Baseball's state tournament is heating up, and the race for sectional championships is intensifying. With just a few days left until the final round, the top 20 teams are gearing up for their biggest games yet. This week's rankings showcase a mix of dominant performances and unexpected upsets, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Delbarton (26-4) takes the top spot, having breezed through their first two state tournament tests. With a 16-3 victory over Paramus Catholic in the quarterfinals, they're now just one win away from the state final. John Fedun's three-hit shutout and Sal Garcia's scoring prowess have been key to their success. The team faces Seton Hall Prep in the semifinals, with a potential showdown against DePaul in the North Jersey, Non-Public A final on the horizon.
Gloucester Catholic (25-4) follows closely behind, aiming for their fourth state title. The three-time defending Non-Public B state champions secured a sectional semifinal win over Ranney, showcasing their offensive prowess with 10 runs in the second and third innings. Chase Ladik and Braeden Lipoff's home runs, along with Noah Danza's contributions, have propelled them to a 10-game winning streak. The Rams will host Bishop Eustace in the Non-Public B South final, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown.
DePaul (22-5) rises to the sixth spot, having clinched a berth in the Non-Public A North section final on June 4. Chase Colaianni's 12 strikeouts and Jason Amalbert's home run were pivotal in their semifinal victory over Bergen. The Spartans are on a mission to reclaim their first sectional title since 2018, facing Delbarton in a challenging road game.
Seton Hall Prep (23-6) drops to the fourth position, narrowly missing out on a state championship. Their quest ended with a 2-0 loss to Delbarton, where Xavier McKnight, Joey Maiella, and Daniel Comtois struggled to find their rhythm. Despite this setback, the team's resilience and determination remain unwavering.
Passaic Tech (27-2) takes the fifth spot, showcasing their dominance with a 17-game winning streak. The Bulldogs have only lost to DePaul this season, but their playoff wins over Memorial and Union City have been impressive. Melvin Genao's four hits and three RBIs, along with Frankie Juliano's contributions, have kept them on track. They face West Orange in the North 1 Group 4 semifinals, aiming to maintain their winning streak.
Don Bosco Prep (21-5) slips to the sixth spot, with their 17-game winning streak abruptly ending in the Non-Public A North quarterfinals. Despite this setback, the team can take solace in their recent success in the Bergen County Tournament. The Ironmen's resilience and determination will be crucial as they navigate the remaining tournament.
Other notable teams include Bishop Eustace (25-4), Gov. Livingston (25-4), Northern Burlington (23-3), St. Augustine (21-7), Mount Olive (22-6), Ramapo (20-7-1), Kingsway (21-5), Watchung Hills (17-8), Christian Brothers (18-8), Immaculata (22-6), Mainland (17-8), Lawrence (23-5), Clearview (21-6), and Old Tappan (22-4).
As the tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, and the race for sectional championships becomes more thrilling. With just a few games left, the remaining teams will need to bring their A-game to secure their place in the final round. The state tournament is a testament to the skill and determination of these athletes, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
