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h o c k e y [P O S T S E A S O N]
Icewater on the ice: Absolutely nothing rattles
Seton Hall Prep's dominating goaltender Terry Robinson
Tuesday, March 30, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE For the Star-Ledger [photo RCM/SHP]
When the pressure was on, goalie Terry Robinson of Seton Hall Prep was off the charts.
That might explain why this always-reserved and never self-promoting senior was affectionately dubbed
'T-Unit' by his admirers this winter.
"Terry was our version of Mariano Rivera," praised Seton Hall co-coach Peter Herms, referring to the Yankees' impeccable closer.
"I could count on him every time," he continued. "With Terry in net, we had a chance to win any game. He was quiet but extremely i ntense and was able to handle any situation with confidence and ease."
At no time was that more evident than with 4:40 remaining in the second period of the NJSIAA/Devils parochial schools final against St. Peter's Prep. That's when All-State forward Gio
Capodanno of St. Peter's broke in one-on-one against Robinson with a chance to give his team a commanding 2-0 lead.
"I've played with Gio in club hockey and know his tendency of
a quick release low to the stick side," Robinson said. "I felt I needed to make that save. We were dominating the period to that point and if he had scored, any momentum we might have
had would have been all for nothing."
It was, perhaps, the most dramatic breakaway attempt in the 10-year history of the Tournament of Champions. A moment
that ended with a right-pad save that inspired teammate Bryan Haczyk to the first of three straight goals in Seton Hall's 3-1 triumph.
Said St. Peter's coach Joe Maione, "That save won the
championship for them. If we go up by two, maybe they start to question themselves. It was the save of the tournament."
Actually, it was one of many memorable stops by Robinson
during his team's five-game sweep to the title, culminating with his seventh shutout of the season during an 8-0 victory over West Essex in the Tournament of Champions final on March 22 at Continental Airlines Arena.
There was the last of 30 saves with 22 seconds remaining in a 2-1 victory over Bergen Catholic in the parochial schools quarterfinal round
and the denial of a two-on-one followed by a deflection in overtime that led to a 2-1 decision over Christian Brothers in the group semifinals.
In five tournament games, Robinson, who will attend Notre Dame next fall, had two shutouts, sported a 0.60 goals-against average and
97.3 save rate. His season totals included a 15-3-1 record, 1.26 gaa. and 94.3 save rate for No. 1 Seton Hall Prep (19-9-1). Robinson is the
first goalie from Seton Hall to be named First Team All-State since Chris Seebode in 1979.
"The numbers are nice, but those numbers are a reflection of an entire team working together with one purpose," Robinson said. "I
remember how disappointed I was last year when we couldn't win the parochial title for the seniors on the team but, luckily, everything came together for us at the right time this year."
When asked to recall his fondest memory, Robinson didn't hesitate.
"The thing I'll remember most is looking up into the stands after winning the championship and seeing the faces of all our fans because
they were always there for us through thick and thin," Robinson said. "I wanted to show my appreciation by holding up the trophy in their direction."
Haczyk's speed: Fast forward for Seton
Tuesday, March 30, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE For the Star-Ledger [photo RCM/SHP]
Player of the year:
If ice hockey players were ticketed for speeding, then Seton Hall Prep's Bryan Haczyk would have more than his share of court appearances.
Haczyk's tremendous drive to the net was unmatched by any other forward this season. When at full speed, the junior center was a blur.
"I don't know how I got that fast, but I guess the fact I've been skating since the age of 3 has something to do with it," Haczyk said.
Haczyk erupted for a career high 41 points on 19 goals and 22 assists this winter.
"When Bryan gets on a roll, there's no stopping him," Seton
Hall Prep co-coach Peter Herms said. "He gave us a go-to player when we needed one and enjoyed the spotlight. His speed not only makes players around him better, but also opens up lanes
for his teammates since opposing players are so concerned with stopping him."
Haczyk led his team with 12 points on six goals and six assists
in Seton Hall's five-game sweep to its third Tournament of Champions trophy.
He scored off a breakaway with 2:44 left in the third period
to give Seton Hall a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Bergen Catholic in the quarterfinal round of the state parochial schools tournament on March 8. He then took center stage in the group
championship, netting three straight goals to bring Seton Hall a 3-1 victory over St. Peter's Prep at Continental Airlines Arena on March 20.
Coach of the year:
Dave Gritschke of Millburn (20-4-3) helped resuscitate a program that finished 1-16-2 just one season ago. The fourth-year coach's team dropped a 7-3 decision to West
Orange in the Kelly Cup championship and reached the second round of the state public schools tournament before bowing to Middletown North, 2-1. Gritschke, who loses just two seniors to graduation,
looked to goalie Jeff Green (18-4-3, 2.35 goals-against average) and forwards Sean Jeffers (26 goals, 28 assists), Kollin Kleinendorst (20,
28), James Binder (29, 33), Marty Patterson (11, 15), Scott Petkanics (16, 22) and Ted D'Alessio (23, 18).
Team of the year:
Although Seton Hall Prep did garner its second Star-Ledger Top 20 Trophy in seven seasons, one cannot ignore the magnificent run
displayed by West Essex (18-7-4), which went 5-1 in March. The North Caldwell school earned its first state public schools championship
with a 2-1 victory over Ridge on March 20. Goalie Sean Moran, defensemen Derek Serpe and Doug Yates and forwards Nick Coiro, Tom
Giampapa, Mark Koechling, John Gomez, Brian Robertson and Brian McCormack played vital roles.
Surprise of the year:
Despite averaging just 2.4 goals per game, Montclair (14-9-4) was able to remain extremely competitive throughout the course of the
season behind the fine goaltending of senior Jesse Rogers. Rogers (1.37 goals-against average) finished with seven shutouts and not once
allowed more than three goals in a game to keep his team within striking distance. In fact, he posted consecutive shutouts against Randolph
to lead the Essex County school to the Montclair tournament title in December and blanked public schools champion West Essex behind 34 saves in a 0-0 regular-season stalemate on Feb. 9.
Top newcomers:
At forward, freshmen John Passantino (10 goals, nine assists), Mike Tahan (five, two), Matt Janos (seven, three) and Nick Geraci (four,
four) of Seton Hall Prep, Tom Pacholec (22, 16) of Livingston, James Facey (six, 23) and Kyle MacIntyre (14, 21) of Verona, Matt Simeoni
(12 goals, five assists) of Montclair and sophomores Mike Cacciotti (16, 15) of Seton Hall Prep, Brandon Metzger (seven, 12) of Millburn and
Casey Vece (35, 27) of West Orange. On defense, freshmen Tim Mariotta of Seton Hall Prep, Danny Harris of Verona and Eric Perdon of
Nutley and sophomores Gary Braus of West Orange and Dan Skeels and Dan Pignatarro of West Essex. In goal, freshman Patrick Morse of Verona and junior Jeff Green of Millburn.
Forward lines of the year:
Bryan Haczyk (19 goals, 22 assists), Rem Vanderbeek (eight, 13) and Dustin Kennedy (nine, 12) of Seton Hall Prep, Sean Jeffers (26, 28),
James Binder (29, 33) and Scott Petkanics (16, 22) of Millburn, Kurt Birchler (47, 29), Jacob Simon (30, 54) and Casey Vece (35, 27) of
West Orange, Nick Coiro (26, 16), Tom Giampapa (14, 25) and Mark Koechling (15, 18) of West Essex and Teddy Epstein (12, 14), Kyle MacIntyre (14, 21) and James Facey (six, 23) of Verona.
Defensemen of the year:
Senior Ryan Sokerka (one, 13) was key to the resurgence of the Seton Hall defense at the end of the season.
"Ryan was an outstanding captain and he always sacrificed himself for the team," Seton Hall co-coach Peter Herms said. "Without him, our defense would have been in shambles."
Seton Hall goalie Terry Robinson, who has known Sokerka the last six years, agrees.
"We're good friends off the ice and to celebrate in a state championship with him was really special because I know how hard he worked," Robinson said.
Also being honored on First Team is West Essex senior Doug Yates (three, 10), who knew how to use his 5-11, 145-pound frame in front of the cage.
Goalies of the year:
Terry Robinson of Seton Hall was honored as The Star-Ledger's state Player of the Year, but West Essex senior Sean Moran was just as
exceptional for his team in the state public schools tournament. Moran posted a 2.00 goals-against average and 93-percent save rate during
his team's five-game sweep to its first public championship. For the season, Moran sported a 2.31 gaa., including an 8-0 setback to Seton Hall Prep in the Tournament of Champions, and seven shutouts.
Hot shot:
Sophomore Jacob Simon of West Orange (22-3-1) led the state in scoring this winter with 84 points (30 goals, 54 assists). Simon, who had
31 goals and 35 assists as a freshman, exhibited great hustle and an uncanny knack for being in perfect position almost every shift. He also finished with a plus-79 for the season. TEAM OF THE YEAR
Seton Hall Prep players go from green to red-hot
Tuesday, March 30, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE For the Star-Ledger
Before reaching the top, Seton Hall Prep co-coach Peter Herms builds from the ground up.
It's a philosophy that has enabled the Essex County program to reach the pinnacle of scholastic ice hockey supremacy for parochial schools, garnering four championships in the past eight seasons.
"We don't believe in seniority," Herms said. "We choose players based purely on ability and we don't care whether you're a freshman or a senior."
Considering Herms returned just one defenseman this season, the eighth-year coach had plenty of evaluations to make prior to the start
of the season. As it turned out, the lone returner, senior Ryan Sokerka, would be paired with sophomore Jason Adams, a converted forward.
Senior Adrian Wirt, who sat out the 2002-03 campaign to play club hockey, was inserted alongside sophomore Matt Kufta and freshman Tim Margiotta would become the fifth defenseman.
"Young kids develop faster than older ones," Herms said. "If you play young players, you'll see a dramatic difference in their confidence
from the start of the season to the end. If you're good enough to play as a freshman, you'll play."
The strategy, for Herms and fellow co-coach John Warchol, molds youngsters into confident contributors.
"If your team is a notch below some of the better teams on your schedule at the start of the season with the young kids in there,"
continued Herms, "you would hope the club is equal, if not better, by the end."
That's exactly what happened this season as Seton Hall Prep (19-9-1) excelled down the stretch en route to five straight victories to win
the parochial schools championship and its third Tournament of Champions title.
"By state tournament time, I expect our freshmen to be playing like sophomores and our sophomores to be playing like juniors," Herms said.
Seton Hall proved to be on top of its game in the state tournament, outscoring the opposition, 22-3. The top line consisted of junior
Bryan Haczyk (19 goals, 22 assists), sophomore Rem Vanderbeek (eight, 13) and senior Dustin Kennedy (nine, 12).
Haczyk was a tremendous force, scoring three goals in a 3-1 triumph over St. Peter's Prep in the parochial final. Vanderbeek was
assigned to deny many of the state's top offensive players, including All-Staters Dale Reinhardt of Delbarton and Gio Capodanno of St. Peter's.
On the second unit were freshman John Passantino (10, nine) and sophomores Nick Lampson (13, 17) and Mike Cacciotti (16, 15).
Cacciotti, a 5-7, 130-pound winger, was an overnight hero in the parochial semis when he scored twice, including the game-winner two minutes into overtime, to give Seton Hall a 2-1 victory over Christian Brothers.
A third trio had freshmen Matt Janos (seven, three) and Mike Tahan (five, two) alongside either freshman Nick Geraci (four, four),
sophomore Matt Markovich (three, three), sophomore Matt Anderson (two, three) or junior Phil Kropoth (four, seven).
Senior goalie Terry Robinson (15-3-1, 1.26 goals-against average) and junior backup Kevin Bendel (3-6, 2.00 gaa.) split duty in goal until Robinson earned full-time duty in the postseason.
"We seemed to draw every team that was on a hot streak during the tournament," Herms said. "I don't think people realize how tough it
is to reach Continental Arena (site of the group and T of C championship games). When people counted us out, it was nice to be the one standing in the end." |
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h o c k e y [NJSIAA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS FINAL]
Seton Hall breezes to T of C title, 8-0
Overpowers W. Essex behind Vanderbeek
Tuesday, March 23, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE
For the Star-Ledger [photos RCM/SHP]
Speed, depth and experience proved too huge an obstacle for upstart West Essex when Seton Hall Prep, No. 4 in The Star-Ledger Top 20,
skated to its third NJSIAA/Devils Tournament of Champions title with an 8-0 victory last night before 3,263 at Continental Airlines Arena.
Forward Rem Vanderbeek, usually assigned to cover the opposing team's top sniper, was granted the freedom to  create offense and did
just that with a career-high four points on three goals and one assist. The 6-0, 165-pound sophomore scored twice during a five-goal first period.
"I've been locking down most of the tournament and this was my chance to go free," Vanderbeek said. "It's hard to say what I enjoy more. Everybody likes to score, but it's
just as rewarding shutting people down."
The victory was the ninth for the parochial schools champion over the public schools winner in the 10-year
history of the T of C. Brick was the only public school champion to win the T of C, capturing the title in 1997.
The eight-goal difference marked the most decisive
triumph in an NJSIAA championship game.
Seton Hall Prep (19-9-1), which earned its first overall state crown since the last of back-to-back titles in 1999,
was determined to jump out early and force No. 18 West Essex (19-7-4) to play from behind.
Senior Dustin Kennedy opened the scoring just 12 seconds into the game off a centering pass from Bryan Haczyk. Kennedy added four
assists, Haczyk, a crafty junior, had a goal and four assists and sophomore forward Nick Lampson had a goal and two assists in the triumph.
"The last few games we were slacking in the early going," Kennedy said. "Against St. Peter's (in the parochial final) we were outshot in the
first (11-2) and we heard the West Essex goalie was strong so we wanted to score first. After breaking through, we said let's keep on going and score more."
West Essex has relied on senior Sean Moran, whose 33 saves on Saturday led West Essex to a 2-1 triumph over Ridge in the state public
schools final. Kennedy's goal, on the first of 16 shots in the first period, beat Moran (33 saves) and ignited not only the Seton Hall players but those supporters in attendance.
"Our coaches told us that West Essex likes to come out fast, so we wanted to jump on them early to take the pressure off," Vanderbeek
said. "We're a parochial school, so we're considered to be better by a lot of people. Scoring that quick goal got that monkey off our backs."
Seton Hall's Terry Robinson earned his seventh shutout on 15 saves. The senior goalie was even credited with an assist, the second of his
career, on Nick Lampson's goal 11:09 into the third that extended the lead to 8-0.
 The last shutout in the T of C was in 2002, when Delbarton beat Brick, 1-0.
"In the third, nobody said anything to me about the shutout and we just concentrated on getting the victory," Robinson said. "We discussed how Randolph almost came
from behind to tie Bergen Catholic in last year's final."
In last winter's T of C, Bergen Catholic took a 6-0 lead before Randolph scored four straight in the third before
running out of time in a 6-4 loss.
The goals came fast and furious as Mike Cacciotti connected at the five-minute mark for a 2-0 lead before Vanderbeek, John Passantino and Vanderbeek connected
in a span of 3:41 to close out the period with a 5-0 lead.
Said West Essex senior Tom Giampapa, "We thought we were ready for this, but we're not really used to playing
from that far behind."
This season's T of C title is one that co-coaches John Warchol and Peter Herms will not soon forget, as it certainly did not come easily.
The West Orange school was mired in a club hockey controversy during a 4-2 loss to St. Peter's on Feb. 7 when four players opted to play
with their travel team. It suffered two losses to Morris County rival Delbarton and then finished runner-up to champion Bergen Catholic in the Gordon Cup.
But the team persevered to post one of its more memorable state-tournament runs with victories over No. 2 Bergen Catholic in the
parochial schools quarterfinal round, No. 3 Christian Brothers in the semifinals and No. 8 St. Peter's in the group championship before
winning the title last night. "Every year you have the highs and lows, but the nice thing is that this team came together at the right time and
we had great leadership from all three captains (Ryan Sokerka, Haczyk and Kennedy) and each player gave a tremendous effort," Herms said.
West Essex (19-7-4) 0 0 0-- 0
Seton Hall Prep (19-9-1) 5 1 2 - 8
FIRST PERIOD: Scoring -- 1, S, Kennedy, 9 (Haczyk) :12. 2, S, Cacciotti 16 (Kennedy, Passantino) 5:00. 3, S, Vanderbeek 6 (Haczyk,
Lampson) 10:00. 4, S, Passantino (Lampson, Cacciotti) 12:48. 5, S, Vanderbeek 7 (Kennedy, Haczyk) 13:41. Penalties -- Serpe, W (cross checking), 6:00. Yates, W (cross checking), 8:06.
SECOND PERIOD: Scoring -- 6, S, Vanderbeek 8 (Kennedy, Haczyk) :30. Penalties -- Vanderbeek, S (roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct)
3:09. Skeels, W (roughing) 3:09. Koechling, W (boarding) 4:34. Vanderbeek, S (unsportsmanlike conduct) 11:07. Haug, W (unsportsmanlike conduct) 11:07. Clark, S, (high sticking) 11:26.
THIRD PERIOD: Scoring -- 7, S, Haczyk 16 (Kennedy, Vanderbeek) 8:23. 8, S, Lampson 13 (Robinson) 11:09. Penalties -- Adams, S
(tripping) 1:04. Coiro, W (unsportsmanlike conduct) 2:13. Kropoth, S (roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct) 4:50. Serpe, W, (cross
checking) 4:50. Koechling, W (hooking) 5:44. Serpe, W (hooking) 9:22. Coiro, W, (cross checking) 10:00. Adams, S (interference) 13:33. Aurori, W (cross checking-major, game misconduct) 14:31
Shots on goal: West Essex 4-6-5-15. Seton Hall 16-11-14-41.
Power-play opportunities: West Essex 0-for-6. Seton Hall 2-for-7.
Goalies: West Essex, Moran (41 shots-33 saves). Seton Hall, Robinson (15 shots-15 saves).
Officials: John Lally, Kevin Gertz
Sokerka, Kufka, Wirt, Adams superb on defense for Seton
Tuesday, March 23, 2004 BY JEFF KARN AND GERRY DAVIDOVE
For the Star-Ledger
Carrying a 6-0 bulge into the third period, the only thing left in doubt for Seton Hall in last night's Tournament of Champions final against West Essex at Continental Airlines Arena was the shutout.
Defensemen Ryan Sokerka, Matt Kufka, Adrian Wirt and Jason Adams, who were superb in front of goaltender Terry Robinson during
the first two periods, kept up their stifling performance in the third to help Robinson preserve his second shutout of the playoffs and seventh of the season.
The Seton Hall defense held its opponent to 15 shots, most of them from the outside. Sokerka, the team's top defenseman, deflected credit.
"We worked together as a team today," Sokerka said. "Even the forwards backchecked. Terry is the best goalie in the state. I'm happy
for Terry that he got the shutout. He had an amazing season and this is the icing on the cake."
The defense, which has been dominant during the playoffs, combined with Robinson to lead the team to a 0.60 GAA during the state tournament.
Seton Hall's top line
Bryan Haczyk (one goal and four assists), Dustin Kennedy (one goal and four assists) and Rem Vanderbeek (three goals and one assist) combined for 14 points during the game.
Haczyk finished the season as Seton Hall's leading scorer with 19 goals and 22 assists.
Vanderbeek, who entered the game having scored just five goals, increased his scoring output to eight goals and 13 assists while Kennedy finished with nine goals and 12 assists.
"We were switching lines for rhe first third of the year," Kennedy said. "After that, the three of us played together. Today we really
clicked. Vanderbeek played his game and he has a rocket shot."
Peter Caggiano,
who worked as the color analyst when Comcast televised each of the last six state championship games at Continental
Airlines Arena, was slated as an alternate to referees John Lally and Kevin Gertz for last night's game.
Caggiano, a high school and collegiate referee since 1977, was prepared to take the ice in case of emergency. "As an official it is honor to
be chosen to do one of the three state finals at the Continental Airlines Arena," Caggiano said. "It's a privilege to work these games and I tip my hat to these guys.
Seton Hall grabbed a 24-13-3 lead in the all-time series against West Essex, though prior to last night's contest, the two team's hadn't met since February of 1984. Seton Hall won then too, 7-2.
The parochial school champion has now captured nine of 10 overall titles since the formation of the T of C in 1995. Brick was the only
public school to win the T of C, earning a 4-0 triumph over Seton Hall Prep in the 1997 final at Mennen Arena in Morris Twp. The parochial school champions has won all seven T of C matches at the Meadowlands.
The all-tournament team, selected by a media panel, was comprised of forwards Bryan Haczyk, Mike Cacciotti and Rem Vanderbeek
of Seton Hall Prep, defenseman Matt Miller of St. Peter's Prep and Ryan Sokerka of Seton Hall Prep and goalie Terry Robinson of Seton Hall Prep.
Mike Giampapa
has had the pleasure of coaching his only son, Tom, for the last four years. Last night, the run came to an end.
"To see him progress from his freshman season has been great," the coach said. "Our relationship has grown deeper with hockey as the
backbone. It has culminated with his senior year. He's been our captain and made me proud."
Tom Giampapa, who is headed to UMass or Cortland State in the fall, scored a goal in a 2-1 victory over Ridge in the public schools final.
He finished his senior season with 14 goals and 25 assists. "The four years was more than I could have asked for," Tom Giampapa said.
"Playing here in the final game with my father coaching, there was a lot of emotion."
h o c k e y [NJSIAA PLAYOFFS - PAROCHIAL FINAL]
Seton Hall Prep defeats St. Peter's, 3-1
Sunday, March 21, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE
For the Star-Ledger [photos RCM/SHP]
If a big player is expected to earn his reputation, then both forward Bryan Haczyk and goalie Terry Robinson of Seton Hall Prep are living
large this morning. Haczyk struck for three straight goals, capping his natural hat trick with an empty net goal with 45 seconds remaining,
and Robinson made 29 saves to lead Seton Hall, No. 4 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, to its fourth NJSIAA/Devils parochial schools championship  with a 3-1 victory over No. 8 St. Peter's Prep yesterday before 6,532 at
Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford.
It marked the first parochial title for Seton Hall (18-9-1) since the last of three
consecutive trophies in 1999. The team returns to the arena tomorrow to battle No. 18 West Essex in the 10th Tournament of Champions at 7 p.m.
<<< Haczyk's second goal proved to be the game-winner.
"Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd have a game like this," Haczyk, who has 18 goals this season, said. "The hat trick wasn't really important. The
important thing was that we got the victory and won the title. We've been in a slump the past couple of years, so it's great to be on the winning end."
Haczyk snapped a 1-1 tie 3:57 into the third when he controlled a pass while standing uncontested in the slot and swept a shot into the top-right corner of the
cage. It marked the first lead of the game for Seton Hall, which outshot St. Peter's, 29-19, over the final two periods.
St. Peter's (25-4) displayed a passive 1-2-2 forecheck in the opening minutes
before opting for a more effective 1-1-3 just 3:30 into the period, in which it
outshot Seton Hall, 11-2. "It didn't really matter what forecheck they had," Haczyk said. "We were going to read what they were doing and just go out and do our best to break it."
The Jersey City school broke a scoreless tie 9:43 into the first when sophomore defenseman Justin Hudacko scored an unlikely goal when
his shot from just inside the blueline at the left point hit the net high on the long side. Robinson was called upon to make several big saves in
the period, including a left-pad stop on Gio Capodanno off a two-on-one just 42 seconds after St. Peter's had taken the lead.
"Coach (Peter) Herms told us we couldn't give them an inch between the first and second," Haczyk said. "And the fact this could be our last game of the season was added motivation."
Although Seton Hall outshot St. Peter's, 20-8, in the second, it was a Robinson save on Capodanno 4:40 into the frame that seemed to give
Seton Hall the momentum it needed. The St. Peter's sniper had just exited the penalty box after serving a penalty and broke in all alone,
but Robinson stuck out his right leg and kept his team within a goal. "It never fails," Robinson said. "You make a big save at one end and then
the other team comes down and scores at the other. I was just determined to work hard and help our team any way I could."
That's exactly what happened when Haczyk controlled a Rem Vanderbeek feed at his own blueline off the ensuing faceoff and skated hard
down his right wing before curling a defenseman in the right circle and lofting an attempt into the top-right corner with 3:05 remaining.
"As a captain, I feel that part of my responsibility is to step it up when the team needs it," Haczyk said. "I wanted to show a little speed and score a goal to get the team going."
Seton Hall coach Peter Herms said: "Bryan did a tremendous job, he's our go-to player and has responded throughout the course of the entire season in key situations."
Also putting in a workmanlike effort was Seton Hall sophomore Rem Vanderbeek, who was called upon to shadow Capodanno (29 goals).
"Coach Herms told me to go out, stick to him and shut him down," Vanderbeek said. "In the first, he had a quicker first step than I thought, but I adjusted over the second and third periods."
Capodanno said Vanderbeek's presence affected his play in the third. "He shadowed me a lot in the third and I couldn't really get much
going," Capodanno said. "Every time I stepped on the ice in the third, Rem was on me. On top of that, Terry (Robinson) was making some big saves."
Seton Hall senior defenseman Ryan Sokerka felt an entire team effort was needed to defeat St. Peter's. "Rem did a great job shadowing
Gio and every time (Gio's) line went on the ice, me and my partner, Jason Adams, were out there," Sokerka said. "Bryan (Haczyk) is
amazing and very skilled and he came out and was huge for us. Terry (Robinson) has been one of the biggest parts of our team all season."
St. Peter's Prep (25-4) 1 0 0 -- 1
Seton Hall Prep (18-9-1) 0 1 2 -- 3
FIRST PERIOD: Scoring -- 1, SP, Hudacko 4 (Esformes, McGrath) 9:43. Penalties -- Lampson, SH (tripping), 4:33. Kropoth, SH (slashing),
7:50. Passantino, SH (roughing), 13:23.
SECOND PERIOD: Scoring -- 2, SH, Haczyk 16 (Vanderbeek) 11:55. Penalties -- Capodanno, SP (hooking), 2:38.
THIRD PERIOD: Scoring -- 3, SH, Haczyk 17 (Lampson, Cacciotti) 3:57. 4, SH, Haczyk 18 (Sokerka) 14:15 (en). Penalites -- Miller, SP (holding) 8:05.
Shots on goal: St. Peter's 11-8-11-30. Seton Hall 2-20-9-31. Power-play opportunities: St. Peter's 1-for-3. Seton Hall 0-for-2. Goalies: St.
Peter's, Dwyer (31 shots-29 saves). Seton Hall, Robinson (30 shots-29 saves). Officials: David Brown, Matt McNulty.
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h o c k e y [NJSIAA PLAYOFFS]
Seton Hall thrives with defense
Saturday, March 20, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE For the Star-Ledger [photo RCM/SHP]
Seton Hall Prep goalie Terry Robinson wouldn't trade his "underappreciated" defensive mates for anyone.
In fact, Robinson became defensive when asked to describe the importance of his
silent-but-steady point men. "I think they're underappreciated from a media and fan standpoint, but I appreciate them because I see what they do in practice and  how hard they've
worked," Robinson said. "Because of the system we play, our defense isn't highlighted, but I think they do a fantastic job."
Indeed. While much of the attention has been given to the high-powered offense at Seton Hall Prep, which has scored at a 3.48 goals-per game clip, the
defense has been solid, if not spectacular, with a 1.51 goals-against average.
Robinson, who is 13-3-1 with a 1.35 goals-against average and six shutouts,
hopes that defensive coverage continues at 1 p.m. today when Seton Hall Prep, No. 4 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, faces No. 8 St. Peter's Prep in the
NJSIAA/Devils parochial schools championship game at Continental Airlines Arena.
"It doesn't really bother me that our defense doesn't make any of the press
clippings," senior defenseman Ryan Sokerka (one goal, 12 assists) said. "If it happens fine, but I'm just thrilled whenever our team is recognized."
Seton Hall Prep co-coach Peter Herms, whose club has reached the parochial
schools championship game eight of the last nine seasons, has been pleased with the performance of the defense. "You're forwards get the
glory because goals win games," Herms said. "Our defensemen have really supported each other and if they can stay consistent, allow the
forwards to do their thing offensively and support Terry (Robinson), we'll have a chance."
Sokerka's defensive mate, sophomore Jason Adams (three goals, five assists), was moved from offense to defense at the start of the
season. "Coach Herms asked him to be a defenseman and he graciously accepted and now he's a starter with Ryan (Sokerka)," Robinson said. "And Ryan has really become a great leader and captain."
Adams was one of four players who didn't dress for Seton Hall Prep's 4-2 loss to St. Peter's Prep on Feb. 7. All four players, including
forwards Phil Kropoth, Mike Cacciotti and Nick Lampson, opted to play club hockey instead. "Having a full team should make a big
difference," Seton Hall Prep forward Bryan Haczyk (15 goals, 18 assists) said. "We have depth and when we have our whole team, that's when we can put it all together."
Rounding out the defense for the Essex County school are senior Adrian Wirt, sophomore Matt Kufta and freshman Tim Margiotta.
Sokerka feels Robinson is the backbone to the defensive end. "He's an amazing goalie and it's so comforting to know he's behind me because I
know he'll make the big save when we need it," Sokerka said. "Terry is very vocal and he and the defenders are always on the same page. He
shouts to us when he's stopping the puck, throwing it out or when an opposing player is bearing down on us."
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b ' b a l l
No. 2 Seton Hall falls to St. Augustine, 69-64
Sunday, March 14, 2004 BY MIKE KINNEY
For the Star-Ledger [photos by RCM/shp]
This seemed to be exactly Seton Hall's element. Just the right tension-filled situation at the correct time of the year.
But this time there would be no white-knuckle victory, the type of which Seton
Hall seemed to perfect when it captured eight state titles between 1991 and 2000, so many by the skin of its teeth. And it had manufactured the proper setup for such a finish when it qualified for this trip with a
buzzer-beating 3-pointer against Don Bosco Prep.
But this time there would be no last-gasp heroics to complete this story. Just a prepared, tough-minded opponent that knew how to get rebounds and sink
its foul shots when necessary.
St. Augustine, No. 19 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, buried 16 of 19 free throws in overtime (26 of 35 for the game) as it pulled away from No. 2 Seton Hall Prep, 69-64, for
the NJSIAA/ShopRite Parochial A championship yesterday before 2,000 at the Ritacco Center in Toms River.
Senior guard Anthony Farmer scored 34 points for St. Augustine, getting 21 in the first half with
both athletic bursts to the rim and 3-pointers, and nine in overtime with a basket and 7-of-9 shooting from the line. Backcourt mate Mark Porter had 25 points.
"Their guards are very explosive to
the basket," Seton Hall coach Bob Farrell said. "They can rise up over you. "What hurt us, too, was the way the guards were able to rebound," he said. "Chris Andrews gave away a lot of size to
Farmer and it showed tonight."
The 5-8 Andrews did a good job against the 6-2 Farmer in the second half, holding him to four points, but the latter had no doubt set a tone with his quickness and
shotmaking ability in the early going.
"We really had to execute to win and I thought we set the tempo in the first half," St. Augustine coach Paul Rodio said. "The second half was about
playing defense. We had to play them tough."
Both teams came prepared to be rugged and that seemed to benefit a bigger St. Augustine team. Brandon Costner, a 6-8 junior forward, proved a
formidable match for St. Augustine's 6-8 senior center Benedict Nwachukwu, scoring 28 points and holding Nwachukwu to five. But Seton Hall was undersized at almost every other position, meaning the officiating was
liable to play a big part. "I thought we got charges that they didn't give us," Farrell said. "Sometimes that slows a team down. But since we didn't get them, they had no fear of going in
there." With Andrews applying more pressure upon Farmer in the second half, Porter assumed the role of penetrator. But where Farmer usually attacked from the wing, Porter preferred the baseline.
But Seton Hall was able to answer with turnovers, scrappy play on loose balls and clutch shooting from Costner, who scored 18 points after the half. He also finished with 10 rebounds. "We played
hard and never gave up. We dove for balls, we went after them, we have nothing to be ashamed of," Costner said. "We'll just try to grow from this, come back next year and get it done."
Almost anyone with an opinion will expect Seton Hall back next year. All of the starters and the next four or five off the bench return.
St. Augustine started three seniors, a fact that
pleased Rodio as his team prepared for the stretch run. "I reminded our guys that we were seniors and they were young," Rodio said. "It's different with seniors. I knew Seton Hall was a good basketball
team, but I knew our leadership would carry us."
Seton Hall tied the game at 51-51 with 1:09 left in regulation on a free throw by Costner. One second later, Porter missed a foul shot for St.
Augustine and Costner rebounded. Seton Hall ran the clock down to seven seconds when Andrew Pusar missed on a jumper from the left wing. Nwachukwu rebounded for St. Augustine with two seconds left.
ST. AUGUSTINE
(69): Farmer 6-3-13-34, Porter 8-0-9-25, Nwachukwu 1-0-3- 5, Frazier 1-0-0- 2, Pfeiffer 1-0-1- 3, Krawecz 0-0-0- 0, Golden 0-0-0- 0, Dean 0-0-0- 0, Anderson 0-0-0-0. Totals: 17- 3-26-69.
SETON HALL PREP (64): Pusar
3-0-2- 8, Andrews 3-0-2- 8, Braswell 3-2-2-14, Costner 5-4-6-28, Wujciak 1-0-2- 4, Harvey Jr. 1-0-0- 2, Solomon 0-0-0- 0, Curry 0-0-0- 0, Wallace 0-0-0-0. Totals: 16- 6-14- 64.
St. Augustine (26-3) 22 13 9 7 18--69
Seton Hall Prep (26-3) 17 17 9 8 13--64
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h o c k e y [NJSIAA PLAYOFFS]
Seton Hall beats CBA in overtime, 2-1
Saturday, March 13, 2004 BY MIKE G. MORREALE
For the Star-Ledger [photos by RCM/shp]
Sophomore Mike Cacciotti scored two goals, including the game-winner 2:01
into sudden-death overtime, to give Seton Hall Prep a 2-1 victory over Christian Brothers in the semifinal round of the NJSIAA/Devils parochial schools  tournament before 1,000 last night at Mennen
Arena in Morris Township.
Just prior to Cacciotti's clincher, senior goalie Terry Robinson made two sparkling saves off a two-on-one and a deflection in the slot to preserve the tie for Seton Hall
(17-9-1), No. 4 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, which earned a berth in the parochial schools final for the third straight season and eighth in the last nine.
"Adrian (Wirt) took the shot from the point and I tried to deflect it," Cacciotti said. "I got a piece and their goalie kicked at the puck and it went through the five-hole."
<<< Cacciotti's deflection finds the five-hole in OT.
Seton Hall will face No. 8 St. Peter's Prep next Saturday in the parochial final at 1 p.m. at Continental Airlines Arena.
St. Peter's scored a stunning 4-2 victory over Seton Hall in a regular-season matchup earlier last month at South Mountain Arena in West Orange.
"It's great to get back to the Meadowlands and we're
looking forward to playing St. Peter's Prep again since they beat is in our own rink," Cacciotti said.
Seton Hall trailed, 1-0, when it was presented a golden opportunity just 1:24 into the third period with a two-man advantage for 1:16.
Cacciotti jammed a shot home from the left post off a fantastic cross-the-crease feed from Dustin Kennedy 2:25 into the third to pull Seton Hall into a 1-1 tie.
Nick Lampson almost won it for Seton Hall with 52 seconds remaining in regulation when he broke in two-on-one with Cacciotti, but was
denied when Christian Brothers goalie Ryan DeCeuster (19 saves) stacked the pads while sliding from left to right. "On the game-winner I
went down to make the save and my legs opened and the puck found the hole," DeCeuster said. "I thought I had it."
Seton Hall finished with a 21-14 advantage in shots.
Tom Chiappetta gave No. 3 Christian Brothers (17-9-1) a 1-0 lead on a power-play goal with 9:17 remaining in the second. The sophomore
forward jumped on a loose puck that squirted through the five hole of Robinson (13 saves). Freshman James vanRiemsdyk had taken the initial shot from the bottom of the right circle.
Seton Hall dictated much of the play off its 1-2-2 forecheck in the opening period. DeCeuster was called upon to make several big saves,
including a right-pad stop off the stick of John Passantino from the slot just 1:24 into the game.
Standout junior center Bryan Haczyk of Seton Hall was denied by Christian Brothers defensemen Kevin Higgins and John Gillen, who each offered nifty poke checks on potential breakouts.
b ' b a l l
Seton Hall shoots for 12th Par. A title
Saturday, March 13, 2004 By MIKE KINNEY For the Star-Ledger
Seton Hall coach Bob Farrell isn't overly troubled about a change in venue possibly breaking his team's championship routine.
First of all, Seton Hall will make its first trip in three years to the NJSIAA/ShopRite Parochial A championship when it meets St. Augustine at 4 p.m. today at the Ritacco Center in Toms River.
Also, his team is too young to have developed a routine, or even recall the Dunn Center in Elizabeth as a gracious tournament setting.
Seton Hall's first nine players are non-seniors, and two starters, 6-0 guard Porter Braswell and 6-2 forward Alex Wujciak, are just
sophomores. Juniors Brandon Costner, a 6-8 forward, 6-1 Andrew Pusar, a guard, and 5-8 Chris Andrews, a point guard, lead the way.
"They're starting to build their own legacy, but it hasn't happened yet," Seton Hall coach Bob Farrell said. "With Seton Hall basketball,
you're not judged by how many wins you have but by how many championships you have."
Seton Hall already owns 11 Parochial A titles, including eight in the previous 14 seasons and five straight from 1996 through 2000, all at spacious Dunn.
St. Augustine has just one title, Parochial B in 1999, but had to travel quite a distance many years to Elizabeth from its Atlantic County home of Richland.
"Dunn's been a very comfortable place for us, no doubt about that," Farrell said. "It doesn't owe us anything. But now the venue won't
really be to anyone's advantage. About equal distance for each team and new to both of us."
To garner title No. 12, Seton Hall will have to keep 6-8 center Benedict Nwachukwu off the boards and away from its shooters. He's
perhaps the best overall shot-blocker in the state. Andrews and Porter also will need to disrupt the backcourt play of 6-1 junior Anthony Farmer and 6-2 senior Mark Porter.
"The big kid, to me, is their key," Farrell said. "He's really active and he's a shot-blocking machine. They have other great athletes, too."
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Seton wins on Braswell's 3-pointer, 46-45
Thursday, March 11, 2004 BY MIKE KINNEY
For the Star-Ledger
When Seton Hall Prep missed its first game-winning 3-point attempt, but retrieved the miss, Porter Braswell credited it to desire and hustle.
When it missed a second attempt and then scrambled for yet a third chance with 2.4 seconds left, the sophomore guard had a strong sensation that a whole other force was at work.
"That was Coach (Pete) Butler, keeping the ball alive and giving us another chance," Braswell said.
The collective 'us' became more personal after Braswell took the inbound pass on the left wing from Chris Andrews after a timeout.
Braswell looked toward the top of the key for Brandon Costner, then spun, stepped away from a defender and launched an off-balance,
one-hander that swished through to give Seton Hall, No. 2 in The Star-Ledger Top 20, a 46-45 victory over No. 4 Don Bosco Prep last night
for the NJSIAA/ShopRite North Jersey, Parochial A championship before 2,000 at St. Peter's College in Jersey City.
"It was me and Coach Butler in that one. That's what it came down to, me shooting and Coach Butler looking down on me," Braswell said.
Up to that moment, Braswell and his Seton Hall teammates had dearly missed their longtime assistant coach, who died of cancer last June.
They'd missed his wry humor, guidance and helpful counsel during tough times such as last night's game.
"Nothing came easy to us all day," Seton Hall coach Bob Farrell said. "But we kept staying with it and staying with it. And Coach Butler did help us with that last shot I would say."
Sophomore forward Alex Wujciak helped matters substantially when he pulled down a rebound after Braswell's missed 3-point attempt
with 19 seconds left. Seton Hall called a timeout and charted another 3-pointer, this time for Costner. His miss with six seconds to go,
bounced to the paint. A wild scramble ensued, but the ball skipped out of bounds off a Don Bosco player with 2.4 seconds remaining.
"We hustle for everything," Braswell said. "We had to come up with that ball."
Grit and good fortune would have to be on Seton Hall's side last night against a much bigger and properly prepared Don Bosco squad,
featuring 6-7 junior Tyrell Biggs, who led all scorers with 19 points, and 6-10 senior John Oates.
Seton Hall has 6-8 junior Brandon Costner, but he picked up his second foul early in the second quarter and had four with 3:32 left in the
game and Don Bosco ahead, 40-38. The team's next biggest starter was the 6-2 Wujciak, who was covering Biggs.
"They had us well scouted and they played a great game," Farrell said. "I told our kids from last summer that they're a bad matchup for
us. They take away a lot of things we like to do going to the basket because of their size.
"Their two big guys inside, you spend so much time worrying about them that you lose your aggressiveness defensively on the perimeter
because you know that you have to get in there and help out a little bit when the ball goes down low."
Biggs shrugged off that help to score 10 first-half points and help Don Bosco to a 23-17 lead. He also scored seven points in the nail-biting fourth quarter.
But Seton Hall had increased its ball pressure in the third quarter behind the pesky Andrews, forcing three turnovers and limiting Biggs to one shot, which he made.
Meanwhile, Andrew Pusar scored seven of his 11 points, Wujciak pumped in four of his eight and the opportunistic Braswell rushed in
front of bigger bodies to snare five of his six rebounds in the third quarter and help Seton Hall to a 33-31 lead.
The lead switched hands seven times in the fourth quarter, including Braswell's buzzer beater. The sixth lead change came when Oates scored inside with 1:37 left for a 44-42 Don Bosco lead.
Pusar hit a free throw with 1:07 left to bring Seton Hall to within 44-43 and then Don Bosco worked the clock, calling two timeouts on the
possession. Oates was fouled with 29.8 left, missed the first attempt, then sank the second for a 45-43 lead.
SETON HALL PREP (46): Pusar 3-1-2-11, Andrews 3-0-0-6, Braswell 1-2-2-10, Costner 1-1-1-6, Wujciak 4-0-0-8, Harvey, Jr. 2-0-1-5, Solomon 0-0-0-0, Curry 0-0-0-0. Totals: 14-4-6-46.
DON BOSCO (45): Biggs 9-0-1-19, Oates 4-0-1-9, Rose 2-1-0-7, Bryant 0-1-0-3, Augustin 2-1-0-7, Natoli 0-0-0-0. Totals: 17-3-2-45.
Seton Hall (26-2) 15 2 16 13 -- 46
Don Bosco (25-4) 12 11 8 14 -- 45 |
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