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Highlights every day from across the State
Camden’s Chestnut Commits to Syracuse
Duce Chestnut does it all on the football field for Camden. Offense, defense, and special teams, Chestnut is a play-maker at any position for The High. The four-star rising senior announced his college decision on Sunday afternoon, committing to Syracuse. Chestnut chose the Orange over Louisville, Miami, Michigan State and Rutgers. He was recently profiled in JSZ’s A to Z series of top players in New Jersey we’re excited to see in 2020. Watch our profile here: Here’s JSZ’s highlight reel of Duce at quarterback, wide receiver and DB for Camden in 2019: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.
Reflecting on The Last Dance
In a year that’s often felt hopeless for New Jersey high school athletes, the Last Dance Tournament offered optimism. Thousands of players took part in an event that will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was three games, or three weeks, the high school baseball community found a piece of something that was […].....Read More »
Cranford freshman commits to Georgia Tech
Ryan Jaros made a huge impact during the Cougars Last Dance World Series Championship. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from one of NJ’s rising stars on the diamond A Division I commitment as a freshman is rare, but Cranford third baseman Ryan Jaros is a rare talent. Jaros has given a verbal commitment to play in […].....Read More »
Gov. Murphy Hopeful For Safe Return to NJ HS Sports
The Last Dance World Series accomplished plenty over its three-week stretch: seniors were given a final memory with their teams and a true state champion was crowned after spring sports were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the 222-team baseball tournament achieved another goal, as well. It’s now being viewed as a successful and […].....Read More »
Cranford is the Last One Dancing!
The Cougars leave no doubt as they claim New Jersey’s Last Dance World Series championship in convincing fashion with a 12-2 win in five innings over Jackson Memorial in Trenton. Watch JSZ’s extended highlights and team coverage of the final game in this remarkable tournament Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance World Series highlights were brought […].....Read More »
"RWJBarnabas Health Top Plays of the Last Dance Baseball Tournament"
Baseball is back and so are JSZ Top Plays! Coming up July 17, Jersey Sports Zone will bring you the top plays captured by our cameras and ask for your vote through the weekend. The Top Play from the first week of the Last Dance Tournament will win an RWJ Barnabas Game Ball which we’ll present in front of the whole team.
RWJBarnabas Health has stepped up to the plate to be the presenting sponsor of the Last Dance Baseball Tournament. Their support is allowing kids across the state to have a special tournament experience and play with their teammates one more time.
Vote now for RWJBarnabas Last Dance Week Two Top Play!
How the Voting Works
Every Vote Counts
Our voting polls work very simply…every vote for someone counts. You may vote as many times as you’d like, but you cannot use a bot to vote continuously or automatically…we have software that detects bots and then disqualifies those votes.
Don’t be alarmed…
Because the votes come in very fast and in large numbers, there are times when you vote for someone and you might see their percentage of the actual vote drop. This is due to the fact that during the voting period, thousands of votes can be registered in a matter of a few minutes, so if another athlete is receiving a larger number of votes, their percentage will increase, while the people with fewer votes will see their overall percentage decrease.
Last Dance Baseball Tournament
Reflecting on The Last Dance
In a year that’s often felt hopeless for New Jersey high school athletes, the Last Dance Tournament offered optimism. Thousands of players took part in an event that will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was three games, or three weeks, the high school baseball community found a piece of something that was lost. Players, coaches, parents and fans got to say goodbye to the season on their own terms. Jersey Sports Zone presents a special Last Dance video essay: Our thanks to Sterling National Bank and to RWJBarnabas Health for making JSZ’s Last Dance coverage possible.
Cranford is the Last One Dancing!
The Cougars leave no doubt as they claim New Jersey’s Last Dance World Series championship in convincing fashion with a 12-2 win in five innings over Jackson Memorial in Trenton. Watch JSZ’s extended highlights and team coverage of the final game in this remarkable tournament Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance World Series highlights were brought to you by Sterling National Bank Cranford 12 Jackson Memorial 2 (5 Innings) | Last Dance World Series Championship Cranford came into single elimination play as the #13 seed out of the North but ended July as the undisputed top team in New Jersey with its third consecutive rout of a highly ranked state baseball power. The Cougars outscored Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic and the Jaguars by 34-2. Cranford jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first and put the game away with a devastating eight-run second inning. Joe Corea pitched outstanding and went the distance to seal the championship. JSZ brings you extended highlights as well as post-game reaction from Arm&Hammer Ballpark in Trenton: Thanks to Louro Chiropractic Center for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Jackson Memorial through the Last Dance World Series Jersey Sports Zone’s post-game coverage and championship features is brought to you by RWJBarnabas Health, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series
Watch Wednesday 7.30 Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
There was hardware up for grabs on Wednesday night, with the Last Dance North and South Region championship games. JSZ has complete coverage of both games with highlights and reaction. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. South Region Final | FirstEnergy Park Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 4 Saders Baseball (Bishop Eustace) 3 The Jags fell behind 3-0 early, but came back to win it and capture the Jim Brown Memorial Trophy. Carmine Petosa was clutch all night long, driving in three runs in the victory. Tom Cartnick also drove in a run for Jackson Memorial. Zach Crotchfelt came on in relief and pitched the Jags into the Last Dance Tournament final. JSZ’s Mike Frankel and Nery Rodriguez have the highlights and reaction from the home of the Blue Claws: Coverage of Jackson Memorial is made possible by Louro Chiropractic Center. North Region Final | Skylands Stadium Cougars Baseball (Cranford) 10 BC Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) 0 (6 innings) The #13 seed continued its dominating play in the North Region with a 10-run outburst against another Bergen County non-public power. The Cougars scored three runs in the first and never looked back as lefty Rob Salvatore was brilliant in a three hit shutout going the distance and striking out six. Joe Meola paced the Cougars bats with a 5 RBI night. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis and Jay Cook bring you the Cougars title winning performance from Skylands Stadium: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is being brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview and post-game MVP interviews this week are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series.
Last Dance continues this week with Elite 8
From 222 teams, we’re down to the Elite 8 in the Last Dance World Series. JSZ looks ahead to Tuesday’s quarterfinals and sets the schedule for this week’s game’s that ends with one overall champion! The first week of the Last Dance World Series saw 222 teams whittle down to 32 region champions. Last week saw the start of single elimination play and we have arrived at the Elite 8. Check out our video that shows who’s still standing in this amazing tournament: Last Dance World Series Schedule Tuesday South Semifinals at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood Sader Baseball Club (Bishop Eustace) vs. Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic), 3:00 p.m. Falcons Baseball (St. Joe-Metuchen) vs. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 7:00 p.m. Both South games at Lakewood are SOLD OUT North Semifinals at TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset Tidal Wave (Delbarton) vs. Bergen Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) 10:00 a.m. Cranford vs. Diamond Backs (Don Bosco Prep) 1:00 p.m. Wednesday South Championship at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood 7:00 p.m. North Championship at Skylands Stadium in Augusta 7:00 p.m. Friday Last Dance Championship at Arm&Hammer Park in Trenton 7:00 p.m. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance highlights are made possible by Sterling National Bank and our post-game coverage and Last Dance features during championship week are brought to you by RWJBarnabas Health
Vote now for RWJBarnabas Last Dance Week Two Top Play
The Web Gems were off the charts in single elimination play across the state. Check out the top plays captured by JSZ cameras from Week Two of the Last Dance World Series and cast your vote! Baseball’s back and RWJBarnabas is helping JSZ celebrate its return with the top plays captured by our cameras from the second week of the Last Dance High School World Series. Watch the video below and then cast your vote for your favorite highlight. The winner of our poll will win a JSZ Game Ball and we’ll make a presentation next week during the last week of the Last Dance. The polls stay open through Sunday at 12 noon Take Our Poll Last Week, the Howell duo of Ryan Behnken and Chis Acampora won top play for their 7-2 double play against Monmouth Regional. We brought Game Balls and JSZ masks to the Rebels! Thanks to RWJBarnabas for sponsoring JSZ’s Top Plays and being the presenting sponsor of the Last Dance World Series
Watch Thursday 7.23 Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
We’re down to the Elite 8 in the 222-team Last Dance Tournament. JSZ has highlights from a pair of games at Caven Point in Jersey City as Delbarton and St. Peter’s conclude their game from Wednesday’s rainout and Bergen Catholic and Millburn close out Week Two. On Wednesday, JSZ has highlights from seven Sweet 16 games around the state. The final two slots in the Elite 8 were decided at Caven Point in Jersey City. Watch JSZ’s highlights of Delbarton/St. Peter’s Prep and Bergen Catholic/Millburn! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. North Region | Round of 16 | Caven Point Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 10 St. Peter’s Prep (Maroon and Silver) 6 Delbarton was three outs away from elimination before mounting a seven run rally in the top of the 7th to reach the Elite 8. St. Peter’s Prep had a 4-2 lead in the 4th inning when rain and lightning forced the game to move from Skylands Stadium on Wednesday night to Caven Point on Thursday at noon. Jack O’Donnell’s 2 run single gave the Marauders a 6-3 lead heading into the 7th but Delbarton was able to bat around and take the lead on a Kyle Vinci hit by pitch with the bases loaded. JSZ has the seventh inning rally and much from Jersey City: Bergen Catholic (BC Crusaders) 5 Millburn 3 After falling behind 3-1 in the middle innings, Bergen Catholic employed a small-ball mentality to turn the tide of this game. The Crusaders also leaned on a strong outing from their bullpen to stave off a hungry Millburn team. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!
Feature Stories
Reflecting on The Last Dance
In a year that’s often felt hopeless for New Jersey high school athletes, the Last Dance Tournament offered optimism. Thousands of players took part in an event that will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was three games, or three weeks, the high school baseball community found a piece of something that was lost. Players, coaches, parents and fans got to say goodbye to the season on their own terms. Jersey Sports Zone presents a special Last Dance video essay: Our thanks to Sterling National Bank and to RWJBarnabas Health for making JSZ’s Last Dance coverage possible.
Gov. Murphy Hopeful For Safe Return to NJ HS Sports
The Last Dance World Series accomplished plenty over its three-week stretch: seniors were given a final memory with their teams and a true state champion was crowned after spring sports were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the 222-team baseball tournament achieved another goal, as well. It’s now being viewed as a successful and potential blueprint for the safe return to high school sports in New Jersey. Prior to first pitch a the LDWS final, Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Paul Sarlo spoke with Jersey Sports Zone about how student-athletes can safely get back to playing scholastic sports in the fall and beyond. Both lawmakers are hopeful there will be official seasons. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from Trenton: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Last Dance World Series is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health – the tournament’s title sponsor.
Your Ultimate Guide for the LDWS Title Game
What started as a 222-team pool of high school baseball teams earlier this month has been pared down to two final programs. Cougars Baseball (Cranford) and Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) have played through two weeks of baseball and earned their shot to vie for the Last Dance World Series championship, set to be played at Arm & Hammer Park on Friday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. JSZ’s team of multimedia journalists have covered each team extensively leading up to the title game. Who are the top players on each team? What are the biggest storylines around each program? Our Jay Cook and Nery Rodriguez answer those questions and more in our LDWS Championship Preview. Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview of the Last Dance World Series title game is presented to you by RWJ Barnabas Health, the tournament’s title sponsor. How They Got Here Cougars Baseball (Cranford) Cranford had big expectations coming into 2020 as they were set to be one of the top teams in all of Union County. Their balance of small ball, timely hitting and clutch pitching proved to be a recipe for success throughout the LDWS. The Cougars, who entered the tournament as the No. 13 seed, defeated Montclair (2019 Greater Newark Tournament champions), Ridgewood (2019 Group 4 state champions), Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic en route to capture the Ben Luderer Memorial Trophy as LDWS North Region champions. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) The No. 1 seed in the South region showed why they had the firepower to be one of the state’s best teams if the New Jersey spring sports season wasn’t cancelled. Jackson head coach Greg Malta has deployed a star-studded lineup loaded with big bats and Power 5 prospects who have suffocated opposing pitching staffs. Don’t forget about the Jags’ own aces on the mound who equally stifled the competition before convincingly raising the Jim Brown Memorial Trophy as South Jersey champs Wednesday night. Jersey Sports Zone’s highlights from the Last Dance World Series has been brought to you by Sterling National Bank
Millburn OF’s Stellar Grab Earns JSZ Top Play Honor
Jersey Sports Zone visits the Millburn Millers to celebrate an incredible play from the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and deliver an RWJBarnabas Game Ball. JSZ multimedia journalists were in all corners of the states throughout the Last Dance World Series and captured some incredible plays on the diamond. Millburn centerfielder Matthew Chan made an acrobatic, diving grab in center to save numerous runs in the Millers’ game against Bergen Catholic. We delivered the game ball and custom JSZ masks to the winners. Many thanks to everyone who voted for this week’s top play from the Last Dance World Series. Take Our Poll Thanks to RWJ Barnabas Health, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series, for sponsoring our coverage of the Top Plays!
JSZ A to Z: Top HS Football Players We’re Excited to See in 2020
Today’s “JSZ A to Z” Feature: Zaire Angoy, Irvington DT We reach the end of the road in our JSZ A to Z series with Zaire Angoy. The Irvington defensive tackle showed his ability to attract double teams and still make plays. After losing weight and joining the wrestling team, Angoy became highly recruited and ultimately chose to stay close to home at Rutgers. Watch our final feature in this exciting series: “JSZ A to Z” Features Click the name to watch the video. A Jaiden Abrams, Hammonton Steve Angeli, Bergen Catholic Aaron Armitage, Blair Academy B Kharyi Banton, Newark West Side Tahj Bullock, St. Peter’s Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul Catholic C Duce Chestnut, Camden Alijah Clark, Camden Amari Clark, Woodrow Wilson D Ah-Shaun Davis, Willingboro Carnell Davis, St. Augustine Charles DePrima, Ramapo Cookie Desiderio, Somerville E Audric Estime, St. Joe’s (Mont.) F Cole Freeman, Delbarton Frankie Monte, St. Joe’s (Mont.) G Mikai Gbayor, Irvington Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei Prep Keshon Griffin St. Joseph (Hamm.) H “Hollywood” Robinson, Penns Grove I Desmond Igbinosun, Union J Mike Jarvis, Shawnee Giye Jenkins, Seton Hall Prep K Jake Kazanowsky, Toms River North Jake Ketschek, St. Augustine L Casey Larkin, Wall Donovan Leary, Timber Creek Ali Lee, Jr., Woodbridge Jake Louro, Red Bank Catholic M Tywon Malone, Bergen Catholic Camron McNair, Donovan Catholic Bryce Myers, Bridgewater-Raritan N Naran Buntin, Mater Dei Prep O Gordon Ogden, Red Bank Regional P Avery Powell, St. Peter’s Prep Q Matt Quetel, Phillipsburg R George Rooks, St. Peter’s Prep Frank Riggio, Verona Ryan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven S Keon Sabb, Williamstown Justin Shorter, Blair Academy Patrick Smith, Holy Spirit Ricky “Pop” Spruill, Notre Dame T Will Towns, Jackson Memorial Jordan Thompson, Parsippany Hills U Kanye Udoh, St. Augustine Prep V Geno VanDeMark, St. Joe’s (Mont.) John Volker, Rumson-Fair Haven W Kevin Wigenton II, Hun School X Xavier Coleman, Lenape Y Yah-Sin Calhoun, Freehold Boro Z Zaire Angoy, Irvington
Murphy talks Last Dance, High School Fall Sports with JSZ
Thousands of fans across the state enjoyed the Last Dance Baseball Tournament over the past three days including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who was at Count Basie Field in Red Bank to watch the regional championship game between Howell and Neptune. Murphy took time to talk with Jersey Sports Zone about the success of the first major sporting event since the COVID-19 pandemic and the prospects of high school sports in the Fall:
Recruiting
Camden’s Chestnut Commits to Syracuse
Duce Chestnut does it all on the football field for Camden. Offense, defense, and special teams, Chestnut is a play-maker at any position for The High. The four-star rising senior announced his college decision on Sunday afternoon, committing to Syracuse. Chestnut chose the Orange over Louisville, Miami, Michigan State and Rutgers. He was recently profiled in JSZ’s A to Z series of top players in New Jersey we’re excited to see in 2020. Watch our profile here: Here’s JSZ’s highlight reel of Duce at quarterback, wide receiver and DB for Camden in 2019: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.
Cranford freshman commits to Georgia Tech
Ryan Jaros made a huge impact during the Cougars Last Dance World Series Championship. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from one of NJ’s rising stars on the diamond A Division I commitment as a freshman is rare, but Cranford third baseman Ryan Jaros is a rare talent. Jaros has given a verbal commitment to play in the ACC for Georgia Tech. He made the announcement via social media: I am excited and humbled to announce that I will be continuing my baseball and academic career at Georgia Tech. First, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity. Next, I want to thank all the coaches, teammates, friends and family that have supported me. #GoJackets pic.twitter.com/31dW1WlZtp— Ryan Jaros (@rjaros9) August 1, 2020 The 2020 high school baseball season never happened due to COVID-19 but Jaros was able to make an incredible debut on the varsity level. The Cranford 3rd baseman was immediately thrust into the Cougars starting lineup and consistently deliver big hits during the Last Dance World Series. Jaros had a bases-clearing three-run double in the championship game against Jackson Memorial, a two-run triple against Bergen Catholic and a 4 RBI game against Don Bosco Prep. His high school career is just nine games but he’s already put together an impressive highlight reel. Check out why Georgia Tech has picked up one of New Jersey’s rising stars:
Duke commit Adam Boucher shines in Last Dance Tournament
St. Joseph Metuchen’s Adam Boucher is one of Middlesex County’s premiere pitching talents. Boucher finished 2019 with just 15 earned runs, 25 hits allowed and 72 strikeouts to bring his career total to 101. As a Senior campaign looked unlikely just a few weeks ago for the Duke University commit, he got the chance to lace it up once again for the Falcons in the Last Dance Baseball Tournament and made the most of the opportunity by striking out seven batters and allowing no hits or runs. Check out his highlight reel and combined no-hitter below: Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank
Aaron Lewis Transfers to Rutgers
Recent Williamstown grad Aaron Lewis entered the transfer portal last week after leaving Michigan. Lewis wanted to be closer to home because of a family issue, and has landed at Rutgers. Lewis made the announcement on his Twitter account on Monday: After deep discussions with my family, I’ve decided it’s best for me to continue my academic and athletic career at Rutgers University where I will be closer to home. @RUCoachFran @CoachPanagos @GregSchiano pic.twitter.com/RMp1tVAC61— aaron.lewis84 (@aaron_lewis71) July 20, 2020 Lewis helped lead Willimstown to back-to-back South Jersey Group 5 titles in his final two seasons at the school. Take at look at Lewis in action for the Braves with our 2019 JSZ All-Zone profile:
BREAKING: Jonathan Kuminga Signs Deal with NBA’s G League
One of the nation’s best basketball players, who briefly called New Jersey home this past winter, is headed to the big stage. That player in Jonathan Kuminga, the 6-8 star wing, who ultimately played his junior season/final year of high school basketball at The Patrick School. Kuminga was rated across the board by nearly every recruiting outlet as the top player in the country in the Class of 2021. However, Kuminga was able to graduate from TPS this spring and reclassify as a senior. No. 1 2021 prospect Jonathan Kuminga (@JonathanKuming6) has reclassified to the 2020 high school class and will sign in the NBA G League pro pathway program, he tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2020 Watch Kuminga’s Junior Season Highlights HERE Multiple outlets are reporting that Kuminga’s deal with the G League is in the $500,000 range for this upcoming season. Kuminga, who is a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has long been viewed as a sure-fire No. 1 overall NBA lottery pick since coming to the U.S. He spent two seasons at Our Savior New American high school in New York before transferring to The Patrick School last year. He averaged 16.2 points per game this season and was one of five finalists for JSZ’s 2020 Mr. Hoop Zone Player of the Year award. Kuminga decided to go the G League route over numerous elite Power 5 basketball programs like Duke, Texas Tech, Kentucky and Auburn. Stay tuned with JSZ for all the latest recruiting news and updates athletes from the Garden State.
Ramapo QB, Shore RB is Harvard Bound
The Ivy League continues to get outstanding student athletes from New Jersey. Charles DePrima is on his way to Boston and the Crimson. Watch his JSZ highlight reel and his A to Z feature! One of NJ’s top quarterbacks is Ivy League bound. Charles DePrima has given a verbal commitment to play for Harvard. DePrima was one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks across the entire Garden State in 2019. DePrima’s first season was stellar as he accounted for 2,065 passing yards with 15 touchdowns to only three interceptions along with another 1,201 yards on the ground with 17 more scores. DePrima will lead Ramapo next season again as they ride on a 26-game win streak. He made his commitment on Friday night via social media: Harvard Football ‘25 #committed #GoCrimson pic.twitter.com/WJXpcd1jLY— Charles DePrima (@_charlesdeprima) July 3, 2020 We featured DePrima in our A to Z series profiling the top players we’re excited to see this upcoming football season. Check out our breakdown of the Ramapo QB: Less than a week later, Shore Regional running back Shane McLaughlin committed to Harvard. COMMITTED to HARVARD 100% #CRIMXXI pic.twitter.com/TaEu158w6y— Shane McLaughlin (@shane5_M) July 10, 2020
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