2026 Shore Conference Baseball Preview: Class D North
Last year’s battle royale in the Coastal Division – now known as Class D North – ended with Keansburg winning its first division since 1997. With the addition of Neptune to the division this year, the division can once again go in any number of directions and just as Keansburg won the division with solid pitching and execution in close games, this year’s winner will need to do the same.
In predicted order of finish
1. Henry Hudson
After tying Long Branch for second in the division a year ago, Henry Hudson comes back this season with all but one starter back and while that starter – pitching ace and shortstop Teddy Fariello – was an impactful one, the Admirals bring back every other spot in the order with enough arms to navigate the division. David Ortore and Jack Burton are back after big offensive seasons and Burton will also head the pitching staff, with shortstop Jeter Woods, Ortore and left-hander Zach Margolick also coming back with experience on the rubber.
Woods and Ortore return to the left side of the infield, with Burton set to play first, senior Erick Rodriguez plugging into whatever spot is occupied by the day’s pitcher, and freshman Isaiah Locklear filling the open spot at second base. Margolick leads the outfield in center, with fellow seniors Nate Boms and Jack Dail on either side. The Admirals will also be strong at catcher thanks to the return of Marshall Colangelo – the lone returning starting catcher in the division. If there is one separator for Henry Hudson, it is experience at catcher. In this division, every little detail could be the difference.
Henry Hudson at a Glance
Head Coach: Mike Herrmann, fifth season
2025 Record: 8-8 (6-4, tied second in Coastal)
Key Losses: Teddy Fariello (SS/RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Marshall Colangelo, Jr. (.267/.340/.311, 2 2B, 10 R, 6 RBI, 10 SB)
First Base: Jack Burton, Jr. (.421/.551/.500, 3 2B, 13, R, 12 RBI, 12 SB); David Ortore, Sr.
Second Base: Isaiah Locklear, Fr.
Shortstop: Jeter Woods, Sr (.279/.392/.279, 11 R, 3 RBI, 11 SB).; Erick Rodriguez, Sr.
Third Base: David Ortore, Sr. (.444/.508/.796, 5 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 21 R, 19 RBI, 10 SB); Erick Rodriguez, Sr.
Leftfield: Nate Boms, Sr. (.277/.358/.340, 3 2B, 13 R, 14 RBI, 9 SB)
Centerfield: Zach Margolick, Sr. (.238/.418/.238, 7 R, 6 RBI, 4 SB)
Rightfield: Jack Dail, Sr. (.278/.350/.305, 2B, 8 R, 7 RBI, 8 SB)
DH: Erick Rodriguez, Sr. (.158/.304/.184, 2B, 5 R, 8 RBI, 3 SB)
Other Hitters
Charlie LaRue, Fr., C
Liam Mytnick, So., 2B
Neil Burton, Fr., 3B
Pitching Staff
Jack Burton, Jr., LHP (1-3, 23 IP, 16 H, 20 BB, 38 SO, 4.26 ERA)
Jeter Woods, Sr., RHP (7.2 IP, 10 H, 5 BB, 11 SO, 0.91 ERA)
David Ortore, Sr., RHP (0-1, 18 IP, 16 H, 17 BB, 19 SO, 5.44 ERA)
Zach Margolick, Sr., LHP (3-1, 18 IP, 19 H, 12 BB, 20 SO, 1.94 ERA)
Marshall Colangelo, Sr., RHP
Isaiah Locklear, Fr., RHP
Neil Burton, Fr., RHP
2. Keyport
Only Asbury Park finished behind Keyport in last year’s Coastal standings, but the Red Raiders have reason to believe they can climb from the bottom half of the standings all the way to the top. Not only does Keyport return starters at every position except catcher, but the Red Raiders also get right-hander Paxton Douglass back in the pitching rotation after he was unable to go last season following an impressive debut as a sophomore in 2024. Douglass’s return to the staff will take the pressure of 2025 ace Jacob Pinto, who earned a decision in 10 of Keyport’s 15 games.
Ryan Byrne, Danny Metrick and Tristan Knoblauch round out an experienced rotation and like the other pitchers throughout this decision, all three will have important jobs when they are not pitching. Byrne is slated to play shortstop, Metrick will man third base and Knoblauch will patrol centerfield. Byrne and Knoblauch were the top two hitters on last year’s team and will be supported by Pinto at second base, Douglass at DH, Casey McCarthy at first base and Justin Vissaggio in left field. Evin Johnson moves from catcher to rightfield to make way for freshman catcher Brian Cabreja to complete a lineup that Keyport hopes can leapfrog the rest of the field and claim a division crown.
Keyport at a Glance
Head Coach: Kyle Keelen, 14th season
2025 Record: 6-9 (4-6, fifth in Coastal)
Key Losses: Derek Ferm (RF)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Brian Cabreja, Fr.
First Base: Casey McCarthy, Sr. (.310/.388/.341, 2B, 9 R, 5 RBI, 7 SB)
Second Base: Jacob Pinto, Sr. (.373/.458/.510, 3 2B, 2 3B, 19 R, 7 RBI, 17 SB)
Shortstop: Ryan Byrne, Sr. (.391/.462/.609, 3 2B, 3B, 10 R, 11 RBI, 12 SB)
Third Base: Danny Metrick, Sr. (.211/.418/.263, 3B, 12 R, 12 RBI, 18 SB)
Leftfield: Justin Visaggio, Sr. (.302/.348/.349, 2 2B, 15 R, 10 RBI, 8 SB)
Centerfield: Tristan Knoblauch, Sr. (.400/.545/.600, 4 2B, 2 3B, 15 R, 21 RBI, 24 SB)
Rightfield: Evin Johnson, Sr. (.318/.388/.341, 2B, 2 R, 6 RBI)
DH: Paxton Douglass Jr., 2B/3B (.359/.457/.410, 2 2B, 10 R, 8 RBI, 10 SB)
Other Hitters
Sean Connallon, So., OF
Robert Greenberg, So., 2B
Jack Badami-Menges, Fr., UTIL
Alexavier Britto, Fr., UTIL
Aedan Nagy, So., OF
Darius Finley, So., 1B
Matt Halvorsen, So., UTIL
Connor McTernan, So., OF
Gabriel Carbone, Jr., OF
Pitching Staff
Paxton Douglass, Jr., RHP (2024 Stats: 4-2, 28.2 IP, 26 H, 15 BB, 33 SO, 4.39 ERA)
Jacob Pinto, Sr., RHP (3-7, 32.1 IP, 42 H, 19 BB, 35 SO, 5.41 ERA)
Ryan Byrne, Sr., RHP (1-2, 10.2 IP, 19 H, 20 BB, 20 SO, 5.25 ERA)
Danny Metrick, Sr., RHP (18.2 IP, 9 H, 18 BB, 18 SO, 7.87 ERA)
Tristan Knoblauch, Sr., RHP (18.1 IP, 13 H, 28 BB, 30 SO, 4.58 ERA)
3. Keansburg
In a division that looked like Long Branch’s to lose as a Group IV school playing among mostly Group I program, Keansburg stepped up and not only won the division, but did so in a runaway. The Titans finished three games ahead of both Long Branch and Henry Hudson thanks to the pitching of Mikey Clayton and James Valle, one of whom returns this season. Clayton heads into his junior year as one of the division’s most accomplished all-around players after being voted the Coastal Player of the Year in 2025 and he will need to be at his best for a Titans team that must overcome some graduation losses in order to repeat.
Senior shortstop Michael Burke will share the left side of the infield with Clayton in Keansburg’s most optimal lineup, but Burke will also back up Clayton in the pitching rotation, which means one or the other will be on the mound most of the time. Second baseman Bryan Gilliland takes over a full-time starter job and will push into the rotation, while first baseman Shawn Retta will provide protection for Clayton in the lineup as the team’s top hitter at .406 in 2025.
The starting outfield is completely new for 2026, led by seniors Riley Hutchins and Gavin Flanzbaum on the corners and sophomore Gio Fontan – another key cog in the pitching rotation – in centerfield. Senior Andrew Henn rounds out the group of new starters at catcher and those new players will have to be dependable for Keansburg to repeat. The good news is they will be playing a supporting role around the reigning Player of the Year in the division.
Keansburg at a Glance
Head Coach: Uriel Morfin, fifth season
2025 Record: 9-4 (9-1, first in Coastal)
Key Losses: James Valle (OF/RHP), Manny Ramirez (C), Rynell Hundley (OF), Kevin Perez (3B/OF)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Andrew Henn, Sr.
First Base: Shawn Retta, Sr. (.406/.574/.469, 3B, 16 R, 12 RBI, 27 SB)
Second Base: Bryan Gilliland, Sr.; Jaidan Arenas, Sr.
Shortstop: Michael Burke, Sr. (.262/.407/.301, 2 2B, 16 R, 10 RBI, 20 SB); Mikey Clayton, Jr.
Third Base: Mikey Clayton, Jr. (.375/.471/.625, 3 2B, 2 3B, HR, 15 R, 18 RBI, 17 SB); Bryan Gilliland, Sr.
Leftfield: Gavin Flanzbaum, Sr.
Centerfield: Gio Fontan, So.
Rightfield: Riley Hutchins, Sr.; Brody Chupkavich, Fr.
Pitching Staff
Mikey Clayton, Jr., RHP (5-3, 43.1 IP, 56 H, 29 BB, 65 SO, 4.68 ERA)
Michael Burke, Sr., RHP (1-0, 6.1 IP, 7 H, 7 BB, 10 SO, 3.32 ERA)
Gio Fontan, So., LHP (4 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, SO)
Bryan Gilliland, Sr., RHP
4. Lakewood
The Piners benefitted from the wide-open division last season, climbing to .500 in division play and to one game under overall in the first season under head coach John Bernaski. They also benefitted from the hitting of Cris Rosario and Abel Martinez, two of the division’s best producers in 2025. Both hit comfortably above .500 – Martinez better than .600 as a freshman – and the two standouts will also lead the pitching staff as the Nos. 1 and 2 starters.
A Kean University commit, Rosario slugged better than .800 last year and will play at one of the infield corners. Martinez will handle shortstop when he is not on the mound, with classmate Avani Crudup flanking him at second base. Senior Fernando Gomez and junior Santiago Carvajal are back in the outfield, with Brailyn Checo filling in the open outfield spot, freshman Cam Galarza playing first, and sophomore Central Regional transfer Carlito Anderson stepping in at catcher.
Anderson will also complement Rosario and Martinez in the pitching rotation, with the Piners hoping that trio can cover most of the season’s innings and that Gomez can handle the catching duties when Anderson pitches. The supporting cast will be key, because if Rosario and Martinez get help, Lakewood has enough to return to the top of Class D South. It’s not the level of Lakewood’s baseball golden years, but it would make for exciting times for the Piners.
Lakewood at a Glance
Head Coach: John Bernaski, second season
2025 Record: 7-8 (5-5, fourth in Coastal)
Key Losses: Leandro Garista (RHP/INF), Jhonny Gonzalez (RHP/INF), Alejandro Cornejal (OF), Isaiah Shade (Jr., 1B/RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Carlito Anderson, So. (transfer from Central); Fernando Gomez, Sr.
First Base: Cam Galarza, Fr.
Second Base: Avani Crudup, So. (.184/.367/.184, 5 R, 8 RBI, 4 SB)
Shortstop: Abel Martinez, So. (.619/.719/.786, 5 2B, 3B, 25 R, 10 RBI, 19 SB); Carlito Anderson, So.
Third Base: Cris Rosario, Sr. (.543/.628/.829, 7 2B, HR, 15 R, 21 RBI, 7 SB); Chris Herrera, Sr. (.156/.289/.187, 2B, 7 R, 3 RBI, 5 SB)
Leftfield: Santiago Carvajal, Jr. (.186/.352/.186, 10 R, 6 RBI, 9 SB)
Centerfield: Fernando Gomez, Sr. (.028/.305/.028, 11 R, 3 RBI, 7 SB)
Rightfield: Brailyn Checo
Other Hitters
Alexis Pena, Fr.
Josephet Ortiz, Fr.
Pitching Staff
Cris Rosario, Sr., RHP (3-4, 26.2 IP, 14 H, 31 BB, 57 SO, 5.25 ERA)
Abel Martinez, So., RHP (2-3, 32.1 IP, 28 H, 26 BB, 60 SO, 3.90 ERA)
Carlito Anderson, So., RHP
College Commitments
Cris Rosario – Kean University
5. Long Branch
An experienced roster combined with the exit of both Point Pleasant Beach and St. Rose from the division opened the door for Long Branch to make a bid for a division championship. The Green Wave got closer, but are still searching heading into this season and look to senior Kellen Campbell to lead the team to the finish line this season. Campbell is a Fairleigh Dickinson commit who can shut down a lineup on the mound and change the game with one swing at the plate, which puts him in the category of Keansburg’s Clayton and the Lakewood duo.
Alex Lucas and Justin Cuevas also return as two-way players and both should be primed for better seasons on the mound after their ERA’s were inflated from pitching outside the division. Gary Ribiero is another two-way starter who will play both leftfield and third base.
Juniors Max Glantzberg and Cameron Abel will play up the middle on the infield, with Glantzberg returning to shortstop. Junior Jason DeNoia takes over at catcher, classmate Qua’Dir Brown is back in rightfield and sophomore Kendrick Baez-Oliveras slots in at centerfield for the Green Wave – team hoping to bounce back from 2025 disappointment behind a capable core of returning leaders on the field.
Long Branch at a Glance
Head Coach: Ben Woolley, seventh season
2025 Record: 7-13 (6-4, tied second in Coastal)
Key Losses: Carlos Torres (RHP/1B/3B), Noah Hoogmoed (3B/RHP), Havier Gonzalez (OF), Jaylen Brooks (2B), Korey Castillo (OF), David Jules (Jr., SS; transferred to Ocean)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Jason DeNoia, Jr.
First Base: Kellen Campbell, Sr. (.559/.667/.941, 5 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 7 R, 15 RBI, 8 SB)
Second Base: Cameron Abel, Jr.
Shortstop: Max Glantzberg, Jr. (.281/.410/.312, 2B, 6 R, 5 RBI, 4 SB); Justin Cuevas, Sr.
Third Base: Alex Lucas, So. (.294/.385/.441, 3 2B, 3B, 4 R, 5 RBI, 8 SB); Gary Ribiero, Sr.
Leftfield: Gary Ribiero, Sr.
Centerfield: Kendrick Baez-Oliveras, So.
Rightfield: Qua’Dir Brown, Jr. (.292/.526/.417, 3 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI, 5 SB)
DH: Justin Cuevas, Sr. (.372/.491/.395, 2B, 6 R, 9 RBI, 6 SB)
Pitching Staff
Kellen Campbell, Sr. (1-2, 11 IP, 7 H, 19 BB, 22 SO, 7.00 ERA)
Alex Lucas, So. (1-2, 12.2 IP, 28 H, 13 BB, 8 SO, 14.37 ERA)
Justin Cuevas, Sr. (1-2, 14-1 IP, 33 H, 20 BB, 14 SO, 13.67 ERA)
Gary Ribiero, Sr., RHP
Ronald Daniels, So., RHP
Alexander Melgarejo, Fr., RHP
College Commitments
Kellen Campbell – Fairleigh Dickinson University
6. Neptune
Following a last-place finish in the Class C North division, Neptune makes its new home in Class D North, where the Scarlet Fliers hope to be competitive with a new head coach and a mostly new roster. Matt Jegou was promoted to head coach for this season and will direct a young team that is hoping the change in competition will lead to more wins.
Andrew Wardell and Joseph Rodriguez are the only seniors in the projected Scarlet Fliers lineup, with Wardell in his third season as a starter and Rodriguez ready for play a utility role. Wardell is also one of only two returning starters from last year, the other of which is shortstop Javier Gordon, who was played second base and centerfield last year. Fellow sophomore Julian Lemus also saw time last year and will take over in centerfield, but can also play shortstop behind Gordon and catcher behind junior starter Josh Roman.
Wardell, Gordon and Lemus will also lead the pitching staff, while a wave of new varsity players looks to make their mark. Steven Borges takes his spot at first base heading into his junior season, classmate Henry Davino will play rightfield and underclassmen Tyler Davidson, Ryan De Los Santos and freshmen Theodore Gunderson and Jack Killea will make an impact as the Scarlet Fliers push to make their impact in the division race.
Neptune at a Glance
Head Coach: Matt Jegou, first season
2025 Record: 4-14 (1-11, seventh in Class B North)
Key Losses: Jack Gamba-Ellis (C/RHP), Hunter Morgan (SS/RHP), Trevor Rummel (1B/RHP), Jordan Torres (2B), Nick Bailey (OF/C), Max Kifner (OF)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Josh Roman, Jr.; Javier Lemus, So.
First Base: Steven Borges, Jr. (2-8, R, RBI)
Second Base: Tyler Davidson, So.; Ryan De Los Santos, So.
Shortstop: Javier Gordon, So. (.191/.283/.191, 4 R, 6 RBI, 2 SB); Javier Lemus, So.
Third Base: Andrew Wardell, Sr. (.170/.245/.191, 2B, 3 R, 5 RBI); Joseph Rodriguez, Sr.; Theodore Gunderson, Fr.
Leftfield: Theodore Gunderson, Fr.; Joseph Rodriguez, Sr.
Centerfield: Javier Lemus, So. (2-18, R, 2 RBI)
Rightfield: Henry Davino, Jr.
Pitching Staff
Andrew Wardell, Sr., RHP (8 IP, 14 H, 11 BB, 3 SO, 8.75 ERA)
Javier Gordon, So., RHP (3.1 IP, 2 H, 4 ER, BB, SO)
Javier Lemus, So., RHP
Henry Davino, Jr., RHP
Tyler Davidson, So., RHP
Josh Roman, Jr., RHP
Joseph Rodriguez, Sr., RHP
Jack Killea, Fr., RHP
7. Asbury Park
As the lone team in last year’s Coastal Division to win fewer than four division games, Asbury Park is focused on closing the gap this season. With a new coach in Ryan Amorelli and freshmen projected to start at catcher and all three outfield spots, the Blue Bishops should be much better by the end of the season.
In the meantime, junior Israel Villegas-Diaz leads a trio of returning starters after hitting .350 as a sophomore. Cayne Castillo and Ever Villanueva are also back in the lineup – Castillo at second base and Villanueva at third – and all three will help on the mound as well. Carlos Rojas, Santiago Martinez and Ny’John Kirkpatrick are three seniors ready to contribute at the plate as well.
The Blue Bishops freshman contingent includes a pair of catchers in Sarabi Alls and Jaydin Handy, plus outfielders Axel Rivera, Amare Hailman, Antoni Gomez and Jahmir Stewart. Handy can also play the outfield, as Amorelli tries to figure out the best fit for his inexperienced lineup while leaning on the junior trio of Villegas-Diaz, Villanueva and Castillo to provide an early boost.
Asbury Park at a Glance
Head Coach: Ryan Amorelli, first season
2025 Record: 0-10 (0-10, sixth in Coastal)
Key Losses: Nestor Castillo Jr. (CF/P), Oscar Benevidez (C/RHP), Quamel Whitaker (SS/RHP), Nick Chathuant (INF/RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Sarabi Alls, Fr.; Jaydin Handy, Fr.
First Base: Carlos Rojas, Sr.
Second Base: Cayne Castillo, Jr.; Santiago Martinez, Sr.
Shortstop: Israel Villegas-Diaz, Jr. (.350/.500/.500, 3 2B, 2 BB, 5 RBI, SB); Cayne Castillo, Jr.
Third Base: Ever Villanueva, Jr. (.055/.320/.111, 2B, R, 3 RBI, SB)
Leftfield: Axel Rivera, Fr.; Ny’John Kirkpatrick, Sr.
Centerfield: Amare Hailman, Fr.; Ny’John Kirkpatrick, Sr.
Rightfield: Jaylin Handy, Fr.; Ny’John Kirkpatrick, Sr.
Other Hitters
Antoni Gomez, Fr., 1B/OF
Jahmir Stewart, Fr., OF
Alexis Santiago, Fr., UTIL
Pitching Staff
Israel Villegas-Diaz, Jr.
Cayne Castillo, Jr.
Ever Villanueva, Jr.
Antoni Gomez, Fr.
Carlos Rojas, Sr.
Division Lineup
Marshall Colangelo, Catcher, Henry Hudson
Shawn Retta, First Base, Keansburg
Abel Martinez, SS/RHP, Lakewood
Ryan Byrne, SS/RHP, Keyport
David Ortore, 3B/RHP, Henry Hudson
Cris Rosario, 3B/RHP, Lakewood
Andrew Wardell, 3B/RHP, Neptune
Tristan Knoblauch, CF, Keyport
Alex Lucas, 3B/RHP, Long Branch
Division Rotation
Mikey Clayton, RHP/3B, Keansburg
Kellen Campbell, LHP/1B, Long Branch
Jack Burton, LHP/1B, Henry Hudson
Jacob Pinto, RHP/2B, Keyport
Paxton Douglas, RHP/UTIL, Keyport
