The baseball team is looking to build off their leadership and the promise of their younger players going into Spring season. Coach Johnson’s goal is to build off the team’s success last year, when they beat a highly ranked Old Tappan team, going in as underdogs.

They have a lot of returning starters this year, as well as many new talents gaining a role on the team. With the team they have this year they are looking improve thier record after last year.

“We are looking to make it even further this year. We acquired a lot of talented freshmen who will play critical roles to our success this season.” Johnson said. “I can’t wait to see how our team performs this season. I expect a lot of energy and intensity from all the players.”

Last year the Knights finished with a record of 14-11 and advanced to the NJSIAA North 1, Group 3 tournament quarterfinal round before losing to fifth-seeded Roxbury. As the 13 seed, they defeated the four seed Old Tappan in the opening round.

Lone team captain Ian McLaughlin will attempt to lead the team to states this year.

“Ian McLaughlin is and has always been a guy who leads by example,” Johnson said. “His work ethic can never be questioned and how much he cares about the team and his performance is never hidden. He won the game on the mound and hit a walk-off base hit against the conference champs, East Side.”

Another player that stood out for Coach Johnson was senior Max Ruvo for his outstanding play last season.

“Last year, Max hit .460 on the year,” he said. “He consistently stayed our best hitter all year. He hit home runs against Nutley and in the second round of the state tournament against Roxbury.”
Coach Johnson wasn’t the only one excited to watch the young players contribute to the team this season. Ruvo described the talent Freshmen Vin Panzarino showed during the pre-season.

“He’s by far one of our most talented assets,” Ruvo said. “It’s crazy because he’s only a freshman and he’s already batting fourth in our lineup. Vin has great potential going forward.”
The team finished a scrimmage against one of the best teams in the state, Don Bosco Prep.

Even though it was only a preseason game, the Knights only lost 3-1 and seemed very pleased by their performance, considering the talent they matched up with. Senior pitcher Anthony Vassallo commented on the team’s tough play after the scrimmage and what he expects for the team’s prospects going forward.

“I thought we played great against some tough competition. I think our season is looking bright, but we can’t get too overconfident,” he said.

The team has four players committed to continuing their careers in college. Three of whom, the Ruvos and Ant Vassallo, will all be attending Washington College in Maryland. Matt Cesare will be attending Salem State University in Massachusetts. The Knights feel the entire team has talent all over the field with contributors from the seniors to their freshman. With a promising start to the season, they want to keep the momentum going strong.