The Road to Another Championship
North Jersey’s baseball programs are once again poised to make history, chasing a remarkable eighth straight state tournament championship. The pursuit spans multiple sections and groups, uniting public and non‑public schools in a battle that has become a staple of the region’s spring sports calendar.
This year’s tournament draws its field from the Big North Conference and the NJIC, spreading competition across eight North Jersey sectionals. Each sectional houses a bracket of teams, with seeds determined by regular‑season performance and rankings.
Passaic Tech enters as the top seed in North 1, Group 4, anchored by senior Mickey Gilligan, whose bat and glove have been instrumental in the team’s surge. Ridgewood, seeded third in the same group, counters with a senior‑laden pitching staff led by Ryan Nitch, while Old Tappan, the No. 1 seed in North 1, Group 3, relies on ace Selden Kolkebeck to drive its campaign.
Glen Rock, the defending champion in North 1, Group 2, will open against a resurgent Lodi squad, while Westwood, also a top seed in Group 2, aims to capture its first sectional‑final berth since 2022. New Milford, seeded second in North 1, Group 1, is enjoying its most successful season in over a decade.
Players to Watch
Mickey Gilligan’s all‑around skill set makes him a focal point for Passaic Tech, while Ryan Nitch’s command of the mound gives Ridgewood a reliable anchor. Selden Kolkebeck’s experience on the hill adds depth to Old Tappan’s rotation, and the depth of talent across the bracket promises several clutch moments.