Shane Varneckas (So., RHP/OF/INF), Riley Wong (So., C/INF), Jakob Braun (Soph., RHP/INF), Jaxon Beal (So., OF), Matias Stevenson (So., INF), Sam deLaurier (Fr., INF/RHP), Albert Hong (Fr., RHP/OF), Mathew Hauck (Fr., C/OF/1B), Andrew Crowley (Fr., C), Lucas Blumberg (Fr., OF)
Outlook: Pingry moves from the Skyland Raritan to Valley Division and figure it a plus, though the Big Blue has proved it can play with upper-tier conference schools. Matt Carrier returns after a season in which he made second team all-division. The Big Blue is deep and that should lead to perhaps more wins than expected.
RUTGERS PREP
Coach: Larry Santowasso, 30th season
Last year’s record: 12-15
Top letter winners lost: Max Treonze (RHP), Evan Laub (2B)
Roster: Ethan Nepomuceno (Jr., C/INF), Maddox Chu (Jr., C/OF), Cody Rullo (Sr., OF), Ryan Takacs (So., OF/P), Jake Brown (So., 3B/P), Anuj Banireddy (Jr., P), Alex Perez (So., SS/3B), Peter Wheeler (Jr., P/INF), Mason Cimini (Soph., P/1B), Micah Krugar-Serrano (So., C), Li Perez (Jr., P/OF), Matt Bilmes (Jr., P/INF), Peter Liu (So., INF/OF), Roshan Jagannathan (Fr., UTL), Oliver Cohen (So., UTL)
Outlook: Rutgers Prep is only a couple seasons removed from winning four one-run games to win the Somerset County Tournament. They followed that up by advancing to the North Non-Public B final where the Args lost 4-3 to St. Mary Rutherford. They have graduated ace Max Treonze and second baseman Evan Laub, who contributed so much in that run. But Santowasso’s club might be a good ‘sleeper’ pick in this division that looks wide open. The Args move from the Raritan to Valley divisions. They opened the season Saturday as junior Li Perez – a Seton Hall commit – threw a five-inning, 10-strikeout perfect game in a 11-0 triumph against Manville in a Skyland Conference inter division contest. Young talent is behind players like Maddox Chu, Ethan Nepomuceno and Cody Rullo, who were all second team division players last season. Peter Wheeler made honorable mention.
Mountain Division
BOUND BROOK
Coach: Dave LoPoidevin, 5th season
Last year’s nrecord: 5-11
Top letter winners lost: Damian Ogonowski (RHP/INF), Jarred Wooden (CF)
Roster: Aiden Boehm (So., 1B/P), Julian Chacon (Fr., RF), Jon Coiro (Sr., INF/OF), Lucas Coleman (Sr. UTL/RHP), Ryan Cunya (Fr., SS), Raymond Konkle (Sr., C/INF), Emilio Sereno (Fr., 2B), Jacob Salkeld (Sr., OF/INF.), Vinny Wisniewski (So., UTL), Jayden Cruz (So., UTL)
Outlook: Bound Brook’s sub high school programs are slowly building the Crusader foundation in the sport. Boehm is one of the products with veterans Coleman, Coiro and Konkle part of the field leadership. The Crusaders opened the season Friday with a 12-2 home loss to Dunellen. They play host to Plainfield Tuesday is another non-conference game before opening the Skyland Mountain Division season next Tuesday at home with Belvidere.
MANVILLE
Coach: Rob Snyder, 12th season
Last year: 11-9
Key losses: James Mascola, Sebastian Carvajal, Louis Kotyuk, Aidan Shimp
Outlook: The Mustangs will be after a third straight winning season. Manville has graduated 22 players from teams that won 25 games in that span. This year's squad returns five players with experience in D'Ambrosio, Canica, Petrone, and both Shimps. Junior Nate Guerrazzi had a solid pre-season earning him a spot in the lineup. The Mustangs are going to rely on that experience very early in the season while the newcomers get up to speed. Snyder expects solid contributions from freshmen Wright, Canuso, and the Johnson brothers. Sophomores Honkisz, Castellucci, and Bucciero are also expected to contribute.
SOUTH HUNTERDON
Coach: Ben Donaghy, 2nd season
Last year’s record: 13-10
Top letter winners lost: Dillon Gallagher (RHP/SS/1B), Cooper Currie (RHP), Aaron Zalescik (C/OF/RHP), Anthony Venettone (INF/RHP), Danny Rose (INF/C/RHP), Ryder Manfready (OF)
Roster: Nate Lawton (Sr., RHP/OF), Aaron Parisi (Sr., SS), Ed Cooper (Sr., 1B/DH), Trevor Lingerfield (Jr., INF), Landon Katz (Jr., OF/1B/P), Tyler Silverman (Sr., C), Zach Naughton (Jr., C/RHP)
Outlook. The Eagles nearly won the division last season. South finished 6-2 in division, a game behind Warren Hills. Lawton and Cooper were first team all-division last season. South opened the season Saturday with a 13-7 win at Paulsboro. Cooper, Lawton and Lingerfield drove in two runs apiece.
VOORHEES
Coach: Ryan Cahill, 1st season
Last year’s record: 7-18
Top letter winners lost: Brandon Aulert (INF),Ian Carlson (INF/OF), Joe Nolan (C), Dylan Jordan (1B/P)
Roster: Bryen Flaherty (Sr., 2B/P), Matteo Tramutola (Jr., P/1B/OF), Carter Nielsen (Jr., SS), Joe Wernicki (So., SS), Brenton Ansbach (Sr., 3B/P), Alexander Dyevich (Jr., 1B/P), Dylan Vernick (Jr., OF/P), Julian Liu (Fr., OF), Ryan Knapp (Jr. OF/P), Jack Schlaudecker (So., INF/P), Navio Delgado (So., C)
Outlook: Cahill replaces Corey Kent who led the Vikings to a state Group 2 title and 25-4 season in 2021. The Vikings have switched places with Warren Hills with the Blue Streaks moving up to the Skyland Valley and the Vikes taking the spot in the Mountain.
UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE
Watchung Division
GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON
Coach: Chris Roof, 25th season
Last season record: 28-5
Top letterwinners lost: Matthew Shaffer (2B/SS), Matthew Kosuda (UTL)
Roster: Matty Diskin (Sr., 1B/P), Anthony DeNora (Sr., OF/P), Zach Geerstma (Jr., SS), Michael Novotny (Jr., LHP/1B), Dom Labisi (Jr., RHP/3B), Keith Mann (Jr., RHP),
Outlook: The Highlanders have become perennial contenders for county, section and state titles. They captured their fourth Group 2 state and Union County Tournament titles and matched a program record for wins in a season last year. They return plenty of players who made it happen and could do it all again. Junior shortstop Zach Geertsma, a University Virginia commit, and senior Stetson University-bound right hander Matty Diskin return. And much more behind those two. They look to repeat as state and county champions for the first time.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Coach: Chris Brodeur, 18th season
Last season record: 11-14
Top letterwinners lost: Robby Roth (INF/LHP), Luca Vitale (OF/LHP), Andrew Kowatntz (OF/RHP)
Roster: Ethan Cifarelli (Sr., RHP/3B), Troy Faucher (Jr., C), Matt Santacross (So., LHP/OF),Vince Graziano (Sr., LHP/1B), James Miller (Sr., RHP/IF), Kyle Felt (Sr., OF), Patrick Valeo (Sr., OF) Eric Yu (Sr., OF), Christian Benward (Jr., UTL), Devin Cumiskey (Jr., UTL), James Keneally (Jr., UTL), Thomas LaGana (Jr., UTL), Rhys Mozian (Jr., UTL),
Alex Chomiak (So., UTL), Andrew Kruep (Soph., UTL), Michael Schmidt (So., UTL)
Outlook: Ethan Ciarelli will be out to master the No. 1 spot in the Pioneers rotation. He will pitch for Alvernia University next year.
The team will be a mix of returning players and newcomers. New Prov has been drilling on eliminating poor play through emphasizing key situational hitting. Pitching depth and defensive versatility are strengths for a team looking to chase county, section and division success.
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD
Coach: John ‘JR’ Luccarelli, 1st season
Last season’s record: 20-9
Top letter winners lost: Jaden Carpien (INF), Evan Doyle (P/1B), Luke Doyle (INF), Chris Kennedy (INF), Matt Greisman (OF), Javier Gutierrez (OF), Anthony Veglia (1B/P/C), Matt Capozzolo (P), Joe DeFrancesco (INF/OF), Ryan Quinones (P/OF)
Roster: Jackson Lorenzetti (Sr., INF), Jack Sponheimer (Sr., OF), CJ Bates (Sr., P/1B), Michael Bellistri (Sr., C), Sam Beirne (Sr., P/INF), Joe LaRosa (Jr., OF), Alex Bolton (Jr., OF/INF), Jack Byrne (Jr., P/INF), Thomas Dowling (So., C), Clay Friedrichs (Jr., INF), Brenden Gallagher (Sr., C)
Outlook: The Raiders will be a young team and miss some of their graduated leaders from a team that won the Union County Conference Watchung Division. C.J. Bates and Jack Byrne are experienced pitchers. Jack Sponheimer, Joe LaRosa and Alex Bolton will be the core on both offense and defense. Jack Masterman and Jackson Lorenzetti have been contesting the third base and shortstop positions. Luccarelli, a physical education teacher in the district, replaces Joe Higgins, who was Raiders coach for 10 seasons.
WESTFIELD
Coach: Jay Cook, 6th season
Last season record: 19-7
Top letter winners lost: Tomas Cestero (Sr., RHP/OF), Jack Chavez (Sr., RHP), Randy Davis (Sr., 3B), Kevin Dowling (Sr., OF), Kellen Edwards (Sr., OF)
Roster: Grant Como (Sr., LHP), Jake Alfano (Sr., INF/1B), Brady Trajkovski (Sr., INF)
Outlook: The Blue Devils lost a memorable Union County Tournament final to state champ Governor Livingston 10-8 – falling short of what would have been a remarkable comeback. The Blue Devils will likely be back as a county contender though graduation losses were heavy. Lefty Grant Como looks like the ace here and seniors Jake Alfano and Braedon Trajkovski had strong junior seasons.
Valley Division
PLAINFIELD
Coach: Waldy Arias, 1st season
Last season record:4-13
Top letterwinners lost: Estarlin Rosario, Miguel Colon
Roster: Jayden Amarante (So., INF), Jourdan Bartlett (Sr., OF), Dayyan Beverly (Jr., OF), Andrew Cabrera (Sr., INF/P), Angel Cruz (So., P/OF), Jared Knight (Sr. OF/P), Benjamin La Paz (Sr., SS/P), Rhuell Morel (Fr., C), Ryan Castillo (Sr., INF/OF), Jasiah Wynn (Sr., 1B/P), Ronald Mateo (Jr., INF/P), Frandy Rodriguez (Jr., OF), Rafael Diaz (Fr., INF/P), Austin Mercedes (So., INF/ P), Robert Morris (Jr., INF), Yefferson Muñoz (Fr., INF/P)
Outlook: Pitching and defense have been the primary pre season focus for the Cardinals. Arias replaces Sean Radu, who stepped down after nine seasons. Junior Ronald Mateo, senior Ben La Paz, senior Andrew Cabrera and sophomore Angel Cruz look like the leaders. Arias is counting on big seasons from both Cabrera and Cruz on the mound and at the plate. Senior Jasiah Wynn is a 6-foot-7 first baseman who has been sound on defense and improved offensively.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Baseball preview: A look at area Skyland Conference and Union
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