The Park Ridge Owls 9U boys capped their fall season in dramatic fashion on Saturday, capturing their second NEBAS championship of the year with a gritty, pressure-filled win over Northern Valley in a true top-flight division showdown.
Both teams came in battle-tested, and the game unfolded as a tight, defense-first contest worthy of a championship stage. Park Ridge held a 1–0 lead into the bottom of the fifth, where several well-struck balls finally found outfield grass, allowing the Owls to push across key insurance runs and create much-needed breathing room.
Northern Valley answered with a determined surge in the sixth, threatening late and forcing Park Ridge to execute under real stress. But the Owls’ pitching and defense held firm, shutting the door on a potential comeback and sealing a 4–3 victory — and with it, their second NEBAS crown of 2025, following their spring title.
Even better, they won this one on their home field at Colony Field, surrounded by hometown families and teammates from across the program.
Head coach Greg Waters tells Pascack Press that the moment reflected the heart and consistency the group has shown all year. “I’m proud of this group of boys.” He told Pascack Press, “They battled all year and were fortunate enough to play in four straight championship games. We don’t take winning for granted — we know how hard it is to get that final out in a winner-take-all game. This title was a total group effort, and I’m excited to continue leading and developing this talented group of young ballplayers.”
Left to right: Mason Cantamessa, Santino Torres, Leo Waters, Nicholas Powers, Samay Shah, Connor Sharkey, Luke Quiñones, Parker Kent, Tyler Crisafulli, Ronan Eck, David Betancourt Jr., Alexander Mercado; assistant coaches Nishant Shah, Sean Sharkey and Patrick Powers; head coach Greg Waters; and Josh Quiñones and Howie Kent. Sarah Eck photo.