Current News
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Timothy Christian’s Ronnie Burwan Wins JSZ North Game Ball!
It’s one thing to be nominated for a Jersey Sports Zone game ball, but then its another thing when your school community votes for you over 14,000 times to win. That was the case for Timothy Christian point guard Ronnie Burwan, who’s 26-point outing against Dunellen last week earned him Week Two honors for the JSZ North Jersey basketball game ball. JSZ’s Jay Cook stopped by practice to present Burwan with his award: JSZ Game Ball Results Take Our Poll
Watch Thursday 1.16 JSZ Basketball Highlights
Thursday was a monster day on the high school hardwood, with tremendous games all over the state. Check back throughout the night as JSZ brings you highlights from two major North Jersey games along with another pair of huge South Jersey matchups! Roselle Catholic 68 Elizabeth 63 Roselle Catholic continues to show why they’re one […].....Read More »
St. Peter’s Shocks St. Joe’s With Walk-Off Pin
St. Peter’s Prep 36 St. Joe’s (Mont.) 35 With the match on the line and needing six team points to win, St. Peter’s Prep 120-pounder Patrick Adams delivered a walk-off pin late in the third period to spark the Marauders’ come-from-behind victory over St. Joe’s (Mont.). The match started at 132 pounds. The Green Knights […].....Read More »
Wildwood Catholic Hits the Century Mark in Win over St. Joe
Wildwood Catholic 101 St. Joseph (Hamm.) 82 The Crusaders dynamic duo of Jahlil White and Taj Thweatt lit it up in North Wildwood in a win over the Wildcats. White (Temple commit) scored 37 points, while Thweatt (West Virginia commit) dropped 36 points. Marcus Pierce scored a team-high 28 points in the loss for St. […].....Read More »
Watch Wednesday 1.15 JSZ Hockey Highlights
We’ve got Wednesday high school hockey on Jersey Sports Zone. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has Robbinsville hosting Shore Conference foe Wall and Rich Chrampanis has highlights from the Red Bank Armoy and an impressive effort from the Red Bank Regional Bucs Robbinsville 6 Wall 4 Robbinsville picked up their third straight win with a 6-4 victory […].....Read More »
"JSZ Polls"
Vote now for JSZ’s second round of Game Balls!
Vote Every Sunday
Each week JSZ will bring you ten nominations, for current sports in different regions for our Game Ball Awards. These nominations are composed of athletes who had top, player of the week-worthy, performances across the State. You’ll be able to vote for your favorite athlete…the votes tallied, and the winners will be awarded a JSZ Game Ball & Game Ball Ceremony. (Polls closes every Tuesday at 3PM)
A sample of some polls are below.
Download our app to keep up to date with our latest news!
Reminder!
You can always nominate a deserving player for a Game Ball! Just email us (rich@jerseysportszone.com) with the following information:
- The player’s Name
- The player’s School
- The game/date played this week
- The player’s stats for that game
How our polls work
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.
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.
Game Ball Presentations
Timothy Christian’s Ronnie Burwan Wins JSZ North Game Ball!
It’s one thing to be nominated for a Jersey Sports Zone game ball, but then its another thing when your school community votes for you over 14,000 times to win. That was the case for Timothy Christian point guard Ronnie Burwan, who’s 26-point outing against Dunellen last week earned him Week Two honors for the JSZ North Jersey basketball game ball. JSZ’s Jay Cook stopped by practice to present Burwan with his award: JSZ Game Ball Results Take Our Poll
Cea’anai Jackson of ACIT Wins South Jersey Game Ball
Cea’anai Jackson is a force in the middle for the Atlantic County Institute of Technology. Jackson put up a double-double for the Red Hawks against Millville, as she went for 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead ACIT to victory. Jackson earned nearly 54% of the vote to win the NJM Insurance South Jersey Game Ball this week. Check out Cea’anai’s Game Ball presentation here: Take Our Poll South Jersey Game Balls are made possible by NJM Insurance. Please submit nominations to MikeFrankel@jerseysportszone.com by Saturday evening.
Vote now for JSZ’s second round of Game Balls
Every Sunday during the basketball season, JSZ combs through the boxscores and comes up with 60 nominees for boys and girls basketball around the state who are up for six JSZ Game Balls. The polls are open NOW through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. JSZ will pay a visit to a mid-week practice or game and present Game Balls to the winners of our polls. Thanks to coaches who have sent us nominations for their players. A reminder that you can email rich@jerseysportszone.com by Saturday night for any players who you think is worthy of a Game Ball nomination. Thanks to NJM Insurance for sponsoring JSZ’s South Jersey Game Balls all year long! NJM Insurance South Jersey Game Ball Nominees Take Our Poll Take Our Poll JSZ North Jersey Game Ball Nominees Take Our Poll Take Our Poll JSZ Central Jersey Game Ball Nominees Take Our Poll Take Our Poll
Megan Duffy of J.P. Stevens Wins JSZ Central Jersey Game Ball
J.P. Stevens is off to a 3-3 start in the 2019-2020 season. In the Hawks’ 45-36 win over East Brunswick Megan Duffy had 17 points and 14 rebounds. For her efforts the fans have voted her our first JSZ Central Jersey Game Ball winner of the year. Watch his ceremony below: Take Our Poll
Woodbridge’s Daniel Boateng brings home JSZ Central Game Ball
Daniel Boateng helped lead Woodbridge to a 58-55 victory over Sayreville at the Buc Holiday Classic. Boateng finished the night with 24 points and 18 rebounds. The fans have spoken and for his standout performance he is our first JSZ Central Jersey Game Ball winner for the 2019-2020 season. Watch his ceremony below: Take Our Poll
JSZ Celebrates North Jersey Game Ball Winners!
Two North Jersey hoops stars who have both been double-double machines to open the 2019-2020 campaign were awarded their respective JSZ North Jersey Game Balls for two stellar early season performances. Rutgers Prep’s Trey Patterson Trey Patterson is quickly blooming into one of the top recruits not only in the northeast, but in the entire country. Patterson accounted for 21 points and 10 rebounds against Ramsey last week. He also eclipsed the 1,000 career point plateau in the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the presentation from Somerset: Bayonne’s Makoye Diawara Another North Jersey who has been a beast in the paint is Bayonne senior Makoye Diawara. The Bees are off to a 10-0 start to this season and Diawara already has 10 double-doubles, including her game ball nominating 14 points and 16 rebound performance against Gill St. Bernard’s. Diawara proceeded to drop 22 points and 16 rebounds in Bayonne’s 71-25 win over Dickinson Thursday afternoon. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and post-game presentation:
Feature Stories
Former Devils great Driver builds powerhouse girls hockey program at Morristown-Beard
Bruce Driver had a stellar 15-year NHL career highlighted by a 1995 Stanley Cup win with the New Jersey Devils. That was just the first chapter of the defenseman’s hockey journey. Driver has spent the last 20 years coaching the Morristown-Beard girls hockey program approaching the 300 career win mark. The Crimson has won three straight NJ Prep championships and seven titles in the Women’s Interscholastic League of the Mid-Atlantic in Driver’s tenure. The NJSIAA is having its first girls hockey state championship this March as the sports continues to grow. Driver has been there since the very beginning and is excited to see where New Jersey girls ice hockey is headed. JSZ spoke with Driver and the Morristown-Beard girls after their 5-0 win over Trinity Hall to reach 8-1-1 on the season:
New Jersey Devils Honor JSZ’s Top December Goals
For the third straight year, the New Jersey Devils are honoring the top goals captured by JSZ cameras. On a night when the Devils upset Tampa Bay to end the Lightning’s 10-game win streak, goals from Hopewell Valley, Randolph and Middletown North were showcased at the Prudential Center. Prior to faceoff, Devils center John Hayden met with JSZ’s top goal scorers outside the locker room and watched the top goals and gave his commentary. Watch a special night for this NJ high school hockey trio at the Rock: Each month, we post the top goals captured by JSZ cameras. The winner of our poll gets one of our 5 spots for the honor from the New Jersey Devils. JSZ and the Devils staff choose the other four top goals. In case you missed it, check out our 10 awesome nominees from December Take Our Poll We’ll honor the top goals from January during the Devils game against the San Jose Sharks on February 20. Thanks against to the New Jersey Devils for connecting with the New Jersey high school hockey community!
N.J. HS Football Coaches Excited about Greg Schiano Hire
There’s no doubt about it — New Jersey high schools produce some of the most talented and competitive players in college football. In the two weeks new Rutgers University head coach Greg Schiano has been on the job, he and his assistant coaches have been hitting the pavement to recruit the Garden State’s best to stay home. So we had to ask some of New Jersey’s top high school coaches — what do you think about the Schiano hire? Let’s just say they’re excited. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story: JSZ’s 1-on-1 with Greg Schiano Greg Schiano was a surprise special-guest speaker at Jersey Sports Zone’s third annual All-Zone football banquet on Dec. 10 in Woodbridge. JSZ’s Chief Operating Officer, Rich Chrampanis, spoke with Schiano about his excitement to be back at the helm with the Scarlet Knights.
Diggs wins Zoneman, Schiano speaks at JSZ Football Banquet
The third annual JSZ Football Banquet featured the top players in New Jersey, an inspiring JSZ Courage Award and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano opening our ceremony. It all capped off with Woodrow Wilson’s Fadil Diggs winning the Zoneman Trophy. Watch Jersey Sports Zone’s team coverage now! Rutgers Greg Schiano speaks at third annual Jersey Sports Zone Football Banquet The top high school football players from every part of New Jersey were assembled at the Delta Hotel in Woodbridge for the JSZ Football Banquet. Before the highlights of the 2019 JSZ All-Zone team, Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano got things started with a great message to the honorees. The Scarlet Knights have made it known that recruiting the best players in -state is a top priority. Schiano was joined by assistant coaches Nunzio Campanile and Fran Brown to celebrate New Jersey’s best on the gridiron: Fadil Diggs wins JSZ Zoneman Trophy Woodrow Wilson defensive end and wide receiver Fadil Diggs took home the JSZ Zoneman Trophy. The Texas A&M commit helped lead the Tigers to a South Group 3 Regional Championship and won the balloting among NJ head football coaches and statewide media members. St. Joe-Hammonton running back Jada Byers was the runnerup. Byers and Diggs had equal first-place votes but Fadil was on nine more ballots in the Heisman style voting which gave him the top honor: The Zoneman Trophy was presented by NJM Insurance. Thanks to NJM’s Joe Dotro for being on hand to honor the best players in New Jersey! Zoneman Voting Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Fadil DiggsWoodrow Wilson252411134 Jada ByersSt. Joe-Hammonton251610117 Jalen BergerDon Bosco Prep13182499 Cody SimonSaint Peter's Prep12142080 Luke WyplerSt. Joe-Montvale251026 Kyle MonangaiDon Bosco Prep42521 Thanks to everyone from around the state who was part of the Zoneman process Zoneman Ballots JSZ Staff: Rich Chrampanis, Nery Rodriguez, Mike Frankel, Jay Cook Statewide Media: Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press, Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report, Todderick Hunt, NJ.Com, Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network, Kevin Minnick, NJ.Com, Andrew Koob, NJ.Com, Pat Lanni, NJ.Com, JJ Conrad, NJ.Com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Ryan Patti, Rivals.Com, Tom Williams, PrimeEvents.Net, Tom McGurk, Courier-Post, Brian Carr, NorthJerseySports.Com, Shawn Brown, 247 Sports, GMC Gridiron, Joe Zedalis, NJ.Com, Mike Kinney, NJ.Com, Mike Fenske, MJF Recruiting, Brian Dohn, 247 Sports, JP Parachini, Worrell Media Coaches: John McKenna, DePaul Catholic, Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic, Dallas Whitaker, Somerville, Dan Russo, Vineland, Pete Lancetta, St. Augustine Prep, Jim Raso, Hammonton, Tim Gushue, Shawnee, John Emel, Penns Grove, Rob Hinson, Timber Creek, Dennis Thomas, Millville, Steve Scanlon, Clearview, Chuck Smith, Mainland, Joe Hoyle, Dwight Morrow Bill Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep Montrey Wright, Salem Kevin Smith, Ocean City Kevin Stetser, Egg Harbor Twp. Joe Wojceichowski, Lenape Jay Graber, Matawan Kevin Kostibos, Summit Dan Higgins, Piscataway Ken Loomis, Wildwood Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial Jeff Rainess, Holmdel John Fiore, Montclair Brian Bowers, Delbarton John Whitehead, Paramus Catholic Barris Grant, Hillside Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township John Adams, Woodstown Benji Wemberly, Hackensack Rob Davis, Barnegat Marion Bell, West Side Jamil Jackson, Elizabeth Drew Gibbs, Ramapo Rich Hansen, St. Peter’s Prep Wilber Valdez, Union City Kevin Carty, Hillsborough Frank Duffy, Phillipsburg Augie Hoffmann, St. Joe’s (Mont.) Ed Guerreri, Manalapan Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty Brian Russo, Rahway William Nahan, Randolph Drew Lachenmayer, Allentown David Schuman Red Bank Regional Kenny Scott, Winslow Twp. Brian Leary, Highland LJ Clark, Lakewood Dan Sabella, Don Bosco Sean Clancy, Notre Dame Chris Thomas, Pitman Dan George, Long Branch Clifton Tabb, Pennsauken Mike Schatzman, Washington Twp Tim Hagerty, Glassboro Ralph Cinque, Clifton Sights and Sounds from JSZ Banquet Before the players came inside to eat dinner and watch JSZ’s All-Zone presentation, Nery Rodriguez gave us some red carpet coverage having fun with some of the best players in the state! JSZ Courage Award Winners Coach Dwayne Savage, Kenneth Smith – Camden Coach Chris Sacco, Ernest Howard, Pleasantville Jersey Sports Zone’s Mike Frankel was shooting highlights of Camden and Pleasantville in the state playoffs when gunshots rang out during the third quarter wounding two and killing 10-year old Micah Tennant. Through adversity, both towns turned to their football teams to help unite communities and begin the healing process. JSZ was proud to honor four great leaders with this award. In case you missed it, Jersey Sports Zone chronicled the resumption of the Camden/Pleasantville game at the home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles Meet the 2019 JSZ All-Zone Team QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Michael Alaimo, St. Joe-MontvaleJaiden Abrams, HammontonTedy Afful, DePaul CatholicKevin Bauman, Red Bank CatholicChandler Bird, Saint AugustineJalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep Louie Barrios, Cedar CreekMyles Bailey, North BrunswickAhmad Brown, Holy SpiritDominic Busby, Seton Hall PrepBryan Felter, Bergen CatholicJada Byers, St. Joe-Hammonton JD Breslauer, Parsippany HillsMatt Colantuono, Seton Hall PrepEJ Comerford, Parsippany HillsShawn Collins, MontclairBardhyl Gashi, West EssexFadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson Tahjamell Bullock, Saint Peter's PrepCorey Dempster, BoontonCarnell Davis, St. Augustine PrepCharles Finley, DePaul CatholicJalen Genao, Union CityKyle Monangai, Don Bosco Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul CatholicAudric Estime, St. Joe-MontvaleMalik Harvey, Woodrow WilsonLucas Giordano, Seton Hall PrepCody Simon, St. Peter's Prep Ryan Clark, Donovan CatholicEthan Harris, Northern HighlandsKyree Hinton, SomervilleNajae Hallenbeck, Toms River NorthLuke Wypler, St. Joe-Montvale Charles DePrima, RamapoMalik Ingram, Mater Dei PrepConnor Kennedy, LenapeDeclan McCauley, Westfield Devin Kargman, Woodrow WilsonAli Lee, Jr. WoodbridgeChris Long, WillingboroJosh Toner, Cherokee Connor Katz, CranfordMuheem McCargo, Woodrow WilsonJelani Mason, Saint Peter's PrepColin Tunc, Bergen Catholic Vincent Pinto, Park RidgePiotr Partyla, LyndhurstMalachi Melton, Cedar CreekGeno VanDeMark, St. Joe-Montvale Andrew Sanborn, UnionTrebor Pena, OceanAhmirr Robinson, UnionDevon Willock, Paramus Catholic Hank Shapiro, WestfieldFrank Riggio, VeronaGriffin Rooney, WestfieldIsaiah Wright, Saint Peter's Prep Zakee Swann, IrvingtonByron Shipman, Saint Peter's Prep Jake Tirone, RamapoTarheeb Still, Timber Creek Cortaz Williams, Notre Dame Zahir Swann, Irvington Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/PunterJSZ All-Prep Team Jeremiah Grant, Bergen CatholicTirek Austin-Cave, CamdenNahree Biggins, HillsideVincenzo Rea, ManalapanAaron Armitage, Blair Academy Jahmir Greene, Don Bosco PrepBobby/Tommy Coury, PhillipsburgDarian "Duce" Chestnut, CamdenSebastien Tasko, St. Joe-MontvaleNick DeGennaro, Hun Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei PrepJake DeLuccia, Wayne ValleyNasir Clerk, IrvingtonChristian Forbes, Lawrenceville Cameron Horsley, CinnaminsonSolomon DeShields, MillvilleJermaine Corbett, Long Branch Ian Franzoni, Hun Aaron Lewis, WillamstownGordon Forsyth, Rumson-Fair HavenCasey Larkin, WallSanoussi Kane, Blair Academy Leon Lowery, North BrunswickMikai Gbayor, IrvingtonClarence Lewis, Mater Dei PrepChristopher Mayo, Peddie Tywon Malone, Bergen CatholicCharlie Gordinier, Red Bank CatholicJoe Lusardi, SummitMatt Sluka, Peddie Andrew Messineo, RidgewoodTyreem Powell, VinelandElijuwan Mack, St. Joe-MontvaleKorey Smith, Peddie Collin McCarthy, Jackson MemorialColin Ramos, Don Bosco PrepJordan Morant, Bergen Catholic Isaiah Raikes, Saint Augustine PrepMakhi Scott, Penns GroveRJ Moten, Delran George Rooks, Saint Peter's PrepDalton Short, ShawneeAlex Odom, Kingsway Khurram Simpson, Mater Dei PrepClyde Washington, LenapeRomaine Robinson, Don Bosco Prep Amin Vanover, Saint Joe-MontvaleJack Wittmaack, RidgewoodEric Rogers, Burlington Twp. Ryan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven Keon Sabb, Glassboro DJ Woodbury, Burlington City JSZ Top Plays from 2019 We had the Top Play Belt winners of 2019 and the end of year Plays of the Year winners attend the banquet. Thanks to everyone who voted all year long! Jersey Sports Zone Weekly Top Play Winners Week 0: Sam Williams, PingryWeek 1: Thomas Amankwaa, HillsboroughWeek 2: David Hicks, Red Bank RegionalWeek 3: Nate Summerville, ShawneeWeek 4: Nasir Calhoun, Donovan CatholicWeek 5: Nasir Abney, Holy CrossWeek 6: Mike Casanata, Wayne HillsWeek 7: Jada Byers, St. Joe-HammontonWeek 8: Jake Cook, MainlandWeek 9: Jimmy Pepe, Randolph Week 10: Lonnie Cebulski, Jackson Memorial Jersey Sports Zone Plays of the Year Winners Touchdown Run of the Year: Billy Guidetti, Red Bank Catholic Touchdown Pass Play of the Year: Hank Shapiro/Griffin Rooney, Westfield Defensive TD of the Year: Wally Doman, Jackson Memorial Special Teams TD of the Year: Damon Murray, Hoboken Sack/Big Hit of the Year: Amin Vanover, St. Joe-Montvale Clutch Play of the Year: Jahmir Brown, Woodbridge Viewers Choice Play of the Year: Brandon Martins, Nutley 2019 JSZ Zoneman Trophy Finalists In case you missed it, watch JSZ’s profile of our six Zoneman Finalists: Jalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep Jalen Berger has been one of New Jersey’s most prolific recruits throughout his four-year varsity career as the starting running back at North Jersey power Don Bosco Prep. Berger, named a 2020 All-American, delivered the goods in his senior season while accounting for 1,218 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns for the Ironmen. Berger remains uncommitted yet holds offers from college football’s best — Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, LSU and Michigan are among the schools recruiting him. The announcement will come on live TV during the All-American bowl on Jan. 4 from San Antonio, TX. Jada Byers, St. Joseph (Hamm.) There’s no other way to put it — Jada Byers is the most dynamic scoring threat to ever grace South Jersey. Byers, a Sacred Heart commit, was an electric runner with the football who scored a South Jersey record 102 touchdowns in three years of varsity play with the Wildcats. His mark of 644 career points ranks second in South Jersey history only behind Kevin Harvey. The highlights of Byers’ 2019 season was a 10-touchdown performance against Morris Catholic in the sectional semifinals. Fadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson There might not be a better two-way player in the Garden State. The Woodrow Wilson star and future Texas A&M Aggie shined on both sides of the ball in a stellar 2019 season. He collected 95.5 tackles and 17.5 sacks on defense while also catching 65 passes for 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. Woodrow Wilson head coach Preston Brown told JSZ Diggs is the best player in Camden’s history. Kyle Monangai, Don Bosco Prep Talk to anyone in North Jersey and they’ll tell you Don Bosco Prep doesn’t get back to it’s winning ways without Kyle Monangai on the field. After transferring to the Ramsey private school from Seton Hall Prep after his sophomore season, Monangai put up eye-popping numbers. He put up 2,903 scrimmage yards on 310 touches with 35 touchdowns in arguably the toughest conference in America. He holds 25-plus D-I offers yet remains uncommitted. Cody Simon, St. Peter’s Prep He’s the best player on the best team in New Jersey — does anything else need to be said? Simon’s boasts one of the most polished resume’s we’ve seen in years. He was a preseason for the 2019 Butkus Award, was one of five N.J. players named an All-American and is committed to play at Ohio State. Simon led the Marauders with 106 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four touchdowns on defense and special teams. Luke Wypler, St. Joe’s (Mont.) What does it take to be ranked the No. 1 center in the entire country? Watch the way Luke Wypler dominates on the gridiron. Wypler’s intelligence and intensity on the field is a major reason why St. Joe’s had the toughest offensive line in the state — that translated to a Non-Public Group 4 championship in 2018. Wypler, also named a 2020 All-American, is committed to play at Ohio State after a stellar career in Montvale.
“17 Minutes for Micah”: A Jersey Sports Zone Exclusive
Wednesday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia provided two communities in South Jersey with a pair of themes — the sadness surrounding the loss of an innocent life to gun violence and the passions and drive to prosper through tough times. Six shots rang through the air during the third quarter of Friday night’s NJSIAA sectional playoff game between Camden and Pleasantville. Micah Tennant, 10-year-old bystander in the stands, was shot, leading the game to be suspended. The shooting sent shockwaves through South Jersey. Ultimately, the Philadelphia Eagles lent a helping hand and host the remaining 17 minutes of game play while giving the players a first-class experience. Tennant, who battled for days in a local hospital, succumbed to his wounds and passed away only hours before the game resumed Wednesday evening. Jersey Sports Zone presents “17 Minutes for Micah,” a long-form feature giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how players from Pleasantville and Camden — with aid from the Philadelphia Eagles — bonded together to persevere in a tragic time:
Hundreds Gather at Holy Spirit to Celebrate the Life of Bill Walsh
Holy Spirit High School hosted a memorial service for the late Bill Walsh on Wednesday night. Family, friends, current and former players packed the auditorium at Holy Spirit to remember Walsh, who passed away Friday after a three-year battle with ALS. Walsh spent countless years with the Spartans’ football program as either the head coach or assistant coach. As head coach, Walsh led Holy Spirit to a Non-Public Group 3 Championship and the program’s first 12-0 season in 2007. JSZ’s James Mooney has the story:
Recruiting
All-American Jalen Berger Commits to Wisconsin
The wait is over. Jalen Berger — a 2019 JSZ Zoneman Finalist and the consensus No. 1 ranked player in New Jersey’s Class of 2020 — has officially announced his commitment to Wisconsin. Berger made his decision official during the NBC broadcast of the 2020 All-American Bowl from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday afternoon. Committed!! AGTG #OnWisconsin 🦡 pic.twitter.com/cZLXzNhdwq— Jalen Berger (@JalenBerger) January 4, 2020 His announcement caps off a remarkable high school career for a player who was a national recruit courted by most, if not all, of college football’s elite programs. Watch Jalen Berger’s 2019 Highlight Reel HERE The Wisconsin to New Jersey connection is clear. Former Salem High School and South Jersey star running back Jonathan Taylor spent the last three seasons in Madison, putting together one of the best collegiate careers in NCAA history. Taylor was recently named an All-American and Doak Walker Award winner for the second consecutive season. He picked the Badgers over LSU, Penn State, Rutgers, UCLA, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon and many others. The six-foot, 190-pound Newark native was a dynamic and dominant offensive player in his four-year varsity tenure at perennial North Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep. Although he’s officially listed as a running back, the Ironmen offensive staff used Berger in a multitude of formations. On any given down, he could be found in the backfield, lined up in the slot, cast out wide or even in the shotgun taking a snap. His prowess on the gridiron translated to eye-popping numbers in his senior season. He accounted for 1,081 rushing yards, 338 receiving and 18 total touchdowns while leading his team to the Non-Public Group 4 state championship at MetLife Stadium. Berger headlined New Jersey’s representation at the 2020 All-American Bowl. Joining him were St. Joe’s (Mont.) OL Luke Wypler (Ohio State); St. Peter’s Prep LB Cody Simon (Ohio State); Bergen Catholic DB Jordan Morant (Michigan) and Delran DB RJ Moten (Michigan). Berger was one of six finalists for JSZ’s Zoneman Trophy given to the top high school football player in New Jersey:
Football Early Signing Day has dozens of JSZ All-Zoners sign to play college football
It used to be that the first Wednesday in February was the biggest day in the high school football recruiting cycle, but the December early signing day has become even more important to college football programs. Jersey Sports Zone has full coverage of athletes around New Jersey making their college decisions official. We’ll continue to update this page throughout the day. Don Bosco Prep Kyle Monangai held over 25 D-1 offers but was longing for more attention from Power 5 programs. Monangai, a 2019 JSZ Zoneman Finalist, caught the eye of Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano and has announced his commitment to play with the Scarlet Knights in the Big 10. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from Ramsey: Red Bank Catholic The Caseys have a tradition of turning out college football talent and it continues with Kevin Bauman signing at Notre Dame and Charlie Gordinier heading to the ACC and the Boston College Eagles: Paramus Catholic Devin Willock followed his gut. After decommitting from Penn State last week, Willock quickly made the decision to head to the SEC and sign his NLI with the University of Georgia with family as the deciding factor. Willock is one of three N.J. players to commit to SEC programs so far this season. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from Paramus Catholic: Ocean Township Trebor Pena was voted Shore Conference Player of the Year by multiple media outlets and the Ocean Township running back had the numbers to back it up with over 1500 yards on the ground and 19 TD’s. Pena was an original commit to Temple but made the switch in November to Syracuse University. He’s ready to make the transition from running back to slot receiver. Watch a great signing day ceremony from Ocean Township High: Cedar Creek Malachi “Max” Melton made a verbal commitment to Purdue over the summer. But after a coaching change at Rutgers, Melton flipped to the Scarlet Knights. Melton’s older brother Bo will be a senior wide receiver for Rutgers next fall. In fact both of their parents were athletes for the Scarlet Knights as well. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the story from Egg Harbor City: Williamstown Aaron Lewis led Williamstown to back-to-back South Jersey Group 5 titles. Now Lewis is heading to Michigan, to try and help the Wolverines capture a Big Ten title. Meanwhile, fellow Braves seniors Jon Wood and Quinn Hart will remain teammates at the next level, as both sign with Sacred Heart. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the story: More Signings from around New Jersey Bryon Shipman🏈 Wide Receiver🏈 Career over 50 catches, 1,000 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 20.3 per rec🏈 Jersey Sports Zone All-ZoneSPP ➡️ Holy Cross📲 @byronship_11 pic.twitter.com/4FFkL9oZ4x— St. Peter's Football (@SPPFootball) December 18, 2019 Isaiah Wright🏈 O/D Lineman🏈 All-State Honorable Mention🏈 Mini Max Award Recipient🏈 Jersey Sports Zone All-ZoneSPP ➡️ Rutgers University📲 @Mr_Renaissance_ pic.twitter.com/wgb9SnrDXd— St. Peter's Football (@SPPFootball) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @ShawnCollins10_ #CHOP pic.twitter.com/lgzFtknFBo— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @ReeeemX_ #CHOP pic.twitter.com/u0GnzcfCID— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @iamv15k #CHOP pic.twitter.com/ty21gpEyLI— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @bfelter1008 #CHOP pic.twitter.com/NYFmbihCNb— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @mack_elijuwan #CHOP pic.twitter.com/MczWpoz9Qm— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @AhmirrRobinson #CHOP pic.twitter.com/XpWQTJpQR9— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. @Hunchoboychris #CHOP pic.twitter.com/yqY80Ol2fI— Greg Schiano (@GregSchiano) December 18, 2019 🅳🅴🅵🅸🅽🅸🅽🅶 the future of #Boilermaker football. Welcome to the family, @michael_alaimo.📍: Montvale, N.J.📏: 6-4 QB📈: Played at @SJRHighSchoolℹ️: https://t.co/QL7InhxuCk#BoilerUp x #NSD20 pic.twitter.com/Yu09Czh239— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 18, 2019 🅳🅴🅵🅸🅽🅸🅽🅶 the future of #Boilermaker football. Welcome to the family, @Clydewash42.📍: Mount Laurel, N.J.📏: 6-3 LB📈: Played at Lenape HSℹ️: https://t.co/QL7InhxuCk#BoilerUp x #NSD20 pic.twitter.com/G7LcRUbWAl— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 18, 2019 Congrats on your first 🅳🅴🅵🅸🅽🅸🅽🅶 🅼🅾🅼🅴🅽🆃 as a #Boilermaker, @SanoussiKane1. Welcome to the family.📍: Blairstown, N.J.📏: 6-0 S📈: Played for the @blairbucsℹ️: https://t.co/QL7InhxuCk#BoilerUp x #NSD20 pic.twitter.com/Va29Zw66KX— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) December 18, 2019 We’ve added a silent guardian, a watchful protector who earned First Team All-Jersey. Welcome, @leonlowery5!#JuicedUp | #NSD20 pic.twitter.com/3wyLYSzUm9— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) December 18, 2019
The Schiano Effect: JSZ All-Zoners flip commitments to Rutgers
Watch JSZ highlight reels of the newest commitments to Rutgers and follow along as the recruiting trail heats up leading to Wednesday’s early Signing Day period. On Tuesday, Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano spoke at the third annual Jersey Sports Zone football banquet in front of the state’s top players talking about the importance of recruiting in-state talent. In the span of three days, Schiano and his staff have managed to get three members of JSZ’s All-Zone team to switch from Power 5 commitments to stay in-state and be part of the Scarlet Knights football program. That number could continue to grow leading up to the first early signing day period this Wednesday: Chris Long, Willingboro An original commit to Temple, Long was recruited by Fran Brown to Philadelphia. Long gave a glimpse of his future when he had a 7 catch, 212 yard, 3 TD performance at SHI Stadium in the Chimeras 50-14 win over Penns Grove in the South Group 1 championship. Long finished with South Jersey’s single-season receiving yards record topping 1600 yards with 20 TD catches. Brown was on the sidelines for the Willingboro victory and two days later Long announced his switch from the Owls to Rutgers: I just want to thank God because without him none of this would even be possible. For the next 3-4 years I will be taking my Talents to Rutgers University. Represent My state🙏🏾 #Chopnation @GregSchiano @RUCoachFran pic.twitter.com/C3dwAYoEHu— Chris Long™️ (@Hunchoboychris) December 10, 2019 Max Melton, Cedar Creek Wide Receiver Melton was a Big Ten commit to Purdue, but he is now on his way to Piscataway. Melton will join his older brother Bo on the Scarlet Knights roster and is projected to play in the secondary in college: COMMITTED⚔️‼️… Thanking God for every blessing he has given me. I will be representing my home state! #ChopNation @RUCoachFran @GregSchiano pic.twitter.com/7BYUu50In7— Malachi "Max" Melton (@melton_max) December 11, 2019 Tyreem Powell, Vineland Linebacker Another big name from South Jersey makes the switch. The original Virginia Tech commit made the switch to Rutgers. Projected as a linebacker in college, Powell played quarterback showing off his athleticism in his senior season at Vineland: IM STAYING HOME ! 🛡 ⚔️ #ChopNation @GregSchiano @RUCoachFran pic.twitter.com/UQNjjQrns4— Tyreem Powell (@ReeeemX_) December 12, 2019 Greg Schiano at JSZ Football Banquet Watch coverage of Greg Schiano’s visit to the JSZ Football Banquet including reaction from high school coaches in the Garden State along with Schiano’s message to the top players in the state:
Bergen Catholic Big Man Heading to South Bend
Bergen Catholic does it again — the Crusaders have produced yet another D-I basketball talent. Matt Zona, a 6-9 force on all areas of the court, announced Monday his commitment to join the Notre Dame Men’s Basketball program. The Class of 2020 power forward averaged 12.7 points per game, balancing his scoring between the low post and his high percentage three-point shot. Zona chose Notre Dame over other programs like Rutgers, Penn State, St. Joseph’s and George Washington, among a handful of other schools. Zona commanded a Bergen Catholic front court alongside Zach Freemantle, a Class of 2019 Xavier commit, en route to a Non-Public A state championship and a spot in the New Jersey Tournament of Champions final. The Crusaders ultimately lost to Ranney School in that game. Watch his JSZ junior year highlight reel here: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics.
Lance Ware Commits to Kentucky
Lance Ware will be making the jump from the Olympic Conference to the SEC next year. The Camden senior committed to play basketball at the University of Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over his other finalists; Michigan, Miami, Ohio State and Providence. Ware is considered a four-star recruit, and averaged 11.6 points per game to go along with 9.6 rebounds per game last winter. Ware is following in the footsteps of Camden legends Dajuan Wagner and Arthur Barclay, who played for John Calipari at the University of Memphis nearly 20 years ago. Watch future Kentucky Wildcat Lance Ware in action here: Coverage of Camden is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.
How Did Former D-I Hooper Victor Konopka Become a High D-I Football Recruit?
When Victor Konopka graduated from Don Bosco Prep this past spring, his plan was to enroll at Army West Point where he was committed to play Division I basketball. But after contemplating his athletic career, the former JSZ All-Zone basketball player decided to leap and make a change. A big one. Konopka, a 6-7, 245-pound defensive line prospect, has joined the football team at Blair Academy and looks to follow in the footsteps of Jayson Oweh (Penn State) and David Ojabo (Michigan) as basketball-turned-football players who greatly benefitted from stellar coaching at Blair. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from Blairstown:
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