Preseason Team Preview: Ridgefield

March 16, 2016

TJ Hunt

Scouting Director, New Jersey

High School: Ridgefield

Head Coach: Joe Gambardella, (career 159-94)

2015 Record: 22-10, NJIC Division Champs, North II Group I State Sectional Champs

Coach Gambardella???s teams in the past 4 years have been on an unbelievable run. The Royals have won 3 Sectional Titles in that span, and are looking at unfinished business in the Group 1 State playoff bracket. A tough loss to Emerson in the Group 1 Championship Bracket will surely provide Ridgefield with a chip on their shoulder come April. The Royals will have three starters coming back with a lot of young talent waiting their turn.The main issue that stands out on paper will be their lack of experience. It will be interesting to see what tricks Coach Gambardella has up his sleeve this spring, but judging by his impressive pedigree, he should have no problem getting the best out of his guys.

The pitching staff will be led by junior RHP Louie Correa and sophomore RHP Sean Kuiken. Correa has the potential to beat any team in the league and Coach Gambs expects big things from supporting cast member Kuiken. The offense will be led by junior SS John Biagini. Gambardella trusts Biagini to step in the box against any top hurler in the area and split the right-center and left-center field gap. If the Royals can stay healthy and continue to mature, they will certainly be in the discussion in the State Playoff race.

Team's Biggest Matchups in 2016:

@ Emerson
Lyndhurst (both home and away)
Wayne Hills
NV Demarest
Rutherford

Biggest rival:

Lyndhurst