Delsea and Morris Knolls will meet in Clash of the Titans

It’s time to crown public school champions.

One last time, eight teams will board the bus and take one final group road trip on Saturday. Four will leave Bob DeMeo Field at Veterans Park in Hamilton Township with a shiny new piece of hardware for the trophy case.

One match, winner takes all, no tomorrow.

There are four games on the schedule and the NJ Advance Media baseball team will be with you all day.

Take a look below for the Group 3 final between No. 10 Morris Knolls and No. 7 Delsea.

Group 3 State Final

No. 10 Morris Knolls (27-5) vs. No. 7 Delsea (27-3)

When: SATURDAY

Or: Veterans Park, Mercer County

First throw: 4 p.m.

Coaches: Eric Mindrebo, Morris Knolls; Joe Smith, Delsea

State securities

Morris Knolls:1 (2023)

Delsea: None

Heading to the state final

Morris Knolls: 16-Tenafly, 8-0; Tappan 9, 13-1; 4-Wayne Hills, 7-2; 3-West Essex, 13-3 (North 1 final); Randolph, 5-1 (state semifinal)

Delsea: 13-Toms River South, 8-1; 5-Ocean City, 10-9; 1-Cherry Hill West, 5-4; 7-Shawnee, 4-1 (South final); Allentown, 9-1 (state semifinal)

Team Pages

Morris Knolls; Delsea

Morris Knolls – Projected lineup

Delsea – Projected programming

Who takes the material?

Morris Knolls wins if: There’s no doubt that Morris Knolls’ roster is one of the most productive in the state, averaging 8.5 points per game this season. The Golden Eagles have managed to claw their way past their opponents, a year after winning the Group 3 championship. Senior shortstop Luke Dickerson, a University of Virginia commit, paces the lineup as the team’s leadoff hitter and tied the state record with his 18th home run of the season in the state semifinal victory over Randolph. Junior Dylan Fitzsimmons has been fantastic this season, while seniors Michael Simone, Brodie Freker and Joe O’Toole have also been productive this year. Coach Eric Mindrebo’s side will have a tough task facing Delsea ace Frank Cairone, who is in contention to draw the start on Saturday. Morris Knolls is going to have to work at bat and move forward in the count against Cairone. On the other side, senior right-hander James Kahn will likely be the starter for Knolls. Kahn emerged as the ace of the Golden Eagles’ staff this season after being limited on the mound as a junior after undergoing Tommy John surgery as a sophomore. Kahn will have to navigate a tough Delsea lineup and will need to limit mistakes for Knolls to repeat as Group 3 champions.

Delsea wins if: It’s been an incredible year for Delsea athletics, and the baseball team is in position to give their school a major trifecta. If the Crusaders knock off Morris Knolls in the title game, it would solidify state championships in football, wrestling and baseball – juniors CJ Six and Alex Grippo being among all three. To do this, they will need to deliver one more memorable performance. Delsea won playing small ball. Delsea won with a great pitch. Delsea won by throwing baseballs. This is arguably the best team in program history and can win in multiple ways. Beating Allentown to reach its first-ever state final, Delsea put up seven runs on five hits in the fifth inning and the Redbirds never recovered. The Crusaders also got two solo homers from Zach Maxwell and Austin Buchanan, while George Starr delivered a complete performance in his final game on the mound. Defending state champion Morris Knolls is no joke. They feature one of the most dominant players in the state, senior shortstop Luke Dickerson, and have the experience of having played in the biggest game before. For many opponents, this could give Morris Knolls a decisive advantage. In this case, maybe not. Delsea’s roster is filled with guys who have played in big games – championship games – their entire high school career. The Crusaders will not be blinded by the spotlight. As they have done all season, putting pressure on the defense will be key. Getting a solid effort on the mound from Seton Hall-bound junior left-hander Frank Cairone will also be of major importance. Dickerson can’t be the guy to beat them. If they can limit his production, while still gaining momentum early in the round, Delsea has the right combination of ingredients to finish the job.

Predictions

Kevin Minnick as Delsea

PJ Potter: Morris Knolls

Luis Torres as Morris Knolls

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Kevin Minnick covers South Jersey baseball. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kminnicksports

PJ Potter covers baseball in Central and North Jersey. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @PJ_Potter

Luis Torres covers baseball in Central and North Jersey. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ByLuisTorres

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