Thursday, March 31, 2016

Baseball: Sussex County preview capsules

High Point Wildcats

Coach: Ryan Ellis (16-9, second season).

2015 record: 16-9, 5-3 NJAC Freedom Division (T-second).

Key returnees: Sr. Billy Kerwien (.398 avg., 20 RBIs, .554 slug) SS-P; Sr. Ben Costello (.392 avg., 13 RBIs; 3-2, 2.10 ERA) 1B-P; Sr. Ben Armstrong (.349 avg., 16 RBIs) OF-2B; Sr. Kyle O'Connell (.467 avg., 35 hits) OF; Sr. Tim Space (.373 avg., 11 RBIs) 1B; Jr. Bryan Franko (.391 avg.) 3B-OF.

Key losses: Riley Keenan (.365 avg.) C; Tyler Schulok (7-3, 3.50 ERA, 33 K's) P-2B; Matt Magura (.280 avg., 5 HR, 20 RBIs) Utility-P; Trevor Risdon (.394 avg., 16 RBIs; 6-2, 2.00 ERA) Utility-P; Brian Lange P-OF.

Promising newcomers: Jr. Matt Douma INF-OF; Fr. Sam Armstrong P-INF; Fr. Matt Carter C; Jr. Zach Disanza C; So. Joe Gramignano P-Utility; So. Jake Phillip C; Sr. Shaun Rittweger INF; Jr. Derek Sarupchiello P-Utility; So. Luke Steinman P-OF; So. Matt Sunda P-INF; Jr. Braedon Steinman P-OF.

Coach's comment: "I am very excited about this year's pitching staff, the returning players, and watching our group of sophomores and freshmen who are coming up through the program. I am looking forward to seeing this team play day in and day out."

Outlook: Wildcats showed considerable improvement under Ellis, who led the program to 16 wins, up from 7 in 2014, last season. Pitching seems the biggest question this season with the loss of 91 innings (Schulok and Risdon) to graduation. Costello should be the ace (20 innings last year). Offensively, this team should be in good shape with several key bats returning from a unit that averaged nearly seven runs per game in '15. Expect the Wildcats to finish in the top half of a very tough division.

Hopatcong Chiefs

Coach: Jason Mulvihill (7-14, second season).

2015 record: 7-14, 1-7 NJAC Colonial Division (T-fourth).

Key returnees: Sr. Christian Ammiano (.406 avg., 5 HRs, 20 RBIs, 4-5, 2.52 ERA, 52 K's) 1B-P; Sr. P.J. Rodick (.270 avg., 12 RBIs) C; Sr. Brandon Vanderhoof 3B; Sr. Dalton Delrosso (.409 avg., 14 SBs) P-SS; Sr. Eli Perez 1B-OF; Sr. Chris Stundon P-1B; Jr. Anthony Melillo 2B-C; Jr. Brandon Olmstead; Sr. Ben Carreno; So. Armando Santiago.

Key losses: Shea Bongiovanni (.456 avg., 11 RBIs) P-OF; Jason Twaits OF.

Promising newcomers: Jr. Bart Yarosz (transfer from Morris Catholic) P-OF; Jr. James O'Brien OF; Jr. Stephen Lengkong 1B-3B; So. CJ Glosser P-1B; So. Anthony Mastroeni 2B-OF.

Coach's comment: "We are looking to take the next step With strong senior leadership, they will work hard to continue to progress, earn a [sectional] playoff berth and make a run in the county and sectional tournaments."

Outlook: Chiefs have gone 78-132 over the past nine years (12-57 the last three seasons), but they showed marked improvement in Mulvihill's first season at the helm. Ammiano is one of the best players in the tri-county area. He led the offense with a .406 average and the pitching staff with 52 strikeouts in 58 1/3 innings last season. Delrosso should be the No. 2 pitcher, but there are big questions after those two arms, though Yarosz should help on the mound. Hitting in the Homer Dome, the Chiefs' home field, shouldn't be an issue, but last year's team struggled to produce runs on the road against the better teams on the schedule. Getting to .500 will be the main goal and the biggest challenge.

Kittatinny Cougars

Coach: TJ Orlando (8-39, third season).

2015 record: 3-22, 1-7 NJAC Colonial Division (T-fourth).

Key returnees: Sr. Dom Maio (.278 avg.) 2B-SS; Jr. Mike Montella 1B-OF; Sr. Brendan Wood (.300 avg.) OF; So. Chris Litterio P-3B; Jr. Tyler Vough P; Jr. Bobby Rogers (.324 avg.) 3B-OF; Jr. Dillon Rossi (.370 avg.) OF-SS.

Key losses: Cowan Sikora (.377 avg.) SS-P.

Promising newcomers: Sr. Michael Stenderowicz P-1B; Sr. Austin Scrivani OF-C; Sr. Mike Insalaco P-1B; Sr. Tyler Foster 3B-P; Sr. Luke DeGroat Utility-P; Sr. Carmelo Calascibetta OF; Jr. Jesse Dispoto INF; Jr. Josh MacMillan P; Jr. Ryan Mahedy OF' So. Korey Vough C; So. Paul Litterio 2B-SS.

Coach's comment: "While we only lost one senior [Sikora], we are still relatively young in terms of experience. As we try to change the baseball culture at Kittatinny to not settle for mediocrity, we hope to be turning the corner. We hope to reach the .500 mark and qualify for [sectionals]."

Outlook: Cougars, who have gone 26-54-1 over the previous four seasons, have some work to do if they are to turn the corner this season. Orlando is excited about five seniors who have come out for the team, including Scrivani, who has been a star wrestler for the Cougars but has never played baseball in high school. Tyler Vough and Chris Litterio will lead a very young pitching staff, which must gain consistency if this team is going to approach .500. The bats will also need to contribute after last year's team scored 19 runs combined over its final eight games -- all losses.

Lenape Valley Patriots

Coach: Bob Klinck (98-95, ninth season).

2015 record: 7-14, 4-4 NJAC Freedom Division (fourth).

Key returnees: Sr. Tom Armstrong (.355 avg., 18 RBIs, 0-2, 3.99 ERA) P-OF; Sr. Mark Lisi (1-3, 4.83 ERA) P-INF; Sr. Tyler Robertson OF; Jr. Matt Helfrich (4-1, 1.22 ERA) OF-P; Jr. Kyle Piekarz INF-P; So. Dan Titus OF-P; So. Anthony Esposito INF; So. Brandon Bready INF.

Key losses: Jim Fluke (.358 avg., 2-4, 2.70 ERA, 63 K's) SS-P; Pat Togno (.310, 14 RBIs) OF-1B; Rob Sparacino C; Cole Swanson (0-4, 2.47 ERA) P-1B; Christian Basciano (.371 avg. 10 RBIs) 1B.

Promising newcomers: Sr. John Stanley C; Jr. Connor Nodoro INF; Jr. Zach Fowler C; So. Derrick Sidoli OF; So. Jared Miller P; So. Kyle Noeltner INF; So. Mike Plemenos C-INF; So. Chris Plemenos P-INF; So. Jordan Costanzo OF; Steve Rabe C.

Coach's comment: "Our pitching and defense look promising early on as we return four pitchers with varsity experience. Our lineup will include some younger players with varsity experience who will need to respond at the plate for us to be successful." 

Outlook: Patriots went from 18 wins to seven last season (went 2-11 after 5-3 start) after capturing the program's first NJAC Freedom Division title in 2014. It was surprising for a team that was expected to challenge for another division championship. The graduation losses were significant -- including Fluke (12 wins and 151 K's the past two seasons) -- but the Pats do have several experienced arms to build around. Expect a bounce-back season in Stanhope.

Newton Braves

Coach: John Selitto (91-138, 11th season).

2015 record: 11-11, 6-2 NJAC Colonial Division (T-first).

Key returnees: So. Chase Cramer (.324 avg., 24 hits) OF; Sr. Cole Van Luvender (4-2, 4.51 ERA) P-3B; Sr. Bobby Fehr (.260 avg.) C; Jr. Scott Price 1B-OF-P; Sr. Tom Giordano (.333 avg.) OF; Jr. Alex Blanar (2-3, 3.28 ERA) P-3B; Jr. Aldo Vallorosi (.294 avg., 21 runs) 2B; So. Luke Young (.276 avg.) 1B-OF-P; Jr. Mike Luzzi (.350 avg., 14 RBIs) OF.

Key losses: Nick Grant (.360 avg., 8 RBIs) P-1B; Jon Bernotas (.645 avg., 10 RBIs) SS; Nate Kolzow P; Joey Defeo 3B-P.

Promising newcomers: So. Billy Carson SS-P; So. Jake Tarabokija Utility-P; So. Gianni Periera OF-P; Jr. Jason Leonardo P-OF; So. Justin Samilijan 1B.

Coach's comment"Coming off a rebuilding year with a very young team, we return many starters with varsity experience. We look to be improved defensively and offensively, with the strength being our pitching depth."

Outlook: Braves, as expected, took a bit of a step back last season, despite claiming a three-way share of the Colonial Divison title with North Warren and Wallkill Valley. However, there's a lot to like about this year's squad. As Selitto points out, there is depth on the mound. Van Luvender pitched better than the stats indicate and will be the ace. Cramer leads an offense that should produce more runs than last spring. Luzzi was a pleasant surprise as a sophomore, batting .350 and among the leaders in RBIs. This should be the team to beat in the division race.

Pope John Lions

Coach: Vin Bello (262-173-1, 17th season).

2015 record: 16-14, 6-2 NJAC American Division (T-first).

Key returnees: Sr. Kyle Malejko (.238 avg., 11 RBIs) OF-P; Jr. Trevor Backman (.306 avg., 3-3, 2.65 ERA, 27 K's) P-OF; Jr. Sean Miller (1-1, 1.52 ERA, 36 K's) P; Jr. Sean Roberts (1-1, 0.62 ERA) P; Jr. Hunter Silvernail (.258 avg., 13 RBIs) C; Jr.. George Somers (.259 avg., 8 RBIs) 2B; Jr. Ryan Casey (.312 avg.) OF; Jr. Justin Provost (.380 avg, 4 HRs, 17 RBIs) 3B; Jr. Davien Sanchez 1B.

Key losses: Jay Sanford (.379 avg. 36 hits, 5 HRs, 19 RBIs, .441 OBP) SS; Ethan Collins (.305 avg., 17 RBIs, 6-2, 2.47 ERA) P-1B; Matt Piwko (.290 avg.) 1B; Zack Leach (.313 avg., 3 HRs, 20 RBIs) C; Cyrus Ahmadi (0-2, 1.97 ERA) OF-P; Jack Nelson (5-4, 1.13 ERA, 72 K's) P.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Jake Wells P; Sr. Austin Markfarding SS; So. Joe Millar OF; Jr. Greg Zappalla P; Jr. Will Fowler P.

Coach's comment: "Pitching will carry this team with Miller, Roberts and Backman, and the newcomers filling in."

Outlook: Lions, who dropped their final six games in 2015, once again should be major contenders for division and county titles this season behind a solid pitching staff that features Miller and Roberts -- heading to Seton Hall and Marist, respectively -- at the top. Offense may be a question against what is an extremely tough independent schedule. Bello believes that Sanchez and Millar will have to chip in with the bats for this team to win 15 games this season.

Sparta Spartans

Coach: Sam Slobodzian (294-194-3, 20th season).

2015 record: 8-16, 2-6 NJAC American Division (fifth).

Key returnees: Sr. Connor Coyle (.329 avg., 23 hits) P; Jr. Mike Vocaturo (.328 avg., 20 hits) C-3B; Sr. Paul DeAquino (.311 avg.) SS; Sr. Jarret DiBlasio P-1B; Sr. Jared Kish P-1B; Sr. Ethan Guerra C-P; Sr. Cameron Estanislau 2B; Jr. Jack Kulik OF.

Key losses: Dillon Mendel (.319 avg., 20 RBIs, 2-3, 2.72 ERA) 3B-P; Nick Makowitz 1B-P; Tim Gondek (.337 avg., 28 hits, 11 RBIs) P-OF.

Promising newcomers: So. Cole Patten P-3B; Sr. Eugene Jerome OF; Jr. Premal Patel P; Jr. Connor Dick P; So. Matt Guerra Utility; Jr. Eric Lesch INF; So. Jake Zerrillo OF.

Coach's comment: "I feel the strength of this team will be starting pitching. With this year's core players returning, combined with a talented new crew of players, we feel this could be a very special group."

Outlook: Spartans took a big step back last season -- finishing in last place -- after winning 18 games and capturing the NJAC American Division title in 2014. But with what Slobodzian, who is six wins shy of 300, deems a solid starting staff, a bounce-back season appears to be in order. Offensively, this group struggled last season, so scoring runs will be key to a turnaround campaign.

Sussex Tech Mustangs

Coach: Brad Szatkiewicz (22-57, fourth season).

2015 record: 8-19, 0-8 NJAC Freedom Division (fifth).

Key returnees: Jr. Brandon Bendes (.290 avg., 18 runs, 2-7, 45 IP, 31 K's) OF-P-C.

Key losses: Paul Caron (.390 avg., 30 hits, 18 RBIs) SS-P; Austen Campbell (.333 avg., 24 hits, 15 RBIs) 3B-P; Eric Wistermayer (12 RBIs) C; Tom Slate (.354 avg., 23 hits, 19 runs, 15 RBIs) 2B-P; Justin Brauchle OF-P; Corey Small (.302 avg., 10 RBIs) 1B-P.

Promising newcomers: So. Zach Clawson P-1B-3B; So. Tyler Crum 1B-OF-P; So. Vito Tarulli SS-P; Jr. Gary Wolz OF-2B-P; Fr. Ryan Bell 2B-P; Fr. George Guttierrez 3B-C-P; So. Billy Wiik OF-P; So. Devin Walz OF; Jr. J.P. Benoit Utility.

Coach's comment: "This is going to be a rebuilding year with Brandon Bendes as the only returner. He will have to take on a huge role, leadership and statistically, for us to be successful. With a solid defense and decent pitching, we will have to manufacture runs to stay competitive."

Outlook: Mustangs have gone 0-20 in divisional play since joining the NJAC two seasons ago. As Szatkiewicz said, this will be a challenging season with the heavy graduation losses. The fourth-year coach is excited about the young talent on this year's roster, so improving with each game will be the main goal this spring.

Vernon Vikings

Coach: Scott Berge (58-99, eighth season).

2015 record: 10-15, 3-5 NJAC American Division (T-third).

Key returnees: Sr. Christian Capuano (3-3, 3.14 ERA) P-3B; Sr. Connor Fitzsimmons (.418 avg.) C; Sr. Ryan McNeil P-1B; Jr. Brandon Lavorini (.268 avg.) OF; Jr. Mike Suppa OF; Jr. Nick Grifone OF-P-C; Jr. Ryan Janus 3B.

Key losses: Ed Battista (.311 avg., 19 hits) 2B; Louis Caiafa (.227 avg., 9 RBIs) P-OF; Matt Emerson (.342 avg., 12 RBIs, 3-4, 3.07 ERA) P-3B; Christian Quaranta (.348 avg., 12 RBIs) SS; Sultan Destani (2-3, 4.76 ERA) P-Utility; Bryan Brinster (.310 avg.) 1B.

Promising newcomers: Sr. Patrick Carr OF; Jr. Jacob Rodriguez SS; Jr. Christian Sasso 2B; Jr. Jeffrey Cox 3B-P; Jr. Luis Calderone SS-P; Jr. William Verblaauw P; Jr. J.T. Franetovich OF-P; So. Max Rodriguez OF-P; So. Ethan Metz 3B-P; So. Daniel Fedorko 2B-C.

Coach's comment: "We are looking to improve on last year's record, get above .500 and qualify for [sectionals]."

Outlook: Vikings qualified for the North 1, Group 3 playoffs last season -- dropping a 3-1 decision to Montville in the opening round. After going 5-12 following a 5-3 start and losing four extra-inning games, this year's team will need to win some of the close ones if it is to approach .500 and another trip to the postseason. Capuano is the ace of a pretty unproven staff.

Wallkill Valley Rangers

Coach: Kevin Lukich (76-94, eighth season).

2015 record: 12-12, 6-2 NJAC Colonial Division (T-first).

Key returnees: Sr. Rich Stecher (.359 avg., 17 RBIs) OF; Sr. Wes Walton (6-2, 2.90 ERA, 44 K's) OF; Sr. Jordan Florio (.306 avg.) SS-OF; So. Dylan Harlos (.308 avg.) C; Sr. Ajay Hill (.320 avg.) 1B.

Key losses: Travis Hill (.413 avg., 22 RBIs, 1-0, 2.33 ERA) C-P; Kyle Rosencranz (.369 avg., 14 runs) 2B; Michael Armstrong (.360 avg., 10 2Bs, 17 RBIs) SS; Joe Colosimo (5-3, 1.86 ERA, 45 K's) P; Sean Endres (.407 avg., 13 2Bs, 27 RBIs) 3B; Cameron Blake (.345 avg., 9 RBIs) 3B; Joe Tizzano (.417 avg.) OF; Jimmy Moffitt (.327 avg., 11 RBIs).

Promising newcomers: So. Tyler Small C; Fr. Justin Rivera SS; Jr. Anthony Marsico 3B; So. Tanner Kronski OF; Jr. Ryan Gutt OF; Jr. Anthony Russo P; Sr. Anthony Vallila INF; Sr. Ryan Higgins OF; So. Richie Coltenback C; Fr. Jake Lonsky INF; Sr. Marko Bakovic 3B; Sr. Pete Russo OF; Jr. Bryce Falk P.

Coach's comment: "This year's team comes into camp with a lot less experience, but much deeper than in recent seasons. We will have a lot of competition for several starting positions."

Outlook: After back-to-back sub-.500 seasons, Rangers hit the break even point last year and advanced to the second round of the North 1, Group 2 playoffs, dropping a 4-2 decision to Lakeland after claiming a three-way share of the NJAC Colonial Division. The graduation losses were significant, but Stecher and Walton were among the top players a year ago. If the newcomers can contribute, this group could surprise behind a solid coaching staff.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Baseball: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schedule

Friday, April 1


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Wallkill Valley
Sussex Tech at Hopatcong, 11 a.m.
Lenape Valley at North Warren, 11 a.m.
Jefferson at Newton
Pope John at Parsippany Hills
Sparta at Roxbury

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Bernards, 3:45 p.m.
Hunterdon Central at Bridgewater-Raritan
North Hunterdon at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.
Voorhees at Somerville, 3:45 p.m.
Rutgers Prep at Warren Hills, 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, April 2


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Skyland Conference

Warren Hills at Watchung Hills, 2:30 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Somerville

Monday, April 4


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

North Warren at Kittatinny, ppd. TBA

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg at Voorhees, ppd., TBA

Tuesday, April 5


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at High Point
Vernon at Kinnelon
Kittatinny at Sussex Tech

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Warren Hills, 3:45 p.m.
Hunterdon Central at Ridge, 3:45 p.m.
South Hunterdon at North Plainfield
Bernards at Voorhees, 3:45 p.m.
Pingry at Belvidere
Hillsborough at North Hunterdon

Wednesday, April 6


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Jefferson
North Warren at Hopatcong
Kittatinny at Newton
Lenape Valley at Sussex Tech
Mount Olive at Pope John
Sparta at Wallkill Valley
Morris Hills at Vernon

Skyland Conference

Watchung Hills at Hunterdon Central, 3:45 p.m.
Phillipsburg at Ridge, 3:45 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Franklin, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

Trenton Catholic at South Hunterdon

Thursday, April 7


(All games 4 p.m.)

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Somerville
Warren Hills at Bernards, 3:45 p.m.
Bound Brook at Belvidere, ppd. TBA

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference



Hackettstown at Jefferson

Vernon at Boonton
Sparta at High Point
North Warren at Kittatinny

Independent

Sussex Tech at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.)

Friday, April 8


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Newton at Hackettstown
Kittatinny at Jefferson
Wallkill Valley at Lenape Valley
Vernon at Pope John
Mount Olive at Sparta

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at South Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.
Montgomery at Hunterdon Central, 3:45 p.m.
Phillipsburg at Hillsborough, 3:45 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Bridgewater-Raritan, 3:45 p.m.

Independent



Belvidere at Sussex Tech

Saturday, April 9


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Dover at Newton
Wallkill Valley at Butler

Skyland Conference

Voorhees at Franklin, 1 p.m.

Independent

Belvidere, Delaware Valley at Hopatcong Tournament
Demarest at Pope John, noon
Sparta at Minisink Valley (N.Y.), 2:30 p.m.
14th Street Tech at Sussex Tech, 10 a.m.
Hunterdon Central at Randolph
South Hunterdon at Robbinsville
Columbia at North Hunterdon, noon

Monday, April 11


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Lenape Valley
High Point at Sussex Tech
Kittatinny at Hopatcong
Whippany Park at Newton
Wallkill Valley at North Warren
Pope John at Sparta

Skyland Conference

Franklin at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.
Montgomery at North Hunterdon
Bound Brook at South Hunterdon

Independent

Voorhees at Easton (Pa.)
Hunterdon Central at Hamilton West

Tuesday, April 12


(All games 3:45 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Vernon at High Point, 4 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Rutgers Prep at Delaware Valley
South Hunterdon at Belvidere, 4 p.m.
Voorhees at Warren Hills

Independent

Westfield at Hunterdon Central, 4;15 p.m.
Sussex Tech at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.)

Wednesday, April 13


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Hackettstown
Hopatcong at Newton
Kittatinny at Wallkill Valley
Pope John at Randolph
Sparta at Parsippany Hills
Sussex Tech at Jefferson
Vernon at Boonton

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at North Hunterdon
Bridgewater-Raritan at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

Warren Hills at North Warren

Thursday, April 14


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Pope John at Roxbury
Vernon at Wallkill Valley


Lenape Valley at High Point

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Voorhees
Phillipsburg at Montgomery
Manville at South Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.
Somerville at Warren Hills, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

North Warren at Manchester Regional
Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.) at Belvidere

Friday, April 15


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at Lenape Valley
Sparta at Vernon
Hackettstown at Jefferson

Independent

Kittatinny at Belvidere, 3:45 p.m.
Sussex Tech at Manville
West Morris at South Hunterdon, 4:30 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at Immaculata

Saturday, April 16


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Morris Hills at Hackettstown
West Morris at High Point, noon
Newton at Sparta

Skyland Conference

North Hunterdon at Voorhees
Belvidere at Franklin, 10:30 a.m.

Independent

Wallkill Valley at Hunterdon Central Tournament, 10:30 a.m.
Warren Hills at Lenape Valley
Bergen Catholic at Pope John, noon
Delaware Valley at South River
South Hunterdon at Burlington City
Sparta at Minisink Valley (N.Y.)

Monday, April 18


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Kittatinny
High Point at North Warren
Jefferson at Hopatcong
Lenape Valley at Newton
Morristown at Pope John
Delbarton at Sparta
Wallkill Valley at Sussex Tech

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg at Hunterdon Central, 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19


(All games 3:45 p.m., unless noted)

Skyland Conference

Bernards vs. Delaware Valley at Riegel Ridge, 7 p.m.
South Hunterdon at Gill St. Bernard’s
Somerville at Voorhees
Warren Hills at Rutgers Prep
Belvidere at North Plainfield, 4 p.m.
Hillsborough at North Hunterdon, 4 p.m.

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference



Chatham at Sparta

Independent

North Warren at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament

Preliminaries, TBD

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Mountain Lakes
Pope John at Morris Hills

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at Hillsborough
Ridge at North Hunterdon

Thursday, April 21


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Sparta
Vernon at Hopatcong
Wallkill Valley at Morris Hills

Skyland Conference

Warren Hills at Delaware Valley, 3:45 p.m.
Hunterdon Central at Franklin
Pingry at South Hunterdon
Voorhees at Bernards
Belvidere at Manville
Immaculata at North Hunterdon

Independent

Kittatinny at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.)
Cedar Grove at Lenape Valley
Newton at West Orange, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 22


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Kittatinny at Sparta
Kinnelon at Lenape Valley
Newton at Vernon
Sussex Tech at Boonton

Skyland Conference

Belvidere at Gill St. Bernard's
Phillipsburg at Voorhees

Independent

North Warren at Blair Academy, 4:15 p.m.
Pope John at Don Bosco Prep, 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 23


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament 

First round, TBD

Independent

Morris Tech at Sussex Tech, 10 a.m.

Sunday, April 24


(All games 1 p.m., unless noted)

Independent

Pope John at St. Peter’s Prep, 7 p.m.
South Hunterdon at Middlesex
North Hunterdon at Edison

Monday, April 25


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Sussex Tech at Hackettstown
Hopatcong at Wallkill Valley
Jefferson at Lenape Valley
Newton at North Warren
Sparta at Morris Hills
Vernon at Mount Olive

Skyland Conference

Belvidere at Bound Brook

Independent

Warren Tech at Kittatinny

Tuesday, April 26


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Kinnelon at Sparta
Vernon at High Point
Pope John at Morris Hills

Skyland Conference

Somerville at Delaware Valley, 3;45 p.m.
Bridgewater-Raritan at Hunterdon Central
Phillipsburg at North Hunterdon
South Hunterdon at Bound Brook
Voorhees at Rutgers Prep
Bernards at Warren Hills, 3:45 p.m.
Belvidere at Gill St. Bernard’s

Independent

Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.) at Kittatinny
Somerset Tech at Sussex Tech

Wednesday, April 27


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Jefferson at Hackettstown
High Point at Lenape Valley
Sparta at Hopatcong
Kittatinny at North Warren
Wallkill Valley at Newton
Pope John at Mount Olive
Vernon at Morris Hills

Independent

Edison at Hunterdon Central

Thursday, April 28


(All games 3:45 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Sparta at Randolph, 4 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Rutgers Prep
Phillipsburg at Immaculata
North Plainfield at South Hunterdon
Warren Hills at Voorhees
Belvidere at Pingry, 4 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Watchung Hills

Friday, April 29


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at Hackettstown
Wallkill Valley at High Point, 10:30 a.m.
Kittatinny at Lenape Valley
Newton at Sussex Tech
North Warren at Jefferson
Pope John at Morris Knolls

Independent

Vernon at Warwick Valley (N.Y.)
Phillipsburg at Stroudsburg (Pa.)

Saturday, April 30


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament

Quarterfinals, TBD

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Kinnelon at Newton
North Warren at Butler

Independent

Belvidere at Hackettstown
Memorial at North Hunterdon, 3 p.m.

Monday, May 2


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Jefferson at High Point
Hopatcong at North Warren
Newton at Kittatinny
Sussex Tech at Lenape Valley
Montville at Pope John
Morristown at Sparta
Wallkill Valley at Vernon

Skyland Conference

Pingry at Delaware Valley, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

Hunterdon Central at Mendham
Belvidere at Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.)

Tuesday, May 3


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Vernon
Newton at Wallkill Valley

Skyland Conference

Voorhees vs. Delaware Valley at Riegel Ridge, 7 p.m.
Hunterdon Central at Watchung Hills
Ridge at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.
Warren Hills at Somerville
Belvidere at Bound Brook
Franklin at North Hunterdon

Wednesday, May 4


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Lenape Valley at Hackettstown
Sussex Tech at High Point
Hopatcong at Kittatinny
North Warren at Wallkill Valley
Pope John at Vernon
Sparta at Mount Olive

Skyland Conference

South Hunterdon at Immaculata

Thursday, May 5


(All games 3:45 p.m.)

Skyland Conference

Voorhees at Hunterdon Central
Phillipsburg at Franklin
Belvidere at South Hunterdon, 4 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Montgomery

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Sparta at High Point

Friday, May 6


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at North Warren
Lenape Valley at Hopatcong
Sussex Tech at Kittatinny
Sparta at Pope John
Jefferson at Wallkill Valley

Skyland Conference

Warren Hills vs. Ridge at TD Bank Ballpark, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday, May 7 


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament

Semifinals, TBD

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Wallkill Valley, 10 a.m.
North Warren at Kittatinny

Skyland Conference

Montgomery at Warren Hills

Independent

Newton at Blair Academy, 3 p.m.
Phillipsburg at North Warren
Phillipsburg vs. Easton (Pa.) at Hackett Park, 6 p.m.

Monday, May 9


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at High Point
Newton at Hopatcong
Wallkill Valley at Kittatinny
Hanover Park at Lenape Valley
Morris Hills at Pope John
Vernon at Sparta
Jefferson at Sussex Tech

Skyland Conference

Gill St. Bernard’s at South Hunterdon
Ridge at Voorhees, 3:45 p.m.
Warren Hills at North Hunterdon

Independent

North Warren at Belvidere

Tuesday, May 10


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Jefferson at Vernon
Delbarton at Pope John

Skyland Conference

Immaculata at Hunterdon Central, 3:45 p.m.
Montgomery at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.
South Hunterdon at Manville

Independent

Blair Academy at High Point, 4:15 p.m.
Delaware Valley at Academy for Urban Leadership
North Hunterdon vs. Steinert at Diamond Nation, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Sussex Tech
Wallkill Valley at Hopatcong
Jefferson at Lenape Valley
North Warren at Newton
Morris Hills at Sparta
Mount Olive at Vernon

Skyland Conference

Voorhees at Montgomery
Warren Hills at Bernards

Independent

Kittatinny at Belvidere

Thursday, May 12


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

West Morris at Hackettstown
Jefferson at High Point
Sparta at Pope John
Vernon at Morris Catholic
Dover at Newton

Skyland Conference

Hillsborough at Hunterdon Central
North Plainfield at Belvidere
Ridge at North Hunterdon, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

North Warren at South Hunterdon
Pope John at Somerville
Sussex Tech at Warren Tech

Friday, May 13 


State playoff cutoff

(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Parsippany at Lenape Valley
High Point at Vernon
Wallkill Valley at Sparta

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg vs. Delaware Valley at Riegel Ridge, 7 p.m.

Independent

Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (Pa.) at North Warren
Belvidere at Boonton
Mount Olive at Voorhees
Warren Hills at Summit

Saturday, May 14


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament 

Championship TBD at Phillipsburg, 2 p.m.

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Newton at Lenape Valley

Skyland Conference

Warren Hills at Belvidere, 10 a.m.

Independent

Governor Livingston at Wallkill Valley
South Hunterdon at Princeton

Monday, May 16


(All games 3:45 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Newton, 4 p.m.
Kittatinny at Vernon, 4 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Watchung Hills at Phillipsburg

Independent

Hackettstown at Warren Hills
Belvidere at Hopatcong
North Warren at Voorhees
West Morris at North Hunterdon
Pope John at St. Joseph-Montvale, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 17


(All games 4 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Lenape Valley at Sparta
Dover at Sussex Tech
Hopatcong at High Point
Hackettstown at Jefferson

Skyland Conference

South Hunterdon at Pingry
Montgomery at Warren Hills
Manville at Belvidere, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

Kittatinny at Morris Tech

Wednesday, May 18


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Parsippany Hills at Lenape Valley
Sparta at Newton
Sussex Tech at Kittatinny
Hackettstown at North Warren
Vernon at High Point

Skyland Conference

South Hunterdon at Phillipsburg, 3:45 p.m.

Independent

Warren Hills at West Morris
North Hunterdon vs. Don Bosco Prep at Diamond Nation, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 19


(All games 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Morris Hills at Kittatinny
North Warren at Wallkill Valley
Vernon at Butler
Sparta at Randolph

Skyland Conference

Bridgewater-Raritan at Voorhees, 3;45 p.m.
Franklin at North Hunterdon

Independent

Lenape Valley at Belvidere
Immaculata at Pope John, 4:15 p.m.
Essex Tech at Sussex Tech
Hunterdon Central at Mendham

Friday, May 20


(All games 3:45 p.m., unless noted)

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg at Warren Hills
Voorhees at Pingry

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Newton at Kittatinny, 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 21


(All games 11 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Lenape Valley at Mount Olive
Morris Hills at Newton

Independent

Pope John at Malvern Prep (Pa.)

Monday, May 23



NJSIAA playoffs

TBD

Independent

St. Joseph’s-Metuchen at Pope John

Tuesday, May 24


(All games 4 p.m.)

Independent

Robbinsville at Phillipsburg
Columbia at North Hunterdon

Skyland Conference

Voorhees at Gill St. Bernard’s
Delaware Valley at Somerville

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Kittatinny
Hopatcong at North Warren

Thursday, May 26



NJSIAA playoffs

TBD

Skyland Conference

Ridge at Phillipsburg

Tuesday, May 31



NJSIAA playoffs

TBD

Friday, June 3



NJSIAA playoffs

Public sectional finals, TBD

Tuesday, June 7


NJSIAA playoffs

Public state semifinals, TBD
Non-Public sectional finals, TBD


Saturday, June 11



NJSIAA playoffs

Public and Non-Public state finals at Toms River, TBD

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Football: Parzero to be next head coach at Newton

After doing what was once thought to be impossible -- building North Warren's football program into a consistent winner -- Matt Parzero appears ready for a new challenge.

Parzero, according to sources, will be approved as the new head coach at Newton High School during Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting. Parzero succeeds Jim Rabbitt, who stepped down after guiding the Braves to a 16-35 mark the past five seasons.

Parzero, who also was the head wrestling coach at North Warren for four seasons until stepping down after the 2013-14 campaign, made his mark with the football program.

Parzero guided the Patriots to an overall record of 45-27 in seven seasons, including four sectional playoff appearances in the last five years. North Warren, which had made only one other postseason appearance in 1979, won its only postseason games in program history in 2012 and '13, when the Patriots reached the North 1, Group 2 semifinals.

After going 4-6 in his first season in 2009 -- inheriting a program that went 0-10 in '08 -- Parzero's teams finished with a winning record during the rest of his tenure, winning eight games in back-to-back seasons in 2012 and '13. The Pats went 7-3 in '15, while Newton went 4-6.

As the wrestling coach, Parzero's teams went 43-42 overall. Parzero is a Lenape Valley graduate and former wrestler, and he also played football there under legendary coach Don Smolyn.

Parzero will inherit a Newton program that has not produced a winning season in nearly two decades. Under Rabbitt, the Braves qualified for the sectional playoffs in 2013 for the first time since '00 and won one, something no team had done at the Sussex County school since 1984.

Quarterback Luke Young and running back Chase Cramer, who ran for 1,300 yards, will be the key returnees on offense for Parzero next fall.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Wrestling: Smith falls short of All-America status

NEW YORK -- Billy Smith certainly experienced the highs and lows at the NCAA Division I Championships on Friday night.

Not long after a stunning pin put Smith in position for a medal, the Rutgers red-shirt senior and former High Point state champion saw his fine four-year collegiate career end with a 3-2 loss to Lehigh's Max Wessell in the Blood Round at 285 pounds before a crowd of 18,309 at Madison Square Garden.

Smith (31-10), one of 10 qualifiers for Rutgers, fell one round shy of All-America status on a day where the Scarlet Knights produced multiple All-Americans -- Anthony Ashnault (141) of South Plainfield and Anthony Perrotti (165) of West Essex -- for only the second time in program history and first since 1952.

Rutgers' Billy Smith (left) in action against Lehigh's Max Wessell.
Smith -- one of just four Rutgers wrestlers to make four consecutive national tournament appearances along with Scott Winston (2009, 2011-13), Dan Rinaldi (2010-13) and Andy Roy (2002-05) -- could have really made it a Sussex County party with an All-American finish.

In 1952, former Newton state champ Emil Perona (fourth at 157) and Ray Vohden (fourth at 177) both earned AA status for the Knights.

It would have been a long way back for Smith, who had to win a pigtail bout at 285 on Thursday night before dropping an 8-4 decision to Oklahoma's Ross Larson, whom Smith beat, 8-1, back in November.

By decking Riley Shaw of Cleveland State, Smith moved one win away from becoming an All-American and was riding high after hitting a tight headlock to get the fall in 1:39. It was another first for Smith.

"I never tried [a headlock] in a match before," said Smith, who finished 105-39 overall at Rutgers and is one of just 16 to record 100 wins. "I just kind of walked into it. I was just trying to defend [a headlock attempt by Shaw]."

Against Wessell, Smith tied the score a 1 with a quick escape in the third period in a bout that lacked action on their feet. Wessell got in on a single-leg attempt with about 35 seconds to go and they were still tied up on the mat with time winding down as Rutgers coach Scott Goodale pleaded his case for a stalemate. But referee Gary Kessel awarded a takedown with 12 seconds left to send Wessell on in the consolations.

Smith, a fourth-place finisher in the Big 10 Tournament, had beaten Wessell, 3-2 in a tiebreaker, when they met on Feb. 20. That victory gave Rutgers an 18-15 win over Lehigh in the NWCA National Duals Championship Series. Smith finished with a combined mark of 243-59, including a 138-20 record at High Point, where he won the 285-pound state title in 2011, one of four champs for the 'Cats in Atlantic City.

So what's next for Smith? Being an education major it might not be a stretch to see him in the coaching ranks one day, possibly at High Point. You can bet coach John Gardner would love to have Smith on his staff. And who knows? Maybe Smith, who has always been a class act, succeeds his former coach in Wantage down the road.

Bernstein on the brink


It also was a sad ending for former Voorhees state finalist Jadaen Bernstein, who had to medical forfeit in the Blood Round. The Navy sophomore banged heads with Indiana's Nathan Jackson with 1:33 left on the clock in the second period during their match in the 174-pound quarterfinals, and Bernstein had to leave the arena under the concussion protocol.

Bernstein later returned to finish the bout, losing a 14-4 major decision. Bernstein was unable to go in the evening session where he was slated to face Zach Epperly of Virginia Tech.
Navy's Jadaen Bernstein (left) battles in the 174-pound quarterfinals.

Bernstein (34-13) had the place buzzing on Thursday when he dropped No. 4 seed Ethan Ramos of North Carolina, 13-8, in the opening round. It was sweet redemption for Bernstein, who lost a 5-2 decision to Ramos, a Hawthorne grad, in the 2013 New Jersey state finals at 170 pounds.

Bernstein beat another New Jersey wrestler, Gordon Wolf of Lehigh, 15-4, to reach the quarterfinals.

At Voorhees, Bernstein was a three-time District 17 and Region 5 champion, finishing second in the state in 2011 and '13. He also placed seventh in '12 and is the school's all-time wins leader at 135-19.

Back points


Delaware Valley's Mike Pongracz was the only other wrestler from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area to qualify. Pongracz (23-6), a junior at Chattanooga, went 1-2 at 141 pounds. Pongracz, a three-time District 17 and two-time Region 5 champion, is Delaware Valley's all-time wins leader with a career mark of 148-16 from 2009-13. He was a three-time state placewinner -- fifth in 2012 and '13 and eighth in '11.

In a bizarre scene on Friday afternoon, Lehigh coach Pat Santoro lost a replay challenge because the feed was unavailable in the bout between Ryan Preisch and Harvard's Devon Gobbo. The bout appeared headed to overtime when Gobbo got a questionable reversal and back points before the third-period buzzer. A bout that should have been 5-5 heading to OT was ruled a 9-5 victory for Gobbo, much to Santoro's chagrin when told the replay was unavailable.

Gary Kessel officiates a match at Madison Square Garden.
Always great to see Kessel in action at the nationals. Regarded as one of if not the best in the high school ranks, Kessel is a true gentleman. Word has it that Hopatcong's first region champion (136 pounds in 1973) and former East Stroudsburg University coach is retiring from the Division I ranks as an official. He will continue to do Division III and high school matches in New Jersey.

Ashnault finished fourth at 141 and Perrotti was eighth at 165. Perrotti is a two-time All-American, also placing eighth in 2015. Mike Leta is still the highest finisher for Rutgers -- third at 130 pounds in 1960.

Sussex County made another mark in the tournament when Princeton's Brett Harner became the school's first All-American since 2003. Harner, who finished eighth at 197 and is the Tigers' ninth AA, is coached by former Newton standout Chris Ayres. Princeton is making a move under Ayres, now in his 10th season, as the program wrestled for an Ivy League title for the first time in 30 years.

It was ridiculous not to have the semifinal matches centered on the floor Friday night in what has become the traditional dog-bone shape with two mats in the middle and four on the outside for consolations. Apparently, it would have cost $2000 to move the mats into that position in between sessions, so there were six together and the semis on the furthest two mats from the head table. Sad considering what a great venue the Garden is for the sport.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Wrestling: Renne is winner for NJ stars in Classic

Joe Renne of Hackettstown was among four winners for the New Jersey squad in a 33-15 loss to Pennsylvania in the 36th annual Easton Lions Club All-Star Wrestling Classic on Tuesday night at Easton Area High School's 25th Street Gymnasium.

Renne, a District 1 champion and fourth in Region 1 this season, was the only winner from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area -- scoring a 4-1 decision over Parkland's Andrew Mastrangelo in their matchup at 126 pounds. Renne also finished as Hackettstown's all-time wins leader with a career mark of 123-35.

Pennsylvania now holds a 21-15 edge in the all-time series dating to 1981. New Jersey, which has lost the last four events, had won three straight and four of the five classics prior to a 32-15 setback in 2013.

Kyle Nothnagel (285), Kyle Markus (113), Tom Kosar (120) and DJ Wissing (152) represented Phillipsburg, while Kyle Refalvy (132) and Kyle Schlittler (195) of Delaware Valley and Adam Schlereth of Newton (220) also competed in the longtime event.

In the featured bout of the night, Easton's Jimmy Saylor, a PIAA Class AAA state runner-up, decked Wissing in his final bout before the hometown fans. Parkland's Jacob Lizak, who pinned Refalvy in 1;26, was named the Outstanding Wrestler.

PENNSYLVANIA 33, NEW JERSEY 15
160 -- Christian DalCais (West Milford), NJ, d. Richard Nations (ES South), 7-4.
170 -- Daniel Kilroy (Wayne Hills), NJ, p. CJ Young (Northern Lehigh), 5:10.
182 -- Adam Soldridge (Bethlehem Catholic), Pa., p. David LoCascio (Kinnelon), 5:45.
195 -- Keegan Connelly (Central Catholic), Pa., d. Kyle Schlittler (Delaware Valley), 7-3.
220 -- Joe Gladish (Central Catholic), Pa., d. Adam Schlereth (Newton), 6-2.
285 -- Alex Nicholas (Salisbury), Pa., d. Kyle Nothnagel (Phillipsburg), 4-3.
113 -- Willy Girard (Williams Valley), Pa., d. Kyle Markus (Phillipsburg), 7-4.
120 -- Colton Rex (Northern Lehigh), Pa., d. Tom Kosar (Phillipsburg), 4-3.
126 -- Joe Renne (Hackettstown), NJ, d. Andrew Mastrangelo (Parkland), 4-1.
132 -- Jacob Lizak (Parkland), Pa., p. Kyle Refalvy (Delaware Valley), 1:26.
145 -- William Schmidt (Ridge), NJ, d. Tyler Marsh (Palisades), 3-2.
152 -- Jimmy Saylor (Easton), Pa., p. DJ Wissing (Phillipsburg), 3:24.
Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Jacob Lizak, Parkland.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Wrestling: Easton Lions Club Classic matchups, info

The 36th annual Easton Lions Club All-Star Wrestling Classic will be held on Tuesday at Easton Area High School's 25th Street Gymnasium.

The match pits seniors from New Jersey against their counterparts from Pennsylvania's rugged District 11. The high school event, slated for 8 p.m., is preceded by a youth event at 6.

Pennsylvania won last year's event, 28-18. New Jersey, which has lost the last three events, had won three straight and four of the five classics prior to a 32-15 setback in 2013. Pennsylvania leads the overall series, 20-15, dating to 1981.

Bouts will be three periods of 2 minutes, 1 1/2  and 1 1/2 minutes in length.

Tickets, available at the door, are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors (65 and older) and $3 for students.

Tentative high school matchups (New Jersey listed first):

113 -- Kyle Markus (34-9, 64-25, D1, R2), Phillipsburg, vs. Willy Girard (37-4, 132-28, D1, R3, S3), Williams Valley.

120 -- Tom Kosar (18-12, 29-23, D2, R4), Phillipsburg, vs. Colton Rex (31-12, 93-44, D2), Northern Lehigh.

126 -- Joe Renne (31-7, 123-35, D1, R4), Hackettstown, vs. Andrew Mastrangelo (30-15, 62-36, D4, R4), Parkland.

132 -- Evan Drill (37-3, D1, R1, S8), Somerville, vs. Jacob Lizak (34-9, 160-45, D1, R1), Parkland.

145 -- William Schmidt (31-7, D2, R2), Ridge, vs. Evan Fidelibus (43-4, 149-31, D2, R2, S2), Easton.

152 -- DJ Wissing (28-7, 77-31, D1, R2), Phillipsburg, vs. Jimmy Saylor (44-3, 148-22, D2, R2, S2), Easton.

160 -- Christian DalCais (39-6, 115-34, D1, R2, S6), West Milford, vs. Richard Nations (28-6, 71-40), East Stroudsburg South.

170 -- Daniel Kilroy (36-3, 123-23, D2, R1, S5), Wayne Hills, vs. CJ Young (31-8, 95-40, D2, R5), Northern Lehigh.

182 -- David LoCascio (26-5, 104-31, D2, R4), Kinnelon, vs. Adam Soldridge (36-10, 109-31, D1, R1), Bethlehem Catholic.

195 -- Kyle Schlittler (37-6, 93-28, D1, R3), Delaware Valley, vs. Keegan Connelly (28-11, 60-42, D4, R4), Central Catholic.

220 -- Adam Schlereth (13-6, 53-34, D1, R4), Newton, vs. Joe Gladish (31-5, 90-21, D2, R2, S5), Central Catholic.

285 -- Kyle Nothnagel (37-7, 100-25, D1, R2), Phillipsburg, vs. Alex Nicholas (33-3, 71-33, D1, R1, S4), Salisbury

Friday, March 11, 2016

Wrestling: HWS active wins leaders for 2016-17

(Minimum 50 victories)

Wrestler
School
Record
Year
Peter Nace
Hunterdon Central
93-22
Senior
Nick Palumbo
Lenape Valley
89-27
Senior
Matt Kolonia
Delaware Valley
87-28
Senior
Robert Melise
Phillipsburg
83-18
Senior
Drew Horun
Phillipsburg
72-22
Senior
Matt Valli
Warren Hills
70-15
Senior
Anthony Mastroeni
Hopatcong
67-16
Junior
Michael Fernandes
Voorhees
67-17
Senior
Hunter Graf
Hunterdon Central
66-19
Junior
Kyle Connelly
Hackettstown
64-38
Senior
Michael Iodice
Hunterdon Central
62-17
Senior
Zach Nauta
Warren Hills
59-33
Senior
Alex Carida
Hackettstown
58-22
Junior
Jake Rotunda
Pope John
57-13
Junior
Zach Herbert
Sparta
57-33
Senior
Jacob Falleni
Lenape Valley
55-18
Senior
Ryan Luchs
Pope John
55-25
Senior
Josh Klimek
Kittatinny
55-36
Senior
Robbie Gennat
Sparta
54-17
Junior
Brian Meyer
Phillipsburg
53-24
Junior
Jake Brown
Pope John
52-15
Junior
Mark DiGeronimo
Kittatinny
52-16
Senior
Victor Lacombe
Hunterdon Central
51-15
Senior
Charlie Tordik
North Hunterdon
51-20
Senior
Nick Giordano
Newton
51-43
Senior

  Note: Years are entering 2016-17 season