2019 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW April 4, 2019
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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
April 4, 2019 — 3
Baseball Preview
2019 HERALD High School Baseball/Softball Preview
TEAM IndEx Glen Cove - Big Red ........................ 6, 7 Locust Valley - Falcons................... 8, 9 Oyster Bay - Baymen ................. 12, 13 North Shore - Vikings ................. 14, 15
A special advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers September 8, 2011
On the cOver 2019 HIGH SCHO S P O R T S P R E V I EO L W April 4, 2019
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Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photo - Donovan Berthoud Cover Photo - Paige O’Brien Locust Valley High School
Baseball/Softball Preview is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2019 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.liherald.com
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Publisher StuArt rICHNer Executive Editor SCOtt brINtON Section Editor tONy bellISSImO Editorial Designer Jeffrey A. NegrIN Production Manager byrON SteWArt Production Assistant fAtImA rODrIgueS Art Director CrAIg CArDONe Photo Editor CHrIStINA DAly Photo Processing CHrIStINA DAly Vice President of Sales rHONDA glICkmAN Page Editors tONy bellISSImO Jeff beSSeN SCOtt brINtON Contributing Sportswriter J.D. freDA
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2019 HERALD High School Baseball/Softball Preview
Glen Cove Big Red makes defensive strides
Kieran Calderon
By J.D. FREDA
D
“
efensively, I believe we’re a lot stronger than we were a year ago,” Glen Cove baseball coach George Kearns said. “I am looking forward to showing our improved defense.” The Big Red finished 7-11 last season, a middle-of-the-road team with sights set on more. Those sights were made into concrete plans and workout programs that have been in effect since October. 6 — April 4, 2019
Now, with three senior pitchers in the starting rotation and some improved bats to boot, Glen Cove looks to compete within its conference. Senior center fielder, leadoff hitter, and pitching ace Anthony Rant does it all, including earning the nod in the opening game of a series. Rant has been able to chew up innings for Glen Cove in the past two seasons and has been effective in limiting opposing baserunners. Now, with an improved offense, he looks to lead the way in wins. Seniors Matt Graf and Keiran Calderon will fill out the rotation. “Graf came on late as a starter last year, but proved he has the mental toughness and the ‘stuff’ to be a starter. We’ve worked with Keiran in the offseason too,” Kearns said. “Our pitching should be a lot better this year.” On off days, Graf and Calderon will man shortstop and first base respectively, as Delvin Maisonet and Tristan Nolan will see a lot of time at both second base and third base. “I would say our strength is right up the middle with shortstop, second base and center field,” Kearns said. Maisonet, Vinny DeGraci and Tyler Buehre will be the primary relievers out of the bullpen for the Big Red. Michael Battle, a quick and strong-armed sophomore, will man left field, with Rant in center and a possible Evan O’Reagan and Joe Nanzianzeno platoon in right field.
On the offensive side, Rant will continue his leadoff duties, followed by Graf and Calderon’s big lefty bat likely hitting third. DiGraci will slide in to the cleanup spot with ample power and bat speed. “We’re not looking to squeeze runs, we’re looking to pile on,” said Kearns. “We’re looking to compete this year.” Matt Graf
Schedule BASEBALL April 8 9 11 15 16 17 25 26 27 29 30
Anthony Rant
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
@ South Side South Side @ South Side @ Hewlett Hewlett @ Hewlett Roslyn Roslyn @ Roslyn @ Bethpage Bethpage
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
May 2 6 7 9
@ Bethpage Plainedge @ Plainedge Plainedge
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Brian Ballweg
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2019 HERALD High School Baseball/Softball Preview
Glen Cove Lady Big Red arms lead rise By J.D. FREDA
T
he biggest hole in Glen Cove’s softball game the past few seasons has been its pitching and lack of depth in both its starting rotation and bullpen. That has held the team back from a conference title, a feat it was just a game shy of last spring. This year, with two legit pitching prospects ready to get the nod on alternating days and nine returning players, Glen Cove is in a prime position to make noise in Conference IV. “We’ve got two legit pitchers who are both young and ready to make an impact,” coach Angela Zupa said. “They have a ‘no worries’ mindset instead of overthinking things on the mound.” Those pitchers are freshman Kristen Sita and sophomore Jennifer Heman. The latter came up from pitching for JV last year and Sita will make her varsity debut as a ninth grader. Zupa seems uber confident in the prospect of having two young pitchers gain key experience and have success in their first season. That belief of success is bolstered by nine returning players, including seven seniors and most of the defense accounted for. “These girls coming back have great chemistry, especially defensively,” Zupa said. Unanimous All-County nominee and starting shortstop Jaynise Espinal returns for her senior season under Zupa. Espinal has fantastic range at the position, able to and frequently makes diving stabs in the holes and has a solid arm. She also is the leader of this bunch. “Jaynise had to go to Indianapolis for chorus yesterday so she wasn’t at practice today,” Zupa TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
Brianna Malvivo, Angela McCarthy and Micaela Costello
Schedule SOFTBALL March 28 @ Mineola 30 Island Trees
said. “Everyone could tell there was something missing. And then we realized Jaynise wasn’t there.” Second baseman Micaela Costello returns and will continue her leadoff duties for Zupa, slapping balls through the infield gaps and maintaining a high OBP. AllConference third baseman Angela McCarthy will hold down the hot corner and bat in the heart of this lineup. Margaret Lynch will have
the task of catching both new pitchers this year and look to be a source of power hitting for the Lady Big Red. “Our returners know what we have to do. We have some freshman that have some big bats that can earn some playing time this year. But we have to put in the work,” Zupa said. “It’s time now to focus on doing all of the little things right.”
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m.
April 2 4 6 9 11 15 17 25 27 30
@ Wheatley @ V.S. South @ Wantagh Sewanhaka New Hyde Park Oyster Bay Mineola @ Herricks Wheatley V.S. South
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
May 2 6 8 9
Locust Valley @ Sewanhaka @ V.S. North @ Oyster Bay
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Brian Ballweg
April 4, 2019 — 7
2019 HERALD High school Baseball/softball Preview
Locust VaLLey Falcons look for postseason return
Christian Eletto, Steven Proko and Costatinos Siafakas
By J.D. FREDA
L
ocust Valley is focused on a return to the Nassau baseball playoffs. “We qualified for the playoffs last year, and ended up losing in the first round,” Falcons coach John Lonardo said. “But we return eight seniors and are poised and ready to have another good year.” Of Lonardo’s senior talent, the crop starts with a Long Island Top 100 player in senior starting pitcher Steven Proko. “He’s committed to play at Adelphi next year,” Lonardo said. According to PerfectGame.org, Proko’s fastball velocity clocks in at 86 mph, which is in the 77th percentile for all of the Class of 2019. 8 — April 4, 2019
The pitching rotation continues with Constantinos Siasakas and junior pitcher/starting shortstop Christian Eletto. Eletto, a three-year varsity player now entering his junior year season, is at an athletic crossroads, according to his coach. “Freshman year, he came into our program and had a lot of success. Then last year, he faced a real learning curve and didn’t take that big step forward as a sophomore,” Lonardo said. “But I believe all the tools are in place for him to have a breakout year this year.” Lining up behind these pitchers are Chris Cruz at first base, Chris Volpe at second, Eletto at shortstop, Andrew Savatino at the hot corner, Roarke Creedon at left field and also providing a lefty
arm in the bullpen, Proko in center field, and a platoon of Albert Jacobs and Dom Gold in right field. Dylan Zucker will play a little first base, come in as relief, and DH at times as well. “Because we’re very senior heavy with guys that have seen a lot of varsity pitching, I think we will be very productive at the plate,” Lonardo said. Lonardo’s lineup will most often start with Proko, Eletto and Cruz as his top three hitters. Volpe and Creedon provide some speed on the basepaths as well. “I think our conference is tough but we’ll be in the mix,” Lonardo said. “I would love for them to get back to the playoffs, and once we get there, it’s anyone’s game on any given day. These kids
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
all love baseball. They play yearround, are with me in the weight room year round, they love the sport, and they want to be there.”
Schedule BASEBALL April 8 9 11 15 16 17 22 23 25 29 30
Seaford @ Seaford Seaford @ Mineola Mineola @ Mineola @ V.S. South V.S. South @ V.S. South Clarke @ Clarke
4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
May 2 6 7 8
Clarke @ Island Trees Island Trees @ Island Trees
4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2019 HERALD High school Baseball/softball Preview
LocusT VaLLey Lady Falcons improving fundamentals Catching O’Brien will be another key piece in senior Caroline Faraday. “Paige has been our pitcher since she was in eighth grade,” Masa said. “We are leaning on her on the mound. Her and Faraday have been clutch and consistent for us at the plate.” Ava Hoehne returns in center field and Timber Zino will find herself once again at first base this season. Hoehne hit one home run on the year in 2018.
Ava Hoehne
as
“Ava is seeing the ball better thus far this season and we are countBy J.D. FREDA ing on her to continue to improve,” Masa said. Masa also mentioned that he Locust Valley Lady newcomers Tricia Mavros and Falcons succumbed to an Sophia Veteri have continued early-round exit in last to make strides at the plate in year’s softball playoffs, but that has the young season and will not deterred the team or its coach be looked upon to make to regroup and refocus on what contributions as well. got the group there and make The group’s quest improvements. for improvement comes “We lost some key players to from a memory of graduation,” coach Jennifer Masa last year’s first round said. “But we have a group of girls playoff matchup. that have a great attitude. They “Last year in the first show up ready to play and practice round of the playhard. They all want to improve.” offs, we lost but Of Masa’s returners is junior the girls were Paige O’Brien. She logged 7 wins not scared,” last season, which accounted for Masa said. “The all of her team’s victories, and team we played was in a higher mashed 4 home runs on the year.
conference. The girls left everything out on the field and they played their best game, and did not look scared or intimidated at all.” That game was a 9-0 loss to Bellmore-JFK in May of 2018. The road to a possible return to the playoffs started with pinpoint focus on improving both offensively and defensively. “We spent our first week focusing on skills and drills, and had many girls in the batting cages,” Masa said. “Defensively we have some new girls in the infield and outfield. We are starting to come together as a solid defensive team.” Masa made no qualms about how Locust Valley has to play to be successful this season. “We have to play the game consistently and force other teams to make plays and get outs,” Masa said. “We cannot make mental errors.”
T
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Caroline Faraday
Schedule
SOFTBALL March 28 V.S. North 30 @ Sewanhaka
4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m.
April Timber Zino
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
2 4 6 8 9 11 13 15 17 30
Wantagh 4:30 p.m. New Hyde Park 4:45 p.m. Mineola 10:30 a.m. @ Wantagh 4:30 p.m. @ Island Trees 4:30 p.m. @ Oyster Bay 4:30 p.m. V.S. South 10:30 a.m. @ Herricks 4:30 p.m. @ V.S. North 4:30 p.m. @ New Hyde Park 4:30 p.m.
May 2 6 8 10
@ Glen Cove Island Trees Wheatley Herricks
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
April 4, 2019 — 9
2019 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview
2019
2019
Nassau CouNty softBall CoNfereNCes
Nassau CouNty BaseBall CoNfereNCes ConferenCe AA-1
Freeport Red Devils Hempstead Tigers Massapequa Chiefs Syosset Braves Farmingdale Dalers Oceanside Sailors
ConferenCe AA-2
Baldwin Bruins East Meadow Jets Hicksville Comets Long Beach Marines Plainview Hawks Port Washington Vikings
CoUnTYWIDe
Elmont Spartans
Friends Academy Quakers
G.N. North Blazers Lawrence Tornadoes Roosevelt Rough Riders Sewanhaka Indians Uniondale Knights Westbury Dragons West Hempstead Rams
ConferenCe B
Carle Place Frogs C.S. Harbor Seahawks East Rockaway Rocks Malverne Mules Oyster Bay Baymen Wheatley Wildcats
10 — April 4, 2019
ConferenCe A-1
Calhoun Colts Herricks Highlanders G.N. South Rebels Mepham Pirates MacArthur Generals V.S. Central Eagles
ConferenCe A-2
Carey Seahawks Garden City Trojans Jericho Jayhawks Kennedy Cougars New Hyde Park Gladiators Manhasset Indians
ConferenCe A-3
Bethpage Golden Eagles Glen Cove Big Red Hewlett Bulldogs Plainedge Red Devils Roslyn Bulldogs South Side Cyclones
ConferenCe A-4
Division Dragons Floral Park Knights Lynbrook Owls North Shore Vikings V.S. North Spartans Wantagh Warriors
ConferenCe A-5
Clarke Rams Island Trees Bulldogs Locust Valley Falcons Mineola Mustangs Seaford Vikings V.S. South Falcons
ConferenCe AA-I
1. Massapequa Chiefs 2. East Meadow Jets 3. Oceanside Sailors 4. Farmingdale Dalers 5. Port Washington Vikings
ConferenCe AA-II
1. Hicksville Comets 2. Long Beach Marines 3. Baldwin Bruins 4. Syosset Braves 5. Plainview Hawks
ConferenCe AA-III
1. Freeport Red Devils 2. Uniondale Knights 3. Hempstead Tigers 4. Westbury Green Dragons
ConferenCe AB-I
1. Carey Seahawks 2. Division Dragons 3. Mepham Pirates 4. Calhoun Colts 5. MacArthur Generals 6. Seaford Vikings
ConferenCe AB-II
1. Plainedge Red Devils 2. Clarke Rams 3. Bethpage Golden Eagles 4. East Rockaway Rocks 5. South Side Cyclones 6. Kennedy Cougars
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
ConferenCe AB-III
1. New Hyde Park Gladiators 2. Wantagh Warriors 3. Island Trees Bulldogs 4. V.S. North Spartans 5. Locust Valley Falcons 6. Herricks Highlanders
ConferenCe AB-IV
1. Oyster Bay Baymen 2. V.S. South Falcons 3. Glen Cove Big Red 4. Wheatley Wildcats 5. Sewanhaka Indians 6. Mineola Mustangs
ConferenCe AB-V
1. North Shore Vikings 2. Manhasset Indians 3. Garden City Trojans 4. Lynbrook Owls 5. West Hempstead Rams 6. Jericho Jayhawks
ConferenCe AB-VI
1. C.S. Harbor Seahawks 2. Carle Place Frogs 3. Floral Park Knights 4. G.N. South Rebels 5. Hewlett Bulldogs 6. Elmont Spartans
ConferenCe AB-VII
1. Roslyn Bulldogs 2. G.N. North Blazers 3. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes 4. Malverne Mules 5. V.S. Central Eagles 6. Roosevelt Rough Riders
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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
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April 4, 2019 — 11
2019 HERALD High school Baseball/softball Preview
Oyster Bay Exciting new era for Baymen
Thomas Fletcher
By J.D. FREDA
t
he Oyster Bay Baymen are looking to redeem themselves after a 1-20 (1-14 inconference) record in 2018. With a new head coach, five returning players and a litany of underclassmen looking to make big leaps, Oyster Bay is gearing up for an improved 2019 campaign. “Right now, we’re here to prepare and learn how to practice properly,” said first-year coach 12 — April 4, 2019
Tom Pisani, who had previously coached at Plainedge for 22 years. “The guys here have bought in.” Returning from last year’s campaign is senior team leader Thomas Fletcher. Fletcher will mostly be lined up in the middle infield, whilst also lending a helpful hand in the bullpen at times. Fletcher batted .490 last season and is considered a 2019 Top 100 player on Long Island. He will lead off for the Baymen and look to create havoc on the basepaths. Oyster Bay has a young three-man rotation made up of two sophomores and a freshman that will look to gain key varsity experience this season. Sophomores Matt Yerkes and Tyler Perinace both were on the varsity team last year. Freshman Michael Gatti will round out the three. “All these guys have adequate stuff to keep batters off-balance,” Pisani said. “They are focusing on doing all of the little things a pitcher should on the mound.” Gatti will also be at first base on the days that he doesn’t pitch, and will bat in the middle of the lineup. Eddie Clark will start at shortstop. Both Yerkes and Perinace will play at the hot corner on non-pitching days. Steve McEvoy will patrol center field. Fletcher, Clark, Gatti, and Yerkes will most likely make up the front four of the lineup for the Baymen, and will be relied upon heavily to both set the table and produce runs. “We’re looking to improve as hitters all around,” Pisani said. “We want to attack every at-bat, and we want to run the bases well whenever we have runners on.” The next step of the Oyster Bay baseball era begins when its
league play starts April 8 on the road against Wheatley. “Our future is bright, but we do not look past right now,” Pisani said. “We need guys to be leaders, and players.”
Eddie Clark
Schedule BASEBALL
April
Matt Yerkes
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
8 9 12 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 30
@ Wheatley Wheatley @ Wheatley @ C.S. Harbor C.S. Harbor @ C.S. Harbor Malverne @ Malverne Malverne @ Carle Plae Carle Place
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
May 2 6 7 9
@ Carle Place East Rockaway @ East Rockaway East Rockaway
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2019 HERALD High school Baseball/softball Preview
Oyster Bay Lady Baymen defending county champs By J.D. FREDA
t
he Oyster Bay softball team returns from a highly successful 2018 season with expectations for more. The Lady Baymen won a county championship last year and even went on to play in the Long Island Championship in an unsuccessful effort against Babylon. “It was amazing to be able to play on the biggest stage for Long Island high school and play on the big field at Hofstra,” Oyster Bay coach Victoria Wink said. “It is a big deal for us to stay humble, though, although I think it’s important to use this experience to lift us.” The Lady Baymen has a strong mix of solid pitching and timely hitting. Seniors Mikaela Cornelius, Reilly Iles and Katrina Zucconi will be the girls Wink looks to for production with ample experience at the varsity level. Junior Kristen Aasheim, along with sophomore Skylar McEvoy and freshman Kaitlyn Aasheim , will be the primary pitchers for this squad. Kristen Aasheim started Game 1 of Oyster Bay’s final series last year and earned the win. Jamie Galasso was one of the squad’s most efficient hitters, especially in the clutch late last year. She went 5-for-8 with seven RBIs in the county finals series. Cornelius will once again lead off in this lineup, with the elder Aasheim sister, Galasso and Zucconi behind her. The Lady Baymen have a unique ability to have their bats come alive when it matters most. Their early half of the TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
Jamie Galasso, Skylar McEvoy and Katrina Zucconi
Schedule
2018 campaign was a near mirror opposite of its latter half. Carrying that momentum, especially at the plate, late in the year and into the playoffs led to the eventual county title. “Not many teams can say that they have great pitching, and I think we will be able to say that,” Wink said. “I think our depth is great, and I think our bats are very good this year.” Wink has a total of seven underclassmen that will get ample playing time on a smaller roster.
Despite the diminutive roster, the talent share is ample. “The most important thing is getting these underclassmen to adapt to Oyster Bay softball culture,” Wink said. “Having good team chemistry is so important. Playing with passion and playing with pride, the wins will come from that.”
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
SOFTBALL March 28 V.S. South 30 New Hyde Park
4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.
April 2 4 6 9 11 15 17 25 27 30
Mineola @ Sewanhaka Herricks Wheatley Locust Valley @ Glen Cove @ V.S. South @ V.S. North @ Mineola Sewanhaka
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
May 2 6 8 9
Island Trees @ Wheatley @ Wantagh Glen Cove
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
April 4, 2019 — 13
2019 HERALD high School Baseball/Softball Preview
North Shore Talented Vikings return full rotation By J.D. FREDA
r
arely does a high school baseball team have the ability to return two of its starting three rotational pitchers year after year. This year, North Shore will return all three senior starting pitchers, including seven other senior returners in the field. The senior group includes AllCounty winner and future Sacred Heart University pitcher David Aufiero, Robert Clarke, and Danny Livoti. “So far, so good,” said coach Scott Lineman. “We have put in a lot of work in the weight room over the offseason to get physically stronger, quicker, more agile. This might be my most physically strong team to date.” The Vikings also return a full infield of players that are all twoway talents. Three-year starter and senior first baseman Michael Tedesco returns after a 3 HR/17 RBI junior campaign from the fifth and sixth spots. Lineman suggests that Tedesco will see regular time hitting cleanup this year. Senior second baseman Marc Aufiero will start at his main position two out of three games and then catch for the third. Junior Will Scarola will anchor the shortstop position for the Vikings after bouncing between third base and outfield last year. “Scarola has a strong arm at shortstop and he led our team in stolen bases with 15 last year. He’ll be our leadoff guy,” Lineman said. Senior Lorenzo Sferrazza will start at the hot corner and hit in the middle of the lineup. Returning at center field and Bard College commit Matt Lewin brings an x-factor to the Vikings lineup. Like Scarola, Lewin is quick 14 — April 4, 2019
Michael Tedesco, Robert Clarke and Will Scarola
Schedule BASEBALL April on the basepaths, snagging 12 stolen bases a year ago. He also belted 4 doubles, scored 22 runs, and hit .360 on the year. He will most likely hit second behind Scarola. “The offense starts with Scarola and Lewin getting on base. Then we got some guys behind them that can bring them home,” Lineman said. Lineman also pointed to se-
nior ‘glue guys’ like David Parrett, Matt Saltzman and Kyle Bolowski who will play integral roles in the bottom half of the lineup. Juniors Andrew Jarkow and Matt Falcone will play key roles in the bullpen. “Our goal is to hopefully get to a county title series and win it,” Lineman said. “As of right now, there are 30 other teams in our way.”
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
8 9 11 15 16 17 22 23 25 29 30
@ Wantagh Wantagh @ Wantagh @ Division Division @ Division V.S. North @ V.S. North V.S. North @ Lynbrook Lynbrook
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
May 2 6 7 9
@ Lynbrook Floral Park @ Floral Park Floral Park
4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Photos by Brian Ballweg
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2019 HERALD high School Baseball/Softball Preview
North Shore Can Lady Vikings carry momentum?
Taylor Berry
By J.D. FREDA
A
fter an 0-5 start to the 2018 season, North Shore finished out the rest of its campaign 7-6 and began scoring runs at a much higher clip. Coach Toni Papetti said that the newfound success was for no lack of concentrated effort and a culture shift. “That came from the girls, 100 percent. We were working in the gym and on the TV we put on the college softball world series TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
and the greatest comebacks in softball,” said Papetti. “The girls all then ran out to the field after our workout to work on the game. They asked me, and I stayed with them. I must have hit 100 ground balls.” That mentality shift, Papetti says, is still within this group as the Lady Vikings return five seniors with great experience at the varsity level. The team starts with and looks to five-year starter and center fielder Taylor Berry. Berry has a unique skillset in that she is an elite defender with great range, a great arm and a high IQ for the position, as well as a quick bat with good vision and decision-making. Senior sisters Jade and Amber Diaz have taken turns earning AllConference honors in the past two seasons. Jade finished with AllConference honors in 2018, while Amber did so in 2017. Jade, who was once the team’s primary catcher, will be moved to an infield role permanently for her senior season. Abigail Riccardo and Yarelis Ortiz round out the senior group and look to make their impact felt in their penultimate softball season. Juniors Lindsay Bonn and Brianna Kennedy will play some of the most important roles on the team this year. Bonn, the Lady Vikings primary pitcher, has steadily improved over the offseason according to her coach. “She now has more pitches in her repertoire and she’s
throwing a lot harder,” Papetti said. “She’s worked really hard all offseason and it’s paying off.” Kennedy is a utility infielder that Papetti can put at nearly any position. “She can play almost anywhere,” Papetti said. “She is one of my strongest athletes.” North Shore now looks to fill in the lineup and get players familiar with new positions. “We have to get comfortable playing a new position,” Papetti said. “Everyone is throwing hard, running hard, and playing hard right now. We just have to keep focus.” Brianna Kennedy
Schedule
SOFTBALL March 28 Manhasset 30 @ C.S. Harbor
4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m.
April Lindsay Bonn
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
2 3 6 9 11 13 17 25 27 30
Jericho West Hempstead Carle Place Lynbrook @ Floral Park @ Garden City @ Manhasset G.N. South @ Jericho West Hempstead
4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
May 2 6 8 10
@ Hewlett @ Lynbrook Elmont Garden City
4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Photos by Brian Ballweg
April 4, 2019 — 15
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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW
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