Pope John still rolling; Ake drafted by Mets

Pope John's baseball team has been finding ways to win big games all season.  The trend continued on Tuesday as the Lions posted a 4-3 win over Seton Hall Prep to capture their first Non-Public North A sectional title at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls.

All-State catcher Alex DeBellis delivered the eventual game-winning run with a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth after Seton Hall Prep had tied the game. Winning pitcher Brendan Mayers (9-0) gave another solid effort on the mound, as the Rutgers-bound righty tossed a complete game.

Those two players have been the catalysts all season and they came through once again with the spotlight on them. Team of destiny?

One interesting note, is that Seton Hall outfielder John Norwood was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays (No. 379 overall)  in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft during the game. Seton Hall Prep beat Pope John, 9-8 in eight innings in the 2009 semifinals.

Pope John (24-4-1) will face St. Augustine for the Non-Public state A championship 11 a.m. on Saturday at Toms River South High School.

Ake selected by Mets on Day 3

Hunterdon Central shortstop Josh Ake was the first player from West Jersey to be selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday. Ake was chosen by the New York Mets (No. 882 overall).

Ake batted .337 with four homers and 19 RBIs, 11 stolen bases and a .432 on-base percentage this season for the 20-10 Red Devils. Ake, an outstanding defensive player, has committed to play at the University of North Carolina next season.

Watchung claims division crown

Watchung Hills wrapped up the Skyland Conference Delaware Division title with Monday's 4-1 win over Hunterdon Central.

Senior Richard Hunt tossed a complete game with five strikeouts and sophomore catcher Cody Hinds drove in two runs for the Warriors (18-8 overall, 11-4 division).

Montville wins NJAC American title


Montville apparently has been declared the NJAC American Division champion by virtue of a points system. The Mustangs finished 12-2 in divisional play, one win better than Pope John (11-2-1), which played Sparta to a tie back in April in a game that was suspended due to darkness.

Apparently, the Pope John-Sparta game could not be replayed and it goes in the books as a draw. Had Pope John won that game, it would have shared the title with Montville. The Lions and Mustangs split a pair of meetings this season, 13-8 and 13-4, with Pope John winning the latter on May 24.