Morris/Sussex high school baseball 2024: Team-by-team previews
NJAC-Liberty
Hanover Park
Coach: Doug Wear, 10th season
Last season: 22-6, 10-0 NJAC-Liberty champion; NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 champion
Returning letter-winners: Sr. 1B Finn Kenney; Sr. P Dante DiGrazio; Sr. OF Dylan Welby; Jr. OF Nando Ott; Jr. C Dom Schiavone; Jr. SS Alex Cherignal; Jr. P John Gunnello; So. P Jack Kovacs.
Newcomers: Fr. Ryan Mendez; Fr. Vincent Dorey.
Outlook: Hanover Park is young and inexperienced after graduating 12.
Kinnelon
Coach: Dan Clark, sixth season
Last season: 8-16
Returning letter-winners: Sr. Greg Nascimento; Sr. Dylan Charles; Sr. Nick Canariato.
Outlook: If Kinnelon stays healthy, the team will be more successful.
Madison
Coach: Brian Weingart, third season
Last season: 16-9, 5-5 NJAC-Liberty
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Kyle Piechnik; Sr. IF Jack McGuire; Jr. C/OF Sam Berk; So. P James Doehner; So. IF Liam Melvin; So. P/1B Chris Vaughn; So. IF/P Luke McGuire.
Newcomers: So. Andrew Haviland; So. OF Carter Ferris; So. P/OF Jack McLoughlin; So. C Pat Layng; So. P/IF Pete McGuire.
Outlook: Madison is replacing seven position players and two pitchers.
Mountain Lakes
Coach: Jason Doniloski, second season
Last year: 16-9-1
Returning letter-winners: Sr. SS/P Ben Miniter; Sr. 2B Peter Hercek; Sr. OF/1B Samson Veech; Sr. 3B/P Richard Mancuso; Sr. C Anthony Salerno; Jr. OF/C Grant Nikolsky; Jr. SS/3B/P Jack Ilaria.
Newcomers: Sr. 1B Jack Wallace; Sr. OF Siraj Sheikh; Jr. OF Tommy Capetta; So. OF/P Emerson Coda; So. 1B/OF/P Luca Burrier; So. OF/C/P Jack Bronico.
Outlook: The Lakers hope to remain competitive.
Parsippany Hills
Coach: Peter Anzelone, ninth season
Last year: 10-14
Returning letter-winners: Sr. 1B/P Jacob Forgatch; Sr. IF/P Andrew Phelps; Sr. IF/P Nick Yorlano; Sr. OF/P Devin Patel; Sr. OF Joey Ciccotelli; Sr. C Rocco Guglielmo; Sr. OF Nick Hornung; Sr. P/3B Kevin Mass; Sr. OF Thomas Ruppert; Sr. 1B Jake Simoni; Sr. 2B/OF Jonah Smith; Jr. C Ashton Ros.
Outlook: The veteran Vikings expect to improve.
Pequannock
Coach: Jon McBurney, eighth season
Last season: 26-5, NJAC-Independence champion; NJSIAA Group 1 champion
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Ryan Foley; Sr. P/IF Braeden Kelly; Sr. 3B Aaron Goldberg; Jr. OF Donovan Cassel; Jr. OF Nick Zuccala; Jr. P Nick Werner; Jr. P Luke Laubach; Jr. OF/P Tommy Koren; Jr. IF Bobby Van Riper; Jr. C Thomas Picardo; So. Jack Picardo.
Outlook: Veteran Pequannock expects to succeed in the NJAC-Liberty and Morris County Tournament.
NJAC-Independence
Boonton
Coach: Chris Becker, first season
Last year: 1-18
Returning letter-winners: Jr. P/1B Josh Lee; Jr. C Drew Cabalar; Jr. OF/P Jeremy Dolan; Jr. OF/P Mike Ricca; So. SS/P Sebastian Colon.
Newcomers: Jr. OF/P Sal Vitale; Jr. P/1B Lucas Graber; Jr. P/IF Mark Ribardo; So. P/3B Eric Lora; So. IF Jarel Hernandez; Fr. OF/P Brett Giordano.
Outlook:- Becker is the young Bombers’ third coach in as many seasons.
Dover
Coach: Anthony Moran, first season
Last year: 6-12
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Kevin Gonzalez; Jr. OF David Santiago.
Newcomers: Jr. IF Haaris Chaudhry; So. IF Julio Santana.
Outlook: Moran inherits a young team from Mike McDonald, the coach for 16 seasons.
Morris Catholic
Coach: Nick Berg, eighth season
Last year: 10-15-1
Returning letter-winners: Sr. 3B/P Jack Kallok; Sr. C Erik Baxter; Sr. 1B Alex Lorber; Sr. P Justin Joyce; Sr. P Christian Melone; Sr. OF Chris Walsh; Jr. SS Nate Eckerson; Jr. 3B/P Braydon Torres; So. Ethan Everett.
Newcomers: Sr. Brendan McNany; Sr. IF/P Shaun Van Vliet; So. P/OF Jack Graham; So. P Keanu Kao; So. C/OF Beck Haynes; So. P Alex Marmara; Fr. P Landon Bolan; Fr. IF Aiden Insigna; Fr. C/1B Andrew Young; Fr. OF/P Cole Zienowicz; Fr. P Gabe Drury; Fr. P/OF Carlos Marquez.
Outlook: The Crusaders are counting on newcomers to play key roles.
Morristown Beard
Coach: John Sheppard, 31st season
Last season: 2-19
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF/P Matt Gatward; Sr. P/IF Ryan Hauk; Jr. OF Luc Bush; Jr. C Sam Cherins; Jr. OF Pat Birnbaum; Jr. P/1B Josh Greenwood; Jr. P/IF Jacob Suna; So. OF/P AJ Rodriguez; So. P/IF John Cartaina; So. OF Jack Clammer; So. OF John Gonnella.
Newcomers: Fr. P/IF Sam Bastardo; Fr. P/IF Ari Shiffman.
Outlook: With only two seniors, Morristown Beard must develop quickly to stay competitive.
Whippany Park
Coach: Ricky Gathen, first season
Last year: 8-15
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Dom Costanza; Sr. 1B/P Ryan Turnbull; Sr. 3B/P Kevin Graham; Jr. P Justin Bachman; Jr. C K.J. Stockert; Jr. SS Gaven Hesse; Jr. P Andrew Guffanti; Jr. OF Sal Palmisano; Jr. P/1B Sam Cobane.
Newcomers: So. Saverio Marcantonio; So. 1B Tyler Gethins; Fr. P Joey Vitale.
Outlook: Gathen, a former Mendham and Madison assistant, inherits a developing team from Kyle O'Neill, the Whippany Park coach for eight years.
NJAC-National
Morris Hills
Coach: Bert Giovine, 24th season
Last year: 3-21
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Cole Piazza; Sr. 1B Anthony Presia; Sr. IF Aneesh Ethakota; Sr. IF Jack Hartsuiker.
Newcomers: Jr. P Liam Smith; So. SS Jeremy Deleon, So. C Nick Zuzzio.
Outlook: The Scarlet Knights hope to improve on last spring’s results.
Morris Knolls
Coach: Eric Mindrebo, 10th season
Last year: 21-10-1; NJSIAA North 1, Group 3 champion; Group 3 champion
Returning letter-winners: Sr. SS Luke Dickerson; Sr. 3B Michael Simone; Sr. RHP/1B James Kahn; Sr. RHP/OF Joe O’Toole; Sr. C Liam Randazzo; Sr. RHP/3B Colin Ferschmann; Sr. OF Darin Cashman; Sr. IF Dan Signoretto; Jr. OF/LHP Dylan Fitzsimmons; Jr. 2B/RHP Carter Seely; Jr. RHP Dan Calantropio; So. RHP Dean Kaletcher.
Newcomers: Sr. IF Matt Bodnarchuk; Sr. OF Brian Medina; So. RHP Troy Kuehne; So. OF/LHP Billy Wingren; So. C Ryan Kuehne; So. C Andrew Garcia; Fr. C/1B Ryan McDonald.
Outlook: Veteran Morris Knolls hopes to compete despite a challenging schedule.
Morristown
Coach: Justin Capozzi, second season
Last season: 10-14
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Oliver Acuna-Casey; Sr. SS Sean Newman; Jr. RHP Dominic Correale; Jr. IF Ryan Lavin; So. LHP Pat Ruiz.
Newcomers: Jr. IF Ben Andrade; So. RHP Brendan Critchley.
Outlook: Morristown hopes to capitalize on young pitchers.
Mount Olive
Coach: Pete Zoccolillo, fourth season
Last year: 18-10
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Ben Nugent, Sr. SS Jayden Rush; Jr. RHP/3B Jake Asbury; Jr. 1B Peter Zoccolillo; So. OF/RHP Jon Moore; So. C/RHP Liam Shelton.
Newcomers: So. LHP Robert Hubbard; Fr. SS Zach Broderson; Fr. SS/CF Brayden Longo.
Outlook: The young Marauders are relying on fundamentals.
Sparta
Coach: Justin Matyas, first season
Last year: 12-12, 3-7 NJAC-National
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Josh Brancy; Sr. OF Evan Breitfeller; Sr. RHP J.C. Lagenrapp; Jr. C Colin Gallagher; Jr. OF Anthony Patrickio; Jr. SS Braden Schappert; So. IF Shane Hoover; So. LHP Chris Oommen.
Newcomers: So. LHP/1B Jacob Diaz; Fr. RHP/3B Nick Franconere.
Outlook: The Spartans hope to contend in the NJAC-National, and the HWS and sectional tournaments.
West Morris
Coach: Tom Reindel, 10th season
Last year: 17-9; MCT finalist
Returning letter-winners: Sr. 3B Michael Ferry; Sr. IF/C Nick Dargel; Sr. SS Evan Rymer; Sr. 1B/P James Cleary; Sr. CF Gavin Drown; Sr. OF Owen Wormann; Jr. P/OF Jake Novello; Jr. 2B Donovan Veletto; Jr. LHP Nick Rotundo.
Newcomers: Jr. P/3B Matt Ostek; Jr. P Luke Mercurio; Jr. C Alex Miller; So. P/OF Cole Wormann; So. P/1B Liam Costello.
Outlook: Players like Dargel, Novello and Rotundo will be stepping into larger roles.
NJAC-American
Chatham
Coach: Todd Leathers, ninth season
Last season: 11-14
Returning letter-winners: Sr. Trent Jenks; Sr. Jackson Hodges; Sr. Justin Regno; Sr. Jack Tunney; Sr. Charlie Shuhansky; Jr. Ryan Drum; Jr. Matt Hodapp; Jr. Wesley Maksimow; Jr. Nick Carles; So. Caden Gabrile; So. Justin Zignon.
Newcomers: Jr. C Matt Palmeri.
Outlook: Solid pitching should propel Chatham to success in the challenging NJAC-American.
Delbarton
Coach: Bruce Shatel, 17th season
Last season: 24-5, four-time Morris County Tournament champion
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF/LHP Aiden Dill; Sr. 3B Jack Harley; Sr. C Louis Friedrich; Sr. RHP Christian Zebrowski; Sr. RHP Rhys Shannon; Sr. RHP Jake Bell; Jr. RHP/IF Ryan Holman; Jr. RHP Lenny Kim; So. IF Sal Garcia; So. LHP/1B A.J. Saccento.
Newcomers: Jr. RHP/OF Miles Handy; Jr. 1B/RHP Anthony Palumbo; So. OF Matt Tafuri; So. C/IF Danny Haggard.
Outlook: Delbarton expects to remain competitive in the MCT and Non-Public A North.
More: Delbarton runs past West Morris to win record fourth straight Morris County Tournament title
Mendham
Coach: Erik Dial, third season
Last season: 14-13
Returning letter-winners: Sr. SS/P Dylan Swarts; Sr. IF Brendan Brunnock; Sr. P/1B Cole Hojnacki; Sr. OF Tommy Blackwell; Sr. P Ryder Leckie; Sr. P/OF John Gogerty; Sr. C Nick Quinn; Sr. 1B/3B Will Warman; Sr. C/OF Anthony Rossi; Jr. P/3B Sully Dunn.
Outlook: Experienced Mendham expects to succeed.
Pope John
Coach: James Manco, second season
Last season: 16-8
Returning letter-winners: Sr. SS/P Mac Tufts; Sr. P Ayden Aguiar; Sr. C Marco Bonifiglio; Sr. P Angelo Dillon; Sr. P J.C. Franconere; Sr. OF Massimo Mondi; Sr. P Parker Rutkowski; Sr. OF Brandon Weir; Jr. OF/P Jack Portman; Jr. 3B Nick Struble; Jr. P Brendan Opat.
Newcomers: Jr. C/1B Andrew Parni; Jr. IF/P Will Ryan; Jr. IF/P Evan Johnson; Jr. OF Ray Manning; So. Joseph Manco.
Outlook: Veteran Pope John expects to remain competitive.
Randolph
Coach: Mark Rizzi, sixth season
Last season: 14-12, 7-5 NJAC-American
Returning letter-winners: Sr. P/OF James Kleiven; Sr. P/1B Tommy Martin; Sr. P/3B Rocco Albano; Sr. IF Connor Stokoe; Sr. 1B Carter Kielbania; Sr. OF Ethan Gorman; Sr. OF Jacob Corsaro; Jr. P Max Brown; Jr. SS A.J. Terry.
Newcomers: Sr. IF Ryan Kress; Sr. P Steve Nodoro; Sr. P John Shadwell; Jr. OF Cole Cabatic; So. 2B Mason Wilson; So. OF Jackson Magley; So. 1B Gavin Vichengard; So. OF/P R.J. Dougherty; So. C Chase Lorent; So. C Joe Bostina; Fr. P Brendan Stokoe.
Outlook: Randolph boasts a veteran starting staff.
Roxbury
Coach: Greg Trotter, 25th season
Last season: 13-14
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Colin Richter; Sr. Matt Rattay; Sr. OF Matt Capko; Jr. P Kyle Phillips; Jr. P Dawson Guerard; Jr. IF/P Joey Ronchetta; Jr. C/IF Michael Stigliano; Jr. C/IF Fabio Marcano; Jr. OF/P Vincent Dolise; Jr. C/IF Ryan Johannessen; So. P/1B Colin Donnelly.
Newcomers: Jr. P/IF Jason Gabrielson; Jr. P/OF Luke Hunter; Jr. C/IF Evan Tusa; So. OF Henry Smith; So. IF/P Michael Paxos; So. IF Christos Paxos; So. OF/P Robbie Baumann.
Outlook: The veteran Gaels have a challenging non-division schedule.
NJAC-Freedom
Hackettstown
Coach: Gary Poyer, 22nd season
Last season: 13-9
Returning letter-winners: Sr. CF Matt Rowinski; Sr. 1B Nate Benbow; Sr. P C.J. Tumminelli; Sr. 3B Steven Chuck; Sr. SS J.J. Buchanan; Sr. OF Chris Rafalko; Jr. C Kyle Edwards.
Newcomers: Sr. 2B Corey Rafalko; Sr. 3B John Bencivengo; Jr. LF E.J. Ruyol; Jr. 2B Tyler Lambo; Jr. 3B Nick Patterson; Jr. LF Bryce Stagg; So. P Aaron Wolderich; So. 3B Marcos Rosado.
Outlook: A deep pitching staff and solid lineup should propel the Tigers in the NJAC-American and NJSIAA Tournament.
High Point
Coach: Ryan Ellis, 10th season
Last season: 13-8, NJAC-Freedom champion
Returning letter-winners: Sr. Jake Henningsen; Sr. IF/P Matt Sabato; Sr. P/OF Reed Peterson; Sr. OF/P Gordon Pristash; Jr. C Ayden Ellis; Jr. P Kyle Morsell; Jr. Austin Mitchell; Jr. Will Van Puttenvink; Jr. IF/P Erik Wiley; So. P/1B/3B Ethan Rasmussen; So. P Erik Carlson.
Newcomers: Sr. Brayden Franko.
Outlook: High Point's sophomores will play important roles this spring.
Jefferson
Coach: Jason Kalish, 14th season
Last season: 14-13
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF Jack Orlando; Sr. IF/P Alex Foth; Jr. IF/P Noah Mednick; Jr. P/IF Dylan Rockey; Jr. P/IF Tyler Freeland; Jr. IF/P Mike Struck; So. OF/1B Josh Hale.
Newcomers: Sr. P/OF/1B Ty Labagnara; Sr. C Ryan Jack; Sr. OF Hunter Warner; Sr. 1B Gabe Consuegra; Sr. Logan Kerr; Sr. Jacob Kish; Sr. IF Ryan Moran; Sr. Billy Kuhl; Sr. 3B Dwayne Moncion; Jr. IF/P Evan Corso; Jr. OF Gavin Ruchalski; Jr. P/OF Lorenzo Gonzalez; Jr. P/IF Jake Randzio; Jr. C Evan Freeland; Jr. P Sam Orlando; So. P/OF Jake Shellhamer; So. IF Anthony Riggio; So. P/IF Nick Aiello; Fr. Nick Do; Fr. C/P Braeden Cummings; Fr. IF/P Eric Hokenberg.
Outlook: Jefferson hopes its pitchers grow up quickly in the competitive NJAC-Freedom.
Newton
Coach: Scott Zymet, fourth season
Last season: 8-14
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF/P Josh Siegel; Sr. OF/P Shea Vallorosi; Jr. IF/P Ryan Bollette; Jr. OF/P Max Maslowski; Jr. OF/P Mason Bucci.
Newcomers: Jr. IF/P James Marotta; Jr. C/OF Brandon Taylor; Jr. C/OF Matthew Siegel; Jr. IF/P Johnny Rios; Jr. P/OF Finn Martin; Jr. P/OF Ben Knehr; Jr. P/OF Jack Quintas; Jr. OF Devin Pfeifer; So. P/IF Cooper Finley; Fr. IF/P Hunter Wolfe.
Outlook: Keep an eye on Newton's juniors.
North Warren
Coach: J.P. Palmer, third season
Last year: 17-7, 9-1 NJAC-Colonial champion
Returning letter-winners: Sr. P/IF Cody Sherrer; Sr. C Cooper Mantz; Sr. P/IF Owen Philhower; Jr. P/3B Tyler Petty; So. P/IF Brody Mantz.
Newcomers: Sr. 1B/OF Rowan Kesser; Sr. OF Eric Paseler; Sr. OF Jake Oliveira.
Outlook: The Patriots are building behind four-year starters Sherrer and Mantz.
Vernon
Coach: Stephen Myhren, fifth season
Last season: 17-6
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF/C Colin Dignan; Sr. IF/P Drew Ebbighausen; Sr. P Matt McGrogan; Jr. P/OF Mike Pecoraro; Jr. P/OF Aden Karwoski; Jr. 2B/P Matt Baumann; So. OF/P Gavin Bruno.
Newcomers: Sr. 1B/P Chad Quaranta; Sr. Jake Stauffer; Sr. P/3B Austin Pasquariello; Jr. C/1B Mason Rivera; So. IF/P Dustin Wagner; So. OF/C James Curry; So. P Jayden Chornobroff; Fr. SS/P Chris Perrotta.
Outlook: The Vikings hope new players can quickly step up to varsity.
NJAC-Colonial
Hopatcong
Coach: Jim Valentine, first season
Last year: 2-15
Returning letter-winners: Sr. C James Kirchner; Sr. Pete Malizzi; Sr. Jaysin Burgos; Jr. IF/P Pat Comerford; Jr. 3B/1B/P Logan Giuliano.
Newcomers: Jr. 1B/P Jacob Currie; Fr. CF Antonio Briggs; Fr. IF/P Quinn Holey; Fr. OF Max Hughen; Fr. P Dylan Dunn.
Outlook: Keep an eye on Hopatcong’s freshmen.
Kittatinny
Coach: B.J. Hough, second season
Last year: 9-16, 7-3 NJAC-Colonial
Returning letter-winners: Sr. SS Evan Rodriguez; Sr. 3B/P Tyler Chodack; Sr. OF/P Cole Davis; Jr. P/OF Eddie Deckert; So. P/2B Gage Ingalls; So. C/1B/P Aiden Prtorich.
Newcomers: Sr. P Tucker Lockburner; Sr. OF Jack Jacinto; Jr. C Paul Trotter; Jr. Jackson Hughes; Jr. OF/P Sebastian Orrico; Jr. 1B Preston Gratcofsky; So. OF Mason Dube; So. P Tommy Tosti; So. OF Johnny Diani; So. 3B Brendan Leahy; Fr. Keegan Monahan; Fr. SS Tyler Coombs; Fr. Easton Konar.
Outlook: The Cougars hope to compete in the NJAC-Colonial.
Lenape Valley
Coach: Kenny Costa, fifth season
Last season: 9-12
Returning letter-winners: Sr. P Majd Othman; Sr. IF Dylan Van Tuyl; Sr. OF Keith Wagner; Sr. OF Mason Esposito; Sr. C Jhett Laurie; Sr. IF Dave Rubenstein; Sr. OF Jake Marcisak; Jr. 1B/P Michael Parker; Jr. IF Chris Zander; Jr. IF Tanner Gaboda; Jr. OF Ty Dellicker; Jr. C Hunter Clouse.
Newcomers: Sr. IF Jon Branagan; Jr. P Jack Kopich; Jr. P/IF Lucas Sheneman.
Outlook: The experienced Patriots expect to win the NJAC-Colonial and make a run in North 1, Group 1.
Morris Tech
Coach: Kevin Brophy, 14th season
Last year: 5-13
Returning letter-winners: Sr. IF/P Tyler Pezzino; Jr. C Connor Campbell; Jr. OF Eddie Lamperti; So. 1B Jack Graham.
Newcomers: Fr. P/SS Dan Lipsky; Fr. C Jake Sweat.
Outlook: The young, aggressive Devils should be competitive in the NJAC-Colonial.
Sussex Tech
Coach: Keith Lotter, eighth season
Last year: 10-12; NJTAC finalist
Returning letter-winners: Sr. OF/P Andrew Baker; Sr. OF/C Gabe Nardini; Sr. IF Owen Baez; So. IF/P Hunter Lowery; So. Gavin Gardner; So. OF/P Adrian Neilson.
Newcomers: Sr. IF Dylan Crane; Jr. IF Jerry Fontanez; Jr. OF/P Chuck Holderith; So. C/IF Heath Babcock; Fr. C/IF Carter Stewart Estler; Fr. C/OF Jason Cusack; Fr. IF Bret Kellenberger.
Outlook: The young Mustangs hope to compete in the NJAC-Colonial and the NJTAC Tournament.
Wallkill Valley
Coach: Connor Kopnik, first season
Last year: 9-16
Returning letter-winners: Sr. P/OF/1B Jack Veith; Sr. IF Logan Slater; Sr. P/1B Zack Decker; Sr. OF Ruben Gomez; Jr. Zack Clarken; Jr. OF/C C.J. Collins; So. IF Tyler Haberstroh.
Newcomers: So. P/OF Ryan Miller.
Outlook: The Rangers expect to succeed behind Veith.
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NJ baseball: Morris, Sussex County team previews for 2024 season
