Central League preview: Marple Newtown’s talent makes Tigers title contenders
For years, Marple Newtown’s feeder programs like Broomall-Newtown Babe Ruth have gained national acclaim and churned out talent at an alarming rate.
That conveyor belt is depositing mountains of talent in Steve Smith’s program, which has the potential to mature into a championship contingent this year.
All-Delco infielder and pitcher Ricky Collings is the headliner, but the strength of Marple’s Central League title credentials could be an outstanding junior class. Leading the way are Scott Hahn, a heavy-hitting corner infielder, and Cameron Mathes. Those two, with Collings and Vince Greco, comprise the spine of a deep pitching staff that includes newcomers Blake Tomasco and Alden Mathes, the latter a freshman.
Reilly Fillman contributed as a freshman last year, and he’s back for another go-round, while veterans Nick Molinaro, Corey Woodcock and Luke Cantwell will also figure prominently.
Haverford won 12 games last year and qualified for the postseason, and a handful of last year’s contributors return for coach Paul Bogosian’s 30th season in charge.
The infield is in good shape thanks to third baseman Nick Cerelli and shortstop Dylan Resnick, both coming off strong seasons at the plate. Drew Fowler, just a junior, will continue to command a pitching staff that includes Cole Humes and Corey Hunt.
Ethan Samel is the leading light in the outfield, while junior second baseman Luke Marmer could contribute immediately.
Strath Haven stumbled to a 10-8 season that missed the postseason last year, but Brian Fili’s pitching depth looks to prevent a repeat of that fate.
Hofstra-bound David Moore is the presumptive ace, and Evan Atsaves and Will Carey will bolster the staff by splitting time between shortstop and first base, respectively. David Shore, an Emory commit, is an experienced backstop to handle the staff, while Jayvon Springfield and Casey Rosier offer experienced outfield hands. Andrew Pennoni forms a potent double-play tandem with Atsaves.
Underclassmen Colin Mohollen, Luke Mutz and Anthony Viggiano will vie for time in the infield, while Viggiano and Andrew Robinson can provide innings in the rotation.
Penncrest replaces much of the squad that Dan Sardella rode to 12 wins and the second round of the District One Class AAAA tournament. The right side of the infield, anchored by first baseman and Cabrini commit Colin Birzes and second baseman Anthony Costalas, is handled. But the rest of roster will have to grow together.
Dev Ward and juniors Shane Breckenridge and Mike Lansberry will contribute in the outfield. Sam Freedman is likely to be behind the plate, while Dylan Loomas and Dillon Armstrong are also among the infielders.
Radnor loses more than 70 innings on the mound to graduation, which will elevate juniors Charlie Connolly, Will Hosgaard and Jack Deshan to bigger roles after some initial success.
The outfield is set for Radnor, coming off a trip to the District One Class AAA semis, behind Connor Wilson and Andrew Austen, with Andrew Bojoukos and Ross Ebersole likely to contribute. Matt Schaefer, Martin Connor, Jack Collins and Pat McDermott will hold down the infield, while Pat Scheri will log innings behind the dish.
Pitcher Mike Bechtold is the star of Garnet Valley’s deep pitching staff as they line up a run at another playoff berth. Saint Joseph’s commit Liam Bendo is the lineup’s headliner.
Springfield coach Brian Francis is hoping that last year’s growing pains yield benefits. A lot will be asked of pitchers Ben Thorpe (Elizabethtown commit), Jared Morris and Mike Smith, but those veterans – Morris and Smith are only juniors – have experience to lean on.
The Cougars lineup is built around senior infielders Brett Sheeran, Nick Gorman and Brandon DiChiacchio. Andrew Todaro will handle duties behind the plate, while Tom Quinn is the leader of the outfield.
Among Greg Tamaccio and John Militello are potential contributors in the outfield, while Andrew Paulus can spell Todaro behind the plate and platoon with Morris at first base. Junior pitcher Dan Strawley could earn innings on the hill.
In his second year at the helm, Ridley coach Kevin Scott is eager to grow the program from last year’s seven-win season. They boast a passel of returning pitchers, including Collin Pollag, Ryan Downs and Ryan Bollinger, while senior Sean Bingnear and sophomore Andrew Hallett should also claim innings.
The outfield is an area of strength, with Pollag and fellow seniors Jamie Fisher and Austin Bleacher patrolling. Juniors Greg Kimmell and Liam Thompson will comprise the left side of the infield. Classmates Jimmy Bramwell and Nick DePrinzio are favored to start at first base and catcher, respectively.
Grant Kernaghan made progress with Upper Darby last year, but he resigned after a 5-13 season, with longtime basketball coach and baseball assistant Bob Miller taking over.
The Royals have a senior-heavy staff, led by Dom Ervin, Ryan McIvor, Matt Tirado and Christoff Minott. The latter three will join Dave Moskovitz in the outfield reckoning, while Justin Mariott and juniors Nate Rimel and Scott Devlin will claim time in the infield.
Sophomores Chris Anderson, Mike Peters and Nolan Ward could contribute, while freshman catcher Pat McCloskey may do his learning on the job.
