RHS Baseball is gearing up for the 2024-2025 season, looking to build on last year’s success and defend its sectional championship title. After finishing the 2023-2024 season with a 21-10 record and claiming the NJSIAA North 2, Group 3 state sectional championship, the Rams face a new challenge—reloading a roster that lost 10 seniors to graduation last June.
Despite the roster turnover, head coach Mark Rizzi is optimistic about the talent and leadership returning to the team. “The new varsity players are very talented,” he said. “I am confident we will be a tough team to beat.”
Last season, Randolph was among the state’s top teams, posting a .319 team batting average and a 2.87 ERA. Now, with only seven returning varsity players, the Rams will rely on a mix of experienced leaders and promising newcomers to remain competitive.
Those returning include senior shortstop AJ Terry and junior second baseman Mason Wilson, forming one of the strongest middle infield duos in the state. Seniors Andrew Dobres, Adam Sokolowski and Gavin Carlucci will also bring their experience to the team. Rounding out the returning players are juniors Joey Bosotina and Chase Lorent and sophomore Brendan Stokoe.
Joining the varsity roster are several players who are eager to make an impact, including senior Griffin Carroll; juniors Nick Armento, Matt Bruun, Eli Kahn, Jack Kielbania and Sal Midolo; sophomore Matthew Paladino; and freshman Andrew Swanick.
With North Carolina commit Terry and Penn State commit Wilson leading the charge, Randolph boasts a talented squad despite its youth.
Lorent, a key junior on the team, is embracing the challenge of playing with a new group of teammates rather than feeling the pressure to replicate last season’s success. “I don’t feel any pressure in replicating the season we had last year,” he said. “We have a bunch of new guys, and I’m just looking forward to competing with some new teammates.”
“I think our biggest strength this season is our middle infield,” Carroll added. “AJ and Mason really hold down the team, and it would not be the same without those guys. They are some of the best players in the state, and we are lucky to have them.”
While many faces on the team will look different this season, the Rams’ goal remains the same: competing for another championship. Players are embracing the opportunity to step into bigger roles and help continue Randolph’s winning tradition.
Randolph will open its season at home against Livingston on Thursday, March 27, at 4 p.m.
