Bring on the Spring [PODCAST]

Despite the chilly temperatures still lingering, the winter sports season is officially over here in South Jersey.

A pair of state titles were captured by two of the area's best; records were broken, milestones were achieved and memories were made. While the A.C. Vikings and Ocean City Red Raiders accomplished the highest of team goals, a Hammonton Blue Devil earned individual honors by winning 97.3 ESPN-FM's 'Winter Athlete of the Year'. The Cape-Atlantic League's leading scorer, Christian Mortellite, joined us on the South Jersey Sports Report, and shared a few of his favorite moments from an unforgettable senior season.

He's not in Cape May County anymore, but one former local standout is making headlines a little further south. Anthony Raffa, a Wildwood Catholic graduate, is now one of the nation's leading scorers as a member of the Coastal Carolina mens basketball team. Listen in to hear more about his 'killer instinct', how he ended up playing basketball in Myrtle Beach, and why his future may involve a big move overseas.

The season still hasn't ended for one local athlete, now on his way to a national hockey competition in Michigan. St. Augustine's Sam Fitzpatrick has also been a stalwart between the pipes for his Mount Laurel-based club team, part of a run that now includes a New Jersey state title. We asked one of South Jersey's best goaltenders about his mindset in net each and every game, and the impact a lengthy season is having on his everyday life.

Much like ice hockey, officials from another relatively overlooked sport in South Jersey are hoping to attract new talent to the game. Lacrosse isn't quite as celebrated here as it is in other parts of the country, but one local high school coach is optimistic. We asked Mainland Regional head coach Rich Farr about the challenges of recruiting kids into the game, and why he says it's still one of the most exciting sports to play.

With the departure of the ECAC Hockey Championship tournament from Boardwalk Hall, the return of premier sports events in Atlantic City is now in question. Press of Atlantic City sport writer Jason Mazda reveals what's next, including why the future of events at Atlantic City's sports venues may be as bleak as ever.

If it's spring on the calendar, that means baseball can't be far away. Teams across South Jersey are preparing for another exciting season, including the Holy Spirit Spartans. We welcomed Ryan Solari and Rick Hopkins into our Admiral Nissan Studios for a preview of their 2013 campaign.

A very special annual event is set to take place this weekend in Northfield to honor the legacy of a local basketball coach. We spoke with Dave's Day organizer, and the daughter of the late Dave Lewis, Rebecca Hasson, for details on what to expect from the always entertaining event. Listen in for a complete listing of event times and activities, and for your chance to get your family involved.

And Hall of Fame sports reporter Tom Williams spoke with us to examine the incredible legacy of Dave Lewis and his impact on the Cape-Atlantic League. Click below to find out about another local showcase event that's putting high school rivals on the same team, part of an all-star weekend that has some fun for everyone.

Listen to this week's show:

Holy Spirit Spartans baseball