Old Tappan geared up for Season: Conference Baseball Preview

Photo Credits:

Photo: Caruso/NorthJersey.com

Big North Conference Preview

The 2025 high school baseball season is officially here. The NJ Advance Media baseball staff has started its preparations for the spring season. As part of our baseball preview package, scroll down and take a look at our preview for the Big North Conference.

Included are who we figure to be the top teams and even a sleeper that could turn some heads down the line. You’ll also find a handful of players to watch, some early picks in each division race, and a look at what the crystal ball suggests as postseason award winners.

Sleeper Team

Old Tappan: The Golden Knights went 14-13 last spring, but a tough schedule has prepared them to compete in 2025.

OT has a handful of reliable bats in the lineup, which starts with Anthony Onnembo (10 extra-base hits). Old Tappan will turn to Rocco Pierorazio, Alex Orrechio, Caden Yoon and Max Garcia to charge the batting order.

On the mound, Jason Cho, David Brennan, Chris Cho, and Tristan Barrios are all returners who saw plenty of pitching action in 2024.

Source Link: https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/03/big-north-conference-baseball-preview-2025-no-shortage-of-talent-in-each-division.html

Athlete's Latest Article

Brennan Blanks Nutley as Old Tappan Rolls into Semis

May 30, 2025

🧢 Old Tappan 6, Nutley 0 — NJS1G3 Quarterfinals 📅 Date & Location: May 30, 2025 | North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 quarterfinal Game Summary Dominant Pitching: Old Tappan’s ace David Brennan delivered a standout performance, tossing a complete-game effort (7 IP), allowing just 3 hits with zero earned runs and striking out 7. His performance earned him the win. Behind him, Jack Lemonie closed out the game with a perfect inning, preserving the shutout. Key Moments & Stats Team1234567RHEOld Tappan2004000661Nutley0000000031 Old Tappan built the lead early, scoring 2 in the 1st inning and breaking the game open with 4 runs in the 4th. They finished with 6 hits, one error, and left with a 6–0 advantage; Nutley also committed one error. Offensive Standouts Max Garcia: 4 AB, 1 H, 2 RBI — delivered timely hitting to drive in runs. Anthony Onnembo: 3 AB, 2 H, 1 RBI — strong offensive contribution. AJ Aiello: 2 AB, 1 H, 2 RBI, plus a stolen base — key multi-run hit. Nutley’s Effort Starter Sean Fealey absorbed the loss, surrendering all 6 runs in 3.1 innings (5 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts). Ryan Pessoa replaced him, holding Old Tappan scoreless over the final 2.2 innings, striking out 2 and allowing just 1 hit. 🔍 Bottom Line Old Tappan’s pitching staff stifled Nutley’s bats all day, while timely offense — led by Garcia, Onnembo, and Aiello — provided enough cushion. Brennan’s commanding performance and the team’s clean execution secured a 6–0 shutout, propelling Old Tappan into the sectional semifinals.

Top performers from Sectional Quarterfinals in New Jersey

May 29, 2025

Baseball: Takeaway, top performers from sectional quarterfinals in North JerseyTOP PERFORMER:► Sophomore David Brennan threw six scoreless innings and freshman Jack Lemonie tossed a scoreless seventh and No. 2 Old Tappan defeated No. 10 Nutley, 6-0. Brennan allowed three hits, one walk and struck out seven, and Lemonie allowed one walk and struck out one for the Golden Knights (18-7). Junior AJ Aiello had a triple, one run and two RBI, and junior Max Garcia had a double and two RBI for Old Tappan, which hosts No. 6 Morris Knolls on June 3.

Old Tappan Cruises Past Demarest as Brennan Picks Up the Win

Apr 29, 2025

On April 29, 2025, the Northern Valley Old Tappan baseball team secured an 8–2 victory over rival Demarest, improving their season record to 11–4. The Golden Knights showcased a balanced offensive attack, scoring in each of the first six innings and accumulating 11 hits. Key contributors included Alex Orecchio, who went 3-for-3 with two runs scored, and Selden Kolkebeck, who drove in three runs, including a home run. Senior outfielder Rocco Pierorazio delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including a double, and scoring a run. Sophomore pitcher David Brennan delivered a strong performance on the mound, earning the win by pitching four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, with five strikeouts and one walk. He efficiently managed his pitch count, throwing 66 pitches over four innings. Brennan's performance against Demarest highlights his development as a reliable starting pitcher for Old Tappan. His ability to control the game early and provide quality innings has been instrumental in the team's success this season.