After a season with plenty of twists and turns, CBA Baseball has found their stride, entering the Shore Conference Tournament with the kind of edge that only a demanding non-conference slate can build.

The 2026 regular season could be described as a rollercoaster of growth for the Colts. After a few losses on their trip to San Diego, the team rattled off a 13-0 win over St. Augustine and a 17- 4 blowout of Middletown South.

Head coach Marty Kenney Jr. ‘90 tested his team with a tough schedule, including games against The Hun School, Ocean City, and St. Peter’s Prep.

The script seemed to flip after a late April loss to RBC.

CBA responded with a 15-10 win over the Caseys in their next matchup, which comes as a statement victory that speaks to this team's competitive identity. Recent wins against Manalapan and Howell just before the SCT seeding illustrated the Colts were peaking at the correct time.

Among players with at least 35 at bats, Michael Knox is leading CBA with a blistering .409 batting average, followed by Dylan Reynholds at .388. Reynholds is tied with Colin Hoverter for the team lead in hits, both with 19. Jayden Matejicka has hit a team-best three homers and is tied for the most RBI with 13.

With a first-round BYE secured as the No. 6 seed, CBA will play No. 22 Lacey, a team that upset No. 11 Manasquan. The Lions could bring a dangerous, pitching-first club to Kenney Sr. Field. In Lacey’s 14 wins, opponents have scored four runs just twice.

Still, home field and program pedigree should be real advantages for the Colts. CBA holds every edge: experience, depth, and a roster that has been tested against some of the best programs in the country this spring.

In the past two seasons, CBA has won the 2024 Shore Conference Championship, as well as the 2025 Non-Public A State Sectional crown. In other words, the Colts know how to win when May comes around.