Tag Archives: RBC

CBA 38 Howell 29 | Shore Conference Tournament Final Just 26 days ago the Colts suffered their sole loss of the season as they fell 32-31 against the Rebels of Howell. But, this time around was a different story as CBA won 8 of 14 bouts and beat Howell in the prestiged Shore Conference Wrestling Tournament. Tyler Venet, Tyler Barrett, Zander Silva and Julian George all won by pin for the Colts while Hunter Mays won by pin for Howell in the loss. Alex Nini (CBA) advanced in the rankings as he beat Sebastian Ortega (Howell). JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Middletown: Coverage of the Shore Conference Wrestling tournament is sponsored by Ocean First Bank

JSZ caught the action of high profile Shore Conference wrestling match, as Howell and CBA battled for A-North. Get your JSZ All-Access pass to watch the highlights Howell 32 CBA 31 | Shore Conference Wrestling As Howell sought revenge from last years divisional loss, the late match heroics of Giovanni Scafidi secured the win for […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

Jersey Sports Zone is proud to salute our All-State selections. We have video highlights of every JSZ All-Zone selection and celebrate Millville’s LeQuint Allen as the 2021 JSZ Zoneman Trophy winner LeQuint Allen wins 2021 JSZ Zoneman Trophy It was a celebration on a few different levels for Millville’s LeQuint Allen on Dec. 17. He was awarded the 2021 Zoneman Trophy, Jersey Sports Zone’s honor for the top player in New Jersey. Allen rushed for nearly 2,000 yards, scored 26 touchdowns, and made over 120 tackles on defense for the Thunderbolts this fall. JSZ was able to present Allen with the hardware during a signing celebration. Allen officially signed with Syracuse University on Wednesday, but family, friends, coaches and teammates were on hand on Friday to celebrate the achievement. Watch JSZ’s coverage of Allen’s big day: Zoneman Voting Breakdown It was the largest ballot (seven players) in the history of the award, as well as the closest final tally in voting history. JSZ polled 92 coaches + 31 media members to collect 123 total ballots. The ballots were collected equally from all parts of the state. Voting Coaches John Hack, Morris Catholic | Ashley “Smoke” Pierre, Irvington | Steve Dunn, Rutherford | Nick Campanile, DePaul | Dan Marangi, St. Joe’s (Mont.) | Dan Sabella, Don Bosco | Todd Smith, Hun | Mike Cipot, North Brunswick | Ryan Fullen, Hightstown | Jason Glezmen, Keyport | Jay Graber, Matawan | Frank Duffy, Phillipsburg | Lou Zampella, Hudson Catholic | Anthony Lanzafama, Old Bridge | Jeff Rainess, Holmdel | Matt Ahearn, Colts Neck | AJ Russo, Holy Spirit | Montrey Wright, Salem | Jim Raso, Hammonton | John Emel, Penns Grove | Mike Schatzman, Washington Twp. | John Adams, Woodstown | Kevin Smith, Ocean City | Kenny Scott, Winslow Twp. | James Melody, Cedar Creek | Steve Scanlon, Clearview | Dennis Thomas, Millville | Chuck Smith, Mainland | Dallas Whitaker, Somerville | Brian Russo, Rahway | Jon Viotto, South Brunswick | Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial | Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty | Jim Desarno, Westfield | Kevin Carty Jr., Hillsborough | Ralph Cinque, Clifton | James Magazine, Eastside | Brian Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep | Brian Bowers, Delbarton | Barris Grant, Hillside | Rich Hansen III, St. Peter’s Prep | Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township | Albert Chiola, Linden | Andrew Patterson, Robbinsville | Shane Fallon, Red Bank Regional | Dom Gaston, Pope John | Chris Beagan, Sayreville | Joe LaSala, Woodbridge | Rich Hilliard, St. Joseph Metuchen | Benjie Wimberly, St. Joe-Montvale | Kevin Kostibos, Summit | John Bird, Keansburg | Roger Kotlarz, Wayne Valley | William Clark, Perth Amboy | Brian Wright, Timber Creek | Jason Morrell, West Deptford | Dominic Tomeo, Triton | William Hamilton, South Plainfield | Chet Parlavecchio, New Providence | Matthew Demarest, Passaic Tech | Anthony Petruzzi, Raritan | Rob Gogerty, Cedar Grove | Dominick Lepore, Manalapan | Rich Seubert, Watchung Hills | Joe Wojchekowski, Lenape | Lou Grasso, Union | Tim Gushue, Shawnee | Don Klein, Ocean Township | Nick Pulli, Gateway | Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic | Ray Lucas, Harrison | Brian Staub, Point Pleasant Boro | J. Schulte, Rumson-Fair Haven | Tom Roarty, Colonia | Andy West, Ridge | Zoran Milich, Montgomery | Joe Passaro, Pingry | Dan Curcione, Donovan Catholic | Jon Simoneau, Bernards | Kevin Kley, North Hunterdon | Mike Lange, RBC | Darnell Grant, West Orange | Ken Loomis, Wildwood | Garrett Lucas, Delran | Milo McGuire, Nottingham | Drew Lachenmayer, Allentown | Chris Sacco, Absegami | Kevin Stetser, Egg Harbor Twp. | Sean Clancy, Notre Dame | Walt Currie, Brick Memorial | Mike Wilson, Schalick Voting Media Kevin Minnick, NJ Advance Media | Michael McGarry, Press of Atlantic City | Rich Chrampanis, JSZ | Ryan Patti, Rivals | Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report | Jay Cook, JSZ | Tom Williams, Prime Events | Mike Frankel, JSZ | Nery Rodriguez, JSZ | Tom Horak, Max Preps/NJ Advance Media | Big Central Gridiron | Andrew Koob, NJ Advance Media | Shawn Brown, 247 Sports | Scott Faytok, NJ Advance Media | Jon Jones, Max Preps | Simeon Pincus, Gannett | Pat Rice, PJR Sports Report | Mike Pavlichko, Central Jersey Sports Radio | Ken Bradley, JSZ | Sean Miller, NJ Advance Media | Korbid Thompson, King James Radio | Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network | Marcus Borden, Gannett | Mark Trible, Glory Days | Todderick Hunt, NJ Advance Media | Pat Lanni, NJ Advance Media | James Mooney, JSZ | Steve Bassin, Gannett | Darron Wallace, JSZ | Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press | Joe Zedalis, NJ Advance Media 2021 JSZ Zoneman Balloting 123 coaches and media members cast their vote for New Jersey's Player of the Year. 3 points for a first-place vote, 2 points for a 2nd, 1 point for a 3rd. Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total LeQuint AllenMillville341715151 Tommy AmanwkaaHillsborough242719146 Davison Igbinosun Union232324139 JoJo BermudezCedar Creek112227104 Steve AngeliBergen Catholic15151691 Alex BrownRed Bank Catholic12131173 Q'Yaeir PriceDePaul Catholic46933 2021 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Offense QuarterbackRunning BackWide Receiver Tight EndOffensive LineZoneman FinalistsPrep Player of the Year Jalin Butler, Donovan CatholicNunes Bukula IV, Donovan CatholicJahmeer Cartagena, St. Joseph AcademyChristian Carti, Bergen CatholicChase Bisontis, Don Bosco PrepLeQuint Allen, MillvilleJacob Allen, Hun Jaden Craig, Seton Hall PrepRyan Butler, Bergen CatholicSantino Correa, Bergen CatholicDom Brogna, Bergen CatholicTommy Amankwaa, Hillsborough Robert "Champ" Long, St. Peter's PrepRonnie Heath, Don Bosco PrepKyree Drake, Donovan CatholicVince Carpenter, Red Bank CatholicSteve Angeli, Bergen Catholic Ja'son Prevard, St. Joseph AcademySam Slade, St. Peter's PrepNick Dunneman, Seton Hall PrepCaron McNair, Donovan CatholicJoJo Bermudez, Cedar Creek AJ Rodriguez, DePaul CatholicMyles Thomason, Seton Hall PrepMarshawn Ferguson, DePaul CatholicChris Moreno, Don Bosco PrepAlex Brown, Red Bank Catholic Kanye Udoh, St. Augustine PrepZion Fowler, St. Peter's PrepAndre Oben, St. Peter's PrepDavison Igbinosun, Union Nasir Hill, St. Augustine PrepTaj White, Hudson CatholicQ'Yaeir Price, DePaul Catholic Elijah Steward, Holy Spirit Jon Wyatt, St. Thomas Aquinas 2021 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Defense Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackSpecial Teams  Alex Bauman, Red Bank CatholicChris Chasia, DePaul CatholicJayden Bellamy, Bergen CatholicGiancarlo Carbonaro, Bergen Catholic Pat Caughey, DelbartonRajahn Cooper, Red Bank CatholicJayden Bonsu, St. Peter's PrepNick Conforti, Seton Hall Prep Denis Jaquez, St. Augustine PrepJackson Dowd, Seton Hall PrepEdward Conoran, DePaul CatholicLogan Rager, Bergen Catholic Jayson Jenkins, Notre DameMike Francisco, Holy SpiritJaeden Gould, Bergen Catholic Sydir Mitchell, Bergen CatholicTimmy Hinspeter, Don Bosco PrepJahqir Haley, St. Joseph Academy Jimmy Mullen, St. Joe-MontvaleMalachi Mercer, Bergen CatholicAvery Powell, St. Peter's Prep DJ Samuels, Bergen CatholicJake Smiechowski, St. Joe-MontvalePete Schuh, St. Joe-Montvale Brady Small, St. Augustine PrepKenny Selby, St. Augustine Prep 2021 JSZ All-Zone Public Offense QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive Line  Enzo Arjona, Northern HighlandsCharlie Barth, New ProvidenceLotzeir Brooks, MillvilleWill Dixon, HillsboroughDieurnest Collin, East Orange Hamas Duren, Winslow Twp.Harry Boland, CaldwellJaimen Bryant, SomervilleMatt Fries, Cranford Jack Grusser, RamapoBrandon Boria, CherokeeMichael Estremera, Woodrow WilsonNelson Monegro, Union City Devin Kargman, Woodrow WilsonSteven Burkhardt, GloucesterAnthony Johnson, Burlington Twp.Cole Skinner, Point Pleasant Boro Raeden Oliver, East OrangeJa'Quan Howard, Cedar CreekMichael Marinelli, Cedar GroveChristian Smith, Rumson-Fair Haven Danny Veenstra, RamseyColin Murray, CranfordTravis Osterhout, Jefferson Twp.Dan Volpe, Colts Neck Matt Welsey, ShawneeNaz'sir Oglesby, Woodrow WilsonBenny Robinson, RamapoTyler Williams, Clifton Damon Phillips, East OrangeTrey Simmons, Winslow Twp. Famah Toure, Irvington 2021 JSZ All-Zone Public Defense Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/Punter  Justin Evans-Jenkins, IrvingtonZion Cheeks, Penns GroveAvery Cohen, ShawneeJai Patel, South Brunswick Kenny Fletcher, DelranBobby Hahn, HaddonfieldChris Corbo, West Essex Mike Gray, Ocean CityTurner Inge, WilliamstownWill Gallagher, Cranford Jahsin Jacobs, Paterson EastsideJohn Lista, Rumson-Fair HavenJessiah Gildersleeve, Salem Charlie Johnson, Northern HighlandsKyle Louis, East OrangeQuiyon McMillan, Nottingham Aiden Moriarity, Rumson-Fair HavenDamir McCrary, Woodrow WilsonAdon Shuler, Irvington Ahmad Nalls, East OrangeEmeril Mitchell, Winslow Twp.Donovan Swasey, Clifton Jaydan Wright, MillvilleStefano Montella, West MorrisCurtis Whiting, Hackensack CJ Resto, Cedar Creek Dylan Snee, Ramapo Meet The 2021 Zoneman Trophy Finalists LeQuint Allen, Millville RB The face of Millville football boasted an incredible level of physicality and athleticism throughout the entire 2021 season. LeQuint Allen ran wild against defenses from the start of the year in Ocean City until the end at Rutgers University, where the Thunderbolts capped off a 12-1 season with a South Group 4 Regional Championship. He rushed for 1,901 yards on 229 carries and found the endzone 23 times. Allen is committed to Syracuse University. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the profile: Tommy Amankwaa, Hillsborough ATH Tommy Amankwaa was one of the most improved players in the entire state of New Jersey from his junior to senior seasons. Amankwaa was a true swiss army knife weapon for the Raiders. On offense, he tallied 99 total touches for 1,726 scrimmage yards and a combined 27 touchdowns as Hillsborough put together a perfect 13-0 season. His red-hot play this season earned him an offer from Rutgers – he verbally committed to the Scarlet Knights soon after. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the profile: Steve Angeli, Bergen Catholic QB Steve Angeli’s legacy at Bergen Catholic is undeniable after a historic season in Oradell. Angeli led the Crusaders to a perfect 12-0 season, a Non-Public A championship, and a top-five national ranking in 2021. The Crusaders’ signal-caller brought his game to a new level this season after throwing for 1,709 yards and 15 touchdowns in one of the toughest conferences in the entire country. Angeli, a natural leader and an Under Armour All-American, graduates high school in December and will be enrolled at Notre Dame after the New Year. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the profile: JoJo Bermudez, Cedar Creek WR A true speedster and the definition of a deep threat, JoJo Bermudez was a game-breaking talent for Cedar Creek in 2021. Bermudez hauled in an unsightly 91 catches for 1,662 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Pirates. Bermudez dominated defensive backfields all season long and helped Cedar Creek to a perfect 13-0 season. His blazing start to the regular season caught the eyes of coaches from Cincinnati, as he is now verbally committed to the Bearcats. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the profile: Alex Brown, Red Bank Catholic QB Alex Brown’s story throughout the 2021 postseason is well documented and will be talked about for years to come on Broad Street. Following the death of his mother, Brown delivered 12 touchdowns and no turnovers in the Caseys’ three-game playoff run to win the Non-Public B championship. The Bucknell commit ultimately threw for 1,817 yards and 22 touchdown passes with 519 rushing yards and 10 touchdown runs in his lone season at Red Bank Catholic. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the profile: Davison Igbinosun, Union ATH There are no arguments here: Davison Igbinosun is one of the most dynamic players in the entire state of New Jersey. Igbinosun was a hawking defensive back and a devastating weapon on offense for the Farmers in his final high school year. He was the top receiver and rusher for the Farmers’ offense and notched 74 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Union’s season had an unceremonious ending, but that doesn’t take away from the impact he had in a 9-2 season in Union County. Q’yaier Price, DePaul Catholic DE One of the state’s most unblockable defensive forces finished off a senior season with some eye-popping numbers. Price compiled 35.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks for the 9-3 Spartans in 2021. He led the way for a defense that didn’t allow a touchdown for a five-game stretch at the beginning of the season and who eventually made it to the Non-Public B title game. Price flipped commitments from Syracuse to Rutgers after emerging as one of New Jersey’s top edge defender talents during the 2021 season. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the profile: 2021 JSZ Football Plays of the Year The top plays captured by JSZ cameras were on display each week for the Top Play Belt. Our year-end plays of the year featured six winners that went head to head for the final Top Play Belt of the 2021 season:

Sectional championship action on the public side and state semifinal action on the non-public side make for a tremendous night of football in the Garden State! Millville 40 Ocean City 3 | Group 4 South Final The Thunderbolts dominated on both sides of the ball to capture their first sectional title since 2016, and just their second title since 1975. Syracuse commit LeQuint Allen rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, while Nate Robbins threw three TD passes in the victory for Millville (10-1). Solomon Massey-Kent and Keyan German both had sacks to help lead a stingy Bolts defense. Ocean City falls to (11-1). JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from historic Wheaton Field: The Game of the Week is brought to you by OceanFirst Bank. Pt. Pleasant Boro 32 Willingboro 8 | Group 2 South Final Call them old-fashioned but the well-oiled machine of Pt. Boro’s (10-1) triple option has been a nightmare for opponents this season. Though Willingboro (8-4) got out to an early one-score lead after a 38-yard run from Bryson Bright, the Panthers stuck to their game plan and dominated the rest of the game. Junior Tyler Gordon scored three times on the night with two rushing touchdowns and an interception returned for a score, while senior quarterback Charlie Vitale threw for one touchdown and ran for another. Running back Jake Croce surpassed the 1000 yard mark on the ground for the season. Pt. Boro advances to play Haddonfield in the regional final. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Pt. Pleasant: JSZ’s Coverage of Pt Pleasant Boro is made possible by Ocean First Bank.

Preseason football is about to end and Week 0 is just days away. Our team of MMJ’s embedded themselves with four of the top football programs in the state leading up to the start of the 2021 season. It’s the first sense of normalcy for high school football in New Jersey after a COVID-19 shortened 2020 campaign. We’ll go behind the scenes and tell in-depth stories from St. Peter’s Prep, Holy Spirit, Red Bank Catholic and Phillipsburg. You want to see passion? Dedication? Camaraderie? We have it, and you don’t want to miss it. Episode 1 of “JSZ All Access: Comeback Season” drops Aug. 24 and Episodes 2 and 3 will be published on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26, respectively. Follow along each day for a new 30-minute documentary feature. Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Credits Executive Producers: Dale Florio and Mark Kolb Red Bank Catholic produced by Rich Chrampanis St. Peter’s Prep produced by Jay Cook Holy Spirit produced by Mike Frankel Phillipsburg produced by Nery Rodriguez Jersey Sports Zone ownership team: Leslie Florio, Karen Geisel and Mike Zebrick

Questions arose after the top softball program in the state took their first loss of the season yesterday, but the Griffins of Donovan Catholic (12-1) bounced back in convincing fashion. Taking on the Lancers of Livingston (10-2) at neutral site Seton Hall, Donovan controlled the game from start to finish to win 8-2. Adriana Romano […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

The Road to Phillipsburg is officially over. Hundreds of wrestlers from all reaches of the state have reached the state tournament and are wrestling to achieve glory in a shortened, unforgiving 2021 season. JSZ’s team of MMJ’s has highlights from Day 1 of the NJSIAA State wrestling tournament with results from 106 through 145. 106-Pound State Champion: Daniel Jones, Delbarton JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights and reaction! 113-Pound State Champion: Evan Tallmadge, Brick Memorial JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and reaction: 120-Pound State Champion: Anthony Santaniello, Brick Memorial JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction: 126-Pound State Champion: Vincent Santaniello JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights and reaction ! 132-Pound State Champion: Ty Whelan, Clearview JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and reaction: 138-Pound State Champion: Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and post-match reaction. 145-Pound State Champion: Anthony White, South Plainfield JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and champion interview:

We’re moving closer to the individual tournaments, but this week still features some tremendous team duals around the state. Enjoy the highlights! Cherokee 70 Shawnee 0 The Chiefs take care of business against a shorthanded Renegades lineup in a clean sweep of its district rivals. Cherokee racked up the bonus points in the dual as […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

It’s another busy evening on the mat, with sensational scraps all over the state. Check back throughout the night to catch all of the exciting highlights! Delsea 49 Woodstown 17 The Crusaders took down the Wolverines in a battle between undefeated Tri-County Conference teams. Giovanni DeGeorge, Pierce Lightfoot, Blaise Verdino, Jacob Hassett and Alex Zimmerman […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

It’s late March Saturday dual wrestling in New Jersey! The first week of high school wrestling is wrapping up and JSZ takes you around the state with some fantastic dual matchups. Get your JSZ All-Access pass to watch all the action. Brick Memorial 40 Rumson-Fair Haven 37 The Mustangs scored pinfalls in seven of their […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

The first week of wrestling rolls along with two great matchups on the mat. Enjoy the highlights! Camden Catholic 54 Shawnee 24 The Non-Public “B” champions from a year ago showed no signs of regression, erasing an early deficit to power past the Renegades. Shawnee led 18-6 after a Jake Hastings second round pin at […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

Believe it or not, we’ve made it to the start of the high school hockey season in New Jersey. JSZ’s team of multimedia journalists are stopping by rinks all over as teams in the Garden State prepare for the start of the 2021 season on Jan. 15. Bookmark this page as we upload new previews daily leading up to the first puck drop next week! Christian Brothers Academy The defending Gordon Cup and state champions will not get a chance to defend their state crown at the Rock but paying for the school’s 10th Gordon Conference championship is plenty of incentive. With 2020 JSZ Hockey Player of the Year John Donohoe back in net, the Colts are expected to roll our four lines that are all capable of finding the net and a solid blueline anchored by captains Colin Grable and Lucas Salas. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis wraps up our hockey previews with a look at CBA: Don Bosco Prep Despite winning 20 games and making it to three tournament finals, Don Bosco has a chip on its shoulder coming into the new year. The Ironmen are bigger, faster and stronger in 2021, and don’t plan on falling short with as they’ll deploy a high-powered offense and a physical defense. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the preview: Rumson-Fair Haven Eric Zullo’s first season as RFH head coach saw the Bulldogs take a big step forward as a state ranked public school program thanks to a 16-3-3 record that featured a spot in the Public “C” quarterfinals and a Shore Conference Hanchden Cup championship. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis takes us to the Red Bank Armory to learn more about the 2021 Bulldogs: Bergen Catholic 2020 was a year that saw Bergen Catholic take a major step forward into becoming a state power. The Crusaders won their first Bergen County Tournament title, yet fell short in the Gordon Cup and Non-Public tournaments. Their sights are set on the state’s No. 1 ranking in 2021 behind an electric offense led by Aram Minnetian. JSZ’s Jay Cook features the Crusaders from Hackensack: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. St. Augustine The Hermits are eager to get back on the ice after opening round exits in the Gordon Cup and the state playoffs last season. St. Augustine finished .500 a year ago, and will count on a handful of key seniors to help the team compete in 2021. JSZ’s Mike Frankel checks in with the Hermits from The Igloo in Mt. Laurel: Morris Knolls After winning two straight Public A state titles and with 10 seniors returning to the mix, Morris Knolls has all the makings of entering 2021 as potentially the state’s top public school team. Jason Kwestel, Andrew Ryan and Tim Kepler will all wear C’s on their sweaters this year. With no state tournament this season, Knolls is wholly focused on winning the 2021 Mennen Cup. JSZ’s Jay Cook stopped by Aspen Ice in Randolph to preview the Golden Eagles: Westfield Finishing (15-8-2), Westfield fell short in the Union County Tournament final and was a game away from playing in Newark for a Public B championship in 2020. The Blue Devils graduated eight seniors but have a bevy of upperclassmen stepping into starting roles this year, which could be a determining factor in finishing during high-pressure situations. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the preview: Thank you to the office of Assemblymen Jon Bramnick for sponsoring our Westfield coverage.  Gloucester Catholic The Rams have reached the state semifinals the last three years in a row, and are looking to take the next step by capturing a Gordon Cup title this winter. Defenseman Jake Grace leads an experienced GC senior class, with the Rams hoping a talented group of sophomores will step into the spotlight this year. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the preview from Hollydell Ice Arena: Gloucester Catholic coverage is made possible by NJM Insurance. Manasquan/Point Pleasant Beach The Warriors have won three straight Shore Conference Cups and will be challenged to go 4 for 4 with the departure of All-Zoners Matt Franzoni and Anthony Dowd but there’s still a lot of talent on the roster headlined by the Farinacci brothers (twins Michael and Chris along with James). Cousin John Farinacci fresh off a gold medal with Team USA at the World Juniors made an appearance at Warriors practice giving the team a big boost as they work towards the start of the 2021 season. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the story from Jersey Shore Arena in Wall: Delbarton After securing only 10 wins and finishing the year at .500 last season, Delbarton is gladly turning the page to 2021. At least nine freshman and numerous other underclassmen saw significant ice time for the Green Wave in 2020 – but with a year of experience under their belts, head coach Bruce Shatel is expecting a turnaround season. Anchoring Delbarton this year will be talented senior goalie Brett Cleaves. JSZ’s Jay Cook makes the pit stop at Aspen Ice to preview Delbarton:

Football teams in New Jersey are currently preparing for the 2020 high school season in a preseason like no other. Jersey Sports Zone’s team of multimedia journalists are back pounding the pavement to cover the state and preview dozens of football programs leading up to Opening Day on Oct. 2. From now until then, our “JSZ Camp Countdown” series will highlight a new team daily in preparation for the season. Stop back in each day for a story on your favorite team, your crosstown rival or a team on the other end of New Jersey. Today’s JSZ Camp Countdown Feature: Timber Creek Major changes took place at Timber Creek this offseason as longtime head coach Rob Hinson joined the coaching staff at Rutgers. Brian Wright takes over for Hinson after eight seasons at Cherry Hill West. Wright now presides over one of the best rosters in the state highlighted by junior DE/WR Jihaad Campbell, and junior quarterback Donovan Leary. The Chargers also added senior running back, Temple-commit Johnny Martin, who transferred from Highland in the offseason. JSZ’s James Mooney has the story: Previous JSZ Camp Countdown Previews Scroll down to find a team’s preview, then click the name to watch! Week 1 8/17: Don Bosco Prep 8/18: Hammonton 8/19: Donovan Catholic 8/20: Ramapo 8/21: Absegami 8/22: Bridgewater-Raritan 8/23: Woodbridge Week 2 8/24: Paramus Catholic 8/25: Washington Township 8/26: Union 8/27: Holmdel 8/28: Seton Hall Prep 8/29: Lenape 8/30: Toms River North Week 3 8/31: Winslow 9/1: Sayreville 9/2: St. Joe’s (Mont.) 9/3: Wall 9/4: Hillside 9/5: Wayne Valley 9/6: St. Augustine Week 4 9/7: Holy Spirit 9/8: Westfield 9/9: Irvington 9/10: West Orange 9/11: Woodrow Wilson 9/12: Williamstown 9/13: Mater Dei Prep Week 5 9/14: Delbarton 9/15: Burlington Township 9/16: Red Bank Catholic 9/17: Pope John 9/18: Ridgewood 9/19: Red Bank Regional 9/20: Shawnee Week 6 9/21: DePaul Catholic 9/22: South Brunswick 9/23: Cedar Creek 9/24: Millville 9/25: St. Peter’s Prep 9/26: Timber Creek

Egg Harbor Twp. 6 Cedar Creek 3 | CAL Tournament Final The Eagles take home the inaugural Cape-Atlantic League Tournament championship behind a ten strikeout complete game by Madison Dollard. Natalia Stewart and Ryley Martini each drove in a run as part of a four-run fifth inning for EHT (21-1). MaKenzie Baggstrom and Liz Martin finished with RBIs in the loss for Cedar Creek (22-5). JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Egg Harbor Township: JSZ’s coverage of the Cape-Atlantic League Tournament is made possible by OceanFirst Bank.

A pair of players who had big-time performances were awarded their JSZ North Jersey Game Balls. Check out their presentations below! Rzepinski K’s 14 in Hudson County Showdown Standing at 6’7″, Ryan Rzepinski is an imposing figure on the mound. He brought the heat in an HCIAL showdown against Union City on May 5. Rzepiński struck out 14 batters across six innings of work in a 3-1 win against the Soaring Eagles, in Union City. He was nominated for, and won, the JSZ Week 5 North Jersey Baseball Game Ball after bringing in 640 votes (43 percent) to win the award. JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Rzepinski with the award last week: Goetz Goes Wild in Win over Demarest Abigail Goetz’s bat was on fire in a recent Big North Conference showdown last week. She was 3-4 at the plate and knocked in 6 RBI as the Cardinals took down Demarest, 24-7, on May 5. Goetz won JSZ’s Week 5 North Jersey Softball Game Ball with 363 votes (53 percent). JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Abigail with the award last week:

Debbie Schwartz has turned Donovan Catholic into a New Jersey softball powerhouse program in the last several seasons. The Griffins are the favorite to claim a third consecutive Tournament of Champions title next month. This week, Schwartz became the first woman to reach 700 career wins in NJ softball history. JSZ’s Mike Frankel was on hand for the milestone, and has the story: JSZ’s softball coverage is brought to you in part by OceanFirst Bank.

Trailing by four goals at halftime of the Somerset County Tournament championship game, the Big Blue took a collective deep breath. Then, they turned up the pressure. Pingry (11-3) erased that deficit and climbed out of the hole to rally and win their first SCT title since 2006 with a 10-7 win over Bridgewater-Raritan (12-3). Duke commit Luke Engelke – a FOGO committed to Duke – was arguably the best player on the field. He won 17 of 21 face-offs and gave Pingry a distinct possession advantage late in the game. Pingry’s Ryan Palmer, committed to Rutgers, led all scorers with four goals in the game. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from the Nap Torpey Complex in Bridgewater: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Pingry is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville.  Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bridgewater-Raritan is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.

JSZ has plenty of action for you to help close out the week, including the Somerset County final, and the CAL Tournament semifinals. Hillsborough 3 Watchung Hills 0 | Somerset County Tournament Final Another stellar pitching performance from Sarah Davenport delivers the Raiders their second county championship in as many years. Davenport threw a complete game three-hitter with 15 strikeouts to lead Hillsborough (11-5) to a gritty win over previously unbeaten Watchung Hills (16-1). Diya Patel went 2-4 with 2 RBI at the dish for Hillsborough in the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from the Torpey Athletic Complex in Bridgewater: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Hillsborough is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates. Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Watchung Hills is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville.  Egg Harbor Twp. 10 Buena 3 | Cape-Atlantic League Tournament Semifinal After trailing 1-0 for two innings, the Eagles exploded for a six-run, two-out rally in the third inning to take control. Madison Biddle and Kiki Schlemo each tripled and drove in a pair of runs in the frame. Sofia Spatocco added a late two-run homer to seal the win for top-seeded EHT (19-1) Kendal Bryant homered, while Camryn Johnson drove in a pair of runs for fourth-seeded Buena (16-8) in the loss. The Eagles advance to face Cedar Creek in the CAL Tournament final next week. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Cedar Creek 8 St. Joseph Academy 6 | Cape-Atlantic League Tournament Semifinal The second-seeded Pirates take the rubber match with the Wildcats to punch their ticket to the inaugural CAL Tournament title game. Liz Martin pitched a complete game and added two RBIs in the win for Cedar Creek (21-4). Abby Willis hit a three-run home run in the loss for third-seeded St. Joe (16-8). Cedar Creek will face top-seed EHT in the CAL Tournament final next week. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Egg Harbor City: JSZ’s softball coverage is made possible by OceanFirst Bank.

The Crimson Knights score a walk-off win against Marlboro in the Monmouth County Tournament semifinals. JSZ has all the action from another exciting high school baseball game Wall 7 Marlboro 6 | Monmouth County Tournament Semifinal Drew Jarkowsky’s RBI single in the bottom of the 7th helped Wall cap off an impressive comeback to reach the Monmouth County Tournament championship game. The Crimson Knights fell behind 5-0 in the second inning before scratching out three runs in the fourth inning and three more in the sixth. Jackson Coan’s 2-run single makes it a 6-5 game and Nick Lovarco tied the game at 6 with an RBI single. Andrew Fischer went 3-4 with a run and pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the win in relief. Wall will face Middletown South for the Monmouth County championship this Wednesday at Brookdale Community College. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Wall: Jersey Sports Zone’s high school baseball coverage is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health

The Ironmen’s reign over New Jersey baseball continues. Don Bosco (16-3) hit three home runs and leaned on steady pitching to secure an 8-1 win over St. Joe’s (15-5), while also locking up a regular season sweep of the Green Knights. Allen Hernandez launched a two-run blast in the first inning. Caden Dana led off the fourth inning with a solo shot and Eric Becker cranked a grand slam in the top of the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. Michael Staiano drew the start for Don Bosco and allowed one run over five strong innings of work. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Montvale: Jersey Sports Zone’s baseball coverage is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health!

JSZ has tremendous action from around the state, including a pair of Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic quarterfinal games in South Jersey! St. Augustine 4 Cherokee 3 (8 innings) | Diamond Classic Quarterfinal Trailing 3-0 in the 6th inning, Penn commit Ryan Taylor blasted a three-run homer for the Hermits to force extra innings. Then in the 8th inning, an Austin Sofran double plus an interference call made it a walk-off win for top-seeded St. Augustine (15-1). Dylan Cruice drove in a pair of runs for eighth-seeded Cherokee (13-5) in the loss. The Prep will host Kingsway in the Diamond Classic semifinals on Saturday. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Richland: JSZ’s baseball coverage is brought to you in part by OceanFirst Bank. Kingsway 4 Shawnee 1 | Diamond Classic Quarterfinal The Dragons stay in the hunt for their first Diamond Classic title behind an eight strikeout performance from Coastal Carolina commit Landon Edwards. Colin Gill hit a solo home run in the win for Kingsway (16-3). Rutgers commit Ethan Bowen racked up 13 strikeouts over five innings in the loss for Shawnee (15-4). Kingsway will face top-seed St. Augustine in the Diamond Classic semifinals on Saturday. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights: Coverage of Shawnee is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.

County tournament season is alive and well in New Jersey. We’ve got a pair of tournament semifinal games as baseball across the state heats up. Stay tuned for all the highlights! Rutgers Prep 6 Somerville 3 | Somerset County Tournament Semifinal A strong outing from freshman southpaw Zach Fronio has the sixth-seeded Argonauts back in the county final for the first time in five seasons. Fronio hurled 95 pitches and four strikeouts across six strong innings to help get Rutgers Prep (13-2) into the title game in a convincing win against second seed Somerville (10-8). Max Treonze led the offense with a 3-4 day and a pair of RBI in the win. Rutgers Prep will face top-seeded Ridge in the county final on May 23. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater: Middletown South 2 Red Bank Catholic 0 (9 Innings) | Monmouth County Tournament Semifinal Joe Stanzione blasted a 2-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the 9th inning to break a scoreless tie and give the Eagles a spot in the Monmouth County Tournament championship game next Monday. The game was highlighted by an incredible pitcher’s duel between Middletown South’s Ben Schild and RBC’s Alex Stanyek. Stanyek threw six shutout innings allowing 2 hits, walking three and striking out 13. Schild was able to pitch 8.1 shutout innings with 10 K’s and allowed only 2 hits and one walk. Middletown South will face the winner of Marlboro and Wall this Friday for the Monmouth County title. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights of an outstanding game in Middletown: JSZ’s coverage of Somerville, Rutgers Prep, Middletown South, and Red Bank Catholic is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.

It’s time to recognize the best baseball and softball performances from around the Garden State. Our JSZ team has combed the box scores to find the best individual efforts in North, Central and South Jersey. Our polls are open now through Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The winner of each poll will receive a JSZ Game Ball during the season. To nominate a player for a Game Ball please email the JSZ team before Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Mike Frankel: mikefrankel@jerseysportszone.com (South nominations) Jay Cook: jay@jerseysportszone.com (North nominations) Rich Chrampanis: rich@jerseysportszone.com (Central nominations) North Jersey Central Jersey South Jersey Jersey Sports Zone’s Game Balls are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health

Holy Spirit 18 Lower Cape May 17 | Girls The Spartans built a 12-4 halftime lead, before holding off a furious Caper Tigers comeback attempt down the stretch. Leah Corkhill led Holy Spirit (11-3) with four goals, while Hanna Watson and Maddie Abbott each scored three goals. Sabrina Faulkner poured in a game-high eight goals for Lower Cape May (11-4) in the loss. Spirit takes over first place in the Cape-Atlantic League National Division with the victory. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from a wet and windy Ed Byrnes Stadium in Absecon: JSZ’s lacrosse coverage is brought to you in part by OceanFirst Bank.

Jersey Sports Zone has profiled the growth of flag football in New Jersey. We decided to give the top two teams in the Shore the Friday Night Lights treatment and Holmdel and Shore Regional did not disappoint. Watch a full breakdown of an excellent game NOW! Shore Regional 28 Holmdel 19 Rylee Drahos had 10 receptions for 122 yards and four touchdowns along with two interceptions to account for all of Shore’s points in a matchup of the top two teams in the 10-team Shore Conference football league. Julia Iannuzzelli threw all four TD passes for Shore. The Shore Regional quarterback played an hour earlier for the Blue Devils varsity softball team going 1-3 with a run scored. The second season of Shore Conference flag football is supported by the New York Giants and continues to grow across the state. Take a look at these highlights and you’ll see that growth firsthand in an excellent game played by both teams: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Shore Regional is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center

We have a trio of games from all over the Garden State on a busy Wednesday on the diamond. Enjoy the highlights! St. Joseph (Metuchen) 8 Steinert 4 No. 8 St. Joseph (Metuchen) defeated no. 9 Steinert 8-4 to pick up a third straight victory. The Falcons struck with two runs in the first inning before Steinert tied the game at 2-2 on a two RBI single from Joe Giori in the bottom of the third. St. Joe’s would tack on a pair of scores in the fourth and three in the fifth inning. Pitcher Xavier Arana ended the afternoon with 5 hits allowed, three earned runs and six strike outs for the Falcons, Rutgers commit Andrew Goldan came in relief to allow no hits and struck out four batters. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associate for sponsoring our Steinert coverage.  Thank you to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for sponsoring our St. Joseph Metuchen coverage. Cherokee 9 Delran 5 | Diamond Classic The Chiefs got the bats going in a hurry to charge past the Bears and into the Diamond Classic quarterfinals. Navy commit Evan Brown got things going with a leadoff home run and finished with three RBIs in the win for Cherokee (11-4). KJ Giangreco hit a solo home run in the loss for Delran (10-4). Delran will take on top-seed St. Augustine in the Diamond Classic quarterfinals early next week. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Marlton: JSZ’s baseball coverage is made possible by OceanFirst Bank. Delbarton 11 Roxbury 2 Jack Harley went 2-3 with three RBIs as the Green Wave picked up its third straight win. Kevin Hager finished with two hits, two runs, and three RBIs in the win for Delbarton (11-5). Nick Morales drove in a run to cap off a 2-3 day from the plate in the loss for Roxbury (8-8). JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights: JSZ’s baseball coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.

Mike Filippone turned in one of the most productive days of his high school baseball career on April 20. Facing Morris Hills, Filippone went 2-5 at the plate and registered six RBI (including a grand slam) as Hanover Park captured a 17-7 win over the Knights. Thanks to that effort, Filippone was nominated for and won JSZ’s Week 3 North Jersey Baseball Game Ball. He earned just shy of 7,300 votes for over 50 percent of the voting bloc to win the game ball. JSZ’s Jay Cook stopped by practice to present Filippone with his award: Jersey Sports Zone’s game ball awards are made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health!

It’s a busy Sunday around the state and the JSZ team brings you three great games from the Thank You Classic and the Monmouth County Tournament! Passaic Tech 7 St. Joseph (Met.) 4 | Thank You Classic All it took was a little bit of Twin Magic for the Bulldogs to upset a Top 20 team in the state. The Gilligan Twins – Johnny and Jace – led the way for Passaic Tech (11-3) in a huge program win over St. Joseph (Met.) (12-3). Johnny tossed a complete game with four strikeouts and also blasted a three-run homer. Jace clobbered a two-run home run in the sixth inning to put the game out of reach. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from the Wood-Ridge Athletic Complex: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of St. Joseph (Met.) is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. St. Joseph Academy 11 Haddonfield 1 | Thank You Classic A six-run outburst in the second inning propelled the Wildcats to a convincing victory over the Bulldogs at the Thank You Classic. Ty Powell led the way offensively with 3 RBIs in the win. Mike Cirucci struck out six batters in a complete game win for St. Joseph Academy (10-1). Matt Stamm had the lone RBI of the day in the loss for Haddonfield (5-4). JSZ’s James Mooney has highlights from Hammonton Lake Park: JSZ’s high school baseball coverage is made possible by OceanFirst Bank. Red Bank Catholic 9 Freehold Township 2 | Monmouth County Quarterfinal Jake Jacobson launched a three-run homer as part of a five-run fourth inning to help the Caseys reach the Monmouth County semifinal. Freshman Dylan Passo broke a 2-2 tie with a 2-run single to give RBC the lead shortly followed by Jacobson’s blast to left field, his second homer in as many days. RBC will face Middletown South in the semifinals this Satursday. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Freehold: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of RBC is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.

Just one day after being no-hit, East Brunswick was locked into a tight battle with rival South Brunswick. Bears pitcher Michael Marchese took the mound and delivered a clutch three hit, 12 strike out performance in the 4-2 victory. The fans have spoken and he is JSZ’s Week Three Central Jersey Game Ball Winner.

Two teams on five-game win streaks collided in Red Bank on Saturday morning. Check out the highlights of the Lady Lion’s big road win at RBC! Mount St. Mary 11 Red Bank Catholic 9 Virginia Tech commit Sarah Gresham tied a career-high with eight goals to give her 68 on the season as the Lady Lions held off the Caseys to win their sixth straight game. RBC scored three straight goals to get within 9-8 in the second half before Gresham scored her eighth goal to secure the victory. Mount St. Mary has now won 11 of its last 12 games. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Red Bank: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of RBC is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center

The Garden State’s top athletes took centerstage at the 126th Penn Relays, one of the most prestigious international track and field events on the calendar. Union Catholic’s boys Distance Medley Relay team brought home the first Championship of America title in program history to highlight a stellar weekend for New Jersey’s best at the University of Pennsylvania: JSZ’s James Mooney has the story from Philadelphia: NJ Championship of America Winners Faith Bethea, Snyder (Girls Triple Jump) Greg Foster, Lawrenceville (Boys Long Jump) Angelina Perez, Lakeland (Girls 3,000M) Niki Woods, Demarest (Girls Javelin) NJ Championship of America Medalists Benjamin Shue, Bergen Catholic – 3rd place & Top American (Boys Discus) Tyler Zawatski, Freehold Twp. – 5th place (Boys Javelin) Jaden Johnson, Timber Creek – 5th place (Boys Triple Jump) Joe Licata, Gill St. Bernard’s – 3rd place & Top American (Boys Shot Put) Damarion Potts, South Brunswick – 2nd place & Top American (Boys High Jump) Jefferey Cianfrocca, Delbarton – 4th place (Boys High Jump) Brian O’Sullivan, Hillsborough – 4th place (Boys Pole Vault) Kevin O’Sullivan, Hillsborough – (tied) 5th place (Boys Pole Vault) Connor Munson, Westwood – (tied) 5th place (Boys Pole Vault) Union Catholic – 3rd place (Girls 4×800 Relay) Cherokee – 4th place (Girls 4×800 Relay) Amiri Whittle, Hackensack – 5th place (Boys 3,000M) Casey Sullivan, Demarest – 3rd place (Girls Shot Put) Celine-Jada Brown, Plainfield – 4th place (Girls Long Jump) Alanna Woolfolk, Clayton – (tied) 4th place (Girls High Jump) Samantha Strydesky, Howell – (tied) 4th place (Girls High Jump) Lauren Cashman, Montgomery – 3rd place (Girls Pole Vault) Metuchen – 2nd place (Girls Distance Medley Relay) Colts Neck – 4th place (Girls Distance Medley Relay) Coverage of the 2022 Penn Relays is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.

Watchung Hills has been on a tear to open the 2022 season. Their toughest test in April – a matchup against Hunterdon Central – was on the docket and the Warriors sent their ace to the mound. She delivered. The Purdue University commit hurled a complete game two-hitter with a staggering 13 strikeouts in a 1-0 win over the Red Devils on April 21. Raymond was nominated for – and won – JSZ’s Week 3 North Jersey Softball Game Ball for that pitching performance. She collected nearly 41 percent of the fan vote to take home the honor. JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Raymond with the game ball on Thursday: Jersey Sports Zone’s North, Central and South Jersey Game Ball are presented by RWJ Barnabas Health!

Cole Armond had three hits and two RBI’s to help Red Bank Regional advance in the Monmouth County baseball tournament. Watch the highlights of RBR and Shore Regional now! Red Bank Regional 10 Shore Regional 2 | Monmouth County Tournament Nate Ruth pitched five innings of one-hit ball with ten strikeouts and the Bucs took advantage of six Shore Regional errors to advance to the Round of 16 in the Shore Conference Tournament and a matchup with second seed Freehold Township. Cole Armond went 3-5 with 2 RBI’s and Jackson Hyman had a 2 RBI day as Red Bank broke a five-game losing streak. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from West Long Branch: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Red Bank Regional and Shore Regional is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center

The battle of Middletown goes to South! The Eagles put on an offensive display and Ben Schild continues to have a stellar junior year. Watch the highlights of the Eagles and Lions now! Middletown South 13 Middletown North 1 (5 innings) Joe Stanzione blasted two home runs and drove in four RBI’s to lead the Eagles bats and Ben Schild retired 13 straight batters after giving up a first-inning home run to lead South to a third straight win and tenth overall victory of the year. The Eagles erupted for five runs in the first inning and seven more in the second. Schild threw a five-inning one-hitter striking out nine and walking no one. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Middletown: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Middletown North and Middletown South is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center

Game in and game out this season, Rumson-Fair Haven has established itself as one of the best pound-for-pound lacrosse teams in the state. Head coach Mark Moreau doesn’t shy away from a challenge, but it was the Bulldogs who turned up the heat this time around on a national powerhouse. IMG Academy, a Top-20 nationally ranked team by InsideLacrosse, staved off an impressive upset attempt from the Bulldogs and captured a 7-6 win in overtime at Rutgers University. RFH (8-3) played crisp, smart lacrosse through this game and held a 6-4 lead on IMG Academy (12-3) going into the fourth quarter. IMG scored a pair of goals in a two minute span and forced overtime before hitting the eventual game-winner in the final 10 seconds of the first OT period. Yale commit Cole Cashion was stellar in the loss – his three goals were a game-high. Johnny Maccarone and Elijah Stobaugh each had two goal performances for IMG in the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all of the highlights from the Marco Battaglia Practice Complex in Piscataway: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is brought to you by Mario Venancio of Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach Realtors.

Phillipsburg High School once again looked back on its rich history to induct the Stateliners second athletic Hall of Fame class. Watch JSZ’s feature on the ceremony! Phillipsburg’s Garnet Booster Club is the catalyst for honoring the greats from one of New Jersey’s most tradition-filled and historic athletic programs in the state. The second edition of the Stateliners Hall of Fame featured a mix of football legends from over 100 years ago along with three living legends. JSZ was at the ceremony to honor the newest group of Stateliner Hall of Famers: Congratulations to the 2022 Phillipsburg Athletic Hall of Fame Class 1918 FOOTBALL TEAM The 1918 Football Team was the first team to be recognized as state champions by the NJSIAA. They had a season record 6-1 losing only to Barringer. They scored 336 points and gave up only 13 to Barringer. They were coached by legendary coach Mike Maloney. The 1918 team defeated Washington 101-0, and Lincoln 99-0.   Phillipsburg defeated Easton that year, 9-0. TED DAILEY First Team All-State Defensive End, Captain, and Four Year starter from 1925-1928. Daily scored 42 of the team’s 89 points in 19+28. He was an All-American at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to coach at Syracuse University for 25 years. During that time, the school won its only National Championship for football. Daily has also been recognized in the Phillipsburg-Easton Football Hall of Fame.  GEORGE “SAMMY” MOYER First Team All-State halfback who played on three unbeaten teams from 1933-1935. Moyer had three wins over Easton and was inducted into the Phillipsburg-Easton Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He was captain of the 1935 10-0 undefeated team that was co-state champions with Bloomfield. He led the team in touchdowns, with 14 total. Moyer played on a tough Phillipsburg team that had seven shutouts and allowed only 24 points. Moyer scored 102 career points. He is in the Lafayette College Hall of fame where he earned honorable mention All-American status as a running back and coached the Phillipsburg football from 1952-1953. CLAYTON WILLEVER First team all-state quarterback who led the 1918 state championship team. Willever scored a school record seven touchdowns in one game, and kicked four extra points in setting the school record of 46 points in a 99-0 victory over Lincoln of Jersey City in 1919. Willever amassed 195 career points which stood for over 70 years as the school record. His 17 touchdowns in 1918 are still in the career top ten for a single season, and he is tied for seventh in career touchdowns at Phillipsburg with 29.EILEEN CLYMER SCHWAB Eileen Clymer Schwab earned 12 Varsity letters while at Phillipsburg. She competed in three sports, as a four-year starter in field hockey, basketball and softball. Clymer Schwab was captain of all three teams, an all star in all three. She was the starting short stop on two state championship softball teams in 1975 and 1976. She is a published author of two books.  MARY JANE DEUTSCH Mary Jane “MJ” Deutsch is best known as a softball and basketball standout with eight varsity letters. She held records in batting average, RBI’s, singles, triples & home runs. She was a starter on three state championship teams in 1973, 1975, and 1976.  At the time Phillipsburg participated in the East Penn League, she was part of championship teams 1973-1976, hit .517 with 18 RBIs, and did not strike out in 47 at-bats. She was recognized as a First-team all-East Penn League 1974, 1975, 1976. She was also a  four-year starter and all-star in basketball who broke all-time basketball scoring and rebound records in 1976. Deutsch coached basketball, softball, track & field during the 1980s, was a Supervisor of Health, Phys Ed, and Special Ed served as the Assistant Athletic Director, an Assistant Principal, Principal, and held a 39-year career in the Phillipsburg School District, with 31 years as an administrator.RICK THOMPSON Rick Thompson is a three-sport star and coach best known as a two-time state wrestling champion, four-time district champion, three-time regional champion, and one of the wrestling coaches in Phillipsburg history with a record combined 268-54-1 in his career. His wrestling team won 15 Sectional Championships and eight Group titles with six Group second-place finishes. Thompson coached nine individual State Champions and 43 state place-winners, as well as many regional and district winners. This editor remembers two events like yesterday. The high-flying Mr. Thompson who never sat in his chair, and being a Stateliner from 1985 -1989 in this PIT. We have plenty of memories, especially 1987 and 1988 matches that had an energy unmatched. Thompson also earned eight varsity letters in cross-country and track and later served as a coach or assistant coach of both teams. He finished seventh in the state at cross-country in 1972. Thompson’s return to Phillipsburg also started the girls cross-country program with Neil Frankenfield in 1984. They won 88 straight meets and four EPC championships as well as three New Jersey State Sectional Championships. Career coaching record of 195-39-1 with the girls team. The Boys country teams won three EPC championships, a Group 4 State Championship and finished third in the Meet of Champions. Thompson often cites cross county as one of his favorite sports to coach. “The time is what it is, there’s no bad calls in cross county or track”. Thompson has also been recognized as #33 in the Top 100 sports figures of the 20th century by the Express-Times, NJ State Coach of the Year in 1988, and earned Express-Times Coach of the Year four times.

It’s time to recognize the best baseball and softball performances from around the Garden State. Our JSZ team has combed the box scores to find the best individual efforts in North, Central and South Jersey. Our polls are open now through Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The winner of each poll will receive a JSZ Game Ball during the season. To nominate a player for a Game Ball please email the JSZ team before Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Mike Frankel: mikefrankel@jerseysportszone.com (South nominations) Jay Cook: jay@jerseysportszone.com (North nominations) Rich Chrampanis: rich@jerseysportszone.com (Central nominations) North Jersey Central Jersey South Jersey Jersey Sports Zone’s Game Balls are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health

Alex Ciccone has been one of South Brunswick’s go-to senior playmakers. In the Viking’s 11-1 win over Hunterdon Central, Ciccone went 2-3 with 3 RBI’s. The fans have spoken and he is JSZ’s Week Two Game Ball Winner. 

Two more remarkable performances from North Jersey were honored in this week’s RWJ Barnabas Health Game Balls presentations. Let’s take a trip up to Bergen County and meet the two winners. Marco Goes Wild in Thrilling Win Over Park Ridge Waldwick’s Anthony Marco brought his “A” game in an NJIC Patriot Division showdown against Park Ridge on April 11. Marco went 3-3 from the plate with a pair of HR’s and five total RBI. He held the Owls off the board late with a clean 1.2 innings of work on the mound before cracking the walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh inning. Marco brought in 32 percent of the fan vote to win the game ball. JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Anthony with his award during practice this week: Nuziale Walks It Off for Fair Lawn Conference games always have the tendency to go down to the wire. That was the case on April 13 when hosted Wayne Hills. Cutters’ junior Ava Nuziale stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning in a 3-3 game and delivered a walk-off hit to help secure the win. Nearly 36 percent of the fan vote submitted came in favor of Ava Nuziale. JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Ava with her award: Jersey Sports Zone’s game ball presentation and voting is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health.

JSZ has a pair of exciting games for you heading into the weekend! St. Augustine 13 Kingsway 4 The Hermits pulled away from the Dragons late in a battle between undefeated South Jersey squads. Iona commit Josiah Ragsdale gave St. Augustine (8-0) the lead with a two-run triple in the fourth inning. Austin Sofran finished 3-3 with three RBIs in the win, while Mason Dorsey also went 3-3 with an RBI triple. Evan Mangifesta has an RBI for Kingsway (8-1) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: JSZ’s baseball coverage is brought to you in part by OceanFirst Bank. Cranford vs. South Brunswick | Autism Awareness Showcase No. 18 Cranford improved to 8-2 following a 19-7 victory over South Brunswick. The Cougars fell behind 4-1 after the second inning. However, Cranford would score four runs in the top of the fifth to take a 7-4 lead. South Brunswick would tie the game thanks to a three run home run from Ethan Fantel, but a 12 run sixth inning put this one out of reach late. Shea Grady and Ryan Jaros both with finished with two RBI’s, Shane Van Dam went 2-4 with two RBI’s, Jack Conley went 3-5 with two RBI’s and Lucca Limeira led the way, going 2-5 with four RBI’s. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our South Brunswick coverage.  Thank you to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for sponsoring our Cranford coverage. 

Paul VI 13 Washington Twp. 12 The Eagles saw an early 8-1 lead disappear, before rallying to take the lead again in the sixth inning, and then holding off the Minutemaids in the seventh inning. Merry Pavlik homered in the victory for Paul VI (9-0). Jordan Mader paced the Eagles offense with four RBIs. Kayla Cavanaugh had a pair of RBIs for Township (4-4) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Coverage of Washington Township is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.

After a rocky start to the 2022 season, North Hunterdon (5-5) has settled in and found their groove. Their latest victory, a 4-2 win over Hillsborough (2-2), extended their winning streak to four consecutive games. Freshman Camryn Campbell was stellar in the circle. She tossed a complete game with seven strikeouts while her defense helped with a number of heads up plays throughout the course of this Skyland Conference showdown. The Lions plated all four runs in the first inning and rode the lead from that point on. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Diamond Nation in Flemington: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Hillsborough is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville.

Avery Kontura has been a driving force for Steinert in 2022. Kontura has helped lead the sixth ranked Spartans to an 8-1 record and currently has 20 RBI’s. In their 5-4 win over Notre Dame, Kontura belted a three run home run in the top of the sixth give Steinert a late lead. The fans have spoken and she is our first JSZ Central Jersey Game Ball Winner of the season! Watch her ceremony below: This poll was compromised with votes from outside the USA. Below are the results of the poll taking out the illegal votes. Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Steinert coverage.

We’ve got Monday high school baseball action from the Shore Conference. Watch the highlights of Colts Neck’s win over Red Bank Regional! Colts Neck 16 Red Bank Regional 2 (5 Innings) Tyler Spencer launched a two-run homer and pitched four strong innings on the hill and the Cougars put the game away with an 11-run fifth inning to improve to 5-2 on the season. Chris Scully added a two-run homer with Brad Salamone and Dan Cohen each having two-RBI games. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights of Monday morning Shore Conference baseball from Little Silver: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Red Bank Regional is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center

It’s time to once again recognize the best baseball and softball performances from around the Garden State. Our JSZ team has combed the box scores to find the best individual efforts in North, Central and South Jersey. Our polls are open now through Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The winner of each poll will receive a JSZ Game Ball during the season. To nominate a player for a Game Ball please email the JSZ team before Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Mike Frankel: mikefrankel@jerseysportszone.com (South nominations) Jay Cook: jay@jerseysportszone.com (North nominations) Rich Chrampanis: rich@jerseysportszone.com (Central nominations) North Jersey Central Jersey South Jersey

The first full week of the spring sports season got us started off on the right foot. A pair of top-notch pitching performances highlight the Week 1 North Jersey Game Ball winners. Watch their presentations now! Freshman DiSalvo Dominates Oak Knoll Olivia DiSalvo has been as good as advertised this season for Scotch Plains-Fanwood. The freshman began her high school pitching career with a masterful, five-inning one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts against Oak Knoll. DiSalvo accounted for nearly 43 percent of the vote to win the award. JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Olivia with her award this week: Crandall Cruises by Garfield with Baker’s Dozen of Punchouts In the first start of his senior season, Stephen Crandall tossed six strong innings along with 13 strikeouts in an 8-1 win over Garfield on April 6. Crandall only gave up a single earned run and walked no batters in his season debut. He accounted for 30.3 percent of the vote total to bring home the award. JSZ’s Jay Cook presented Stephen with the game ball this week: