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Gov. Livingston Baseball: Highlanders' Historic Season Sparks a Wave of Post-Season Triumphs
By D, Duncan,
1 day ago
Credits: Stephen O’Keefe/Peak Reaction Photography
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - After the Governor Livingston baseball team completed what may be the best season in the school's history, the excitement has only continued to build. The Highlanders' championship run has been followed by a wave of thrilling post-season news, including rising junior shortstop Zach Geertsma's prestigious commitment to the University of Virginia, a slew of team and individual honors, and former pitcher Sam Bass (Class of 2020) signing a professional contract, making Highlander fans prouder than ever.
The 2024 Highlanders were the first team in school history to capture a State Championship and the Union County Championship in the same season. The team was ranked 6th in the NJ.COM final state rankings and was named Union County Team of the Year. The Highlanders, guided by veteran coach Chris Roof (476-186–1), posted a season mark of 28-5, tying the school record for wins.
The success of the team and their dramatic run through the state tournament led to seven players in Roof’s lineup being recognized for outstanding seasons by local and statewide publications, coaches, and baseball media outlets. The future looks bright for the Highlanders next spring as they return most of their lineup and incredibly, 11 pitchers who took the mound last spring.
Kosuda carried the Highlanders through their state playoff run, going an incredible 11 for16 (.688), with 4 homers in the tournament. He led the team in hitting with a .448 average and in home runs with 9. His stat line also included 30 hits, 25 RBI, 29 runs, and 15 steals. First Gov. Livingston player since Drew Compton to be named Union County Player of the Year and First Team All-State. Will be continuing his career at William and Mary in the fall.
First Team All-State NJ - Prep Baseball Recruiting (PBR)
First Team All-Area - Courier News
First Team All-Union County - Coaches voting
Matty Diskin
The Stetson commit had a bounce back year on the mound after recovering from an injury. The hard thrower, who was both the winning pitcher in the Union County and State Championship games, finished the season with an 8-0 record. In 54.2 innings of work, he struck out 59 batters while pitching to a 2.69 ERA. At the plate he batted .301 with 5 home runs and 25 RBI.
Sophomore catcher had a break-out season both at plate and behind it. Basile’s offensive numbers surged as he banged out 35 hits, good for a .365 average. Batting second, he showed some pop with 4 homers, 9 doubles and a triple. He also knocked in 23. However, it was behind the plate where Basile cemented himself as one of the best catchers in the state. Basile displayed a strong accurate arm, as he wiped out 41 base runners either by throwing them out, attempting to steal or by picking them off.
Second Team All-State NJ - Prep Baseball Recruiting (PBR)
Anthony DeNora
One could easily make a case that DeNora was the MVP of this year championship team, as he excelled in every facet of the game. The 3-year starter hit at a .382 clip, and led the team in hits (39) and RBI (30). Batting in the cleanup spot, 14 of his hits were for extra bases. DeNora was a reliable defender at third base, exhibiting a solid glove and strong accurate arm.
Early in the season Coach Roof called on DeNora to be the team's closer. DeNora embraced that pressure-pack role with near perfection. In 21.2 innings of work, DeNora did not allow an earned run.
Honorable mention All-Union County - Coaches voting
Zach Geertsma
The Highlander shortstop saw his numbers rise in his second year of varsity ball. Leading off for the Highlanders, Geertsma found his way on base with 38 hits and 19 walks. His power numbers exploded with 8 homers, 5 triples and 8 doubles. Geertsma swiped 19 bases and scored a team high 37 times. He will be heading to the ACC in 2 years to play for the University of Virginia .
Second Team All-State NJ - Prep Baseball Recruiting (PBR)
The sophomore right-hander tossed a team-high 55.2 innings, pitching to an incredible ERA of .75. He finished the season with an 8-1 record and did not give up more than one earned run in all 11 starts. Won three games in state tournament play, including a complete game 3 hit shutout of Bordentown.
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