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Current News
Watch Saturday 5.25 JSZ Boys Lacrosse Championship Highlights
Sectional champions were crowned on Saturday as the state finals are now set. We’ve got highlights and reaction from four championship games around New Jersey! (2) Somerville 8 (1) Rumson-Fair Haven 3 – South Group 2 Final Duke commit Evan Barr was sensational in goal with 17 saves and the Pioneers got a hat trick from Julian Verona and two goals each from Steven Dupras and Michael Rosen to avenge last year’s loss to RFH in the sectional finals. The Bulldogs came into the game average 16 goals in the state playoffs, but Barr was a brick wall holding Rumson off the scoreboard for 29 minutes. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Rumson: (1) Montgomery 10 (2) Lenape 3 – South Group 4 Final The #1 Montgomery Cougars defeated the Lenape Indians 10-3 on Saturday afternoon, advancing to the Group Semifinals against Hunterdon Central. Max Drift scored the game-high with three goals. Danny Boyer and Alex Ipeker scored two goals each. Gettysburg commit, Kyle Howard, Shane Freda and Will Marrapodi each scored one. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the highlights and post-game reaction from Skillman: Sponsor! Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our coverage of Montgomery! (1) Moorestown 17 (2) Shawnee 6 – South Group 3 Final The Quakers stormed out to a 4-0 lead and never looked back, capturing their fourth straight sectional title. UMass commit Ben Cantwell and Towson recruit Connor McDonough scored four goals apiece to lead the way. Air Force commit Jack Stewart and Rutgers recruit Shane Knobloch both scored three goals. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction, as Moorestown advances to face Chatham for the Group 3 state championship: Coverage of Moorestown is brought to you by NJM Insurance. Shawnee coverage is sponsored by Cooper University Health Care. (3) Hunterdon Central 11 (4) Westfield 5 – North Group 4 Final No. 9 in the NJ Top 20 Hunterdon Central captured the North Group 4 title with an 11-5 win over No. 19 Westfield. The Red Devils got in front early thanks to an early hat trick from Rutgers commit Jack Aimone to take a 5-3 lead at halftime. In the second act the Hunterdon Central offense was unstoppable and scored four answered goals to finish the game. Junior Jack Aimone finished with five scores. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to the office of Jon Bramnick for sponsoring our Westfield coverage!
Watch Friday 5.24 JSZ Girls Playoff Lacrosse Highlights
Sectional champions were crowned around the state on Friday, as we’re down to the final four in each group. Check back throughout the night for championship highlights and reaction! (2) Notre Dame 10 (1) Red Bank Regional 6 – Central Group 3 Final The Notre Dame Irish took home their second Central Jersey Group 3 […].....Read More »
Watch Friday 5.24 JSZ Playoff Baseball Highlights
What a day from the baseball diamond! We’ve got everything from walk-offs, to dominating performances, to nail-biting finishes. Stay tuned throughout the night for JSZ’s coverage of the baseball state playoffs. (2) Jackson Liberty 5 (10) Allentown 4 – Central Group 3 Quarterfinals They may have been 24 hours apart, but David Melfi belted two […].....Read More »
Watch Thursday 5.23 JSZ Playoff Baseball Highlights
The rain was furious and aplenty, but it didn’t stop JSZ’s cameras from catching some great baseball action before the weekend starts. Stay tuned throughout the night for plenty of great baseball highlights from around the state! (1) Hunterdon Central 7 (9) Freehold Township 4 – Diamond Nation Game of the Week – Central Group […].....Read More »
Haddonfield’s Aiden Blake Earns All-American Status
The selections have been made and the team is set — and New Jersey now boasts three high school lacrosse players chosen to play in the 2019 Under Armour All-America game. Haddonfield’s Aiden Blake was the most recent Garden State player to be selected — his roster spot was announced on May 21. Blake, who […].....Read More »
"JSZ Polls"
Vote now for the final Game Balls of the spring sports season
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
Game Ball Presentations
Morgan Tripodi of Woodbury Wins Final NJM Insurance Softball Game Ball
Woodbury’s Morgan Tripodi earned the final South Jersey Game Ball of the season for her performance against Paulsboro. The senior went 3-4 with a triple and three RBIs to lead the Thundering Herd to the win. Now Tripodi is helping Woodbury make a deep run in the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs! Take Our Poll Thanks to NJM Insurance for making South Jersey Softball Game Balls possible all year long!
Justin Merryfield of Haddon Twp. Wins Final NJM Insurance Baseball Game Ball
Haddon Township’s Justin Merryfield earned the final South Jersey Game Ball of the season for his performance against Camden Catholic. Merryfield hit a grand slam in the game to help lead the Hawks to victory. Check out Justin’s ceremony here: Take Our Poll Thanks to NJM Insurance for sponsoring JSZ’s South Jersey Game Balls all year long!
Reece Miller Wins Central Jersey Game Ball!
Toms River East’s Reece Miller took home the final Central Jersey Game Ball for his CG 2-hit shutout against Jackson Memorial. Check out his full ceremony right now: Take Our Poll
Mariah Villanueva Wins North Jersey Game Ball!
McNair’s Mariah Villanueva took home the North Jersey Game Ball for her performance during the game against Hudson Catholic. She finished with 14 Ks. Check out her full ceremony right now: Take Our Poll
Shane Paradine Wins North Jersey Game Ball!
Bayonne’s Shane Paradine took home the North Jersey Baseball Game Ball for his performance during the game against North Bergen. He finished 2/3 with 2 HR and 6 RBIs. Check out his full ceremony right now: Take Our Poll
Emma Springstead Wins Central Jersey Game Ball!
Raritan’s Emma Springstead took home the Central Jersey Softball Game Ball for her GW 2-run HR during the game against Manasquan. Check out her full ceremony right now: Take Our Poll
Feature Stories
Holmdel Freshman set to tee it up at US Women’s Open
The high school golf season has come to a close, but Holmdel freshman Megha Ganne is not done playing. The 15-year old is heading to Charleston, South Carolina to tee it up against the world’s best at the US Women’s Open. Watch JSZ’s feature on a golf phenom who’s already had big moments in young career. Megha Ganne finished in a tie for third at the Tournament of Champions after shooting a +1 over par 73 at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough. Ganne now shifts her attention to the US Women’s Open in Charleston. The 15-year old earned her spot in the world class field after winning the sectional qualifier in Monroe thanks to a 36-hole score of even par. The Holmdel freshman is anxious to tee it up alongside some of the biggest names in the sport. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis profiles Ganne’s smooth and steady game which is matched by her demeanor on the course:
Scottie Gives Back: Lewis Hosts Hoops for Homeless
Prior to his jump into college basketball with the Florida Gators, Scottie Lewis brought some of the area’s top basketball players to Ranney for his second annual Hoops for Homeless. Lewis was inspired to use his status as one of the top basketball players in the country to give back. The event featured a number of high profile future college basketball stars including Louisville’s Aidan Igiehon, UConn’s Jalen Gaffney, Rutgers Paul Mulcahy and Xavier’s Zach Freemantle to name just a few. The dunk contest saw Scottie’s younger brother, Jaylen Smith, a junior at Raritan High steal the show with some big throwdowns. The McDonald’s All-American is about to become a household name across the country in college basketball and eventually the NBA, but as you’ll learn in our feature, Lewis is determined to use his basketball platform to make a difference in people’s lives: Proceeds from Saturday night’s game which included a raffle went to Lunch Break, which provides food, clothing, life skills and fellowship to those in need in Monmouth County and beyond. Click here if you want to help
Midd. North’s Malori Bell Gets 1K!
The heart of a lion? This girl has that and then some. Middletown North’s Malori Bell became the 20th player in New Jersey softball history to collect 1,000 career strikeouts Thursday afternoon. Although she only transferred in a season ago the Fairleigh Dickinson University commit has earned the admiration and support from the Middletown community. That’s largely due to her hard work ethic and loving personality. Needing just two K’s coming against Ocean Township, Bell accomplished her milestone in just the first inning. She would go on to finish her three hit shutout performance with 13 strikeouts total. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the story:
Mamma Mia! Cedar Grove Ace Mia Faieta Joins Rare Company with Milestone Strikeout
It sure seems like Cedar Grove star pitcher Mia Faieta’s new favorite number is 19. Faieta completed a no-hitter while striking out a staggering 19 batters Wednesday against Wayne Valley to become the 19th softball player in New Jersey history to record 1,000 career strikeouts. The milestone also came on senior night, where the Cedar Grove community was on hand to recognize the future Essex County legend. Faieta has put together one of the most dominant high school careers in recent memory and she’s far from done. Check out these numbers just through her senior season alone: 91 innings, 215 strikeouts, only 10 hits allowed along with a measly three earned runs. Watch JSZ’s feature on Mia Faieta’s record-breaking day here: Faieta has proven to be a valuable senior presence for the Panthers, who sit at 14-2 on the season and look to get to Kean University in June to compete in the Group 1 state tournament. Her remarkable effort on the mound Wednesday vs. Wayne Valley was one of many memorable performances through her career. Two days earlier, Faieta notched 20 strikeouts in a shutout against Verona — and she also made national headlines in 2017 for completing a seven-inning perfect game by striking out all 21 batters faced. Watch all 19 strikeouts from Mia Faieta’s milestone day vs. Wayne Valley here:
Seibel Strong: Notre Dame senior inspires team during cancer fight
Lauren Seibel is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the Notre Dame girls lacrosse senior showed what kind of fight she has on the field. As she’s set to begin a second round of chemotherapy, it would have been understandable for Seibel to put lacrosse on the back burner, but her love of the game and desire to be side by side with her team during her senior season was too strong. Her three goal, three assist performance in the Irish’s 16-2 win at Point Pleasant Beach on Thursday is a shining example of her spirit and determination. Seibel knows that she’s not in this battle alone. The support of Notre Dame and the entire lacrosse community shows how sports truly unites us all together. Watch JSZ’s feature on “Seibel Strong” and get ready to be inspired by one courageous athlete: Notre Dame coach Bryan Fisher is appreciative from the outpouring support from the lacrosse community. 1st class from @CoachGaravente and her @AtownRedbirds girls lacrosse team. Thanks for the kind card for Lauren and our @Notre_Dame_HS family. #oneheart pic.twitter.com/X9wShnyoIv— Bryan Fisher (@CoachFishND) March 29, 2019 Special thanks to @LTPSAthletics Boys and Girls Lacrosse Teams for their support of Lauren Seibel. First class gesture. #SeibelStrong @CoachFishND pic.twitter.com/1AcP30Aq7C— Notre Dame HS Athletics (@NDNJAthletics) March 28, 2019 A special thanks to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring JSZ”s coverage of Notre Dame and all Mercer County sports. Our sponsors allow us to tell stories that go beyond the score.
Devils Rooney wowed by JSZ Top Hockey Goals from February
Jersey Sports Zone’s Top 5 Goals from February were honored during the New Jersey Devils game against the Boston Bruins. Devils forward Kevin Rooney visited our honorees during pre-game and had quite a reaction to five tremendous goals! JSZ thanks the New Jersey Devils for giving high school kids in New Jersey lifetime memories. After our pre-game visit with Kevin Rooney, the goals of the month winners had pre-game dinner and their goals were on full display during the first intermission of the Devils Bruins game. Watch our recap from another special night: Kevin Rooney was quite impressed with each and every goal. Here’s his take on JSZ’s Top Goals: Congratulations to our JSZ February Goals of the Month winners #5: Matt Keane, Chatham #4: Gehrig Eckoff, Morris Knolls #3: Dan Quiles, Middletown North #2: Nick Ochlan, Freehold Boro #1: Michael Balzarotti, Delbarton Jersey Sports Zone wraps up the season with our second annual 2019 All-State Hockey Banquet. The top players in the state will be honored prior to the Devils/’Sabres game this Monday night and we will announce our 2019 JSZ Hockey Player of the Year!
Recruiting
Mainland’s Watson Commits to Oregon
One of the top high school basketball players in the country has made her college choice. Mainland’s Kylee Watson has given a verbal commitment to play in the Pac 12 for the Oregon Ducks. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of the dynamic forward! Kylee Watson is one of the top ranked recruits in the class of 2020 and her name has come off the board after the Mainland versatile forward gave a verbal commitment to play for the Oregon Ducks. Watson is a two-time JSZ All-Zone selection and led Mainland to the school’s first-ever state championship in girls basketball. Watson had offers from nearly every major basketball program in the country. The five-star prospect is ranked #18 in the class of 2020 by ESPNW. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of the newest Oregon Duck and we’re looking forward to more highlights from Kylee in her senior season
Recruiting Heating Up for Roselle Catholic 2020 Center Cliff Omoruyi
It didn’t take long for Cliff Omoruyi to become a household name in the New Jersey basketball scene and now the 6’11” Roselle Catholic center is making waves as a major Class of 2020 recruit. Omoruyi, who played alongside Kentucky commit Kahlil Whitney and Temple-bound guard Josh Pierre-Louis this past season, is becoming one of the hottest recruits in America. The Nigerian-native has begun piling up some major offers after his junior season and also playing in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders showcase. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Cliff Omoruyi’s junior season here: Here’s just some of the most recent recruiting news featuring Omoruyi: #Pittsburgh will host fast-rising 4 ⭐️6’11” Cliff Omoruyi’20 of @rc_basketball & @NY_Lightning for an unofficial visit Friday. He has a 7’6” wingspan 👀#H2P 📷 @brandondorf5 pic.twitter.com/IgMSMcEGJu— Andrew Slater (@Andrew__Slater) April 19, 2019 Kentucky just offered top-60 junior big man Cliff Omoruyi, a source tells @Rivals @RowlandRIVALS https://t.co/5wmT93evNh— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) April 12, 2019 Omoruyi exploded onto the scene this season and was arguably the most dominant paint player across the Garden State. He averaged 10.2 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per contest on a Roselle Catholic team that went 28-4 and won New Jersey’s Non-Public “B” North sectional title. His list of offers already includes (in no particular order): Seton Hall, UCLA, Kentucky, Virginia, Pitt, Xavier, Illinois, UMass, UConn, South Carolina, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, NC State, Syracuse, Florida, Rutgers, Miami, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, Butler, Western Kentucky, Auburn, Georgia and Indiana. Omoruyi was named to Jersey Sports Zone’s 2019 All-Zone team, a collection of the best 40 players in New Jersey. Stay tuned in with Jersey Sports Zone as we follow Omoruyi’s recruitment, along with the other top Class of 2020 players from the Garden State.
RBC’s Gordinier commits to Boston College
One of the top returning players from Red Bank Catholic’s state championship team has committed to play football in the ACC for the Boston College Eagles. Charlie Gordinier saw his offers skyrocket following an outstanding junior season that saw 83 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and an interception. He also came on late in the season at tight end making a number of key catches. He’s projected at tight end at the next level. Gordinier held 14 FBS offers including LSU, UCLA, Michigan State, Syracuse and Maryland before choosing the Eagles. Gordinier will be reunited with teammates (QB Steve Lubischer) at BC, but first Charlie will be one of the top players in the Shore Conference looking to lead the Caseys to back to back state titles. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from Charlie Gordinier’s junior season: I am extremely blessed and excited to say that I am committed to Boston College to further my academic and athletic career! #DecideToFly 🦅 pic.twitter.com/SJOWksw191— Charlie Gordinier (@cgordinier22) April 10, 2019
RC’s Josh Pierre-Louis to Reunite with Brother at Temple
Roselle Catholic guard and JSZ Player of the Year finalist Josh Pierre-Louis is officially back off the market. Pierre-Louis has given a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball in Philadelphia for Temple University and new head coach Aaron McKie. Noted for his thunderous high-flying dunks and competitive demeanor, Pierre-Louis teamed with Kentucky-commit Kahlil Whitney to create one of the most dynamic one-two punches in New Jersey basketball. He averaged 14.2 points per game in his senior season at Roselle Catholic and was a major reason why they won repeat titles in the Union County Championship and Non-Public B North sectional finals. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from Pierre-Louis’ explosive senior season: Josh will reunite with his brother, Nate Pierre-Louis, who averaged 13.3 points per game as a sophomore at Temple. Josh was originally committed to UNLV but recently reopened his commitment following the dismissal of former head coach Marvin Mensies. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez also profiled Josh Pierre-Louis earlier this month. Learn everything about the future Temple Owl: Josh and Nate both shared the news on their social media accounts: PHILLY YALL READY🤷🏽♂️?? pic.twitter.com/nFgzBZafs2— Nate Pierre-Louis (@Nate_PL) March 29, 2019
Hillside’s Brian Ugwu Commits to Rutgers
Hillside’s senior linebacker and running back, Brian Ugwu, officially made his decision and put the pen to paper on Wednesday afternoon. The 6-3, 228-pounder will attend Rutgers University next fall. Ugwu has had an accomplished high school career, leading his team to their first sectional title in 32 years. The multifaceted player received many offers from other Division I football programs such as University of Pittsburgh and Temple University. But, Ugwu decided to stay local and loyal to the team who has shown him love since the start of his recruitment process. JSZ’s Madison Bess was in Hillside for Ugwu’s special day:
Woodrow Wilson’s Stanley King Staying Home, Commits to Rutgers
Stanley King is ready to represent his home state at the next level. The 6-5, 175-pound wideout hailing from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden put pen to paper Wednesday morning and officially signed his National Letter of Intent with Rutgers University. King has left a legacy as one of the best playmakers in South Jersey history. He was named an Under Armour All-American this season and posted 148 receptions, 2,516 yards and 28 touchdowns over his high school career. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from King’s senior season: No. 8 was the main offensive weapon on a Woodrow Wilson squad that scored 34 points per game, accrued a 9-4 record and won the South Jersey Group 3 sectional title in a 22-14 win over Burlington Township. King was one of 12 wide receivers selected to JSZ’s All-Zone statewide team, joining the likes of Charles Njoku (UCLA), Jaaron Hayek (Villanova), John Metchie (Alabama), Ayir Asante (Holy Cross) and fellow Rutgers commit John Guaimano. This play making WR is staying home! Welcome to the Brotherhood, @StanleyK_‼️ pic.twitter.com/m2yfH8MxDq— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) February 6, 2019 King selected Rutgers over Western Michigan, where his high school quarterback and JSZ Zoneman Finalist Nick Kargman is committed to. King was initially verbally committed to Louisville but decommitted just before his senior year started.
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