The Garden State crowned four boys high school state champions on Monday at Prudential Center, with Don Bosco turning back Delbarton, 3-1, for its first state title.
Coach Greg Toskos’ Don Bosco Ironmen went in as the top seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public division and claimed the hardware thanks to two goals from Liam McLinskey, an empty-netter from Tyler Sedlaj and a 19-save effort from goalie Max Schwarz. Delbarton’s Brett Cleaves made 24 saves while Michael Balzarotti scored for the Green Wave.
In Public B, Ridge won its second title in three years, skating past Randolph, 4-1. Alex Konovalov scored the game-winner five minutes into the third period and added two assists, while Luke Rich scored twice and Marcus Fabiunke made 25 saves.
Morris Knolls-Hills captured the Public A crown, topping Hillsborough, 6-1, behind Sean Murray’s four-goal effort, the first four-goal game in the tournament since current NHLer Kenny Agostino tallied four times for Delbarton in 2010. Jacob Walsh had four assists and Gehrig Echoff and Jason Kwestel also scored for the champs, who got a strong effort from goalie Ty Franchi (30 saves).
