Golf: 2024 North Jersey preseason rankings, players to watch, and team-by-team previews
Don Bosco is the No. 1 boys’ team and Holy Angels the No. 1 girls’ team in the North Jersey preseason golf rankings.
Don Bosco returns almost every starter from last year’s Bergen County championship team, including seniors Stephen Viray and Cam Ward.
Ramapo, last year’s NJSIAA Group 3 champion, is ranked No. 2 and features junior Harry Cohen, the reigning Bergen County individual titlist and North Jersey Boys Golfer of the Year.
Rounding out the Boys Top 5 are No. 3 Northern Highlands, featuring junior Ryan Klarreich, No. 4 St. Joseph, led by junior Liam Moloney and sophomore Michael Asselta, and No. 5 Bergen Catholic, paced by senior Ryder Hodgson.
Holy Angels returns almost every key player from last year’s Bergen County, North sectional and NJSIAA championship team, including junior Angelina Kim, the reigning Bergen County individual titlist and North Jersey Girls Golfer of the Year.
Holy Angels led an unprecedented 1-2-3 finish by North Jersey schools at last year’s State Championship, and No. 2 Bergen Tech and No. 3 Immaculate Heart again have talented rosters. Bergen Tech is driven by sophomore Olivia Pak, while IHA features senior Marisa Flores.
Here’s a look at the Boys Top 15 and the Girls Top 5 rankings, as well as North Jersey “Players to Watch” and team-by-team capsules for programs from the Big North Conference and North Jersey Interscholastic Conference. (Averages listed are for 9-hole matches.)
Boys Top 15 rankings
1. Don Bosco
2. Ramapo
3. Northern Highlands
4. St. Joseph
5. Bergen Catholic
6. Ridgewood
7. Dwight-Englewood
8. Old Tappan
9. Passaic Tech
10. River Dell
11. Ramsey
12. Wayne Valley
13. Wayne Hills
14. Demarest
15. Paramus Catholic
Also considered: Glen Rock and Saddle River Day
Girls Top 5 rankings
1. Holy Angels
2. Bergen Tech
3. Immaculate Heart
4. Ridgewood
5. Old Tappan
Also considered: Demarest, Indian Hills, Ramapo
Players to Watch
BOYS
Michael Asselta, St. Joseph, sophomore
Tyler Cammarota, Passaic Tech, senior
Jun Chun, Old Tappan, senior
Harry Cohen, Ramapo, junior
Ryder Hodgson, Bergen Catholic, senior
Ryan Klarreich, Northern Highlands, junior
Aarush Malmandi, Don Bosco, sophomore
Liam Moloney, St. Joseph, junior
Alex Na, River Dell, senior
Stephen Viray, Don Bosco, senior
Cameron Ward, Don Bosco, senior
GIRLS
Bella Crespo, Bergen Tech, junior
Marisa Flores, Immaculate Heart, senior
Inha Jun, Holy Angels, junior
Angelina Kim, Holy Angels, junior
Chloe Kim, Old Tappan, senior
Aubrey Lee, Bergen Tech, senior
Olivia Lee, Holy Angels, sophomore
Skylar Lee, Ramapo, sophomore
Cassandre Mayer, Paramus Catholic, sophomore
Olivia Pak, Bergen Tech, sophomore
Sophia Pangan, Passaic Tech, sophomore
Big North Conference
UNITED
Bergen Catholic is in a rare rebuild and will be the hunter rather than the hunted. Senior Ryder Hodgson (38.0) leads the Crusaders, and also back are juniors Chris Vrtis (43.6) and Nikhil Sahu (44.2) and senior John Keyes (45.2).
Don Bosco is North Jersey’s No. 1 team and will win multiple titles. The Ironmen return seniors Stephen Viray (38.2) and Cam Ward (38.6), junior Nick Theodorou (40.5) and sophomores Aarush Malmandi (39.0) and Julius Viray (40.0).
Paramus Catholic has a solid cast of returnees and needs depth to remain above .500. The co-ed Paladins feature seniors Allen Magie (43.4) and Douglas Cetera and sophomore Cassandre Mayer (37.8).
St. Joseph is young, on the rise, and will contend for multiple titles. The Green Knights feature junior Liam Moloney (38.7) and sophomore Michael Asselta (38.8). They add promising freshman CJ Antifonario.
LIBERTY
Bergen Tech can continue to win more than it loses. The Knights return seniors Charlie Cannold (45.8) and Tim Kmetz, junior HB Kim and sophomore James Cicoria. Several freshmen bolster the program.
Kennedy embarks on a new chapter under first-year coach Jason Brandt. The Knights’ roster includes Henry Guzman, Ryan Aybar, Ruben Rivera and Alvaro Uribe.
Passaic Tech is favored to three-peat as Passaic County titlist. The Bulldogs feature seniors Tyler Cammarota (38.3) and Thomas Scheidegger (40.3), as well as sophomore Zachary Soder and junior John Huth.
FREEDOM
Indian Hills graduated multiple stalwarts and must rebuild following a winning season. The Braves will rely on, and build with, sophomores Brody Lenc (46.7) and Nicholas Hopeck.
Northern Highlands will vie for the Freedom title and be among North Jersey’s top public schools. The Highlanders feature junior Ryan Klarreich (37.2) and senior Chase Collum (39.7). They add freshman Owen Klarreich.
Paramus has enough experience to challenge for a sectional playoff bid. The Spartans feature junior Daniel Kropiewnicki (45.3), and they also return Seojin Kim. Saajan Patel is among the new faces.
Ramapo is defending NJSIAA Group 3 titlist and North Jersey’s top public school. The Green Raiders feature junior Harry Cohen (37.8), as well as juniors Jack Sposa (41.2), Jordan Weiss (44.0) and Peter Keith (44.3).
Ridgewood has the experience and talent to finish well above .500. The Maroons feature juniors Parker Rollins (41.5) and Finn Doherty (42.2) and sophomore Braden Bhalla (39.6). They must develop a supporting cast.
INDEPENDENCE
Lakeland is rebuilding after graduating a majority of starters from a winning team. The Lancers feature senior Anthony Grubowski, and he will be joined by up-and-comer Matt VanderWeele.
Passaic Valley has enough experience to surpass last season’s five wins. The Hornets return senior Travis Leech and juniors Ayden Mulroony, Sean Puglise and Jake Marretta. Mehmet Cogur shows promise.
Wayne Hills is a veteran team that can vie for Independence and Passaic County titles. The Patriots are led by junior Jimmy Veale. Promising sophomores include Brady Driesse, Joey Calton and Mikey Kearney.
Wayne Valley will continue to win under coach Jim Camb, who previously led the program’s girls’ team. The Indians return several veterans, including JP Diagostini, Lucas Egan and senior Ryan Hayes.
NATIONAL
Bergenfield has a senior-led roster and can move toward 10 wins. The Bears include seniors Aidan Davy, Gianni Straughter, Rohan Thomas, Taneeyah Simpson, Joana Larcier, Jalen Formaran and Emma Gill.
Demarest expects offseason work to translate to a winning season. The Norsemen feature juniors Nicolas Gorenstein (45.8) and Max Platin (45.0). Watch for Ben and Jake Aronson and Vince Parlamis.
Old Tappan is a perennial sectional champ and will rely on its depth to continue the winning. The Golden Knights feature senior Jun Chun (37.2) and add freshman James Ko to a lineup that returns three starters.
Pascack Valley continues to rebuild and can increase success with a handful of wins. The Panthers feature junior Luke Dolan (43.8), also return junior Justin Yu and welcome freshman Liam Verdicchio.
PATRIOT
Mahwah is senior-led and can grab one of the final bids into the Bergen Team Championship. The T-Birds include 12th graders Owen Moynihan (45.4), Matthew Olear, Noah Wachtel and Joey Suh.
Pascack Hills is young and needs to develop in the first month for a chance to climb back over .500. The Broncos return senior Dylan Sawyer (43.2) and sophomore Kevin Agranovich.
Ramsey, despite its youth, has the talent and depth to make noise in the Patriot. The Rams return juniors Dylan Ayer (43.3) and Ryan Ledlow (42.8) and sophomores Michael Ledlow (45.4) and Andrew Bremer.
River Dell has a good group of veterans who will help contend for the Patriot title. The Golden Hawks feature seniors Alex Na (38.8) and Adam Chu (44.8), junior Jake Good (46.0) and sophomore Jayden Na (41.5).
Westwood can improve from last year and win a handful of matches. The Cardinals return senior Brad Davino and sophomore Zach Risbud. Freshman Dante Makula is among the newcomers.
AMERICAN
Dumont continues to build with a young lineup. The Huskies return senior Emma Galligan and junior Ryan Gilmartin and look to sophomores Michael Gil and Anthony Bassillo and freshman Lauren Morales.
Dwight Morrow has a junior-led lineup that will continue to improve. The Maroon Raiders include juniors Brian Cha, Ashley Kim, Kyle Yoon and Thomas Nieradka and senior Gina Hong.
Fair Lawn was a winner last year after restarting the program. The Cutters include seniors Cooper Peck (44.1), Austin Van Why and John Figueroa and sophomores Tyler Ferlanti, Thomas Van Why and Joe Frick.
Fort Lee is capable of contending for the American title. The Bridgemen feature junior Nick Park (45.6), junior Evan Ng and Cyrus Chin. Jade Seo is among the up-and-comers.
NJIC
COLONIAL
Garfield continues to build in its third year since reinstating the program. The Boilermakers feature junior Elson Gorica, and they also return seniors Lisa Ramirez and Ralitsa Uzonova.
Glen Rock will repeat as Colonial champion and vie to be the NJIC’s best. The Panthers return seniors Connor Robinson, Will Lee and Brady Peck and juniors Will Casper (44.7) and Declan Manning.
MEADOWLANDS
Dwight-Englewood will repeat as Meadowlands champ and should be the NJIC’s best. The Bulldogs return seven veterans, including seniors Danny Lax (39.5) and Zachary Wolpov (43.8) and junior Jaden Aroesty (41.0).
Hasbrouck Heights has the experience to challenge for double-digit wins. The Aviators return a quartet of senior veterans in Logan Rendzio, Connor Scuilla, Ian Schaffer and George Kouletas.
Leonia will remain comfortably above .500 and can finish second in the division. The Lions return Rachel Kang, Stacy Han and Taekyu Lim (46.8), and stepping up to add depth is Aaron Koo.
North Arlington returns several veterans and should win several matches. The Vikings feature seniors Chris and Joe Crawford. Kieran McNeil is among the new additions.
Palisades Park can be competitive thanks to the return of several veterans. The Tigers are led by junior Daniel Keh. The cast of newcomers includes Kunhee Leem.
Ridgefield is senior-led and has a chance at a winning season. The Royals return seniors Dylan DeStefano, Estefanie Avila and Patrick Jo, and they also have junior Edward Schaefer and senior Drake Lewis.
PATRIOT
Cresskill has the experience to repeat as Patriot champion. The Cougars return senior Minsung Kang, junior Abigail Kim and sophomores Gavin Kim (44.9) and Andy Lee.
Midland Park is young and building. The Panthers have junior Braden O’Shea (45.7) and sophomores Bijan Ameri, Gideon Eliya, Tommy Jollie, Santino Lubbe, Teddy Parker and Michael Venderplaat.
New Milford does not return any starters and may be Bergen County’s most inexperienced team. The Knights will be led by junior Sukaina Abbas and the team’s lone senior, Dylan Harris.
Park Ridge/Emerson builds with a new coach, Brian Doyle. The Owls include seniors Owen Amadeo-DeSessa and Aidan Mulligan, sophomore Breyden Gaccione and freshman Xander Nakamura.
Saddle River Day has the experience and depth to vie for the Patriot crown. The Rebels return juniors Mike Cicero, Sahil Popalle and Jackson Reicherz and have 30 players in the program.
Waldwick has the experience to stay above .500. The Warriors feature junior Tom Aligo, and they also return senior Jack Johnson, junior Arsen Kaperlian and sophomores Isaac Vargas and Louis Manuppelli.
Big North Girls
EAST
Demarest returns a majority of key players and should remain above .500. The Norsewomen feature seniors Claire Song (45.8) and Elizabeth Kim (48.3) and sophomore Tei Kim (46.2).
Holy Angels returns almost every starter from last year’s State championship team and the roster is still young. The Angels feature juniors Angelina Kim (36.6), Inha Jun (37.4), Sharanya Agarwal (42.8) and sophomore Olivia Lee (40.0).
Old Tappan has the talent and experience to secure a winning record and qualify for the North sectional. The Golden Knights return multiple starters, featuring senior Chloe Kim (40.2).
River Dell can take a step forward thanks to the return of several veterans. The Golden Hawks feature junior Sydney Fojas and add freshmen Reese and Ryley Fojas.
Westwood builds with a young lineup that returns only one senior in Ashley Molina. The cast of juniors includes Ashley Ramirez, Cienna Garcia and Jamie Petrov.
CENTRAL
Immaculate Heart has the experience and depth to vie for multiple titles. The Blue Eagles feature senior Marisa Flores (38.6), juniors Madisyn Falto (45.2) and Isabella Del Bosco (46.2) and sophomore Alana Flores (42.8).
Ramapo can become a top-five team in North Jersey under new coach Pat Lawler. Green Raiders to watch include sophomore Reese Fishman (41.0), junior Kacie Gmiterek and sophomore transfer Skylar Lee (40.8).
Ramsey has a relatively young and inexperienced roster and looks to build. The Rams will be led by seniors Hailey Thompson and Lindsey Bremer, and stepping up is sophomore Ava Giaccio.
Ridgewood has the experience to remain well above .500. The Maroons return senior Jenny Yang (44.2) and juniors Julia Vizanko (42.3) and Jackie Williams (46.4). Freshmen Drea Minetti and Sophia Oliver will step up.
West Milford looks to build under new coach Justin Runne. The Highlanders are led by a quartet of veterans in seniors Aubrey Fritz and Shelby Durant and juniors Bridget Nevin and Caroline Gabel.
WEST
Bergen Tech has the depth and experience to contend for multiple crowns. The Knights return seniors Aubrey Lee (39.1) and Katherine Lim (45.3), junior Bella Crespo (39.3), and sophomore Olivia Pak (38.4).
Indian Hills continues to build and a young team can challenge for double-digit wins. The Braves return juniors Kate (43.4) and Claire (47.5) Giletta and Gaby Becker (43.9), as well as junior Samantha Marker.
Northern Highlands can stay a winner under new coach Tom Bailey. The Highlanders return seniors Ava Heins (42.9) and Gianna Munday and sophomore Hayley Carrero (49.8). They add freshmen Elizabeth and Evelyn Ha.
Paramus can be competitive and win a handful of matches. The Spartans feature Erin Joyce (44.6), Angelina Choi (49.1) and Ella Rohdieck.
Passaic Tech looks to remain above .500. The Bulldogs feature one of the program’s all-time best players, sophomore Sofia Pangan (38.3), and they also return senior Thea Westhelle.
Wayne Valley will feature several new faces and a new coach, John Miller. The Indians return juniors Savannah Martin and Emily Porfido and sophomore Delaney Meyers.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ golf: Preseason rankings, players to watch, team previews
