Experienced Pitching Could Lead Old Tappan’s 2026 Championship Push
Mar 10, 2026
Old Tappan High School enters the 2026 baseball season with a large group of returning contributors after finishing 18 to 8 last spring and going 8 to 2 in the Big North National. Many of the players who produced last season now return with another year of experience after moving up one grade.
Several of the Golden Knights’ top offensive players return to lead the lineup.
Now senior Max Garcia delivered one of the strongest offensive seasons on the team last year. Garcia hit .442 with 19 hits and 16 runs scored while driving in eight runs. He added eight doubles and two triples and finished with a .721 slugging percentage.
Senior Selden Kolkebeck also returns after a major two way season. At the plate Kolkebeck hit .444 with 20 hits, 15 runs, and 10 RBI.
Senior catcher Anthony Onnembo drove in a team high 23 runs while hitting .391 with 18 hits. His extra base power included three doubles, two triples, and two home runs.
Senior AJ Aiello added power and production in the middle of the order. Aiello hit .350 with 14 hits and 18 RBI while recording two doubles, two triples, and two home runs.
Senior Joey Crescitelli returns after hitting .304 with seven hits and six runs scored while adding speed on the bases.
Several younger players also return with valuable experience. Junior Isaiah Rodriguez hit .400 with six hits and eight RBI last season. Junior infielder Caden Yoon added nine hits, seven runs scored, and five stolen bases while batting .360.
While the offense returns strong production, the pitching staff could be the difference that pushes Old Tappan toward a championship run.
Senior Selden Kolkebeck leads the rotation after posting a dominant 1.52 ERA across 60 innings last season. Kolkebeck struck out 78 batters while allowing only 13 earned runs.
Junior David Brennan also returns after a strong sophomore year on the mound. Brennan recorded a 2.42 ERA across 43.1 innings and struck out 34 hitters.
Together the staff finished last season with a 1.76 team ERA and 161 strikeouts across 163 innings.
With one of the most experienced pitching groups returning in the conference, Old Tappan High School Baseball has the type of depth on the mound that often decides championships. If the Golden Knights continue to control games with their pitching staff, the foundation exists for Old Tappan to make a serious run at a title in 2026.
David Brennan Surpasses 1,000 Points in Breakout Junior Campaign for Old Tappan Golden Knights
Feb 27, 2026
After scoring 455 points through 26 games, David Brennan of Old Tappan High School, added points in the final game of the season, pushing his career mark past 1,000 points. He now stands among the top scorers in program history with another full season still ahead.He averaged 18.3 points per game across 27 contests and delivered steady production all winter. David Brennan reached double figures in 25 of 27 games and scored 20 or more seven times.His biggest performance came in a 68 to 65 road win at Demarest, where he poured in 35 points. He added 25 at Bergenfield, 24 at Dwight Englewood, and two separate 23 point efforts against Randolph and Pascack Valley. When Old Tappan needed offense, Brennan responded.He scored efficiently from every level.136 made two point field goals.32 three pointers.85 of 96 from the free throw line, good for 88.5 percent. One of the highest free throw percentages in the state. Late in games, that free throw percentage gave the Golden Knights control.The Old Tappan Boys Basketball did not officially post rebounds this season, but David Brennan consistently battled on the glass on both ends. Based on his presence and activity level, he likely would have led or finished near the top of the team in rebounding as well.Beyond scoring and rebounds, Brennan’s all around production placed him among the most complete players in the state. His per game averages in scoring, assists, and rebounds rank inside the top 100 in New Jersey in all three categories. Few players impact the game across every column the way he does. He creates offense for teammates, finishes possessions on the glass, and carries the scoring load.His growth shows in the numbers.Freshman year: 245 points.Sophomore year: 283 points.Junior year: 475 points.He has nearly doubled his freshman output and now enters his senior year with over 1,000 career points and rising expectations. Brennan’s next step is clear. Lead deeper into the postseason and elevate the standard even higher.Now, his focus shifts from the hardwood to the diamond.David Brennan is also a high level pitcher for Old Tappan Golden Knights and will take the mound this spring. His competitive edge, control under pressure, and ability to command late game moments in basketball translate directly to baseball. He attacks hitters the same way he attacks defenses.With over 1,000 career points secured and baseball season next, Brennan from Old Tappan High School, continues to prove he is one of the premier multi sport athletes in the state.
