Baseball preview: A team-by-team look at area Skyland Conference and Union County

Here's a team-by-team look at what to expect from the Skyland Conference and area Union County Conference baseball teams in 2024.

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SKYLAND CONFERENCE

Delaware Division

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN

Coach: Max Newill, 17th season

Last year’s record: 23-7, Skyland Delaware champs

Top letter winners lost: Matt Moore (SS), Michael Fattore (3B/DH), Jimmy Turchi (OF), Noah Matheson (P)

Roster: Matt Fattore (INF/RHP), Devin Goldberg (Sr. INF/OF), Joey Letko (Sr., OF/RHP), JR Rosado (Jr., C), Owen Crimmins (Jr., LHP), Cory Rible (Sr., RHP), Frankie Verano (Sr., OF)

Outlook: The defending Skyland Delaware champs won the division outright last season after sharing it in 2022. The Panthers – who set a program record with 23 wins – made the North 2 Group 4 final last year where they lost to Bayonne. But plenty of talented players return with a young staff that earned a lot of experience. Junior catcher JR Rosado may have the best arm in the area. Rosado, Goldberg and Letko were All-Division first-teamers last season. Rible is a returning second-teamer. Outfielder Frankie Verano made all conference honorable mention despite missing half the season with a foot injury. Crimmins was 5-2 last season.

HILLSBOROUGH

Coach: Matt Mosko, third season

Last year’s record: 10-15

Top letter winners lost: Matthew Westcott (P/1B/OF), Graham Ross (P/1B), Avery Whitney (OF), Evan Sabo (P)

Roster: Liam Gallagher (Sr., 2B/SS), Max Romanok (Sr., 3B/RHP), Alex Orr (Sr., P/1B), Jake Battagliese (Sr., OF), Peter Cipparulo (Sr., OF), JJ Lotierzo (Sr., OF), Jack McLaughlin (Sr., OF/P), Shailen Patel (Sr., P/2B/SS), Logan Raghunathn (Sr., OF), Alex Reiling (Jr., C)

Outlook: The 2-21 season of 2021 seems very long ago as the Raiders have been showing progress since then. Senior righty Max Romanok will be the team’s ace and play third. The Raiders have shown offensive improvement in scrimmages as they continue their quest to cut down on strikeouts. The Raiders look like a more balanced team and the pitching staff relies on a collective throw-strikes mentality and trusts its defense.

HUNTERDON CENTRAL

Coach: Kevin Cuozzi, eighth season

Last year’s record: 13-10, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex champs

Top letter winners lost: Noah Baird (P), Kyle Yasunas (OF/DH), Jimmy Lundari (C), Jared Cassela (OF)

Roster: Jack Brunetti (Sr., C/1B), Kaleb McGann (Sr., INF), Tyler Stallwood (Sr., INF), Tommy Baase (Sr., 3B/RHP), Danny Contiliano (So., CF), Mike Contiliano (Sr.  SS), Soren Gregor (Jr., UTL/RHP), Nick Augusta (Sr., RHP/RF/LF), Joe Kozak (Jr., UTL), Jesse Allen (Jr., UTL), Jared Jacobus (Sr., LHP), Ryan Lundari (Jr., RHP)

Outlook: Compiling a 13-10 record that included a significant tournament title wouldn’t normally be considered an off season. But by Central standards, yes. Now, they could get back to the division, section and even state titles that the program knows so well. Start with Seton Hall commit Contiliano. He hit .506 (39-for-77) with 17 RBI, 13 SB and 15 BB. He’s also an outstanding shortstop. Three experienced pitchers head the rotation – seniors Nick Augusta and Jared Jacobus and junior Ryan Lundari. Augusta, who will play at Colby College, was second in innings pitched (21.1) and fanned 23 with a 2.95 ERA. The lefty Jacobus will be a full-time starter after throwing 17 1/3 innings as a spot starter and reliever. The right-handed Lundari moves from reliever to a starter after striking out 18 in 18.1 innings.

NORTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Ben Yocum, second season

Last year’s record: 18-7, Raritan Division champs

Top letter winners lost: Eddie Appollina (UTL/P), Max Delia (C), Brad Kneller (P/1B), Alex Turner (P/OF)

Roster: Tyler Anderson (Sr., INF), Wyatt DeMeo (Sr., OF), Dom Gallo (Sr., INF), Ben Linzer (Sr., P), Nick Hernandez (Sr., OF), Jesse Lance (Sr., INF), RT Steinman (Sr., OF), Mike Seifert (Sr., P), Zach Fronio (Jr., LHP), Nick Politi (Jr., OF), Gavin Corcoran (Sr., INF), Brandon Suler (Jr., P/INF), Chris Sand (Jr., P/INF), Alex Famolari (Soph., INF/P)

Outlook: The Lions move up to the Delaware Division from the Raritan, where they won the title with a 9-1 record. They also lost to Millburn in the North 2 Group 3 final. They scored a big 3-1 upset over Cranford in the semifinals, stunning a team that was 26-0. The pitching is led by junior Chris Sand, coming off an 0.85 ERA, senior Ben Linzer (1.54 ERA) and junior Brandon Suler (1.33). They have become even stronger with junior lefty Zach Fronio, a Rutgers Prep transfer who was first-team All-Raritan Division last season. Those stingy pitchers should keep North successful in low-scoring games. The offense is led by Wyatt Demeo (.397 BA), Alex Famolari (.329) and Tyler Anderson (.311).

RIDGE

Coach: Tom Blackwell, 19th season

Last year’s record: 25-4

Top letter winners lost: Connor Byrne (RHP), Brendan Callanan (SS/P), Julian Kielb (INF/OF), Matt Shawah (INF/P), Luke Somelofske (3B/RHP), Ben Carroll (INF), Adam Meiner (OF)

Roster:  Nick Rossi (Sr., C), Steven Dresner (Sr., OF), Matt  Faltas (Sr., P),  Zack Kucerka (Sr., P/1B), Joshua LaTourette  (Sr., OF), Ben Larner (Sr., 3B/P), Matthew Martine (Sr., 1B),  Charlie Paul (Sr., 3B/P), Andrew Reynolds (Sr., INF/P), Nick Rossi (Sr., C), Ezra Sadowsky (Sr., OF/P), Nick Sellitti (Sr., OF/P), Kevin Taylor (Sr., C), Brady Wilson (Sr., INF/P) Matt Bober (Jr., INF/P), Quinn Dashefsky (Jr., UTL), Bode Ganny (Jr., 1B), Alex Kovatch (Jr., OF), Connor McLachlan (Jr., P), Aidan Stieglitz (Jr., P/1B), Jake Dolan (So., UTL/ P), Kieran Callanan (So., INF/P),

Outlook: The Red Devils figure to have better luck this season after twice losing games by 1-0 and another by 3-0. They were runners up in the Delaware Division (to Bridgewater-Raritan) and in the county tournament (Rutgers Prep) and lost by forfeit to Westfield because of a pitch count violation in the North 2 Group 4 quarterfinals. The team brings back building blocks on both sides. Sadowsky hit .304 and led Ridge with four homers. Rossi hit .373 and led the team with 17 walks. Stieglitz and Larner had earned run averages of 1.79 and 0.66 respectively last season.

SOMERVILLE

Coach: Chris Banos, 10th season

Last year’s record: 13-10

Top letter winners lost: Brayden Keller (1B/P/OF), Ty Akins (1B/P/OF), Ed Duffy (INF), Karson Wengryn (C), Kolbie Stellpflug (P), Kyle Giacobello (P)

Roster: CJ Banos (Jr., INF/P), AJ Carlson (Jr., INF), Dalton Carman (So., INF/P), Spencer Carran (Jr., P), Ryan Ciesla (Jr., P/1B), Mike Colantuono (Sr., P/OF), AJ Cray (Sr., INF/OF), Jason Daleo (Sr., INF), Ethan Flynn (Jr., INF/P), Dylan Hornick (Sr., 1B/INF/P), Chase Insabella (Sr., OF/P), Chase Koplitz (Jr., OF/P), Jack Manning (Sr., 1B/P), Will McNamara (Sr., C), Owen Melchione (Jr., C), Michael Meyers (Fr. 1B/P), Jacob NashSr., INF, Robby Wright, Jr., OF/INF

Outlook: The Pioneers will be working with some inexperienced pitching following the graduation losses of Ty Akins, Kolbie Stellpflug and Brayden Keller. Those looking to step up on the mound include Ryan Ciesla, CJ Banos, Dylan Hornick, Chase Insabella, Mike Colantuono, Dalton Carman and Michael Meyers. Ciesla brings experience and was named second-team All-Raritan Division last year. The lineup is also littered with varsity experience. Seven position players who had starts last season return including Chase Koplitz (.359 BA) and Banos (.320). Koplitz was first team all-division last year and Banos second team.

Raritan Division

FRANKLIN

Coach: Derrick Castillo, first seasonTop Letter winners lost: Peyton Bonds (OF), Myles Castillo (INF), Samule Mattia (INF), Sohan Patel (P), Ryan Piro (P)

Roster: Warren Bell (Sr., P/1B), Ryan Mrotek (Sr., P), Anthony Buroughs (Sr., OF/P), Veer Singh (Sr., P/UTL), Mike Schiermeyer (Sr., SS/P), Izaiah Robbinson (Jr., OF), Shaylen Patel (Jr., INF), Jacob Gordon (Jr., C)

OUTLOOK: Castillo replaces Nick Zucchero, whose wife is expecting the couple’s first child. Castillo has spent seven years in the district, two at Franklin Middle School and five at Franklin High School. He served as Zucchero’s assistant for the past four seasons. He played at St. John Prep in Queens and at the College of Staten Island. Ryan Mrotek returns as the ace after posting a 2.70 ERA last season. Veer Singh (.345 BA), Mike Schiermeyer (.333) and Izaiah Robbinson (.323) return after promising seasons.

IMMACULATA

Coach: Kevin Cust, 12th season

Last year’s record: 9-15

Top letter winners lost: Greg Zimmerman (RHP)

Roster: Colin Kassai (Jr., RF), Jayden Capindica (Jr., CF), Jason Labrador (Jr., 3B), Danny Ferguson (Sr., C), Troy Ranosky (Sr., LF), Josh Thompson (Sr., INF), Owen Schilling (Soph., IN/C), Connor Quinn (Soph. 1B), Justin Labrador (Fr., SS)

Outlook: The Spartans return virtually everyone from last season’s lineup. The Spartans are just two seasons removed from county tournament and North Non-Public B titles.  They have the talent to again contend for both. Jason Labrador (.377 BA, 22 RBIs) and Colin  Kassai (.333) are coming off of strong sophomore campaigns.

MONTGOMERY

Coach: Peter Mueller, 23rd season

Last season’s record: 11-11

Top letter winners lost:  Ryan Formica (C), Aiden Inoue, (2B), Johnny Kimick (P), Declan Kyler (P), Justin Swerdlow (3B/SS), Jeremy Wacker, 1B/P

Roster: AlairChen (Sr., 2B/P), Tyler Conners (Sr., CF/P), Lucas Heines (Sr., C/OF/P), Jason Perry (Sr., 1B/P), Jayden Rodriguez (Sr., OF/P), Zach Schick (Sr., OF/P), Cole Schulberg (Sr., C/P), John Donahue (Jr., P/OF/1B), Dhruv Errla (Jr., 3B/P)

Outlook: The Cougars have top tier pitcher in junior Seton Hall-commit John Donahue, who is also a valuable hitter (2.33 ERA, 36 Ks in 27 IP and .368 BA, 14 RBIs). Conners provides outstanding defense, offense and pitching.  Seniors Lucas Heines and Cole Schulberg will share catching duties and play in the field when they are not catching.  Both are strong offensive players who will contribute.  Junior third baseman Dhruv Errla returns and will also pitch.

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: Larry Santowasso, 29th season

Last season’s record: 14-15, Somerset County Tournament champions

Outlook: The Argonauts lost a pair of two-year junior starters –outstanding pitcher and Maryland commit Zach Fronio, who transferred to North Hunterdon, and catcher Andrew Parisi, who transferred to Ranney. However, ace senior Max Treonze is back after posting an unreal 0.17 ERA (1 ER in 41 IP) with 77 strikeouts and allowing eight walks.

WATCHUNG HILLS

Coach: Joe Tremarco, 22nd

Last year’s record: 10-14

Top letter winners lost: Martin Howell (C), Tino Lobozzo (INF)

Roster: Brody Griffith (So.), William Hunsinger (Sr.), Rob Centmore (So.), Benjamin Verbel (Sr.), Michel DiSarno (Sr., OF), Jacob Jaconski (So.), Ethan Clayton (Jr., P), Karthik Sekhar (Sr., 2B/3B), Jason Wu (Sr.), Landon Pudlak (So.), Max Payne (So.), Jake Keirstead (Jr.), Joseph Oleske (Sr., P/1B), Ethan Byrd (Jr., 1B), Andrew Simmons (Sr., P).

Outlook: The Warriors got out to 0-5 and 2-7 starts last season. They look to change that with a young lineup after graduating most of their firepower. Jason Wu returns after hitting .305 and scoring 21 times.

Valley Division

BERNARDS

Coach: Jeff Falzarano, 17th season

Last year’s record: 15-10

Top letter winners lost: Matt Giunta (OF), Tyler Helpinstill (P/1B), Alex Fragassi (P/OF)

Roster: Joey Cassella (Sr., P/INF), David DePierro (Jr., C/OF), Henry Depew (Sr., OF/P), Matt Falzarano (Jr., C), Jaden Farmer (Jr., P/OF), James Ferrante (Fr., P/UTL), Mario Fontanella (Sr., OF), Alex Fraunfelder (Fr., P/OF), Colin Fraunfelder (Jr., OF), Ryan Gaglione (Sr., OF), James Gallagher (Fr., P/OF/1B), Charlie Gonella (Sr., P/INF), Terrence Hanratty (Jr., P/INF), Casey Hoeckele (So., P/INF), Evan Hoeckele (Sr., P/INF), Connor Laverty (Sr., P/OF), Sonny Liranzo (So., INF), Joey Santos (Jr., P), Matty Stefani (Jr., P/INF), Ryan Tondo (Sr., INF)

Outlook: Evan Hoeckele (0.85 ERA, 46 Ks in 41 IP), Gonella (1.54 ERA, 38 Ks in 41 IP) and Laverty give the Mountaineers a solid and experienced top three to head the pitching. Depew, Casey Hoeckele, Farmer and Hanratty can give innings to help with the depth. Laverty and Depew were competing for the third and fourth spots during the preseason. Gonella will play first and Evan Hoeckele will play in the infield when not pitching. Tondo will play shortstop or second and the experience infield includes Stefani and Cassella at 2B and Hanratty at third. Evan Hoeckele, Gonella and Henry DePew (.343 BA, 15 RBIs) were first-team All-Division last season.

DELAWARE VALLEY

Coach: Marty White, 21st season

Last year’s record: 12-10

Top letter winners lost: Anthony Saniscalchi (INF), John Croasdale (OF), Michael Kelley (1B)

Roster: Jack Reardon (Sr., RHP), Ryan Auten (So., LHP), Danny Shapiro (Sr., RHP), Kevin Hults (Sr., RHP), Mossimo Pecchia (So.,  RHP), Brady Reardon (Jr., RHP). Jared Leeds (Sr., RHP), Luke Brogan (Sr., RHP/INF), Jack Hancsin (Jr., RHP), Tommy Denvir (Fr., RHP), Stoy Fohring (Sr., INF), Cooper Fransen (Soph., P/SS), David Hudock (So., C/1B)

Outlook: The Terriers move up from the Mountain Division where they captured the pennant with an 11-1 record with several underclassmen. Now, seniors dominate the roster with seven veterans with three newcomers looking to mesh in. Reardon threw a team-high 38 1/3 innings, struck out 36 and had a 3.47 ERA. The 6-foot-5, Auten has been clocked up to 90 mph on the radar gun. Senior Stoy Fohring (.397, 14 RBIs, 17 Rs) was a first team division pick along with Reardon (.311, 16 RBIs, 19 Rs), Shapiro (.406, 18 RBIs, 22 Rs) and Cooper Fransen (.386, 12 RBIs, 24 R, 12 SBs). Outfielders Leeds and Hults (11 RBIs, 12 Rs) made second-team and honorable mention All-Division, respectively.

GILL ST. BERNARDS

Coach: David Pasquale, 12th season

Last year’s record: 10-15

Top lettermen lost:  Zack Wendell (SS)

ROSTER: John DiGregorio (Sr., C), Matt Park (Sr., 3B/1B), Colin Chou (Sr., P/1B/CF), Dylan Sempervive (Sr., P/OF), Danny Sasse (Sr., OF), Michael Ricciardulli (Sr., OF/2B), Robert Kirsh (Sr., P/C), Bobby Niesmertelny (Jr., P/1B), Tim Park (Jr., P/OF/INF), Joey Dwek (Jr., P/OF), Jack Markovich (So., SS), Joey Fava (So., P/OF), Jude Waters (So., 2B), Drew Aromando (Fr., P/OF), Gavin Bucceri (Fr., P/INF), Niko West (Fr., P/1B)

OUTLOOK: The Knights have grown into a program that fits as a division contender. They lost just one starter to graduation, so there’s reason to believe the Knights will contend for a postseason berth and the Valley pennant. There are several college-bound players on the roster. John DiGregorio (.434 BA, 19 RBIs) was a first-team All-Division player last season, while Matt (.338, 17 RBIs) and Tim Park (.284 BA, 18 RBIs) were second-team.

VOORHEES

Coach: Cory Kent, 11th

Last year’s record: 8-16

Top letter winners lost: Jeremy Jordan (SS/P), Jeff Manning (3B)

Roster: Luke Ansbach (Sr., OF/P)​, Brandon Aulert (Sr., 2B/P), Nolan Banach (Sr., 1B/P), Ian Carlson (Sr., OF/2B/P), Sam Dillard (Sr., OF/P), Bryen Flaherty (Jr., SS), Dylan Jordan (Sr., P/1B)​, Joey Nolan (Sr., C/DH), Ray Schiavo (Sr., OF/P), Jack Steinel (Sr., P), Matteo Tramutola (So, OF/1B/P), Jackson Trego (So., 3B/P), Charlie Worster (Sr., P), Harry Gale (Sr., UTL), Navio Delgado (Fr., C), Cole Levchik (Sr., 3B/DH)

Outlook: The Vikings have a senior-strong club – 14 in all – with plenty of pitching depth. Senior starters feature righties Dylan Jordan (21 K in 13.2 IP), Chuck Worster (3.67 ERA, 35 K in 42 IP) and Jack Steinel (12 IP, 12 K). Senior Joey Nolan (.346) or freshman Navio Delgado will be behind the plate, Aulert and Carlson will be at second and junior Bryen Flaherty (15 H, 9 R) at shortstop. The outfield includes Carlson or Dillard in left field, Ansbach in center and Schiavo in right. Worster and Nolan were All-Division first-team last season and Schiavo and Aulette second-team. The Vikings could make a significant turnaround with its experience.

Mountain Division

BOUND BROOK

Coach: Dave LoPoidevin, fourth season

Last year’s record: 7-13

Top letter winners lost: Jake Anderson (P/INF), Nick Anderson (RHP/INF), Lucas Flint (INF/OF), Ronny Pimentel (RHP/C), Jon Bennett (1B/DH/LHP)

Roster: Aiden Bohem (Fr.), Julian Chacon (Fr.), Jon Coiro (Jr., INF/OF), Lucas Coleman (Jr., C/RHP), Roman Dabrowski (Sr.), Emilio Sereno (Fr.), Raymond Konkle (Jr., OF/INF), Eric Membreno (Fr.), Jeremiah Norwood (Jr.), Damian Ogonowski (Sr., RHP/INF), Quaryn Roberts (Jr.), Jacob Salkeld (So., OF/INF), Vinny Wisniewski (Fr.), Jarred Wooden (Sr., CF)

Outlook: The Crusaders will have one of the youngest teams the 116-year-old program has ever had. Bound Brook’s lineup could start three or four freshmen per game. That should lead to plenty of quick varsity experience and a strong building block for the future.

MANVILLE

Coach: Rob Snyder, 10th season

Last year’s record:14-8

Top letter winners lost: Geoffrey Mathis (3B/P), Nick Bentz (P/1B/DH), Elijah Capone CF/P/INF), Josh Barrios (1B/P), Logan Klementovicz (P/DH/INF), Tyler Canica (2B), Nick Rindgen (OF), Ethan Mullins (OF), Michael Vornlocker (OF), Alex Orzol (C/P), David Kuznetsov (OF), Doug Toth (3B)

Roster: James Mascola, (Sr., P/SS), Sebastian Carvajal (Sr., C), Josh D’Ambrosio (So., P/UTL), Collin Shimp (So., P/INF), Brandon Shimp (So., 1B/P), Evan Canica (So., P/INF), Bobby Petrone (So., OF), Justin Petti (Sr., P/UTL), Louis Kotyuk (Sr., 1B/OF), Aidan Shimp (So., OF), Dylan Ramirez (Sr., OF), Austin Chaya (Sr., INF), Hector Dominguez (Sr., UTL), Bryant Hernandez (Sr., OF), Peter Philipsheck (Sr., OF/P)

Outlook: The Mustangs graduated six non-pitching starters, and three pitchers from last year’s team that had the program’s best finish since 2003. This year’s group will rely heavily on the experience of seniors Mascola and Carvajal. D’Ambrosio, Canica, Bobby Petrone and twin brothers Collin and Brandon Shimp are a sound sophomore group.

SOUTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Ben Donaghy, first season

Last year’s record: 7-11

Top letter winners lost: Colton Hettman (1B/P), Jack Godown (1B/P), Zachary Steinman (OF)

ROSTER: Dillon Gallagher (Sr., RHP/SS/1B), Nate Lawton (Jr., RHP/OF), Aaron Parisi (Jr., SS), Cooper Currie (Sr., RHP), Ed Cooper (Jr., 1B/DH), Ryder Manfready (Sr., OF)

Roster: Aaron Zalescik (Sr., C/OF/RHP), Anthony Venettone (Sr. INF/RHP), Danny Rose (Sr.,  INF/C/RHP), Trevor Lingerfield (So., INF), Landon Katz (So., OF/1B/P), Tyler Silverman (Jr., C), Zach Naughton (So., C/RHP)

Outlook. Donaghy takes over as the head coach after a couple seasons as an assistant at Ridge. He notes that Dillon Gallagher has a chance to be one of the best pitchers among small schools in the region. He had a sparkling 2.98 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 47 innings last season.

UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE

WATCHUNG DIVISION

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON

Coach: Chris Roof, 24th season

Last season record: 17-7

Top letterwinners lost: Jonathan Schmidt (Sr., C), Johnny Schmidt (Sr., P/OF), George Provel (Sr., OF)

Roster:  Matthew Shaffer (Sr., 2B/SS), Matty Diskin (Jr., 1B/P), Anthony DeNora (Jr., OF/P), Zach Geerstma (So., SS), Michael Novotny (So., LHP), Dom Labisi (So., RHP/3B).

Outlook: Before last season, Chris Roof said his team was the youngest, he’d ever managed. That group, however, did enough to make a run to the Union County Tournament final and now they have some experience. Senior Matthew Shaffer (.385 BA, 20 RBIs) and juniors Matty Diskin (.356 BA, 25 RBIs) and Anthony DeNora and sophomores Zach Geertsma and Michael Basile are part of a solid group. Diskin suffered a pre-season injury and was limited in the number of pitches he could throw – but he’s fit now. Sophomore infielder Zach Geertsma batted .387 with 24 hits last season.

NEW PROVIDENCE

Coach: Chris Brodeur, 17th season

Last season record: 12-14

Top letterwinners lost:Nick Santacross (INF), Ryan Grill (P/3B)

Roster: Jake Monaco (Sr., SS/RHP), Robby Roth (Sr., INF/LHP),  Luca Vitale (Sr., OF/LHP) and Andrew Kowatntz (Sr., OF/RHP), Ethan Cifarelli (Jr., 3B/RHP), Sean Reilly (Sr., IF/OF), Vinny Bisaccia (Sr., C), Ryan Kessler (Sr., IF/C), James Miller (Jr., OF/RHP), Vince Graziano (Jr., 1B/LHP),  Troy Faucher (Sr., C/1B), Ben Screnci (Sr. OF), Kyle Felt (Jr., OF), Dan Porretti (So., IF/OF), Matt Santacross (Fr., LHP)

Outlook: New Providence had a rare losing season in 2023 but expect the winning to rebound this spring. The Pioneers have made the Group 1 state title game twice in three years. Figure the Pioneers to return to a solid season. Senior Andrew Kowantz (.366 BA) and Luca Vitale (.315 BA) will head the outfield and are offensive leaders. Kowantz was a Union County Conference first-team player and Vitale was honorable mention. Infielder/pitchers pitcher Jake Monaco and Bobby Roth were honorable mention division. The Pioneers are in the upper division with the likes of Cranford and Governor Livingston.

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD

Coach: Joe Higgins, 10th season

Last season’s record: 7-18

Top letter winners lost: Sean Ferrone (UTL), Anthony Malta (C)

Roster: Jaden Carpien (Sr., INF), Evan Doyle (Sr., P/1B), Luke Doyle (Sr., INF), Chris Kennedy (Sr., INF), Matt Greisman (Sr., OF), Javier Gutierrez (Sr., OF), Anthony Veglia (Sr., 1B/P/C), Matt Capozzolo (Sr., P), Jackson Lorenzetti (Jr., INF), Joe DeFrancesco (Sr., INF/OF), Jack Sponheimer (Jr., OF), CJ Bates (Jr., P/1B), Michael Bellistri (Jr., C), Sam Beirne (Jr., P/INF), Joe LaRosa (So., OF), Alex Bolton (So., OF/INF), Ryan Quinones (Sr., P/OF), Jack Byrne (Jr., P/INF), Thomas Dowling  (So., C), Sean Harris (Sr., OF), Clay Friedrichs (So., INF), Brenden Gallagher (Jr., C)

Outlook: The Raiders return their entire pitching staff and Evan Doyle and Ryan Quinones both have clocked in the high 80s. Head coach Joe Higgins said LaRosa and Quinones are the club’s most improved hitters. Jack Sponheimer was an honorable mention All-Division pick. Expect improvement and perhaps a surprise division challenge.

WESTFIELD

Coach: Jay Cook, fourth season

Last season record: 14-10

Top letter winners lost: Leo Mangiamele (SS), Owen Callahan (C/INF)

Roster: Tomas Cestero (Sr., RHP/OF), Jack Chavez (Sr., RHP), Grant Como (Jr., LHP), Kevin Dowling (Sr., OF), Randy Davis (Sr., 3B), Kellen Edwards (Sr., OF) Jake Alfano (Jr., INF/1B), Brady Trajkovski (Jr., INF)

Outlook: Westfield has the deepest and best pitching staff in Union County – or it appears that way. Seniors Tomas Cestero (3.80 ERA, 50 Ks in 31 1/3 IP) and Jack Chavez (3.42 ERA, 41 Ks in 28 2/3 IP) are headed to Seton Hall and Villanova, respectively. Grant Como is a Brown commit. Kevin Dowling and Tommy Hyland can also provide production. Senior outfielder Kellen Edwards hit .311 last season with 14 steals.

Mountain Division

UNION CATHOLIC

Coach: Anthony Colletti, third season

Last season’s record: 11-15

Top letter winners lost: Andrew Benvenuto (P/1B), Adam Gross (P/1B), Nick Kelly (UTL).Roster: Santiago Álvarez (Jr., P/INF), Nick Anderson (Jr., C/INF), Ryan Bevensee (Sr., OF.), Ryan Conlon (So., P/1B), Ryan Gianchiglia (So., OF), Nathan Korner (Sr., UTL.), Brian McCabe (Fr., OF/UTL), Brayden Morrison (Fr., C/INF), EJ Onyschak (Fr., C), Michael Pellegrino (So., 3B/RHP), Nick Pellegrino (Sr., 3B/RHP/OF), Aidan Quinn (Jr., SS/2B), Adrian Rojas (Sr., P/1B), Josiah Sharpe (Jr., OF/INF.), Paul Shyposh (Jr., INF/RHP), Noah Sosa (So., RHP/OF),  Greg Viloria (So., SS/2B/RHP), Matthew Weddle (Sr., RHP/UTL.), Chris Wilson (Jr., OF)Outlook: The Vikings are loaded with pitchers Nick Pellegrino and Noah Sosa leading the staff. Junior Nick Anderson, a transfer from Bound Brook, should be a valuable player. Coach Anthony Colletti is hoping the Vikes can sneak up on teams.

VALLEY DIVISION

PLAINFIELD

Coach: Sean Radu, ninth season

Last season record: 6-16

Top letterwinners lost:Nasir Powell (P/UTIL), John Inoa (INF), Janbert  Mariana (P/INF), Steven Francisco (C/1B), Edward Ramirez (P/OF), Laron Williams (P/INF)

Roster: Gabriel Bartlett (Sr., C). Andrew Cabrera, Jr., SS), Devan Clark (Sr., 3B), Miguel Colon (Sr., 2B), Angel Cruz (Fr.  OF), Estarlin Del Rosario (Sr.  3B), Dinelson Dominguez (Sr., OF). O’Darren Drakeford (Sr.   1B), Elijah Figueroa, (Sr., DH). Miguel Guardado, Sr., C, Ben La Paz, Jr., 3B), Evan LaQuer-Egerton, Sr., OF) , Radeek Lewis (Sr., OF), Ronald Mateo (So., SS), Javier Morel (Sr., 2B), Mekhi Richards (Sr., C), Juan Rueda (Sr., OF), Jasiah Wynn (Jr., 1B).

Outlook: Plainfield will be relying on several newcomers in order to return to contention in the division. The Cardinals’ goals include getting back to above .500. They went 10-7 three seasons ago. A berth in North 2 Group 4 playoffs is also an objective. Senior Dinelson Dominguez (.311 BA) was All-Division honorable mention. He and Jasiah Wynn will look to lead the offense while Ronald Mateo, Ben La Paz and Angel Cruz lead a young group of pitchers.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ baseball preview: A team-by-team look at the area Skyland and UCC