Pleasantville High School

There’s always so much on the line this time of the season and JSZ is there to bring you the action. Highlights from seven county/state tournament games are on the way, including: Blair’s storybook season finale win against St. Benedict’s, Ranney’s continuous roll through the Shore Conference along with finding their SCT finale opponent, both Trenton Catholic squads adding some more hardware to the trophy case and the two semifinal showdowns from the Cape Atlantic League. Enjoy! Blair Academy 86 St. Benedict’s Prep 64 – Prep A Championship After missing a potential game-tying free throw in last year’s title game, Blair’s Jaylen Blakes got his redemption on St. Benedict’s Prep via a game-high 27 points as he captained the Buccaneers to their fourth prep title in school history. This season also marks the first in school history that Blair won both the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) and state prep title in the same year. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the action from Blairstown: (2) Trenton Catholic 62 (1) Trenton 57 – Boys Mercer County Championship After falling in the Mercer County Tournament Championship last year Trenton Catholic reclaimed their spot on the thrown with a 62-57 win over top seeded Trenton. The Iron Mike’s led by Butler University commit Khalif Battle were able to hold off an expositive Trenton offense to capture their seventh MCT Title. Battle finished with 25 points to win MVP honors. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  Sponsor! Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Trenton Catholic and Trenton coverage! (1) Trenton Catholic 64 (2) Pennington 45 – Girls Mercer County Championship Top seed Trenton Catholic won their second consecutive Mercer County Tournament Championship with a 64-45 victory over second seed Pennington. The Lady Mike’s were led by MVP Gianna Boulden-Hernandez who had 14 points in the MCT Final. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Sponsor! Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our TrentonC Catholic and Pennington coverage! Ranney 78 Freehold Township 50 – Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals Bryan Antoine scored 20 points to lead four Panthers in double figures as Ranney picked up win #23 and a spot in the SCT finals for a third straight year. Ranney opened the game with a 10-0 run and never looked back. JSZ has the highlights from RJW Barnabas Arena in Toms River: Manasquan 70 CBA 64 – Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals Alex Galvan scored 21 and freshman Ben Roy delivered a career high 17 points to give the Warriors their 25th win and a date with Ranney in the SCT finals on Saturday at Monmouth University. Manasquan raced out to a 23-9 first quarter lead and built the advantage to 42-21 at the half. CBA mounted a big comeback and would get as close as seven in the 4th quarter, but Galvan had 10 of his 21 in the final eight minutes to give Squan a semifinal win. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from Toms River: Wildwood Catholic 65 Pleasantville 49 – Cape Atlantic League Semifinals Jahlil White led Wildwood Catholic with 18 points and Taj Thweatt chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds to propel Wildwood Catholic into the Cape Atlantic League tournament finals. The Crusaders will look to defend their CAL title Saturday afternoon against St. Augustine Prep. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has highlights from the semifinal win here: St. Augustine 72 Ocean City 65 – Cape Atlantic League Semifinals St. Augustine Prep’s Charles Solomon stuffed the stat sheet Thursday night as he accumulated 19 points and 10 rebounds in a CAL semifinal win against Ocean City. The Hermits are 10-time CAL champs and will look to bring the title back home Saturday when the battle top-seeded Wildwood Catholic. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights:

The 2018 Jersey Sports Zone banquet celebrated a stellar season on the gridiron in the Garden State.  The APA Hotel in Woodbridge honored the best of the best from every part of the state and culminated with our version of the Heisman.  Watch all the videos from a special night to honor the newest members of the JSZ All-Zone fraternity! Somerville QB Jalahn Dabney is your 2018 Zoneman Winner After a stellar senior year with Somerville, a majority of coaches and credentialed media from around the state selected Jalahn Dabney as the 2018 Zoneman Trophy winner.  Dabney amassed 3,444 all-purpose yards and 55 touchdowns for the Pioneers this season. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the interview with Dabney along with other players selected to JSZ’s All-Zone team. Zoneman Preshow Before the Zoneman banquet action kicks off check out our pre-show interviews with JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez: NJM’s Colin Dansberry with JSZ All-Zone quarterback Jay Foley of Haddonfield High School Jersey Sports Zone’s Zoneman Trophy was presented by NJM Insurance.  Thanks to their support of South Jersey high school sports all year long! 2018 JSZ Zoneman Balloting With over 50 high school coaches around the state and more than 20 statewide media members, the ballots were cast just like the Heisman.  3 points or 1st place, 2 points for 2nd and 1 point for third. Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total Jalahn DabneySomerville188474 Antonio AlfanoColonia86440 Nick KargmanWoodrow Wilson641036 Jada ByersSt. Joe-Hammonton74231 Rahmir JohnsonBergen Catholic62426 Steve LubischerRed Bank Catholic44626 Taquan RobersonDePaul Catholic36122 Jalen BergerDon Bosco Prep24519 Juwon JacksonPiscataway25218 Ronnie HickmanDePaul Catholic33217 John OlmsteadSt. Joe-Metucehn32316 Jasiah PurdieHasbrouck Heights30110 Brian UgwuHillside1218 Jermaine CorbettLong Branch2006 Zoneman Trophy Balloting Committee  Thanks to everyone from around the state who was part of the Zoneman process JSZ Staff: Rich Chrampanis, Nery Rodriguez, Courtney DuPont, Jay Cook, Bryan DeNovellis, Mike Frankel Statewide Media: Shawn Brown (Rivals), Kevin Minnick (NJ.com), Joe Zedalis (NJ.com), Pat Lanni (NJ.com), JJ Conrad (NJ.Com), Todderick Hunt (NJ.com), Simeon Pincus (My Central Jersey),  Chris Melvin (Asbury Park Press),  Mike Kinney (NJ.com), Bob Badders (Shore Sports Network), GMC Gridiron, Mark Trible (Courier-Post), McCarthy Report, Brian Carr (North Jersey.com), Ryan Patti (Rivals.com), Coaches: Paramus Catholic, Randolph, Colonia, Hillside, Bridgewater-Raritan, North Hunterdon, Bergen Catholic, Allentown, West Deptford, DePaul Catholic, Holmdel, Keansburg, Rumson-Fair Haven, Seton Hall Prep, Ramapo, Red Bank Regional, Brick Memorial, Freehold Boro, Irvington, Red Bank Catholic, Toms River North, Manalapan, Westfield, Phillipsburg, Bernards, Hillsborough, Somerville, Hunterdon Central, Rutherford, Trenton, Delaware Valley, Buena, Butler, High Point, Matawan, Penns Grove, South River, Salem, AL Johnson, Willingboro, Nottingham, Haddonfield, West Orange, Piscataway, Lincoln, Notre Dame, Lenape, Sayreville, Brick Township, Pitman In case you missed it, watch JSZ’s profile of our six Zoneman Finalists: Meet The 2018 Zoneman Trophy Finalists Antonio Alfano, Colonia Defensive Lineman Alfano has been the consensus top-ranked 2019 football recruit all season long and there’s good reason why. He is one of five New Jersey players selected to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl and is committed to play for Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. Alfano dominated his competition in the Greater Middlesex Conference with 79 tackles and 10 sacks this season, along with a staggering 28 tackles for losses. JSZ’s Jay Cook gives you the inside-look at what makes Alfano such a highly-touted prospect:   Jada Byers, St. Joseph (Hamm.) Running Back Byers was as electric as they come in the Garden State during his junior campaign. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon with the ball in his hands, rushing for 1,741 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season, all while helping power his St. Joe’s Wildcats to yet another Non-Public Group 2 championship. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez takes you down to Hammonton for a behind-the-scenes look at South Jersey’s most electrifying runner: Jalahn Dabney, Somerville Quarterback Dabney took over the starting quarterback job in Somerville at the end of the 2017 season and showcased his dynamic playmaking ability well throughout 2018. He compiled 3,444 yards from scrimmage this season and reached the end-zone 56 times to lead one of New Jersey’s most dangerous offenses. JSZ’s Courtney DuPont tells us what makes this dual-threat quarterback tick: Nick Kargman, Woodrow Wilson Quarterback Kargman will graduate from Woodrow Wilson with plenty of state records compiled during his senior season. The decorated South Jersey passer broke the state record single season passing mark with 3,963 yards and his 41 passing scores rank atop the state lists, as well. But what’s even more impressive is Kargman’s character off the field, as it’s made him an important part of the Woodrow Wilson community. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez tells us what makes Kargman so special: Rahmir Johnson, Bergen Catholic Running Back Johnson became the first Bergen Catholic rusher to break the 1,000-yard mark since 2008, a true testament to the level of competition that the Crusaders face on a week-to-week basis. After teammate Josh McKenzie went down with a torn ACL, Johnson assumed the full-time starting role and showcased his elite speed and craftiness all season long. He closed 2018 with 1,334 yards and 11 rushing scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story about this humble teammate and Nebraska commit: Steve Lubischer, Red Bank Catholic Quarterback Intelligence and athleticism is the blend of characteristics that has made Lubischer one of New Jersey’s most talented signal callers. At Red Bank Catholic, Lubischer blossomed into a premier dual-threat passer who had the ability to break the game on any down. JSZ’s chief operating officer Rich Chrampanis followed Lubischer’s trajectory all season long and tells us why this Boston College commit is so special: Other Top Vote-Getters Only the top-six vote-getters are on our Zoneman podium, but there were other plenty of players around the Garden State who had great seasons and garnered votes from coaches and media around the state. Those players were: 7th Place: Taquan Roberson, DePaul Catholic quarterback: Roberson, a Penn State commit, closed out his senior season in masterful fashion for the Spartans. He threw 29 touchdowns for 2,432 yards and will go down as one of the most decorated quarterbacks to play in New Jersey. 8th Place: Jalen Berger, Don Bosco Prep running back: Berger led one of New Jersey’s most talented backfields at Don Bosco Prep by displaying elite patience  and explosiveness. Only a junior, he holds offers from top-tier Power 5 college football programs and has plenty more in the tank for his senior year. 9th Place: Juwon Jackson, Piscataway running back: Jackson was a main reason why Piscataway reached a 13-0 record and won both a sectional title and a newly-minted “Bowl Game” at MetLife Stadium. He rushed for 1,898 yards and 31 touchdowns on the season. 10th Place: Ronnie Hickman, DePaul Catholic wide receiver/defensive back: Hickman was arguably the most dangerous two-way player in New Jersey. Committed to Ohio State, Hickman was one of five New Jersey football players selected to the 2019 All-American Bowl. His senior season was unfortunately cut short due to a torn ACL late in the year. Josh Henderson wins JSZ 2018 Prep Player of the Year Hun running back and University of North Carolina commit Josh Henderson was named JSZ’s 2018 Prep Player of the Year.  Henderson accepted his award during JSZ’s 2nd annual All-Zone football banquet in Woodbridge.  Watch Courtney DuPont’s story on the future Tar Heel: Jersey Sports Zone’s Prep Player of the Year was presented by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates Meet the 2018 JSZ All-Zone Team We will be posting our highlight videos of every player honored throughout the next day – check back to click on the links below and see our highlights from our 2018 JSZ All-Zoners! QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Micahel Alaimo, St. Joe-MontvaleJean Alvarez, Union CityAyir Asante, St. Peter's PrepKevin Bauman, Red Bank CatholicKevin Cerruti, Long BranchJalahn Dabney, Somerville JC Collins, WillamstownJalen Berger, Don Bosco PrepMax Baker, RamapoJason Collier, West DeptfordBryan Felter, Bergen CatholicAntonio Alfano, Colonia Jay Foley, HaddonfieldAidan Borguet, DelseaGarrett Cody, Bergen CatholicDylan Deveney, HunJermaine Donaldson, EasternNick Kargman, Woodrow Wilson Danny Grozozski, Burlington TownshipJermaine Corbett, Long BranchJohn Guaimano, Cedar GroveTyler Devera, Bergen CatholicCJ Hanson, Saint John VianneyJada Byers, St. Joe-Hammonton Maasai Maynor, St. Peter's PrepGBJ George, LindenJaaron Hayek, Wayne HillsChristian Mahogoney, Paramus CatholicRahmir Johnson, Bergen Catholic Rob McCoy, Mater Dei PrepJoe Green, PhillipsburgConnor Holmes, SayrevilleSean Morris, St. Joe-HammontonSteve Lubischer, Red Bank Catholic Taquan Roberson, DePaul CatholicMalik Ingram, Mater Dei PrepMarlyn Johnson, PeddieJohn Olmstead, St. Joe-Metuchen Tom Sharkey, Wayne HillsJuwon Jackson, PiscatawayStanley King, Woodrow Wilson Bence Polgar, Wayne Hills Jack Stagaard, PhillipsburgMax Jackson, SummitJayvin Little, Timber CreekBlerim Rustemi, DePaul Catholic AJ Wingfield, RamapoJacob Mafaro, Kittatinny 2018 JSZ Plays of the Year Thanks to everyone who voted in our weekly polls for the JSZ Top Play Belt and for our year-end Football Plays of the Year.  Every one of these players was honored at the JSZ banquet in addition to the All-Zone team. Watch all their great plays NOW! Jersey Sports Zone Weekly Top Play Winners Week 0: Tyler Phillips, Weequahic High School Week 1: M.J. Wright, Red Bank Catholic High School Week 2: Chris Kladrovics, Middletown High School South Week 3: Nick Cataldo, Camden High School Week 4: Shadon Willis, Hillside High School Week 5: Donovan Bacchetta, Lacey Township High School Week 6: Kyle & Kevin Vandever, Hammonton High School Week 7: Dominick Jacob, Toms River North High School Week 8: Rickey Eng, Pennington School / Lucas Loffredo, Edison High School Week 9: Nick Recine, Piscataway High School Jersey Sports Zone Plays of the Year Winners Touchdown Run of the Year: Jean Alvarez, Union City High School | Jada Byers, St. Joseph High School (Hamm.) Touchdown Pass Play of the Year: Jalahn Dabney/Kyree Hinton, Somerville High School | Bryce Mangene/Jahmier Washington, Rancocas Valley Regional High School Defensive TD of the Year: Michael Jarmolowich, Delbarton School | Santino Morina, Paulsboro High School Special Teams TD of the Year: Dan Tempone, Holmdel High School | Jordan Morant, Bergen Catholic High School Sack/Big Hit of the Year Zach Neeley, Freehold Borough High School | John Columbia, Red Bank Catholic High School Clutch Play of the Year Frank Wasserman, Hillsborough High School | Aaron Ahr, North Brunswick High School

Pleasantville 29 Schalick 16- week 4 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.