Old Tappan captured its second Group 3 state baseball championship on June 14, 2026, routing Brick Memorial 5‑0 in a game that showcased a blend of precision pitching and disciplined hitting.
The Making of a Perfect Season
Senior right‑hander Selden Kolkebeck was the centerpiece, delivering a four‑hit shutout that featured ten strikeouts and a slider that was described by teammates as nearly unhittable, fanning the side in the opening inning.
Kolkebeck also contributed at the plate, going 2‑for‑3 with two RBIs, while catcher Anthony Onnembo provided a steady partnership that had begun in childhood, forming a battery that has been together since they were ten.
The team finished the season unbeaten at 12‑0, a perfect record that underscored the defensive consistency of an error‑free performance, and the offense outhit Brick Memorial 6‑4 over the course of the game.
The victory marks a historic milestone, as the program’s previous state title came in 2008, and it reinforces Old Tappan’s reputation as a perennial contender in New Jersey baseball.
Coach AJ Aiello praised the collective effort, noting that contributions from players such as Cayden Yoon, Mateo Skific, Joey Cresitelli, Max Garcia, and Joe McGlynn helped turn a promising season into a championship narrative.