Washington Township (24-3): The Minutemen bring back their top three pitchers in junior righthanders Billy Grubb (7-1) and Matt Long (7-0), and sophomore righthander Mark Scarpa (6-2). The offense should be led by junior catcher Ryan Long, Matt's brother, who had four triples and nine doubles, and junior first baseman Shaine Hughes (11 doubles).
Bishop Eustace (19-7): The Crusaders will miss ace Keith Wallace but return some strong pitching in junior righthander Zac Gallen (50 strikeouts, 15 walks) and sophomore lefthander Devin Smeltzer (2-0, 21 strikeouts in 142/3 innings), along with freshman Justin Hagenman (2-2). Junior catcher Sam Steele is a team leader, and freshmen Chris Jones (.404) and Nick Browne (four homers) are poised to become two of the best hitters in South Jersey.
St. Augustine Prep (19-10): The Hermits lose ace Kevin Baxter but have pitching depth in junior righthander Chris Oakley, who has committed to North Carolina, and sophomore righthanders Joe Gatto and Zach Warren. Shortstop Christian Adorno (.396), catcher Barry Buchowski (.361, 10 doubles), and outfielder Mike Elfreth (.374), all juniors, and Gatto (.381, six homers) should lead a potent offense.
Cherokee (23-6): The Chiefs will bring back an ace in junior righthander Sean Kelly (5-0), and the lineup should be led by junior outfielder Zach Ellin and sophomore infielder Jake Powell.
Burlington Township (16-8): The Burlco Liberty champion returns top pitchers in junior Ryan Bell (5-1) and sophomore Dave Viselli (5-0). The offense should feature Viselli (.358, 25 RBIs) and sophomore Aaron Crichlow (.389).
Delsea (20-10): The Tri-County Royal champion will be tough at the top of the rotation next season with sophomore righthander Bryan Dobzanski (4-1, a one-hit shutout of Toms River South) and junior lefthander Nick Freijomil.
Shawnee (10-12): Pitching will be key for the Renegades, who will return a potent lineup led by Jarrett DeHart, a junior outfielder who has made a commitment to LSU, along with fellow juniors Brian Lawler and Nick Montefusco.
GCIT (20-6): The Cheetahs, fresh off their first appearance in a South Jersey final, return sophomore ace Jake Danner (7-1, 1.31 ERA) along with junior catcher Zach Funk (six triples) and sophomore infielder Mike Macaluso (nine doubles, three triples).
Pennsville (6-6): The Eagles return a ton of talent from a team that pushed eventual state champion Audubon to the brink in the South Jersey Group 1 semifinals. That includes sophomores Josh Shimp (seven homers), Drew Burdsell, and Mitch Walker.
Haddonfield (19-7): The Bulldogs lose a lot of leadership from their senior class but will return ace righthander Jason Cavanaugh (8-1), standout sophomore Mike McLaughlin (five homers), and talented sophomore righthander Mark Ostbye.
- Phil Anastasia
