The Inquirer NJ boys’ baseball preseason top 10

The Inquirer

TOP 10

PRESEASON BASEBALL

With last year's record in parentheses.

 1. Gloucester Catholic (24-7). Senior LHP Cody Brown (9-1, 76 Ks) and sophomore RHP Mike Shawaryn (4-1, 76 Ks) lead a deep rotation, while a loaded junior class of hitters includes East Carolina recruit Joe Brooks (.446) and four others who batted better than .400 as sophomores.

2. Lenape (23-5). Penn recruit Jeff McGarry (7-2, 1.51 ERA) is an ace RHP, and St. Joseph's recruit and senior IF Stefan Kancylarz (.412, 33 RBIs) leads a potent offense that also includes Chris Malinowski (.356) and Steve Doulong (.316).

3. Seneca (13-11). Vanderbilt recruit Kevin Comer, a hard-throwing RHP, is a likely high draft pick. Ryan Williams (.403), Rich Powelson (.386), and Gabe Santone (.370) lead the attack.

4. Audubon (21-7). Junior LHPs Andy Schorr, who has committed to East Carolina, and Kevin Kraemer will be backed by an offense that features Brian Flacco (.519) and Brett Phillips (.429).

5. St. Augustine (17-11). The Hermits feature a deep pitching staff led by seniors Matt Rakus (65 Ks) and Rick Elfreth, plus a potent offense led by OF Ed Charlton (30 RBIs) and IF Anthony Cocuzza (.386).

6. Holy Cross (22-6). Virginia Tech recruit Mark Zagunis (12 HRs, 28 SBs) and Jon Adryan lead a powerful lineup, and Jeff Singer is the Lancers' top pitcher.

7. Shawnee (14-8). Senior RHP Dylan Johannink (4-1, 2.70 ERA) anchors the rotation. Three-year starters Vince Corbi (.311, 26 runs) and Ed Royds (.391, 24 RBIs) spark the lineup.

8. Highland (19-9). Boston College recruit and senjor IF Tyler Hinchliffe (.485), senior IF Pierce Phillips (school-record 51 hits) and senior IF Ryan Pavlik lead the offense. Senior Vince Ciccarelli is a proven presence on the mound.

9. Millville (22-5). Veteran P/INFs Chet Godfrey (9-2, 90 Ks) and Darren Moore lead the way, and the Thunderbolts should get a boost from junior transfer P/IF Andrew Biggs.

10. Washington Township (18-12). Heavy-hitting senior IF Mark Jankowski (.391, 37 RBIs) leads the offense and senior RHP Jonny Morad (29 Ks in 26 IP) tops the rotation for the defending South Jersey Group 4 champions.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically): Cherry Hill West (13-12), Clearview (16-9), Hammonton (16-9), Holy Spirit (19-8), Rancocas Valley (15-6), West Deptford (16-10).

- Phil Anastasia