Golf: 2023 North Jersey players to watch, preseason rankings and team-by-team previews
So many of North Jersey's top boys and girls golfers will return to the course this season.
Here's a look at the players to watch, preseason rankings, and team-by-team previews.
Boys players to watch
Rhys Burgess, Indian Hills senior
Burgess was chosen first-team All-North Jersey last season after his nine-hole average of 37.4 tied for the area’s best. He enjoyed several top-10 finishes at major tournaments as a junior and will vie this season for multiple titles.
Jun Chun, Old Tappan junior
Chun earned first-team All-North Jersey last season after registering several top-10 finishes, including a tie for ninth at the 36-hole Bergen Luciano. He had a 37.4 average last season, and he should vie for multiple titles this season.
Harry Cohen, Ramapo sophomore
Cohen will challenge for multiple titles this year after a sensational freshman season. His rookie highlights included a 38.9 average, winning the North 1 and 2, Group 3 sectional title, and earning runner-up in State Group 3.
Jayden Ko, Tenafly senior
Ko is a two-time first-team All-North Jersey selection expected to challenge for Big North, Bergen County and sectional titles. He had a 39.2 average last year, was North 1 and 2, Group 3 runner-up and shared 14th at the State Championship.
Damian Scelba, DePaul senior
Scelba is Passaic County’s premier golfer, a two-time county champion who can join an elite fraternity with a third crown. He led his county last season with a 38.5 average and earned second-team All-North Jersey.
Stephen Viray, Don Bosco junior
Viray spearheads a young and talented lineup that will challenge for division, Bergen County and sectional titles. Last season, he had a 39.5 average and earned medalist at the North Non-Public A sectional.
Liam White, Bergen Catholic senior
White is a two-time first-team All-North Jersey pick who last season led the Crusaders to the NJSIAA Non-Public A title and runner-up at the simultaneous TOC. He had a 38.4 average and is reigning champ at the Arcola Invitational.
Others to watch:
Ryan Applin, Bergen Catholic senior
Tim Clune, Old Tappan senior
Michael Crosby, Tenafly senior
Ryan Klarreich, Northern Highlands sophomore
Liam Moloney, St. Joseph sophomore
Parker Rollins, Ridgewood sophomore
Reese Taubin, Ridgewood senior
Girls players to watch
Marisa Flores, Immaculate Heart junior
Flores is a two-time first-team All-North Jersey pick who consistently finishes near the top of the leaderboard. She had a 38.9 average last season and is capable of challenging for multiple titles this season.
Inha Jun, Holy Angels sophomore
Jun was part of last season’s outstanding freshmen class that elevated the Angels into a state power. She earned first-team All-North Jersey as a ninth grader on the strength of a 39.7 average and several top-10 finishes.
Angelina Kim, Holy Angels sophomore
Kim is North Jersey’s top-rated returnee. She led North Jersey last season with a 37.3 average. The All-North Jersey pick will contend for multiple titles after last year finishing in the top four at every major, including fourth at the State Championship.
Amelia Shen, Holy Angels senior
Shen will again provide veteran leadership for a team that last season was runner-up at the State Championship. She earned first-team All-North Jersey as a junior thanks to a 40.3 average and multiple top-10 finishes.
Others to watch:
Sharanya Agarwal, Holy Angels sophomore
Isabella Crespo, Bergen Tech sophomore
Jessica Danckwerth, Wayne Valley, junior
Victoria Jolakian, Ramapo senior
Aileen Kang, Fort Lee senior
Aubrey Lee, Bergen Tech junior
Boys Top 15 rankings
1. Bergen Catholic
2. Don Bosco
3. Northern Highlands
4. St. Joseph
5. Tenafly
6. Ramapo
7. Ridgewood
8. Dwight-Englewood
9. Indian Hills
10. Passaic Tech
11. Ramsey
12. River Dell
13. Glen Rock
14. Bergen Tech
15. Pascack Hills
Also considered: DePaul and Paramus Catholic
Girls Top 5 rankings
1. Holy Angels
2. Bergen Tech
3. Immaculate Heart
4. Northern Highlands
5. Ridgewood
Also considered: Demarest, Old Tappan and Ramapo
Boys team-by-team previews
BIG NORTH
United Division
Bergen Catholic is reigning NJSIAA Non-Public A champ and will vie for major titles. The Crusaders return seniors Liam White (9-hole average of 38.4), Ryan Applin (38.3) and Adam Sincavage (43.2), and junior John Keyes (43.7).
DePaul can vie for the Passaic County title. The Spartans feature senior Damian Scelba (38.5), two-time Passaic champ, as well as Robert Oechslin (47.0), Vincent Maione, Kieran Corbutt and Luciano Polifonte.
Don Bosco will battle Bergen Catholic for North Jersey supremacy. The Ironmen feature juniors Stephen Viray (39.5) and Cam Ward (41.6), senior Lucas Hofmeister (40.6) and sophomore Nick Theodorou (41.8).
Paramus Catholic could field its most competitive team in several years. The Paladins’ returnees include seniors Zachary Taylor (44.8) and Marcos Rodriguez (46.6), and junior Allen Magie (46.1).
St. Joseph will be among North Jersey’s top 10 teams and qualify for sectionals. The Green Knights feature sophomore Liam Moloney (40.0) and seniors Padraig Leahy (42.3) and John Souva (42.4).
Liberty Division
Bergen Tech can score a winning season with a quartet shooting in the 40s. The Knights feature seniors Matthew Ketas (46.1) and Alfred Cicoria, junior Charlie Canold and sophomore Hyunbin Kim (46.0).
Passaic Tech won last year’s Passaic County title and is favored to repeat. The Bulldogs feature juniors Tyler Cammarota (39) and Thomas Scheidegger (46) and seniors Brian Gaboda (45) and Nathan Basa (47).
Freedom Division
Indian Hills will post a winning record and return to sectionals. The Braves feature senior Rhys Burgess (37.4). He is supported by seniors Steven Roche (41.0), Evan Copchonak (47.5) and Brian Seibel (48.6).
Northern Highlands has the talent to vie for multiple titles. Sophomore Ryan Klarreich (38.1) leads a Highlanders’ lineup that also features seniors Tommy Padilla (41.3) and Nico Pantello (42.1).
Paramus enjoyed a productive offseason and can register a winning record and qualify for sectionals. The Spartans include sophomore Saverio Capolupo (48) and junior Daniel Kropiewnicki (48).
Ramapo has returning enough talent to vie for a Freedom title and more. The Green Raiders feature sophomore Harry Cohen (38.9) and senior Alex Jolakian (41.6). Sophomores Jack Sposa and Jordan Weiss step up.
Ridgewood shocked North Jersey by winning last year’s Bergen Group 3-4-A title. The Maroons return seniors Reese Taubin (40.5) and Hayes Williams (42.9) and sophomore Parker Rollins (42.0).
Independence Division
Fair Lawn fields a team for the first time in years. The Cutters will rely on seniors Ethan Shacknow and Daniel Fasano, as well as juniors John Figueroa, Cooper Peck and Austin Van Why and freshman Tyler Ferlanti.
Passaic Valley returns with more experience and will be more competitive. The senior-less Hornets return junior Travis Leech and sophomores Ayden Mulroony and Jake Marretta.
Wayne Hills begins a new chapter with a young lineup and first-year coach Ryan Bayley. The Patriots return sophomore Jimmy Veale and junior Cole Garolis-Bechtold and could rely on freshmen.
Wayne Valley will vie for Independence and Passaic titles. The Indians are led by Alex Ferguson (42.0). They also include senior Owen Alles, juniors Alex Casper and Ryan Hayes and sophomore Aidan Aldalde.
National Division
Bergenfield returns with greater experience, scores will be much improved and it will be more competitive. The Bears feature junior Aidan Davy and senior Caitlynn Collantes.
Demarest can be more competitive thanks to the return of four starters. The Norsemen feature seniors Alvyn Kwon, juniors Ian Chung and Justin Plump and sophomore Nick Gorenstein.
Old Tappan has the talent and depth to challenge for Big North, Bergen County and sectional titles. The Golden Knights feature junior Jun Chun (37.4), senior Tim Clune and junior Ian Kim (40.9).
Pascack Valley must rebuild following significant graduation losses. The Panthers are led by Luke Dolan, and looking to step up are senior Dylan Minneker and sophomores Justin Yu and Ethan Ross.
Tenafly has a new coach, John Nicolai, and veteran group that will vie for multiple titles. Key Tigers: seniors Jayden Ko (39.2), Michael Crosby (40.9) and John Minnetian (43.8), and junior Hoewon Park (43.3).
Patriot Division
Mahwah is young and rebuilds for the future. Senior Jaden Han (42.8) will lead a T-Birds’ roster that includes three more returnees: senior Tyson Noberto and juniors Matthew Olear and Owen Moynihan.
Pascack Hills has the depth to overcome key graduation losses and score a winning season. The Broncos return junior Dylan Sawyer (44.5) and seniors Sean Donahue (45.7) and Danny Sadrulah (46.6).
Ramsey will vie for the Patriot title and be among North Jersey’s better small schools. The Rams feature senior Noah Eide (43.6) and sophomores Ryan Ledlow (44.3) and Dylan Ayer.
River Dell can challenge for the division title and quality for sectionals. The Golden Hawks are led by seniors Matt Volmer (42.9) and Matt Scipioni (45.4), and juniors Alex Na (43.9) and Adam Chu (45.4).
Westwood continues to rebuild in this challenging division. The Cardinals return senior Marcus Shim and junior Bradley Davino and up-and-comers include junior Jack Rochlin and freshman Zach Risbud.
American Division
Dumont has experience and will be improved. The Huskies feature senior Edward McElroy (43.7). They also return seniors Anthony Lovisa, Andrew DeRiso and Brandon VanMater and junior Emma Galligan.
Fort Lee should win the American title and vie for a berth in the Bergen team championship. The Bridgemen feature senior Aileen Kang and sophomores Evan Ng, Nicholas Park and Steffi Song.
NJIC
Colonial Division
Garfield is a second-year program looking to build for the future. The Boilermakers are led by sophomore Elson Gorica and junior Lisa Ramirez.
Glen Rock is a perennial division champ and favored to win the Colonial title and qualify for the Bergen tournament. The Panthers feature Kevin McKegney, Jack Gault, Hugo Horwitz and Will Lee.
Hawthorne starts a new era under first-year coach Joe Doughty. The Bears are extremely young and feature sophomores Jack Manke and Cody DuRoss. Newcomers include younger brother Charlie Manke.
Meadowlands Division
Dwight-Englewood is the best team in the NJIC despite key graduation losses. The Bulldogs return juniors Zachary Wolpov (42.4), Danny Lax (42.5), Miles Krieger (43.9) and Dawson Lin (46.0).
Hasbrouck Heights has enough experience to register a top-three finish in the division, maybe even better. The Aviators return juniors Logan Rendzio and George Kouletas and senior Connor Scuilla.
Leonia can be competitive and finish in the middle of the division. The Lions return juniors Taekyu and Rachel Kang. Newcomers include freshmen Stacy Han and Nathan Kang.
North Arlington has a new coach, David Yura, and he has more than 10 players to develop. The Vikings are led by junior Jacob Peraza, and newcomers include Joe Crawford, Chris Crawford and Matt Golon.
Palisades Park has some experience and can be competitive. The Tigers return senior John Kang and juniors River Han, Heuiseo Kim and Isabella Kim. They add freshmen Daniel Keh and Andy Lee.
Patriot Division
Cresskill has experience and can challenge for the Patriot championship under new coach Anthony Grill. The Cougars return seven veterans, featuring senior Paul Yoon and sophomore Abigail Kim.
Park Ridge/Emerson is rebuilding and has a new coach, Jim Cleary. The lineup includes senior Antoinette Dacey, and the cast of newcomers includes freshman Breydan Gaccione.
Midland Park rebuilds with one returnee, sophomore Braden O’Shea. Freshmen fill the roster: Bijan Ameri, Gideon Eliya, Tommy Jollie, Sonny Lubbe, Ted Parker and Mike Vanderplatt.
New Milford features a veteran cast that has a chance to win multiple matches. The Knights are led by seniors Hannah Rostkowski, Diandra Debnath, Paige Jelenic and Belinda Ein.
Saddle River Day continues to rebuild after not fielding a team for two seasons due to COVID. The Rebels include a quartet of sophomores: Mike Cicero, Sahil Polepalle, Chase Carter and Dayeon Lee.
Waldwick must rebuild after graduating six seniors from a sectional playoff team. Senior Brandon Sendik and sophomore Tom Aligo return to lead the Warriors.
Girls team-by-team previews
BIG NORTH
East Division
Demarest has a new coach, Nicholas Murphy, and veteran lineup that will post a winning season. The Norsewomen feature seniors Alexandra Infanti (48.7) and Katie Koo (50.1) and junior Krystal Sun (50.5).
Holy Angels is among the state’s best. The Angels, runner-up at last year’s TOC, return sophomores Angelina Kim (37.3), Inha Jun (39.7) and Sharanya Agarwal (40.4), and senior Amelia Shen (40.3).
Old Tappan has the potential to register a winning season. The Golden Knights have six returnees, featuring junior Chloe Kim (44.0), and including seniors Ashley Ryu (48.8), Jennifer Kim and Marisa Santo.
River Dell continues to rebuild and looks to progress over the course of the season. Sophomore Sydney Fojas is the top returnee, and promising newcomers include Ailee Na and Stacy Cho.
Westwood is aiming for a winning season and to develop freshmen. The Cardinals feature seniors Danielle Desantis and Morgan Fedorchack. Freshman Elisabeth Maul is among the newcomers.
Central Division
Immaculate Heart will vie for the division title and a bid to the State Championship. The Blue Eagles feature junior Marisa Flores (38.9) and sophomores Madisyn Falto (43.0) and Isabella Del Bosco (48.7).
Mahwah must rebuild after key graduation losses. The T-Birds return senior Caroline Chung and junior Francesca Alesso, while sophomore Madison Jackson and junior Jada Cohn are among the newcomers.
Ramapo can deliver a winning season under new coach Tim Murtha. Senior Victoria Jolakian and freshman Reese Fishman will lead the Green Raiders. Senior Maggie Murtha and sophomore Emma McElkenny provide support.
Ramsey can vie for a winning season and finish in the middle of the division. The Rams have a 15-player roster with six returnees, led by senior Amanda Rosen and junior Hailey Thompson.
Ridgewood has the depth to be a top-five team in North Jersey. The Maroons return sophomore Julia Vizanko (43.8), junior Jenny Yang (45.2), and seniors Julia Synn (50.6) and Charlotte Celiberti (50.9).
West Milford continues to build its program. The Highlanders’ seven-player roster includes a quartet of returnees: juniors Shelby Durant and Aubrey Fritz and sophomores Caroline Gabel and Bridget Nevin.
West Division
Bergen Tech is among North Jersey’s best and should qualify for the State Championship. The Knights feature sophomore Isabella Crespo (39.6), junior Aubrey Lee (40.1) and seniors Michelle Tan (47.9) and Maddy Lukang (48.8).
Indian Hills can return to the North sectional under new coach Heather Michels. The Braves’ key returnees are senior Julia Kunz and sophomores Gaby Becker (50.5) and Kate and Claire Giletta.
Northern Highlands should produce a winning season and qualify for the North sectional. The Highlanders are led by senior Eleanor Ha and junior Ava Heins (43.0).
Paramus hopes to again qualify for the North sectional. The Spartans return Erin Joyce, Angelia Choi and Rebecca Kim. Newcomers include Cailin Allen, Lily Stearns and Ella Rohdiek.
Passaic Tech will be better than last season and more competitive. The Bulldogs return junior Thea Westhelle and sophomore Meghan Mongare, and freshman Sofia Pangan is among the newcomers.
Wayne Valley can be competitive and challenge for a .500 season. The Indians feature junior Jessica Danckwerth (40.3), senior Brianna Starling and sophomore Savannah Martin. Freshman Giada Chen joins the lineup.
OTHER
Glen Rock has its most experienced team in several years and hopes to make a run at a sectional bid. Leading the Panthers are seniors Amelia Bermack and Lorelei George and junior Maggie Harris.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ golf: Players to watch, preseason rankings, team-by-team previews
