Jackson team looking to pick up where it left off
By Mike White
Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY Jackson’s Danielle Gressey drives to the hoop during the Shore Basketball Coaches all-star game at Wall High School on March 28. Gressey, who scored seven points, was part of the South squad that lost the contest 76-67. Lakewood’s Shakeema Martin and Nicole Huderwitz also played for the South squad, and contributed 10 and two points, respectively.

JACKSON — The 2002 season ended in spectacular fashion for the Jackson High School baseball team. After starting very slow, the Jags rebounded to end the year as South Jersey Group IV champions.

That was followed by an unlikely tear through the state tournament that ended with a loss to Union in the finals.

First-year coach Ken Sims has a tough act to follow. He inherits the program from Mike Walsh, who resigned following the season.

"They had a great year," Sims said. "They qualified for the state tournament by going 9-9 and then went on an unbelievable run. We have a number of kids on that team returning this season. We’re hoping to keep the program competitive in Class A South."

Jackson is scheduled to open the season April 2 by hosting Toms River North.

"We get a test right away," Sims said. "Any time you open against one of the Toms Rivers schools, you can expect a battle."

Gone from the last year’s squad are pitchers Mike Joyce and Matt Wilder. Joe Serratelli, Nick Anzalone and Brian McFadden also have graduated.

"We lose a number of talented kids," Sims said.

Senior captains Rob Kane and Chris Sweitzer lead the 2003 edition of the Jaguars. Kane is slated to be the team’s No. 1 starter this year and will be on the hill when the Jags take on TRN. When he is not pitching, Kane doubles as the team’s starting shortstop.

"He is a very good player who does a lot of things well," Sims said. "He is probably the most knowledgeable baseball player on the team as far as field sense goes. He is an excellent pitcher and has unbelievable range at short."

Sweitzer, an outfielder, was one the team’s best hitters last season despite playing a lot of the year nagged by a leg injury. He finished with a batting average of .298, which included 30 hits and 37 RBI.

"Last year Chris had some knee problems, but that has cleared up," Sims said. "He has a quick bat and swings with a lot of power. With his speed on the base paths, we’re expecting him to deliver a lot of extra base hits."

Seniors Paul DeLuca and Andrew Materia and junior Carmen Vetrano add varsity experience to the team.

DeLuca finished with a .380 batting average. He had 20 hits, including four doubles, and 15 RBI. Vetrano batted .297 with 13 RBI and Materia was a defensive specialist at first base.

Newcomers juniors Dan Morvay (catcher), Chris McBride (outfield) and Bruce Riebis (pitcher/infield) and senior Brian Ciamarra (outfield) are all challenging for starting spots, Sims said.

Juniors Mike Olszuk (pitcher) and Nick Valentino (outfield) and sophomore Ryan Andrews (infield) are expected to make significant contributions.

"We don’t have that one real big superstar," Sims said. "But we have a lot of depth on this team. We can also hit the ball. There are a lot of lively bats in the lineup. I don’t think we’ll have that much difficulty scoring runs."

Jackson has looked solid in scrimmages against Shawnee and Howell, Sims said.

He feels the kids are adjusting well to having a new coach.

"The kids have been great," he said. "I think they are starting to get a feel for what is expected from them. It seems they are eager to play. I think we should be competitive in A South. There are no easy games in that division. We’ll need to be focused and consistent right from the start of the season."

Following the contest against TRN opening day, Jackson squares off against Southern, Brick and Toms River South.

"We have four conference games to start the season," Sims said. "All of them are tough games. We’ll know where we stand after the first two weeks of the season."