The Chiefs can also boast of a strong mound corps with their No. 1 starter in junior righty Dan Vybihal (5-1, 1.89, 44 K’s in 37 IP), who has a no-hitter to his credit this spring, while rapidly-ascending sophomore Isaac Stern (6-1, 2.51) and senior Vin Brown (4-1, 2.46) also make major contributions to the successful pitching for coach Ryan Smith’s squad.

Looking at the respective lineups, West Essex is led by 3-year starting senior catcher Colin Fogg (.424 BA, 35 runs, 18 RBI, 21 stolen bases) and 4-year starting outfielder Caden Lozito (.400 BA, 17 RBI, 20 BB, 12 SB) along with junior shortstop Rocco Pontrella (.333 BA, 21 runs) and freshman third baseman Thomas Drechsel (.344 BA, 13 RBI, 17 BB).

Drechsel, who has been hitting very well of late, is one of two freshmen starters on the Knights’ infield along with sure-fielding second baseman Ethan Fiss.

Caldwell is led by sophomore center fielder Dante Placenti (.373 BA, 20 runs, 24 RBI, 10 extra base hits, 12 stolen bases), junior third baseman Michael Arvanites (22 RBI), senior second baseman Ryan Keenan (.306 BA) and speedy junior left fielder and leadoff batter Santino Russo (.292 BA, 23 runs, 14 stolen bases).  

“It should be a great tournament and we’re looking forward to preparing for our first game against Parsippany,” said Genchi. “We respect all the teams in the section and many times it all comes down to who is pitching well on any particular day.”

NJSIAA North 2, Group 2 state tournament:
First Round, Wednesday, May 27:
 (16) Hillside at (1) Caldwell
 (9) Parsippany Hills at (8) Hackettstown
 (12) Passaic Valley at (5) Rutherford
 (13) Shabazz at (4) Madison
 (14) Voorhees at (3) West Morris
 (11) Bernards at (6) Lyndhurst
 (10) Becton at (7) Mendham
 (15) Parsippany at (2) West Essex

Quarterfinals, Friday, May 29; semifinals, Wednesday, June 3, and final, Friday, June 5, at higher seed.   

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