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Current News
Watch Wednesday 12.11 JSZ Hockey Highlights
The New Jersey high school hockey season is in full swing and we’ve got a pair of mid-week games for you. Enjoy the coverage! Randolph 6 St. John Vianney 2 After falling short in the Public B state final last season, Randolph has been red hot in 2019. The Rams continued their electric play Monday by securing a blowout win over two-time Egan Cup champions, St. John Vianney. Ben Yurchuk and Matt Rogers each netted a pair of goals while captain Michael Sofia closed the game with a highlight goal. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Aspen Ice in Randolph: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Lancers is brought to you by the St. John Vianney Hockey Boosters Club. Notre Dame 8 Lawrence 5 Notre Dame remains undefeated at 3-0 with their latest 8-5 win over crosstown rival Lawrence. The Irish opened the game with two quick scores before Lawrence countered to eventually tie it at 3 entering halftime. In the second act Notre Dame would begin to pull away as Will Celli finished with three goals. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Notre Dame and Lawrence coverage.
N.J. HS Football Coaches Excited about Greg Schiano Hire
There’s no doubt about it — New Jersey high schools produce some of the most talented and competitive players in college football. In the two weeks new Rutgers University head coach Greg Schiano has been on the job, he and his assistant coaches have been hitting the pavement to recruit the Garden State’s best to […].....Read More »
Diggs wins Zoneman, Schiano speaks at JSZ Football Banquet
The third annual JSZ Football Banquet featured the top players in New Jersey, an inspiring JSZ Courage Award and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano opening our ceremony. It all capped off with Woodrow Wilson’s Fadil Diggs winning the Zoneman Trophy. Watch Jersey Sports Zone’s team coverage now! Rutgers Greg Schiano speaks at third annual Jersey […].....Read More »
Watch Monday 12.10 JSZ Hockey Highlights
It’s Monday night ice on Jersey Sports Zone as we bring you a pair of games. Don Bosco Prep continues to look sharp early in the season plus we pay a visit to the Red Bank Armory where Rumson-Fair Haven scored its second straight win in dominant fashion. Don Bosco 3 Delbarton 1 Hockey fans […].....Read More »
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 […].....Read More »
"JSZ Polls"
Vote for the final JSZ Game Balls of the 2019 football season!
Game Ball Presentations
West Essex’s Tyler Logan Brings Home Final JSZ Game Ball of 2019
It all came down to Tyler Logan. On fourth down in the first overtime period, the West Essex kicker lined up from 36 yards out with the game on the line. Logan delivered in crunch time, helping his Knights win a conference championship in a nail-biting win over Newark West Side. Logan collected 9,632 votes (or 58.2 percent) and was awarded with the final North Jersey football game ball of the 2019 season with his heroic kick. Take Our Poll JSZ’s Jay Cook visited West Essex to award Logan:
Chris Moyer of St. Joe’s Metuchen Wins Final Central Jersey Game Ball
After beginning the year with a loss, St. Joseph (Metuchen) won its last eight games to end the regular season at (8-1). The Falcons are the seven seed heading into the Non-Public Group 4 playoffs. In their Week 8 clash against Rahway, the Falcons locked in to a tight battle and were able to pull out a 9-7 victory thanks to a 28-yard game-winning field goal from kicker Chris “No Miss” Moyer in the final 30 seconds. The fans have spoken and Chris is our final Central Jersey Game Ball winner of the football season! JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez stopped by practice for another unforgettable ceremony: Take Our Poll
Top Play Belt and a Game Ball; Mainland’s Cook & Bradley Earn Week 8 Awards
Mustangs fans came out in force on the JSZ Week 8 polls! Sean Bradley recorded four sacks in Mainland’s win over Ocean City. Bradley received nearly 4,000 votes to earn the NJM Insurance South Jersey JSZ Week 8 Game Ball. Jake Cook broke a tackle along the sideline en route to a dazzling touchdown catch against the Red Raiders. Cook received well over 18,000 votes to edge out Woodbridge’s Jahmir Brown for the JSZ Week 8 Top Play Belt. Check out the Mainland double presentation here: Take Our Poll South Jersey Game Balls are made possible by NJM Insurance. Take Our Poll
Vote for the final JSZ Game Balls of the 2019 football season!
Just like that, the 2019 high school football regular 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
Holmdel’s Evan Jennings wins JSZ Week 7 Central Jersey Game Ball
We got to the defensive side of the ball for this week’s JSZ Central Jersey Game Ball. Evan Jennings had both touchdowns in the Hornets 17-14 win over Raritan. Jennings had a 10-yard TD run and a 70-yard scoop and score as well as another fumble recovery. We paid a visit to Holmdel practice to give Evan his JSZ Game Ball: Take Our Poll Thanks to everyone who voted. This week’s we’ll have 10 more nominees from Central Jersey. The winner of our poll will get another JSZ Game Ball Thanks to the Law Offices of Lawrence Luttrell for supporting JSZ’s coverage of Holmdel all year long
Holy Spirit’s Trevor Cohen Wins JSZ Week 7 Game Ball
Trevor Cohen threw four touchdown passes to lead the way for Holy Spirit in Week 7. The Spartans sophomore helped Spirit beat Kingsway 47-27 in Absecon. Cohen edged out Hammonton’s Caleb Narty in a close vote, to earn the NJM Insurance South Jersey JSZ Week 7 Game Ball. Check out the presentation here: Take Our Poll South Jersey Game Balls are brought to you by NJM Insurance. Please submit nominations with statistics to MikeFrankel@jerseysportszone.com by Saturday evening.
Feature Stories
N.J. HS Football Coaches Excited about Greg Schiano Hire
There’s no doubt about it — New Jersey high schools produce some of the most talented and competitive players in college football. In the two weeks new Rutgers University head coach Greg Schiano has been on the job, he and his assistant coaches have been hitting the pavement to recruit the Garden State’s best to stay home. So we had to ask some of New Jersey’s top high school coaches — what do you think about the Schiano hire? Let’s just say they’re excited. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story: JSZ’s 1-on-1 with Greg Schiano Greg Schiano was a surprise special-guest speaker at Jersey Sports Zone’s third annual All-Zone football banquet on Dec. 10 in Woodbridge. JSZ’s Chief Operating Officer, Rich Chrampanis, spoke with Schiano about his excitement to be back at the helm with the Scarlet Knights.
Diggs wins Zoneman, Schiano speaks at JSZ Football Banquet
The third annual JSZ Football Banquet featured the top players in New Jersey, an inspiring JSZ Courage Award and Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano opening our ceremony. It all capped off with Woodrow Wilson’s Fadil Diggs winning the Zoneman Trophy. Watch Jersey Sports Zone’s team coverage now! Rutgers Greg Schiano speaks at third annual Jersey Sports Zone Football Banquet The top high school football players from every part of New Jersey were assembled at the Delta Hotel in Woodbridge for the JSZ Football Banquet. Before the highlights of the 2019 JSZ All-Zone team, Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano got things started with a great message to the honorees. The Scarlet Knights have made it known that recruiting the best players in -state is a top priority. Schiano was joined by assistant coaches Nunzio Campanile and Fran Brown to celebrate New Jersey’s best on the gridiron: Fadil Diggs wins JSZ Zoneman Trophy Woodrow Wilson defensive end and wide receiver Fadil Diggs took home the JSZ Zoneman Trophy. The Texas A&M commit helped lead the Tigers to a South Group 3 Regional Championship and won the balloting among NJ head football coaches and statewide media members. St. Joe-Hammonton running back Jada Byers was the runnerup. Byers and Diggs had equal first-place votes but Fadil was on nine more ballots in the Heisman style voting which gave him the top honor: The Zoneman Trophy was presented by NJM Insurance. Thanks to NJM’s Joe Dotro for being on hand to honor the best players in New Jersey! Zoneman Voting Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Fadil DiggsWoodrow Wilson252411134 Jada ByersSt. Joe-Hammonton251610117 Jalen BergerDon Bosco Prep13182499 Cody SimonSaint Peter's Prep12142080 Luke WyplerSt. Joe-Montvale251026 Kyle MonangaiDon Bosco Prep42521 Thanks to everyone from around the state who was part of the Zoneman process Zoneman Ballots JSZ Staff: Rich Chrampanis, Nery Rodriguez, Mike Frankel, Jay Cook Statewide Media: Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press, Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report, Todderick Hunt, NJ.Com, Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network, Kevin Minnick, NJ.Com, Andrew Koob, NJ.Com, Pat Lanni, NJ.Com, JJ Conrad, NJ.Com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Ryan Patti, Rivals.Com, Tom Williams, PrimeEvents.Net, Tom McGurk, Courier-Post, Brian Carr, NorthJerseySports.Com, Shawn Brown, 247 Sports, GMC Gridiron, Joe Zedalis, NJ.Com, Mike Kinney, NJ.Com, Mike Fenske, MJF Recruiting, Brian Dohn, 247 Sports, JP Parachini, Worrell Media Coaches: John McKenna, DePaul Catholic, Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic, Dallas Whitaker, Somerville, Dan Russo, Vineland, Pete Lancetta, St. Augustine Prep, Jim Raso, Hammonton, Tim Gushue, Shawnee, John Emel, Penns Grove, Rob Hinson, Timber Creek, Dennis Thomas, Millville, Steve Scanlon, Clearview, Chuck Smith, Mainland, Joe Hoyle, Dwight Morrow Bill Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep Montrey Wright, Salem Kevin Smith, Ocean City Kevin Stetser, Egg Harbor Twp. Joe Wojceichowski, Lenape Jay Graber, Matawan Kevin Kostibos, Summit Dan Higgins, Piscataway Ken Loomis, Wildwood Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial Jeff Rainess, Holmdel John Fiore, Montclair Brian Bowers, Delbarton John Whitehead, Paramus Catholic Barris Grant, Hillside Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township John Adams, Woodstown Benji Wemberly, Hackensack Rob Davis, Barnegat Marion Bell, West Side Jamil Jackson, Elizabeth Drew Gibbs, Ramapo Rich Hansen, St. Peter’s Prep Wilber Valdez, Union City Kevin Carty, Hillsborough Frank Duffy, Phillipsburg Augie Hoffmann, St. Joe’s (Mont.) Ed Guerreri, Manalapan Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty Brian Russo, Rahway William Nahan, Randolph Drew Lachenmayer, Allentown David Schuman Red Bank Regional Kenny Scott, Winslow Twp. Brian Leary, Highland LJ Clark, Lakewood Dan Sabella, Don Bosco Sean Clancy, Notre Dame Chris Thomas, Pitman Dan George, Long Branch Clifton Tabb, Pennsauken Mike Schatzman, Washington Twp Tim Hagerty, Glassboro Ralph Cinque, Clifton Sights and Sounds from JSZ Banquet Before the players came inside to eat dinner and watch JSZ’s All-Zone presentation, Nery Rodriguez gave us some red carpet coverage having fun with some of the best players in the state! JSZ Courage Award Winners Coach Dwayne Savage, Kenneth Smith – Camden Coach Chris Sacco, Ernest Howard, Pleasantville Jersey Sports Zone’s Mike Frankel was shooting highlights of Camden and Pleasantville in the state playoffs when gunshots rang out during the third quarter wounding two and killing 10-year old Micah Tennant. Through adversity, both towns turned to their football teams to help unite communities and begin the healing process. JSZ was proud to honor four great leaders with this award. In case you missed it, Jersey Sports Zone chronicled the resumption of the Camden/Pleasantville game at the home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles Meet the 2019 JSZ All-Zone Team QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Michael Alaimo, St. Joe-MontvaleJaiden Abrams, HammontonTedy Afful, DePaul CatholicKevin Bauman, Red Bank CatholicChandler Bird, Saint AugustineJalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep Louie Barrios, Cedar CreekMyles Bailey, North BrunswickAhmad Brown, Holy SpiritDominic Busby, Seton Hall PrepBryan Felter, Bergen CatholicJada Byers, St. Joe-Hammonton JD Breslauer, Parsippany HillsMatt Colantuono, Seton Hall PrepEJ Comerford, Parsippany HillsShawn Collins, MontclairBardhyl Gashi, West EssexFadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson Tahjamell Bullock, Saint Peter's PrepCorey Dempster, BoontonCarnell Davis, St. Augustine PrepCharles Finley, DePaul CatholicJalen Genao, Union CityKyle Monangai, Don Bosco Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul CatholicAudric Estime, St. Joe-MontvaleMalik Harvey, Woodrow WilsonLucas Giordano, Seton Hall PrepCody Simon, St. Peter's Prep Ryan Clark, Donovan CatholicEthan Harris, Northern HighlandsKyree Hinton, SomervilleNajae Hallenbeck, Toms River NorthLuke Wypler, St. Joe-Montvale Charles DePrima, RamapoMalik Ingram, Mater Dei PrepConnor Kennedy, LenapeDeclan McCauley, Westfield Devin Kargman, Woodrow WilsonAli Lee, Jr. WoodbridgeChris Long, WillingboroJosh Toner, Cherokee Connor Katz, CranfordMuheem McCargo, Woodrow WilsonJelani Mason, Saint Peter's PrepColin Tunc, Bergen Catholic Vincent Pinto, Park RidgePiotr Partyla, LyndhurstMalachi Melton, Cedar CreekGeno VanDeMark, St. Joe-Montvale Andrew Sanborn, UnionTrebor Pena, OceanAhmirr Robinson, UnionDevon Willock, Paramus Catholic Hank Shapiro, WestfieldFrank Riggio, VeronaGriffin Rooney, WestfieldIsaiah Wright, Saint Peter's Prep Zakee Swann, IrvingtonByron Shipman, Saint Peter's Prep Jake Tirone, RamapoTarheeb Still, Timber Creek Cortaz Williams, Notre Dame Zahir Swann, Irvington Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/PunterJSZ All-Prep Team Jeremiah Grant, Bergen CatholicTirek Austin-Cave, CamdenNahree Biggins, HillsideVincenzo Rea, ManalapanAaron Armitage, Blair Academy Jahmir Greene, Don Bosco PrepBobby/Tommy Coury, PhillipsburgDarian "Duce" Chestnut, CamdenSebastien Tasko, St. Joe-MontvaleNick DeGennaro, Hun Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei PrepJake DeLuccia, Wayne ValleyNasir Clerk, IrvingtonChristian Forbes, Lawrenceville Cameron Horsley, CinnaminsonSolomon DeShields, MillvilleJermaine Corbett, Long Branch Ian Franzoni, Hun Aaron Lewis, WillamstownGordon Forsyth, Rumson-Fair HavenCasey Larkin, WallSanoussi Kane, Blair Academy Leon Lowery, North BrunswickMikai Gbayor, IrvingtonClarence Lewis, Mater Dei PrepChristopher Mayo, Peddie Tywon Malone, Bergen CatholicCharlie Gordinier, Red Bank CatholicJoe Lusardi, SummitMatt Sluka, Peddie Andrew Messineo, RidgewoodTyreem Powell, VinelandElijuwan Mack, St. Joe-MontvaleKorey Smith, Peddie Collin McCarthy, Jackson MemorialColin Ramos, Don Bosco PrepJordan Morant, Bergen Catholic Isaiah Raikes, Saint Augustine PrepMakhi Scott, Penns GroveRJ Moten, Delran George Rooks, Saint Peter's PrepDalton Short, ShawneeAlex Odom, Kingsway Khurram Simpson, Mater Dei PrepClyde Washington, LenapeRomaine Robinson, Don Bosco Prep Amin Vanover, Saint Joe-MontvaleJack Wittmaack, RidgewoodEric Rogers, Burlington Twp. Ryan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven Keon Sabb, Glassboro DJ Woodbury, Burlington City JSZ Top Plays from 2019 We had the Top Play Belt winners of 2019 and the end of year Plays of the Year winners attend the banquet. Thanks to everyone who voted all year long! Jersey Sports Zone Weekly Top Play Winners Week 0: Sam Williams, PingryWeek 1: Thomas Amankwaa, HillsboroughWeek 2: David Hicks, Red Bank RegionalWeek 3: Nate Summerville, ShawneeWeek 4: Nasir Calhoun, Donovan CatholicWeek 5: Nasir Abney, Holy CrossWeek 6: Mike Casanata, Wayne HillsWeek 7: Jada Byers, St. Joe-HammontonWeek 8: Jake Cook, MainlandWeek 9: Jimmy Pepe, Randolph Week 10: Lonnie Cebulski, Jackson Memorial Jersey Sports Zone Plays of the Year Winners Touchdown Run of the Year: Billy Guidetti, Red Bank Catholic Touchdown Pass Play of the Year: Hank Shapiro/Griffin Rooney, Westfield Defensive TD of the Year: Wally Doman, Jackson Memorial Special Teams TD of the Year: Damon Murray, Hoboken Sack/Big Hit of the Year: Amin Vanover, St. Joe-Montvale Clutch Play of the Year: Jahmir Brown, Woodbridge Viewers Choice Play of the Year: Brandon Martins, Nutley 2019 JSZ Zoneman Trophy Finalists In case you missed it, watch JSZ’s profile of our six Zoneman Finalists: Jalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep Jalen Berger has been one of New Jersey’s most prolific recruits throughout his four-year varsity career as the starting running back at North Jersey power Don Bosco Prep. Berger, named a 2020 All-American, delivered the goods in his senior season while accounting for 1,218 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns for the Ironmen. Berger remains uncommitted yet holds offers from college football’s best — Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, LSU and Michigan are among the schools recruiting him. The announcement will come on live TV during the All-American bowl on Jan. 4 from San Antonio, TX. Jada Byers, St. Joseph (Hamm.) There’s no other way to put it — Jada Byers is the most dynamic scoring threat to ever grace South Jersey. Byers, a Sacred Heart commit, was an electric runner with the football who scored a South Jersey record 102 touchdowns in three years of varsity play with the Wildcats. His mark of 644 career points ranks second in South Jersey history only behind Kevin Harvey. The highlights of Byers’ 2019 season was a 10-touchdown performance against Morris Catholic in the sectional semifinals. Fadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson There might not be a better two-way player in the Garden State. The Woodrow Wilson star and future Texas A&M Aggie shined on both sides of the ball in a stellar 2019 season. He collected 95.5 tackles and 17.5 sacks on defense while also catching 65 passes for 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. Woodrow Wilson head coach Preston Brown told JSZ Diggs is the best player in Camden’s history. Kyle Monangai, Don Bosco Prep Talk to anyone in North Jersey and they’ll tell you Don Bosco Prep doesn’t get back to it’s winning ways without Kyle Monangai on the field. After transferring to the Ramsey private school from Seton Hall Prep after his sophomore season, Monangai put up eye-popping numbers. He put up 2,903 scrimmage yards on 310 touches with 35 touchdowns in arguably the toughest conference in America. He holds 25-plus D-I offers yet remains uncommitted. Cody Simon, St. Peter’s Prep He’s the best player on the best team in New Jersey — does anything else need to be said? Simon’s boasts one of the most polished resume’s we’ve seen in years. He was a preseason for the 2019 Butkus Award, was one of five N.J. players named an All-American and is committed to play at Ohio State. Simon led the Marauders with 106 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and four touchdowns on defense and special teams. Luke Wypler, St. Joe’s (Mont.) What does it take to be ranked the No. 1 center in the entire country? Watch the way Luke Wypler dominates on the gridiron. Wypler’s intelligence and intensity on the field is a major reason why St. Joe’s had the toughest offensive line in the state — that translated to a Non-Public Group 4 championship in 2018. Wypler, also named a 2020 All-American, is committed to play at Ohio State after a stellar career in Montvale.
“17 Minutes for Micah”: A Jersey Sports Zone Exclusive
Wednesday night at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia provided two communities in South Jersey with a pair of themes — the sadness surrounding the loss of an innocent life to gun violence and the passions and drive to prosper through tough times. Six shots rang through the air during the third quarter of Friday night’s NJSIAA sectional playoff game between Camden and Pleasantville. Micah Tennant, 10-year-old bystander in the stands, was shot, leading the game to be suspended. The shooting sent shockwaves through South Jersey. Ultimately, the Philadelphia Eagles lent a helping hand and host the remaining 17 minutes of game play while giving the players a first-class experience. Tennant, who battled for days in a local hospital, succumbed to his wounds and passed away only hours before the game resumed Wednesday evening. Jersey Sports Zone presents “17 Minutes for Micah,” a long-form feature giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how players from Pleasantville and Camden — with aid from the Philadelphia Eagles — bonded together to persevere in a tragic time:
Hundreds Gather at Holy Spirit to Celebrate the Life of Bill Walsh
Holy Spirit High School hosted a memorial service for the late Bill Walsh on Wednesday night. Family, friends, current and former players packed the auditorium at Holy Spirit to remember Walsh, who passed away Friday after a three-year battle with ALS. Walsh spent countless years with the Spartans’ football program as either the head coach or assistant coach. As head coach, Walsh led Holy Spirit to a Non-Public Group 3 Championship and the program’s first 12-0 season in 2007. JSZ’s James Mooney has the story:
Gun Violence Mars Camden-Pleasantville Playoff Game
It was a normal New Jersey high school football playoff game; until it wasn’t. Camden was leading Pleasantville 6-0 in the third quarter when at least six shots were fired in the stands behind the Greyhounds sideline. Fans, players, and coaches ran for cover. Referees dropped down onto the turf field. Police officers, security guards, and emergency personnel quickly rushed to the stands. At least two people, including a child, were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Saturday Update: Five people were arrested in connection with the shooting. A total of three people were shot. Here’s the latest update courtesy of NBC News The NJSIAA has announced that the Camden-Pleasantville game will resume on Wednesday at an undisclosed neutral location with no fans allowed to attend. Camden leads the state playoff game 6-0 in the third quarter Statement by Larry White, executive director, NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) pic.twitter.com/NfMiBLf8Un— NJSIAA (@NJSIAA) November 17, 2019
Cooper Hosts Athletic Trainer’s Symposium
Athletic trainers from all over the region were on hand in Mount Laurel on Tuesday for the Cooper University Health Care Athletic Trainer’s Symposium. Dr. David Gealt and other professionals spoke about a wide range of topics, as the athletic training community came together to share insights that can be applied at New Jersey high schools. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the story: Cooper University Health Care is a proud sponsor of Jersey Sports Zone.
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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