All back and better than ever for Bonner-Prendie
This could be the year for Bonner-Prendergast.
After a heart-wrenching defeat in the 2021 PIAA Class 4A semifinals, the Friars (2-0) are absolutely loaded with talent this season. Easily the No. 1 baseball team in Delaware County, the Friars are the fifth-ranked team in Pennsylvania, according to Perfect Game, one of the nation’s premier amateur scouting organizations.
All nine starters return, buoyed by junior shortstop and Auburn commit Kevin McGonigle. Seniors Michael Anderson (Rhode Island) and Kevin Henrich (North Alabama) give the Friars a formidable one-two punch atop the rotation, one of the best in the Catholic League.
Seniors Joey DeMucci (catcher) and James Sousa (right field), and sophomores Harry Carr (second base), Jaxon Kehoe (third base) and Austin Cannon (left field) join Henrich (center field) and Anderson (first base) in the lineup. Sophomore outfielder Irv Fisher and sophomore infielder CJ Nocella will contribute as well. The team will miss senior lefty Ryan Kearney who is out for the year with a torn labrum.
“Our offense will be one of the best in the state. I think we will score a ton of runs,” coach Steve Debarberie said. “Our defense is extremely solid as well. Kearney is a big loss, he was our best pitcher down the stretch last year. But we have two Division I starters sitting in the low 90s and a lot of depth behind them, (and) I am sure we will piece together a solid bullpen.”
At Archbishop Carroll (2-0), the senior-laden Patriots are under the direction of first-year coach Jonathan Grouse. Seniors Roman Tozzi, Zach Stearns, Harold Every, Sam Benvignati, Chris Tomlinson, and James Brown are among the top returnees from last year’s 6-15 squad.
Talking of his “older team with some experience,” Grouse said the Patriots “have a shot to be pretty good if some of the younger guys can come in and help. We will be way more dynamic on offense than in years past.”
Cardinal O’Hara (1-1) looks to improve upon last year’s losing mark. The Lions return junior ace Pat Ahearn and senior Brandon Fanelli, each of whom garnered All-Catholic accolades a season ago.
Central League
Garnet Valley (3-1) made a surprising run in the district tournament last year, finishing 11-9 overall. Pitcher/third baseman Ryan Wootten, shortstop Drew Van Horn, outfielder Logan Nelson and catcher Reed Farrell return under coach Rudy Shiller, who is in his 17th season coaching the Jaguars.
Haverford is helmed by first-year coach Mike Essery and replaces the great Paul Bogosian, who retired after 34 seasons. The Fords, winless after four games, expect big things from junior pitcher Ethan Mahan and senior Nick Colucci.
Marple Newtown (2-1) has one of the deepest squads in the county, should be a favorite for the league title. All-Delco infielder/pitcher Owen Mathes, shortstop Dillon Can, second baseman/pitcher Justin Brennan, pitcher/first baseman Jimmy Wigo, utility man Dom Carafa, pitcher/outfielder Tommy Lucchesi and outfielder Justin DiBona lead a strong senior class. Can (NJIT) and Wigo (Monmouth) are Division I recruits.
Penncrest (3-2) is making strides under coach Rusty Abrams, who is relying on a talented senior class which includes pitcher Mike Costello, catcher Quentin Perilli, third baseman Christian Reed, second baseman Jake Moule, first baseman Max Cummings, outfielder Adam Carliss, outfielder Ben Stanton and catcher/first baseman Jeremy Mack.
“We lost a treasure in (All-Delco) Kellen Davis from last season; however, this year the hole will be filled by strong senior leadership,” Abrams said. “In addition, we have a strong group of sophomores in Sam Dinitz, Gavin Brown and Gavin Wray, who will definitely have to step up if we are to be successful this season.”
At Radnor (0-3), senior infielder Jack Pachella is the Raptors’ big bat. Other senior returnees include outfielder Austin Marx and pitcher Will Reger. Top newcomer and senior Patrick Mannix will play a key role for coach Mark Jordan.
Ridley (2-2) has an ace in junior Mike Happersett. Junior Jeremy Stranix, sophomore Danny Stickney and seniors Andrew Rowles and Mike Hooker provide varsity experience and give the Lions a potentially explosive offense.
Springfield (3-2) features All-Delco senior Zach Tropiano, who last year set the school record for hits in a season with 33. Senior left fielder Cody Grande was first team All-Central last spring. Senior southpaw Luke D’Ambrosio is their top pitcher. Shortstop Jake Carlin, catcher Joey Little and second baseman Mike Grapin, all seniors, are back in the lineup.
Strath Haven is the reigning league and District 1 Class 3A champion, but only senior pitcher/infielder Mike Valente and junior pitcher/outfielder Sam Milligan are returning starters. Despite graduating 13 seniors the Panthers should remain viable under longtime coach Brian Fili.
Upper Darby should continue to improve under second-year coach Tom Carey. Junior pitcher Chris Zupito is the standout. Senior Sam Chestnut (OF) and juniors Drew Kessler (P/INF), Chris Chung (P/INF), Max Franzini (OF) and Brian Kirkpatrick (catcher) give the Royals a good nucleus.
Del Val League
Chichester is the team to beat again after going 12-5 (9-0) last spring. Seniors Owen Valentine (P/LF) and Nate Graham (P/INF/OF) are back along with juniors Jason Hankins (P/3B), Aaron Jackson (P/CF) and Steven Kennard (OF).
Interboro (1-2) will lean on juniors Jake Finley (P/3B), Frank Suga (P/OF) and shortstop Julian Bulovas. Senior pitcher/first baseman Josh Boylan will play a key role as well.
Academy Park, Chester and Penn Wood hope to be competitive in the league.
