2026 Shore Conference Baseball Preview: Class B South

In the Shore Conference realignment for 2026, Class B South loses a division champion and a NJSIAA sectional runner-up, but also gains a division champion and a sectional runner-up. The catch is that the division champion and sectional runner-up that moved out is the same team (Point Pleasant Beach), while the division champion (Brick) and the sectional runner-up (Toms River South) that moved in are two different teams.

The addition of Brick, Toms River South and Donovan Catholic to replace Point Beach, Jackson Liberty and St. Rose will make this division both deeper and more competitive. Point Beach was a cut above the field last year and would likely be the favorite again had the Garnet Gulls remained in B South, but Toms River South is not far behind Point Beach on paper after they split a regular-season series last year. Brick, meanwhile, has lots of innings to replace, but with an imposing lineup, the Green Dragons will pose a greater threat than St. Rose did a year ago, when the Purple Roses were 0-12 in divisional play.

The division between Point Beach and St. Rose, meanwhile, was ultra-competitive, so adding three more quality teams to the mix makes for a division in which the champion might not be better than 8-4 in league play, while the last-place team might not by worse than 4-8.

 

In predicted order of finish

1. Point Pleasant Boro

It took an end-of-season hot streak and a confluence of events for Point Boro to sneak into the NJSIAA Tournament last season while competing in the most competitive section you will ever see. After the Panthers beat out Monmouth and Wall for the No. 16 seed in the Central Jersey Group II section, they nearly pulled off the shocker of the season by taking the lead into the seventh inning against Governor Livingston before the No. 1 team in the state avoided the upset with a seventh-inning rally that kept an undefeated season alive.

The silver lining to that heartbreak for Point Boro is that most of its team is back this season, although longtime coach Dave Drew is not after the school board in Point Pleasant Boro voted not to rehire him as head baseball coach after 14 seasons and Group II final appearance in 2019. His assistant, Matt Furlong, takes over a team that is ready to compete for championships, starting with the Class B South crown. The pitching remains almost entirely intact, although an ankle injury will sideline right-hander Chase Connelly for the first part of the season. Still, right-hander John Loizos and left-hander Landon Hoyle were the innings leaders a year ago and will headline this year’s rotation, with Aidan Dombrowsky also providing more quality innings this season.

Senior second baseman Nick Carmino and junior shortstop Jake Clayton have a case as the Shore’s best double-play duo after Carmino was an All-Shore player in 2025 while Clayton is on pace for more than 100 career hits. Centerfielder James Bradley and corner outfielder Matt Lokerson are also back as impact bats, while Dombrowsky and catcher Fin Czaplinski return as well. Ryan Kowalewski say time at third base near the end of the season, Hoyle and Nolan Frake will get at bats at first base, and freshman Owen Hart, sophomore Mike Metcalfe and St. Rose transfer Dom Crudo will be among the newcomers to watch for a Point Boro team that has the talent, experience and the redemption angle working in its favor heading into 2026.

Point Boro at a Glance

Head Coach: Matt Furlong, first season
2025 Record: 12-12 (7-5, third in Class B South)
Key Losses: Lou DiBiase (OF), Nick Kowalewski (LHP), Hudson Griffin (1B/RHP), Nick Albanese (OF)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: Fin Czaplinski, So. (.310/.535/.310, R, 4 RBI)

First Base: Landon Hoyle, Jr. (1-for-5, RBI); Nolan Frake, Sr., 1B

Second Base: Nick Carmino, Sr. (.415/.567/.523, 4 2B, HR, 21 R, 13 RBI, 12 SB)

Shortstop: Jake Clayton, Jr. (.342/.448/.513, 8 2B, 3B, HR, 22 R, 13 RBI, 12 SB)

Third Base: Ryan Kowalewski, Jr. (.217/.280/.304, 2 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI); Mike Metcalfe, So.

Leftfield: Matt Lokerson, Sr. (.288/.402/.318, 3B, 11 R, 23 RBI, 5 SB)

Centerfield: James Bradley, Sr. (.277/.415/.369, 2B, 3B, HR, 17 R, 17 RBI, 13 SB)

Rightfield: Owen Hart, Fr.

DH: Aidan Dombrowsky, Jr., OF (.327/.379/.365, 2 2B, 9 R, 13 RBI, 3 SB)

Other Hitters

Dom Crudo, Jr. (transfer from St. Rose: .191/.406/.277, 2 3B, 11 R, 2 RBI, 10 SB)

Jaden Druiett, Sr., OF (1-for-2, R)

John Loizos, Sr., C/1B (.250/.400/.250, R, RBI)

Colton Jones, Sr., OF

Jack Sullivan, Jr., INF

Logan Scully, So., UTIL

Travis Scully, So., 1B

Henry Bradley, So., OF

James Kilbride, So., C

 

Pitching Staff

John Loizos, Sr., RHP (2-3, 44 IP, 52 H, 12 BB, 35 SO, 3.66 ERA)

Landon Hoyle, Jr., LHP (3-2, 31 IP, 38 H, 20 BB, 27 SO, 3.39 ERA)

Aidan Dombrowsky, Jr., RHP (2-0 IP, 14.2 IP, 9 H, 11 BB, 14 SO, 2.86 ERA)

Owen Hart, Fr., RHP

Ryan Kowalewski, Jr., RHP

Jake Clayton, Jr., RHP

Matt Lokerson, Sr., RHP

Mike Metcalfe, So., RHP

Chase Connelly, Sr., RHP (3-1, 28 IP, 33 H, 29 BB, 31 SO, 4.75 ERA) – Injured

 

College Commitments

John Loizos – Stockton University

Nick Carmino – Alvernia University

 

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2. Toms River South

Coming off its first appearance in an NJSIAA South Jersey Group III championship game, it looks like it is safe to say Toms River South Baseball is back. Year one under Jim Rankin was an unbridled success, with the Indians winning 18 games and falling one win short of their first sectional title in 22 years. Toms River South made that postseason run with only three seniors playing a starting role, so now that they have planted their flag among the contenders in Ocean County, the Indians enter 2026 with elevated expectations.

Aiden Lynch is the biggest loss from a year ago, which leaves Toms River South short a workhorse pitcher and a middle-of-the-order bat. The pitching, however, remains solid on paper thanks to the return of three proven arms, led by junior left-hander and sectional final starter Aiden Moylan. After he emerged as the No. 2 starter behind Lynch, Moylan will assume the No. 1 starter role, with senior Evan Schmidt and fellow junior Christian Mascaro also coming back off solid seasons. Freshman Andrew Schmidt and sophomore Max Pagano will get a chance to pick up innings behind the big three, with senior Karsin Migliori another left-handed option for the staff.

Offensively, Toms River South remains imposing thanks to the return of the teams three most productive hitters in 2025: Jaden Geremia, Brett Rankin and Mascaro. Geremia was a Second Team All-Shore outfielder and the power bat at the top of the order that Toms River South’s best teams have typically boasted. Rankin is capable of catching or playing first, but it’s his high-contact bat and nose for driving in runs that drives his value. Mascaro will play shortstop and hit near the top of the order on top of his pitching duties. Schmidt at second base, centerfielder Canaan Sanzone and Migliori are the other returning starters with Brady Gibson, Anthony Abatemarco and Logan Sowa all in line for promotions into starting roles for a Toms River South team that is once again among Ocean County’s best.

Toms River South at a Glance

Head Coach: Jim Rankin, second season (17th overall)
2025 Record: 18-10 (9-3, second in Class C South)
Key Losses: Aiden Lynch (RHP/1B), Ben McEwan (C/1B), Ruben Febres (2B/SS/RHP), Alex Fischer (LHP/1B)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: Brett Rankin, Sr. (.359/.485/.423, 2 2B, HR, 16 R, 15 RBI); Logan Sowa, Jr.; Craig Caruso, Jr.

First Base: Brady Gibson, Sr.; Brett Rankin, Sr.

Second Base: Evan Schmidt, Sr. (.238/.390/.312, 4 2B, 3B, 14 R, 12 RBI, SB)

Shortstop: Christian Mascaro, Jr. (.338/.515/.405, 5 2B, 21 R, 17 RBI, 9 SB)

Third Base: Anthony Abatemarco, Jr.; Andrew Schmidt, Fr.

Leftfield: Jaden Geremia, Sr. (.402/.482/.674, 8 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 33 R, 19 RBI, 7 SB)

Centerfield: Canaan Sanzone, Sr. (.295/.382/.377, 2 2B, HR, 13 R, 12 RBI, SB)

Rightfield: Karsin Migliori, Sr. (.205/.255/.205, 5 R, 4 RBI, 2 SB); Logan Weed, So.

DH: Brett Rankin, Sr.; Brady Gibson, Sr.; Logan Sowa, Jr.

Other Hitters

John Lappino, Jr., OF

A.J. Morales, Jr., SS

Jake Gallagher, So., 2B

 

Pitching Staff

Aiden Moylan, Jr., LHP (6-2, 48 IP, 39 H, 22 BB, 59 SO, 2.62 ERA)

Evan Schmidt, Sr., RHP (2-2, 26.2 IP, 28 H, 4 BB, 21 SO, 2.67 ERA)

Christian Mascaro, Jr., RHP (1-2, 20.1 IP, 18 H, 12 BB, 15 SO, 4.18 ERA)

Max Pagano, So., RHP

Andrew Schmidt, Fr., RHP

Sean Adcock, Sr., RHP

Karsin Migliori, Sr., LHP

Canaan Sanzone, Sr., RHP (5 IP, 13 H, 12 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO)

 

College Commitments

Jaden Geremia – Catholic University

 

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3. Manasquan

If pitching is what will decide the championship in Class B South this season, Manasquan is the pick to finish on top. The Warriors return First Team All-Shore left-hander Chase Kaplan coming off a breakthrough season that elevated him to the upper echelon of Shore Conference pitchers while also landing him a spot at Lafayatte College next season. Playing in the Central Jersey Group II field that includes the state’s No. 1 team, Governor Livingston, is a disadvantage for any Shore Conference team hoping to contend for an NJSIAA sectional championship, but Kaplan will give the Warriors a chance against any team they are matched up with along the way.

Manasquan will also run out a quality No. 2 in 6-foot-7 right-hander Logan Cleveland, who is coming off an impressive sophomore season. With Cleveland, Logan Opatosky and varsity newcomers like Luke Barry and Kellan Quinn, the Warriors are positioned to be one of the better pitching groups among the conference’s public schools, both at the top and throughout the staff.

Scoring runs will be more of a question for Manasquan, which brings back only two starting position players from 2025. Centerfielder Matt Antonucci is a capable top-of-the-order hitter and plus defender in the middle of the field, while Opatosky has more power to tap into from the left-handed batters box after he got a taste of varsity pitching as a junior. The rest of the lineup is mostly up in the air, with senior Mike Lofreddo in line to start at catcher and all of Kaplan, Clevelan and Barry figuring into the mix at first base, third base and DH. Quinn is lined up to play shortstop with classmate Jake McDaid second base, giving Manasquan a senior double-play duo, albeit as first-year starters. The corner outfield competition, meanwhile, will carry into the season and if that competition figures to land coach Brenan Gordon with a competent offense, Manasquan becomes a major threat looking ahead to May.

Manasquan at a Glance

Head Coach: Brenan Gordon, eighth season
2025 Record: 14-8 (8-4, second in Class B South)
Key Losses: Connor Voelksen (C), Dylan Vowteras (OF/DH), Tristan Condon (SS/RHP), Keegan Hertel (OF/RHP), Caden Eastmond (2B), R.T. Runge (1B/RHP), Shane Hagerman (1B/RHP), Jackson Battaglia (LHP), Logan Cupo (OF), J.D. Teza, Sr. (1B/OF/RHP)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: Mike Lofreddo, Sr.; Will Snyder, Jr.

First Base: Chase Kaplan, Sr.; Logan Cleveland, Jr.

Second Base: Jake McDaid, Sr. (1-for-5, 5 R, RBI); Sonny Higgins, Sr.; Chase Holly, Jr.; Owen Quigley, Sr.

Shortstop: Kellan Quinn, Sr.; Tate Toole, Sr.; Seamus Ahern, So.

Third Base: Liam Opatosky, Sr. (.232/.276/.319, 4 2B, 3B, 3 R, 8 RBI, SB); Luke Barry, Jr.

Leftfield: Jake Litzinger, Jr.; Jack Soltis, Jr.; Luke Manning, Jr.

Centerfield: Matt Antonucci, Sr. (.269/.390/.403, 2 2B, 2 3B, HR, 16 R, 14 RBI, 10 SB)

Rightfield: Connor Lalli, So.; Luke Maddelone, Jr.

DH: Luke Barry, Jr., 3B; Liam Opatosky, Sr., 1B/3B; Chase Kaplan, Sr., 1B

 

Pitching Staff

Chase Kaplan, Sr., LHP (6-1, 42.2 IP, 19 H, 31 BB, 72 SO)

Logan Cleveland, Jr., RHP (2-1, 26.1 IP, 26 H, 9 BB, 25 SO, 1.59 ERA)

Liam Opatosky, Sr., RHP (5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO)

Luke Barry, Jr., RHP

Kellan Quinn, Sr., RHP

Tate Toole, Sr., RHP

Jack Soltis, Jr., RHP

Jake Litzinger, Jr., RHP

Chase Holly, Jr., RHP

Dylan McGowan, So., RHP

 

College Commitments

Chase Kaplan – Lafayette College

Matt Antonucci – Susquehanna University

 

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4. Toms River North

Before the 2025 season even started, Toms River North lost four players it planned to have back and despite that hardship, the Mariners held their own in a deep Class B South division. Holding their own, however, is not the standard at Toms River North and this season, the Mariners hope to break back into the front of the division race in Class B South thanks to the return of four players to the program who did not play a season ago. Both Owen Stefan and D.J. Shouldice were varsity contributors in 2024 who were injured for all of 2025, while senior 6-foot-4 outfielder Bryce Kazanowsky is back in the program for the first time since his freshman year in 2023. Finally, Cole Garrison returns to centerfield as a junior after he decided to run track as a sophomore, even after hitting .250 with a triple and 11 stolen bases as a freshman starter.

That group of players returning to the program joins eight more returning starters from last year, with the lineup set up to be the strength of the team. Junior catcher Jason Verderrosa was one of Ocean County’s top backstops as a sophomore and will take his spot behind the plate for a third varsity season. Shortstop Ian St. Luce is in his fourth varsity season and will play alongside junior Dominic Ostroman and senior Vinny Vergona, who will both play some second base, among other spots around the diamond. Pietro Amodio is back at first base after playing as a sophomore, with Justin Cauldwell back at third base, where Shouldice is also trying to win back some at-bats. Senior Justin Valles joins Garrison, Kazanowsky and junior Jayden Longo in an experienced varsity outfield.

Consistency on the mound will be the key to Toms River North finishing at the top of the division, with Ostroman and St. Luce figuring prominently into the equation. The return of Vergona along with the restored position-player depth will give coach Andy Pagano more freedom to deploy his top two pitching options without worrying about a drop-off in the middle of the infield. Vergona is also part of the picture on the mound, as is junior Chase McTaggart and sophomore Brody Hempsted. There is still some ground to make up with the other contenders in the division, but Toms River North is much closer to conention this season after scratching and clawing to survive last year.

Toms River North at a Glance

Head Coach: Andy Pagano, 12th season
2025 Record: 8-10 (5-7, tied fifth in Class B South)
Key Losses: Blake Tillotson (RHP), Steven Nuber (RHP), Brendan Bush (1B/RHP), Nick Daniele (OF/RHP)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: Jason Verderrosa, Jr. (.385/.521/.538, 5 2B, HR, 4 R, 12 RBI, 3 SB)

First Base: Pietro Amodio, Jr. (.254/.312/.322, 4 2B, 5 R, 13 RBI)

Second Base: Dominic Ostroman, Jr. (.326/.414/.347, 2B, 8 R, 7 RBI, SB); Vinny Vergona, Sr. (.349/.417/.381, 2 R, 15 R, 5 RBI, 5 SB)

Shortstop: Ian St. Luce, Sr. (.327/.424/.385, 3 2B, 11 R, 11 RBI, 2 SB); Dominic Ostroman, Jr.

Third Base: Justin Cauldwell, Sr. (.167/.333/.167, 10 R, 5 RBI, 2 SB); D.J. Shouldice, Sr. (2024 Stats: .167/.259/.208, 2B, 3 R)

Leftfield: Justin Valles, Sr. (.314/.415/.343, 2B, 6 R, 4 RBI)

Centerfield: Cole Garrison, Jr. (2024 Stats: .250/.436/.300, 3B, 6 R, 3 RBI, 11 SB)

Rightfield: Jayden Luongo, Jr. (1-10, R, RBI); Bryce Kazanowsky, Sr.

DH: Owen Stefan, Sr. (2024 Stats: .250/.295/.250, 8 R, 6 RBI, SB)

Other Hitters

Aiden Amorim, Jr., C/OF

Joey Arroyo, Jr., 1B

Patrick Mackin, So., UTIL

Chase Robinson, So., UTIL

Adam Inferrera, Fr., SS/2B

 

Pitching Staff

Dominic Ostroman, Jr., RHP (2-4, 15.2 IP, 25 H, 13 BB, 17 SO, 4.47 ERA)

Ian St. Luce, Sr., RHP (2-2, 14.1 IP, 16 H, 7 BB, 11 SO, 2.93 ERA)

Chase McTaggart, Jr., RHP (1-1, 21.2 IP, 34 H, 12 BB, 14 SO, 6.78 ERA)

Vinny Vergona, Sr., RHP (1-1, 8.1 IP, 8 H, 10 BB, 5 SO, 7.56 ERA)

Brody Hempsted, So., RHP

Joey Arroyo, Jr., LHP

Jayden Luongo, Jr., RHP

Pietro Amodio, Jr., RHP

Chase Robinson, So., RHP

 

College Commitments

Vinny Vergona – Ocean County Community College

Ian St. Luce – Ocean County Community College

D.J. Shouldice – Ocean County Community College

Owen Stefan – Ocean County Community College

Bryce Kazanowsky – Ocean County Community College

 

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5. Central

An early-season win over Brick Memorial sent a message that Central Baseball was back in 2025, with the Golden Eagles improving by 12 wins from 2024 to 2025. Central faded in the division race while trying to keep up with Point Beach and this season, the Golden Eagles will look to continue their ascent in Class B South with a team that has some questions to answer, but also considerable talent at the top of the roster.

Catcher Jack Tietjen and shortstop C.J. Dybus are coming off breakout seasons and are set to lead the lineup, with Tietjen nailing down a spot on the All-Shore Third Team and Dybus moving to shortstop from third base following the graduation of Tommy Truzzolino. Kaden Stout moves from a DH-heavy role to first base, senior Mike Nieves is back in centerfield and Gavin Lisewski is set for the full-time second-base job after finding success in a part-time role last year. Juniors Vinny Tremeterra and Tommy Lavorgna are inching toward starting jobs on opening day, with senior Austin Jarvis set to join them as the rightfielder. Harold Rodriguez, Joey Rosas, Roman Cino and Sean Tietjen are the sophomores to monitor throughout the season.

Right-hander Tyler Woermer is the staff ace to complement the Tietjen-Dybus duo at the plate after Woermer seized the No. 2 starter spot behind 2025 graduate Vinny Berardi. Tremeterra gave Central 16 2/3 quality innings last year, which included three saves. Sophomore Lou Piscioneri will step into a starting role behind the two returning right-handers, with seniors Jayden Policastro, Kam Schlueter and Jake Halpin also adding to the pitching depth the funnels down from what might be the division’s best returning pitcher outside of Kaplan of Manasquan.

Central at a Glance

Head Coach: Mike Puglisi, third season
2025 Record: 16-9 (6-6, fourth in Class B South)
Key Losses: Tommy Truzzolino (SS), Vinny Berardi (LHP), Nick Dinicola (1B), Rob Bollentino (OF), Gavin Srinivasann (3B), Ryan Brescia (OF), Chase Macri (RHP)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: Jack Tietjen, Sr. (.383/.469/.568, 7 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 3 R, 31 RBI)

First Base: Kaden Stout, Sr. (.179/.342/.250, 2 2B, 6 R, 5 RBI)

Second Base: Gavin Lisewski, Sr. (4-for-12, 14 R, 3 RBI, 5 SB)

Shortstop: C.J. Dybus, Jr. (.372/.471/.442, 3 2B, 12 R, 10 RBI, 8 SB)

Third Base: Vinny Trematerra, Jr. (2-for-2, RBI); Harold Rodriguez, So.

Leftfield: Tommy Lavorgna, Jr.

Centerfield: Mike Nieves, Sr. (.311/.417/.328, 2B, 15 R, 11 RBI, 7 SB)

Rightfield: Austin Jarvis, Sr.

DH: Joey Rosas (So., C); Roman Cino (Jr., C)

Other Hitters

Sean Tietjen, So., 1B/DH

Tyler Woermer, Sr., 1B/DH

 

Pitching Staff

Tyler Woermer, Sr., RHP (4-0, 40 IP, 41 H, 12 BB, 46 SO, 2.45 ERA)

Vinny Tremeterra, Jr., RHP (1-1, 16.2 IP, 23 H, 4 BB, 20 SO, 3.36 ERA)

Lou Piscioneri, So., RHP

Jayden Policastro, Sr., RHP (4.2 IP, 12 H, 9 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO)

Kam Schlueter, Sr., RHP

Jake Halpin, Sr., LHP

 

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6. Donovan Catholic

Donovan Catholic’s first season in the Class A South division went sideways in a hurry, with a young, injured Griffins team losing its first 11 games of the year. All the while, Donovan Catholic remained competitive in most of those losses despite a lack of experience, then ended the year by winning six of its last nine games – including a first-round state-tournament win at Notre Dame. Replacing All-Shore catcher Ryder Simpson and a group of solid senior contributors and leaders will be a challenge, but the change in division, improved health and the development of their young players are working in the Griffins’ favor this year.

Henry Rezai was a starter at second base as a freshman in 2024, when the Griffins were a top 10 team in the conference. He then missed all of 2025 due to a torn ACL and is back to start at shortstop as a junior with an all-senior infield around him. Dimitri Maugeri moves from a part-time role to starter catcher, while first baseman Connor Bragg, second baseman Lucas Affa and third baseman Colin Johnson are all back in starting jobs. Juniors Aiden Brescia and Steve Malato were also key parts of last year’s lineup, with Evan Bailey, Cailen Cimorelli, Adrian Bilotti and freshman Tristan Garcia all joining Malato in the outfield mix.

Both at Donovan Catholic and his previous stop at Lacey, coach Corey Hamman has made pitching the hallmark of his program, which the Griffins will try to do this season with a group that includes four pitchers who logged at least 15 innings and seven who pitched at least four. Bragg, Brescia, senior right-hander Rocco Padula and junior right-hander Colton Cherry all pitched between 15 and 19 innings last year and project to get the bulk of the work this year, with Cimorelli, Connor Burns and Bailey returning to the staff while sophomore James Girro and Garcia also look to make a contribution to a Griffins team that will try to win with its depth and balance throughout the roster.

Donovan Catholic at a Glance

Head Coach: Corey Hamman, seventh season
2025 Record: 6-14 (1-9, sixth in Class A South)
Key Losses: Ryder Simpson (C), John Busco (OF), Tyler Levine (OF), Mike Santise (OF/LHP), Nick Lovacco (RHP)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: Dimitri Maugeri, Sr. (4-for-19, 2 2B, 9 R, 2 RBI, SB)

First Base: Connor Bragg, Sr. (.280/.472/.360, 2 2B, 5 R, 3 RBI, 5 SB); Aiden Brescia, Jr.

Second Base: Lucas Affa, Sr. (.322/.388/.356, 2 2B, 9 R, 7 RBI); Steve Malato, Jr.

Shortstop: Henry Rezai, Jr. (2024 Stats: .321/.476/.358, 3 2B, 28 R, 15 RBI, 2 SB)

Third Base: Colin Johnson, Sr. (.227/.404/.295, 2B, 3B, 9 R, 9 RBI, 3 SB)

Leftfield: Evan Bailey, So. (.238/.320/.381, HR, R, 8 RBI); Adrian Bilotti, Jr. (2-for-6)

Centerfield: Tristan Garcia, Fr.; Steve Malato, Jr. (.300/.375/.360, HR, 9 R, 5 RBI, 5 SB)

Rightfield: Cailen Cimorelli, Jr.

DH: Aiden Brescia, Jr. (.273/.412/.400, 2B, 2 HR, 14 R, 13 RBI, 3 SB); Steve Malato, Jr.

Other Hitters

Jake Duncan, Jr., C

Vincent Picozzi, Sr., 2B

Dean Tahbaz, Jr., SS/3B

John Bourke, So., SS

Patrick Williams, Fr., OF

 

Pitching Staff

Connor Bragg, Sr., RHP (0-3, 19 IP, 35 H, 15 BB, 18 SO, 3.47 ERA)

Rocco Padula, Sr., RHP (1-3, 17 IP, 17 H, 15 BB, 13 SO, 5.76 ERA)

Colton Cherry, Jr., RHP (1-0, 15 IP, 18 H, 3 BB, 8 SO, 1.87 ERA)

Aiden Brescia, Jr., LHP (2-2, 18.1 IP, 23 H, 13 BB, 15 SO, 2.29 ERA)

Cailen Cimorelli, Sr., RHP (0-1, 8.1 IP, 12 H, BB, 8 SO, 4.20 ERA)

Connor Burns, Sr., RHP (0-1, 5.2 IP, 8 H, 8 ER, 7 BB, 8 SO)

Evan Bailey, So., RHP (4.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, SO)

James Gitto, So., LHP

Tristan Garcia, Fr., RHP

 

College Commitments

Connor Bragg – Fairleigh Dickinson University-Teaneck

Rocco Padula – Alvernia University

Connor Burnes – Gordon College

 

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7. Brick

Just like Point Boro, Brick’s 2025 season ended at the hands of an overall Group champion and one of the state’s best teams after the Green Dragons jumped out to a big lead in the early part if the game. In Brick’s case, it was a 7-0 lead on Northern Burlington heading into the bottom of the fourth inning that turned into a 9-8 loss when the Greyhounds scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to win it. It was a crushing way to end Brick’s best season in more than a decade, during which the Green Dragons won the Class C South division championship.

Now in Class B South, Brick run out a lineup that is ready to do damage against a tougher day-to-day schedule. Shortstop Brayden Heatter and catcher James Donoghue each collected 10 extra-base hits and drove in 26 runs in 2025, with Donoghue doing so as a sophomore with a .600 slugging percentage. Returning second baseman Zach Martin hit well over .300 with a slugging percentage north of .400, as did senior first baseman Taylor Cavanaugh in a part-time role. Centerfielder Matt Goodfellow brings defense and speed to the lineup at a key position, while senior Austin Jaycox and junior Joe Lohmeyer will flank him in the corner outfield spots. Junior John Renda, senior Gavin Majors and junior Liam Shave are the candidates to fill the open spot at third base and Joe Martucci is among the DH options.

That offense should give Brick a chance to win any division game, but complementing the offense with pitching will be the x-factor after the top four and five of the top six innings-eaters on the 2025 graduated. Martin is the lone returning pitcher with more than three innings of work last season and in his 16 1/3 frames of work, he sported an ERA higher than 7.00. Heatter will take on a larger role in the pitching staff and Aiden Christensen leads a deep group of juniors that will help. Pitching could be Brick’s undoing, but if coach Jason Groschel can piece together another solid pitching staff, the Green Dragons will contend for a second straight title. The margin between the top and the bottom of B South is indeed that thin.

Brick at a Glance

Head Coach: Jason Groschel, 20th season
2025 Record: 16-9 (11-1, first in Class C South)
Key Losses: Chris Quick (1B), Sean Savannah (RHP/OF), Brannon McBride (3B/RHP), Peyton Horning (OF/C/RHP), Shawn McLaughlin (OF), Pat Shave (RHP), Nick Newcomb (RHP)

Around the Diamond (with 2025 stats)

Returning Starters in Bold

Catcher: James Donoghue, Jr. (.400/.478/.600, 7 2B, 3 HR, 9 R, 26 RBI, SB)

First Base: Taylor Cavanaugh, Sr. (.379/.457/.414, 2B, 4 R, 7 RBI)

Second Base: Zach Martin, Sr. (.339/.481/.419, 2 2B, HR, 16 R, 14 RBI, SB)

Shortstop: Brayden Heatter, Sr. (.395/.480/.593, 7 2B, 3 HR, 26 R, 26 RBI, SB)

Third Base: John Renda, Jr.

Leftfield: Austin Jaycox, Sr.

Centerfield: Matt Goodfellow, Sr. (.216/.407/.283, 2B, 17 R, 7 RBI, SB)

Rightfield: Joe Lohmeyer, Jr. (1-for-1, 2 R)

DH: Joe Martucci, Sr., 1B; Gavin Majors, Sr., 3B (1-for-3)

Other Hitters

Liam Shave, Jr., 3B

Justin Farris, Jr., OF

 

Pitching Staff

Zach Martin, Sr., RHP (0-2, 16.1 IP, 23 H, 16 BB, 14 SO, 7.29 ERA)

Brayden Heatter, Sr., RHP

Gavin Majors, Sr., RHP

Joe Martucci, Sr., RHP

Matt Goodfellow, Sr., RHP

Ayden Christensen, Jr., RHP (3 IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, SO)

Jayden Lovenguth, Jr., RHP

Joe Lohmeyer, Jr., RHP

John Renda, Jr., RHP

Justin Farris, Jr., RHP

Liam Shave, Jr., RHP

 

College Commitments

Zach Martin – Centenary College

Matt Goodfellow – Centenary College

Taylor Cavanaugh – Penn State University-Scranton

 

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Division Lineup

Jason Verderrosa, Catcher, Toms River North

Brett Rankin, 1B/C, Toms River South

Nick Carmino, 2B, Point Boro*

Jake Clayton, SS, Point Boro

Brayden Heatter, SS, Brick

Jaden Geremia, OF, Toms River South*

Matt Antonucci, CF, Manasquan

James Donoghue, C/OF, Brick

Jack Tietjen, Catcher, Central*

 

Division Rotation

Chase Kaplan, LHP, Manasquan**

Aiden Moylan, LHP, Toms River South

Tyler Woermer, RHP, Central

Logan Cleveland, RHP, Manasquan

John Loizos, RHP, Point Boro

 

**-First Team All-Shore in 2025

*-All-Shore in 2025 (2nd or 3rd)