Captain Chase LorentPhoto Credit: Chris Manderioli
Captain Mason WilsonPhoto Credit: Chris Manderioli
Captain AJ TerryPhoto Credit: Chris Manderioli
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By Chris Manderioli
Published March 26, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Last updated March 26, 2025 at 9:37 PM
RANDOLPH, NJ- The 2024 Randolph boys baseball team, backed by strong senior pitching, opportunistic and timely hitting, and some incredible defensive plays in the field, went on a run for the ages to claim the NJSIAA North 2 Group 3 state sectional title.
In 2025, the team returns some strong contributors from that championship team, but they will be starting fresh, replacing virtually all of their pitching as well as their entire outfield and the infield corners, all of which were manned by multi-year starters.
“We lost 95% of our innings on the mound to graduation,” said coach Mark Rizzi. "Finding a pitching rotation to compete against a challenging schedule is the top priority. There is talent but they lack varsity experience.”
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The Rams will roll into the season looking to senior starting pitchers Andrew Dobres ( who, when not pitching, will play first base ) Adam Sokolowski, and Gavin Carlucci to anchor the staff. Sophomore Matt Paladino will also be part of the starter’s rotation. Working out of the bullpen will be junior relievers Sal Midolo (who will spend time in the outfield ), Eli Kahn, Jack Kielbania, and freshman Andrew Swanick – who also projects to see time in center field.
The team will have three key returners leading them as captains, all of whom played significant roles in last year’s success. They are AJ Terry, Mason Wilson, and junior catcher Chase Lorent, who started almost every game behind the plate and had a breakout year on offense as well by batting .394 on the season.
“With a fresh group of new arms on the mound, the focus is on establishing a solid foundation through structured throwing routines, bullpen work, and scrimmages to sharpen command and build confidence,” said Lorent, when asked about the overhaul on the pitchers’ mound. "Mental toughness is also key, so our objective is to have these guys physically conditioned and mentally resilient and fully prepared for varsity play.”
The Rams strength defensively will be their middle infield, where Terry at shortstop ( UNC commit ) Wilson at second base ( Penn State commit ) forms a dynamic duo that Rizzi called “one of the best middle infields in the state.”
From there, new faces will dot the rest of the field, including all three outfield spots, the hot corner at third base, and across the diamond at first base.
“With only a few returning fielders with varsity experience, we are focusing highly on communication and chemistry this year,” said Terry. “I believe that as long as we can stay loud and talk through every play, we can successfully improve and prepare the defense. "We work hard in practice to stay aggressive and chase every ball even if the play is deemed over.”
When asked about his captains, Rizzi commented, “AJ leads by example and has tremendous respect throughout the team because of his work ethic and importance to detail.” Rizzi then continued, “Mason is a free spirit, but one who works hard. He has become very vocal and is developing his leadership skills as the preseason wears on.”
When asked about Lorent, he stated, “Chase is a ‘Take Charge’ guy. The catcher is usually another coach on the field.”
Other returners with varsity experience are Joe Bosotina who looks to spend time at DH, and senior outfielder Griffin Carroll who is in the mix for a starting role. Some key newcomers who were identified by coach are junior Nick Armento who will man third base, junior Matthew Bruun who will spend time in the outfield, and Logan Hankin, junior catcher. “Scoring runs will not be an issue as we have some of our top hitters returning, and a host of players who should step up and fill in for the players we lost to graduation,” said Rizzi.
The anticipated starting lineup to start the season will be:
“The main message coach is preaching is to work collectively, utilizing everyone on the field,” said Terry. “Another message is to stay aggressive; we know that if we outwork every team, we will have a fun and successful season.”