The rest of the Northeast may not know them, but a special group of local girls is ready to take the national softball stage.

The Egg Harbor Township Tornadoes' 12-and-under squad is doing what no team before them has done, and now they're packing their bags for sunny Florida.The Mid-Atlantic Regional Champions have a date with some of the country's best softball teams at the National World Series.

The South Jersey Sports Report welcomed their coach and two very talented ladies to talk about the excitement surrounding their surprise run. We found out how they're handling the unfamiliar spotlight, what the local community is doing to show support, and which New Jersey team these girls say gave them the best game so far...

...and it might not be the National World Series just yet, but another local team will represent South Jersey when they take the field at a revamped Surf Stadium . Atlantic Shore baseball coach and 97.3 ESPN-FM radio personality Mike Gill shared his thoughts on the makings of a potential rivalry that took center stage recently in the Babe Ruth State Tournament, and looks ahead to hosting the Mid-Atlantic Regionals.

He's a 6'4" fast-baller who has roots in the A.C.B.L., Cape-Atlantic League, and now, Barry University. We asked Absecon native Tyler Petsch about his journey through the local ranks, how a serious injury affected his senior high school season and why "throwing a dart at the map" has him playing baseball in the south.

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This local product walked into our 97.3 ESPN-FM Admiral Nissan Studios sporting his white-top Orange Bowl jersey, complete with a ring on his finger celebrating the Mountaineers' latest reign as Big East Champions. Oakcrest graduate and current West Virginia defensive back Ismail Showell spent a few minutes with us to explain his local roots, the pride in the Morgantown community, and why the chip on his shoulder will "never go away".

 

Some of South Jersey's best athletes may have grown up taking part in a popular basketball tournament, and now it returns to Ventnor for the 24th time.  We asked tournament operator Jon Cakert why 'Chuck's 3-on-3' has quadrupled in size, and how the well-known 'street-ball' event is doing even more to bring the community together.

And as always, we check in with Hall of Fame reporter Tom Williams for the latest in what's happening across South Jersey.

 

 

Listen to this week's show:

Tyler Petsch, Absecon native and Barry University pitcher

E.H.T. Tornadoes softball team

Mike Gill, Atlantic Shore Babe Ruth baseball coach

Jon Cakert, 'Chuck's 3-on-3' Basketball Tournament

Ismail Showell, Oakcrest graduate and West Virginia safety

Tom Williams, South Jersey Hall of Fame sports writer

 

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