Atlantic County Sports

Cajuste Signs

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:56:00 GMT

EHT High School’s Cajuste
Signs with D-1 Monmouth

Two sport star to receive full track scholarship

By: Steve Bell
Sports Writer

Egg Harbor Township – Stevenson Cajuste, a senior football and track star for the Egg Harbor Township Silver Eagles, has signed a national letter of intent with Division One Monmouth University. He will attend the West Long Branch school and run track for Coach Joe Campegni in the fall.

Cajuste said that the decision to attend Monmouth was an easy one, indicating that the choice was clear to him after he visited the school.

“It was a very good environment,” said Cajuste, “They really made me feel like it was home.”

Egg Harbor Township Head Track and Field Coach George Wilkinson commented on Cajuste and the impact he has had on the track program and the school.

“Stevenson is a very gifted athlete who excels in both football and track,” said Wilkinson, who is in his 31st year at EHT as a coach, “He is also a young man with strong character and leadership ability.”

“He is a fine example of the scholar/athlete;” continued Wilkinson, “His profound effect on our track program will be felt for years to come.”

As an indoor and outdoor hurdler and multiple sports participant, Cajuste garnered four varsity letters in track while at Egg Harbor Township. He also starred on the football team as a receiver and kick returner. His track and field awards include: First Team Cape Atlantic League as a freshman member of the 4 X 400 relay team, First Team All South Jersey Group IV in hurdles by the Courier Post, Third Team All State in the long jump and 2007 Atlantic County Long Jump champion. He currently holds numerous school records in the triple jump and the 4 X 55 high hurdles. At the 2007 Outdoor Group IV Sectional Meet, Cajuste medaled in four separate events while leading the Silver Eagles in overall scoring.

At the letter signing, held in the high school’s television studio on Thursday March 13th, Cajuste was flanked by Wilkinson, Athletic Director Brett Charleston, Assistant Tracks Coaches Jacklyn Roesch and Erika Hires, and Principal Darren Hickman.

Cajuste laughed with his coaches and the others present, as he placed his name on the document setting on the table before him. Afterward, he was able to breath a sigh of relief as the pressure seemed to lift from his shoulders.

“It feels good to get this over with,” said a smiling Cajuste, “It’s a big relief, now I can just relax and enjoy just running in high school for the rest of this year. It feels really good.”

Mainland Regional falls from playoffs

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:52:00 GMT

Mainland Regional falls out of playoffs

The turnaround season for the Mainland Regional High School varsity boys basketball team ended Friday, Feb. 29.
That’s when host Atlantic City used a 17-2 run during the third and fourth quarters to pull away and defeat the Mustangs 55-43 in a NJSIAA Group IV South playoff game.
The Mustangs, who started their season with a six-game losing streak, had gone 17-4 since Jan. 1.
Sean Bannon paced the Mustangs with 16 points and Tim Flynn added nine.
Umar Shannon and Khalif Toombs paced the Viking attack with 14 points each. Anthony Woodard added 12.
The Vikings, also a team on a turnaround, will return home at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3 to play in the NJSIAA Group IV South final.
Atlantic City improved to 19-9 with the win, and has triumphed in 13 of its last 16 games after and 3-6 start to their season.

Ventnor baseball, softball

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:51:00 GMT

Ventnor baseball, softball registration times announced
Registration for Ventnor Little League baseball and softball for youths ages 5-12, Ventnor boys Babe Ruth Baseball for ages 13-15 and Ventnor/Margate/Longport Girls Senior League Softball for ages 13-16 will held at the VECC gymnasium on the following dates and times: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday March 5 and 12 and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8. The fees are: t-ball (ages 5-6) $35; minor league (ages 7-12) $50; Little League (ages 9-12) $50; and Babe Ruth and Senior League $100 (includes uniform). Registration for a second child is $5 less. $10 less for each additional child. Call the Ventnor Recreation Department at (609) 823-7950 for additional information.

SignUps

Holy Spirit crushes Gloucester Catholic in basketball playoffs

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:38:00 GMT

Holy Spirit dispatches Gloucester Catholic in Non-Public A South quarterfinal

Sharp shooting senior Sean McGonigal sparks Spirit

By STEVE BELL
Staff Writer

ABSECON _ The Holy Spirit High School varsity boys basketball team jumped out to an 18-5 first-quarter lead and never looked back Thursday, Feb. 28, defeating Gloucester Catholic 68-52 before a sellout home crowd in a NJSIAA Non-Public A South playoff game.
The Spartans were led by senior shooting guard Sean McGonigal, who accounted for a team-high 16 points, including four 3-pointers.
Holy Spirit shot an impressive 10-17 from the 3-point line, as Matt DeSouza hit for three long-range treys, finishing with 15 points. Ryan Brooks added 12 points and was impressive passing the ball inside and providing a tough presence in the paint for the Spartans’ defense.
For the Rams, 6-foot-4 senior forward Nike Calzonetti outscored everyone on the court, tossing in 21 points. He shot an impressive 11-14 from the free throw line. Gloucester Catholic also received a solid performance from junior Steve Rotella, who added 13 points in a losing effort.
Holy Spirit held a 14-point advantage, 33-19, as the teams headed into the locker room at halftime. With eight minutes remaining, the Spartans were in front, 49-28.
Holy Spirit improved to 26-2 with its win over the Rams.
The victory propels the Spartans into the Non-Public Group-A semifinal game scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1 against St. Augustine Prep.
The Hermits defeated Bishop George Ahr High School, 76-52, to earn a trip to the semifinal.
Holy Spirit won both of its two regular season games against St. Augustine.

Holy Spirit girls basketball

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Holy Spirit Girls Take Down Bloomfield Tech

Frasier and Drinovsky offer 1-2 punch in Battle of the Spartans

By STEVE BELL
Staff Writer

VENTNOR _ The Holy Spirit High School varsity girls basketball team surprised many at the AtlantiCare Ventnor Girls Basketball shootout on Monday, Feb. 18 when they topped highly favored Bluefield Tech 43-40.
Bloomfield Tech, playing without two of their regular starters, has been the subject of several stories lately regarding the alleged use of ineligible players. It has been reported that the Bluefield Tech Spartans have been disqualified from the state tournament for alleged rules violations involving the two transfers from Union. They had previously been ranked third in the state.
Holy Spirit received stellar performances from sophomore center Hillary Drinovsky and junior Jesse Frasier, who contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Frasier grabbed an impressive 19 rebounds, while Drinovsky gathered in 14. Frasier also recorded seven blocked shots, several of which came at key moments in the game.
“I really love blocking shots,” said Frasier. “It makes me kind of feel powerful, I guess. It’s great when they come at points in the game that are pivotal and make an impact.”
Making an impact was exactly what Frasier did, also recording five steals, while leading the Lady Spartans to the team’s biggest victory of the season so far. She led an offense that controlled the pace of the game and moved the ball around the court, staving off an aggressive Bloomfield Tech defense.
“This game is really big for us,” said Frasier. “We feel like we can compete on a high level and win against anyone.”
Frasier was quick to give praise to her teammates, especially Drinovsky, who had a break-out night.
“Hillary really stepped up tonight,” said Frasier. “We really needed her to play big tonight and she definitely did. She went to the basket strong and kept the pressure on inside.”
Spirit coach Larry DiGiovanni, obviously thrilled with his team’s play, singled out the play of Frasier and Drinovsky.
“Jesse came out in a big time event and really showed what she is capable of doing,” offered DiGiovanni. “She came up really big handling the ball, shooting and rebounding. She showed why she is the leader of this team.
“Hillary did a great job inside for us tonight,” continued DiGiovanni. “She’s been working really hard all season and tonight she reaped the rewards of that work, just when we really needed it.”
DiGiovanni considered that this game might be just what the Spartans need as the regular season winds down and the playoff push begins.
“This is a very resilient team,” said DiGiovanni, whose team meets Bishop Ahr in the first round of the playoffs. “The girls have had a tough schedule and have been working hard all year. I told them that good things would come from all the work and tonight that happened.”

Washington continues to lead CAL rushers

Jersey Shore Admin — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:41:00 GMT

Holy’s Spirit running back William Washington pulled further away from the pack in the Cape-Atlantic League season-long rushing race.
The Spartan senior, who won the title in 2006, now has 1,658 yards on 175 carries and a 9.5 yards-per-carry average.
Washington leads second-place Dominique Williams of Bridgeton by 276 yards.
Washington has two games remain

EHT Night at Bernie Robbins Stadium Aug. 3

Jersey Shore Admin — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:06:00 GMT

Egg Harbor Township Night at Bernie Robbins Stadium will be Friday, Aug. 3.

The baseball game begins at 7:05 p.m. when the Atlantic City Surf play The Grays, the road team of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball. There will be fireworks after the game.

Tickets are available at the Recreation Office in the Township Municipal Building or for more information call them at (609) 926-4028.

Cheerleading coaches needed

Jersey Shore Admin — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:03:00 GMT

The Egg Harbor Township Youth Organization is looking for volunteer coaches for its Atlantic County cheerleading squads. Experience is preferred, but not required. If you are interested, e-mail Brenda at antbee30@aol.com.

Linwood summer and baseball camps

Jersey Shore Admin — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:55:00 GMT

The city of Linwood summer camp program runs July 9-27 and meets 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday in the Linwood All Purpose Room on Davis Avenue. The cost is $25 for the first week, $35 for two weeks and $45 for all three weeks. The old-fashioned camp for children ages 5 to 11 includes arts and crafts, games, and a theater performance presented by the campers. This year’s variety show is entitled “Linwood Rocks the Circus.”

Applications are available at Linwood City Hal.

The Linwood Board of Recreation Bobby Woods Baseball Camp for children 5-12 runs July 30 to Aug. 3. The cost is $30.

The camp meets 9 a.m. to noon at All Wars Memorial Field. For information on the baseball camp call Park director Patty Ogrodnek at (609) 926-0535.

Isgro grand slam powers Gami

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Maria Isgro hit a grand slam in the second inning for the Absegami High School varsity softball team powering her to team to a 13-3 conference victory over Atlantic City on Thursday.
Isgro finished the day going 2-for-3 and six RBIs and Sam Stevens went 3-for-3 for Gami.
The Lady Braves' Amber Beauchemin struke out seven Lady Vikings and recorded the win. She is 3-0 on the year.
Absegami improves to 4-0 and Atlantic City drops to 0-4.

SOFTBALL
Cape May Tech 15, Pleasantville 2
Vineland 12, Mainland Regional 1

Holy Spirit knocks off Wildwood Catholic

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:54:00 GMT

Holy Spirit's Rob Mancinelli went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and Dan DiBartolomeo had 2 hits and an RBI en route to a 10-0 blow-out victory over Wildwood Catholic on Thursday.
The Spartan's AJ Holland threw a one-hitter and recorded six strikeouts for the win. Holland improves to a record of 1-1.
The Holy Spirit high school varsity baseball team improves to 4-2. Wildwood Catholic remains winless at 0-3.

ACHS hall of fame committee announces 2007 inductees

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:35:00 GMT

The Atlantic City High School Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its 2007 group of inductees.
The seven athletic inductees are: Tiffany Trockenbrod (class of 1997), Bobby Martin (1987), Steve Marchel (1980), Thomas Hiltner (1977), John Strotbeck (1975), Al DiMatteo (1950) and Ray Huber (1947).
In the coaches category, the Hall of Fame Association elected Joseph Fussner, who coached both the boys and girls basketball teams.
In the team category, the association elected the boys baseball teams of 1958 and 1959 that won back-to-back South Jersey Group IV championships.
Female athletes are also recognized for their achievements prior to the beginning of interscholastic athletics for girls. Michele Farrell (1971) and Peggy Graham DiMatteo (1947) will be recognized in this special distinction category.
Finally, the association will induct Leo B. Schoffer (1970) in the outstanding contributor category.
The purpose of the Association is to honor players, coaches and teams who have made a distinctive contribution to the rich athletic history of the high school.
The luncheon and ceremony honoring these individuals and teams will be held at noon, Sunday, April 22 at the Hilton Hotel and Casino, Boston Avenue and the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.
Reservations are $35 and can be made by sending checks payable to Atlantic City High School Hall of Fame Association, 1 Canale Dr., Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. For additional information, contact the ACHS athletic office (609) 343-7300, ext. 2010.

Absegami goes 2 for 2 in double-elimination event

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:58:00 GMT

The Absegami High School varsity baseball team staved off elimination from the South Jersey Invitational Baseball Tournament with two victories to advance in the double-elimination event by defeating Pennsville, 7-5, and Gloucester Catholic, 1-0 on Monday.

In the first game, Absegemi rallied in the last two innings to down Pennsville.

With the game at a 5-5 tie in the seventh, Absegami’s Ed Hayes hit a two-run shot that proved to be all the team would need to upend Pennsville.

Hayes went 2 for 3 and knocked in three RBIs and Matt Roman had a game-high three hits and scored two runs.

In the second game, the contest’s only run came in the bottom of the second when Absegami’s Mark Schenauer hit an RBI double to drive in Charles Champion.

Nick Maglione pitched five innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out seven for the Gami victory.

Absegami improves to 2-2.

Gloucester Catholic upends Absegami

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:44:00 GMT

The Absegami High School varsity baseball team dropped their second straight decision and lost to Gloucester Catholic, 11-6, on Thursday, April 5.
The Braves fought back and trimmed the lead to 5-3 going into the bottom half of the third. However, Gloucester Catholic scored a total of five runs in the third and fourth inning to essentially put the game away.
The Brave's Mike Bates went 2 for 3 with two runs and an RBI in a losing effort.
Absegami drops to 0-2.

Lady Falcons win home opener

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:07:00 GMT

The Lady Falcons scored seven runs in to bottom half of the fifth en route to an 11-1 home-opening victory over Lower Cape May on Tuesday, April 3.

The game was called in the bottom of the fifth on the 10-run rule.

Oakcrest’s Emily Rheault pitched four scoreless innings by getting batters to chase balls out of the strike zone.

Rheault aided her own cause by driving in Lori Piallis for a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Three more runs came in the fourth courtesy of a dropped infield pop-up by Trish Yag allowing Monica Mackleer to score from third and another infield pop-up that dropped between McGloin and first baseman Elisa Miller allowing Carly Chamberlain and Emily Gatjowski to hustle home.

The Oakcrest attack exploded with seven runs in the fifth before the game was called.

Melanie Mackleer and Chamberlain each drove in a pair of runs and Tara McDonald and Megan Lee added a pair of RBI singles.

The only run that LCM was able to muster up came via a passed ball, which allowed Trish Yag to score from third in the fifth.
Oakcrest improves to 1-1, and Lower Cape May drops to 1-1.

softball

Beauchemin powers Gami to 1-0 win

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:22:00 GMT

The Absegami High School varsity softball team was powered by a 20 strikeout performance by Amber Beauchemin en route to 1-0 extra-inning win over Millville.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, a wide throw by the Thunderbolt third baseman allowed Dani Paci to score the game-winning run.
Along with her 20 strikeouts, Beauchemin retired the first 26 batters she faced, allowed three hits, and gave up no walks.

SOFTBALL
St. Joseph 5, Holy Spirit 0
Hammonton 11, Mainland 1
Vineland 8, Egg Harbor Twp. 5
Ocean City 7, Oakcrest 6

Holy Spirit wins home opener against St. Joesph

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:12:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit High School varsity baseball team rallied to win its home opener against the St. Joseph, 9-7, on Monday.
The Spartans jumped out to 5-1 lead after three innings, but the Wildcats came roaring back to take a 7-6 lead in the top half of the sixth. The Spartans didn't let down and scored three runs in the bottom half of that inning to take the lead back and hold on for the win.
Holy Spirit's Rob Mancinelli hit a three-run homer and Billy Chafe went 3 for 3 at the plate.

BASEBALL
Millville 6, Absegami 3
Lower Cape May 11, Atlantic City 6
Buena Regonial 18, Pleasantville 8
Hammonton 6, Mainland Regional 3
Oakcrest 8, Ocean City 6
Egg Harbor Twp. 13, Vineland 2

Opening day this Monday!

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:10:00 GMT

Cape-Atlantic League baseball and softball are just around the corner. Barring inclement weather, opening day for most teams is scheduled for Monday, April 2. Games are scheduled to start at 4 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The opening day games are as follow:

BASEBALL
Absegami vs. Millville
Egg Harbor Twp. vs. Vineland
St. Joseph's vs. Holy Spirit
Hammonton vs. Mainland
Ocean City vs. Oakcrest
Atlantic City vs. Hammonton (4/4)

SOFTBALL
Millville vs. Absegami
Vineland vs. Egg Harbor Twp.
Holy Spirit vs. St. Joseph's
Mainland vs. Hammonton
Oakcrest vs. Ocean City
Hammonton vs. Atlantic City (4/4)

Inexperience Lady Falcons may surprise top CAL teams

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:47:00 GMT

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP - Who wants to wait a year when you can compete now?
Despite being a predominately young and inexperienced team, the Oakcrest High School varsity softball team is poised to make some noise in the Cape-Atlantic League.
“I don’t think we are [a year away from being a contender],” Oakcrest head coach Francine Raph said. “With our talent and [senior pitcher and second baseman Rebecca Turygan] ability we can do good things.”
For 2007, the seventh-year head coach will have a team consisting of everything but hardly any seniors.
The team will have only two seniors on this squad: Turygan, arguably the team’s best player and leader, and first-year varsity player Tara McDonald.
Turygan will likely pitch the majority of the games for the Falcons. The coaching staff will look on her to provide senior leadership.
“She is a second-year starter and will be our leader this year,” Raph said. “She improved a lot as a pitcher last year. She has a good variety of pitches and is probably one of the most controlled pitchers in the league.”
However, the team features a young nucleus of qualify defensive players that may surprise the CAL’s more experienced teams this season.
Oakcrest’s outfield is much improved since last season with juniors Melanie Mackleer
Emily Gatjkowski, and Tori Pilallis showing a lot of promise early in the preseason.
“The outfield has improved tremendously,” Raph said. “You can tell that they have been working all year on it.”
Piallis will likely play centerfield because of her tremendous throwing range, while Mackleer and Gatjkowski will patrol the outfield corners.
Piallis is the team’s most gifted athlete with her ability.
“She has a great arm and dives for a lot of balls,” Raph said of Piallis. She can play anywhere [on the field].”
Only two infield starters return -- junior shortstop/third baseman Justina Mishkovsky and Turygan -- from last year’s 8-14 squad, but everyone else has varsity playing time or has shown the poise needed to play varsity ball.
Look for sophomore first baseman/catcher Monica Mackleer, Melanie’s younger sister, and sophomore pitcher/first baseman Emily Rheault to provide solid glove work. Freshman Cary Chamberlain, who will likely play third base, and Megan Lee will look to prove that they belong at the varsity level.
As for the team’s offense, Rheault will be the team’s primary offensive threat, with Monica Mackleer providing protection for Rheault as the team’s clean-up hitter.
Batting ahead of Rheault will be the speedy Chamberlain and Pilallis.
The inexperienced Falcons might only go as far as Turygan can lead them.
“It’s really going to be on Rebecca’s shoulders,” Raph said.

Blue Crush captures spring opener

RJ Liberatore JR NJ Sports — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:39:00 GMT

The Hamilton Township Blue Crush U13 traveling soccer team won its spring season opener by defeating the Maple Shade Tacklers, 4-1, on Saturday, March 3.

Megan DeFalco scored opened the scoring with an assist coming from Ashley Calderone.

Brittany Connelly crossed the ball to set up a goal by Rebecca Sartorio for the team’s second goal.

Taylor "Mashed Potatoes" Palm and Amber Watson both scored an additional goal eacj for the Blue Crush.