By Mike White
Staff Writer
CHRIS KELLY Howell’s Matthew Hehner, of the Monmouth County All-Stars, waits to tag out Toms River’s Jim Principe, of the Ocean County squad, during Saturday’s American Legion All-Star Game at Monmouth University in West Long Branch.
WEST LONG BRANCH — Bruce Reibis could not have had a better high school season.
He led the Jackson High School baseball team in just about every offensive category. He finished with seven home runs, 29 RBIs and posted a gaudy .489 batting average as the Jags qualified for both the Shore Conference and state tournaments.
His firepower at the plate hasn’t slowed during the summer months. As a member of the Jackson American Legion squad, Reibis is again one of the top hitters.
He was selected to play with the Ocean County team in the annual American Legion All-Star Game last Saturday at Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
Reibis’ hitting helped lead the Ocean County squad to an 11-4 victory over Monmouth County. The Jackson junior went 3-for-3, including a pair of doubles as Ocean County used a four-run fifth inning to knock off a scrappy Monmouth squad.
In addition, Reibis scored three times and was selected as the game’s Most Valuable Player.
"His offensive output hasn’t slowed one bit from the high school season," said Jackson coach Kenny Sims, who was an assistant coach for the Ocean County team. "The numbers he has put up are truly impressive. There were a number of scouts at this game and they had to be impressed with the way he tore the cover off the ball. He is seeing the ball so well and using all fields."
Jackson American Legion teammate Ryan Andrews also was a member of the Ocean County team. Andrews finished 1-for-3 and scored a run.
"He [Andrews] had a very impressive high school season and is playing quite well in legion ball," Sims said. "They are two guys who are going to be key players on next year’s high school team."
Reibis played seven of nine innings at shortstop before being replaced. But by that time he had already done damage with the bat.
"He stung a couple of those hits," Sims said. "His two doubles were both hit very solid down the left field line. He is a super pull hitter when the ball is inside, and he certainly got out and turned on a couple of those pitches."
Sims feels Reibis has the potential to play at the next level.
"I know that there have been some college coaches who have shown interest in him," Sims said. "He is a great hitter and pretty solid defensive player as well. If he continues to work on his game and produce the way he did this past season, he should have a number of colleges showing interest."