Sachem East's Nick Caruana, Division's Brandon Soedarmasto have shot at LI bowling record
Sachem East's Nick Caruana and Division's Brandon Soedarmasto are seen in this Newsday composite image. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Nick Caruana loves being the top bowler in Suffolk He also loves being a part of defending Suffolk champion Sachem East.
And the two-time Long Island Bowler of the Year can't wait to repeat.
"We did it once and we're talented enough to do it again." said Caruana, a junior who had a county-record 236 average last year. "We all need to be consistent to get it done."
There's help behind Caruana, or "up-and-coming bowlers that can definitely excel," he said. The list includes Bobby Ramsey, Ryan DiMaggio and Mike Grimaldi.
East Islip has that championship look. The defending League II regular-season champions have five seniors, led by Nick DeFazio and John Kavanaugh.
Keep an eye on freshman Justin Orobello, who averaged 230.5, which was third best in Suffolk last season.
"He's got that quiet intensity where he doesn't let his temper get the best of him," Redmen coach Bob Cheadle said of Orobello. "He goes about everything the right way."
Middle Country, the county runner-up, is led by Drew Esposito and Kurt Schall. Esposito is the only returning starter, but the Wolverines will be formidable in a competitive League III that includes Smithtown, Commack and Northport.
Longwood has four returning starters with Mike Karolewski and Mitchell Pincus leading the way. Steven Piazza and Nick Minichello are the other two returning starters who will have an impact.
Karolewski made the All-Star team as a sophomore.
The Lions have the daunting task of facing League IV rivals Comsewogue and Floyd. The Colonials have all of their leading bowlers back for first-year coach Jaime Curley, and Pierce Field (220) is at the top of the list.
Caruana and Division's Brandon Soedarmasto have the talent to contend for the top single season record for average, which was set by Plainview JFK's Matt Farber (244) during the 2012-2013 season.
Soedarmasto, the defending Nassau champion, led Division to the county title in 2013. He's hopeful that the Blue Dragons can reach that elite level once again.
"Basically, it's anyone's game," said Soedarmasto, a junior who had a county-best 236 average last season. "Not one team overmatches another."
Division has talent alongside Soedarmasto, including Jason Tiemer and John Bigner.
East Meadow, the defending county champion, and Bellmore-Merrick also have strong teams.
The Jets, under first-year coach Bill O'Connor, are relying on lefty Dave Siska and Tom Burke. O'Connor said Siska's easygoing personality bodes well for the team's psyche.
Sewanhaka is always a contender and will be competitive. The Indians are led by Shane Albano (205), Connor Kramer and Philip Stern.
Chaminade is the defending CHSAA champ and is led by team captain Connor Egan. St. Dominic has the potential to go far behind Vinny Fitzgerald, Joe Migliano and Pat Plunket.
Fran Labita bowled a game-high 227 in Game 1 of a 623 series for Chaminade in its fifth consecutive 3-0 win, this one against St. Dominic on Wednesday. The teams meet again on Jan. 20.
