Schalick Ends 33-Year Drought, Captures Sectional Title Behind Pokrovsky’s Gem

by NJ Athletics June 6, 2025

photo & coverage by: Lukas Guerrier

For the first time since 1991, Schalick has claimed a South Jersey Group 1 sectional title—and they did it in gritty, composed fashion.

Led by senior ace and UPenn commit Luke Pokrovsky, the Cougars took down Audubon, 4–3, in a thrilling final that featured dominant pitching, timely hitting, and one key response to adversity. Pokrovsky delivered a masterclass on the mound, striking out 12 batters over six innings and keeping Schalick ahead despite facing one of the state’s toughest lineups. “It feels amazing,” Pokrovsky said after the win. “We have a really good team this year. Going into the playoffs, we knew it was our year.”

The Cougars trailed early after a solo homer from Rutgers commit Tyler Wiltsey gave Audubon a 1–0 lead in the first. But Schalick wasted no time responding. A three-run second inning gave them control, and they added a key insurance run in the third.

Pokrovsky, who admitted he missed his spot on the pitch to Wiltsey, didn’t let it rattle him. “I had to challenge him. I missed my spot and he didn’t miss it,” he said. “But it didn’t affect me knowing we still had the lead and my team would pick me up.”

That confidence never wavered. Pokrovsky struck out double digits for the fourth time this season and allowed just five hits and three earned runs. He handed the ball off to Lucas D’Agostino, who closed the door in the seventh with a clean inning. Offensively, Evan Sepers and Jamari Whitley both recorded two hits, while Joseph-Tyler Fleming, Enrico Hatz, and D’Agostino each drove in a run.

Now sitting at 22–2, Schalick has the momentum and belief to keep going. “We had one of the hardest playoff runs based on who we had to play,” Pokrovsky said. “We stayed positive, picked each other up, and did our part. Now we’re letting other teams do the talking—we’ll just keep playing our game.”

Next up: a shot at a state championship. And with Pokrovsky dealing, Schalick believes this ride isn’t over yet.