High Schools - South Jersey baseball teams ready for state semifinals

With the South Jersey Public finals now decided, it's time for the local champs to move on to the state semifinals today. Here's a look at what the local teams have in store.

(All games are at 4 p.m.)

State Group 1 Semifinals

At Rider University

Maple Shade

vs. Robbinsville

Maple Shade's Christian Rahman (7-1) is one of the hottest pitchers in the area for the Wildcats (18-4). Beating a very fundamentally sound team like Pitman in the S.J. finals proves how good Maple Shade is, as it captured its first sectional title in 26 years. Why stop now, right? The Wildcats have won four in a row, but by only nine runs. That's a good thing. When things stay close, they know how to pull it out.

State Group 2 Semifinals

At New Egypt

Buena vs. Allentown

The tournament run Mike Ney has put together not only rivals that of any player in the South Jersey area, but any player in any area, in any sport, at any level. He has won two games for the Chiefs and saved another. In the South Jersey title game against Audubon, he drove in five runs. He will be on the mound today for coach George West. Feel free to try to bet against Ney.

State Group 3 Semifinals

At College of New Jersey

Timber Creek

vs. Wall Township

This is a very experienced Timber Creek club (15-5), which defeated Cinderella Clearview to capture the S.J. crown, the first in the school's 7-year history. The Chargers have been hitting the ball well lately, scoring 43 runs in their last five games. This is a school with a lot of confidence right now, in all sports. The train should keep rolling in this one. *