2025 Shore Conference Baseball Preview: Class A South
The top half of Class A South was a juggernaut in 2024, with three teams that won a championship of some kind and a fourth that won 17 games and was on the edge of the Shore Conference Top 10 throughout the season. Even with just six teams in the division this season, Class A South will still be home to some of the Shore’s best teams.
Southern Regional is the defending division champion heading into a season for the first time since 1987 after going 13-1 in Class A South play and reaching the Shore Conference Tournament championship game. The roster looks much different this year, with only two-way standout Tyler McLeod and infielder Mike Kaczynski returning to the starting lineup – both at the plate and on the mound.
Toms River East enjoyed its best season in more than a decade, which included the program’s first Ocean County Tournament championship since 2007. Unlike Southern, Toms River East brings back impact throughout the starting lineup, including its top four hitters by on-base-plus-slugging-percentage (OPS): shortstop Matt Ferrara, catcher Gavin Toth, sophomore third baseman Joey DiMeo and outfielder Mike Vaccarino. Right-handers Dan Nafziger, and Mason Pentz, meanwhile, lead a rotation of dependable strike-throwers who rely on a solid defense behind them.
Jackson Memorial and Brick Memorial tied for third place in Class A South and went on to have very different experiences in the NJSIAA Tournament. On the positive side, Jackson Memorial caught fire and won its first NJSIAA sectional title since 2018. The Jaguars will have to replace power at the plate and on the mound, but retain four-fifths of a starting infield, plus a pair of returning starting pitchers in Danny Hutchinson and left-hander Matt Colaneri.
The state tournament continues to be Brick Memorial’s kryptonite as the Mustangs lost their ninth straight first-round game since reaching the Central Group IV final in 2013. The last three of those losses have come at home, so this Mustangs team will be looking to get that monkey off its back. In the meantime, Brick Memorial will shoot for its first division championship since 1995 with a roster that graduated two All-Shore players in Nick Garbooshian and Nicco Maribo, but returns almost everyone else. A dubious streak like that can get in the collective head of a team, but this Mustangs team has all the pieces to not only end that NJSIAA Tournament losing streak, but claim some hardware.
Not only does Class A South include three division title contenders from last year’s A South field, but it now includes two division champions from other divisions. Wall beat out Red Bank Catholic for the Class A Central title and will now take on a field of teams from Groups III and IV while the Crimson Knights remain a Group II program. That won’t faze Wall, which has played with the best of the Shore Conference over the years and brings a talented, young roster into the A South arena – led by junior pitchers Christian Suarez and John Catanio.
Donovan Catholic has won four straight Class B South championships and will have to deal with a move up to Class A South with a team that looks much different than the one that housed three first-team All-Shore players in Jake Marciano, Dave Yorke and Joe Maier. The Griffins also lost returning sophomore starting second baseman Henry Rezai to a torn ACL that he suffered during the fall soccer season, so the onus will be on returning sluggers Ryder Simpson, John Busco and Tyler Levine to lead the lineup.
Another interesting layer to the Class A South season is the freshmen who will be debuting throughout the division. Carson Frazier is the first of the next generation of Toms River South’s first family of baseball to step on a high school field, and he will play in the Toms River East outfield. Jackson Soos is an exciting shortstop at Wall and will play with his older brother, Frank, after Frank Soos transferred from St. Rose. Wall also has two more potential impact freshmen in Luke Dana and Chris Knight, while Jackson Memorial is also starting freshman Mike Fogarty in the outfield.
In predicted order of finish
1. Toms River East
Head Coach: Keith Smicklo, seventh season
2024 Record: 17-7 (10-4, second in Class A South)
Key Losses: Jack Mika (LHP), Brandon Safoschnik (RHP), Ryan Koman (OF), Brendan Lavin (LHP); Adrian Aleman (1B)
Around the Diamond (with 2024 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Gavin Toth, Sr. (.359/.485/.577, 4 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 25 R, 23 RBI, 17 SB); Dominik Sabatino, So.
First Base: Jax Buatez, Sr.; Matt Bell, Jr.
Second Base: Dan Nafziger, Sr. (.288/.347/.288, 8 R, 10 RBI, 6 SB); Mike Vaccarino, Sr.
Shortstop: Matt Ferrara, Sr. (.392/.540/.581, 5 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 30 R, 17 RBI, 18 SB)
Third Base: Joey DiMeo, So. (.386/.521/.529, 8 2B, 1 3B, 23 R, 28 RBI, 23 SB)
Leftfield: Mike Vaccarino, Sr. (.359/.490/.436, 3 2B, 1 HR, 26 R, 12 RBI, 16 SB); Chris Tennaro, So.; Casey Rubin, Sr.
Centerfield: Lucas Melton, Jr.; Carson Frazier, Fr.
Rightfield: Chase Caswell, Jr.; James Whalen, Jr.
DH: James Whalen, Jr. (.263/.400/.351, 2 2B, 1 HR, 13 R, 12 RBI, 6 SB); Casey Rubin, Sr.; Chris Tennaro, So.
Pitching Staff
Dan Nafziger, Sr., RHP (4-3, 1 Save, 37 IP, 35 H, 12 BB, 36 SO, 1.32 ERA)
Mason Pentz, Sr., RHP (4-0, 32 IP, 23 H, 15 BB, 29 SO, 2.19 ERA)
Gavin Toth, Sr., RHP (1-0, 1 Save, 6.2 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 6 BB, 7 SO)
James Whalen, Jr., RHP (1-1, 21 IP, 14 H, 16 BB, 24 SO, 2.00 ERA)
Lucas Melton, Jr., LHP
Liam Scallon, Sr., RHP (1-2, 19.2 IP, 14 H, 18 BB, 17 SO, 3.56 ERA) – Transfer from Donovan Catholic
Jonathan Pallman, Jr., LHP (1-0, 7 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO)
Joey DiMeo, So., RHP
College Commitments
Matt Ferrara – University of Pittsburgh
2. Brick Memorial
Head Coach: Evan Rizzitello, 15th season
2024 Record: 17-9 (9-5, tied third in Class A South)
Key Losses: Nick Garbooshian (RHP/1B), Nicco Maribo (CF), Mike Gioia (RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2024 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Joe McGlynn, Jr. (.246/.418/.304, 4 2B, 19 R, 8 RBI, 4 SB); Luke Douglas, Sr.
First Base: Dan Golembiewski, Jr. (.279/.392/.410, 5 2B, 1 HR, 12 R, 14 RBI; Brody Moore, Jr.
Second Base: Brayden Nalducci, Sr. (.357/.438/.464, 3 2B, 9 R, 10 RBI, 8 SB); Luke Douglas, Sr.
Shortstop: Tyler Garbooshian, Jr. (.256/.373/.390, 8 2B, 1 HR, 22 R, 15 RBI, 7 SB)
Third Base: Luke Douglas, Sr. (.333/.463/.397, 2 2B, 1 3B, 15 R, 16 RBI, 10 SB); Evan Meyer, So. (2-for-11, 3 RBI)
Leftfield: Brody Moore, Jr. (.293/.349/.362, 4 2B, 14 R, 12 RBI, 2 SB)
Centerfield: Jimi Popp, Sr. (.395/.463/.481, 3 2B, 2 3B, 21 R, 15 RBI, 19 SB)
Rightfield: Jaxon Figueroa, Sr. (3-for-10, 3 RBI); Gavin McCue, Jr.; Jake Meany, Sr.
DH: Michael Figner, So.
Other Hitters
Justin Fabbricatore, Sr., 1B
Dan Popovitch, Sr., 2B
Andrew Garcia, Jr., C
Tyler Williams, Jr., 3B
Pitching Staff
Zack Pirnik, So., LHP (3-1, 30.1 IP, 29 H, 7 BB, 33 SO, 1.61 ERA)
Brayden Nalducci, Sr., RHP (0-1, 3.2 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO)
James Martin, Jr., LHP (2-1, 1 Save, 17.1 IP, 16 H, 11 BB, 20 SO, 1.61 ERA)
Brody Moore, Jr., LHP (1-1, 11.1 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 14 SO, 3.09 ERA)
Jaxon Figueroa, Sr., RHP (1-1, 13.1 IP, 12 H, 13 BB, 12 SO, 4.20 ERA)
Jimi Popp, Sr., RHP
Justin Fabbricatore, Sr., RHP
Jake Meany, Sr., LHP
Dan Popovitch, Sr., RHP
Chris DiChiara, Jr., RHP
Tyler Williams, Jr., RHP
Trevor Kish, Jr., RHP
Gavin McCue, Jr., RHP
Michael Figner, So., RHP
William Montanye, So., RHP
College Commitments
Brayden Nalducci – Holy Family University
Tyler Garbooshian – Rutgers University
3. Jackson Memorial
Head Coach: Pat George, fifth season
2024 Record: 18-11 (9-5, tied third in Class A South)
Key Losses: Nick Izzo (1B), Julian Caruso (CF), Collin McCarron (2B/RHP), Jovanni Hallihan (RHP), Joe Naffaa (OF), Jacob Soto (OF), Nick Striano (RHP), Joe Zundritsch (LHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2024 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Tyler Huzzy, Sr. (.298/411/.440, 9 2B, 1 HR, 3 R, 18 RBI)
First Base: Anthony Milone, Sr.
Second Base: Dane Jorgensen, Sr. (.325/.433/.487, 9 2B, 2 3B, 13 R, 23 RBI)
Shortstop: Jackson Osmond, Sr. (.383/.474/.654, 7 2B, 5 HR, 27 R, 17 RBI, 14 SB)
Third Base: Brady Wendell, Sr. (.326/.431/.360, 3 2B, 23 R, 17 RBI, 6 SB)
Leftfield: Mike Fogarty, Fr.
Centerfield: Nick Sirico, Sr. (2-for-19, 1 2B, 9 R, 6 SB)
Rightfield: Frank Noviello, Sr.; Charlie Buchinsky, So.
DH: Brandon Wilson (So., 1B)
Other Hitters
Pitching Staff
Danny Hutchinson, Sr., RHP (1-2, 2 Saves, 27.1 IP, 35 H, 21 BB, 19 SO, 2.30 ERA)
Matt Colaneri, Jr., LHP (3-4, 42.1 IP, 43 H, 15 BB, 39 SO, 2.48 ERA)
Brandon Wilson, So., RHP (1-0, 8.2 IP, 9 H, 7 BB, 5 SO, 4.04 ERA)
Caden Rathbauer, Jr., RHP (3 IP, 3 H, 0 H, 1 BB, 3 SO)
Sean Hallihan, Jr., RHP (0-1, 1 Save, 8 IP, 9 H, 2 BB, 3 SO, 5.25 ERA)
Chase Kanarkowski, Jr., LHP
Caden Calcaterra, So., RHP
Mike Hoeler, Sr., LHP
College Commitments
Tyler Huzzy – New Jersey Institute of Technology
Jackson Osmond – Georgian Court University
Brady Wendell – Nichols College
Danny Hutchinson – Georgian Court University
Dane Jorgensen – Stockton University
Frank Noviello – Georgian Court University
Nick Sirico – Bloomfield College
Mike Hoeler – Stockton University
4. Wall
Head Coach: Jim Rochford, fifth season
2024 Record: 17-6 (10-2, first in Class A Central)
Key Losses: Jake Howlett (C), T.J. Legere (2B/RHP), Jon Cofone (SS), Mike Horowitz (1B), Triur Brown (OF/RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2024 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Will Hague, Jr. (.290/.389/.387, 1 2B, 1 3B, 5 R, 6 RBI); Frank Soos, Jr.
First Base: Frank Soos, Jr. (.366/.404/.488, 6 2B, 1 HR, 9 R, 28 RBI) – Transfer from St. Rose; Christian Suarez, Jr.
Second Base: Jack Murphy, Jr.; Canaan Struble, Jr.
Shortstop: Jackson Soos, Fr.
Third Base: Austin Harr, Jr. (.200/.383/.200, 12 R, 6 RBI, 3 SB)
Leftfield: John Catanio, Jr. (.283/.320/.348, 3 2B, 2 R, 7 RBI); Luke Dana, Fr.
Centerfield: James Richter, Sr. (2-for-6, 2B, 8 R, 2 RBI)
Rightfield: Davis Harr, Jr. (.293/.369/.293, 9 R, 3 RBI)
DH: Chris Knight, Fr.
Other Hitters
Dane Rue, Sr., OF/DH (4-for-19, 2 2B, 4 RBI)
Dan Hennessy, Jr., OF
Shane Ludwig, Jr., 3B
Franny Scaramellino, So., OF
Pitching Staff
Christian Suarez, Jr., LHP (6-1, 55 IP, 45 H, 23 BB, 44 SO, 1.78 ERA)
John Catanio, Jr., RHP (4-2, 42.1 IP, 38 H, 13 BB, 45 SO, 0.83 ERA)
Dane Rue, Sr., RHP (0-2, 13 IP, 12 H, 11 BB, 11 SO, 3.23 ERA)
Brendan Pollack, Jr., RHP
Dan Hennessy, Jr., RHP
Shane Ludwig, Jr., RHP
Franny Scaramellino, So., RHP
Luke Dana, Fr., RHP
Chris Knight, Fr., RHP
Nick Plevier, Jr., LHP (3-1, 29.1 IP, 27 H, 6 BB, 26 SO, 2.62 ERA) – Injured; out for season
College Commitments
Dane Rue – Susquehanna University
5. Donovan Catholic
Head Coach: Corey Hamman, sixth season
2024 Record: 15-11 (10-2, tied first in Class B South)
Key Losses: Jake Marciano (LHP), Joe Maier (SS), Dave Yorke (3B), Hunter Johnson (C), Hunter Lefkus (RHP), Liam Scallon (Jr., RHP; transferred to Toms River East)
Around the Diamond (with 2024 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Ryder Simpson, Sr. (.386/.500/.590, 8 2B, 3 HR, 15 R, 23 RBI, 4 SB)
First Base: Aidan Brescia, So.; Dimitri Maugeri, Jr.
Second Base: Luca Affa, Jr.
Shortstop: Steve Malato, So.
Third Base: Connor Bragg, Jr. (.152/.361/.152, 9 R, 7 RBI)
Leftfield: Mike Santise, Sr. (.194/.304/.239, 1 2B, 1 3B, 12 R, 6 RBI, 3 SB); Adrian Bilotti, So.
Centerfield: Tyler Levine, Sr. (.269/.337/.323, 3 2B, 1 3B, 13 R, 15 RBI, 5 SB)
Rightfield: John Busco, Sr. (.278/.383/.405, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 R, 19 RBI, 2 SB)
DH: Dimitri Maugeri, Jr.; Adrian Bilotti, So.
Other Hitters
Cailen Cimorelli, So., SS
Colin Johnson, Jr., 3B
Evan Bailey, Fr., 2B
Henry Rezai, So. (.321/.476/.358, 3 2B, 28 R, 15 RBI, 2 SB) – Injured; out for season
Pitching Staff
Nick Lovacco, Sr., RHP (3-3, 32 IP, 38 H, 9 BB, 33 SO, 2.84 ERA)
Connor Bragg, Jr., RHP (2.1 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, 7 BB, 4 SO)
Rocco Padula, Jr., RHP (1-1, 1 Save, 11 IP, 15 H, 16 BB, 9 SO, 9.54 ERA)
T.J. Manning, Sr., RHP (1-1, 11.2 IP, 18 H, 11BB, 7 SO, 7.80 ERA)
Mike Santise, Sr., LHP (3-0, 10.1 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 9 SO, 3.39 ERA)
Connor Burns, Jr., RHP
Cailen Cimorelli, So., RHP (7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 1 K)
Aiden Brescia, So., LHP (2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO)
Colton Cherry, So., RHP
Evan Bailey, Fr., RHP
College Commitments
Ryder Simpson – Southern New Hampshire University
Tyler Levine – Centenary College
John Busco – Penn State University-Abington
6. Southern
Head Coach: Ed Truitt, fourth season
2024 Record: 21-6 (13-1, first in Class A South)
Key Losses: Brady Lesiak (RHP/3B), Roger Dreher (RHP), Gabe Tomei (C), Ray Mulhern (CF), Brian Harper (SS), Logan Zeitler (OF), Jack Cahill (RHP), Matt Desiderio (1B/LHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2024 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Anthony Tedesco, Sr.
First Base: Trevor Kerlin, Sr.; Hunter Kreybig, Sr.
Second Base: Frankie Himmelreich, Sr.; Ryan Dietrich, Jr.
Shortstop: Mike Kaczynski, Sr. (.302/.388/.314, 1 2B, 22 R, 14 RBI, 5 SB)
Third Base: Tyler McLeod, Sr. (.288/.398/.364, 5 2B, 12 R, 10 RBI, 2 SB)
Leftfield: Talon Plenge, Sr.
Centerfield: Aiden Miller, Sr. (.179/.298/.231, 1 3B, 9 R, 3 RBI, 2 SB)
Rightfield: Joe Rossi, Sr.
DH: Pat Davis, Jr.; Dave Van Orden, Sr.
Other Hitters
Harrison Grose, Jr., OF
Nolan Nitahard, Jr., OF
Pitching Staff
Tyler McLeod, Sr., RHP (3-2, 1 Save, 40.2 IP, 37 H, 16 BB, 44 SO, 2.07 ERA)
Aiden Miller, Sr., RHP
Mike Kaczynski, Sr., RHP
Trevor Kerlin, Sr., RHP
Pat Davis, Jr., RHP
Ryan Dietrich, Jr., RHP
Division Lineup
Tyler Huzzy, Catcher, Jackson Memorial
Ryder Simpson, Catcher, Donovan Catholic
Frank Soos, 1B/C, St. Rose
Jackson Osmond, Shortstop, Jackson Memorial
Matt Ferrara, Shortstop, Toms River East
Joey DiMeo, Third Base, Toms River East
Mike Vaccarino, 2B/OF, Toms River East
Jimi Popp, Centerfield, Brick Memorial
Tyler Levine, Centerfield, Donovan Catholic
Gavin Toth, C/UTIL, Toms River East
Division Rotation
Christian Suarez, LHP, Wall
John Catanio, RHP, Wall
Tyler McLeod, RHP, Southern
Zack Pirnik, LHP, Brick Memorial
Dan Nafziger, RHP, Toms River East
Nick Lovacco, RHP, Donovan Catholic
Matt Colaneri, LHP, Jackson Memorial
