Hamilton and Nottingham among District One squads looking for SNJ title

There are plenty of new faces on the Nottingham Babe Ruth 15year old all-stars this tournament season, but that same competitive spirit remains.

Nottingham battled every game in the District One tournament and even forced a “winner take all” game with eventual champion Hamilton, and now it’s ready to challenge for a Southern New Jersey state title.

“These kids play well together and they are there for each other,” said Nottingham manager Frank Costantino. “We have some young kids and they really stepped up and I was very impressed.”

Nottingham, which is hosting the 15-year old SNJ tourney, opens on Thursday with Atlantic Shore at 8:30 p.m. at DeMeo Field. Atlantic Shore won the Middle Atlantic Regional and went to the 14-year old World Series in 2016.

District One champion Hamilton faces Pennsville in the opener at 6 p.m.

“It’s sunk in that we are District champions,” said Hamilton manager Joe Beczo, who saw this group come up short as 13’s and 14’s. “We are ready for the next challenge.”

Joining Nottingham and Hamilton in the state tourney are District One representatives West WindsorPlainsboro and Jersey Shore.

WW-P plays Friday at 6 p.m. against Millville and Jersey Shore plays the late game Friday facing Mount Laurel.

Besides Hamilton capturing the district crown another of the highlights of the tourney was the 12-inning battle between WW-P and Nottingham. One of the key players for Nottingham in that game, and over the last three years, has been Spencer Conti.

“He’s one of our leaders,” said Costantino. “He’s had some big hits for us and he plays great defense.”

It has been the same for Hamilton with every player doing something to contribute to its success.

“This team has grown from one tourney to the next and they know what is expected of them and they give their all,” said Beczo. “Every player on this team contributed in a very special way and they knew what had to be done.”

When the tourney finishes — weather permitting — on July 19 the winner will be heading to the Middle Atlantic Regional at Niskayuna, N.Y.

All the District One squads — Hamilton, Nottingham, West Windsor-Plainsboro and Jersey Shore — are capable of being that team.

“We are ready to go,” said Beczo. “We have played most of the teams in the states. So, let’s put the helmets on and get the bats and defense going. You never know what might happen.”

It’s the same for Nottingham. “I was really proud of these kids,” said Costantino. “We need to hit a little more, but these kids have been great.”