RED DIVISION
East Brunswick
Coach: Chris Kenney, 11th season (151-99 record)
Last Year: 17-13 overall, 10-8 Red Division
Key Losses: Ryan Basham (1B, .353 BA); Vinny LaRocca (OF, .293 BA); Dylan Lugo (OF); Christian Bermudez (2B, .282); Romeo Diaz (3B); Nicholas London (2B); Michael Lozzi (1B, DH)
Probable Lineup: Jack Nelson (Sr., CF); John Oranchak (Sr., LF); Jack Ryan (Jr., 1B); Ryan Schultz (Sr., 1B); Dustin McGuinness (Jr., SS); Jack Gerould (Sr., 3B); Jason Agrait (Sr., C); Michael Ma=chese (Sr., INF); Drew Mennona (Jr., 2B)
Pitchers: Joseph Ditzel (Sr., LHP); Michael Marchese (Sr., RHP); Dustin McGuinness (Jr., RHP); Aaron Warner, (Sr., RHP); Lukas Meyer (Jr., RHP); Jack Ryan (Jr., LHP); Jack Gerould (Sr., RHP); Elias Viscariello (Jr., RHP); Eshan Shah (Jr., RHP)
Top Reserves: Christian Fiegenwinter (Sr., 1B); Connor Feigenwinter (Jr., C); Derick Christie (Jr., OF); Jacob Hines (Jr., 3B); Ryan Bennett (Jr., OF, 1B)
Outlook: The Bears caught fire late in the season with a 10-4 record in the second half and had several memorable, drama-filled games. East Brunswick lost 1-0 in 12 innings to North Brunswick in the GMC Tournament semifinals. The Bears then topped North Brunswick 4-2 in eight innings in the NJSIAA Central Group 4 semifinals to reach the final as the No. 9 seed. Now, the veteran Bears look to carry that momentum and will again be led by their pitching and defense. They return all four starters that contributed to a team ERA of 2.10. Seniors Joe Ditzel (1.11 ERA), Michael Marchese (70 Ks), Aaron Warner (1.90) and junior Dustin McGinnis (50 Ks) should keep the Bears in just about any game. They also have some nice depth on their staff with junior newcomers Lukas Meyer, Jack Ryan, Jack Gerould, Elias Viscariello and Eshan Shah.
The winning recipe continues with their defense. EB had a fielding percentage of over .950 last year. The Bears do have to replace right fielder Vinny La Rocca, center fielder Dylan Lugo, 2B Christian Bermudez and 1B Ryan Basham. The good news for Bears fans – they return five starters. Catcher Jason Agrait provides pop after hitting three home runs last year. Expect a three-man rotation between third and short depending on who is pitching. Jack Gerould will start at third base alongside shortstop Dustin McGinnis and Michael Marchese will fill in at both positions when he’s not pitching. The left field will be patrolled by Jhon Oranchak, who’s moving over from right. Jack Nelson will be in charge of center field. There is tough competition between the remaining spots on the deep team. Five players are vying for time in right field in senior Ryan Schreier and Ryan Patrick, Derick Christie, Jacob Hines and Ryan Bennett. The second base position will come down to either Drew Mennona or Lukas Meyer. First base will be between Ryan Schultz – who delivered the go-ahead RBI with a pinch-hit single in the sectional semifinal win last season – and Jack Ryan.
The one spot that the Bears hope to improve on is their offensive production. The team struggled especially early last season and ended the year with a .230 average. However, they should be improved with five key returning starters who gained experienced. East Brunswick will look to hit for average and utilize its team speed to put pressure on the defense and have a balanced approach from 1-9 in the lineup. Dustin McGuinness (.314) leads the team with offensive expectations from John Oranchak, Jack Nelson and Jack Ryan. The Bears will be backed up with talent in the junior and senior class featuring Christian Fiegenwinter, Connor Feigenwinter, Derick Christie, Jacob Hines and Ryan Bennett.
Monroe
Coach: Sean Field, 4th season
Last Year: 16-11 overall, 12-4 Red Division
Key Losses: Ian Pedulla, Emmanuel Polo, Shaun Siegel, Paul Syvertsen, Brandon Weiss, CJ Wisniewski
Probable Lineup: Stephan Pascucci, Nick Barbera, Larry Casey, Michael Ortiz, Jake Lobue, Nick Sellari, Lucas White, Kyle McCauley, Joe Veczko, Trevor Wallace, Nate Peitz, Sai Lekkala, Ohm Desai, Zach Wallace
Pitchers: Harrison Lollin (So.), Lucas White (Sr.)
Outlook: Monroe enters the season in somewhat of a similar situation as last year. In 2022, the Falcons faced questions after needing to replace 13 seniors. Well, they did just fine with a second-place finish in the tough Red Division. Now, they must overcome the loss of eight seniors who all contributed and filled a role last season. They include pitchers CJ Wisniewski (.057 ERA), now at NJIT, and Brandon Weiss (1.52). However, Monroe has a strong nucleus back led by junior right-hander Harrison Lollin (87ks 1.13 ERA in 87IP). The Oregon-commit emerged as a true ace with a 1.13 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 62 IP last season. Senior righty Lucas White (2.51 ERA in 39 IP) gives Monroe a good one-two combo. Hitting-wise, the Falcons return SS Nick Sellari (.342, 17 runs), 3B Trevor Wallace (.277) and OF Aidan Lane (.295, 14 RBIs). Head coach Sean Field plans to platoon players at several positions early on and intends to rely on pitching and defense to be successful this season.
North Brunswick
Coach: Mark Blevins, 7th Season
Last Year: 22-10 overall, 14-6 White Division
Key Loses: Frandy Martinez (OF), Patrick McCann (INF), Kyle Tarabokia (OF/P), Ryan Kindler (P), Aaron Neder (P)
Probable Lineup: EJ Accetura (Sr., OF); Yomar Carreras (Jr., SS); Zach Konstantinovsky (Sr., RHP); Omar Carreras (Sr., IN/C); Frankie Garbolino (Sr., C/Inf); Josh Rodriguez (Sr., Inf/OF); Kyle Anderson (Jr., OF); Chris Rosario (Jr., Inf); Sammy Berardo (Sr., OF)
Pitchers: Zach Konstantinovsky (Sr., RHP); Alejandro Jabar (Jr., LHP); Kyle Anderson (Jr., RHP); Frankie Garbolino (Sr., RHP); Justin Batts (Sr., RHP); Marvin Mathias (Sr., RHP); Aaron Wilhelm (Jr., RHP); Conner Levine (So., RHP); Jason Fabrizio (So., RHP, LHP)
Top Reserves: Justin Batts (Sr., INF/RHP); Danny Breheney (Jr., Util); Avery Price (Jr., OF); Marvin Mathias (Sr., OF); Jaser Martinez (Jr., OF)
Outlook: Raiders fans won’t soon forget last season’s thrilling season highlighted by their first-ever GMC Tournament championship and a 17-2 finish to the year. Now, North Brunswick moves into the Red Division from the White with a talented senior class. Ace starter and Rutgers commit Zachary Konstantinovsky (7-0, 120 K/2 BB in 67 IP) gives his team a chance to win against anybody. Yes, those stats are right. He’s also a leader offensively (.381 BA, 31 hits, 10 XBH), along with Omar Carreras (.444 BA, 44 hits, 16 XBH, Tusculum-commit), Yomar Carreras (.348 BA, Rutgers-commit, 39 hits, 12 XBH) and Frankie Garbolino (27 H/19 RBI). North Brunswick isn’t just top-heavy. Like last season, the Raiders will look for contributions throughout the lineup from returning veterans EJ Accetura, Josh Rodriguez, Chris Rosario and Kyle Anderson. On the mound, juniors Alejandro Jabar and Kyle Anderson will start alongside Konstantinovsky. A number of veterans including Marvin Mathias will help in relief to complete the staff. North Brunswick even gets an offensive and defensive boost with Delaware State-commit Justin Batts transferring in from Bergen Catholic. The team’s versatility will allow the Raiders to feature multiple defensive alignments.
Old Bridge
Coach: Matt Donaghue, 6th season
Last year: 17-12 overall, 10-6 in Red Division
Key Losses: Ryan Freel (INF), Will Kennedy (LHP), Nick Covolus(P), Giovanni Fuda (OF)
Probable Lineup: Mike Villani (Sr.); Thomas Papeo (Sr.); Frank Papeo (Jr.); Kyle McSorley (Sr.); Josh Martinez (Sr.); Justin Hascup (So.); Justin Meyer (Jr.); Evan Smith (Jr.); Shaun Bogda (Sr.); Adam Scire (Sr.)
Pitchers: Frank Papeo (Jr.); Justin Hascup (So.); Thomas Papeo (Sr.); Justin Meyer (Jr.); John Smith (So.); Evan Smith (Jr.); Aiden Kipper (Jr.); Luke Hagen (Jr.)
Top Reserves: Adam Scire (Sr.); Christian Cavanagh (Jr.); Ahkil Penkala (So.); Luke Hagen (Jr.); Colton Benevento (Jr.); Ryan Saunders (Jr.); Anthony Jannucci (So.); Peter Barca (Sr.); Rocco Celentano (Sr.); Dan Distasio (Sr.)
Outlook: Old Bridge is one of those teams that’s just always in the mix and develops throughout the spring. The latter might be the case this season as the Knights return varsity experience mixed in with some youth. That includes having one senior in the rotation. Junior lefthander Frank Papeo had a breakout year in 2022 (1.25 ERA, 39.1 IP). Papeo and Kyle McSorley combined to drive in 21 runs a season ago. The Knights, which reached the Central Group 4 and GMCT quarterfinals last year, should again be a tough out.
South Brunswick
Coach: Tim Sweeney, 9th season
Last Year: 12-13, 7-8 Red Division
Key Losses: Teonis Pimentel (OF), Phil Jaccoma (C), Dylan Amin (INF/P), Alex Ciccone (SS/P), Pete Cortez (OF/P), Thomas Drake (P), Mattox Lim (INF/P), David Rybinski (OF), Andrew Sawyer (P), Charlie Soriano (OF), Nolan Watlington (P)
Probable Lineup: Christian Copeland (Sr., INF); Brian Culhane (Jr., Of/P); Ethan Fantel (Jr.,1B/P); Teddy Garcia (Jr., INF); Jake Graci (Jr., C); Will Haman (Jr., INF/P); Ryan Kessler (Sr., C); Danny Kirk (Jr., INF/P); Jack Leach (Jr., INF/P); Marcus Outram (Sr., INF); Aaron Perna (Jr., OF/P); Joseph Sanchez (Jr., C); Will Sassman (Fr., OF/P); Anthony Servidio (Jr., INF/P); Atticus Solomons (Jr., P); Nick Stenger (Jr., OF/P); Sagar Thapar (Sr., INF/P); Joey Tutoilmondo (Sr., P)
Pitchers: Ethan Fantel, Will Haman, Danny Kirk, Jack Leach, Aaron Perna, Will Sassman, Anthony Servidio, Atticus Solomons, Nick Stenger, Sagar Thapar, Joey Tutoilmondo
Outlook: The Vikings are retooling their roster for the 2023 season. With 11 seniors graduating after the 2022 season, South Brunswick will be relying on a new cast of players to step into the lineup and compete this season. What the roster lacks in varsity experience, they make up for with energy, excitement, hard work and determination. A good starting point is a pair of All-Red Division standouts. Ethan Fantel (.446 avg., .708 slg., 4 HR) and Joey Tutoilmondo (6-1, 1.26 ERA, 100 Ks) give the Vikings star power and look to lead the young team. Senior catcher Ryan Kessler and junior Will Haman will also provide leadership in a junior-heavy roster that is loaded with versatility and athleticism.
South Plainfield
Coach: Scott Gleichenhaus
Last Year: 13-14 overall, 8-7 in Red Division
Key Losses: Luke Bickunas (C), Julian Irizarry (CF), Jack Massett (P), Tyler Balent (OF-P), Ty Ducoff (2B)
Probable Lineup: Zach Robinson (Jr., P-IF); Ashton Donovon (Sr., 1B-P); Frank Flannery (Sr., C); Brandon Bickunas (Jr., 3B-1B); Jayden Alvarez (Jr., IF-P); Joseph Maroney (Sr., OF); Nick Irizarry (S0., OF-IF); Brian Potts (Jr., C-1B); Dan Kapsch(So.,2B); Dom Massaro (Fr., OF)
Pitchers: Ashton Donovan (Sr., RH); Aldo Pigna (Jr., LH); Mike Sbailo (Sr., LH); Chase Donovan (Jr., RH); Zach Robinson (Jr., RH); Andrew Csordos (Jr., RH); Kevin Penny (So., LH); Jayden Alvarez (Jr., RH)
Top Reserves: Matt Ciullo (Sr., OF); Dan Gonzales(Sr-OF) John Chabrak (Sr., U) Chris Tschopp (Sr., DH); Aldo Pigna (Jr-OF); Kevin Penny (So-OF-1B) Brian Potts (Jr.,C-1B)
Outlook: South Plainfield is returning two impactful players from last season’s team that battled in the tough division. Team captain and cleanup batter Ashton Donovan (.313 BA, 19 RBI) and Zach Robinson (team-high 23 runs, .302), who led off last year but is likely moving to the No. 3 spot, should provide plenty of highlights. Brandon Bickunas and Jay Alvarez, who both cracked the lineup last year, have the ability to drive in runs and to show their improvement. Joseph Maroney, a standout on the football field, and the other captain Frank Flannery each will take their cuts and help the ball club win games. Additionally, the Tigers lineup will feature some speed, which was a missing ingredient last season. Robinson, sophomores Irizarry and Kapsch – both solid contact guys – and freshman Dom Massaro all possess the ability to apply massive pressure on the defense.
The strength of the team lies in the pitching and defense department. Ashton Donovan leads the staff (2.70) and has two years of varsity experience on the bump. Zach Robinson will also be relied on to pitch against the tough GMC lineups. Crafty lefty Aldo Pigna and Ashton's brother, Chase, each have varsity experience and will be key members of the staff. Newcomers Mike Sbailo, Andrew Csordos and Kevin Penny will also be given opportunities to show the county what they can bring.
The infield defense should be as solid as it gets with Robinson, Alvarez and Kapsch having slick gloves. Ashton Donovan mans first base when he is not on the mound, while Bickunas and Penny provides depth at that position. The outfield is loaded with talented, strong-armed athletes that have the ability to hawk down balls. Massaro patrols the CF position and will be flanked by the speedy Irizarry and a platoon that consists of sophomore Kevin Penny, junior Aldo Pigna and seniors Joe Maroney and Matt Ciullo.
St. Joseph
Coach: Mike Murray Jr., 7th season
Last Year: 22-9 overall, 13-1 Red Division
Key Losses: Donovan Zsak (LH); Andrew Goldan (RH); Jack Kern (2B); Tom Zammitti (3B)
Probable Lineup: Mark Gialluisi (Sr., C); Josiah Brown (Sr., SS); Robbie Carvelli (Sr., CF), Tyler Delvecchio (Sr., 1B); Matthew Kosuda (Jr., LF/3B); JP Zayle (So., 3B/LIF), William Ramsay (Sr., RF), Christian Azcona (Sr., INF), Joseph Zammitti (Jr., 2B); Bobby Christensen (So., 2B); Connor Drury (Sr., OF), Matthew Friedman (So., INF)
Pitchers: Jimmy Mulvaney (Sr., RH); Bryan Rios (Sr., RH); Michael Dasilva (Sr., RH); Joseph Barca (So., RH); Matthew Friedman (So., RH); Benny Fonseca (Sr., LH); Mason Cinca (Sr., RH); Jeremy Mellyn (Sr., RH); Patrick Cruise (Jr., RH); Connor Walker (Fr., LH)
Top Reserves: Christian Salgado (Jr., C); Zach Penley (So., C); Charlie Algier (Sr., INF); Jaden Jamison (Sr., OF); Will Kwiatkowski (Jr., INF); John Risley (Jr., OF)
Outlook: The Falcons return plenty of talent and depth after winning 22 games in 2022 and a third- consecutive Red Division title. The team oozes talent led by Virginia-commit Mark Gialluisi, a top defensive catcher and an offensive threat (.495 BA, 21 RBI, 42 runs, 18 SB). The parade of talent includes All-Conference SS Josiah Brown (Manhattan commit), All-Conference CF Robbie Carvelli (Lehigh Commit), All-Conference 1B Tyler Delvecchio (Salve Regina commit), Matthew Kosuda (William and Mary commit), Christian Azcona (Eastern Kentucky commit), Will Ramsay (Misercordia commit) and Connor Drury (Middlesex College commit). The deep and balanced lineup will be bolstered by impressive newcomers JP Zayle, Matthew Friedman, Bobby Christensen and Joe Zammitti. The Falcons graduated four senior pitchers including a pair of arms now at Rutgers in Donovan Zsak and Andrew Goldan, and Trinity RHP Walter Schwartz. In their absence, Jimmy Mulvaney (Fairfield commit) and Bryan Rios (Felician commit) will look to build off impressive junior seasons where they helped pitch the Falcons to key wins in the Division. They will be joined by senior Mike Dasilva, a Union transfer, who should make an immediate impact after completing the NJSIAA 30-day sit rule as a transfer. Senior lefty Benny Fonseca has impressed in early spring outings. Sophomores Joe Barca and Matthew Friedman got varsity experience as freshmen and are going to see big jumps in their roles on the mound.
NJ baseball: GMC 2023 team previews (mycentraljersey.com)
