
JSZ All Access: Hoping for Hoops
10 teams. One mission. To play 15 games in a season unlike any other. Jersey Sports Zone spent time with 10 high-profile teams as they returned to the court to prepare to play through a pandemic. The Teams Boys: Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Manasquan, Roselle Catholic and St. Augustine Girls: Manchester Township, Rutgers Prep, St. John Vianney, Trenton Catholic Academy and Wildwood Catholic Academy Episode 1 Episode 2: Premieres Sunday at noon Episode 3: Premieres Monday at noon
"JSZ Polls"
Our polls will be returning soon!
How the Voting Works
Voting is Open to Everyone
Our weekly polls are accessible to everyone. You do not need an All Access Pass!
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.
All-Zone Team

Estime Wins 2020 JSZ Zoneman, Signs with Notre Dame
What a day Friday was for Audric Estime. The St. Joe’s (Mont.) product is at the forefront of the New Jersey high school football world after it was announced Estime won the 2020 Zoneman Trophy, Jersey Sports Zone’s honor for the top player in New Jersey. Moments after accepting the honor, Estime sent shockwaves through the national college football recruiting world by announcing he’s be signing with the University of Notre Dame. Watch JSZ’s full breakdown of Estime’s huge day: Zoneman Breakdown Estime put up unprecedented numbers during the 2020 season. In the eight games St. Joe’s played, Estime delivered 1,838 yards and 22 touchdowns against the top competition in the state. Estime garnered votes from coaches and media in every corner of the state to take home the award. Notre Dame Signing Estime will be making plenty of waves with his announcement Friday to flip from his Michigan State commitment to his signing with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are one of the top teams in America and Estime will be a jolt of energy to the program.

Meet the 2020 JSZ All-Zone Football Team
JSZ honors a season unlike any other with our fourth annual JSZ All-Zone team. We’ve got the top players from New Jersey at every position and the announcement of our 4th Zoneman Trophy Winner The 2020 football season provided incredible memories in the midst of adversity. Despite teams losing games due to the pandemic, JSZ cameras were able to find the best of the best from New Jersey high school football. All this week, we will present the 2020 JSZ All-Zone football team. Audric Estime wins 2020 JSZ Zoneman The St. Joe-Montvale running back will always remember the day he won the Zoneman Trophy. That’s because he happened to make national headlines when he flipped his commitment from Michigan State to Notre Dame signing with the Irish shortly after accepting the JSZ Zoneman Trophy. Estime was a force topping 1800 yards and 22 ground scores in just eight games of action Watch JSZ’s Zoneman Trophy presentation and an extended interview with Audric during his signing day ceremony: Estime received 33 votes from JSZ’s 72 person voting panel of head coaches and statewide media: Thank you to the head coaches and statewide media who cast their vote for the 2020 Zoneman Coaches: Joe Wojechowski, Lenape, Sean Clancy, Notre Dame, Rich Hilliard, St. Joe-Metuchen, Joe LaSala, Woodbridge, Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial, Montrey Wright, Salem, Kenny Scott, Winslow, Kevin Smith, Ocean City, Pat Gallagher, Williamstown, Steve Scanlon, Clearview, Chris Sacco, Absegami, Tim Gushue, Shawnee, Pete Lancetta, St. Augustine, John Whitehead, Paramus Catholic, Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic, John McKenna, DePaul Catholic, Dan Sabella, Don Bosco Prep, Darnell Grant, West Orange, Bill Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep, David Schuman, Red Bank Regional, Dan Curcione, Donovan Catholic, Jeff Rainess, Holmdel, Jim Raso, Hammonton, Rich Hansen, St. Peter’s Prep, Tony Grandinetti, Wall, Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty, Dom Marangi, St. Joe-Montvale, Mike Lange, Red Bank Catholic, Don Klein, Ocean Township, Bryant Garvin, Newark East Side, Jason Acerra, Bayonne, Andrew Patterson, Robbinsville, Brian Bowers, Delbarton, Todd Smith, Hun, Chris Beagen, Sayreville, Dave Ellis, Freehold Boro, Al Chiola, Linden, Dallas Whitaker, Somerville, John Viotto, South Brunswick, John Emel, Penns Grove, Rob Davis, Barnegat, Brian Russo, Rahway, Lou Grasso, Union, Roger Kotlarz, Wayne Valley, Scott Bray, Bridgewater-Raritan, Kevin Kostibos, Summit, Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township Media: Rich Chrampanis, JSZ, Jay Cook, JSZ, Nery Rodriguez, JSZ, Mike Frankel, JSZ, Kenneth Bradley, JSZ, James Mooney, JSZ, Andrew Koob, NJ.com, Sean Miller, NJ.com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Kevin Minnick, NJ.com, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Pat Lanni, NJ.com, Ryan Patti, Rivals.com, Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report, Shawn Brown, 247 Sports, Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press, Todderick Hunt, NJ.com, Mike Kinney, NJ.com, Joe Zedalis, NJ.com, Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network, Chris Gallagher, News 12 NJ, Sunil Sunder Raj, Gannett, Kyle Franco, NJ.com, John Jones, Max Preps, GMC Gridron 2020 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Offense (Click player’s name to watch their JSZ All-Zone profile!) QuarterbackRunning BackWide Receiver Tight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Steve Angeli, Bergen CatholicRyan Butler, Bergen Catholic Naran Buntin, Mater Dei PrepAlex Bauman, Red Bank Catholic Chase Bisontis, Don Bosco Prep Tahj Bullock, St. Peter's Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul CatholicJahdir Loftland, Donovan Catholic Nick Dunneman, Seton Hall Prep Jack Larsen, Seton Hall PrepDominick Brogna, Bergen CatholicCookie Desiderio, Somerville Cole Freeman, DelbartonRickey "Pop" Spruill, Notre Dame Jayon Farrar, Donovan Catholic Nuccio Lisitano, DePaul CatholicCamron McNair, Donovan Catholic Audric Estime, St. Joe-Montvale Kanye Udoh, St. Augustine Prep Nasir Hill, St. Augustine Prep Justin McNulty, Holy SpiritCasey Larkin, Wall Najih Rahman, Red Bank Catholic Aidan Monteiro, St. Peter's Prep Patrick Smith, Holy Spirit Jaylan Sanchez, St. Peter's PrepGeno VanDeMark, St. Joe-Montvale 2020 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Defense/Special Teams Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/Punter Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei PrepPJ Casale, Delbarton Jayden Bellamy, Bergen CatholicPatrick Ryan, Delbarton Keshon Griffin, St. Joseph Academy Timmy Hinspeter, Don Bosco Prep Jordan Campbell, St. Peter's PrepSebastien Tasko, St. Joe-Montvale Jake Louro, Red Bank Catholic Frankie Monte, St. Joe-MontvaleJaeden Gould, Bergen Catholic Qy'aeir Price, DePaul CatholicAi'Johnnie Rembert, Holy SpiritJahqir Haley, St. Joseph Academy Ethan Rodriguez, St. Peter's PrepAhmad Ross, St. Joseph AcademyJake Jarmolowich, Delbarton George Rooks, St. Peter's PrepA'Khoury Lyde, DePaul Catholic DJ Samuels, Bergen Catholic 2020 JSZ All-Zone Public Offense QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive Line Joe Crifasi, BectonJaiden Abrams, HammontonJoJo Bermudez, Cedar CreekSean Clapp, RamapoMatthew Fries, Cranford Charles DePrima, RamapoAl-Jay Henderson, IrvingtonJaimen Bryant, SomervilleJordan Harris, Woodbridge Chad Martini, Watchung HillsAli Lee, Jr., WoodbridgeAlijah Clark, CamdenJustin Evans-Jenkins, Irvington Sha'Kim Shuler, Freehold BoroNasir Robinson, Penns GroveXavier Coleman, LenapeWinston Jordan, Highland Regional Demie Sumo, WillingboroTyler Davis, LenapeJoe Metzger, Delsea Will Towns, Jackson MemorialDesmond Igbinosun, UnionJoe Mancino, Holmdel Bhayshul Tuten, PaulsboroAnthony Johnson, Burlington Twp.Grant Puharic, Wall John Volker, Rumson-Fair HavenJake Schneider, Ocean CityBilly Searle, Nutley Josh Toner, Cherokee 2020 JSZ All-Zone Public Defense/Special Teams Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/PunterReturn Specialist Zaire Angoy, IrvingtonLeQuint Allen, MillvilleJayden Brown, Winslow Twp.Jai Patel, South BrunswickAl Shadee-Salaam, East Orange Jihaad Campbell, Timber CreekKharyi Banton, Newark West SideJalen Cheek, Winslow Twp. Donovan Ezeiruaku, WilliamstownLocksley Burke, East OrangeDarian "Duce" Chestnut, Camden Von Factor, Rumson-Fair HavenLuke Cole, LenapeBrody Colbert, Williamstown Luke Doerr-Fredrickson, West MorrisMikai Gbayor, IrvingtonLee Coleman, Salem Mike Jarvis, ShawneeJake Inserra, Ocean CityShaquan Loyal, Newark West Side AJ Pena, SomervilleEmeril Mitchell, Winslow Twp.Dorian Rawls, West Orange Jordan Thompson, Parsippany HillsCharlie Sasso, WallRyan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven John Testa, Wayne ValleyKeon Sabb, Williamstown Corey Walker, Newark West Side Meet the 2020 Zoneman Finalists Tahj Bullock, St. Peter’s Prep QB Before ever taking a snap at St. Peter’s Prep, fans and coaches on the St. Peter’s Prep stands and sidelines buzzed about a kid nicknamed “Ducee” who would take New Jersey by storm. Now Tahj Bullock’s illustrious high school career is over – and he’ll be discussed as one of the most impactful player to ever play for the Marauders. Bullock, a Virginia Tech commit, flashed in the six games St. Peter’s Prep played in this season. He completed 51 percent of his passes for 818 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 12:0. Ducee also accounted for 306 yards and six more touchdowns on the ground, bringing his career touchdown total to an impeccable 52 scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story on Bullock Cookie Desiderio, Somerville RB Players like Cookie Desiderio don’t come around very often – and the numbers he produced in 2020 were just as unique. The Somerville bruiser exceeded every and all exception in this wild season with 1,569 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on only 152 carries. That comes out to 10.3 yards every single time Desiderio took a handoff. You know what makes those numbers so impressive? It’s the fact that Desiderio did it in only seven games and that he surpassed every single benchmark he previously set in his junior season. Desiderio becomes the second player in Somerville history to be nominated for the award (Jalahn Dabney, 2018.) The recognition is well-deserved. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the feature: Audric Estime, St. Joe’s (Mont.) RB Audric Estime put in an offseason for the ages to deliver one of the most dominant single season efforts anyone has ever seen in North Jersey. While playing in arguably one of the toughest divisions in the entire country, the St. Joe’s (Mont.) product ran roughshod over the competition for 190 carries, 1,857 yards and 22 touchdowns. All of those were career highs in only eight games played. The Michigan State commit was also the only player in the state to account for 2,000 scrimmage yards and finished 2020 with a total 2,042 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Big 10 better be ready for what’s coming. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story: Casey Larkin, Wall ATH Both the soul and heartbeat of Wall’s undefeated 2020 team is, without question, Casey Larkin. A starter on both sides of the ball for the Crimson Knights, Larkin shined in every game he played. At running back, he rushed for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 97 carries. At defensive back, Larkin anchored the Crimson Knights defense with 32 tackles, five pass defenses and a fumble recovery. Wall won the unofficial Shore Conference championship this season and finished the year 7-0. Larkin delivered two standout performances in the semifinal and finals. Some in New Jersey consider Wall to be the state’s top-ranked team – if they indeed are, then Larkin had a major say in that decision. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the story: Patrick “Cheeks” Smith, Holy Spirit RB If you ask any high school football fanatic in South Jersey who the area’s top player was this season, the answer would be short and quick: Cheeks. Patrick Smith, the Holy Spirit standout, was an absolute force to be reckoned with every time the rock was in his hands. Smith concluded an unforgettable 2020 campaign with 1,719 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on a workhorse-like 221 carries this season. Holy Spirit ended the season at 8-0 after becoming the unofficial South Jersey champions with a 21-7 win over Lenape in the WJFL Bracket A Final. Smith’s incredible top-end speed and vision helped drive the Spartans to the upper echelon on New Jersey high school football in a crazy season. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the feature: JSZ Plays of the Year The JSZ Football Plays of the Year will wrap up on December 21st with the six winners of each category vying for the top overall play of the year. We’ll interview the winner on December 23rd! Special Teams TD of the Year: Monday, Dec. 7th through Wednesday, Dec. 9th.TD Pass Play of the Year: Thursday, Dec. 10th through Saturday, Dec. 12th.Defensive TD of the Year: Sunday, Dec. 13th through Tuesday, Dec. 15th.TD Run of the Year: Wednesday, Dec. 16th through Friday. Dec. 18th.Sack of the Year: Saturday, Dec. 19th through Monday, Dec. 21st.2020 Overall Play of the Year (6 Plays of the Year winners): Monday, Dec. 21st through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

Meet the 2020 JSZ Zoneman Trophy Finalists
Jersey Sports Zone is excited to formally announce the five finalists for the 2020 Zoneman Trophy — our N.J. high school football Player of the Year award. The winner will be announced virtually on the evening of Dec. 18. Meet the five finalists now! The Story of the Zoneman Trophy By Rich Chrampanis, Jersey Sports Zone COO In the year 2000, I received the great honor of a Heisman Trophy ballot as I started my tenure on television at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach. I was so excited to get the chance to weigh in on such a significant award and it got me thinking of bringing the same kind of excitement to our high school football coverage. So we built a trophy – and instead of the Heisman – the Zoneman was born. During my 15 years, we were fortunate to have some outstanding winners of our award starting with former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons, former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson and current Oakland Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who caught the game winning TD pass in the 2016 National Championship game. The Zoneman tradition is still going strong in South Carolina, began its New Jersey chapter on the Jersey Shore and is now a coveted statewide honor. We’re excited to continue this tradition in New Jersey high school football as we will present the most outstanding player in the state with our Fourth Annual Zoneman Trophy. Woodrow Wilson’s Fadil Diggs won the 2019 Zoneman Player of the Year award. The Zoneman Balloting Our 2020 Zoneman will be voted on by head coaches from every part of the state (WJFL, Shore Conference, Big Central and the SFC) as well as the JSZ staff and media representatives from around the state. Every ballot has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place vote with three points awarded for 1st, two for 2nd and one point for 3rd. We are excited to announce the finalists for the 2020 Zoneman Trophy in alphabetical order: Meet the 2020 Zoneman Finalists Tahj Bullock, St. Peter’s Prep QB Before ever taking a snap at St. Peter’s Prep, fans and coaches on the St. Peter’s Prep stands and sidelines buzzed about a kid nicknamed “Ducee” who would take New Jersey by storm. Now Tahj Bullock’s illustrious high school career is over – and he’ll be discussed as one of the most impactful player to ever play for the Marauders. Bullock, a Virginia Tech commit, flashed in the six games St. Peter’s Prep played in this season. He completed 51 percent of his passes for 818 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 12:0. Ducee also accounted for 306 yards and six more touchdowns on the ground, bringing his career touchdown total to an impeccable 52 scores. Cookie Desiderio, Somerville RB Players like Cookie Desiderio don’t come around very often – and the numbers he produced in 2020 were just as unique. The Somerville bruiser exceeded every and all exception in this wild season with 1,569 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on only 152 carries. That comes out to 10.3 yards every single time Desiderio took a handoff. You know what makes those numbers so impressive? It’s the fact that Desiderio did it in only seven games and that he surpassed every single benchmark he previously set in his junior season. Desiderio becomes the second player in Somerville history to be nominated for the award (Jalahn Dabney, 2018.) The recognition is well-deserved. Audric Estime, St. Joe’s (Mont.) RB Audric Estime put in an offseason for the ages to deliver one of the most dominant single season efforts anyone has ever seen in North Jersey. While playing in arguably one of the toughest divisions in the entire country, the St. Joe’s (Mont.) product ran roughshod over the competition for 190 carries, 1,857 yards and 22 touchdowns. All of those were career highs in only eight games played. The Michigan State commit was also the only player in the state to account for 2,000 scrimmage yards and finished 2020 with a total 2,042 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Big 10 better be ready for what’s coming. Casey Larkin, Wall ATH Both the soul and heartbeat of Wall’s undefeated 2020 team is, without question, Casey Larkin. A starter on both sides of the ball for the Crimson Knights, Larkin shined in every game he played. At running back, he rushed for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 97 carries. At defensive back, Larkin anchored the Crimson Knights defense with 32 tackles, five pass defenses and a fumble recovery. Wall won the unofficial Shore Conference championship this season and finished the year 7-0. Larkin delivered two standout performances in the semifinal and finals. Some in New Jersey consider Wall to be the state’s top-ranked team – if they indeed are, then Larkin had a major say in that decision. Patrick “Cheeks” Smith, Holy Spirit RB If you ask any high school football fanatic in South Jersey who the area’s top player was this season, the answer would be short and quick: Cheeks. Patrick Smith, the Holy Spirit standout, was an absolute force to be reckoned with every time the rock was in his hands. Smith concluded an unforgettable 2020 campaign with 1,719 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on a workhorse-like 221 carries this season. Holy Spirit ended the season at 8-0 after becoming the unofficial South Jersey champions with a 21-7 win over Lenape in the WJFL Bracket A Final. Smith’s incredible top-end speed and vision helped drive the Spartans to the upper echelon on New Jersey high school football in a crazy season.

Meet the 2019 JSZ Zoneman Trophy Finalists
Jersey Sports Zone is excited to formally announce the six finalists for the 2019 Zoneman Award — our version of the N.J. high school football player of the year. The winner will be announced on Dec. 10 during our All-State Football Banquet held at the Delta by Marriot Woodbridge Hotel. Watch all six features from our team of multimedia journalists to learn more about New Jersey’s top football honor! The Story of the Zoneman Trophy and Our Football Banquet By Rich Chrampanis | Jersey Sports Zone Chief Operating Officer In the year 2000, I received the great honor of a Heisman Trophy ballot as I started my tenure on television at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach. I was so excited to get the chance to weigh in on such a significant award and it got me thinking of bringing the same kind of excitement to our high school football coverage. So we built a trophy and instead of the Heisman, the Zoneman was born. During my 15 years, we were fortunate to have some outstanding winners of our award starting with former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons, former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson and current Oakland Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who caught the game winning TD pass in the 2016 National Championship game. The Zoneman tradition is still going strong in South Carolina, began its New Jersey chapter on the Jersey Shore and is now a statewide honor. We’re excited to continue this tradition in New Jersey high school football as we will present the most outstanding player in the state with our Third Annual Zoneman Trophy. Somerville quarterback Jalahn Dabney won the 2018 Zoneman Trophy for his outstanding senior season with the Pioneers. The Zoneman Balloting Our 2019 Zoneman was voted on by head coaches from every part of the state (WJFL, Shore Conference, Greater Middlesex Conference, Mid-State 38 and the SFC) as well as the JSZ staff and media representatives from around the state. Every ballot has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place vote with three points awarded for 1st, two for 2nd and one point for 3rd. We are excited to announce the finalists for the 2019 Zoneman Trophy in alphabetical order: Meet the 2019 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.

Meet the JSZ 2019 Hockey Player of the Year Finalists
It’s that time of the year again, New Jersey hockey fans! With the 2018-2019 season now closed, Jersey Sports Zone is excited to announce the four finalists for our Player of the Year award, voted on by dozens of New Jersey high school coaches and credible members of the media. The winner of the Player of the Year award will be announced Monday, March 25 at our All-State hockey banquet hosted by the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. So without further adieu, here are the finalists: Michael Balzarotti, Delbarton No player in New Jersey received more attention for a single goal this season than Delbarton’s Michael Balzarotti. The Green Wave senior undressed a pair of defenders in the Gordon Cup semifinals and the goal was featured as the No. 3 play on the Feb. 14 edition of SportsCenter and was shown on MSG and other popular social media accounts. But there’s more to Balzarotti than just this one goal — he led the Green Wave in scoring with 29 goals and 36 assists and leaves Morristown as a two-time state champion: Jude Kurtas, Hillsborough The numbers are eye-popping. 57 goals, 55 assists for 112 points. Jude Kurtas took Hillsborough to new heights. The junior helped the Raiders reach the Prudential Center and the state finals for the first time in school history. We’ll be posting our Jude Kurtas feature later on tonight on JSZ Liam McLinskey, Don Bosco Prep Imagine being committed to a Top-10 nationally-ranked hockey program and by some people, not be considered your team’s top threat? Well, Liam McLinskey proved the doubters wrong. He led Don Bosco Prep to it’s first state title in school history behind a team-high 76 points and truly clutch play in the final month of the season: Tyler Sedlak, Don Bosco Prep To put it plainly, Don Bosco Prep’s Tyler Sedlak is a stone-cold assassin on the ice. His ability to shoot the puck with deadly accuracy and elite speed made him arguably New Jersey’s most feared scorer. His 40 goals were a team-high and it was Sedlak’s dominant play that was a major component to Don Bosco Prep winning a state championship for the first time in 54 years:

Antoine and Miller take home top honors at 2019 JSZ Hoop Zone Banquet
Nearly 90 high school basketball players around the state came to the Renaissance Hotel in Woodbridge to celebrate a fantastic 2018-19 season. Ranney’s Bryan Antoine is JSZ’s 2019 Mister Hoop Zone and Franklin’s Diamond Miller is Miss Hoop Zone 2019. Jersey Sports Zone thanks everyone for attending from every part of the state! All-Americans Antoine and Miller Steal the Show with Top Awards Villanova-commit Bryan Antoine and future Maryland Terrapin Diamond Miller decisively won the Mister Hoop Zone and Miss Hoop Zone awards, respectively. Both players take their newly-minted honors with them to Atlanta next week when they’ll both compete in the McDonald’s All-American Game. JSZ’s Jay Cook and Mike Frankel have the story: Sights and Sounds from the Banquet Before the players, coaches and family sat down for dinner and watch our videos, JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez and Madison Bess were in our social media zone talking with the honorees and getting the festivities started. Bryan Antoine wins 2019 JSZ Mister Hoop Zone With a podium featuring three McDonald’s All-Americans, Ranney’s Bryan Antoine won the vote among coaches and statewide media. The Villanova signee closed out his high school career as the Shore Conference’s all-time leading scorer with over 2,500 points and teamed with fellow finalist Scottie Lewis to lead the Panthers first ever Tournament of Champions title. Antoine won the vote over Lewis, the Roselle Catholic duo of Kahlil Whitney and Josh Pierre-Louis and Gill St. Bernard’s Paul Mulcahy, who’s on his way to Rutgers. 2019 Mr. Hoop Zone Balloting Coaches: Kevin Diviero – Don Bosco Prep, Anthony Tavares – Newark East Side, Daniele Crincoli – St. Mary’s Elizabeth, Ben Gamble – Marist, Justin Salton – Watchung Hills, Mike Clemente – Central Regional, Mike Jones – Millville, Cameron Bell – Egg Harbor, Kevin Principe – River Dell, Billy Armstrong – Bergen Catholic, Ryan McKeever – Immaculata, Matt Bloom – Rutgers Prep, Dave Boff – Roselle Catholic, Daryl Young – Trenton, Chris Raba – Nottingham, Rich Roche – Notre Dame, Randy Holmes – Lakewood, Mike Puorro – Barnegat, Mergin Sina – Gill St. Bernard’s Media: Richard Greco – NJ.Com, Adam Zagoria – NY Times, Dave’s Joint, Sherlon Christie – Asbury Park Press, Mike Kinney – NJ.Com, Phil Anastasia – Philadelphia Inquirer, Rich Chrampanis – JSZ, Jay Cook – JSZ, Nery Rodriguez – JSZ Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Bryan AntoineRanney193366 Scottie LewisRanney212737 Kahlil WhitneyRoselle Catholic191130 Paul MulcahyGill St. Bernard's63529 Diamond Miller wins 2019 JSZ Miss Hoop Zone Franklin guard Diamond Miller had a perfect season and a perfect ending to her high school career when she won JSZ’s 2019 Miss Hoop Zone. The McDonald’s All-American will represent New Jersey in the national showcase in Atlanta. Miller is signed with the University of Maryland. Future teammate Faith Masonius of Manasquan was a fellow finalist along with Saddle River Day’s Michelle Sidor (Michigan), Gloucester Catholic’s Azana Baines (Duke) and Manchester’s Leilani Correa (West Virginia). 2019 Miss Hoop Zone Balloting Coaches: Mark Knapp – Gill St. Bernard’s, Kathy Matthews – Union Catholic, Dawn Karpell – Saint John Vianney, Lisa Gedaka – Gloucester Catholic, Jacquelyn Dyer – Cranford, Bob Fusik – Trenton Catholic, John Truhan – Red Bank Regional, Michael Lazur – Ocean, Scott Beston – Mainland, Tammy Nicolini – Barnegat, Joe Montano – Red Bank Catholic, David Drew – Point Pleasant Boro, Lisa Kukoda – Manasquan, Jason Lantz – Atlantic City – Pete Vincent – Hudson Catholic, Audrey Taylor – Franklin, Steve Silver – Immaculate Heart Academy Media: Gregg Lerner – Shore Sports Network, Danny LoGuidice – Asbury Park Press, Brian Deakyne – NJ.com, Rich Chrampanis – JSZ, Jay Cook – JSZ, Nery Rodriguez – JSZ Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Diamond MillerFranklin183161 Faith MasoniusManasquan27424 Leilani CorreaManchester16518 Michelle SidorSaddle River Day14615 Meet the 2019 JSZ All-Zone Boys Team NameSchoolName SchoolName School Quadry AdamsSt. Thomas AquinasZach MartiniGill St. Bernard's Gianmarco ArlettiHoly Cross PrepTahjay MooreNew Brunswick James AndersonMiddletown SouthZarique NutterPatrick School Denver AnglinGill St. Bernard'sDemetrius PaynterTimber Creek Mark ArmstrongSt. Peter's PrepJayden PierreElizabeth Adetokumbo BakareSt. Benedict's PrepMoses PierreIrvington Zion BetheaMontclair ImmaculateJordan PriceElizabeth Jaylen BlakesBlair AcademyAlex RatnerMarlboro Mikey BresslerWatchung HillsWill RichardsonBergen Catholic Jerome BrewerCamdenBen RoyManasquan Julian Brown Bergen CatholicMyles RuthDon Bosco Prep Stephen ByardAtlantic CityAdama SanogoPatrick School Tazir CantleyLindenwoldDerek SimpsonLenape Justin CarboneSouth BrunswickWill SoucieGill St. Bernard's Noah FarrakhanPatrick SchoolJakari SpenceToms River North Corey Floyd, Jr. Roselle CatholicDevin StricklandSouth Brunswick Nico GaletteRutgers PrepManny Toha Marist Alex GlavanManasquanDJ WagnerCamden Sean HansenRamseyDJ WatkinsElizabeth Noah HarrisRutgers PrepJamir WatkinsTrenton Catholic Zach HicksCamden CatholicCJ WilcherRoselle Catholic Ryan Hillier West MorrisNazir WilliamsSt. Joe-Montvale Jacob HoppingWildwood CatholicDJ WoodburyBurlington City Micah Johnson Jr. Newark East SideTaQuan WoodleyCamden Samson Johnson Patrick SchoolMatt ZonaBergen Catholic Niels LaneRoselle Catholic Meet the 2019 JSZ All Zone Girls Team NameSchoolName SchoolNameSchool Dakota AdamsManchester Twp.Jenna JordanSaddle River DayKylee WatsonMainland Destiny AdamsManchester Twp.Sarah KarpellSaint John Vianney Brelynn BellamySaint John VianneyLauren LithgowSaint RoseDiamond MillerFranklin - JSZ 2019 Miss Hoop Zone Mya BembryWest OrangeOlivia MilesBlair AcademyFaith MasoniusManasquan - Miss HZ Finalist Brielle BisognoToms River NorthAnna MorrisImmaculate Heart AcademyLeilani Correa Manchester- Miss HZ Finalist Taylor BluntPenningtonCortlyn MorrisBound BrookMichelle SidorSaddle River Day - Miss HZ Finalist Sajada BonnerSaint John VianneyLola MullaneyManasquanAzana BainesGloucester Catholic - Miss HZ Finalist Emma BosletBishop AhrOlivia MullinsRutgers Prep Isla BrennanMiddletown SouthShannon MulroyLenape Syndei CaldwellSaddle River DayJaida PatrickSaddle River Day Maniya CustisTrenton CatholicJenna PaulToms River North Daniya DarbyLincolnMariah PerezNewark Tech Dominique DariusBlair AcademyKelsey RansomBishop Ahr Emma DuerrMorris CatholicKemari ReynoldsManchester Twp. LaShae DwyerPatrick SchoolKennady SchenckFranklin Brynn FarrellSaint RoseKeona ShenckFranklin Breyanna FrazierMaristKira SidesMiddle Township Brazil Harvey-CarrLeap AcademyKenna SquierPope John Rahmena HendersonSaint John VianneyTaneshia TuckerUniversity Giana Hernandez-BouldenTrenton CatholicAmanda UlrichSecaucus Leah JohnsonPenningtonCaileigh WalshGill St. Bernard's Dezonie, Wright win JSZ Hoops Plays of the Year Thanks to everyone who voted for our JSZ Plays of the Year. Hudson Catholic’s Shane Dezonie won Dunk of the Year and Red Bank Catholic’s MJ Wright won clutch play of the year for his buzzer beater against Marlboro at the WOBM Christmas Classic. Take Our Poll Take Our Poll
Feature Stories

NJ Soccer Star Emily Mason on a Mission
It’ll be hard to imagine New Jersey high school girls soccer without Emily Mason. The 2019-2020 Gatorade National Player of the Year closed out her career at Hunterdon Central just over a month ago, and now that this chapter of her career has concluded, Mason has her sights set on being in the upper echelon of women’s soccer going forward. Mason headlines Rutgers’ incoming Class of 2021 signees and has also made a name as one of the youngest players on the Under-20 U.S. Women’s National soccer team. Mason’s name could be familiar to soccer fans around the country if she keeps working to her goal leading up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story:

Vote Now for JSZ Defensive Touchdown of 2020!
Our recap of the 2020 football season continues. Jersey Sports Zone has the best defensive touchdowns from the Garden State this season. The poll is live with the best of the best scores from the defensive side of the ball. Polls will be open until Tuesday, December 15th at noon. Vote for your favorite play and tell a friend to check out the action. Take Our Poll JSZ Post Season Awards Calendar Who had the top play of the 2020 season? Who will win the Zoneman Player of the Year? Who is on our All-Zone team? All the answers to those questions can be found by following along with JSZ as we navigate through the dozens of awards coming down the pipeline in December. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in the coming weeks. JSZ Football Plays of the Year Special Teams TD of the Year: Monday, Dec. 7th through Wednesday, Dec. 9th.TD Pass Play of the Year: Thursday, Dec. 10th through Saturday, Dec. 12th.Defensive TD of the Year: Sunday, Dec. 13th through Tuesday, Dec. 15th.TD Run of the Year: Wednesday, Dec. 16th through Friday. Dec. 18th.Sack of the Year: Saturday, Dec. 19th through Monday, Dec. 21st.2020 Overall Play of the Year (6 Plays of the Year winners): Monday, Dec. 21st through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd 2020 All-Zone Team Presentation Announcement of JSZ Zoneman Finalists (5 Player of the Year Finalists): Monday, Dec. 7th.JSZ Non-Public All-Zone Offense: Monday, Dec. 14th.JSZ Non-Public All Zone Defense: Tuesday, Dec. 15th.JSZ Public All-Zone Offense: Wednesday, Dec. 16th.JSZ Public All Zone Defense: Thursday, Dec. 17th.Zoneman Finalist Features: Friday, Dec.18th.Zoneman Trophy Announcement (virtual interview) Dec. 18th.

Vote Now for JSZ Touchdown Pass of 2020!
Just because the high school football season has come to a close for 2020 doesn’t mean the action has stopped here at Jersey Sports Zone. Check out the nominees for JSZ’s Touchdown Pass of the Year and cast your vote below. The polls are open until Saturday, December 12th at noon. Vote early and often for your favorite play! Take Our Poll JSZ Postseason Awards Calendar Who had the top play of the 2020 season? Who will win the Zoneman Player of the Year? Who is on our All-Zone team? All the answers to those questions can be found by following along with JSZ as we navigate through the dozens of awards coming down the pipeline in December. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in the coming weeks. JSZ Football Plays of the Year Special Teams TD of the Year: Monday, Dec. 7th through Wednesday, Dec. 9th.TD Pass Play of the Year: Thursday, Dec. 10th through Saturday, Dec. 12th.Defensive TD of the Year: Sunday, Dec. 13th through Tuesday, Dec. 15th.TD Run of the Year: Wednesday, Dec. 16th through Friday. Dec. 18th.Sack of the Year: Saturday, Dec. 19th through Monday, Dec. 21st.2020 Overall Play of the Year (6 Plays of the Year winners): Monday, Dec. 21st through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd 2020 All-Zone Team Presentation Announcement of JSZ Zoneman Finalists (5 Player of the Year Finalists): Monday, Dec. 7th.JSZ Non-Public All-Zone Offense: Monday, Dec. 14th.JSZ Non-Public All Zone Defense: Tuesday, Dec. 15th.JSZ Public All-Zone Offense: Wednesday, Dec. 16th.JSZ Public All Zone Defense: Thursday, Dec. 17th.Zoneman Finalist Features: Friday, Dec.18th.Zoneman Trophy Announcement (virtual interview) Dec. 18th.

A Night and a Season Cut Short; Williamstown vs. Ocean City Game Stopped at Halftime
It was an ending suitable for 2020, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept for the Braves and the Red Raiders. Williamstown and Ocean City came in as two of the top teams in South Jersey. The Braves raced out to a 28-6 halftime lead, before the news came down. A Williamstown player, not present at the game, had tested positive for COVID-19, and the game would have to be abandoned. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the story from Ocean City: JSZ would also like to send its condolences to the family and friends of former Ocean City student-athlete Anthony Kenny. The OCHS football family is crushed to learn that 2017 grad and football alum Anthony Kenny was killed in a car accident tonight. Ant was an all-conference player and a better person – always smiling, laughing, lighting up the room. A horrible end to an already-bizarre evening. pic.twitter.com/MP73DAxobh— Ocean City High School Football (@OCHS_Football) November 26, 2020

“Heartbreaking”: How COVID-19 Forced Last-Second Cancellation of Elite NJ Matchup
2020 is a year of surprises, no one can dispute that. But what happened Saturday afternoon in Morris County was a first for everyone on hand. Just moments before kickoff in an elite Super Football Conference matchup between Delbarton and Bergen Catholic, the Green Wave received word a player on the team had tested positive for COVID-19. In a stunning turn, the game was cancelled minutes later. Delbarton’s season is effectively over, while Bergen Catholic missed a chance at redemption. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on hand in Morristown and has the story and reaction from both sidelines:

Watch JSZ All Access: Season on the Brink
Jersey Sports Zone spent four days with four high school football teams leading up to the kickoff to the 2020 high school football season. We take you behind the scenes like never before and take you inside the huddle with Bergen Catholic, Notre Dame, Ocean City and Rumson-Fair Haven The 2020 football season kicks off this Friday night in a season unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a one month delay and a six-game regular season. JSZ takes you behind the scenes and inside the huddle at Bergen Catholic, Notre Dame, Ocean City and Rumson-Fair Haven. Watch our three episodes to gear up for the official return of high school sports! Episode One: “The season’s on the line. If one of us gets sick, this could be the end.” Episode Two: “You have to stick to what you believe in and you have to work every day to get where you want to get.” Episode Three: “This is the moment I’ve waited 18 year for – my senior year.” JSZ’s All-Access pass allows you to see all of our content immediately. Click on the link to join our team today and learn more: /https://jerseysportszone.com/product/premium-zone-membership/
Recruiting

Five-Star Olivia Miles Enrolling Early at ND
Joining a recent trend among elite basketball prospects, Blair Academy’s Olivia Miles is headed to her college home early. Miles, who was widely considered the top high school girls basketball player in the country, is officially enrolling early at the University of Notre Dame and will begin her college career in a matter of weeks. 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 🙌 @oliviamiles06 has enrolled early to join our squad!"To have this experience to join our team and get acclimated to college is invaluable. She is ready to work and I’m blessed to have her now." — @IrishCoachIveyDETAILS → https://t.co/BTvA8az9zO#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/KOtHC37cYd— Notre Dame WBB 😷 (@ndwbb) January 18, 2021 Miles will be eligible to begin practicing on Jan. 25 and could potentially suit up in her first game on Jan. 31 in a matchup against Syracuse, according to a press release from Notre Dame. WATCH OLIVIA MILES’ JUNIOR YEAR HIGHLIGHTS Miles is the latest elite prospect to forgo their senior season this year. Her former Blair teammate Dominique Darius is already on campus at UCLA and Rutgers Prep forward Trey Patterson just announced last week he won’t play his senior season and enroll early at Villanova. An elite scorer and tenacious competitor, Miles was an early preseason frontrunner for JSZ’s Miss Hoop Zone Award if she was to play this year. Miles averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.6 assists for the Bucs last season while leading them to a Prep A championship win over the Hun School before the COVID-19 shutdown. More of Olivia Miles on JSZ

Patterson Heading to Villanova Early
Rutgers Prep senior and 2019/2020 JSZ Mr. Hoop Zone finalist Trey Patterson will get a jump start on his college career. Patterson announced on social media that he’ll forgo his senior season with the Argonauts to enroll at Villanova for the spring semester. 💙 pic.twitter.com/aHNxv3fC6t— Trey Patterson (@_treypatt3) January 15, 2021 Patterson finishes his high school career as one of the top players in Rutgers Prep history. He averaged 20 points and ten rebounds per game last season, leading the Argonauts to 27 wins, and an appearance in the Non-Public B South final. JSZ produced Patterson’s official Wildcats commitment video back in June. Check it out here: You can watch his junior season highlights reel here:

Roselle Catholic’s Corey Floyd Jr. Commits to UCONN
New Jersey’s Class of 2022 is stacked with stellar guards with the ability to change a game with a single shot or dunk. Arguably the top guard in that class, Roselle Catholic’s Corey Floyd Jr., was the first to make a college verbal commitment. On Jan. 14, which was Floyd’s 17th birthday, he made the announcement via social media that he’s committed to play at the University of Connecticut. COMMITED‼️12/14/20🕊 pic.twitter.com/ArPE2YvGPF— Corey Floyd Jr. (@CoreyFloydJr) January 15, 2021 WATCH FLOYD JR.’S SOPHOMORE YEAR JSZ HIGHLIGHT REEL Floyd Jr., a 6-4, 210 pound guard, started for Roselle Catholic as a sophomore last season and was a major piece to the Lions’ 22-7 team that won the Non-Public B North sectional final a day before the NJSIAA shut down winter sports due to coronavirus concerns. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 27 games in the 2019-2020 season. Floyd Jr. is the latest New Jersey product to commit to Dan Hurley’s Huskies squad, a group with numerous Garden State ties. Hurley, the son of NJ basketball legend Bob Hurley, has former Patrick School star Adama Sanogo on the roster now and also got a commitment from current Patrick School 6-9 big man Samson Johnson over the summer. Roselle Catholic will be featured in JSZ’s “All Access” series leading up to the start of the 2021 high school basketball season in New Jersey and Floyd Jr. will be profiled. The junior is quickly becoming one of the elite players across the Garden State. Stay tuned in with JerseySportsZone.com for all the latest news and recruiting updates from high school athletes all across New Jersey.

Woodbridge’s Ali Lee Jr. Signs With Stony Brook Football
In three seasons Woodbridge has gone from a .500 team to one of New Jersey’s top public school programs, posting a 15-2 record the last 2 years. A big part of that was running back Ali Lee Jr. who ended 2020 with 1,161 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Bringing his career totals to just shy of 4,000 yards and 52 scores. Lee Jr. made his college commitment official by signing with Stony Brook University early Monday morning. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the story and check out his featured coverage below: 2020 All-Zone feature: Junior season highlight reel: JSZ A to Z Feature:

Estime Wins 2020 JSZ Zoneman, Signs with Notre Dame
What a day Friday was for Audric Estime. The St. Joe’s (Mont.) product is at the forefront of the New Jersey high school football world after it was announced Estime won the 2020 Zoneman Trophy, Jersey Sports Zone’s honor for the top player in New Jersey. Moments after accepting the honor, Estime sent shockwaves through the national college football recruiting world by announcing he’s be signing with the University of Notre Dame. Watch JSZ’s full breakdown of Estime’s huge day: Zoneman Breakdown Estime put up unprecedented numbers during the 2020 season. In the eight games St. Joe’s played, Estime delivered 1,838 yards and 22 touchdowns against the top competition in the state. Estime garnered votes from coaches and media in every corner of the state to take home the award. Notre Dame Signing Estime will be making plenty of waves with his announcement Friday to flip from his Michigan State commitment to his signing with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are one of the top teams in America and Estime will be a jolt of energy to the program.

Geno VanDeMark Signs NLI with Michigan State
One of New Jersey’s most physical and talented offensive lineman officially has a new home. St. Joe’s (Mont.) offensive tackle Geno VanDeMark put pen to paper Friday morning and officially signed his NLI with Michigan State. A two-time JSZ All-Zone player, VanDeMark gave a verbal commitment to the Spartans prior to the start of the 2020 season. Other schools, like Rutgers University, came in with a late push to try and swing the 6-5, 300 pound lineman. VanDeMark, a native of Lodi, NJ, is the second offensive lineman in as many years to sign with a Big 10 program. Last season, it was Ohio State’s Luke Wypler. JSZ’s Jay Cook spoke with VanDeMark moments after he signed on with the Spartans: Watch Geno VanDeMark’s 2020 JSZ All-Zone Profile Watch Geno VanDeMark’s “JSZ A to Z” Feature Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of St. Joe’s (Mont.) is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics.
Like Us on Facebook
Support Our Sponsors