Senior pitcher Mario Danza entered the season with literally no varsity experience for the Monroe Township High School baseball team.
However, head coach Pat Geroni considered him to be a key contributor this season, especially during the Falcons’ state tournament run that ended with a 6-2 loss to Jackson Memorial High School in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV finals on May 30.
Monroe’s season concludes at 15-7, which includes a Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) White Division title.
“It’s a testament to Mario’s work ethic that he [pitched to a] 7-3 record and set a school record for earned run average at 1.02,” Geroni said. “He wasn’t a GMC allstar selection, but in our minds, he was certainly all-everything.” East Brunswick High School’s baseball team (18-9) also exited the same sectional on May 27 when it dropped a 16-4 game to Jackson Memorial. Among the many upsides to this season was the performance from a pitching staff that will return intact, except for senior Cody Burnham (4-4).
East Brunswick could return as one of the GMC’s top teams because of arms like junior Vic Dudka (9-1), sophomore Chris Cap and junior James Tagerty. The offense will also be a strength of the team.
The Bears bring back juniors Tyler Mc- Namara (.368, 28 hits), who also excelled behind the plate, Nick Smutko (.370, 34 hits) and Dudka (.316), as well as sophomores Juan Ganzaroli (.423, 33 hits) and Cap (.302).
“The guys became an extremely close bunch that put the team before themselves,” East Brunswick coach Chris Kenney said. “Much of our pitching success was due to the coaching of our assistant, Tommy Boehm.
“Part of what made this my most satisfying season (Kenney’s third), was the fact this team came together like a family,” Kenney said. “We have a lot of talent moving forward, and we’re excited about that.”
Monroe’s Geroni believes his team’s continued success depends on building by using the same work ethic that made this year so successful, particularly the way all his players responded to their roles.
“One of the most underrated parts of team chemistry is when seniors that are not getting playing time stay positive and teamoriented. That helps everybody remain positive,” he said.
As for what will impact the team’s future, Geroni said, “What we do tomorrow, the next day and the day after will determine if we get back to [challenging for the sectional title].”
The hard-hitting Falcons will be bolstered by the return of a number of quality players. Sophomore catcher Anthony Tagliaferro, has emerged as one of the top backstops in the conference, and he hit .381 while driving in a team-leading 22 runs. Junior Chris Hernandez (.523, teamleading 34 hits) and sophomore Rico Viani (.407) will also be important cogs in the lineup.
Geroni also mentioned the return of senior Willie Levier, who came off a torn ACL last year to be the catalyst for 17 double plays. He hit .350.
Others who experienced outstanding seasons were shortstop Anthony Parente, designated hitter Ryan Jendras, left fielder Danny Gregor, first baseman Mike Rela, outfielder Alex Esposito and several seniors off the bench — Shane Palmer, Connor Lavan, Mike Seppi and Mike Loschiavo.