River Dell High School baseball head coach Brandon Flanagan hopes to make the Golden Hawks into an elite team once again.
The seniors on the 2011 River Dell High School baseball team are, front row, from left, Nick Meccia and Glenn DeMarrais, and, back row, from left, Keith Bosworth, Dylan Smith, Bobby Croonquist, Dave Crouch, John LaValle and Nick Bruni.
The seniors on the 2011 River Dell High School baseball team are, front row, from left, Nick Meccia and Glenn DeMarrais, and, back row, from left, Keith Bosworth, Dylan Smith, Bobby Croonquist, Dave Crouch, John LaValle and Nick Bruni.
Last year, his squad went 17-10 and took an early exit from both the Bergen County and state tournaments.
“Our expectations are to get better every day and surprise a lot of people,” said Flanagan, who is in his 12th year at the helm.
The Golden Hawks have a core of eight seniors: second baseman Glenn “Rookie” DeMarrais, first baseman/pitcher Bob Croonquist, left fielder/second baseman Nick Meccia, right fielder/designated hitter Nick Bruni, centerfielder Dave Crouch, catcher/designated hitter Keith Bosworth, third baseman/pitcher Dylan Smith and pitcher John LaValle.
Along with the upperclassmen are three juniors who are returning starters: shortstop John Budka, centerfielder/pitcher Mike Oliver and pitcher Evan Stern.
Sophomore outfielders Ryan Duran and Brandon Martinez are two newcomers to the varsity squad.
“We have a lot of talent,” said Flanagan, who has compiled a 206-104 record as head coach. “It is my job to develop it. The pitching has to mature for us to be successful.”
Smith said that he and his teammates have confidence in their staff, especially their ace, Croonquist.
The Golden Hawks started their season 0-2 with losses to non-league opponents Union City and Pequannock. River Dell fell behind, 5-1, to the Panthers. After allowing three more runs to Pequannock in the top of the sixth, the Golden Hawks struck for four runs in the bottom half of the frame. The rally came up short, as Pequannock tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh, and River Dell stranded two baserunners in the final inning, falling 10-5.
“We walked too many guys,” said Flanagan. “They walked a bunch of us, too, but we couldn’t get a big hit except for the sixth inning. My guys showed me a lot by battling back, but we need to play a more complete game.”
River Dell hopes to make a statement in the Patriot League this season, where the Golden Hawks will face Pascack Valley, Tenafly, Ramsey, Mahwah and Indian Hills.
“We play a lot of tough teams this year,” Bruni said. “There’s not one weak team on our whole schedule.”
Smith and Bosworth said that the team is looking to finish the regular season by capturing a league title.
“We’re going to take it one game at a time,” Bosworth added.
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