Schools
Dragons Baseball Team Ready for Opening Day
Brick High School looking forward to starting its season April 4
Early in the Brick baseball season, the Dragons will have an opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of their new division.
The Dragons will open April 4 against new divisional foe Central Regional, a game which will be followed by playing four of the next seven against the Shore 'B' South.
Following a 14-12 season last spring (6-6 in Shore 'A' play), Brick finished third in the 'A' South, behind Shore Conference powers Jackson Memorial and Toms River South. Both teams remain in Shore 'A,' giving Brick a better chance for a division title this time around.
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"That's the goal," said Brick head coach Jason Groschel, "Winning the division, along with qualifying for Shore Conference and Group III South playoffs."
Central Regional, along with Pinelands Regional, appear to be the biggest road blocks to prevent the Dragons from clinching a pennant.
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"It's always going to be a tough schedule playing in the Shore Conference," said Groschel. "Every game is important, and they're all competitive too. Hopefully as the season moves on, games will become more important, turning into key games."
Groschel believes his team will provide good quality pitching from A.J. Esposito, Cody Schnebel,Tim Carney, and contributions from others. Groschel also expressed faith in his defense's ability to make plays.
The success of the Dragons squad is more dependent on the offense than anywhere else, he said.
"We'll be sound in all aspects, but the offense is what will really carry us," said Groschel.
Senior captains Nick Vitale, Tim Carney, and Cody Schnebel are expected to be the biggest threats in the Dragons lineup.The supporting cast consists of plenty of talent as well. Sean Henry, Victor Wilenta, and Rich Zoninare the some of the top hitters, along with the captains.
After starting with three games on the road, the home opener for Brick is set for Monday, April 11, at 3:45 p.m. against the Barnegat Bengals.