South Jersey H.S. Softball Tournament Preview Groups 2, 3 and 4

by Marc Narducci | May 19, 2023

The NJSIAA softball tournament will begin on May 22. Sectional finals are June 3 at the highest seed and the state final is June 9 for Non-Public schools and June 10 for public schools. The state championships will all be held at Kean University. The cutoff date for seeding is Wednesday, May 17, so our list of the top teams including the power point leaders to begin the week, according to NJ.com.

Last week we detailed Group 1 and Non-Public A and B. Here is a look at South Jersey Group 2, 3 and 4.

South Jersey Group 2

Last year Haddon Heights became the story of the state tournament. The Garnets not only won the state Group 2 crown, but also captured the Tournament of Champions title to finish as the state’s undisputed No. 1 team.

There is no longer a TOC, with the NJSIAA eliminating the tournament, so the best a team can do is win a state title.

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Before that, there are the sectionals and while Haddon Heights is the favorite, the Garnets should be challenged significantly.

First off, Heights began the week 15-5 and the top seed in SJ Group 2. Sophomore Sophia Bordi and senior Maddy Clark are exceptional pitchers and hitters, one of the top duos in South Jersey.

Cinnaminson, which began the week No. 3 in power points, already owns an extra-inning win over Haddon Heights, so the Pirates will be dangerous.

No. 5 West Deptford has split two games with Haddon Heights, while No. 4 Sterling has lost its two games 2-0 and 2-1 to the Garnets.

So while Haddon Heights is the clear favorite, there should be plenty of challengers.

South Jersey Group 3

This is another Group that is up for grabs. Ocean City entered the week leading in power points, followed by No. 2 Moorestown, No. 3 Delsea, No. 4 Triton, and No. 5 Shawnee, which despite a 9-8 record, could be dangerous.

Shawnee has played a tough schedule and lost just 2-1 earlier this season to Moorestown.

Ocean City has received a strong season from freshman pitcher Jessica Mooney, who entered the week with a 1.54 ERA.

Moorestown also has a top-flight pitcher in junior Violet Marta, who entered the week with a 0.99 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched.

The defending champion is Burlington Township, but the Falcons have moved to Central Jersey Group 3 this year.

South Jersey Group 4

Last year Egg Harbor Township beat Kingsway, 7-3, in the championship game. Both should be serious contenders this season. Lenape began the week No. 1 in power points, while EHT was No. 2 and Kingsway was No. 3.

No. 4 Cherokee will also be a threat and a dark horse could be No. 8 Vineland.

EHT began the week 16-1, with the only loss to state power Donovan Catholic. The Eagles look like the favorite to defend their title.

EHT junior Madison Dollard began the week with a 1.15 ERA and will be one of the top pitchers in the tournament.

Lenape lost earlier this season, 7-5 to EHT, so that shows the Indians will be competitive. In fact, EHT and Lenape appear to be the top two teams.

Even though Vineland has lost twice to EHT, the last time was a 9-8 loss to the Fighting Clan could be a dangerous team.

Author: Marc Narducci

South Jersey H.S. Softball Tournament Preview Groups 2, 3 and 4

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