We’ve reached the homestretch of the 2023 baseball season in New Jersey.
The state tournament has brought a number of changes to this week’s rankings again as 20 sectional champions were crowned over the weekend,
Now, six group champions are going to be crowned this week as the Non-Public finals take place on Thursday, while the public school finals are on Saturday. All six games will be at Bob DeMeo Field at Veterans Park in Hamilton.
One Non-Public final will likely determine which team will end the season as the No. 1 team, while public schools will be looking to ascend the rankings.
Here is the NJ.com Top 20 for June 7:
1-Red Bank Catholic (24-5)
Last week: No. 1
Here’s why: Winners in nine of its last 10 games, Red Bank Catholic holds down the top spot for the second week in a row. The Caseys find themselves in position to win their first state title since 1997 after defeating Pingry, St. Augustine and St. Joseph (Met.) in the South Jersey Non-Public A tournament. RBC coach Buddy Hausmann helped the Caseys win that title, taking Non-Public B. Senior Alex Stanyek went 6 1/3 innings against St. Joe, striking out nine and scattering three hits. RBC took advantage of a wild kick on a passed ball to score what proved to be the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Upcoming schedule
- June 8: vs. No. 2 Don Bosco Prep in Non-Public A final, 7
2-Don Bosco Prep (26-5)
Last week: No. 5
Here’s why: The Ironmen jump up to No. 2 following a red-hot playoff campaign. Taking down Bergen Catholic for the Bergen County crown, Don Bosco has won 11 straight games, looking like one of the most complete rosters in the entire state. This squad took down Bergen Catholic again in the North Jersey, Non-Public A final to corral another sectional trophy with a genuine shot at the No. 1 spot to end the season. Six of its last wins have come against a team that is either ranked in the Top 20 or was ranked at one point in 2023. Its pitching staff, perhaps overlooked for most of the spring, has bolstered a 2.06 earned run average. Michael Staiano has led the way with a 1.81 ERA in 46.1 innings, toeing the rubber in the sectional finals behind 5.2 scoreless frames.
Upcoming schedule
- June 8: vs. No. 1 Red Bank Catholic in Non-Public A final, 7
3-Gloucester Catholic (24-7)
Last week: No. 7
Here’s why: The Rams won their first sectional title since 2019 when they knocked off then-No. 2 and defending state champion Ranney in the South Jersey Non-Public B final. Tanner Nolan held a potent offensive attack in check, striking out nine and scattering three hits over six innings of work. Tyler Bunting’s two-run double in the fourth highlighted a three-run frame for the winners. Gloucester Catholic owns a record 19 state championships and will look to make it 20 against St. Mary (Ruth.) in Thursday’s final. In a twist of fate, Gloucester Catholic’s opponent in its last championship appearance was also St. Mary. Nolan is likely to get the ball in the season finale. The left-hander has struck out 84 batters in 52 1/3 innings, with a 9-0 record and 0.54 ERA in nine starts.
Upcoming schedule
- June 8: vs. St. Mary (Ruth.) in the Non-Public B final, 4
4-Ranney (27-3)
Last week: No. 2
Here’s why: Winners of the Shore Conference B North and Monmouth County Tournament championships, Ranney had its season come to an end in the South Jersey Non-Public B final by Gloucester Catholic. The Panthers came into the postseason as the defending state champion but ran into solid pitching in the sectional final and managed just three hits. AJ Gracia, the Duke-bound senior outfielder/pitcher and Player of the Year candidate, hit his 12th home run of the season in the loss. Ranney also reached the Shore Conference Tournament final against Red Bank Catholic.
Upcoming schedule
5-Rumson-Fair Haven (22-5)
Last week: No. 10
Here’s why: The runner-up to Red Bank Catholic in the Shore Conference A Central, Rumson-Fair Haven has won five in a row and nine of its last 10 games. The Bulldogs are looking to claim their first state title Saturday, advancing to the title game with a decisive 9-0 victory over South Jersey champion Seneca in the South/Central Group 2 state semifinals. RFH has outscored its six postseason opponents 27-6 with two shutouts. Griffin Shenman had a grand slam against Seneca, while Jackson Hinchliffe struck out seven and scattered four hits over five innings of work.
Upcoming schedule
- June 10: vs. Pascack Hills in the Group 2 final, 10
6-Delbarton (24-5)
Last week: No. 4
Here’s why: Delbarton’s season came to an end in the North Jersey, Non-Public A semifinals to Don Bosco Prep in a hard-fought loss. It was still a successful season for coach Bruce Shatel’s squad, which ended up winning its fourth consecutive Morris County Tournament title and ended the season by posting a 24-5 record with wins over teams like Ranney and Bergen Catholic. Delbarton figures to be one of the top teams in the state again next spring, with its top three pitchers in Aiden Dill, Christian Zebrowski and AJ Saccento returning, along with key cogs in the lineup like Sal Garcia also returning.
Upcoming schedule
7-Bergen Catholic (25-6)
Last week: No. 6
Here’s why: The Crusaders’ 2023 campaign is complete, but it goes without saying that Bergen Catholic was one of the most feared teams in all of New Jersey. This squad hovered within the Top 10 all year behind a star-studded lineup highlighted by Jamie Zee’s polished approach, Luca Reyes’ big-league level presence and Harrison Certo’s knack for getting on base seemingly every plate appearance. BC reached the finals in each of the county tournament and sectional tournament, falling to Don Bosco both times in valiant efforts. The North, Non-Public A title match was a one-run game decided in extra innings. Christian Charalambous and Jack Duffy dazzled on the mound all year, making for one of the strongest tandems in North Jersey. BC’s dominance is spotlighted by its winning streak of 10 ballgames that included county and playoff matchups.
Upcoming schedule
8-Cranford (26-1)
Last week: No. 9
Here’s why: Cranford’s season came to an end in a loss over North Hunterdon in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 sectional semifinals. It ended up being a disappointing end to the season for a Cranford team that ended up winning its second consecutive Union County Tournament championship.
Upcoming schedule
9-Ridge (25-4)
Last week: No. 11
Here’s why: The Red Devils were one of the strongest public teams in the state this season. Reaching the Somerset County finals for a second straight year, Ridge could always count on its pitching to get the job done. Holding opponents to two runs or less in 18 separate games alongside seven shutouts, Ridge’s staff threw to a collective 1.58 ERA with 250 strikeouts. Connor Byrne was the ace of the rotation, piling up 90 strikeouts and a 0.72 ERA to finish out an impressive high school career with 185 punch-outs. Brendan Callanan fired 64 K’s a 1.41 ERA alongside stellar seasons from Ben Larner (0.66 ERA), Luke Somelofske (1.71 ERA) and Aidan Stieglitz (1.79 ERA).
Upcoming schedule
10-Morris Knolls (20-10-1)
Last week: Unranked
Here’s why: Morris Knolls surges into the rankings for the first time this season and debuts as the No. 10 team in the state after winning the North 1, Group 3 sectional championship in dramatic fashion, courtesy of a Luke Dickerson walk-off home run in the 10th inning. The win gave Morris Knolls its first sectional championship in a dozen years, and it continued that momentum with a stunning upset over then-No. 3 Millburn, 12-0, in the Group 3 semifinals, clinching a berth in the Group 3 title game against Mainland. Morris Knolls will be looking for its first group title on Saturday.
Upcoming schedule
- June 10: vs. Mainland in the Group 3 final, 1
11-Millburn (27-4)
Last week: No. 3
Here’s why: Millburn’s quest for its first group championship since 2017 came to an end at the hands of Morris Knolls in the Group 3 semifinals. It was still a banner season for the Millers and coach Brian Chapman. Millburn won its second sectional championship in three years when it defeated North Hunterdon 7-0 in the North 2, Group 3 final. Millburn also won its second Greater Newark Tournament championship in three years when it defeated Seton Hall Prep in the final. Senior Steven Echavarria, the 2022-23 New Jersey Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, emerged as one of the top pitchers in the state this season, while seniors Robert Schneider, Alex Wilson, Ethan Axelrod and Shai Abbott all had big seasons, too.
Upcoming schedule
12-St. Joseph (Mont.) (21-9)
Last week: No. 8
Here’s why: Battling at the top of North Jersey alongside Don Bosco and Bergen Catholic, the Green Knights managed to still etch itself as a top contender. Reaching the Bergen County semifinals and North, Non-Public A semis, St. Joe’s fell to the aforementioned programs by one run each time in hard-fought matchups. This team notched nine shutouts throughout the year, finishing with a 1.94 team ERA and .309 team batting average. St. Joe’s powered 76 extra-base hits, led by Chad Falcon, Ryan Foody, Myles Gomez, Felix Gonzalez and Tommy Manzo also muscling three home runs.
Upcoming schedule
13-Ridgewood (23-7)
Last week: Unranked
Here’s why: The Maroons enter the Top 20 for the first time this year, and deservingly so. Making its way to the state Group 4 finals, Ridgewood has won nine games in a row that includes a North 1, Group 4 championship along the way. During this run, Ridgewood has scored 10 or more runs eight times, plating 116 runs overall. This lineup is hitting .358 with 66 doubles, 18 home runs and eight triples as one of the best lineups in North Jersey. JT Luther and Jack Foerch each have over 40 hits, while Brendan Chanley, Lucas Barker and Bobby Kuenzler all eclipsing 30.
Upcoming schedule
- June 10: vs. No. 15 Old Bridge in the Group 4 final, 4
14-St. Joseph (Met.) (21-10)
Last week: No. 12
Here’s why: St. Joseph (Met.)’s turnaround from a slow start to the season to the end of the season was remarkable. The Falcons’ season ended in the South Jersey, Non-Public A final against top-ranked Red Bank Catholic in a 4-1 loss, but coach Mike Murray Jr.’s team began the season 4-6 before winning 21 games. St. Joe’s won 17 of its final 21 games played, including winning the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship, avenging a loss to North Brunswick last season. Senior catcher Mark Gialluisi hit .486 with 54 hits and 35 runs scored, while fellow senior Jimmy Mulvaney emerged as an ace by the end of the season, posting a 1.52 ERA and 67 strikeouts.
Upcoming schedule
15-Old Bridge (21-8)
Last week: Unranked
Here’s why: Old Bridge is back in the rankings for the first time in almost a month on the heels of reaching its first group championship game. Old Bridge defeated Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division rival North Brunswick, 2-1, in the Central, Group 4 sectional final. The Knights then had a comeback win over Eastern in the Group 4 semifinals, booking a place in the championship game where it will face Ridgewood on Saturday. Coach Matt Donaghue’s team is tested, having played a competitive out-of-conference schedule and beating top-ranked Red Bank Catholic earlier this spring. The Knights will be ready on Saturday.
Upcoming schedule
- June 10: vs. No. 13 Ridgewood in the Group 4 final, 4
16-Bayonne (25-7)
Last week: No. 15
Here’s why: The Bees won its first sectional title since 2002 this season, defeating Bridgewater-Raritan as a five seed in North 2, Group 4. Aidan Paradine put together one of the best offensive campaigns in New Jersey, totaling 50 hits, 42 RBIs, 42 runs and seven home runs to lead a lineup with a .334 collective average. Nolan Geisler was the ace, tossing 65 punch-outs with a sub-1.00 earned run average. Justin Hoffmann, Anthony Mancini, Isaiah Phillips and Chris Valencia each registered more than 30 hits.
Upcoming schedule
17-Donovan Catholic (22-5)
Last week: Unranked
Here’s why: The Griffins won the Shore Conference B South title but failed to advance past the quarterfinals in the South Jersey Non-Public A tournament. They were eliminated by Notre Dame and ended the season on a three-game losing skid. Senior infielder Gavin Degnan enjoyed a tremendous final campaign, batting .507 with eight home runs, 38 runs scored, 26 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.
Upcoming schedule
18-Passaic Tech (23-4)
Last week: Unranked
Here’s why: The Passaic County champs were one of the most fearsome squads coming out of North Jersey. The Bulldogs had two separate nine-game winning streaks, firing seven total shutouts. Jonny Gilligan is one of the most complete players in the state, rattling 63 strikeouts, a 1.50 ERA and a no-hitter on the mound. On offense, he batted .358 with 13 extra-base hits and 31 runs batted in. His twin brother, Jace roped 14 extra-base hits alongside Ray Gelok and Freddy Stansfield each clocking 37 hits. Riquelby Madera also batted over .400 to help a staunch lineup hitting .368. Matt Caruso, Marquis Erazo and Angel Amezquita all held their ERA under 2.10 as well.
Upcoming schedule
19-Bishop Eustace (21-8)
Last week: No. 16
Here’s why: The Crusaders saw their season come to an end in the South Jersey Non-Public B semifinals against defending state champion Ranney. It was the second loss of the season to the Monmouth County Tournament winners. Bishop Eustace won 13 of its final 15 games and claimed the Olympic National title. Senior right-hander and Rutgers commit Jack Kirchner finished with 100 strikeouts and a 1.96 ERA, while Anthony Mascuilli (.432), Christian Mascuilli (.424), Vincent Panvini (.426) and Raffaele Rogers (.361) helped pave an offensive attack that finished with a .364 team batting average.
Upcoming schedule
20-Buena (27-3)
Last week: Unranked
Here’s why: The Group 1 powerhouse makes its debut after setting a program record for single-season wins when it defeated Central champion Point Pleasant Beach in the state semifinals. The South Jersey champions are now headed to their third state final, the last coming in 2014 when Denny Brady led the team past Bernards in 2014. Buena is at the top of its game after enjoying a tremendous regular season. The Chiefs have won five in a row and 10 of their last 11, the lone loss coming in the Cape-Atlantic League Tournament final. This team has been getting solid pitching and is averaging nearly eight runs per game.
Upcoming schedule
- June 10: vs. Pequannock in the Group 1 final, 7
Under consideration
Cherry Hill West (18-8); Delsea (20-7); Eastern (17-11-1); Mainland (14-13); Montville (19-10); North Brunswick (21-7); North Hunterdon (18-7); Pascack Hills (21-7); St. Augustine (23-7); St. Mary (Ruth.) (20-9)
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Kevin Minnick covers South Jersey baseball. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @kminnicksports
PJ Potter covers North Jersey baseball. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @PJ_Potter
Luis Torres covers North and Central Jersey baseball. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ByLuisTorres
Joe Zedalis covers Central Jersey baseball. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Josephzedalis