On The Court

We are all caught up in our own lives but frankly I am amazed at how many people have little reaction and interest to what’s occurred in Japan over the last few days.
I find myself glued to the images of what’s happened and wondering what is next for the people in that country. As we learned from the tsunami waves it may be the Far East but its effects were felt in this country as well.

I was at the Poland Spring Arena over the weekend for 8 boys and girls state basketball championship games and witnessed some tremendous performances but the lasting impression I have from the weekend is the student support for St. Augustine, who beat Seton Hall Prep for the Non-Public “A” title. All-boys
school located near Vineland, the Hermits had by far the biggest rooting section of the weekend. They were loyal, loud, enthusiastic and even well-choreographed at times and just as important cooperative and well-behaved. It was nice to see; especially at a time when it appears in many cases school spirit is a thing of the past.

The PSA at Toms River North will host Tournament of Champions action this week with the Girls quarterfinals Tuesday, Boys quarters on Wednesday and the Girls semifinals, featuring Neptune on Thursday.

Based on the numbers it’s been a good spring training for Toms River’s Jeff Frazier while younger brother Todd has been struggling. However Todd is the one still with a chance of making the major-league roster with the season opens later this month. The 25-year old Reds prospect got a hit in his only at-bat Sunday to raise his batting average to .167 but it would appear he is headed to the minors as Todd is not listed on Cincinnati’s depth chart which is three-deep at every position.
Older brother Jeff was hitting well over .400 for the Washington Nationals when he was reassigned to their minor league camp over the weekend. For Jeff it’s simply a matter of too many outfielders ahead of him and at age 27 you wonder if a trade to a team needing some help in the outfield would not be best for him. Jeff had a very good season for the Tigers Triple-A team last season before signing as a free agent with the Nationals.