2024 New Jersey Baseball Group 3 State Tournament Preview

by NJ Athletics

Game Preview: Morris Knolls vs. Randolph - NJSIAA Group 3 Semifinals

Overview: This anticipated rematch between Morris Knolls and Randolph is set to be a highlight of the Group 3 Semifinals. Both teams have demonstrated strong seasonal performances and have key players who can influence the game's outcome. The previous meeting saw Morris Knolls come out on top, adding an extra layer of competition and motivation for Randolph. This game promises to be a tight contest, with strategic depth and player performances likely to decide the path to the finals.

Morris Knolls Golden Eagles

  • Season Record: 26-5, 10-0 in NJAC - National
  • Key Wins: Depaul, West Essex, Randolph
  • Recent Performance: Coming in at #6 on our Top 20 Rankings, Morris Knolls has been dominant in the postseason thus far, breezing through the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 bracket. The Golden Eagles put up 41 runs while only letting up 6, through 4 tournament games.
  • Key Players:
    • Luke Dickerson (Senior, IF, OF): One of the best players in the state, who holds a .465 batting average, 43 RBIs, and a state-leading 17 HR's, proving to be a critical all-around threat for the team.
    • James Kahn (Senior, P, 3B): Solid on the mound with a 2.05 ERA and 63 K's, providing reliable starts and closing games effectively.

Randolph Rams

  • Season Record: 21-9, 7-5 in NJAC - American
  • Key Wins: Seton Hall Prep, Delbarton, South Plainfield
  • Recent Performance: Hopping in and out of the Top 20 Rankings, Randolph has maintained steady performance with the ability to rally late in games and strong pitching leading to key victories. The Rams are also no stranger to winning games against Top 20 teams, as they started off the season defeating 2 of them in their first 3 games.
  • Key Players:
    • AJ Terry (Junior, SS): Key offensive player with a .449 batting average and 28 RBIs, pivotal in clutch situations.
    • Tommy Martin (Senior, P, 1B): Anchoring the pitching staff with a 1.72 ERA with 74 strikeouts, crucial in maintaining Randolph's defensive strength.

Game Preview: Delsea vs. Allentown - NJSIAA Group 3 Semifinals

Overview: This game sets the stage for an intense battle between two well-matched teams. Delsea's strategic play and resilience will be tested against Allentown's robust batting lineup and strong pitching. Key performances from Austin Buchanan and Frank Cairone for Delsea, along with Dom Inzilla and Eddie Werse for Allentown, will be critical in deciding the outcome of this high-stakes semifinal.

Delsea Crusaders

  • Season Record: 26-3, 10-0 Tri-County - Liberty
  • Key Wins: Shawnee, St. Augustine, Cherry Hill West
  • Recent Performance: Delsea sits at #9 in the Top 20 Rankings, deservedly so after taking out top tier programs in route to a  South Jersey, Group 3 Championship.
  • Key Players:
    • Austin Buchanan (Junior, OF): Leads the team with a .420 batting average and 30 RBIs, providing crucial power and ability to knock in clutch runs.
    • Frank Cairone (Junior, P): Dominant on the mound with a 1.96 ERA and 93 strikeouts, anchoring Delsea's pitching staff.

Allentown Redbirds

  • Season Record: 20-8, 4-2 CVC - Valley
    Key Wins: Middletown South, Lawrence, Donovan Catholic
  • Recent Performance: Allentown has consistently demonstrated robust batting and strong defensive performances all season long. The Redbirds enter this matchup on a 5-game win streak, taking out tough teams to get here.
  • Key Players:
    • Dom Inzilla (Junior): Exceptional at the plate with a .422 average and 37 RBIs.
    • Eddie Werse (Senior, P): Leads the pitching staff with a 0.99 ERA and 64 strikeouts, crucial for Allentown's defensive strategy.
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