Manny Colon needs a shave.
Anthony Lopez needs a meal.
That was Buena High coach George West's sarcastic assessment of his two senior leaders before what could have been the last practice of their illustrious careers.
Of course, Colon and Lopez plan to practice again later this week and finish their final seasons with an unprecedented flourish - as winners of the first state title in Buena baseball history.
"That would be huge," Lopez said before practice Monday.
Colon and Lopez have led Buena (24-7), ranked No. 7 by The Inquirer, to the program's second South Jersey title. The Chiefs will face Central Jersey champion Raritan in the state semifinals Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Rider University.
"These are seniors who are living for these last moments of their career," West said. "They've done so much for us. They deserve this opportunity."
West likes to joke with Colon (who does have a playoff beard) and Lopez (who is on the skinny side) about their appearances. But the coach said his seniors have set the tone for a highly regarded Group 2 program that has been among the best in South Jersey the last two seasons.
In 2011, the Chiefs were surprise winners of the Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic. This season, the Chiefs have captured a sectional title and have their sights set on a state crown.
"We've been through a lot and we try to set an example for the younger guys," Colon said.
Colon, a lefthanded-hitting catcher who has signed with Maryland-Baltimore County, is batting .361 with five home runs and 27 RBIs. He has walked 32 times.
West said Colon's defense behind the plate has been a key to the Chiefs' success.
"He shuts down the [opponent's] running game," West said.
Lopez, a shortstop/pitcher, leads the Chiefs in hitting with a .452 average. He has 20 extra-base hits (nine doubles, six triples, five homers) and 32 RBIs. He also is 14 for 14 in steals.
"I ask him to do so much, and he always answers the door," West said of Lopez, who is undecided about college.
Lopez prefers shortstop to working on the mound. But he is 5-2 as a pitcher with a 2.24 ERA.
"He'll tell me, 'Coach, you know I hate to pitch, right?' " West said. "But he does anything for the team. That's an example of why this team is successful. We have guys who realize it's not about them, it's about the team."
West knows this is the last week for his special seniors. But he also knows they are determined to take it all the way to Saturday and the Group 2 state championship game.
"They are enjoying these moments," West said. "That's the key in playoff baseball. They know they are seniors and this is it for them. But they are making the most of it."
Contact Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter. Read his blog, "Jersey Side Sports," at www.philly.com/jerseysidesports
