Hunterdon/Warren Tournament is on

So, any surprises? Can anybody here derail top-seed Phillipburg or second-seed Hunterdon Central?

Considering Phillipsburg is the defending champion and beat Hunterdon Central 6-3 on opening day, the Stateliners deserved the top seed.

Central is No. 2 and no surprises there. The Red Devils have won 10 straight since losing their first three -- to P'Burg (8-2), Immaculata (8-0) and Randolph (6-3). The Red Devils and Stateliners have a good rivalry here and will see each other again in the regular season on May 8. It would be a surprise if they didn't meet in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament final May 19 at HealthQuest Park in Raritan Township. Hunterdon Central has won the event eight times, Phillipsburg three.

Fourth-seeded North Hunterdon (4-4) hasn't won since 1999 and should never be discounted. The Lions will open the tournament by playing host to No. 5 Delaware Valley May 5. The Terriers last won in 1994. North should have enough to play Phillipsburg in the semifinals May 19.

North Warren (8-1) is the third seed and will face No. 6 Hackettstown (5-5). North Warren and Hunterdon Central is the county semifinal would be intriguing. Group I North Warren against No. 4 Central in the semifinals. Central has too much offense and pitching to lose.

Voorhees has won the tournament twice (2000, 1995), but the Vikings will be happy to beat Belvidere Saturday and get a trip to Phillipsburg May 5. South Hunterdon is the 10th seed and plays at No. 7 Warren Hills Saturday. Warren Hills won their first Hunterdon/Warren title two years ago and was beaten by Phillipsburg in the final last year. South Hunterdon (0-7) is looking to win its first game. The Eagles won this tournament in 1988 when current coach Toby Jefferis was a standout infielder.

I'm taking Hunterdon Central to win it all.