In the brief four-year history of the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, the latter third of this event has been pretty much a non-factor when the field is down to the Final Four.
This year, it's markedly different with two Sussex County schools representing for the first time, as underdog Vernon and No. 1 seed Sparta are among Saturday's semifinalists.
Sparta (12-6-1), which had won four straight before Monday's 5-2 loss to Pope John, is making its second semis appearance -- reaching the title game in 2010. Coach Sam Slobodzian's team gets a rematch against Hunterdon Central, which won its only title that first tournament with a 10-0 thumping of the Spartans.
The Red Devils (13-8) are making their fourth straight appearance in the semifinals, and despite being a No. 2 seed, coach Mike Raymond's club is the hottest team in three counties coming into this weekend's action. Central has won four in a row (beating Phillipsburg, 5-3, on Thursday) and seven of its last eight.
Vernon (9-8) is also on a major roll of late, winning five of six and seven of its last nine since a forgettable 2-6 start. As a No. 6 seed, coach Scott Berge's Vikings are a dangerous opponent and playing with house money. They'll travel to No. 1 North Hunterdon (12-8) in the other semifinal showdown.
Both games are slated for 2 p.m. starts.
Here's a closer look at the semifinal matchups (seeds precede teams).
6B-Vernon (9-8) at 1A-North Hunterdon (12-8) -- Vernon is the hottest team in Sussex County, beating Newton twice last week, including last Saturday's 6-2 win in the quarters. Junior Mike Harboy is on a tear at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI in Monday's win over Mount Olive. Right-hander Kevin Berge struck out 10 in that one, but senior Ryan Duvall, who Scott Berge says has great stuff, will make the start against the Lions. On the other side, North Hunterdon is making its third straight semifinals appearance, but has never been to the championship game. Seniors Justin Trinity (3-2) and Tyler Smith (3-2) have been an effective 1-2 punch on the mound, while senior first baseman Mike Ragozine continues to rake, belting a homer in Tuesday's win over Hillsborough. Sophomore Tom Schumacher also went deep in that one.
Coaches: Scott Berge (37-65, fifth season); Mike Kane (24-24, second season).
All-time HWS records: Vernon 2-3; North Hunterdon 7-3.
How they got here: Vernon beat North Warren, 7-3, in first round and Newton, 6-2, in quarterfinals. North Hunterdon defeated Kittatinny, 14-4, in first round and Delaware Valley, 6-5 in quarterfinals.
The Pick: North Hunterdon, 5-3.
2A-Hunterdon Central (13-8) at 1B-Sparta (12-6-1) -- After a rare shaky start to its season, Central has righted the ship and once again looks like the team to beat. The Red Devils already have three wins this week, outscoring their opponents by a combined margin of 25-5. Sophomore second baseman Brett McManus is absolutely unconscious at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two doubles and three RBIs on Monday at Voorhees and 2-for-3 with a solo homer in Thursday's win over Phillipsburg. He entered the P'burg game batting .436 (24-for-55) with 18 runs scored and 17 RBIs. Freshman third baseman Matt Toke has five RBIs this week, raising his season total to 14. Outfielder Geggie Russomagno (.351) hit his first homer on Thursday. Ace Billy Maier (3-2, 2.79 ERA) will start this one. He got the win in the quarterfinals against Pope John with five K's last Saturday. Sparta features a balanced lineup with outfielder Thomas Ruddy (.475), second baseman Austin Unglaub (.397) and outfielder Jon-Karl Widuch (.315) pacing the offense. On the mound, ace Kevin Foulds (6-0, 1.20 ERA) has been impressive, striking out 11 in a first-round win over Voorhees.
Coaches: Mike Raymond (260-97, 13th season); Sam Slobodzian (263-168-3, 17th season).
All-time HWS records: Hunterdon Central 12-2; Sparta 7-3.
How they got here: Hunterdon Central beat High Point, 5-4, in first round and Pope John, 4-2, in quarterfinals; Sparta defeated Voorhees, 10-3, in first round and Wallkill Valley, 10-4, in quarterfinals.
The Pick: Hunterdon Central, 4-2.
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