NJ Section 1: Wayne National races to title

Written by Kyle Stackpole, contributing writer

Usually brand new 13-year olds receive presents on their birthday.

On Thursday night, Wayne National’s Dominic Cancellieri gave his team the biggest present of all.

 A sectional championship.

Behind Cancellieri’s dominant pitching and incredible hitting, Wayne National defeated Par-Troy East 11-1 in five innings to win the Section 1 title. The game was shortened by the mercy rule.

On the mound, Cancellieri pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up just one run and two hits while striking out 10. With the bat, he was just as impressive. He hit two home runs and drove in three for a Wayne National team that hit six home runs in the game. Jack Feit added a pair of round-trippers and John Boscarino and Ari Field each hit a solo shot.

Even more amazing was that on a day dedicated to him, he pulled through for his team.

“It feels great,” Cancellieri said. “We thought we were meant to be in sectionals last year. This year, we hoped to make it past the districts. Now look at us; we’re onto states.”

Cancellieri is one of three returning players from last year’s squad. Boscarino and Jared Strus also played on last year’s sectional squad. Experience has obviously helped this team understand the amount of work it takes to be one of four teams left in New Jersey. The other major aspect is working hard every day.

When asked how they were so successful throughout the tournament, manager Paul Boscarino put it simply.

“Practice, Practice, Practice.”

“We work hard,” added an assistant coach. “Whenever we do not have a game, we practice for two to three hours a night.”

That hard work has sure paid off. Wayne National has outscored its opponents 28-11 during the three games at Dumont.

As satisfied as this team is at this point in the season, the road to Williamsport has just begun. They begin the state tournament on Wednesday in Wallington for a chance to represent the state of New Jersey in the Mid-Atlantic Tournament. According to Cancellieri, success for this team is centered on a few factors.

“We need to pitch well and not walk batters. Those extra batters are the ones that will kill us. We don’t have to worry about hitting. We’re going to hit.”

Wayne National sure hit the heck out of the ball tonight. They finished the game with 11 runs, 11 hits, and six home runs.

With an explosive lineup, pitching will determine how far this Wayne National team can go.

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