The latest round of county tournament semifinals on May 16 reinforced why North Jersey’s baseball elite remain at the summit of the state’s rankings.
Dominance on the Diamond
DePaul, the No. 1 seed, rolled past Pompton Lakes 10‑0 in five innings, preserving its 17‑5 record and keeping the team perched at the top of the poll. Passaic Tech, now 23‑1, edged Wayne Hills 2‑1 to hold steady at No. 2, while Don Bosco, 20‑4, dispatched longtime rival Bergen Catholic 9‑3 to stay at No. 3. Old Tappan (19‑4) and Ramapo (16‑6‑1) rounded out the top five, each advancing with convincing performances.
The victories not only solidified the teams’ positions but also underscored the depth of competition within the Big North and North Jersey Interscholastic Conference, where every game carries weight for postseason seeding.
Historic Milestones
Among the standout performances, senior Kyle Wenckus of Pascack Hills etched his name into the school’s record books by collecting his 125th career hit, a milestone that reflects both consistency and durability over four varsity seasons. Across the county, senior Dante Benvenuti of Passaic Valley added another chapter to his legacy by stealing his 34th base of the season, raising his career total to 80 and cementing his status as the program’s all‑time leader in that category.
These achievements come at a time when the Top 25 rankings are tightly contested, and the momentum generated by the semifinal wins could prove decisive as the postseason unfolds. Coaches and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the emerging storylines will shape the remainder of the season.