By Josh Lashley
West Milford — After a very productive pre-season, which included the team bonding experience of a trip to Florida, the West Milford High School baseball program is prepared for the stiff competition that awaits them on their regular season schedule.
The Highlanders tallied 11 wins in 2017 and they advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament where they were defeated by River Dell.
“This was the first time our baseball program went to Florida,’’ West Milford head coach Joe Jordan said. “We spent five days at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, which is a first rate facility. We played three preseason games (against Hopkins School of Connecticut, Brownsville High School of PA and Exeter High School of PA) where our players got to get game action on top notch fields in great weather that they would not get with the bad weather right now in New Jersey."
“We were happy with the way we played, as those games were the first time we've been on a field this season," the coach said. "Above all it was a trip that really brought together a group of players who already enjoy being around each other and will only help our team building efforts. Our booster club and administration were so supportive of this trip and we are grateful for them to provide that opportunity to us.’’
Returning athletesKey returning student-athletes for the Highlanders include John Jacobs (senior, short stop and pitcher), Bailey Justin (senior, outfielder), Zack Milko (junior, outfielder), Aidan McDaniel (junior, catcher), Mike Wis (junior, pitcher and infielder), Chris Gomez (junior, utility player), Joey Hubinger (junior, infielder and pitcher), Brandon Licursi (junior, first base and pitcher) and Jack Vreeland (junior, pitcher).
“Senior John Jacobs is entering his third varsity season and with a team comprised of mostly juniors we will look to him to lead the way,’’ Jordan said. “Our team had as many as five sophomores in the starting lineup last season and we have three juniors, Zack Milko, Mike Wis and Chris Gomez who all have lettered since their freshman season. Although it's not a senior heavy team, we have many juniors with great experience and it should pay off.’’
NewcomersNewcomers to the varsity roster include Andrew Corter (junior, catcher and utility player), Brandon Peters (junior, utility player) and Adam Rust (junior, outfielder).
“Our goals never change, we expect to compete for Conference, County and Sectional titles," Jordan said. "We reached the County final in 2016 and were a nine inning extra inning loss in the County semis away from going back to the County final. We want to get over that hump. It requires a lot of things to work together, but certainly possible. Our team has not forgotten how our season ended last season in that semifinal and we're motivated to make that change.’’ West Milford competes in the Big North Conference Independence Division. On April 18, they have a home game slated versus Lakeland.
“We expect to contend,’’ Jordan said. “In our Division you are tested on a daily basis and we need to be prepared for that. Our Division plays a series schedule where we play home and away against Divisional opponents in the same week. You get familiar with teams rather quickly and can either get ahead or fall behind in the standings with one good or bad week.
“Fair Lawn, who returns two top pitchers from their team [are top contenders in the Division]. Wayne Hills, who returns many players from last year's Division winning team, Passaic Valley, who also return many players [are contenders as well]. Lakeland has always been our biggest rival and they are always good. I know it sounds cliché, but every team is the team to beat in my opinion.’’