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Articles by Walter J. O’Neill
Shore Regional Field Hockey Still Setting The Bar
Super Sales at Fine Fare Supermarket Super Sales at Fine Fare Supermarket By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Marielle Montenegro (22) of Shore Regional celebrates her second goal in the 2-0 win over Southern Regional in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. The varsity field hockey team at Shore Regional High School keeps setting records and raising the bar for future teams. This year, the Blue Devils entered the Shore Conference Tournament as the top seed.
Cole Torres runs Shore Regional to victory
Coach George Conti immortalized by the Big Red Coach George Conti immortalized by the Big Red By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Shore Regional quarterback Logan Clark (4) threw three touchdown passes in the 42-14 win over Keyport. It was a record book day for Cole Torres on Saturday afternoon. He and his Blue Devil teammates were in Keyport to face the Red Raiders in a non-divisional Shore Conference football game.
Coach George Conti immortalized by the Big Red
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Coach George Conti and his family during the dedication of the “Coach George Conti Rock and Trailers” at Ocean Township High School. October 16, the Township of Ocean School District paid honor to a beloved coach who is credited with giving the Spartans of Ocean the identity of the Big Red. Superintendent Kelly Weldon and Athletic Director Rusty Todd hosted a ceremony with over 100 people in attendance for George “The Rock” Conti.
Kevan Crawford leads Asbury Park to victory
Big Win And Bigger Loss During The 2026 May Cup Big Win And Bigger Loss During The 2026 May Cup By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Asbury Park sophomore running back Kaven Crawford (5) had 114 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the 24-13 win over Long Branch. Saturday morning the Blue Bishops of Asbury Park stunned the Green Wave of Long Branch beating them 24-13 in a Shore Conference D-North matchup. It was the first divisional win for Asbury this season.
Big Win And Bigger Loss During The 2026 May Cup
Long Branch Board of Education Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Long Branch Board of Education Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Abby Salowe (8) a freshman at Ocean Township scored two goals and assisted on three in the 6-0 win over Ranney. Fourteen years ago there was a young girl in fifth grade who attended the Township of Ocean Intermediate School, named Mya Linn Terry, who loved playing and watching soccer. Unfortunately, Mya was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Jake Garrett Leads Ocean Over Long Branch
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Justin Farina (9) of Ocean Township makes a great catch as Isaiah Rosario (15) of Long Branch attempts to grab the ball. Jordan Gaudious (3), quarterback at Long Branch, has to rush a pass as Aamir Byrd (8) of Ocean rushes in. When Long Branch High School and Ocean Township High School get together it is always a rivalry, especially on the football field. This season, the win went to the Spartans of Ocean Township who earned the 42-7 victory. “It was a big rivalry game.
Tradition Continues at Shore
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Getting two assists in the win over Ocean Toiwnship is Scarlett Watson (3) of Shore Regional. Shore Regional High School has an unmatched record when it comes to field hockey. Since 1971 they have won 54 Shore Conference divisional titles, and close to making it 55 this season. They have 21 Shore Conference Tournament titles, 33 NJSIAA Sectional titles and 20 NJSIAA State Championships.
Shore Regional upsets Freehold Township
Diving in for the touchdown is Cole Torres (10) of Shore Regional. He had 40 rushes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught an 18-yard pass for a touchdown in the 27-7 win over Freehold Township. By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Friday night everyone was expecting a biblical Nor’easter. However, in West Long Branch they didn’t expect the David vs. Goliath story to play out on the football field at Shore Regional High School, as the Blue Devils upset the Patriots of Freehold Township 27-7.
Falcons continue to roll, beating Asbury 36-7
Addison Delia leads Ocean over Manalapan Addison Delia leads Ocean over Manalapan By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Looking at the end zone and running in for a Monmouth Regional touchdown is Conall Hicks (12). According to the Chinese calendar 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. But in Tinton Falls, it’s the year of the Golden Falcons, as the varsity football team of Monmouth Regional are 5-0.
Brandon Thompson runs for 180 yards and two touchdowns
Meet Long Branch BOE Candidates Meet Long Branch BOE Candidates By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Brandon Thompson (29) had one heck of a night as Monmouth Regional beat Long Branch. Thompson had nine carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Monmouth Regional junior running back, Brandon Thompson, had a career night last Thursday. He and his fellow Falcons were in Long Branch to face the Green Wave in a D North divisional football game.
Maggie Kelly scores game winner for Spartans
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Maggie Kelly (12) of Ocean Township scored both goals in the 2-1 overtime win over Trinity Hall. For the second time this season, Maggie Kelly, scored the winning goal for the Spartans of Ocean Township during an overtime period. Kelly, who is a sophomore on the varsity field hockey team, scored both goals in the 2-1 overtime victory against Trinity Hall on September 17. “We went into the game against Trinity Hall knowing it would be a tough match.
Mia Fiorentino Keeps Ocean Undefeated
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win over Shore Regional was Mia Fiorentino (19) senior captain of the Ocean Spartans. Ocean Township senior forward Mia Fiorentino scored the winning goal to keep her Spartans undefeated during the 2026 soccer season. Thursday night, September 17, Ocean was in West Long Branch to face the Blue Devils of Shore Regional in a non-divisional Shore Conference match-up and won 1-0. The Spartans entered the game with a perfect 5-0 record.
Monmouth Regional Falcons Flying High in 2026
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Running for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Manchester is Brandon Thompson, junior running back, for Monmouth Regional. The latest opponent to fall victim to the Monmouth Regional Falcons football team are the Hawks of Manchester Township. Friday night, September 11, was senior night in Tinton Falls where they hosted the Hawks in a Shore Conference D North battle. Well, it wasn’t much of a fight as the Falcons flew away with a 44-6 victory.
Ocean Dominates Red Bank Regional 34-0
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Braylin Thompson (0) of Ocean Township dives in for his second touchdown in the 34-0 win over Red Bank Regional. Thursday night, September 10, the Spartans of Ocean Township hosted the Bucs of Red Bank Regional in a pivotal Shore Conference C North divisional matchup. From the opening kickoff, it was apparent that the Spartans were very prepared for the game as they shut out Red Bank Regional 34-0. The first quarter, Ocean moved the ball with ease.
Middletown North downs Green Wave 8-0
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Jaylenn Diaz (in black) is the senior goal keeper for the Lady Green Wave of Long Branch High School. She made 17 saves in the 8-0 loss to Middletown North. Tuesday, September 8, the lady Green Wave of Long Branch High School hosted the Lions of Middletown North in a non-divisional Shore Conference soccer match. Lions, which play in the A Central division, won the game 8-0 and improved to 2-0 on the season. Long Branch, who plays in the B Central is now 2-3 on the season.
Big Win for Shore, an Honor For Former Coach.
Dan Wendel has been waiting eight years for this season Dan Wendel has been waiting eight years for this season By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Shore Regional senior quarterback Logan Clark (4) completed 8 of 13 passes for 114 yards and a 62-yard touchdown throw in the win over Beach. Friday night, September 4, was a busy evening in West Long Branch as the Blue Devils of Shore Regional hosted Point Pleasant Beach in a non-divisional football game.
Dan Wendel has been waiting eight years for this season
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Scoring a touchdown for Monmouth Regional in the win over Keyport is junior Donovan Hicks (3) a on a 19-yard pass play. Entering his eighth season as head coach of the Monmouth Regional Falcons is Dan Wendel, and he has been developing a football program that is showing signs of success this year. Monmouth Regional is undefeated in their first two games outscoring their opponents 61-21.
Mia Fiorentino Leads Ocean Over Colts Neck
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Ocean Township senior forward Mia Fiorentino (19) scored two goals for the Spartans in the 4-1 win over Colts Neck. September 3, the Spartans of Ocean Township hosted the Cougars of Colts Neck in a Shore Conference B North divisional soccer game. It was a sweltering afternoon on turf field, but the lady Spartans were also red hot as they defeated Colts Neck 4-1. They are now 2-0 on the early season.
Devils start where they left off
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Shore Regional’s Sidney Titon (25) sophomore scored the last goal in the 4-0 win over Pinelands.The lady Blue Devils of Shore Regional High School started the 2026 soccer season just like the ended 2025 season, with a win. September 1, they kicked off this year’s schedule hosting Pinelands and beating them 4-0.
Jaguars take out Spartans 21-0
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Ocean Township High School senior quarterback, Jake Garrett (4) attempts to break away from a Jackson defender. Week zero on the high school football schedule is when teams actually play a game before school even opens. August 27, the Spartans of Ocean Township High School hosted the Jaguars of Jackson Township in a week zero contest. The first half was rather ugly as both teams had opportunities, and both teams blew those chances.
Shore Regional Started the Season With a Loss Before Kickoff
Making a diving attempt at an interception is Anthony Pernice (23) a junior at Shore Regional. By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. August 27, was the start of the football season for the Blue Devils of Shore Regional. The school started the season with a big loss even before the game started. As the Shore and visiting Red Bank Regional players were getting ready for kickoff, the public address announcer asked everyone for a moment of silence as they remembered Richard “Bo” J.
DJ Campbell’s Basket Gives Sterns Trailer The Win in OT
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Slipping past the OIB Ortho defense is Mason Jones (3) of Sterns Trailer. It was the second game of the second night of the Jersey Shore Basketball League, when DJ Campbell spun off a pick by Rasheen Merlin to hit a two-point basket giving Sterns Trailer a 108-106 victory over OIB Ortho. Campbell, 6’3” forward, graduated Vineland High School and played his college ball at Stockton. He was first team All-NJAC 2021 to 2024 finished with 26 points in the win over Ortho-NJ.
ACI/Robin’s Nest Edges Past Larson Ford in the JSBL
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Taking a fadeaway jumper for ACI/Robin’s Nest is Jagan Mosely (1) who scored 12 points in the 93-87 win over Larson Ford. This week the Jersey Shore Basketball League kicked off their 58th season of summer hoops. Of the eight teams in the league, only one has been there since the start, and that is Larson Ford. In fact, Larson Ford has appeared in 27 JSBL championship games with a record 10 wins.
Monmouth Regional Hands Out $80,000 in Local Scholarships
Car Accident at Hwy 35 and Sunset Ave. in Ocean Car Accident at Hwy 35 and Sunset Ave. in Ocean By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Bill and Ava Diedrichsen (left) present Jessica Winick, Ana Clara Coimbra, Ellison Barrows and Lea Oliveros with $5,000 each in memory of Erica Lenore Diedrichsen Butterfly Memorial Scholarship. Tinton Falls – June 11, Monmouth Regional High School held their 2026 senior awards night. Over $80,000 was distributed to seniors, all from local organizations and families.
Kayla Delia Celebrates Her Birthday With Two Home Runs
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Kayla Delia is all smiles as the freshman hit two home runs on two pitches during the 21-1 win over Manville to open the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 1 tournament. It was also her 15th birthday. Normally on a birthday the person celebrating is given gifts. Kayla Delia a freshman at Shore Regional varsity softball team celebrated her 15th birthday on May 26. The gift she gave her teammates were two booming home runs during the opening round of the NJSIAA playoffs.
Coach Mark Frankel Enters an Exclusive Club
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. The 2026 Ocean Township Spartans all wear a Mark Frankel 500 win t-shirt after they beat Brick Memorial 4-2 on May 19. Frankel holds the banner the team gave him for earning his 500 career victory. For over 50 years Mark Frankel has been instrumental in helping and developing the students of Ocean Township High School. He is also in his second stint as head coach of the high school varsity softball team. May 19, Frankel entered a very exclusive group of coaches.
Banner Season For Blue Devils Softball
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Known for batting and pitching, Shore Regional junior Ayden Kampf, is also an outstanding defender who can chase down balls. The 2026 softball season for the Blue Devils of Shore Regional has been record setting. Currently, they are 16-5 overall and are one of the three co-divisional champions in the Constitution division of the Shore Conference. They also had a total of four players making seven individual career milestones.
Spartans faced uphill battle against Hornets
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Ocean Township shortstop freshman aylor Scotto (15,) makes the throw to first to retire the inning. She also had a double and triple in the loss to Holmdel. Cinco de Mayo was a day that the Ocean Township High School varsity softball team was hoping would be a big celebration. They were hosting the Hornets of Holmdel in a non-divisional Shore Conference game and head coach Mark Frankel was just one win away from career number 500.
Long Branch Battled Undefeated Keyport
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Long Branch sophomore Alexander Lucas #27 had a double and an RBI during the loss to Keyport. The undefeated Red Raiders varsity baseball team at Keyport High School had a wakeup call during the first inning at Long Branch High School on Wednesday afternoon. The Green Wave had a great start as they retired the Red Raiders batters quickly, then scored two runs in the bottom of the first. “I really like the way that we competed against a top division team.
Cougars Maul Spartans 17-9
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Making a perfect running catch for Ocean Township is senior Michael Martin (3) a senior durning the loss to Colts Neck. April 28, Ocean Township High School varsity baseball team played their first home game of the 2026 season on their newly recondition field. The first 12 games of the season were played away or at alternate sites within the township. The opponent on Tuesday, were the Cougars of Colts Neck, who dominated the game winning 17-9.
Marielle Montenergo scores four goals in Shore victory
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Leading Shore Regional in the 11-6 win over Central Regional was Marielle Montenegro (14) a junior with four goals. Shore Regional High School junior midfielder Marielle Montenergo scored four goals and had one assist for the Blue Devils in the 11-6 win over Central Regional High School on April 27. It was the third time this season she has scored four goals, making it 33 total in 13 games. Shore had jumped out to a 7-1 lead on Central Regional after the first quarter.
MCPO Investigating Death in West Long Branch
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Tuesday night, April 28, at 10:00 p.m. police and first aid were dispatched to a private residence on Wall Street on a report of a woman in need of help. The home which is set back far off the road is located next to the Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Unofficial reports say that when officers arrived there was a language barrier, as the residents only spoke Portuguese.
Luiza De Oliveira leads Wave over Falcons
Ayden Kampf throws and hits Shore over Ocean Ayden Kampf throws and hits Shore over Ocean By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Leading Long Branch in the 4-3 win over Monmouth Regional was Luiza De Oliveira (2) with three goals. Wednesday, April 23, was senior recognition night at Long Branch High School where the girls’ lacrosse team honored eight players and two managers before the start of the game against Monmouth Regional.
Ayden Kampf throws and hits Shore over Ocean
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Olivia DeFonce a senior at Shore Regional is most likely the most complete player in Blue Devil history. She is currently 28 for 43 on the season having a .651 batting average. For the second time this season, the softball game between the Blue Devils of Shore Regional and the Spartans of Ocean Township went down to the very last pitch. Friday, April 24, Ocean hosted the Devils and lost 12-9.
Shore suffered a stinging 13-9 loss to the Hornets of Holmdel
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. This past Wednesday, the Blue Devils of Shore Regional hosted the Hornets of Holmdel in a Shore Conference boys lacrosse American division game. Shore started off with a bang, but the Hornets swarmed the Blue Devils goal and won 13-9. Scoring three goals and assisting on two for Shore Regional was Reid Spallone (9) during the game against Holmdel.
Big win for Long Branch boys’ lacrosse
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Jesus Mendez-Merino (25) of Long Branch High School scores one of his game-high two goals during the win over J.P. Stevens. Friday afternoon, April 17, 2026 will be a day that will forever live in the memory of Jillian Olsen. It was the day she recorded her first win as a head coach of the Long Branch High School boys’ varsity lacrosse team. She is not only the first female to coach boys’ lacrosse at LB, she is the first in the state.
Ryan Barham throws Shore to victory
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Enzo Cagliostro (18) a senior at Shore Regional makes a catch at the fence deep in center right stopping a homerun. In baseball, pitching is considered the most important part of the game. Baseball pundits say that pitching accounts for 60-to-80 percent of how a team will end up. “From the very first practice, we have been emphasizing with the players that pitching must set the tone of the game,” said Jay Kuhlthau, head coach of the Shore Regional Blue Devils.
Dylann Lawrence Gets 100 and Shore Gets The Win
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Making it safely to home plate is Daniele Radisch (7) one of the tri-captains for Shore Regional. The temperatures on Tuesday, April 14, almost reached 90 degrees, and the bats of the Shore Regional High School varsity softball team were even hotter. The Blue Devils hosted the Braves of Manalapan in a Shore Conference Constitution divisional matchup. After 4.5 innings, the game was called as Shore had a 13-2 advantage.
Crimson Knights Down Spartans 17-10
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Taking a shot on the Wall Township goal is Frank Frasca (6) a junior midfielder at Oceanl. Monday evening, the Spartans of Ocean Township High School hosted the Crimson Knights of Wall Township in a non-Shore Conference divisional boys’ lacrosse game. Wall entered the game as the eighth-ranked team in the conference. Ocean started the game red hot as they scored the first three goals.
Todd and Wagner lead Spartans to first win in 2026
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Scoring six goals in the win over St. John Vianney was a personal best for Julia Wagner (23), a senior at Ocean. Brooke Todd and Julia Wagner are both seniors on the Ocean Township High School varsity lacrosse team. Saturday, April 11, they each scored six goals in the 14-9 win over visiting St. John Vianney. That victory was the first for the Spartans in five games.
Shore Regional Wins in a Nail Biter Over Ocean
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Getting the 15-13 win for the Blue Devils of Shore Regional over the Spartans of Ocean Township was Dylann Lawrence. Going into the top of the fifth inning the Spartans of Ocean Township needed to score at least one run in order to keep the softball game against the Blue Devils of Shore Regional going. Shore had developed a 15-5 lead after four innings, and the NJSIAA mercy rule says if a team has a 10 run lead after five innings the game is called official.
David Jules leads Ocean to 16-8 win over Monmouth
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Hustling in the outfield, making a diving catch for Ocean Township is Michael Martin (3) in the win over Monmouth Regional. Monday, Aril 6, the Falcons of Monmouth Regional hosted and lost, 16-6 to the Spartans of Ocean Township in a Shore Conference B North divisional match-up. With the victory, the Spartans improved to 4-2 overall and are undefeated at 2-0 in the division. Monmouth Regional drops to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the B North.
Big loss results in small wins for Long Branch
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. April 14, the Green Wave of Long Branch High School hosted Wall Township in a non-divisional Shore Conference girls lacrosse game played at 10:00 a.m. The final score had the Crimson Knights taking a 15-2 victory, and improved to 2-5 overall and are 1-2 in the Colonial division. Long Branch slips to 1-5 overall and 1-4 in the Independence division.
Blue Devils down Spartans 18-8 in five innings
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. The last day of March was the second softball game of the season for host Ocean Township and the visiting Blue Devils of Shore Regional. It was an explosive offensive performance for both squads, but in the end, Shore put together 18 runs in five innings and only allowed the Spartans eight. Taking the circle for the Spartans was Colleen Zdan, a freshman. She pitched all five innings for Ocean giving up a total of 20 hits, two walks, one strikeout and one hit batter.
Blue Jays get the best of the Blue Devils
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. The historic run by the Shore Regional High School girls’ varsity basketball team to win four consecutive NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 1 sectional titles came to an end on Saturday, March 1. They were at Middlesex High School where they faced and lost 64-52 to the Blue Jays in the quarterfinals. This was the third consecutive year that the two schools faced off in the tournament.
Tonya Garcia’s 'Big Audacious Goals' Pay Off For Long Branch Free Public Library
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. When Tonya Garcia became director of the Long Branch Free Public Library in 2011, she met with her staff and told them about her “big audacious goals” of making the city’s library into one of the best in the nation. She would not be doing it alone, as she asked her staff for ideas, and they came up with many, excited to be included.
'Wrestling is Back' At Long Branch High School
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Wednesday night, February 12, was the night that the glory days of Long Branch High School wrestling returned. The Green Wave hosted and beat Colts Neck 36-26 in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 Sectional finals. Their first sectional title since 2018. “I’m very proud of the team, coaches and thankful to the administration, athletic department and the board of education,” said William George, head coach of Long Branch.
Grace Ascolese leads Shore over Middletown North
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. It was her night to shine as Shore Regional High School sophomore forward Grace Ascolese led her Blue Devils basketball team to victory. Shore hosted Middletown North in the preliminary round of the Shore Conference Tournament. The Blue Devils are seated 14 while the Lions of Middletown North came in as the 19 seed. The first quarter was a very tight game as Shore Regional only had an 8-6 advantage over their opponents.
Wall upsets Ocean 32-24 and advances to finals
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. Ocean Township High School had the second seed in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 2 team wresting tournament. With that ranking, they hosted the quarterfinals and semifinals with four of the eight schools in that group. The other four schools were over at top seed Rumson-Fair Haven for those quarters and semifinals.
Spartans Flatten Warriors 53-1
By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr. February 10, the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 2 team wrestling tournament was held at both top seed Rumson-Fair Haven with four teams competing and at Ocean Township High School, the second seed, with four teams battling. The Spartans of Ocean faced the seventh seed Warriors of Manasquan in their opening quarterfinals match. It was easy sailing for Ocean as they cruised to a 53-15 victory. However, there was one scary moment. The last weight contested was 132 pounds.
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