Five Skylanders Earn Major Postseason Recognition as Mehmedi Named Region XIX Co-Coach of the Year

Following one of the most successful seasons in recent program history, the Sussex County Community College baseball team was well represented in the postseason awards announced by NJCAA Region XIX and the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC).

Four Skylanders were recognized with NJCAA Region XIX honors, while Head Coach Ramadan Mehmedi was named both the NJCAA Region XIX Co-Coach of the Year and GSAC Co-Coach of the Year after leading Sussex to a 26-16 overall record and a strong postseason campaign.

Freshmen Seiji Umezawa and Reed Peterson earned NJCAA Region XIX First Team honors, while Nick Struble and Zachary Clement were selected to the Region XIX Second Team. Umezawa, Peterson, and Clement also received All-Garden State Athletic Conference recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the season.

Umezawa emerged as one of the most dynamic players in Region XIX, leading the Skylanders with 50 runs scored while batting .385 with 47 hits, 12 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 33 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. His .531 on-base percentage and 1.162 OPS highlighted his ability to impact games in multiple ways and provided Sussex with a spark at the top of the lineup throughout the year.

Peterson established himself as one of the conference's premier offensive threats. The sophomore hit .405 with 53 hits, 14 doubles, seven home runs, and a team-leading 49 RBIs. He also scored 49 runs and finished the season with a remarkable 1.199 OPS, consistently producing in key situations and helping drive the Skylanders' offense all season long.

Clement's All-GSAC and Region XIX Second Team selections were the result of his consistent production and leadership in the middle of the lineup. His contributions helped Sussex maintain one of the conference's most productive offenses and played a key role in the team's success throughout the spring.

Struble also earned Region XIX Second Team honors after delivering key performances throughout the season. His steady play and ability to contribute in critical moments helped the Skylanders remain competitive against some of the region's top programs.

The individual awards reflect the continued growth of the Sussex baseball program under Mehmedi's leadership. In earning Region XIX and GSAC Co-Coach of the Year honors, Mehmedi guided the Skylanders to 26 victories while establishing a culture of competitiveness and player development that resulted in multiple postseason award recipients.

With four All-Region selections, three All-GSAC honorees, and two Coach of the Year awards, the 2026 season will be remembered as another significant step forward for Sussex Baseball and a testament to the hard work and commitment displayed by the student-athletes and coaching staff throughout the year.

The full All Region XIX team can be found HERE, and the ALL GSAC Team can be found HERE.