2026 Shore Conference Baseball Preview: Class C North
In the era of annual re-alignment, teams that win a Shore Conference “C” division rarely have an opportunity to repeat as champion of the same division but in Class C North, one of last year’s co-champions will have a chance to run it back in 2026.
After sharing the C North championship with Raritan last year, Holmdel brings back a pair of Division I pitchers with a chance to overpower the Class C North field this spring. As always, beware the teams moving in from the A and B divisions, which describes both Marlboro, Shore Regional and Matawan. Marlboro, in particular, will be interesting after the Mustangs went 5-20 while playing both a brutal Class A North division schedule and an out-of-division schedule a year ago. Shore is a Group I team that has played up in Class B North and brings most of its team back.
The rest of the division is made up of 2025 holdovers hoping to climb the ranks, which they will have to do against a defending division champion that has the pitching required to run through the division.
In predicted order of finish
1. Holmdel
Starting a roster in either Class C North or Class C South with a Division I pitcher immediately makes a team a threat to win the division, so carrying two such pitchers into a season is a borderline cheat code. Last year, Dylan Zammit had already committed to NJIT and pitched to his Division I status by earning an All-Shore nod as a junior. Since then, classmate Jack Vallillo committed to Seton Hall and after both seniors helped lead Holmdel basketball to a top 10 finish in the winter, the two co-aces are hoping to do the same on the diamond.
The question for coach Chris Arecchi and his team will be how to deploy Zammit and Vallillo. Does Holmdel attempt to overwhelm division opponents by lining up its top two starters for as many division series as possible, or do the Hornets key in on the out-of-division games that may or may not carry more power points. The schedule does not force any tough calls as is, but with the Monmouth County Tournament and rainouts coming into play, it is almost inevitable. That means seniors Jason Dubleski, Lincoln Maikos and Dylan Carri will be key pitchers for Holmdel, sophomore Fred Viole and juniors Cooper Estok and Remy Chong also looking to help on the mound.
Scoring runs will be more of a question heading into the season with the graduation of two of the teams top hitters, catcher Matt Iuo and centerfielder Nick Rakoski. Vallillo will hep in that department as the team’s starting second baseman on his non-pitching days, with senior Raum Desai back at shortstop. Junior Kyle Silberman was another of Holmdel’s top hitters last year and he moves behind the plate to serve as a worthy replacement for Iulo. Junior returnee Ethan Barry slides to centerfield between new starters James Murphy and Massimo Sperduto, while Maikos and fellow senior Rob Mioduszewski also return to the lineup. Junior third baseman Dylan Sidhu is the lone projected starter without varsity at-bats, so Holmdel will attack with plenty of experience while making it hard for opponents to score runs.
Holmdel at a Glance
Head Coach: Chris Arecchi, ninth season
2025 Record: 14-9 (10-2, tied first in Class C North)
Key Losses: Matt Iulo (C), Nick Rakoski (CF), Cam Estok (3B), Tyler Reddy (OF), Logan Cardinoza (2B/3B)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Kyle Silberman, Jr. (.355/.403/.403, 2 2B, 3B, 14 R, 8 RBI, 4 SB)
First Base: Rob Mioduszewski, Sr. (.246/.302/.351, 2B, 3B, 7 R, 10 RBI)
Second Base: Jack Vallillo, Sr. (.297/.375/.438, 4 2B, 2 3B, 13 R, 10 RBI, 3 SB)
Shortstop: Raum Desai, Sr. (.211/.385/.239, 2 2B, 14 R, 17 RBI, 6 SB)
Third Base: Dylan Sidhu, Jr.
Leftfield: James Murphy, Sr. (2-for-15, 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI, SB)
Centerfield: Ethan Barry, Jr. (.309/.391/.382, 4 2B, 3B, 14 R, 7 RBI, 10 SB)
Rightfield: Massimo Sperduto, Sr. (2-for-7, 3 R, RBI)
DH: Lincoln Maikos, Sr., OF (3-for-11, 2B, 7 BB, 4 R, RBI, 2 SB)
Other Hitters
Remy Chong, Jr., INF
Anthony DeSarno, So., C
Fred Viole, So., INF
Pitching Staff
Dylan Zammit, Sr., RHP (4-2, 54 IP, 47 H, 20 BB, 79 SO, 1.68 ERA)
Jack Vallillo, Sr., RHP (2-3, 32.2 IP, 35 H, 9 BB, 57 SO, 3.64 ERA)
Jason Dubleski, Sr., RHP (1-1, 15.2 IP, 20 H, 12 BB, 16 SO, 4.02 ERA)
Lincoln Maikos, Sr., RHP (3-2, 24.1 IP, 28 H, 13 BB, 15 SO, 6.04 ERA)
Dylan Carri, Sr., RHP (5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, SO)
Remy Chong, Jr., RHP
Cooper Estok, Jr., RHP
Fred Viole, So., RHP
College Commitments
Dylan Zammit – New Jersey Institute of Technology
Jack Vallillo – Seton Hall University
Jason Dubleski – Rutgers University-Newark
2. Shore
After losing to Point Pleasant Beach in the 2024 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I championship game, Shore phased in a new group of mostly juniors that lacked experience and still managed to put up a winning record with a respectable 6-6 record in a deep Class B North division. Considering Shore is a Group I program that was playing against mostly Group II, III and IV teams, the 2025 season has to be considered a success, especially with almost all of that team back this season. Outside of a couple of corner outfield spots and a few bullpen innings, the Blue Devils remain intact and have the rare opportunity to win both a regular-season division championship, as well as the program’s first sectional title since 2015.
The Blue Devils are built around a trio of two-way players, including a pair of twins with complementary skill sets. Andrew Barham is a shortstop and right-handed pitcher, while Ryan Barham plays first base and throws and hits from the left side. Fellow senior Liam Hennelly is also an impact player on the infield, at the plate and on the mound, with Hennelly and Andrew Barham also carrying experience as starters on the 2024 team. Senior Trevor Doremus rounds out the starting infield at second base and sophomore Luca Delonardo and returning senior Braden Calandriello will help cover the three two-way infielders when one is on the mound. Senior centerfield Enzo Cagliostro is the lone returning starting outfielder, with Vinny Carasia and Luce Moccia set to take over in the corners.
Senior catcher Riley Smaltini is back to handle the pitching staff after delivering a breakout season at the plate during his junior year. He led the team with a .498 on-base percentage and was second to Barham in slugging percentage, giving the Blue Devils a trio of sluggers with Hennelly setting the table. Smaltini will work with an experienced staff that boasts four pitchers with at least 20 innings last season, with Ryan Barham tossing a team-high 41 1/3 and Moccia also contributing 23 2/3. With depth in the lineup and pitching staff, Shore is positioned to push Holmdel for the C North title and challenge annual Central Jersey Group I favorites Point Beach and Middlesex in late May and early June.
Shore at a Glance
Head Coach: Jay Kuhlthau, seventh season
2025 Record: 14-10 (6-6, tied fourth in Class B North)
Key Losses: Rory Burkhardt (OF/RHP), Josh Moeller (OF)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Riley Smaltini, Sr. (.328/.494/.541, 10 2B, HR, 11 R, 18 RBI)
First Base: Ryan Barham, Sr. (.312/.418/.455, 9 2B, 3B, 19 R, 14 RBI, 2 SB)
Second Base: Trevor Doremus, Sr. (.281/.403/.297, 2B, 10 R, 5 RBI, SB)
Shortstop: Andrew Barham, Sr. (.333/.465/.551, 5 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 22 R, 25 RBI, 7 SB)
Third Base: Liam Hennelly, Sr. (.361/.471/.431, 5 2B, 21 R, 13 RBI, 4 SB)
Leftfield: Vinny Carasia, Sr.
Centerfield: Enzo Cagliostro, Sr. (.161/.316/.161, 13 R, 12 RBI, 11 SB)
Rightfield: Luce Moccia, Sr.
DH: Braden Calandriello, Sr., INF (.271/.420/.271, 13 R, 9 RBI, SB)
Other Hitters
Luca Delonardo, So., 2B
Evan Marotta, Sr., OF
Jasias Colon, Sr., OF
John Henrie IV, Sr., OF
Mike Russomano, Sr., 1B
Oscar Smurro, Sr., OF
Pitching Staff
Ryan Barham, Sr., LHP (4-4, 41.1 IP, 41 H, 26 BB, 55 SO, 4.23 ERA)
Andrew Barham, Sr., RHP (2-2, 21.2 IP, 26 H, 30 BB, 21 SO, 6.14 ERA)
Liam Hennelly, Sr., RHP (2-1, 28.1 IP, 24 H, 21 BB, 28 SO, 2.97 ERA)
Luce Moccia, Sr., RHP (2-2, 23.2 IP, 18 H, 15 BB, 20 SO, 3.55 ERA)
Braden Calandriello, Sr., RHP
Trevor Doremus, Sr., RHP
Mike Russomano, Sr., RHP
Donovan Kane, Jr., RHP
Cole Warner, Jr., RHP
Luca Delonardo, So., RHP
Ethan Longo, So., RHP
Jesse Olea, So., RHP
Dery Martin, Fr., RHP
College Commitments
Ryan Barham – Kean University
Riley Smaltini – Moravian University
3. Marlboro
In a division that is home to Christian Brothers Academy, Red Bank Catholic and Ranney, there is bound to be some hardship for the public-school teams in that division and for Marlboro, that was all too true in 2025. The division also housed more experienced teams from Middletown South, Manalapan and Middletown North, so the Mustangs had to scratch and claw for everything in Class A North, which included a win over RBC late in the division schedule. Playing that unforgiving 2025 schedule can only help in 2026 against a much lighter division slate, although the Mustangs will have to deal with the graduations of a number of producers at the plate – namely all-division infielder Jack Rivlin.
On the mound, Marlboro remains stable, even with the graduations of Mason Alexander and Matt Cinquemane. Seniors Sujay Sesha and Alex Georges are back as third-year starters and the workhorses of the staff, with junior Mark Risi and seniors Chris Joy and Chris Loiacono both returning with substantial experience as well. Joy is a starting outfielder and was pressed into duty on the mound as a junior, so he may able to stay in the outfield this season, particularly if sophomore Ethan Mecchi can deliver key innings as one of the other left-handers in the rotation.
Joy and junior Ethan Huang are the only returning starters in the lineup, with Huang et to make the move to shortstop. Mecchi will figure in at first base, while fellow sophomores Sean Kelly and Julian Ench push into the lineup at catcher and third base, respectively. Seniors Anthony Palmieri and Ryan Luchi are set to get looks in the infield, while juniors Chris Scaff and Jacob Dorman are in line for at-bats in the outfield along with sophomore James Ferraro. Putting runs on the board for this unproven lineup will be an x-factor for Marlboro, which has the pitching to contend for the division title if the bats round into form.
Marlboro at a Glance
Head Coach: Angel Navarette, third season
2025 Record: 5-20 (2-10, seventh in Class A North)
Key Losses: Jack Rivlin (INF), Gavin McCarthy (C), Brayden Bradley (OF), Nick Diadema (OF), Joe Kelly (OF), Mason Alexander (RHP), Matt Cinquemane (RHP), Alex Schwam (RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Sean Kelly, So.
First Base: Ethan Mecchi, So.
Second Base: Anthony Palmieri, Sr.
Shortstop: Ethan Huang, Jr. (.270/.400/.297, 2 2B, 10 R, 7 RBI, 4 SB)
Third Base: Julian Ench, So.
Leftfield: Jacob Dorman, Jr.; James Ferraro, So.
Centerfield: Chris Scaff, Jr. (2-for-19, 4 R, 2 SB)
Rightfield: Chris Joy, Sr. (.234/.359/.312, 3 2B, HR, 17 R, 10 RBI, 3 SB)
DH: Ryan Luchi, Sr., 2B/3B (.355/.417/.387, 2B, 4 R, 4 RBI, 2 SB)
Other Hitters
Chase Sussman, Sr., C
Pitching Staff
Sujay Sesha, Sr., RHP (2-6, 30.1 IP, 44 H, 21 BB, 15 SO, 5.77 ERA)
Alex Georges, Sr., RHP (1-3, 35 IP, 33 H, 19 BB, 23 SO, 3.20 ERA)
Mark Risi, Jr., RHP (0-2, 16 IP, 18 H, 14 BB, 19 SO, 4.38 ERA)
Chris Joy, Sr., LHP (1-4, 24 IP, 18 H, 24 BB, 28 SO, 5.25 ERA)
Chris Loiacono, Sr., RHP (1-1, 8.2 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 4 SO, 4.38 ERA)
Ethan Mecchi, So., LHP
Kaydn Salfarlie, So., RHP
Scott Bickford, Sr., LHP
College Commitments
Chris Joy – The College of New Jersey
Sujay Sesha – Rutgers University-Newark
4. St. John Vianney
In Bob Klatt’s first season as its head baseball coach, St. John Vianney slotted right behind Raritan and Holmdel in the division standings and was not far off from having a much more memorable 2025 season. Seven of SJV’s 10 losses were by margins of three runs or fewer and four of its last five losses were by one run, including a season-ending, 2-1, loss to Paul VI in the NJSIAA Tournament and one-run losses to brand-name programs in Middletown South and Cranford. The Lancers also scored a win each over Holmdel and Raritan, so the goal in 2026 will be to play their best baseball more often to help finish off some of those close games.
The SJV infield is loaded with returning players, led by senior Tyler Shpiro and junior Wyatt Lewis, both of whom can catch. Shpiro is slated to put on the tools while Lewis plays third base alongside junior shortstop Mike Capaldo. SJV will balance its junior left side with a pair of seniors on the right: first baseman C.J. Simone and second baseman J.J. McGonigle. Junior Anthony Bavaro returns in leftfield, while seniors C.J. Pizzirusso, Jalen Rodriquez and David Lauria hold the inside track to starting at the open spots.
Senior Thomas Dunn headlines the SJV pitching staff after he was second on the team in innings as one of four Lancers pitchers with at least 15 innings and an ERA under 3.00. Junior Matt Baczor was another one of those pitchers and he will back up Dunn at the top of SJV’s 2026 rotation. Dylan Blackman, Nico Leal and Shane Pritchard are aiming to make an impact on the mound as seniors, while left-hander Tyler McDougall is the most experienced of three juniors hoping to do the same.
St. John Vianney at a Glance
Head Coach: Bob Klatt, second season
2025 Record: 11-10 (7-5, third in Class C North)
Key Losses: Mike McCormack (1B), J.T. Mohlmann (CF), Nick Mirto (2B/RHP), Elijah Calderone (RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Tyler Shpiro, Sr. (.339/.487/.475, 2 2B, 2 HR, 13 R, 13 RBI, 2 SB)
First Base: C.J. Simone, Sr. (.375/.487/.438, 2 2B, 5 R, 4 RBI)
Second Base: J.J. McGonigle, Sr. (.232/.371/.304, 4 2B, 11 R, 8 RBI, SB)
Shortstop: Mike Capaldo, Jr. (.196/.413/.239, 2 2B, 14 R, 8 RBI, 8 SB)
Third Base: Wyatt Lewis, Jr. (.269/.350/.346, 2 2B, 3B, 3 R, 7 RBI, 2 SB)
Leftfield: Anthony Bavaro, Jr. (.227/.514/.318, 2 2B, 9 R, 8 RBI, 3 SB)
Centerfield: C.J. Pizzirusso, Sr.
Rightfield: Jalen Rodriquez, Sr.
DH: David Lauria, Sr.
Other Hitters
Nick Vitiello, Jr., 2B/SS
Matt Baczor, Jr., OF
Tyler McDougall, Jr., OF
Luke Jaafar-Bodnar, Sr., OF
Joe Weber, Jr., 3B
Dan Lavan, Jr., 3B
Pitching Staff
Thomas Dunn, Sr., RHP (3-1, 25.1 IP, 31 H, 5 BB, 20 SO, 2.21 ERA)
Matt Baczor, Sr., RHP (2-2, 15 IP, 13 H, 6 BB, 16 SO, 2.33 ERA)
Dylan Blackman, Sr., LHP
Nico Leal, Sr., RHP
Shane Pritchard, Sr., RHP
Dan Lavan, Jr., RHP
Joe Weber, Jr., RHP
David Lauria, Sr., LHP
Tyler McDougall, Jr., LHP (1-1, 14.2 IP, 15 H, 15 BB, 17 SO, 4.77 ERA)
College Commitments
Thomas Dunn – High Point University
Jalen Rodriguez – Dean College
5. Red Bank
Last year’s Red Bank squad was a standout senior (Will Marziarz) surrounded by a young group of promising underclassmen that was still at least year away from being prepared to win big at the varsity level. Now, the roster is more balanced and the Bucs will be looking to move up the C North pecking order while still holding out hope that there is an All-Shore performance or two among the ranks.
With the junior core set to come into its own, the Bucs will still be leaning on a couple of seniors to lead both the offense and pitching staff. First baseman Matt Duss is the top returning hitter on the team after flirting with .400 and clubbing nine extra-base hits as a junior. On the mound, right-hander Sean Keatts was a hard-luck 1-5, but ran an impressive 40-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 37 1/3 innings. Graham Reppert, Jack Monahan and Jason Huss will also be key seniors for coach Nick Tucker, with Reppert also going two ways, Monahan tracking as the starting catcher and Huss lining up to pitch important innings. Rhys Dolan and Vin Neisz are also seniors to watch in the Bucs lineup.
Jack Forsyth and Casey Lillis lead a deep junior group, with Forsyth returning to centerfield after hitting .351 as a sophomore and Lillis breaking in as a second baseman and pitcher who worked 19 1/3 innings. Joe Henry also returns at shortstop, Jake Senkelski moves into the open spot in rightfield and Brett Laude is bidding for innings and at-bats at catcher. On the mound, Julian Schwarz is the other junior set to log consequential innings, with sophomore Brendan Albanese also in play for a Bucs team that has a chance to challenge for the top spot in the division if the junior class pops.
Red Bank at a Glance
Head Coach: Nick Tucker, 12th season
2025 Record: 7-16 (4-8, tied fifth in Class C North)
Key Losses: Will Marziarz (RHP/OF), Nick Walker (C), Gavin Smith (INF), Jake Pouso (OF)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Jack Monahan, Sr.; Brett Laude, Jr.
First Base: Matt Huss, Sr. (.384/.489/.548, 6 2B, 3 3B, 15 R, 17 RBI, 5 SB)
Second Base: Casey Lillis, Jr. (.250/.419/.250, 7 R, 2 RBI, SB)
Shortstop: Joe Henry, Jr. (.273/.406/.327, 3 2B, 14, R, 8 RBI, 3 SB)
Third Base: Graham Reppert, Sr. (.185/.290/.185, 5 R, 5 RBI, SB); Chris Doody, Jr.
Leftfield: Rhys Dolan, Sr.
Centerfield: Jack Forsyth, Jr. (.351/.424/.392, 3 2B, 19 R, 10 RBI, 6 SB)
Rightfield: Jake Senkeleski, Jr.
DH: Chris Doody, Jr. (.212/.311/.231, 2B, 6 R, 11 RBI); Graham Reppert, Sr.
Other Hitters
Vinny Neisz, Sr., 2B (2-for-18, 4 R, 3 RBI)
Jason Huss, Sr., OF
Nick Blahut, Jr., 1B
Brennan Albanese, So., OF
Pitching Staff
Sean Keatts, Sr., RHP (1-5, 37.1 IP, 40 H, 8 BB, 40 SO, 3.00 ERA)
Casey Lillis, Jr., RHP (0-1, 19.1 IP, 21 H, 15 BB, 17 SO, 3.98 ERA)
Julian Schwarz, Jr., RHP (4.1 IP, 9 H, 10 ER, 5 BB, 4 SO)
Brennan Albanese, So., LHP
Jason Huss, Sr., LHP (2-1, 17.1 IP, 13 H, 16 BB, 15 SO, 4.44 ERA)
Matt Huss, Sr., LHP (2 IP, H, ER, 3 BB, SO)
Jack Monahan, Sr., RHP (3.1 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, SO)
Graham Reppert, Sr., RHP (4.1 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, BB, 2 SO)
Jack Forsyth, Jr., LHP
Joe Henry, Jr., RHP
Sawyer Sanborn, Jr., RHP
6. Matawan
The graduation of seven starters from its lineup and all but one of its top pitchers left Matawan in a challenging situation last season, when the Huskies were slotted into a challenging Class B North division as a result of their 2024 success, even though most of the 2024 team was gone. That gave a number of new starters a chance to taste high-level varsity baseball and while the win-loss results were not ideal, Matawan returns with a roster that has been through plenty of battles and will be facing a more manageable schedule this spring.
This year’s roster is junior-heavy, led by returning infielders Mark Fanelli, Liam Corbett and A.J. Aversano. Fanelli will be the team’s third baseman and top pitcher, Aversano returns to shortstop, while Corbett moves from catcher to second base with fellow junior and St. Thomas Aquinas transfer Liam Buchan set to catch. Tyler Baptiste joins the junior core at the varsity level as a starting outfielder alongside senior centerfielder Lorenzo Michaud – the lone returning senior in the starting lineup.
Nick Bucco and Vinny Bucco are two more seniors poised to contribute to the offense, with freshmen Brendan Corbett, A.J. Deo and Ryan Lasko looking to make an immediate impact. Sophomores Bryce Smith and George Alcoran will back up Fanelli and Liam Corbett on the mound, which is where the Huskies have their most pressing questions. If the pitching can hold its own, Matawan has enough position-player upside to compete with the other Class C North contenders.
Matawan at a Glance
Head Coach: Bobby Carnovsky, 13th season
2025 Record: 4-16 (2-10, seventh in Class B North)
Key Losses: Bryan McCartin (OF), Colin McGeehan (CF/RHP), Shawn Lalevee (3B/RHP), Jayce Thoroughman (RHP/OF), Bobby Gallo (DH), Scott Germaine (RHP), Sam Morris (RHP)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Liam Buchan, Jr. (transfer from St. Thomas Aquinas)
First Base: Nick Bucco, Sr. (1-10, 3 R); Mark Fanelli, Jr.
Second Base: Liam Corbett, Jr. (.367/.441/.433, 4 2B, 5 R, 10 RBI, SB); A.J. Deo, Fr.
Shortstop: A.J. Aversano, Jr. (.161/.235/.194, 2B, 3 R, RBI, SB)
Third Base: Mark Fanelli, Jr. (.298/.379/.404, 4 2B, 3B, 7 R, 11 RBI, 3 SB); George Alcoran, So.
Leftfield: Tyler Baptiste, Jr.
Centerfield: Lorenzo Michaud, Sr. (.256/.407/.302, 3B, 7 R, 4 RBI, 3 SB); Ryan Lasko, Fr.
Rightfield: Vinny Bucco, Sr. (1-14, 2 R)
DH: Brendan Corbett (Fr., C)
Other Hitters
Alex Vaticano, Sr., OF
Ryan Amtzis, Sr., OF
Pitching Staff
Liam Corbett, Jr., RHP (3 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 6 BB, SO)
Mark Fanelli, Jr., RHP (12 IP, 9 H, 11 BB, 9 SO, 4.08 ERA)
Bryce Smith, So., RHP
George Alcoran, So., RHP
Alex Vaticano, Sr., LHP
A.J. Deo, Fr., RHP
Brendan Corbett, Fr., RHP
Lorenzo Michaud, Sr., RHP
7. Freehold Boro
Since a two-win season in 2021, Freehold Boro has steadily improved its record, leading up to last year’s nine-win campaign in Andrew LaMura’s first full season as head coach. The trajectory remains upward, although the loss of returning ace Aamir Haniff to injury will make climbing the standings even more difficult for the Colonials considering the other teams in the division bring back talent as well.
With Haniff out, Nick Lynch, Erol Bayrasli and junior Anthony Virzi will be tasked with covering that missing production on the mound. All three pitchers delivered at least 14 innings last season, with the Felecian commit Lynch the most effective of the trio in his 25 1/3 innings. They will be pitching to another Felecian commit in Tyler Kuncken, who was the team’s top hitter in 2025 and is also likely to get some innings on the mound as the Colonials look to pull together another solid season on the rubber.
Beyond Kuncken, the lineup will be inexperienced, with Lynch in centerfield and Bayrasli at third as the only returning starters. Seniors Jason Preiser at first and Madden Brudder in leftfield will get their chance to play, while shortstop Jackson Germadnig and second baseman Aiden Haniff form a freshman double-play combination. Virzi and fellow junior Thomas Montagna will also figure into the lineup, while freshman Matt Martin and Salvatore Lombardi and Thomas Barone all add to the youth of the varsity roster. Overcoming the loss of Haniff might be too much to overcome but if the three seniors can all pull their weight at the top of the rotation and the offense can follow Kuncken’s lead, the Colonials can continue to build on the progress they made last season while also laying the groundwork for a promising future.
Freehold Boro at a Glance
Head Coach: Andrew LaMura, second season
2025 Record: 9-13 (4-8, tied fifth in Class C North)
Key Losses: Nick Russo (CF), Noah Ochojski (OF/RHP), Cole Hurley (1B/RHP), Xander Bartuck (SS)
Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)
Returning Starters in Bold
Catcher: Tyler Kuncken, Sr. (.317/.421/.365, 3 2B, 10 R, 14 RBI)
First Base: Jason Preiser, Sr.
Second Base: Aiden Haniff, Fr.
Shortstop: Jackson Germadnig, Fr.
Third Base: Erol Bayrasli, Sr. (.161/.350/.194, 2B, R, RBI, SB)
Leftfield: Madden Brudder, Sr.
Centerfield: Nick Lynch, Sr. (.157/.218/.157, 5 R, 6 RBI, 12 SB); Thomas Montagna, Jr.
Rightfield: Thomas Montagna, Jr.; Matt Martin, Fr.
DH: Anthony Virzi, Jr.
Other Hitters
Salvatore Lombardi, Fr., C/1B
Thomas Barone, Fr., INF
Mike Tracey, Jr., OF
Matt Delgado, Jr., UTIL
Pitching Staff
Nick Lynch, Sr., RHP (2-2, 25.1 IP, 27 H, 15 BB, 22 SO, 3.59 ERA)
Anthony Virzi, Jr., RHP (1-3, 14.2 IP, 16 H, 10 BB, 7 SO, 6.20 ERA)
Erol Bayrasli, Sr., RHP (0-2, 19.1 IP, 18 H, 17 BB, 10 SO, 4.71 ERA)
Tyler Kuncken, Sr., RHP
Matt Martin, Fr., RHP
Aamir Haniff, Sr., RHP (3-1, 27.2 IP, 23 H, 21 BB, 32 SO, 2.28 ERA) – Injured
College Commitments
Tyler Knucken – Felician University
Nick Lynch – Felician University
Division Lineup
Riley Smaltini, Catcher, Shore
Matt Huss, 1B, Red Bank
Andrew Barham, SS/RHP, Shore
Liam Hennelly, 3B/RHP, Shore
Mark Fanelli, 3B/RHP, Matawan
Jack Forsyth, CF, Red Bank
Chris Joy, CF/LHP, Marlboro
Tyler Shpiro, Catcher/UTIL, St. John Vianney
Ryan Barham, 1B/LHP, Shore
Division Rotation
Dylan Zammit, RHP, Holmdel*
Jack Vallillo, RHP, Holmdel
Alex Georges, RHP, Marlboro
Sean Keatts, RHP, Red Bank
Sujay Sesha, RHP, Marlboro
*-All-Shore in 2025 (2nd or 3rd Team)
