What will jive in 2005? Things to expect in the world of local sports
Jan 11, 2005 | 133 views | 0 
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True, this column can't even hold a candle to the immortal Rod Serling's Twilight Zone, which captivated audiences for decades. But the Hagueini Zone will enable local sports enthusiasts the opportunity to take a peek at the year to come in Hudson County sports.
Looking into the crystal ball, as the Great Hagueini often does throughout the course of a year and as he has for many years now, there does seem to be a ton of promise in the local sports scene for the coming year. After all, there usually is some light at the end of the tunnel, when the calendar turns another page.
Even for the teams and the programs that seem to be on the end of their respective ropes, once the final clock ticks to 12 midnight and the ball drops on Times Square, the slate is always wiped clean and everything seems to change.
That's why there's always promise and always hope - especially in the local sports world.
Every year at this time, the Great Hagueini pulls out the old dusty turban, the faded crystal ball and the crumpled magic wand and travels on a magical journey into the future. The old wide one rubbed that crystal ball, looked for the annual spiritual and financial guru guidance from his wise friend, Duncan Chubbie, and came away with some bold predictions for the coming year.
What does the future hold? There's still some life in the crystal ball after all. Welcome to the Hagueini Zone, as we take a glance at the Year in Preview 2005 for the Hudson County sports scene.
Basketball
As the high school basketball season continues to unfold, the Wide One sees a wide open race in the HCIAA Coviello, with several teams vying for the crown. In the crystal ball, Hagueini sees Dickinson, with jovial head coach Bill "Red" Drennan, owning the grand prize.
Among the girls' teams, look for North Bergen to repeat as league champs, with Lauren Jimenez and Luz Cortorreal leading the way.
In the HCIAA Seglio, St. Mary's looms as the favorite to repeat, but don't be surprised if newcomer Create Charter School makes some noise come playoff time. Create Charter has a player, Jamar Haig (who does not want to be known as Haigini), who is one of the best talents around.
Come to think of it, Hagueini sees great things from another Seglio player, Noel Rivera of St. Aloysius, who may be the leading scorer in the county.
In the HCIAA Seglio girls' race, look for Hoboken and standout guard Jennifer Albuja to make a repeat performance and take top honors.
But the real team to watch locally will once again be St. Anthony. The fabulous Friars will be able to roll through the regular season and yet another state championship, setting a new national record in the process. And the Friars will successfully defend their NJSIAA Tournament of Champions title with a thrilling victory in the Meadowlands. Sean McCurdy, who would have missed most of the season with a broken ankle, will be named the T of C Most Valuable Player.
And next...
In January, Bayonne football stud Jerome Hayes announces his intention to play football at the University of Miami.
In wrestling, look for St. Peter's Prep's Sean O'Grady and North Bergen's Bobby Dabal to have excellent runs in the district, region and state tournaments.
The St. Peter's Prep hockey team will win the NJSIAA Parochial state championship, defeating Delbarton in a thrilling state title game at the Continental Airlines Arena, the only hockey that building will see in 2005.
In baseball season in the spring, the crystal ball sees Memorial as the premier team in the HCIAA Coviello, with ace pitcher Robinson Polanco making all the right pitches at the right time down the stretch. In fact, the Tigers will also capture the NJSIAA Group IV state championship as well.
The softball season will once again be dominated by St. Dominic Academy, who makes it a "three-peat" in the HCIAA Coviello. Ace hurler Leigh Ann Murduca ends her brilliant career in a blaze of glory.
The HCIAA Seglio baseball race will be cornered once again by County Prep, with the Hurricanes making it a "three-peat" for coach Mike Zadroga, with Kris Gonzalez and Luis Guzman having All-Area seasons.
And the HCIAA Seglio softball race will be controlled by High Tech once again, as long as hurler April Jacob and slugger Lauren DeGrushe are there for the Lasercats.
St. Dominic Academy distance runner Christine Capetola will have a stellar senior season, worthy of post-season honors.
In professional baseball, Bayonne's Joe Borowski makes a comeback once again with the Chicago Cubs and makes key appearances down the stretch, leading the Cubs to the Central Division championship in the National League.
In football, the team to beat will once again be the Marauders of St. Peter's Prep, who will make it an unprecedented six HCIAA titles in a row. The Marauders will be led by running back Kee-Ayre Griffin, who will rush for more than 2,000 yards, setting new school records, score 30 touchdowns and make All-State.
The Hoboken Red Wings will have one last grasp at glory in 2005, winning the Group I state title that eluded them in 2004. Rashawn Brown will be the standout in the Red Wing backfield.
North Bergen will also be a force to be reckoned with in 2005, led by do-everything performer Evan Rodriguez. Emerson's Jeffrey Pena will have an All-State quality season for new head coach Ivan Ramos.
So let's see if the crystal ball still has some juice left after all these years. The Great Hagueini's turban is a little faded and the magic wand has lost some of its powers. Only The Hagueini Zone knows just how much remains.
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