With the Colonial Valley Conference regrouping this season, the Colonial Division may have a different look, but the teams will be top caliber. Only Notre Dame and Steinert remain from last year’s Colonial. That allows Lawrence, Allentown, Hopewell, Robbinsville, Nottingham and Ewing to rise. That also means that both of last season’s divisional champs – Lawrence (Valley) and Steinert (Colonial) – are in the CVC’s bigger group this year. In its third season under Jim Maher, the Lawrence Cardinals will look to continue their winning ways with another talented group that has just three seniors. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t compete for the league, CVC Tournament and state titles,” said Maher, whose team was 22-6 and only lost one CVC game a year ago before graduating six seniors. “Yes, we’ll need guys to step up. But these guys have played a lot of big games.” Senior outfielder Teak Toto, senior right-handed pitcher/infielder Connor Crowley and senior right-handed pitcher Anaf Jut will be the upperclass leaders for this group. The Steinert Spartans, under 23rd-year head coach Brian Giallella, will have a say in the league title with 12 hungry seniors looking to improve upon last season’s 14-13 showing. “We were really inconsistent on the mound and did not have a lot of offense last year,” Giallella said. “All these guys have experience from either high school or American Legion ball. So we’re going to have to do better on the mound and have better at-bats this season.” The senior class counted on to lead the way includes right-handed pitchers Mason Grant and Ethan Zimmerman, infielder/right-handed pitcher Joey Ditta, outfielders Remy Feniello and Jack Perelli, catchers Vincent Condurso and Hayden Caruso, plus infielders Gavin Giallella, Jace Maher, Chase Porcella, Peter Simone and Eric Green. Allentown went the furthest of any area team last spring when it won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III crown, finishing 20-9. Half that team graduated, but 20th-year head coach Brian Nice has another talented group that also has designs on the Colonial Division title. “We’re young, but we’ve got good young talent,” Nice said. “Right now, we need to figure out who we are. We still have to figure out how it all fits together for us.” Those young Redbirds will look to their eight seniors for direction. Dom Inzilla, who will move from the infield to catcher this season; Chris Whalen and Andrew Marshall, both outfielders/right-handed pitchers; Sean Heissler and Mattox Watson, both infielders/right-handed pitchers; Brandon Sweeney, an infielder/outfielder; Aaron Freud, an infielder; plus Brian Becker, an outfielder, will steer A’town’s ship. Notre Dame can never be left out of the CVC Colonial Division baseball discussion. This season, 24th-year head coach Joe Drulis will have an experienced 10-member senior class looking to improve upon their 12-12 finish in 2024. “At Notre Dame High School, we always have lofty goals to be successful,” Drulis said. “In 2025, we have many hungry players anxious to have a great season. With many positions up for grabs, there is great competition in landing a starting position.” The seniors who lead that list are Jamie Duffy (right-handed pitcher/infielder), Adam Canale (infielder/outfielder/right-handed pitcher), Mike Shipula (catcher/first baseman/outfielder/right-handed pitcher), Connor Dunn (shortstop/outfielder), Danny Cutrupi (catcher/outfielder/second baseman/third baseman), Tyler Stefanisko (outfielder), Mike Cummings (first baseman/outfielder), Liam Krimmel (right-handed pitcher), Andrew Rogers (right-handed pitcher) and Drew Spence (left-handed pitcher). Like Lawrence, Robbinsville advanced to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III semifinals last year when the Ravens were 19-9. Seventh-year head coach Mike Kinsella will have eight seniors to keep his team in the hunt in their new division. Left-handed pitcher/outfielder Noah Schwartz, infielder/right-handed pitcher Hayden Perusich, catcher Chris Naperkowski, outfielder/right-handed pitcher Matt Boss, infielder Eddie Keating, outfielder/catcher Gavin Sullivan, first baseman Cole Hoffman and outfielder Ryan Emigholz are R’ville’s senior class. “We lost three starters, but this is a close group. We have varsity and big game experience coming back,” Kinsella said. “We have more arms available than we’ve had in the past. They’ll keep us in games, but our offense will have to be better.” West Windsor-Plainsboro High South graduate Chris Skolka will be the new head coach at Hopewell Valley after Ken Harrison retired following two decades in charge. Nine seniors will try to help the Bulldogs do as well as, or better than, their 15-10 finish a year ago. “Kenny did a great job, and I want to continue to keep the program moving forward,” Skolka said. “Right now, the players are swinging the bats really well. The pitching’s coming along, and we’re making routine plays. It’s mostly a matter of adjusting because we’re very short on time.” That is why seniors like right-handed pitchers/infielders Blake Echternacht, D.J. Steward and Nate Gross, right-handed pitchers/outfielders Owen Lengle and Liam Norton, utility player Dean Mantuano, infielder/outfielder Alex Berez, infielder/catcher Nick Pozsony and right-handed pitcher Nick Skibik will be counted on to help make Skolka’s transition smoother. Nottingham and Ewing both graduated important senior classes after fine 2024 seasons. Coming off a 16-8 campaign, sixth-year head coach Charlie Iacono will only have three seniors as the Northstars move up to the Colonial. Nottingham’s more inexperienced players will look to upperclassmen Aidan Lipman (right-handed pitcher/infielder), Brandon Rigas (outfielder/right-handed pitcher) and Carlos Reyes (infielder/outfielder) for leadership. “We’re young with not a lot of depth, so there’s going to be a lot of learning on the job,” said Iacono, whose team won the Mercer County Invitational and a state tournament game last year. “We have pitchers, but our offense is going to need to catch up quickly.” Eleventh-year head coach David Angebranndt’s Blue Devils were 10-12 last year, so will need their five seniors to help Ewing deal with the division switch. “I think we’re right where we should be, and I think it’s going to be a positive season,” Angebranndt said. “The guys are going to get a chance to compete because a lot of them play multiple positions. The team chemistry is positive. They’re all learning.” Third baseman/right-handed pitcher Jacob Mignogna, catcher/right-handed pitcher Joey Andreas, outfielders/right-handed pitchers Connor Lane and Carlos Paredes-Cruz, plus utility man Carlos Brisita are the upperclassmen needed to keep the green Blue Devils on track. Robbinsville’s Tyler Bunnell throws to the plate against Hun during a MCT semifinal baseball game at Veterans Park in Hamilton. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo) ALLENTOWN Head Coach — Brian Nice (20th season). Assistant Coaches — Justin Coecliff, Jose Vera, Brad Downs, Curt Macysyn, Craig Helfgott. Last Season — 20-9 overall, 10-4 CVC Valley, Valley Division runner-up, Mercer County Tournament semifinalist, NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III champs, NJSIAA Group III state semifinalist, No. 2 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Dom Inzilla (Sr., C), Chris Whalen (Sr., OF/RHP), Sean Heissler (Sr. IF/RHP), Mattox Watson (Sr., IF/RHP), Brandon Sweeney (Sr., IF/OF), Aaron Freud (Sr., IF), Andrew Marshall (Sr., OF/RHP), Brian Becker (Sr., OF), Max Kleinz (Jr., IF), Anthony O’Rourke (Jr., IF/OF/RHP), John Ryel (Jr., IF/RHP), Dieter Von Harten (Jr., 1B/RHP), Francisco Raucci (Jr., IF), Jordan Rey (Jr., OF/C), Ryan Tate (Jr., 1B/OF/LHP), Jackson Valentine (Jr., OF), Chase Pullen (So., IF/RHP), Jason Villani (So., C/OF), R.J. Davis (So., OF/LHP), Dan Ducalo (So.., IF), Jack Loughlin (So., OF/RHP), Matt Laurinaitis (Fr., OF/RHP). Outlook — The Redbirds graduated 11 players and have 11 more back. A year ago, that kind of turnover saw A’town get stronger. There are changes, yet plenty of pitching and hitting to keep Nice’s boys sharp. EWING Head Coach — David Angebranndt (11th season). Assistant Coaches — Brian Dudeck, Nick Nemes. Last Season — 10-12 overall, 7-7 CVC Valley, Mercer County Invitational semifinalist, No. 14 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Jacob Mignogna (Sr., 3B/RHP), Joey Andreas (Sr., C/RHP), Connor Lane (Sr., OF/RHP), Carlos Brisita (Sr., UTL), Carlos Paredes-Cruz (Sr., RHP/OF), Sam Simpkins (Jr., SS/RHP), Ryan Greig (Jr., RHP/1B), Sam Leibowitz (Jr., OF), David Hartmann (Jr., UTL), Adrian Velasquez (Jr., UTL), Josh Tirado (So., 3B/1B/RHP), Mason Bourne (So., OF/RHP), Osiris Gonzalez-Hidalgo (So., UTL), Wilfry Rodriguez (Fr., SS), Michael Ordini (Fr., IF/RHP/C), Thomas Burkhart (Fr., OF/LHP), Chase Rosenberg (Fr., UTL), Richie Velez (Fr., UTL). Outlook — With its core of five having graduated and eight back, the Blue Devils still have to work hard to do well in the new Colonial. That will be expected of their young roster, so it can grow and get better. HOPEWELL VALLEY Head Coach — Chris Skolka (first season). Assistant Coaches — John Capuano, Dan Balog, Jack Haynes. Last Season — 15-10 overall, 10-4 CVC Valley, No. 5 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Blake Echternacht (Sr., RHP/IF), Owen Lengle (Sr., OF/RHP), D.J. Steward (Sr., IF/RHP), Liam Norton (Sr., RHP/OF), Dean Mantuano (Sr., UTL), Nate Gross (Sr., IF/RHP), Alex Berez (Sr., IF/OF), Nick Pozsony (Sr., IF/C), Nick Skibik (Sr., RHP), Jaykob Shin (Jr., IF/RHP), Ryan Ottobre (Jr., C), Brian Tulli (Jr., IF/RHP), Luke Hemmer (Jr., 1B/RHP), Chase Garrow (Jr., IF/RHP), Tyler Yadamiec (Jr., OF), Gavin McCaffrey (Jr., OF), Anthony Noble (So., IF/RHP), Luke Lebson (So., OF/RHP). Outlook — Skolka replaces Ken Harrison after 20 years in charge. With 11 players back after six graduated, the Bulldogs have the pieces, including 13 pitchers, to challenge the teams in the Colonial. LAWRENCE Head Coach — Jim Maher (third season). Assistant Coaches — Mike Suosso, Paul Sparano, Ryan Willever, Buddy Longo. Last Season — 22-6 overall, 12-1 CVC Valley, Valley Division champs, Mercer County Tournament runner-up, NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III semifinalist, No. 3 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Teak Toto (Sr., OF), Connor Crowley (Sr., RHP/IF), Anaf Jut (Sr., RHP), Aiden Crowley (Jr., RHP/1B), Deacon Moore (Jr., RHP/IF/OF), Drew Dobkin (Jr., C), Aiden Poot (Jr., RHP/OF), Connor Willever (Jr., RHP/C/3B), Josh Vichroski (Jr., LHP/OF), Ben Hauger (Jr., RHP/3B), Yariel Guzman (Jr., IF), Seneca Sumners (Jr., IF), Shane Mitchell (Jr., OF), Andrew Benitez (Jr., OF), Landon Abernathy (So., C), Ethan Graham (So., IF), Max Edgar (So., LHP), Alex Dyer (Fr., RHP/IF). Outlook — The Cardinals graduated six for a second consecutive year. With 12 returnees, the talent is still there, albeit younger, meaning more will need to step forward to keep Lawrence in line with its goals. NOTRE DAME Head Coach — Joe Drulis (24th season). Assistant Coaches — Bill Romano, Bob Reilly, Charlie Battis, Bob “Duke” DeLuca, Bo Burrows, Gary Conover, Jeff Kearns, Steve Elliott. Last Season — 12-12 overall, 8-6 CVC Colonial, Colonial Division runner-up (tie), No. 7 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Jamie Duffy (Sr., RHP/IF), Adam Canale (Sr., IF/OF/RHP), Mike Shipula (Sr., C/1B/OF/RHP), Connor Dunn (Sr., SS/OF), Danny Cutrupi (Sr., C/OF/2B/3B), Tyler Stefanisko (Sr., OF), Mike Cummings (Sr., 1B/OF), Liam Krimmel (Sr., RHP), Andrew Rogers (Sr., RHP), Drew Spence (Sr., LHP), Josh Klena (Jr., RHP), Max Pelzer (Jr., OF/IF/RHP), Joe Lech (Jr., LHP), A.J. Cimino (Jr., RHP), Auggie Kapoor (Jr., RHP), Josh Guire (Jr., C/2B/3B), Jimmy Iacona (Jr., C/OF), Tommy Swietek (Jr., IF/OF), Alex Vilarelle (Jr., 3B), Joey Bonko (So., RHP/SS), Rocco Valentino (So., RHP/IF/OF), A.J. Liberto (So., RHP/2B). Outlook — The Irish saw 12 players graduate, but have 15 back to challenge in the new Colonial. Coming off a rare .500 campaign, ND brings plenty of versatility into a new season to help it do better. NOTTINGHAM Head Coach — Charlie Iacono (sixth season). Assistant Coaches — Rob Nosari, Brian Emerson, Eric Struble, Ethan Scannon, Anthony Auletta. Last Season — 16-8 overall, 8-6 CVC Valley, Mercer County Invitational champions, No. 8 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Aidan Lipman (Sr., RHP/IF), Brandon Rigas (Sr., OF/RHP), Carlos Reyes (Sr., IF/OF), Nick Gaglione (Jr., IF/RHP), Luke Formica (Jr., RHP/OF), Ethan Miller (Jr., IF/RHP), Joe Septak (Jr., 1B/LHP), Alex Alonzo (So., IF/RHP/C), Shane Cost-Reebe (So., RHP), Nolan Farr (So., RHP/IF), Xavier Quinones (So., OF/RHP), Austin Wright (Fr., C/RHP), Michael Juliano (Fr., RHP/OF), Brennen Babkowski (Fr., OF), Luca Gaglione (Fr., LHP/1B/OF), Liam Scolnick (Fr., 1B/RHP). Outlook — Ten Northstars graduated after a fine 2024 campaign. Eight more return to take on the new Colonial challenge, but most are young, so it might take a little time to get where Nottingham wants to be. ROBBINSVILLE Head Coach — Mike Kinsella (seventh season). Assistant Coaches — Gregg Lerner, Andrew Bruno. Last Season — 19-9 overall, 8-6 CVC Valley, Mercer County Tournament semifinalist, NJSIAA Group III Central semifinalist, No. 4 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Hayden Perusich (Sr., IF/RHP), Noah Schwartz (Sr., LHP/OF), Chris Naperkowski (Sr., C), Matt Boss (Sr., OF/RHP), Eddie Keating (Sr., IF), Gavin Sullivan (Sr., OF/C), Cole Hoffman (Sr., 1B), Ryan Emigholz (Sr., OF), Tyler Bunnell (Jr., IF/RHP), Johnny Fowler (Jr., SS/RHP), Nick Wysokowski (Jr., OF), Josh Yoo (Jr., IF/RHP), Nate Manning (Jr., RHP/IF), Josh Sanchez (Jr., RHP/IF), Gavin Hopkins (So., OF/LHP), Ben Deane (So., RHP/IF), Gavin Yablonowitz (So., RHP/IF). Outlook — The Ravens had five players graduate with 11 more returning for the latest challenge. Eleven players can pitch or play the field, so R’ville just needs to pick things up offensively to be strong again. STEINERT Head Coach — Brian Giallella (23rd season). Assistant Coaches — Rick Freeman, Mike Hastings, Michael Santoro, Mike Szczepanski, Ryan Stromberg, Michael Giacobbe, Mark Trapasso. Last Season — 14-13 overall, 9-4 CVC Colonial, Colonial Division champs, No. 10 in Trentonian Top 15. Roster — Mason Grant (Sr., RHP), Joey Ditta (Sr., IF/RHP), Ethan Zimmerman (Sr., RHP), Remy Feniello (Sr., OF), Jack Perelli (Sr., OF), Vincent Condurso (Sr., C), Hayden Caruso (Sr., C), Gavin Giallella (Sr., IF), Jace Maher (Sr., IF), Chase Porcella (Sr., IF), Peter Simone (Sr., IF), Eric Green (Sr., IF), Matt Morris (Jr., RHP), Marco Giambrone (Jr., LHP), Joe Maglione (Jr., RHP), Kaiden Hurley (Jr., C), Stephen Wright (Jr., IF), John Kopera (So., OF), Steven James (So., RHP), Kristopher Simonka (So., RHP), Thomas Ditta (So., IF), Dominick DeFrancis (So., OF). Outlook — Fifteen Spartans graduated, making this season interesting with another double-digit group back. Steinert will be ready for the mission, yet needs more consistency on the mound and at the plate to improve. ...read more read less