TJ Hunt

High School: DePaul Catholic
Head Coach: John Zisa (4th season as HC, 10th season at DePaul)
2015 Record: 4-22-1 

 

 

The Spartans will rely on their solid mixture of veteran leadership and young talent for consistent play throughout the season. Coach John Zisa, in his 4^th season at the helm, and 10^th total at DePaul, is optimistic but knows it will be a battle this year. The Big North United provides no days off. Just by looking at the Spartans’ schedule, it is apparent that they do not shy away from any opponent – regardless of how high they are ranked in the county or state (or country, for that matter). Coming off a disappointing 4-22-1 campaign in 2015, Zisa and the Spartans have a lot to prove in North Jersey.

Both cross-town rivals Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley will certainly be big matchups for Zisa and the Spartans this year. If the Spartans can win the games they are capable of winning then they can  build momentum going into big time matchups in the Passaic County Tournament and Parochial A State Tournament.

Offensively, the DePaul will look to seniors returners 3B/RHP Andrew Kauf (Wesleyan), SS/RHP Joe Fondacaro, and junior 2B Bobby Pombo to provide some pop. Look for sophomores OF/RHP Joe Bastante, C/1B Rick Denboske, and RHP/3B Justin Mercogliano to make huge contributions this year as well. Pitching Coach Logan Pevny will have to establish clear roles for pitchers early on. DePaul’s trip down to the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC should provide ample opportunity for Pevny and Zisa to sculpt a formidable staff.

 

Biggest Matchups in 2016
@St. Joseph’s (Mont.) 4/4
@Passaic 4/9
@Wayne Hills 4/18
@Don Bosco Prep 4/25
vs. Cedar Grove 4/30

 

Biggest Team Rivals:
Paramus Catholic

Fun Facts About Team/Coaches:
+Pitching coach Logan Pevny was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2010 draft out of West Milford High School.
+The Spartans will travel to the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the 7^th consecutive spring. They will play their season opener down there vs. Ocean Township High School (Monmouth Co.)
+DePaul has been to the finals of the Passaic County Tournament 3 of the last 5 years, winning it twice in 2011 & 2012.

Notable Baseball Alumni:
Martin Vergara, 2001 – Drafted by the Cleveland Indians (University of Notre Dame)
Ryan Carroll, 2011 – Fordham University
Michael Lembo, 2012 – Sacred Heart University
Michael Sweeney, 2012 – Pace University
John Scarr, 2013 – Lehigh University
Joseph Cirillo, 2013 – The College of New Jersey
Jon Budesa, 2013 – Iona College