SOUTH BRUNSWICK
S outh Brunswick High School’s black team is working to develop players for the spring varsity campaign as it competes in the Greater Middlesex Coaches Summer Baseball League.
With 30 players looking to play in the summer, Vikings head coach Tim Sweeney split the group into two teams, ensuring that each had four of his eight seniors. Former South Brunswick standout Billy Rogers is at the helm of the black squad.
Thus far, the team is 3-4. But having played summer ball himself while part of the Vikings program, the coach knows the importance of the season.
“It’s very important for the players, especially with a program as large as ours,” said Rogers, who went on to pitch at Muhlenberg College and then as a graduate student at Felician College this past spring. “This is really the second half of the spring season, and the kids have an opportunity to separate themselves from the competition to earn a varsity spot.”
The black squad’s top pitchers are seniors Aidan Rogers, Jeremy Brent and Nick Montagna. Aidan Rogers is coming off a 15-strikeout performance over five innings against Monroe Township High School. Brent recently tossed five strong innings against J.P. Stevens High School, and Montagna held Edison High School hitless for five innings. Middle infielder and leadoff hitter John Sawyer is the fourth senior.
“One of coach Sweeney’s goals was for the seniors to become leaders, and I’ve watched everyone of them step up,” coach Rogers said. “I haven’t had to say anything; they’ve naturally assumed leadership positions. It’s good to see them speaking up when they need to.”
Seven juniors are on the team. Shortstop Sean Nally and third baseman Garrett Byrne are both hitting above the .400 mark. Center fielder Dylan Beck is showing some pop in the fifth spot in the South Brunswick batting order.
Alex Sorge and Brendan Zircher, a pair of left-handed pitchers, are picking up some innings in relief while splitting time at first base. Reliever Abhi Gupta has pitched well, while also doing his part to lighten the mood when needed. Catcher Gavin VanDemark has nabbed several would-be base stealers and is working well with the pitching staff, coach Rogers added.
Versatile infielder/outfielder Jordan Trimpert, one of four sophomores on the black team, has hit the ball well, as has catcher Chris Camacho, who has three doubles over his last two games. Outfielders Anthony DePaz and Jalen Nock are also showing promise.
In addition, former South Brunswick players D.J. Roche and Rory Monaghan are assisting coach Rogers, along with Sean Monaghan.