Current News
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Maguire, McCooey score hat tricks to get RFH field hockey 10th win
JSZ brings you some Monday night field hockey out of the Shore Conference. Rumson-Fair Haven scores a 7-0 win at home over Manasquan to reach the 10-win mark. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights Rumson-Fair Haven 7 Manasquan 0 It was senior night at RFH, but a pair of underclassmen stole the show. Junior Meadow Maguire had three goals and two assists and sophomore Grace Anne McCooey added a hat trick of her own. Maguire, a Princeton commit has two older sisters playing Big Ten lacrosse at Maryland and Iowa. RFH is now 10-4 and will play Wall in the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament.
Watch Monday 10.14 JSZ Soccer Highlights
A pair of Cape Atlantic League championship games highlight the action as we kick off a new week! Oakcrest 2 St. Augustine 1 (OT) – Boys CAL Final Gabe Paz scored the golden goal just a few minutes into overtime to lift the Falcons over the Hermits in the Cape Atlantic League title game. Paz […].....Read More »
No. 1 Center in USA, Luke Wypler, is a 2020 All-American
As an eighth-grader, Luke Wypler began dreaming about becoming an All-American athlete. That dream came true on October 11, when Wypler became the second player in St. Joe’s (Mont.) history to earn the honor. Wypler, a four-star recruit committed to Ohio State, is tabbed as the No. 1 players in New Jersey and the top […].....Read More »
Surf Dynasty: Manasquan wins 6th straight NJ state title
The North Pavilion in Spring Lake hosted the NSSA (National Scholastic Surfing Association) Northeast Championships which featured New Jersey high school surfing teams competing for team and individual state titles. While not officially recognized by the NJSIAA, there were over 200 competitors on the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday showcasing their impressive talents. From 1988 to […].....Read More »
Four-Star DB Jordan Morant Named 2020 All-American
Jordan Morant, a four-star defensive back prospect committed to the University of Michigan, was the first player in the United States to receive his jersey as part of being selected to the 2020 All-American Bowl. The Bergen Catholic product has been one of the country’s premiere defensive players through his four-year career at Bergen Catholic. […].....Read More »
"JSZ Polls"
JSZ showcases 10 more great nominees for Top Play Belt!
INSANE STAT LINES HIGHLIGHT JSZ WEEK 5 GAME BALL POLLS!
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
Insane Stat Lines Highlight JSZ Week 5 Game Ball Polls!
Just like that, Week 5 of the 2019 high school football season in New Jersey has come and gone. Jersey Sports Zone is highlighting another batch of stellar performances with game ball voting where players in every corner of the state are honored. The polls stay open through Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Thanks to everyone for voting! South Jersey Our South Jersey game ball poll includes players from the West Jersey Football League. Thanks to NJM Insurance for sponsoring our South Jersey Game Balls! Take Our Poll North Jersey Take Our Poll Central Jersey Take Our Poll
Matt Croteau brings JSZ Central Jersey Week 4 Game Ball to Colonia
Colonia’s Matt Croteau has been a driving force throughout the Greater Middlesex Conference this season and after starting 0-2 the Patriots have won their last three to put themselves in good position to make the playoffs. In Colonia’s latest matchup against South Plainfield, Croteau racked up 258 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The people have spoken and he is JSZ’s Central Jersey Week 4 Game Ball winner! Nery Rodriguez stopped by practice for another high energy ceremony: Take Our Poll Be sure to catch all of our weekend football coverage and cast your vote for top play and JSZ Game Balls. Polls are open Sunday morning- 3P.M. Tuesday!
Palmyra’s Zack Kahana Wins JSZ Week 4 Game Ball
Zack Kahana had a night to remember for the Panthers in Week 4. The Palmyra junior quarterback threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Panthers to victory against Riverside. Kahana earned more than 37% of the vote to take home the NJM Insurance JSZ South Jersey Week 4 Game Ball. Check out the presentation here: Take Our Poll South Jersey Game Balls are made possible by NJM Insurance. Please send nominations with game stats to mikefrankel@jerseysportszone.com by Saturday evening.
Are These Numbers for Real?! Vote NOW for JSZ’s Week 4 Game Balls
Just like that, Week 4 of the 2019 high school football season in New Jersey has come and gone. Jersey Sports Zone is highlighting another batch of stellar performances with game ball voting where players in every corner of the state are honored. The polls stay open through Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Thanks to everyone for voting! South Jersey Our South Jersey game ball poll includes players from the West Jersey Football League. Thanks to NJM Insurance for sponsoring our South Jersey Game Balls! Take Our Poll North Jersey Take Our Poll Central Jersey Take Our Poll
Boonton’s Corey Dempster Wins Week 3 Game Ball!
Corey Dempster only had to carry the ball a handful of times last weekend, but his impact on Boonton’s blowout win over Whippany Park was easy to see. Dempster’s four-carry, 173-yard, three-touchdown performance put him among the North Jersey’s top performers for the week and fans around the state voted him to win JSZ’s Week 3 North Jersey Game Ball. Take Our Poll Watch his JSZ game ball presentation here:
Shawnee’s Nate Summerville Wins JSZ Week 3 Top Play Belt
The Renegades took down the St. Augustine Hermits in overtime to stay undefeated, and Nate Summerville delivered in the clutch. The junior receiver made a terrific touchdown catch in the corner of the endzone in the fourth quarter. Summerville received more than 18,000 votes to earn the JSZ Week 3 Top Play Belt. Check out the ceremony here: Take Our Poll Coverage of Shawnee is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.
Feature Stories
No. 1 Center in USA, Luke Wypler, is a 2020 All-American
As an eighth-grader, Luke Wypler began dreaming about becoming an All-American athlete. That dream came true on October 11, when Wypler became the second player in St. Joe’s (Mont.) history to earn the honor. Wypler, a four-star recruit committed to Ohio State, is tabbed as the No. 1 players in New Jersey and the top center prospect in the country. It’s easy to see why he’ll be representing the Green Knights in San Antonio, Texas on January 4. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the feature from Montvale: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all St. Joe’s (Mont.) athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics.
Surf Dynasty: Manasquan wins 6th straight NJ state title
The North Pavilion in Spring Lake hosted the NSSA (National Scholastic Surfing Association) Northeast Championships which featured New Jersey high school surfing teams competing for team and individual state titles. While not officially recognized by the NJSIAA, there were over 200 competitors on the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday showcasing their impressive talents. From 1988 to 2012, Ocean City dominated the high school surfing landscape winning every year with the exception of 1997. There’s a new surf dynasty as Manasquan captured their sixth consecutive state championship narrowly edging Ocean City for the team crown. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the story on how the Warriors have built a surf dynasty: NSSA NJ State Surfing Championships – Sunday, October 12, Spring Lake, NJ Team Results 1st: Manasquan 2nd: Ocean City 3rd: Long Beach 4th: Rumson-Fair Haven 5th: Shore Regional Girls Short Board 1st: Morgan Iglay, Manasquan 2nd: Audrey Iglay, Manasquan Boys Short Board 1st: Jack Richards, Long Beach 2nd: Joe Kelly, Ocean City Boys Long Board 1st: Jesse Hulsart, Manasquan 2nd: Ryan Devins, Point Pleasant Boro
Four-Star DB Jordan Morant Named 2020 All-American
Jordan Morant, a four-star defensive back prospect committed to the University of Michigan, was the first player in the United States to receive his jersey as part of being selected to the 2020 All-American Bowl. The Bergen Catholic product has been one of the country’s premiere defensive players through his four-year career at Bergen Catholic. Morant is only the second Crusader player selected to the game in its 20-year history — the other was former NFL first round draft pick and Houston Texans great Brian Cushing. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the feature story from Oradell: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics.
Nyjon Freeman and His Two-Year Journey Back to Football
October 7, 2017. It was a day Nyjon Freeman would never forget. After hitting the edge on a pitch, Hoboken’s star running back was tackled by three defenders and taken to the ground. But when he rolled over and looked at his right leg, Freeman thought his football career would be finished. After two surgeries to repair his ACL, PCL and meniscus, along with 23 months of physical rehab, Freeman finally got back to his dominant self on the gridiron with a 268-yard, three-touchdown performance against Cedar Grove on Oct. 4. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story on Freeman’s drive to return to the football field and what adversity means to him:
Mater Dei Prep has a Carli Lloyd of their own – meet Claire Gaston
Claire Gaston is the student liaison for Mater Dei Prep’s Women’s Leadership Committee and the senior is without question leading by example. The senior who is committed to play college soccer as a goalkeeper at Misericordia University has joined the Mater Dei Prep football team serving as the team’s kicker on extra points and field goals. Gaston credits the entire team and fellow kicker Richie Pekmezian for helping her with the transition from soccer to football. Pekmezian will join the team following his required 30-day transfer rule. Until then, it’s up to Gaston to put the ball through the uprights for a team that is currently ranked No.5 in the latest state polls. And she’s quickly made an impact. After going two for four on extra points in her football debut against Brick Township, Gaston delivered five straight extra points in the Seraphs 41-7 win over Jackson Memorial. While Carli Lloyd ponders a future kicking in the NFL, JSZ profiles another Jersey soccer standout who’s already kicking through barriers: Claire is helping raise money for the Kevin Attridge Women’s Leadership Challenge. Named in honor of a legendary Mater Dei coach who championed women’s sports, you can learn more about what the Seraphs are looking to do to give increased opportunities and female athletes here: LINK – Kevin Attridge Women’s Leadership Challenge
South Jersey Basketball Academy Reaches New Heights
The South Jersey Basketball Academy was created by Drew University Basketball alum, Kevin Hagan, and Rowan Men’s Basketball coach, Brian Bouchard in 2014. The camp is for boys and girls ages six to 15. This year, the SJBA has over 100 campers in attendance. Hagan and Bouchard not only teach the young players physical aspects of the game, but also the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the full story from St. Mary of the Lakes School in Medford:
Recruiting
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:
Wheels Up….to Italy. Ranney’s Phil Wheeler skips high school and college for pros
Phil Wheeler electrified JSZ highlights last winter helping Ranney to its first Tournament of Champions title. The rising senior in high school who was reported to be transferring to the Patrick School has made the decision to forgo his final season of high school to sign a professional contract to play for Stella Azzurra’s academy which is a feeder program to their pro team in Italy. By playing overseas, Wheeler will not be able to play college basketball. This story was first reported stateside by Adam Zagoria of Zags Blog and Josh Newman of the Asbury Park Press: Here’s the Instagram post from Phillip Wheeler’s agent on his plan to sign with an Italian youth team. Wheeler did not have the grades for college and they felt this was the best route for him. pic.twitter.com/Zup9wjNKJl— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) August 7, 2019 NEW: Phil Wheeler, who helped Ranney to a Tournament of Champions crown last season as a junior, has signed with an Italian club. Wild move amidst rumors of an imminent transfer. MORE COMING: https://t.co/p9XytKlcZL pic.twitter.com/YSGGJKYRgb— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) August 7, 2019 Wheeler spent his first two years at Rumson-Fair Haven before joining Ranney in his junior campaign. He made his season debut on January 13 and went on to average just under 11 points a game providing an athletic burst to Ranney’s rotation matching skyscraping dunks with Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis. The class of 2020 recruit had picked up five Division I offers from Saint John’s, Richmond, Monmouth, Seton Hall, and Providence, but college is now off the table as Wheeler looks to make an impact in Italy with the hopes of getting an NBA opportunity down the road. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Phillip Wheeler’s junior season:
Delbarton’s Kirst Headed to Ivy League
After a breakout junior season with a career-best 66 goals, Delbarton’s top returning goal scorer has committed to Cornell University. No. 61 junior CJ Kirst, A/M, Delbarton (N.J.) / @LeadingEDGEHS committed to @CornellLacrosse. Blowing up for 66G/28A this season, the polished lefty playmaker is a strong candidate to reach five-star status.— Ty Xanders (@tyxanders) July 24, 2019 Kirst was one of New Jersey’s most dynamic goal scorers for the entirety of 2019 — only Manasquan star and Penn State commit Canyon Birch had more goals than Kirst last year. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of C.J. Kirst: He scored hat tricks in 12 different games and shined with a seven-goal game against Summit and his six-goal explosion against Don Bosco Prep powered the Green Wave to yet another Non-Public A state title. Kirst is far from the first New Jersey player to join Cornell University’s lax squad. He’ll join Class of 2019 Under Armour All-Americans Michael Long (Delbarton) and Aiden Blake (Haddonfield) as Garden State players on the team. Follow along with Jersey Sports Zone for all the latest updates and highlights from the top athletes in New Jersey.
Thweatt Picks His Elite Eight
Wildwood Catholic forward Taj Thweatt is one of the state’s top Division I basketball prospects. With the summer AAU slate coming to a close, Thweatt has narrowed his college choices to eight schools: Thweatt scored 20.9 points per game in his junior campaign and teamed up with recent Temple commit Jahlil White to lead the Crusaders to a 27-2 record. Here’s JSZ’s highlight reel of a dynamic inside-outside threat:
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