The Kingsway Regional High School baseball team entered the state Group 4 championship game with a steep uphill battle, falling behind 7-0 early against Ridgewood.
Ridgewood, a program with a storied history, captured its third state title, having previously won in 2019 and 2023, underscoring its recent dominance in the tournament.
The tide began to turn when Kingsway’s lineup ignited a rally, highlighted by AJ Ward’s 3-for-4 performance that included two RBIs, while Nate Bott delivered a dominant four‑scoreless‑inning outing with eight strikeouts.
Relief efforts from both sides kept the contest tight, as Ridgewood’s Brady Ross earned the win with four‑plus innings of shutout pitching, preserving the lead.
Kingsway’s coach Bill Alvaro Jr. praised the team’s resilience, noting that the effort and heart displayed throughout the season reflected the program’s progress since its last South Jersey title in 1992.
A Season of Resilience
The journey to the championship was marked by steady improvement, highlighted by the team’s first South Jersey championship in three decades, a milestone that elevated expectations for the young squad.
Fans and alumni alike celebrated the achievement, recognizing the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent that defined the campaign.
Although the final score read 7-6, the close finish underscored the team’s growth and set a foundation for future aspirations.