5 Reasons Why Montclair Kimberley Academy Baseball Had A Historic Year And What To Expect In 2025
The Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA) Baseball program has cemented its place in New Jersey high school athletics history, culminating a truly exceptional year with multiple championship titles and a remarkable overall record. As of today, December 24, 2025, the MKA Cougars are poised to build on the momentum of their historic 2024 campaign, which saw the team dominate the Super Essex Conference (SEC) and capture a major state title, setting a high bar for the upcoming 2025 season.
The success of the Montclair Kimberley Cougars is a direct result of strong leadership from the coaching staff, the emergence of elite student-athletes, and a competitive drive within the SEC Liberty Division. The program’s recent achievements have put MKA on the map as one of the strongest New Jersey prep athletic programs, making the 2025 season one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
MKA Baseball Program: Key Personnel and Historic 2024 Achievements
The foundation of the Cougars’ success lies in its dedicated coaching staff and the standout performance of its key players. The 2024-2025 school year was officially recognized as a historic year for MKA Athletics, with the baseball team being a major contributor to this monumental achievement. The team’s 2024 season was defined by two major championship victories:
- 2024 NJISAA Prep B State Champions: The Cougars secured the prestigious New Jersey Independent Schools Athletic Association (NJISAA) Prep B State Championship, a significant achievement that highlights their dominance among the state’s prep schools.
- 2024 SEC Liberty Division Champions: MKA also claimed the Super Essex Conference (SEC) Liberty Division Championship, showcasing their consistency and strength within their competitive league.
The team finished the 2024 season with an outstanding overall record of 19-4.
Key Personnel and Roster Entities
The program is led by a dedicated coach and features several high-impact players who were instrumental in the championship run and are expected to lead the charge in the 2025 season.
- Head Coach: Mike Sasso '12 (An MKA alumnus, Coach Sasso has successfully guided the program to historic heights).
- Co-Captain/Star Player: Brooks Barrett '25 (Infielder/Pitcher, a senior leader who was the recipient of the MKA Spring Captain's Award).
- Standout Player: Ben Safirstein '26 (Recipient of the MKA Most Improved Player Award and a 2nd Team All-Liberty Division selection).
- Other Key Roster Names (2024-2025): Jeremy Larsen, Riley Guarino, Antonio Sousa, Michael Rollatos, Nolan Gyves, Josh Katz, Shea Ievers, Jake Rendino, Finn Balan, and Lucas Barbetta.
The 5 Pillars of MKA Baseball’s Recent Success and 2025 Outlook
The Montclair Kimberley Academy Cougars have not achieved this level of success by accident. Their historic run is built on a solid foundation of competitive scheduling, stellar individual talent, and a winning culture. Here are five key factors that drove their 2024 success and will define their 2025 campaign.
1. Dominance in the SEC Liberty Division
Winning the Super Essex Conference (SEC) Liberty Division is a testament to the team’s ability to perform consistently against local rivals. The SEC Liberty Division features strong competitors like Newark Academy, Glen Ridge, and Cedar Grove. MKA's ability to navigate this challenging divisional schedule and emerge as champions provides a crucial mental edge for tournament play. The 2025 schedule will continue to feature these in-division matchups, with games against opponents like Newark Academy being critical to securing another division crown.
2. The Leadership of Brooks Barrett '25
As a Co-Captain and a key infielder/pitcher, Brooks Barrett is the undisputed leader of the 2025 squad. His recognition with the MKA Spring Captain’s Award speaks volumes about his influence both on and off the field. Barrett's leadership is particularly vital as the team faces the pressures of defending two major titles. His performance as a veteran presence on the mound and in the infield will be essential for the Cougars’ success in the North Jersey Non-Public B bracket and the Greater Newark Baseball Tournament.
3. The Impact of Coach Mike Sasso ’12
A successful high school baseball program needs stability and vision, which Coach Mike Sasso '12 provides. As an alumnus, Sasso brings a deep understanding of the MKA culture and athletic tradition. His coaching philosophy has clearly fostered a winning environment, directly leading to the 19-4 record and the two championship banners raised in 2024. His ability to develop talent, as seen with the Most Improved Player Award going to Ben Safirstein '26, ensures the program remains competitive year after year.
4. High-Stakes Tournament Experience
The Cougars gained invaluable experience in 2024 by competing in and winning the NJISAA Prep B State Championship. This taste of high-stakes, single-elimination baseball is the best preparation for the 2025 season. Furthermore, the team is a consistent participant in the prestigious Greater Newark Baseball Tournament, which pits them against the top programs in Essex County. Facing tough non-conference opponents like DePaul Catholic and Delbarton, even in losses, provides the team with the necessary exposure to top-tier New Jersey baseball talent.
5. Emerging Underclassman Talent
While senior leadership is key, the program's long-term health is secured by its younger talent. The emergence of Ben Safirstein '26, who earned 2nd Team All-Liberty Division honors, highlights the depth of the MKA roster. The 2024-2025 roster also features promising names like Jeremy Larsen, Riley Guarino, and Antonio Sousa. This blend of veteran experience and hungry underclassmen suggests that the Cougars are not just a one-year wonder but a program built for sustained success in New Jersey high school baseball.
The Road Ahead: MKA Baseball in the 2025 Season
The 2025 Montclair Kimberley Academy baseball season is highly anticipated, with the Cougars entering the year as defending champions in both their division and the prep state tournament. The team will once again compete in the SEC Liberty Division and the North Jersey Non-Public B State Championship bracket. Early schedule indicators point to key matchups against rivals like East Side and a tough contest against Delbarton. The challenge for Coach Sasso and his team will be managing the expectations that come with a historic season. If Brooks Barrett and the returning core can maintain their high level of play and the younger talent continues to develop, MKA is well-positioned to secure another championship banner in 2025 and solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in New Jersey Prep Baseball.
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