Allentown’s Huth is our CVC Player of the Year
The high school baseball season went the distance for two local teams this season with Allentown High winning the NJSIAA Group III state title in New Jersey and Pennsbury High winning the PIAA Class 6A crown in Pennsylvania.
The success was spread around nicely as five teams surpassed 20 wins, including Allentown (26-2), Pennsbury (22-6), Steinert (22-6), Delran (21-5) and Nottingham (218).
The Colonial Valley Conference had its share of talent with Notre Dame edging Hightstown for Colonial Division honors, Allentown and Nottingham tying for the Valley Division top spot and Steinert winning a tight race in the always tough Patriot Division.
Here is a look at the some of CVC’s top baseball talent:
CAMERON CANE HOPEWELL VALLEY
This senior first baseman/outfielder headed to The College of New Jersey set the pace for the league this spring by batting close to .500. Cane ended up hitting at a .493 clip with 34 hits and 32 runs batted in.
AYDON CHAVIS ALLENTOWN
One of the steadiest fielders in the CVC, this senior second baseman was just as critical at the top of A’town’s lineup. Chavis turned 31 hits into 20 runs for the Redbirds.
JOEY SACCO STEINERT
This junior proved to be the glue in the Spartans’ infield as well as at the plate. Sacco led Brian Giallella’s team with a .446 batting average, plus 37 hits — which tied him for the team lead with Ryan Mostrangeli — while also scoring 39 runs and knocking in 20 more.
NICK MANCUSO NOTRE DAME
This La Salle University-bound senior was one of the smoothest at his shortstop position. Besides only committing two errors all season, Mancuso was just as consistent at the plate, where he batted .426 with 29 hits, including nine doubles, seven triples and three home runs, on the way to 20 RBIs and 17 runs scored.
RYAN MOSTRANGELI
STEINERT
This Mercer County Community College-bound senior outfielder was one of the toughest outs around. Mostrangeli tied for the Spartans’ lead in hits (37), home runs (four) and triples (three), while also leading the way with 13 doubles.
STEVE BROOKWELL
HIGHTSTOWN
This senior’s accurate arm made him a valuable asset to the Rams as an outfielder and relief pitcher. Brookwell hit at a .418 clip, plus had 23 hits and 23 runs for Charlie Iacono’s team.
JAKE BEYER STEINERT
This senior outfielder was one of the steadiest contributors for the Spartans at the plate and in the field. Beyer hit .400 with 32 hits and a CVC-best 33 RBIs, while only committing one error.
TATEM LEVINS NOTRE DAME
This junior catcher gained the starting nod and kept it with his solid bat. Levins had 25 hits to go with a team-high 21 RBIs.
JORDAN WINSTON
ALLENTOWN
This Oklahoma State University-bound senior left-hander was considered by many to be the most dominant pitcher around this spring. Winston went 8-0 with a 1.46 earned run average and struck out 70, plus earned Most Valuable Player honors for the Mercer County Tournament.
NICK HOUGHTON
NOTTINGHAM
Already earmarked for Monmouth University, this junior righthander went 8-2 for coach Jim Maher’s Northstars. Houghton posted a CVC-best 0.94 ERA, while striking out 60.
DAVID STEC STEINERT
This bearded senior right-hander was one of the CVC’s most intimidating pitchers. Stec went 6-0 this season with a 1.69 ERA to go with 45 strikeouts.
BRIAN KANE NOTRE DAME
With this senior right-hander on the hill, the Irish knew they were going to be in the game. Kane posted a 1.13 ERA and struck out 48.
RONNIE VOACOLO
NOTTINGHAM
Paired with Houghton, this senior right-hander gave the Northstars one of the toughest rotations around. Voacolo went 6-1 with a 2.04 ERA and 60 strikeouts to keep Nottingham in the hunt all season.
MATT COIANTE ALLENTOWN
This senior spent a good portion of the year at designated hitter for the Redbirds, which paid big dividends from his No. 2 spot in the order. Coiante’s .427 batting average, 35 hits and 24 runs were vital sparks.
LIAM CLEARY HOPEWELL VALLEY
This sophomore third baseman/ pitcher displayed a swing which kept him neck and neck with teammate Cane most of the way. Cleary hit at a .440 clip, finishing right behind Cane with 33 hits and 31 RBIs.
RYAN HUTH ALLENTOWN
This senior pitcher and first baseman is headed to Princeton University, where he will play football. His contributions to the Redbirds’ baseball program were as big as his 6-foot-5 frame — from his 6-0 pitching record with a 1.89 ERA and 61 strikeouts to his .405 batting average with 34 hits and 21 RBIs. For his all-around production, Huth is The Trentonian’s CVC Player of the Year and All-Area Co-Player of the Year, an honor he shares with Pennsbury senior pitcher/infielder Billy Bethel.
ANDY BLAKE HOPEWELL VALLEY
Whether needed in the infield, on the mound or at the plate, this junior continued to be a vital part of coach Ken Harrison’s team. Blake amassed 30 hits, while batting .417 and scoring a team-high 26 runs.
BRIAN NICE ALLENTOWN
The Redbirds’ 12th-year head coach steered the team to its second state title during his tenure, while also helping Allentown establish itself as the best team around with its 26-2 record. Along the way, Nice and Co. won the school’s first Mercer County Tournament title by defeating Hopewell Valley, 2-0. Nice is
The Trentonian’s All-CVC Coach of the Year and All-Area Co-Coach of the Year with Pennsbury’s Joe Pesci.