Raiders Ready for Somerset County Final

After 15 trips to the Somerset County Tournament final, Hillsborough High School Head Baseball Coach Norm Hewitt is fully aware of the pressure and excitement of reaching the final.

But he still doesn't take any of them for granted.

Hewitt and the third-seeded Raiders are heading back to the finals for the first time since 2008. Hillsborough will try to win its first county title since 2005 against No. 10 Ridge on Tuesday night at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater.

"It never gets old," Hewitt said. "I'm proud of these kids and how hard they've worked, and hopefully all of that work pays off."

The Raiders have reached the county finals on the back of the pitching of John Calamoneri. Calamoneri threw 14 shutout innings winning 9-0 in the quarterfinals over Somerville and shutting out No. 7 Bridgewater-Raritan, 3-0 on Saturday night in Bridgewater.

"He was so pumped," Hewitt said. "Starting in the fifth inning he was lights out."

Assuming the game is played on Tuesday—there is an 80 percent chance of rain and thunder according to Weather.com—the Raiders will start Paul Mammino in the final. Mammino is 3-2 on the year, but has not pitched since Monday when he got the win over North Hunterdon.

"He's had some really great outings," Hewitt said. "I just hope that not pitching in a won't harm his control."

Hewitt is excited with the way his offense is coming along too. He also believes the Raiders' five games in six days has led to Hillsborough's progressing offense.

"We've been stroking the ball," Hewitt said. "I feel that those five games in six days really helped us."

Hewitt is also confident that his team is comfortable and prepared for the final.

"I've seen a relaxation in our team that I've not seen in a while," Hewitt said.

Despite Ridge's standing as the No. 10 seed, and HIllsborough's recent hot play, Hewitt appreciates his opposition in the final.

"I'm impressed with their hitting," Hewitt said. "(Ridge) is no slouch."