Suffolk League I baseball preview
Ward Melville's Nick Vitale hits a two-out single in the top of the second inning during the Game 2 of the Suffolk Class AA semifinal between East Islip and Ward Melville on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at East Islip High School. Credit: Bob Sorensen
BRENTWOOD INDIANS
Coach: Joe LaCova
2015 Record: 8-12
Key players
Santino Ycaza, C, 5-10, 185, Sr.
Anthony Rogers, OF, 5-9, 220, Sr.
Jason Espinal, P, 6-3, 210, Sr.
Justin Aviles, P/SS, 5-6, 165, So.
David Soto, SS, 5-7, 160, So.
Outlook: Seven of Brentwood’s 12 losses came by two or fewer runs, and another year of experience could help the Indians win those close contests this season.
COMMACK COUGARS
Coach: Ed Boll
2015 Record: 11-9
Key players
Ben McNeil, MI/C, 5-9, 170, Sr.
Lorenzo Russo, P/MI, 5-8, 190, Sr.
Jonny Pohlman, P/3B, 6-0, 170, Jr.
Ryan Steffans, P, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Joe Clarkin, 3B, 5-8, 185, Sr.
Outlook: McNeil, Russo, Steffans and Clarkin are the latest group of seniors hoping to lead the Cougars.
FLOYD COLONIALS
Coach: Glenn Davis
2015 Record: 5-15
Key players
Rob Brust, C/P, 6-0, 215, Jr.
Mike Bradley, 3B, 5-11, 230, Jr.
Hunter Kaucky, P/1B, 5-10, 200, Sr.
James McAleavey, OF, 5-6, 165, Jr.
Nikko Rodriguez, INF, 6-0, 170, Jr.
Outlook: The Colonials only have a handful of returners and are looking to return to the playoffs. Seniors Elijah Grego (C/1B) and Mark Laboy (UT/P) will also make an impact.
LONGWOOD LIONS
Coach: Ryan McSherry
2015 Record: 4-16
Key players
Sean Rausch, C, 5-11, 186, Sr.
Troy Simpson, P, 6-2, 185, Sr.
Cameron Alfano, OF, 5-10, 170, Sr.
C.J. Owens, P/SS, 6-5, 170, Sr.
Matthew Parson, P, 6-3, 200, Sr.
Outlook: A senior-laden team with the goal of winning the League I title, the Lions have good depth. Rausch and Alfano were All-League selections in 2015. They’ll anchor the offense.
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD RAIDERS
Coach: Anthony Frascogna
2015 Record: 13-10
Key players
Brad Malm, SS, 6-0, 175, Jr.
Tristan Amone, P, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Josh Rovner, P, 6-3, 185, Jr.
Chris Harbin, P, 6-2, 225, Sr.
Vito Marabito, OF, 6-0, 185, Jr.
Outlook: Amone returns as an impact lefthanded starter, as does righthanded pitcher Harbin. A mix of younger players will contribute to keep Patchogue-Medford relevant in League I.
SACHEM EAST FLAMING ARROWS
Coach: Kevin Schnupp
2015 Record: 15-7
Key players
Anthony Scheller, OF, 5-10, 160, Sr.
Anthony Siroka, SS, 6-2, 190, Jr.
Lou LoPiccolo, 3B/P, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Dan O’Keefe, C, 5-10, 185, Sr.
Brendan Ryan, OF, 5-7, 170, Jr.
Outlook: A strong outfield will be improved even more by the attention of speedy sophomore outfielder Dan Palermo, who figures to bat at the top of the lineup. The Flaming Arrows will compete for a league title.
WARD MELVILLE PATRIOTS
Coach: Lou Petrucci
2015 Record: 22-4
Key players
Nick Vitale, SS, 5-7, 155, Sr.
Ben Brown, P, 6-5, 210, Jr.
Troy Davern, LF, 6-5, 205, Sr.
Brandon Lee, 2B, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Joey Rosselli, CF, 5-11, 180, Jr.
Outlook: The Patriots are looking for new players to assume leadership this season, but Vitale and Brown are poised for big roles this season.
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