Game Balls
JSZ stops by Florence to deliver a pair of South Jersey Game Balls!
Following an 11-0 loss to division rival New Egypt, Junior Payne Walachy helped Florence redeem themselves with a victory in an 11-10 against the Warriors. Walachy finished the day 3-5 and contributed 4 RBI’s. Sitting currently at 9-9 Payne will look to help the Flashes as postseason play is right around the corner: Take Our Poll Florence’s Sam Cartier is no stranger in the batter’s box. In her junior year Cartier is batting .485 and has driven in 18 runs in 2018. In the Flash’s game against Maple Shade Sam went 3-4 and finished the day with 4 RBI’s. Watch her acceptance speech: Take Our Poll Each week Nery Rodriguez will nominate 10 players from the South Jersey area, the winner will receive a Jersey Sports Zone game ball on camera at practice as part of their ceremony! Voting closes at 3 p.m. Tuesday so cast your vote below: Did we miss someone? Email Nery: nery@jerseysportszone.com
Vote now for Shore Game Balls!
It’s time to honor outstanding performances from the diamond. Thanks to our friends at Monmouth Building Center, we’ll have 10 top nominees every week from Shore Conference baseball and softball. Cast your votes NOW through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. We’ll pay a visit to a mid-week game or practice and make a Monmouth Building Center Game Ball presentation. Coaches can always nominate a player – just email rich@jerseysportszone before Saturday night: Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Monmouth Building Center in Shrewsbury has been honoring Shore Conference athletes for the past four years. Thanks to the team at Monmouth Building Center for giving us the chance to honor great Shore kids in football, basketball, baseball and softball.
Stellar pitching efforts headline this week’s North Jersey Game Ball Nominees
Each week, JSZ’s Alex Lorenzo posts ten nominees from outstanding performances from baseball and softball in the Big North and GMC conferences. Voting is open now through Tuesday at 3:00 pm. The winner of the poll will get a JSZ Game Ball presented to them with their teammates. Baseball Poll Take Our Poll Softball Poll Take Our Poll Coaches & Fans: You can nominate your top performer every week. Just drop a line to alex@jerseysportszone.com no later than Saturday evening and we’ll nominate your player.
Vote now for Nery’s Baseball and Softball South Jersey Game Ball 5.13!
The time has come for you to vote for the best baseball and softball players of South Jersey! Each week Nery Rodriguez will nominate 10 players from the South Jersey area, the winner will receive a Jersey Sports Zone game ball on camera at practice as part of their ceremony! Voting closes at 3 p.m. Tuesday so cast your vote below: Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Did we miss someone? Email Nery: nery@jerseysportszone.com
Vote for This Week’s Mid-State Game Balls
Each week JSZ will bring you ten nominations, both baseball & softball, for our weekly Mid-State Game Ball Award. These nominations are composed of athletes who had top, player of the week-worthy, performances across the Mid-State. Vote for your favorite athlete now, and this week’s winner will be awarded a JSZ Game Ball & Game Ball Ceremony. (Polls close Tuesday at 3PM) Baseball: Take Our Poll Softball: Take Our Poll Reminder! You can always nominate a deserving player for a Game Ball! Just email Courtney DuPont (courtney@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
Manchester rallies at Brick, JSZ gives Game Ball to Anja Kane
Manchester 7 Brick Township 6 – Shore Conference Softball The Hawks rallied from 5-2 down with a two-run homer from Amanda Pati and a three-run sixth inning to score a road win at Brick. Alexis Anderson drove in the game-winning run to cap off the rally. JSZ has the highlights of a great Shore Conference battle: Anja Kane wins JSZ Game Ball Following the Hawks 7-6 win, JSZ was proud to present Anja Kane with a Monmouth Building Center Game Ball for her two-homer game earlier in the season. Monmouth Building Center in Shrewsbury has been honoring Shore Conference athletes for the past four years. Thanks to the team at Monmouth Building Center for giving us the chance to honor great Shore kids in football, basketball, baseball and softball.
Luke Attanasi of Hammonton wins JSZ South Jersey Game Ball
Luke Attanasi has been a contributing factor to Hammonton’s 11-6 season this year. The Junior is second and hits for the Blue Devils with 13 RBI’s and has a .311 batting average. In his game against Burlington Township Luke went 2-3 with a home run and 2 RBI’s to give Hammonton a 12-1 victory. It is because of this effort the fans have voted him Nery’s South Jersey Game Ball winner! Take Our Poll Each week Nery Rodriguez will nominate 10 players from the South Jersey area, the winner will receive a Jersey Sports Zone game ball on camera at practice as part of their ceremony! Voting closes at 3 p.m. Tuesday so cast your vote below: Did we miss someone? Email Nery: nery@jerseysportszone.com
Paul VI’s Emily MacGibeny wins Nery’s South Jersey Game Ball
In just her sophomore year Paul VI’s Emily MacGibeny is already one of South Jersey’s players to watch. With a .481 batting average that includes 4 home runs and 3 triples she is on track to have 100 hits by the end of her high school career. In PVI’s game against Sterling Emily went 5-5 with 2 triples and a double to take home our South Jersey Game Ball. Watch her exciting ceremony now: Take Our Poll Each week Nery Rodriguez will nominate 10 players from the South Jersey area, the winner will receive a Jersey Sports Zone game ball on camera at practice as part of their ceremony! Voting closes at 3 p.m. Tuesday so cast your vote below: Did we miss someone? Email Nery: nery@jerseysportszone.com
JSZ Awards 2 Somerville Softball Players with Mid-State Game Balls
Julia LaFrankie and Christina Tonky – Combined Mid-State Game Ball Ceremony This combined Game Ball Ceremony honors two outstanding performances by the Somerville players. First, in the Somerville vs Pingry game, Julia LaFrankie owned the plate with three hits, four RBIs, and one homer. Her standout game at the plate helped the Pioneers take down Big Blue 15-0. Additionally in Somerville’s game against Bernards, Christina Tonky had four hits and three RBIs, which lead her team to an 18-5 victory over the Mountaineers. Check out this game ball ceremony now: Take Our Poll Total Votes: 1,000 Take Our Poll Total Votes: 7, 989
Feature Stories
Schnackenberg Fairy Tale: Syracuse Softball Commit Peyton Schnackenberg’s Story
Everyone in the Skyland Conference softball community knows Peyton Schnackenberg. She’s a quick, rise ball throwing pitcher committed to Syracuse University. But who is Peyton really? What is her story? Our very own Courtney DuPont got the inside scoop. Check out the “Schnackenberg Fairy Tale,” and learn more about this impressive New Jersey softball talent. Sponsor Alert! Coverage of Montgomery is brought to you by Princeton Ortho. Thanks to this generous sponsor JSZ will bring you great features like this all year long!
Loder proud to be trailblazer at Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall still has the label as the new kid on the block in Shore Conference Sports, but the Monarchs have built a strong sports foundation thanks to a senior class that helped blaze the trail. Catherine Loder made a significant impact in all three seasons. JSZ profiles the all-girls school’s first ever 100 goal scorer in lacrosse as she reflected on her four years at the Tinton Falls school and looks ahead to study engineering at the University of Michigan: Senior Makes School History in Lacrosse Tinton Falls, NJ – On Wednesday, May 2, senior Catherine Loder became the first lacrosse student-athlete in Trinity Hall history to reach 100 goals in her high school career. Loder, who graduates this June, is a multi-sport, straight-A student-athlete, playing basketball and lacrosse for four years and cross-country for two. Trinity Hall is a member of the Shore Conference, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and the New Jersey Independent School Athletic Association (NJISAA), and competes against public, parochial, and independent schools in Monmouth County and throughout the state. Loder’s milestone 100th goal was reached at the school’s home game at Dorbrook Park vs. Shore Regional. Although the game was a loss for Trinity Hall, the team rallied around Loder to celebrate the achievement. ”Being the first player at Trinity Hall to score 100 goals in lacrosse is an honor I will never forget,” said Loder. “It is a testament to the hard work of my teammates and coaches and also to the growth of our lacrosse program here at Trinity Hall. I’m thankful to be a part of this special community.” Loder’s achievement of 100 high school career goals in lacrosse is notable because she was able to reach that milestone in a much shorter time than most other high school student-athletes. Ken Santos, athletic director, explained, “Trinity Hall opened in Fall 2013. We were accepted into the Shore Conference in Fall 2015. Since the conference does a two-year scheduling cycle, we were not eligible to play in the division or enter the tournaments in the 2015-2016 school year, playing only a handful of varsity games against comparable teams. In the 2016-2017 school year a new two-year cycle started, with games scheduled for 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, so we were then included in the division and could play in the Shore Conference Tournaments if we qualified. Catherine’s accomplishment is significant because, as new members of the Shore Conference in 2016-2017, she has only played two full seasons of a varsity schedule whereas many who also achieve this milestone have played three or four years of varsity-level play.” “I have coached Catherine for all four years she has played lacrosse for the Monarchs,” said Dana Lenneper, lacrosse head coach. “She is one of the most talented athletes I’ve ever had the privilege to coach. She has the ability to take what you say to her and apply it to every game and practice. Beyond that, Catherine has a positive energy and attitude every day. It’s contagious. She is an amazing captain who always knows how to make her teammates come together and remain that way whether we win or lose. There are a million examples I can give about what makes her so special but one thing I know for sure is that she will be missed by both her team and, definitely, by her coaches. It was a wonderful moment for Catherine and our school. We couldn’t be more proud of her.” ”It was inspiring to witness Catherine score her 100th goal, an achievement of only the best athletes in the state,” said Mary Sciarrillo, head of school. Santos added, “These are the days that make coaching and being a part of athletics so rewarding: when an athlete such as Catherine is rewarded for her hard work and gets to enjoy that with her teammates and coaches.” Trinity Hall, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), is an independent all-girls college preparatory high school, educating and empowering young women in the Catholic tradition. Trinity Hall’s core values of leadership, respect, perseverance and faith are foundational to their mission and work as educators. For more information, visit www.trinityhallnj.org. Jersey Sports Zone is excited to have Trinity Hall join our team as one of our sponsors. JSZ will have highlights and features of the Monarchs sports programs all year long. Visit trinityhallnj.org to learn more about Monmouth County’s independent college preparatory high school in the Catholic tradition
Holmdel Lacrosse Remembers Jack Dowd in a Special Way
The Holmdel Hornets topped Middletown North 7-2 on Friday night, but the game itself took a backseat to honor the home team’s fallen leader. Jack Dowd passed away suddenly on September 17 while playing club lacrosse. The junior collapsed and died due to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, an undiagnosed congenital heart condition. ARVD is a genetic heart condition that effects 1 in 5000 teens and young adults according to the American Heart Association. With a strong showing from the Holmdel Hornets community, an emotional balloon release by the players on both sides and family and friends paid tribute to #9. And it was only fitting that Holmdel won the game with just nine players to start the game. With 9 total points (7 goals, 2 assists) and the combined score of 7-2, the number nine fittingly was the theme of the night. JSZ’s Jay Cook tells the story of how the Hornets lacrosse team and the entire community is still grieving, but are honoring Jack Dowd by sharing his love for lacrosse: Jersey Sports Zone is able to tell special stories like this one thanks to our great partners. A special thanks to BCB-Bayshore, Your Community Bank for allowing us to share highlights and special moments from the Holmdel Hornets all year long.
Ranney’s Lewis soars to third straight Shore dunk crown
On the same night Zion Williamson won the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest in Atlanta, Ranney’s Scottie Lewis gave a possible preview of the 2019 national dunk show when he won his third straight Shore dunk crown during the Shore Conference Senior All-Star game at RJW Barnabas Arena in Toms River. Lewis was the heavy favorite, but he was challenged by Neptune’s Jared Kimbrough, Toms River East’s Nick Silvia and Rob Mahala of CBA. JSZ was there to capture all the high flying jams from four outstanding players: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage is made possible thanks to the support of RYPT. Reach Your Potential Training is where the Shore Conference’s top athletes train to get ready for their season. New York Mets 3rd baseman Todd Frazier and Eagles Super Bowl champ Vinny Curry are just two of the many who had incredible success thanks to the foundation set by coach Bobby Smith and the RYPT staff!
NJ Devils honor state’s best at JSZ Hockey Banquet!
The New Jersey Devils provided a special night for the Garden State’s top hockey players. The first JSZ All-Zone Hockey banquet was hosted at the Prudential Center prior to the Devils 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following the presentation of our video highlights and Player of the Year profiles, the players, coaches and families watched the Devils game and our All-Zone team was honored during the second intermission on the world’s largest in-arena scoreboard. JSZ’s Jay Cook and Courtney DuPont recap a fantastic night at the Rock: Mickey Burns wins JSZ Hockey Player of the Year The Don Bosco Prep forward was the overwhelming choice among statewide hockey coaches and media. Burns had 28 goals and 49 assists for the Ironmen. JSZ’s Courtney DuPont profiles the future Vermont Catamount Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Mickey BurnsDon Bosco Prep141347 Nick SiffringerDelbarton33520 Matt SchoerPope John13413 Zach TarantinoWall13110 John GelattSaint John Vianney1218 Tom PryymakSummit0306 A special thanks to our voting panel! Coaches: Paramus Catholic, High Point, Pope John, Summit, Ridgewood, Woodbridge Twp, Verona, Don Bosco Prep, Delbarton, Middletown North, Wall, RBC, Saint John Vianney, Central Regional, CBA Media: Matt Stypulkoski NJ.com, Chris Rotolo Shore Hockey Report, Alex Lorenzo JSZ, Courtney DuPont JSZ, Rich Chrampanis JSZ Watch our features on 2nd and 3rd place finishers Nick Siffringer and Matt Schoer: Meet the 2018 JSZ All-Zone Hockey Team GoaliesDefensemanForwardsAward Winners Nick Burgess, DelbartonJohn Campomenosi, Don Bosco PrepStephen Buck, Seton Hall Prep Scott Kimiecik, DelbartonJohn Hallard, Middletown NorthDean DiFazio, CBA Ciaran McNelis, Red Bank CatholicJalen Kaplan, DelbartonTJ Evan, Woodbridge TownshipMickey Burns, Don Bosco Prep - JSZ Hockey Player of the Year Hunter Macy, DelbartonDrew Galea, Woodbridge TownshipMatt Schoer, Pope John - POY Finalist Thomas Shweigardt, Don Bosco PrepJohn Gelatt, Saint John VianneyNick Siffringer, Delbarton - POY Finalist John Gutt, Saint John Vianney Kyle Knight, St. Augustine Prep Alex Konovalov, Ridge Tsubasa Konishi, Don Bosco Prep Jin Lee, Northern Highlands Kyle Mandleur, Hun School Liam Noonan, CBA Tom Pryymak, Summit Scott Schnell, Hunterdon Central Tyler Sedlak, Don Bosco Prep Zach Tarantino, Wall Aidan Trainor, Princeton Will Vitton, Summit Thomas Winter, Chatham Will Zimmer, Randolph Top 5 Goals from February and JSZ’s Save of the Year JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez talked with some of our Plays of the Month honorees and was with them as they watched their goals play on the scoreboard at the Rock: Watch our winners and thanks to everyone who voted Save of the Year: Thomas Kampf, Central Regional #5: Scott Schnell, Hunterdon Central #4: Collin Andersen, Rumson-Fair Haven #3: John Callander, Point Pleasant Boro #2: Hunter Macy, Delbarton #1: Jin Lee, Northern Highlands A special thanks to Thomas Dreisbach and the staff at the New Jersey Devils for giving New Jersey high school hockey players a special experience at the Rock all season long!
Mabrey, Reid grab top honors at JSZ Basketball Banquet
Lights, Camera, Action! Before the big night begins we caught up with our Player of the Year finalists, the best dressed and get answers to burning questions from the best in the garden state. Check out post-banquet interviews with some of our All-State Stars and coaches, as well as, highlights from the first ever JSZ All-State Basketball Banquet: Dara Mabrey wins JSZ 2018 Miss Hoop Zone Manasquan’s Dara Mabrey led her team to a triple title: Shore Conference, state and Tournament of Champions winner. JSZ’s Alex Lorenzo chronicles an amazing senior season: Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Dara MabreyManasquan276294 Diamond MillerFranklin212838 Faith MasoniusManasquan27626 Tori HydukeRumson-Fair Haven18726 Leilani CorreaRutgers Prep41418 Michelle SidorSaddle River Day22313 Mikayla MarkhamSaint Rose1127 Lucy ThomasSaint Rose0146 Kylee WatsonMainland1014 Danielle RobinsonUniversity0011 A special thanks to the coaches and statewide media who vote for Miss Hoop Zone Coaches: Piscataway, Red Bank Regional, Mendham, Waldwick, Holmdel, Cherokee, Pascack Valley, Gloucester Catholic, Point Pleasant Beach, Southern Regional, Saint John Vianney, Barnegat, Ocean Township, Mater Dei Prep, RBC, Middletown South, Delaware Valley, Somerville, Hunterdon Central, Bernards, Patrick School, Bishop Ahr, Passaic, Allentown, Hopewell Valley, Trenton Catholic, Franklin, Steinert, Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown South Media: Sherlon Christie, Asbury Park Press, B. Gould, NJ.com, Jason Bernstein, NJ.com, GThing Basketball, Rich Chrampanis, JSZ, Alex Lorenzo, JSZ, Jay Cook, JSZ, Gregg Lerner, Shore Sports Network Meet JSZ’s Miss Hoop Zone Finalists! Three outstanding players with bright futures ahead of them Naz Reid wins JSZ 2018 Mister Hoop Zone Roselle Catholic’s Naz Reid has claimed JSZ’s Player of the Year honor. The future LSU Tiger led the Lions to the Tournament of Champions title with spectacular play in March. Learn more about a future star in college basketball and beyond: Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Naz ReidRoselle Catholic149565 Jahvon QuinerlyHudson Catholic7141059 Jalen CareyMontclair Immaculate45931 Ron Harper, Jr.Bergen Catholic61323 Bryan AntoineRanney60321 Scottie LewisRanney24519 Tavon JonesLinden24115 Paul MulcahyGill St. Bernards1218 Ray Bethea, Jr.Atlantic City1003 Dean Noll Shawnee0113 Thanks to the coaches and media who voted for our Mister Hoop Zone in 2018 Coaches: Union, Manasquan, Barnegat, Bergen Catholic, Delsea, Newark East Side, Watchung Hills, Roselle Catholic, Bishop Ahr, Matawan, Middletown North, Rumson-Fair Haven, Somerville, Don Bosco Prep, Bloomfield, Verona, Ranney, Hun School, West Milford, Central Regional, Montclair, Linden, River Dell, Notre Dame, Camden Catholic, Hopewell Valley, Saint Peter’s Prep, Media: Adam Zagoria, Sherlong Christie – Asbury Park Press, Jay Gomes, R. Greco, Coast to Coast, Dave’s Joint, Nj.Com, Rich Chrampanis JSZ, Alex Lorenzo JSZ, Jay Cook JSZ Meet the other finalists for JSZ’s Mr. Hoop Zone – two players destined to do great things next year in college hoops! Meet the 2018 JSZ All-Zone Girls Basketball Team! NameSchoolName SchoolNameSchool Alexis AdamsSouth BrunswickBridgett AndreeTrinity HallDara MabreyManasquan - 2018 JSZ Miss Hoop Zone Destiny AdamsManchester Twp.Brelynn BellamySt. John VianneyDiamond MillerFranklin - 2018 Miss HZ Finalist Julia CunninghamWatchung HillsSajada BonnerSt. John VianneyTori HydukeRumson-Fair Haven - 2018 JSZ Miss HZ Finalist Alexandra GeorgeOld TappanMadison DoringSt. John VianneyFaith MasoniusManasquan - 2018 Miss HZ Finalist Camille GrayFranklinSarah KarpellSt. John Vianney Mya GrimesEwingMikayla MarkhamSaint Rose Nicole JohnsonEast BrunswickLovin MarsicanoSaint Rose Lindsey MackSecaucusLucy ThomasSaint Rose LaNiya MillerPiscatawayRose CaverlyRed Bank Catholic Lola MullaneyManasquanHayley MooreRed Bank Catholic Teresa OrtizUniversityKatie RiceRed Bank Catholic Danielle RobinsonUniversityLeilani CorreaRutgers Prep Kylee WatsonMainlandJahsyni KnightRutgers Prep Ryan WeiseAllentownMegan HornPingry Teresa WolakBridgewater-RaritanKaley RansomPingry Imani LewisLife Center Academy Jada Queen Trenton Catholic Kaela ReedTrenton Catholic Michelle SidorSaddle River Day Jaida PatrickSaddle River Day Sydney WatkinsSaddle River Day Meet the 2018 JSZ All-Zone Boys Basketball Team NameSchoolName SchoolName School Ray Bethea, Jr.Atlantic CityPrecious AchiuwaSt. Benedict's PrepLester QuinonesSt. Benedict's Prep Mike DePersiaHaddonfieldSavior AkuwovoRanneyAhmadu SarnorRanney Dylan DeveneyShawneeBryan AntoineRanneyBrendan ThieleSt. Peter's Prep Aaron EstradaWoodburyAl-Amir DawesPatrick SchoolAndre ToureSt. Benedict's Prep Kyion FlandersWildwoodCartier BowmanNotre DameKahlil WhitneyRoselle Catholic Danny FrauenheimPoint Pleasant BeachAaron ClarkePope JohnJustin WinstonMontclair-Immaculate Steve GeisWallMarc DadikaSt. Mary's-Rutherford Corey GreerCamdenMarcellus EarlingtonDon Bosco PrepNaz ReidRoselle Catholic - 2018 JSZ Mr. Hoop Zone Rob HigginsMiddletown NorthCaleb FieldsWildwood CatholicJahvon QuinerlyHudson Catholic - 2018 JSZ Mr. HZ Finalist Jahid JenkinsNewark East SideZach FreemantleBergen CatholicJalen CareyMontclair-Immaculate - 2018 JSZ Mr. HZ Finalist Darell JohnsonNottinghamAlanzo FrinkRoselle Catholic Tavon JonesLindenRon Harper, Jr. Bergen Catholic Cliff JosephNottinghamAlex ImegwuSeton Hall Prep Jared KimbroughNeptuneKenny JonesMater Dei Prep Chris MannPhillipsburgLouis KingHudson Catholic Dean NollShawneeScottie LewisRanney Ian O'ConnorRumson-Fair HavenValdir ManuelPatrick School BJ Saliba, Jr.HackensackAshton MillerSeton Hall Prep Atiba TaylorHackensackPaul MulcahyGill St. Bernards Myles ThompsonCamdenLuther MuhammadHudson Catholic 2018 JSZ Hoops Plays of the Year – thanks to everyone who voted!! Take Our Poll Take Our Poll Take Our Poll
Ranney rallies “Max Strong” in support of head coach
A lot of people would term Ranney’s 63-61 loss to Roselle Catholic in the Non-Public “B” state championship game as heartbreaking, but it’s easy for the Panthers to put into perspective. Just days before the state finals, Ranney head coach Tahj Holden learned that his 16-month-old son Max as diagnosed with pediatric neuroblastoma, a form of cancer. With his son having surgery the day before Ranney’s biggest game in school history, the Panthers showed that they are a tight-knit group on and off the court. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story in Toms River of how the Panthers are without a doubt “Max Strong” not just in Saturday’ state final, but throughout young Max’s battle against cancer: Coach Holden played high school basketball at Red Bank Regional before going on to the University of Maryland where he was a key contributor on the Terps 2002 national championship team. Holden was an assistant boys basketball coach at CBA before leading the Ranney program over the past three years. Over $130,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe page to help the Holden family with the medical expenses on the horizon. CLICK HERE to donate to Max Holden and his family
NJ Devils honor JSZ Top Goals from January at the Rock
Once again, the New Jersey Devils rolled out the red carpet for five New Jersey high school hockey players. JSZ brought the top five goal scorers captured by our cameras from January to the Prudential Center where Devils rookie Jesper Bratt met the players prior to New Jersey’s Sunday night game against the Boston Bruins. Bratt, a 19 year old from Sweden, has 12 goals for the Devils and enjoyed watching the Top 5 goals of January. After a group photo, the players were treated to dinner upstairs at the Prudential Center and tickets to the Devils/Bruins game. JSZ’s Top 5 goals were shown to the capacity crowd during the second intermission. JSZ’s Courtney Dupont was on hand to witness the excitement of an incredible experience provided by the Devils: To watch all five of our top goals and commentary from Jesper Bratt on every goal, watch the video below! JSZ’s partnership with the New Jersey Devils continues in March when we will honor the state’s top players at our JSZ hockey banquet. In addition to showing the Top 5 goals from the 2018 NJ high school hockey playoffs, we will have the top 25 players and we will honor them at the Prudential Center. Thanks again to the New Jersey Devils for supporting New Jersey high school hockey in a special way!
Brick Stars breaking barriers on the ice
Every Sunday morning at Ocean Ice Palace, former Point Pleasant Boro hockey coach Alex DePalma has two sessions where special needs kids get on the ice and learn to play hockey. The success of the Brick Stars hockey team is evident every Super Bowl Sunday when they go outdoors to Avon Pond to face the USA Wounded Warriors in the club’s biggest fundraiser. A number of Shore Conference hockey teams showed their support including CBA, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Boro, Saint Rose, and Wall. The Brick Stars are set to travel to Chicago to compete in the International Disabled Games. JSZ was honored to be able to capture the inspiring images of the Brick Stars and US Wounded Warriors. Watch our story now! To learn more about the Brick Stars visit their website HERE:
Recruiting
Alfano All-Access: Antonio Chooses BAMA
DECISION DAY Antonio Alfano has given a verbal commitment to play Division I football in the SEC for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Antonio made the announcement at Colonia High School and Jersey Sports Zone’s Alex Lorenzo produced the commitment video that was played as the big reveal: ALFANO ALL-ACCESS Leading up to his commitment, Colonia defensive end Antonio Alfano gave Jersey Sports Zone’s Alex Lorenzo an All-Access pass as he prepares for his senior season of high school football. Go in-depth with one of the nation’s top defensive prospects. Watch Alfano All-Access Episodes Now! Episode 4: “Let’s Eat!” Q & A with Antonio Alfano Episode 3: Field Work Episode 2: “The Last Rep” Episode 1: “How it Started” Coming this Friday: The Decision Antonio Alfano will make his college choice at 3:00 pm at Colonia High School
Saddle River Day’s Sidor chooses Maize and Blue
Saddle River Day guard Michelle Sidor has given a verbal commitment to play in the Big Ten for the Michigan Wolverines. Sidor chose Michigan over a long list of offers. Sidor is one of the top juniors in America. An electric scorer who has so much creativity around the rim, we saw her get on hot streaks and score points in bunches highlighted by a high-arcing three-point shot. With over 2400 points and one more year of high school ball, amazingly the prolific scorer is also dishing out over 4 assists a game. Watching her in person, it’s quick for fans in the stands to realize that they are watching one special player. Watch JSZ’s junior highlight reel of the newest Michigan Wolverine:
Howard Cross III chooses Notre Dame
St. Joe-Montvale defensive end Howard Cross III has given a verbal commitment to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. Football is in the bloodline of the newest member of the Fighting Irish. The son of a former New York Giant and Super Bowl-winning tight end, Cross III burst onto the national recruiting scene with over 130 tackles and 12 sacks in just 2 seasons for the Green Knights. The 6 foot 2 240 pound defensive end chose Notre Dame over 14 other offers including Michigan, Virginia Tech, Duke and Boston College. For Notre Dame, it’s the second high profile recruit from New Jersey who gave a verbal commitment in the last 72 hours. JSZ was at the announcement ceremony of St. Joe’s-Metuchen OL Jon Olmstead when he gave a verbal to Notre Dame. Cross III will be back to lead the Green Knights defense in 2018 for his senior season of high school football before beginning his college career. He made his commitment via social media: COMMITTED 🍀🍀🍀 #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/wMluq7gecZ — Howard Cross III (@HowardCrossIII) April 22, 2018 Cross was a member of Jersey Sports Zone’s 2017 All-Zone team, honoring the top high school football players in New Jersey. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Howard Cross III from 2017:
NJ’s Top OL Recruit John Olmstead Commits to Notre Dame
John Olmstead, a 6’6 300 lb OL from St. Joseph Metuchen announced his commitment to play for the Notre Dame Irish on Friday afternoon. Olmstead, a 4-Star prospect in the Class of 2019, and New Jersey’s top OL recruit chose the Irish over Michigan, Minnesota, Ole Miss, and his home state school of Rutgers University. Olmstead will join the rich and storied linemen tradition at Notre Dame, a unit that won the Joe Moore Award this past season, as the nation’s best Offensive Line. Watch the announcement, and interview from John Olmstead following his commitment to The University of Notre Dame on JSZ. 100% committed to The University of Notre Dame☘️ #GoIrish #FightClub19 pic.twitter.com/N0wB81O3jh — John Olmstead (@JOHNNYO_72) April 20, 2018
Saddle River Day’s Jaida Patrick commits to Duke
Saddle River Day junior Jaida Patrick has given a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball in the ACC for the Duke Blue Devils. Saddle River Day reached the Tournament of Champions semifinals. Patrick put up Russell Westbrook numbers with 8 triple-doubles this season and one quadruple double. We saw it first hand when she scored 21 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds in a T of C win against University. Patrick announced her commitment via social media: Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of the newest Duke Blue Devil:
DePaul’s Ronnie Hickman Commits to Ohio State – Watch Highlights on JSZ
Class of 2019 recruit, Ronnie Hickman of DePaul Catholic announced Friday via Twitter that he will play college football for The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Choosing the Buckeyes from a “Final 6” that included Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Florida, Notre Dame and Penn State. Hickman was in high demand by the elite programs of college football. The 6 foot 1, 200 lb junior displayed his great athleticism all over the field for DePaul Catholic, while helping the Spartans win a Non-Public Group 3 State Championship in 2017. Hickman, despite excelling at wide receiver on the high school level, is expected to play safety at Ohio State and is a 4-Star athlete currently ranked as New Jersey No. 2 overall prospect by 247Sports.Com. Dreams really do come true! #GoBucks⭕️🔥 pic.twitter.com/hZbUtBZifU — Ronnie Hickman (@asvprocket_) April 14, 2018 Watch highlights from Ronnie Hickman’s junior season at DePaul Catholic on JSZ!
RBC’s Lubischer Commits to Boston College
Red Bank Catholic quarterback Steve Lubischer has made his college choice. The rising senior has given a verbal commitment to play Division I football in the ACC for the Boston College Eagles. BC has created quite a pipeline of New Jersey signal callers. Saint John Vianney’s Anthony Brown is expected to be the starter as a redshirt sophomore and Bergen Catholic’s Johnny Langan is set to begin his freshman campaign in Chestnut Hill. Lubischer threw for 1673 yards with 17 TD’s and just 4 interceptions in his junior season to go along with seven rushing TD’s. Following a combine performance at Nike’s “The Opening” where he ranked in the 99th percentile, Lubischer announced his commitment via social media: I'm proud to be an Eagle !! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/oC9BkC91D2 — Steve Lubischer (@SLubischer) April 13, 2018 Lubischer continues the family legacy at Boston College. His father and uncle both attended BC. Watch JSZ’s junior year highlights of the newest Boston College Eagle:
Don Bosco’s Earlington commits to Saint John’s
Marcellus Earlington has made a verbal commitment to play Division I college basketball in the Big East for coach Chris Mullin and Saint John’s University. Earlington made the announcement on his Twitter page: Committed #Goredstorm pic.twitter.com/OtpxZEiUMx — Marcellus Earlington (@realdealcellus) February 28, 2018 Earlington made the difficult decision of choosing basketball over football following his senior season on the gridiron. Earlington is currently averaging 21.2 points per game for an Ironmen team that won the Bergen County Jamboree and is in the midst of competing for a Non-Public “A” state championship. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 18 points per game last season as Don Bosco reached the Tournament of Champions final. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Earlington’s senior campaign:
Hudson Catholic & Jelly Fam’s Jahvon Quinerly Commits to Villanova – Watch Senior Season Highlights
Hudson Catholic’s 5-star recruit Jahvon Quinerly has found his college home. The senior point guard announced his commitment to play for Coach Jay Wright and The Villanova Wildcats Wednesday morning via his twitter page. For Quinerly, the decision comes after a decommitting from The University of Arizona in October amid a FBI Probe involving bribery in College Basketball. Quinerly, a member of the Jelly Fam, has steered Hudson Catholic to a 17-4 record so far this season and his hoping to guide The Hawks to a Non-Public Title and Tournament of Champions victory. Jersey Sports Zone has exciting highlights from Jahvon’s senior season. Watch below! Dreams Do Come True 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DQ0Vsl4bOJ — Jahvon Quinerly (@RealJahvonQ) February 14, 2018 Welcome to Jersey Sports Zone! After three years on the Jersey Shore, we’ve expanded our coverage to every part of the Garden State. We are excited to bring you high definition highlights and features of high school sports all year long.
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