Local players earn All-Star honors
HAMMONTON—The Cape Atlantic League (CAL) announced its fall sports All-Stars last week and several local student athletes were honored in their respective sports.
All-Stars are selected by the league’s coaches in each sport.
Hammonton High School had two cross country runners honored as CAL All-Stars. J.D. Shinske was selected by the North Conference coaches, while Kylie Pfluger was chosen as a member of the girls cross country team.
On the tennis court, Hammonton’s top two singles players, Krista Tzaferos and Emily Walters, were chosen as first team All-Stars in the West Conference.
St. Joseph Academy’s field hockey team had a solid 2020 season, and Makayla Veneziale was selected as a first team All-Star as a midfielder.
At Hammonton, the Blue Devils turned in their best performance in several years, and three players were chosen as first team All-Stars.
Forward Anna Dankel led the team in goals and was a first team choice, while teammate Olivia Osborne was named as one of the league’s top midfielders.
Joining Dankel and Osborne as first team All-Stars was back Gabriella Gherardi, one of the league’s top defenders.
Hammonton’s boys soccer team reached the semifinals of the South Jersey playoffs, and the Blue Devils placed a pair of players on the CAL North Conference All-Star team.
Thomas Dawson was the leading scorer for the Blue Devils and followed a pair of Tri-County Conference All-Star seasons with a place on the first team in the CAL this year.
Teammate David Humphries was one of the best defensive players in the Cape and earned first team honors for his play in 2020.
St. Joseph placed one player on the first team, Ty Powell, who led the Wildcats in scoring during a tough rebuilding season.
In girls soccer, St. Joe’s Marissa DiGerolamo was rewarded for an outstanding all-around senior campaign with a first team selection in the North Conference.
At Hammonton, the Blue Devils had three players earn first team honors.
Kendall Stansbury was one of the CAL’s leading scorers with nine goals and earned a first team spot at forward. Midfielder Alyssa Petulla controlled the midfield for the Devils and was also a first team All-Star.
Rounding out Hammonton’s All-Star trio was midfielder Madi Mortelliti, one of the league’s top all-around players.
The West Jersey Football League did not select All-Star teams this season, but several players at Hammonton and St. Joseph have been recognized unofficially by organizations around the region.
Blue Devils’ running back Jaiden Abrams has collected several All-South Jersey honors since the season ended, while teammates Johnny Scibilia, Michael Dogostino, Brock Weissman, Brock Beebe and A.J. Ryker have also been named to several All-Star teams.
At St. Joseph, Ahmad Ross has garnered spots on numerous All-State teams for his performance at running back and linebacker. Jahqir Haley led the state in interceptions and has been chosen for several All-State teams as well.
Chase Lomax was named to All-State teams as a defensive end and offensive lineman. Keshon Griffin also earned All-State honors.
Cohl Mercado, Bryan Butkus, Ethan Hunt and Z’amir Thomas have also been named to various All-Star teams that recognize area players.