It is time for our annual Star-Spangled Banner anthem mashup, when we put together a video to honor and thank the singers who delivered beautiful anthems before the start of high school games this season.

Enjoy!

COMMENTARY BY JOE PALLADINO

The state basketball tournaments are over. It is now appropriate to ask: How did the CIAC do in putting together fair and equitable tourney brackets? One word comes to mind: Dreadful.

It seemed like good news, when 14 of 18 finalists at Mohegan Sun Arena were public schools. We all agree that parochial schools, magnet schools, charter schools, have a vast advantage in basketball. Schools of choice draw from a wide geographic area, so when 14 finalists were public schools it appeared that the CIAC format worked.

Sorry, no, it did not.

There were two parochial finalists and two magnet/charter schools in finals. The parochial schools won, shocking I know, and the magnet/charter schools split. Let’s have a look:

In what was supposed to be a fair and equitable format, not one Class S-sized public school won a boys championship. Not one Class M-sized public school won a boys championship.

If you build a state tourney with the desire to chase schools of choice up and away from M and S schools, but three of four schools of choice finalists win state championships, and Class M and S public school are shut out, then I suggest: Tear it up.

You build Division IV and V specifically for M and S schools, but then you drop in LL New Canaan, with its 679 boys enrollment that dwarfs all other schools. Of the IV semifinalists, one was a parochial school (St. Joseph), one was a magnet school (Classical), one was public (Granby) and one was LL (New Canaan).

Message to the CIAC: Another monumental fail.

Only schools of choice or LL and L public schools won boys titles this year, and the only M champion of the bunch were the Cromwell girls. Class M and S boys public schools were shut out, and Old Lyme was the only S team to reach a final.

And we have not yet mentioned the school from Region 6.

Following a run to a 2018 Division V title game, Class S-sized Wamogo was catapulted to Division III this season where the Warriors lost their tourney opener to Class LL Shelton. That’s Shelton, boys enrollment 795, over Wamogo, boys enrollment 187.

Wamogo was the second smallest school in Division III. Wamogo would have been the second-smallest school in Division IV.

To create fair and balanced brackets the CIAC used a mathematical formula. You plug in numbers like power points from previous seasons, and for schools of choice (Wamogo is a school of choice because of its vo-ag program) points were added from previous state tournament results.

The CIAC piled on success points from Wamogo’s 2018 run to a state final, and those success points will haunt Wamogo for three seasons before they come off.

Wamogo is a cruel example of what is abysmally wrong. The Warriors were beaten in the second round in 2017 by now defunct Creed High of New Haven, formerly Hyde Leadership, a magnet school. In 2016 they lost in the first round to Holy Cross. Yes, Holy Cross was in Class S. So after getting bounced out by a magnet school, then a parochial school, Wamogo was slammed for a single, solitary run to a title game.

The Sacred Heart boys, for example, stomped teams and won two titles in Class S and another in Class M. There was no problem with that because it took three seasons before the Hearts were kicked up to a proper, higher bracket. But Wamogo, little Wamogo of the Berkshire League, after one great tourney run was crushed by CIAC absurdity, elevated far above what one would describe as a practical tourney bracket, and then got smacked by a LL school.

Dreadful. Way beyond dreadful.

The 2019 tournament ended in another spectacular weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena. I’d love to congratulate the CIAC on a job well done. I can’t. It wasn’t. Schools of choice won three titles, and Class LL and L schools won the rest. Class M and S schools won nothing.

Tear it up.

Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com.

By JOE PALLADINO

It’s here, the Hoop Zone All-Star team. As we note each March, there were too many deserving players this year and not enough open slots.

The Hoop Zone committee — which is vast, by the way — selected three players for special recognition. The boys and girls most valuable players were Marquan Watson of WCA and Jordyn Forte of Watertown, two players who brought unique skill sets to the gymnasium each night.

Forte caused more problems for opposing teams than any other area girls player. She could bring the ball up the court and play the point if needed, or play on the blocks and dominate in the paint. She blocked shots, she rebounded and she shot the ball.

What else do you need in a player?

Forte played field hockey in the fall and now softball in the spring, but her favorite? “Probably basketball,” she said, “because I have played that for a long time and have achieved the most.”

She said her best memory is a game-winning shot in the CIAC tournament during her sophomore season. “I am sad that it is ending,” added Forte, who has not yet made a decision about college, “but I am happy that I took part in it.”

Watson became the latest player to deliver the ultimate career double-double: He finished with 1,727 points and 1,212 rebounds. It goes without saying that those totals are all-time bests at WCA. He’s a two-time All-State selection and will no doubt be again this spring.

Watson’s freshman season was the first varsity season for the Spartans. Clearly, he helped put WCA on the hoop map.

“It’s not just me,” Watson said, “but it is the team that started this, and the class of 2019 that will graduate. If I could trade in the 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and all the awards, for a state championship, I would do that. But that class of 2019 that came in, we proved something.”

The final individual award goes to Wamogo’s Garrett Sattazahn, our Hoop Zone Player of the Year. Sattazahn led the Warriors to an undefeated Berkshire League season. He played 99 varsity games for the Warriors and averaged 17.4 ppg. in his career.

Sattazahn will attend Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., in the fall.

Wamogo forced its way into the Top 10 in state media polls this season. Sattazahn noted, “It was definitely good for the Berkshire League. It got our name out there, and we had an opportunity to be ranked in the Top 10, which was awesome. I feel it gave our league some more credibility.”

Here is a look at the All-Hoop Zone first teams for 2018-19:

Boys

First team

Kerwin Prince, Crosby: The Bulldogs’ senior won the Lt. John Cullinan Award for sportsmanship. He led the Naugatuck Valley League in scoring with 27 ppg. and grabbed 14 rebounds, with more than 700 for his career. A superb post player with a soft shot, too, he was coach Nick Augelli’s only four-year team member.

Garrett Sattazahn, Wamogo: He could shoot, yes, we know, but Sattazahn was the best and smoothest scorer in the BL or NVL. He scored 1,723 points (second-most all-time at Wamogo), 569 rebounds and was an 85 percent free throw shooter.

Nate Tabor, Sacred Heart: The Hearts’ junior started the season as the point guard, then switched to wing in midseason. In other words, he did it all. Tabor averaged 18 ppg. and has already committed to attend St. John’s.

Jamaal Waters, Sacred Heart: This Hearts’ senior is a Southern Connecticut commit. Waters shot it, passed it, but was most impressive in the paint and on the glass for Sacred Heart. He averaged 21 ppg. in the postseason.

Marquan Watson, WCA: Watson won the Billy Finn Award as the city’s top senior and the Connie Donahue Award as the NVL’s top senior, and is part of a second father-son Finn team. His dad, Moe Chisholm, won the award for Wilby in 2003. Watson totaled 1,727 points and 1,212 rebounds. “I will miss having him on my team dearly,” said WCA coach Ronan O’Leary.

Second team: John Lukau, Naugatuck; Elmin Redzipagic, Wolcott; Josh Schibi, Lewis Mills; Tyler Spears, Crosby; Dontae Thomas, Torrington.

Third team: Justin Davis, Crosby; Akili Evans, Holy Cross; Dion Perkins, Seymour; Omar Rowe, Sacred Heart; Ethan Collins, Wamogo.

Honorable mention: Zack Bedryczuk, Woodland; Jamal Clarke, Chase Collegiate; Jahwan Cody, Derby; Tyreek Davis, Torrington; Gaely Etienne, Holy Cross; Charles Flowers, Oxford; Owen Hibbard, Shepaug; Nashua Lovett, Kaynor Tech; Tripp Melk, Litchfield; Jarrett Michaels, Nonnewaug; Alfonso Smith, Ansonia; Matt Torres, Kennedy; Jay Turner, Kennedy; Reid Turtoro, Wamogo; Joel Villanueva, Torrington.

Girls

First team

Jordyn Forte, Watertown: Forte scored her 1,000th career point on the final night of the NVL regular season. She averaged a double-double this season, 17 points and 11 rebounds per game. “I believe Jordyn had a double-double in every game except two,” said coach Jason Hurdle. She also averaged five steals per game.

Maggie Lee, Pomperaug: The Panthers’ senior averaged 18.3 ppg. and seven rebounds and also scored 1,001 career points. She will play at Wesleyan. “Maggie is a tremendous basketball talent,” said Pomperaug coach Joe Fortier, “but what impresses me the most is her character and leadership skills. Her work ethic and maturity, on and off the court, is second to none.”

Tiahna Pulliam, Crosby: One of three juniors on the Hoop Zone first team, Pulliam was an offensive juggernaut. She averaged 22.3 ppg., made 48 3-pointers, and already has 1,051 career points. “Tianha drew double coverage and box-and-one defenses on a nightly basis,” said coach Mike Sullivan, “and yet she was still able to score effectively and, most admirably, in clutch situations. Tiahna has a chance to leave as the all-time leading scorer in Crosby girls basketball history.” The record is held by Antoinette Brown (1,668 points).

Janessa Gonzalez, St. Paul: Gonzalez, along with Jade Udoh, formed a potent championship duo for the Falcons, and they’re both juniors. Gonzalez has already passed 1,000 points for her career. She averaged 19 ppg. this year. Gonzalez is a quick perimeter player for St. Paul, with the sweetest jump shot in the league

Jade Udoh, St. Paul: Udoh is the beat-on-you post player for the Falcons. She went from being strong on the blocks as a sophomore to quick and offensive this season,while still being strong. She averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists as well. She is on the brink of 1,000 career points.

The Falcons won the 2019 NVL title. With Gonzalez and Udoh back, they are a heavy favorite in 2020. “They really learned how to play together and they’re only going to get better,” said Falcons coach Joe Mone. “I can’t wait to see what they can do next year.”

Second team: Sammy Chadwick, Lewis Mills; Sydnie Drezek, Seymour; Mia Juodaitis, Cheshire; Emma Propfe, Northwestern; Aamya Rivera, Sacred Heart.

Third team: Allie Brown, Holy Cross; Alyssa Hebb, Holy Cross; Caroline Hurlburt, Housatonic; Sara Macary, Naugatuck; Cara McGettigan, Pomperaug.

Honorable mention: Jill Barbarito, Woodland; Molly Flanagan, Pomperaug; Alyssa Maraia, Torrington; Mikayla Mobley, Sacred Heart; Maddie Patrick, Chase Collegiate; Shyan Perez, Kennedy; Jonna Pierce, WCA; Natasha Rivera, Ansonia; Jojo Sanchez, Ansonia; Molly Sastram, Oxford; Sydney Segalla, Housatonic; Kelly Shpak, Oxford; Hayley Tucker, Sacred Heart; Jill Wexler, Gilbert; Sarah Wisniewski, Naugatuck.

COMMENTARY BY JOE PALLADINO

The Naugatuck Valley League girls basketball coaches have an idea, two ideas actually, that would fundamentally change the league’s championship tournament.

The plan, approved by coaches and sent to athletic directors for consideration, asks to play all first-round games at the gymnasium of the higher seed; and also, allow all eight-win, CIAC qualifying teams into the NVL tournament.

(Sorry, those loud thumping sounds you may have heard were health care professionals pounding on my chest.)

I admit, I love the first-round, one-gym, four-game format of the girls and boys tournaments. It’s a hoop festival, the most exciting day of the season, and as much fun as a basketball fan can have in dreary February.

Do you attend multiple games on the first day of the girls tourney, played each year at Holy Cross’ Tim McDonald Gymnasium? The first round attracts around 500 fans, in a good year. If 490 of those fans watch one game and leave then I suppose the tourney day is rather pointless. But also, coaches believe they earned a home game with a top four finish.

“I think it is fair to award the higher-seeded teams a home game in NVLs,” said Seymour coach Brian Cleveland. “I personally like the idea of having the first round played at the top seeded school,” added Sacred Heart coach Ron Picard.

But there’s always a trouble maker.

Marty, either you and I are the only two with a clue, or, and this is more likely, we’re both dinosaurs.

Most conferences award home games to higher seeds. The NVL awards home games in all other tournaments. This wouldn’t set precedent.

Picard had another suggestion, though: “If we keep a staggered approach at the same site, I would like to see the site rotated. There are a lot of schools that could host throughout the league.”

Great point. No one wants to play a first round game against Holy Cross at Holy Cross. In 2019, potential host gyms of non-qualifiers were Wolcott, Kennedy, Torringtonand Wilby, among others.

I suspect athletic directors will approve this measure and allow home games, with staggered start times, so fans and coaches can look in on many of the games. Do you know what you’d get then? Four games with a smattering of spectators and a cold, dull start to your tournament, just another game in another empty gym.

I still love this quote from Wolcott coach Matt Craig about the boys tournament: “The excitement of the NVL tourney is something special. To get the top eight teams together reminds me of the opening rounds of the NCAA tourney.”

Those Wolcott guys are sharp as tacks. True, the girls tournament has not generated the same excitement as the boys. It still remains a season highlight, and I think we’d miss the first round hoopla.

Part two of the tourney overhaul

Allow state tourney qualifiers into the NVL tourney, specifically, the eight-win teams. This past season, three additional teams (11 in all) would have played in the NVL tourney:

• Waterbury Career — 9-9 NVL, 10-10 overall.
• Crosby — 7-11 in NVL, 8-12 overall
• Woodland Regional — 6-12 in NVL, 8-12 overall.

All three were state tourney teams that did not play in the NVL tournament, nor should they.

The NVL tournament is not a CIAC warm-up event. That’s what the NVL tourney was back in the day. It did not count towards a championship. It was a way for teams to get in solid games before the real games began. The NVL tourney was merely a good scrimmage.

It is a championship tournament now. You have to earn your way into the field.

Sorry Crosby and Woodland, but non-NVL wins that got you into the CIAC tourney should not impact the NVL tournament. Crosby and Woodland both beat Kaynor Tech to get to eight wins.

WCA’s case is different. The Spartans did win nine NVL games and missed the NVL tourney by one game. Oxford was 10-8 and the eight seed, while WCA was 9-9. Oxford beat WCA by 30 points. If WCA won that game, Oxford would have been out.

That’s how you get into a championship tournament, you win, you earn a spot, you play for a championship. No way should out-of-league victories be a path into a league championship event.

The NVL transformed exhibition tournaments into championship tournaments a decade ago. It should be difficult to get in. It should remain that way.

Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com.

COMMENTARY BY JOE PALLADINO

Kudos to city athletic directors and girls basketball coaches. You guys are finally up to speed.
The announcement of city basketball awards is one of the best moments of any high school hoop season. The NVL and BL both present senior awards, but the city, by golly, the city does it really well, with awards that accomplish two things: Highlight our senior athletes, and remember the brightest, best and bravest among us.

You know the city awards, named for Billy Finn, Francis ‘Doc’ McInerney, Lt. John Cullinan and John Gilmore; and maybe you know the award for girls top senior, the Rich Genua Award. The Finn is presented to the top senior of course, and the McInerney for academics, the Cullinan for sportsmanship and the Gilmore for defense.

But maybe you also wondered: What are the names for the girls awards for sportsmanship, defense and academics? Ah, well, good question, and until now, one for which we had no answer. They did not have awards for girls like they did for boys.

Finally, at long last, hallelujah, yes indeed, we have equal city awards for the girls. The city coaches and athletic directors have established new awards for girls, two of which we award this season, and one that begins in 2020.

No, I didn’t think I’d ever see the day.

“We think that the girls have worked just as hard as the guys,” said Sacred Heart High athletic director Mike Madden, who helped shepherd through the new awards. “As the guys are honored for their achievements, we also want to honor the achievement of the girls. There is a lot of girls talent in the city, and we felt they deserved the same honors. This brings some balance to our annual awards.”

We concur.

The new awards for 2019 are:

Better news we have not received in a long, long time. The city girls have finally caught up with the city guys. Good job.

Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com.

Here are the postseason awards for the NVL and Berkshire League (as selected by league coaches):

Naugatuck Valley League

Billy Finn Award: first presented in 1963, the city award for top senior is named after the great Sacred Heart star who died in an automobile accident at age 18. This year’s winner: Marquan Watson of Waterbury Career.

Connie Donahue Award: It doesn’t always happen, but in 2019 the Finn and Donahue awards go to the same star, Marquan Watson of WCA. The Donahue award is named for the legendary Torrington High coach.

Dottie’Shortell Award: This award remembers the daughter of Ansonia’s monumental superfan, Matthew ‘Pop’ Shortell. This year’s winner is Watertown’s Jordyn Forte. Dottie Shortell, a basketball captain and three-sport star at Ansonia High, died in 1985 at age 21 in the River Restaurant explosion and fire in Derby.

Francis ‘Doc’ McInerney Award: This award, first presented in 1964, is for academics and it is shared this season by Kyle Moser of Holy Cross and Khalil Simon of WCA. The award is named for Uncle Doc, a long-time Waterbury Republican sports writer.

Lt. John Cullinan Award: First presented in 1969, the award is named for a former basketball star at Sacred Heart and Providence College, Jack Cullinan. A Marine officer, Cullinan was killed in action in Vietnam on Jan. 27, 1968. The 2019 recipient is Crosby’s Kerwin Prince.

John Gilmore Award: Once the newest city award, it is named for the former Sacred Heart coach. First presented in 2013, this year’s winner is Gaeley Etienne of Holy Cross.

Rich Genua Award: Presented annually to the city’s top senior, the 2019 Genua winner is Hayley Tucker of Sacred Heart. We do not know when the award was first presented. If you know, let us know. Genua was a coach and avid supporter of girls basketball.

Carmen Cocchiola Award: The first year for this girls  sportsmanship award, the first recipient is Kennedy High School’s Shyan Perez. Cocchiola, a Kennedy grad and former city football star, was a long-time coach and athletic director at Sacred Heart.

Vance/McGrath Award: Also a new award, this is for the city’s top girls defensive senior. The 2019 award goes to Holy Cross’ Allie Brown. The award is named for two men who worked the coaching sideline together for more than 20 years at Sts. Peter and Paul School: J. Paul Vance Sr. and Joe McGrath.

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Leger Award: Like the McInerney, the Leger Award is for academics. It will be presented annually to a city senior. This award begins in 2020. Leger is the former Holy Cross High president and principal, and also keeper of the best darn scorebook for the Cross girls for many years, who died in 2018 after a long cancer fight.

Berkshire League

Leon Veretto Award: The BL awards honor both sportsmanship and basketball skills. The 2019 winner for boys is Garrett Sattazahn of Wamogo Regional. Veretto coached boys basketball for more than 40 years at Northwestern, and was the athletic director there for 30 years.

Edward Kolakoski Award: The 2019 award was presented to Emma Propfe of Northwestern Regional. Kolakoski was a former Litchfield High administrator and supporter of Berkshire League sports.

The All-State boys and girls basketball teams (as compiled by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association) have been announced, with five area girls and 10 boys deemed to be the best in Connecticut. Only one was a junior, Janessa Gonzalez of St. Paul Catholic, so NVL girls teams will have to deal with her talents again next season.

While we congratulate all, we must note a significant omission. Sacred Heart High junior Nate Tabor, the NCAA Division I commit to St. John’s University, the NVL’s best player who was not named All-NVL, was also not selected to the Division I All-State team.

This was expected. If you do not receive the votes to be an all star in your own conference you do not end up an on all-state list. It was profound absurdity that Tabor was not selected to the All-NVL team, and this bit of silliness is a result.

Girls Basketball All-State

Class LL

• Susana Almeida, Danbury
• Nicole DaPra, Newtown
• Kameryn King, Mercy
• Xaryia Melendez, New London
• Taina Pagan, New London
• Allison Palmieri, Trumbull
• Bridget Paulmann, Ludlowe
• Shailyn Pinkney, East Hartford
• Taniyah Thompson, Hamden
• Taylor Verboven, E.O. Smith
• Ashley Wilson, Norwalk

Class L

• Megan Bauman, East Lyme
• Jordyn Forte, Watertown
• Makenzie Helms, East Haven
• Jenna Joshi, Brookfield
• Maggie Lee, Pomperaug
• Tanayja London, Hillhouse
• Tiahna Pulliam, Crosby
• Denise Solis, Windsor
• Sara Wohlgemuth, Hand

Class M

• Caitlin Barker, Plainville
• Samantha Chadwick, Lewis Mills
• Samantha Curtis, Ellington
• Gracen Kerr, Kolbe Cathedral
• Lyzi Litwinko, Berlin
• Nikki Lukens, Rocky Hill
• Madeleine McGee, Granby Memorial
• Maranda Nyborg, Bethel
• Katherine Orefice, Weston
• Olivia Robles, Sheehan
• Vanessa Stolstajner, Cromwell

Class S

• Erin Carucci, Northwest Catholic
• Abby Charon, Canton
• Janessa Gonzalez, St. Paul
• Kennedi Joseph, SMSA
• Lauren Keel, East Windsor
• Iyanna Lops, Trinity Catholic
• Savannah Marshall, Westbrook
• Lindsay Orbann, East Hampton
• Alexah Potter, Cheney Tech

Boys Basketball All-State

Division I

• Miky Basile, Immaculate
• Denali Burton, Danbury
• Kevin Crawford, Bassick
• Jaylin Hunter, East Catholic
• Matt Knowling, East Catholic
• Corey McKeithan, Windsor
• Connor Raines, Notre Dame-WH
• Joe Reilly, East Catholic
• Amir Spears, Windsor
• James St. Pierre, Ridgefield
• Jamaal Waters, Sacred Heart
• Timmond Williams, Trumbull

Division II

• JJ Brennan, Waterford
• Maximus Edwards, Bunnell
• Aidan Godfrey, Cheshire
• Aaron Latham, Glastonbury
• Kerwin Prince, Crosby
• Jack Shea, Galstonbury
• Quinton Sneed-Lott, Kolbe
• Liam Spellman, Waterford
• Derek Tenney, Wethersfield
• Logan Tomlinson, Manchester
• Marquan Watson, WCA

Division III

• Robert DiSibio, Newtown
• AJ Edwards, Amistad
• Makhi Hawkins, Farmington
• Luke Leonard, East Lyme
• John Lukau, Naugatuck
• Bube Momah, Farmington
• Dev Ostrowski, East Lyme
• DeJuan Ransom, Wilcox Tech
• Jack Ryan, Stratford
• Garrett Sattazahn, Wamogo
• Kazell Stewart, Prince Tech

Division IV

• Gabe Charleston, Cromwell
• Diontae Eady, Jonathan Law
• Shane Henderson, Old Saybrook
• Max Lee, St. Bernard
• Jared Lobo, Suffield
• Steve Paolini, St. Joseph
• Nazeer Priar, Abbott Tech
• Elmin Redzepagic, Wolcott
• Josh Schibi, Lewis Mills
• James Shelansky, Granby
• Robert Simmons, Classical
• Nick Wright, Cromwell

Division V

• Mathieu Augustin, HMTCA
• Alex Barresi, Somers
• Jahwan Cody, Derby
• Gavin Grabowski, Valley Regional
• LJ Hazelwood, Innovation
• Gerrett Johnson, Morgan
• Jarrett Michaels, Nonnewaug
• Lenny Okonya, Innovation
• Victor Smith, HMTCA
• Aedan Using, Old Lyme
• Cyrus Sprague, Parish Hill

By JOE PALLADINO

We have still not received the results on voting for Waterbury’s All-City team. If there still is an All-City team, let’s see if Nate Tabor is deemed worthy of this honor.

Do All-City teams still matter?

At the NVL girls basketball tournament, between games of the semifinal round, the league presented the All-NVL and All-Division selections. The All-City teams, we were told, we’re not yet ready.

Here we are just days away from the start of the spring sports season and we still do not know what players were selected to the All-City boys team.

The 2019 team, and I assume there is one, will be the 74th All-City team, if and when it is announced.

I know, it is something of a renegade all-star team, not sanctioned nor recognized by the NVL. But they matter, a lot, just like our awards matter. Maybe the Billy Finn award is something that we old timers cling to when we remember what it was once like around here. This is important stuff, and it should be treated that way. Right now, it seems like an afterthought.

OK, enough nostalgia, can we please just announce the 74th All-City basketball team?

Here, at least, is the All-City girls team:

Girls All-City 2019

• Alyssa Hebb, Holy Cross
• Tiahna Pulliam, Crosby
• Aamya Rivera, Sacred Heart
• Mikayla Mobley, Sacred Heart
• Allie Bown, Holy Cross
• Jonna Pierce, WCA

All-New England

Congratulations to the boys from Chase Collegiate on selection to the All-New England Prep team. Junior Jamal Clarke, sophomore Rafael Mahario, and freshman Anthony Molina were picked as New England prep all stars, and also, head coach Tim Fitzpatrick earned New England coach of the year honors.

Clarke averaged 13 ppg and 14 rebounds, and his 75 blocks was a school record; Mahario averaged 19 ppg; Molina averaged 15 ppg, and he made 48 3-point field goals.

Member for life

Another special award was presented to the former baseball and basketball star at Sacred Heart, and baseball star at Fairfield University, and radio legend for decades, Allie Vestro Jr.

Little Al was made an honorary lifetime member of the New Haven board of basketball officials. This honor “is the most prestigious award presented by Board 10,” is how board secretary Hank Luzzi described it. The award, Luzzi said in a letter sent to Vestro, is for the “many years of service you have given to the great game of basketball.”

The official presentation will take place at the board’s banquet on April 9, at Seasons restaurant and banquet hall in East Haven. If you wish to celebrate with Little Al, contact Luzzi at hluzzi@comcast.net.

BY MARK JAFFEE
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
The future looks very promising for the Cheshire High baseball team.
Looking to defend their 2018 CIAC Class LL state championship, the Rams feature eight returning starters for 2019 who played key roles in the postseason and started in the final in the 1-0 win over Ridgefield.
The Rams’ returning starters include (all seniors) second baseman Paul Villecco, third baseman Ian Battipaglia, catcher Matt Costello, left fielder Ryan Cyr, center fielder Ryan Strollo, right fielder Eli Battipaglia and designated-hitter/pitcher Matt Downing.
“We gained a lot of invaluable experience (last) season, and especially in the tournament,” Villecco said. “Being in such big games will make a difference (this) season.”
Knowing what to expect will be helpful, too, said Costello.
“We will be motivated to come back here and win it again,” Costello said. “That will be our goal and our focus.”
The Rams’ success was aided by strong defense, which will continue to be a strength this season.
“We spent a lot of time on fundamentals and staying down the ball and making the routine play,” former Cheshire coach Bill Mrowka said prior to his retirement after 21 seasons leading the Rams.
After a 16-4 regular season, the Rams received a tough reality check, losing to Branford, 8-5, in the first round of the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament.
“That woke us up,” Costello said, realizing the Rams were put in a sense of urgency. “I’d rather have lost that game in the SCC Tournament than now in the state tournament.”
The three graduating senior starters from 2018 were pitching ace Ben DeLaubell, shortstop Ben Schena and first baseman/pitcher Ben Shadeck. The other graduating seniors on the tournament roster were Connor Bauer, Michael Pepe, Matt Seigel and Jonathan Vigdorchik.
“We’re lost some key players,” Ian Battipaglia noted. “But we all will be motivated to get better and improve. We will go into next season with a lot of confidence.”
Battipaglia carries a few pretty good memories into 2019. He had the game-winning hit in the Rams’ 5-4, 10-inning semifinal win over Staples and he also scored the only run in a 1-0 win over Ridgefield in the final after leading off the seventh with a single.
Pepe, a pitcher, was chosen among 30 area players to receive a John “Whitey” Piurek “There’s No ‘I’ In Team” Award that recognizes an individual who gives most unselfishly to his program. The award is named after a former West Haven head coach.
“We had a lot of guys who put the team needs ahead of themselves,” Mrowka said. “They’re an unselfish, special group.”
Reach Mark Jaffee at mjaffee@rep-am.com or follow him on Twitter@TheRealJaffman

BY JASON LEVY
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
DERBY — Tom Abel was at Derby High football practice getting ready for his upcoming senior season. Derby was scrimmaging Branford on August 31, a week before the regular season was set to begin. He was running a toss play when something went wrong.
“I was running and I went to cut straight and back up to the left and (my right knee) just kind of gave out on me,” Abel said Tuesday. “I tore my ACL, both of my meniscuses and I think part of my femur, I was told. It was completely torn, but I had no pain. I didn’t really think anything of it at first.”
The full diagnosis came in a few days later, putting an end to Abel’s football season before it officially began. Also gone were any notions he would suit up for the indoor track season in the winter. But the senior was determined to get healthy for his final crack at high school sports in the spring.
“It’s actually remarkable,” Derby baseball coach Steve Bainer said. “I remember the weekend he got hurt, speaking with him and him immediately saying, ‘coach, I’ll be back for the first game.’ We’ve kind of told him along the way to pump the breaks a little bit, but he’s the type of kid…they don’t make them like Tommy Abel.”
Derby opens the baseball season Monday against Crosby at Naugatuck High (Derby’s home field is under construction for the second straight year, forcing the majority of their home games to Naugatuck), and Abel will be in the lineup and ready to help the Raiders.
“I definitely told myself I wanted to be back,” he said. “So as soon as they gave me my therapy plan I just went it at is hard as I could so I could be back here. I feel fine. It’s basically 100 percent.”
Abel said he feels fine while pitching and hitting, but is still getting up to speed running in the outfield. He played mostly shortstop his first three seasons at Derby. Bainer has Abel penciled in for centerfield for the opener. Bainer and the coaching staff will work with Abel to figure out where he fits best each game.
“They said the hardest part would be trusting my knee, and that’s what it is especially for running,” Abel said. “I try not to think about it that much. I wanted to finish my high school career strong.”
Abel is one of the senior captains along with David Chevarella and Alex Hickey. Bainer relayed that one of his juniors, Damian Caruso, said it best with “the kids know when Tommy Abel is on the field.”
“A lot of those guys played football with him and they were there for his injury,” Bainer said. “It was a different aura of the team when he’s not there versus when he came back. The first time he showed up three days into pitchers and catchers – that was the best practice we’ve had in my four years here because the kids just having the feeling of knowing that Tommy was back and he came back for them. It was a different vibe that day. It’s been like that ever since. There’s a reason why he’s a two-year captain. It’s not a common thing at Derby High School.”
Bainer said Abel will play baseball in college, but is still deciding where to go. Bainer has been fielding calls from coaches regarding Abel now that he has shown he is healthy. The coach knows it would have been easy for Abel to focus on his college career and not rush back to the Raiders. That thought never crossed Abel’s mind.
“Here’s the best thing about Tommy Abel: He will do whatever the team needs,” Bainer said. “He is whatever we need. Whatever he thinks will get us a win at the end of the day or put us in the best situation to be successful is what he’ll do. Its my job and our coaching staff’s job to make sure we are protecting him at all times, but in the same sense he is ready to do whatever he needs to do for us to be successful.”

Here is what area baseball coaches told us about their teams:

Cheshire

Coach: Michael Lussier (1st year)

Last year: 21-5, Class LL champions

Key players: Ryan Strollo (Sr.), Matt Downing (Sr.), Matt Costello (Sr.), Ian Battipaglia (Sr.), Eli Battipaglia (Sr.), Paul Villecco (Sr.), Rob Roles (Sr.), Ryan Cyr (Sr.), Patrick Murphy (Sr.), Mike Kozlowski (Jr.), Ryan Scialabba (So.).

Outlook: The Rams return eight starters from last year’s state champions, which can help them defend their crown. The pitching staff should continue to lead the way, backed by a solid defense. Lussier replaces longtime coach Bill Mrowka, who stepped down after a 21-year run.

Pomperaug

Coach: Mike Eisenbach (28th season)

Last year: 7-13

Key players: Jack Messina (Sr., capt., P-INF), Tyler Goodson (Sr., P-INF), Jeff Eisenbach (Sr., INF-P), Luke DeRidder (Sr., OF-P), Griffin Browne (Sr., P-INF), Noah Fradkin (Sr., P-OF), Dylan Rivers (Jr. P-INF), Dean Koulouris (Jr., C), Chase Chabot (Jr., P-OF), Trevor Galiette (Jr., P-INF), Max Bueno (Jr., P-INF), J.T. Landgrebe (Jr., P-1B).

Outlook: The Panthers graduated 12 players, who all were starters or contributed heavily. Messina was the starting shortstop, but may also play third base this season. The season hinges on players adjusting quickly to the varsity game.

Taft

Coach: Andrew Prince (1st year)

Last year: 7-12

Key players: Nolan Grooms (Sr., P), Beau Root (Sr., P), Dylan Kim (Sr., C), Cole Torino (Jr., INF).

Outlook: Prince is confident the team can improve in 2019. Grooms and Root will lead the pitching staff. Both can also swing the bat after hitting .341 and .310 last season, respectively. Taft plans to be aggressive on the basepaths. New starting shortstop Carson Greene could be a big bat in the middle of the order and is headed to Stanford. Root is headed to Middlebury.

NVL baseball coaches told us about their teams:

Ansonia

Coach: Pat Lynch (2nd year, 7-14)

Last year: 7-14

Key players: Ricky Torres (Sr., P-SS-OF), Jon Picheco (Sr., INF-OF), Luca Belenchia (Sr., 1B-OF), Garrett Cafaro (Jr., P-1B-OF), Tyler Cafaro (Jr., CF-P), Matt Blackwell (So., C), Brendan Palmer (Fr., P-SS).

Outlook: The Chargers return six starters and all seven pitching victories from last year’s team, which could give them the needed push to make the NVL and state tournaments. Cafaro (.400 BA), Torres (.320) and Blackwell (.310) will lead the offense while Torres looks to replicate his 1.11 ERA from a year ago.

Crosby

Coach: Joe Bandurski Jr. (7th year)

Last year: 5-15

Key players: Jon Maisonet (Sr., capt., C-P-1B), Josh Balogh (Sr., capt., SS-P), Elias Diaz Padilla (Jr., P-C-OF), Alex Puente (Jr., INF).

Outlook: Maisonet and Balough are the only returning starters. They, along with Diaz Padilla, will lead the pitching staff. The Bulldogs have a youthful team with hopes of building for future.

Derby

Coach: Steve Bainer (4th year, 15-45)

Last year: 6-14

Key players: Tom Abel (Sr., P-INF-OF), David Chevarella (Sr., P-INF), Alex Hickey (Sr., P-OF), Ty Netto (Jr., C), Damian Caruso (Jr., OF), Raymond Queen (Jr., P-INF).

Outlook: Abel, a three-time All-Copper selection, has returned from ACL surgery after sustaining the injury in a football scrimmage last August.

Holy Cross

Coach: Mike Phelan (15th year, 253-91)

Last year: 24-3 overall, NVL champions

Key players: Connor Goggin (Sr., OF, All-NVL), Tim Zupkus (Sr., OF, All-NVL), Brian Parczyk (Sr., C), Austin Brown (Sr., P-INF), Zach Lerner (Sr., P), Corey Fappiano (Sr., INF), Will Greene (Sr., INF), Joe Bonvicini (Sr., 1B), Kingsten Zenick (Sr., INF), John Greene (Jr., INF).

Outlook: The Crusaders have enough experience to win a third straight NVL championship, but will need to be on top of their game in a strong league from top to bottom. Zupkus, Coggin and Parczyk are four-year starters. Coggin (Hartford), Zupkis (Bentley), Parczyk (Dominican), Brown (Western New England) and Lerner (Union) have committed to play college baseball.

Kennedy

Coach: Chris Sarlo (5th year)

Last year: 5-15

Key returning player: Quincey Grant (Jr., OF). Key newcomers: Reis Muccino (Fr., OF), Andrew Oliveira, (Fr. INF-OF-P), Giovanny Alvarado (Fr. INF-C-P), Angel Urbina (Fr., OF), Franklin Pomaquiza (Fr., OF).

Outlook: Angel Galindez, a 2018 All-Brass infielder, transferred to Wilbur Cross in New Haven. The youthful squad will gain a lot of varsity experience, which bodes well for future.

Naugatuck

Coach: Tom Deller (23rd year, 300-191)

Last year: 8-13

Key players: Nick Bruno (Sr., OF-P), Nate Deptula (Sr., P-1B), Mark Nofri (Sr., INF), Zack Royka (Sr., P-C-1B), Mike Patton (Sr., OF), Derek Sampaio (Sr., OF), Tristan Crelan (Sr., 1B-DH), Mike Natkiel (Sr., C-OF), Derrick Jagello (Jr., INF-P), Jon Chatfield (So., 3B-P).

Outlook: The Greyhounds have a bevy of experienced players returning to the roster, including All-NVL pick Royka and All-Iron players Patton and Jagello. If the players put in the effort and keep improving, Deller is confident Naugatuck can compete in a tough NVL.

Oxford

Coach: Brian Hourigan (11th year, 121-106)

Last year: 10-12

Key players: Liam Donaldson (Sr., P-1B), Jake Biondo (Sr., P-INF), Dean Fallas (Sr., 3B), Joe Galla (Sr., 2B-C).

Outlook: The Wolverines have a good combination of new and returning players who are motivated to compete against a challenging NVL schedule.

Sacred Heart

Coach: Eric O’Toole (5th year, 50-42)

Last year: 12-11

Key players: Hector Alejandro (Jr., P, 1.70 ERA, 96 strikeouts, .364 BA), Ernest McClary (Sr., 289 BA), Justin Stephens (Jr., 13 RBI, .279 BA).

Outlook: Alejandro was an All-NVL and All-State selection in 2018. The Hearts have a good mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen throughout lineup.

Seymour

Coach: Jeff Gilbert (4th year, 44-29)

Last year: 20-7, Class M champions

Key players: John Chacho (Sr., P-IF), DJ Kirpas (Sr., P-OF), Austin Verab (Sr., P-IF), Dan Manente (Jr., P-IF), Nick Marchetti (Jr., P-IF).

Outlook: The reigning Class M champions lost several contributors from that title-winning squad, leaving big shoes to fill. The returning players are expected to step up as leaders and help bring the new players along. Chacho hit .500 during the state tournament last season and totaled 35 RBI for the Wildcats in 2018. Manette and Marchetti drove in 25 and 22 runs, respectively.

St. Paul

Coach: Vic Rinaldi (4th year, career record, 165-61)

Last year: 19-7

Key players: Sean Crean (Sr.), Dylan Gagnon (Sr.), Julian Thayer (Jr., All State/All NVL), Ethan Rembish (Jr., All-Copper), Josh Cofrancesco (Jr.), Ryan Parent (Jr., All Copper), Walker Sharp (Jr.), Shawn Remilard (So.).

Outlook: Pitching and defense will be key to the Falcons’ success. St. Paul has a younger squad with only two seniors in the lineup and will be looking for contributions from the younger players.

Torrington

Coach: Pat Richardson (11th year)

Last year: 10-12

Key players: Casey Navin (Sr.), Ben Richardson (Sr.), Garrett Fosbrook (Sr.), Charlie Pataky (Sr.), Jason Canfield (Sr.), James Gaskins (Sr.), C.J. Root (Sr.), Aaron Bainer (Jr.), Kyle Banche (Jr.), Adam Vanotti (Jr.), Nick Balducci (Jr.).

Outlook: The Red Raiders return a bevy of upperclassmen with varsity experience that should help the team contend for Iron, NVL and state titles this season. Bainer earned All-Iron honors last season.

Watertown

Coach: Jerry Valentino (10th year)

Last year: 15-9

Key players: Robert Johnston (Sr., P-INF), Steven Phillips (Jr., P-OF), Colin Cronin (Sr., P-INF), Hayden Beauty (Sr., C-INF), Andrew Teardo (Sr., P-C).

Outlook: The Indians are going to be young and inexperienced. How quickly the younger players can develop will determine how competitive the team will be.

WCA

Coach: Joe Russo (4th year, 24-38)

Last year: 7-14

Key players: Celestino Toucet (Sr.), Jacob Torres (Sr.), Mark Cummings (Sr.), Jon Castro (Sr.), Mike Matta (Sr.), Jose Zambrana (Sr.), Andrew Petro (So.), Daniel Petro (So.), Ian Normand (So.).

Outlook: The Spartans are an experienced team featuring four seniors who have started every game since the program began at the varsity level four years ago. Toucet and Torres earned All-Brass recognition last year. The three sophomores all got their feet wet on the mound last year.

Wilby

Coach: Mike Monroe (2nd year, 0-20)

Last year: 0-20

Key players: Kevin Bruno (Sr.), Frandy Espinal (Jr.), David Sanchez (Jr.), Sanley Castillo (So).

Outlook: The Wildcats enter a rebuilding season and are hopeful some of the new additions to the roster can have a positive impact to keep the team competitive.

Wolcott

Coach: Tary Scott (23rd year, 390-188)

Last year: 22-5, Class M finalist

Key Players: Jack Drewry (Sr., P-1B), Jeff Nicol (Sr., C), Dane Hassan (Sr., OF-P), Trey Nastri (Sr., INF-P), Brett Adams (Sr., P), Anthony Ligi (Sr., OF).

Outlook: Drewry and Hassan were All-NVL and All-State selections while Nicol, a four-year starter, was All-NVL. Ligi earned All-Iron. Seven starters return, including the nucleus of the pitching staff. Drewry is headed to Southern Connecticut while Nicol is headed to Central Connecticut and Nastri and Adams both will be moving on to Eastern Connecticut.

Woodland

Coach: Mike Kingsley (9th year, 86-82)

Last year: 16-6

Key players: Zack Bedryczuk (Sr., SS), Colby Linnell (Sr.), Dante DiRubba (Sr.), Jason Hicks (Sr.), Alex Kalentek (Sr.), David Kiernan (Sr.), Justin Marks (Sr.), Justin Butterworth (Sr.).

Outlook: The Hawks have a talented group of seniors looking to build on their experience to be competitive in the regular season and postseason.

Here is what Berkshire League baseball coaches told us about their teams:

Gilbert

Coach: Patrick Cooke (13th year)

Last year: 8-13

Key players: Ryley Weiss (Sr., P-SS), Kevin Sullivan (Sr., C-P), Eli Pasternack (Sr., OF), Ryan Marconi (Sr., P), Kyle Matthews (Jr., INF-P).

Outlook: The Yellowjackets expect to improve this season, led by Weiss, the reigning BL pitcher of the year and an All-State selection, and a solid defense. They will face a test in their season opener at defending BL champion Shepaug. The roster also features five Gilbert wrestlers, including state champs Matthews and Nick Barber.

Housatonic

Coach: Darryl Morhardt (6th year)

Last year: 7-13

Key players: Caleb Sphur (Sr., SS), Jack McAuliffe (Sr., 3B-P), Matt Murray (Sr., P), Sean Caiati (Sr., C), Nick Winburn (Sr., OF) Cameron Ackerman (Sr., OF).

Outlook: Led by their returning seniors, the Mountaineers expect a consistent offense, but pitching will be a question mark. Everyone will need to perform as expected for Housatonic to be in the mix of a competitive BL.

Lewis Mills

Coach: Bob Swierbitowicz (1st year)

Last year: 15-5

Key players: Devin Shaffer (Sr., 3B), Jack Foley (Sr., P), Eric Ziff (Sr., P), Owen Lacouciere (Sr.), James Gorski (Sr.), Ben Harris (Sr.), Brice Duda (Sr.), Chuck Wadowski (Sr.), Blair Harris (Jr., P).

Outlook: The Spartans look to end their final year in the Berkshire League with a conference title. The pitching staff will be buoyed by Foley Ziff and Harris while Lacouciere and All-State third baseman Shaffer lead the offense.

Litchfield

Coach: Kyle Weaver (12th year)

Last year: 7-13

Key players: Coleby Bunnell (Sr., C-3B, second-team All-BL), Tom Brady (Sr., SS-P), Matt Gostkowski (Sr., OF), Jared Guilmart (Sr. INF-P), Colin Terhune (Sr., OF-P), Luke Vermilyea (Jr., C), Aidan Donahue (So. P-INF).

Outlook: The Cowboys are hoping to get quallity starts from their pitching staff, aided by a strong defense, to keep them in games. Brady, Bunnell and Guilmart form a strong infield. The team will rely on the seniors to lead the attack.

Nonnewaug

Coach: Frank Melillo (4th year, 33-27)

Last year: 12-9

Key players: Hayden Brochu (Sr., OF), Jarrett Michaels (Sr., OF, second-team All-BL), Joe Rupe (Sr., SS-P), Matt Sibilia (Sr., INF-P), Nick Sordi (Sr., C), Sam Williams (P-OF), Austin Bedard (Jr., INF), James Parker (Jr., P-OF, All-BL), Evan Kachur (Jr, 1B), Mitch Abramovich (Jr., P-1B), Ryan Tomkalski (So., P-INF).

Outlook: The Chiefs graduated only three starters and are a senior-laden team. They should play strong defense and produce runs. Pitching will be the key.

Northwestern

Coaches: Kevn Nelligan, Jim Davidson (17th year)

Last year: 14-7

Key players: Joey Grantmeyer (Sr., capt.), Mike Bobinski (Sr., capt.), Noah McDonald (Sr., capt., All-BL), Casey Weingart (Sr.), Spencer Green (Sr.), Jeff Dombrowski (Sr.), Zac West (Sr.), Drew Warren (Jr., capt., All-BL), Levi Delaney (Jr.), Garrett Austin (Sr.), Luke Green (Jr.), Marino Fulton (Jr.), Ajay Prindle (Sr.).

Outlook: The Highlanders hope to contend for the league crown in a competitive field. The pitching will determine their success.

Shepaug

Coach: Scott Werkoven

Last year: 22-2, Class S semifinalist, 19-1, BL champions

Key players: Ethan Hibbard (Sr., C, .559 BA, 35 runs, 28 RBI), Chancellor Dutcher (Sr., P-OF, .469 BA, 20 runs, 4-0, 1.25 ERA), Dominic Perachi (Sr., P, 7-1, 1.43 ERA, 73 strikeouts), Joe Brunelli (Sr., 1B .423 BA, 26 runs, 27 RBI), Jack Schneider (Sr., OF, .368 BA, 18 runs, 20 RBI), Jack Pesce (Sr., OF, 16 runs, 13 RBI), Jack Kennedy (Sr., P-3B), Mike McCluskey (Sr., P-INF), Cole Donaghey (Jr., C-OF), Owen Hibbard (Soph., SS, .325 BA, 14 runs, 16 RBI).

Newcomers: Andres Rico (Sr.), Mike Granata (Jr., P-INF-OF), Will Granata (Soph., P-OF), Matt Sheedy (So., INF).

Outlook: The Spartans graduated BL All-Star Alan Stinson, but have several players with varsity experience and a good mix of players who can play multiple positions.

Terryville

Coach: Brian Rosano (3rd year, 17-26)

Last year: 7-14

Key players: Colin Bamrick (Sr., C, All-BL, .491 BA), John Carasone (Sr., OF, .364 BA), Nick Piper (Sr., P-INF), Albert Molina (Jr., P-utility, 5-1 record, 3.21 ERA, .489 BA), Nick Ieronimo (Jr., P-3B, .333 BA), Colby Reault (Jr., P-OF), Anthony Pires (Jr., P-utility), Sean O’Donnell (So., OF, .333 BA).

Outlook: With seven returning starters, the Kangaroos have high hopes to qualify for the posteason for second straight year. They have improved depth on the pitching staff, versatility throughout the diamond and a strong team defense. The key will be to have a consistent offense.

Thomaston

Coach: Craig Prasauckas (1st year)

Last year: 12-9

Key Players: Andrew Colavecchio (Sr., All-BL), Isaiah Johnson (Jr.), Matt Fabiano (Jr.), Ian Bethin (Jr.), Jason Johnson (Jr.), Ty Harkness (So.), Ryan Bethin (So.), Keegan Daigle (So.).

Outlook: Despite a small roster size, the Bears have a group of talented and versatile players, who will try to overcome any challenge put in front of them. The Bears expect to be competitive in every game and qualify for the state tournament.

Wamogo

Coach: Gregg Hunt (36 years overall, 222-265; 13th at Wamogo, 95-155)

Last year: 4-16

Key players: Sean Coffey (Sr.), Kyle Threlfall (Sr.), Ethan Collins (Jr.), Justin Emanuel (Jr.), Colin Ferrer (Jr.).

Outlook: With an experienced varsity squad, the Warriors are looking to improve upon last season and working to return to the state tournament.

We asked NVL softball coaches to tell us about their teams. Here is what they said:

• No information yet from: Derby, Oxford, Watertown

Ansonia

Coach: Lindsay Wheeler (7th year, 59-64)

Last year: 3-17

Key Players: Becca Paskiewicz (Sr., captain), Nevaeh Sorrentino (Sr., captain), Mikayla Hernandez (Jr.), Adiana Marenyi (Jr.), Jenna Malino (So.)

Outlook: The Chargers are continuously working to improve the program and grow in numbers. With some experienced freshman and a large group of juniors the Chargers will look to be competitive.

Crosby

Coach: Dave Brennan

Key players: Luz Matos (Sr., capt., SS), Gabriella Garcia (Sr., capt., INF-OF), Esmerelda Sanches (Sr., 2B), Marissa White (Jr., IF-C), Eleana Rosario (Sr., OF), Yosemeris Castro (Jr., OF), Mya Soto (So., INF), Angie Ovalles (So., INF), Aslin Marquez (So., OF), Brooke Delbuono (So., P), Jalin Feliciano (So., INF), Destiny Morales (So., INF), Alondra Chico-Cruz (So., OF)

Outlook: Matos is a two-year captain Garcia returns as a four-year player. The Bulldogs look to challenge some of the league’s best teams.

Holy Cross

Coach: Megan Dwyer (5th year)

Last year: 20-7

Key players: Allie Brown (Sr., All-Division), Hannah Brown (Sr.), Valerie Nobrega (Sr., All-Division), Julia Joyce (Sr.), Carley DeFoe (Sr.), Elise Pelletier (Sr.), Elizabeth Diorio (Jr.) Brandi McIntosh (Jr.), Jenna Mowad (Jr., All-NVL).

Outlook: The Crusaders are excited to have a strong senior class that will lead the team both on and off the field. The juniors and underclassmen will also be key to the season. The Crusaders are focused on staying competitive in a stong league.

Kennedy

Coach: Marlena Scialla (11th year, 48-154)

Last year: 5-15

Key players: Ashlei Sharkey (Sr., P), Shyan Perez (Sr., C), Janivelys Gutierrez (Sr., OF), Nya DiMichele (Sr., OF), Isabella Gaspard (Sr., 2B), Toni Lopez (Sr., OF), Jalissa Robles (Jr., C), Javilet Soto (Jr., SS-3B), Britney Barton (Jr., 1B), Milan Vazquez (Jr., Util.), Claribel Vazquez Ruiz (So., INF), Elizabeth Albright (Fr., 3B-P).

Outlook: The Eagles return a lot of upperclassmen, particularly in the battery. Improving the defense to support the pitchers will be the key to success this season. The addition of Albright will be able to spell the senior pitchers when needed. The goal is to reach the eight-win mark and make the postseason.

Naugatuck

Coach: Kevin Wesche (17th year)

Last year: 13-7

Key players: Shannon Burns (Sr.), Hailey Deitelbaum (Sr.), Megan Schofield (Sr.), Alyssa Ulrich (Sr.), Jordyn Hunt (Jr.), Kayshla DIaz (So.), Alyssa Roberts (So.), Kendall Allen (Fr.), Nadia Cestari (Fr.), Samantha Mullin (Fr.), Felicia Salvati (Fr.).

Outlook: The Greyhounds are a young team and expecting to mature with experience as the season progresses and make an impact in the league and beyond.

Sacred Heart

Coach: Molly DePaiva (13th year, 88-179)

Last year: 14-7

Key players: Madison Gendron (Sr.), Victoria Turrell (Sr.), Taylor Benjamin (Sr.), Lauren Kiluk (Sr.), Ajanique Lewis (Jr.), Brooke Moran 9So.), Jamie Baker (So.), Jillian Boland (So.), Savannah Diogostine (So.), Brianna Dalipovski (So.), Adoria Davidson (So.), Azhia Rockhead (So.), Iyana River (So), Sophia Audi (Fr.), Stephanie Delgado (Fr.), Alyssa DeLeon (Fr.), Evelyn Colucci (Fr.), Maddie Blais (Fr.), Sydney Sirica (Fr.), Ashley Galvao (Fr.).

Outlook: The Hearts graduated a strong senior class and will be looking for leadership from both the upperclassmen and rookies to replace what was lost in a competitive league.

Seymour

Coach: Ken Pereiras (15th year, 335-30)

Last year: 24-2

Key players: Molly Adamo (Sr.), Sierra Cripps (sr.), Kolby Sirowich (Jr.), Morgan Teodosio (So.), Jenna Geffert (Sr.).

Outlook: The Wildcats have a returning solid core of players with experienced pitchers and will be competitive if the younger players develop.

St. Paul

Coach: Gary Hovhanessian (15th year, 174-129)

Last year: 17-3

Key players: Abby Poirot (Sr., Captain/All-State), Jess Persechino (Sr.,Captian/All New Haven Register Team), Katrina Roy (Jr.), Janessa Gonzalez (Jr.), Cari Marchak (Sr.), Rebecca Nerbonne (Sr.), Caleigh McDougall (So.).

Outlook: The Falcons are looking forward to the season with an experienced varsity squad and a good mix of newcomers. Having moved to a different division in the NVL, the Falcons have a strong schedule but are excited for the challenge and hope it will prepare them for post-season play.

Torrington

Coach: Maryann Musselman (20th season)

Last year: 4-16

Key players: Juila Fritz (Sr., capt,. P), Alyssa Dowd (Sr. capt. C), Lexi Reynolds (Sr. capt. SS), Macayla Muzzlin (Sr., utility), Shalyn Neary (Soph., 2B), Madison McLaughlin (Soph., 3B), Suzy Navin (Soph., OF), Dana Ciscowski (Jr., OF), Sarah Walton (Jr., OF), Olivia Mooney (Jr., OF).

Outlook: The Red Raiders have a lot of experience back and majority of the starters around the diamond and expect to improve a great deal in the standings. They are a cohesive group.

WCA

Coach: John O’Toole (4th year, 36-28)

Last year: 9-12

Key players: Leila Lazaro (Sr.), Tabatha Palomba (Sr.), Alijah Gonzalez (Sr.), Cheyenne Whidbee (Sr.), Dakota Whidbee (Sr.).

Outlook: The Spartans are looking to give a full effort in every game and compete in the NVL to reach their goal of earning eight victories to reach the state tournament.

Wilby

Coach: Mike Caruso (3rd year, 3-37)

Last year: 3-17

Key players: Bria Kirklin (Sr., co-captain), Solmary Perez (Sr., co-captain), Alyssa Colon (Sr.), Ashley Tanguay (Sr.), Shelby Lee (Jr.).

Outlook: With the strong leadership from the upperclassmen, the Wildcats are looking forward to improve on last year’s three wins and have a great season.

Wolcott

Coach: Gabby Gallucci (1st year)

Last year: 16-4

Key players: Alexis Boyce (Sr., All-NVL), Madison Rotella (Sr., All-Iron), Josie Cammarata (Jr., All- Iron)

Outlook: Gallucci, a former player with the Eagles, succeeds longtime coach Lisa Belval Novakowski. Boyce and Cammarata are expected to come up big for Wolcott’s offense, while Sarah Hughes, Maddie Rotella and Katie Cosmos will continue to be a defensive force. Hailey Kroll and Aly Garafolo are also anticipated to be strong contributors.

Woodland

Coach: Loren Luddy (18th year, 243-134)

Last year: 10-10

Key players: Stephanie Krebbs (Sr., Captain/All-Iron), Liz Triana (Sr., Captain), Katelyn Donovan (Sr., Captain), Emily Caruso (Sr., Captain).

Outlook: The Hawks return an experienced senior class and are excited to bring up a strong group of younger players who are ready to compete at the varsity level. The Hawks hope to work hard with sights set on the NVL and State Tournament.

We asked NVL softball coaches to tell us about their teams. Here is what they said:

• No information yet from: Housatonic

Gilbert

Coach: Jerry Brochu (10th year)

Last year: 5-15

Key players: Anna King (Sr., P), Penelope Rein (Sr., SS), Jillian Wexler (Sr., C), Marcela Moreira (Sr., OF).

Outlook: The Yellowjackets lost only one player to graduation, leaving an experienced team that hopes to make a push towards the state tournament. In order to do so they must be more aggressive at the plate and remain healthy.

Lewis Mills

Coach: Chris Sawyer (1st year)

Last year: 14-6

Key players: Coral Gorack (Sr.), Mary Kate Cormier (Sr.), Amber Madore (Sr.), Chloe Brzoska, Caitlin curran (Sr.), Emily Hunt (Sr.), Shannon Reid (Sr.), Taylor Tantaquidgeon (Jr.), Topanga Tantaquidgeon (Jr.), Makenzie Jones (So.), Hailey Gorack (So.), Kristina DeMichiel (So.)

Outlook: The Spartans have a strong senior group with a young mix of talent.

Litchfield

Coach: Mandy Tuthill (2nd year, 0-18)

Last year: 0-18

Key players: Anna Conaghan (Sr.), Riley Majeske (Sr.), Sarah McCarthy (Sr.), Caelen Erickson (Sr.), Jacalyn Goulet (So.), Kaylee Dileo (So.), Danielle Guillet (So.), Katherine Marola (So.).

Outlook: The Cowgirls are adding six players to the roster, including freshman pitcher MacKenzie Schweter, that should boost the strong core of returning players and put some Ws in the win column this season.

Nonnewaug

Coach: Luigi Velardi (2nd season, 9-13)

Last year: 9-13

Key players: Maya Brazauskas (Sr.), Ariana Laracuente (Sr.), Allison Codianna (Sr.), Alessia Mauro (Sr.). Nicole Mercer (Sr.), Grace Lynch (Sr.), Abigail Scheurich (Jr.).

Outlook: With Laracuente and Mercer back after being sidelined for the 2018 season with leg injuries, the Chiefs look to be much improved. They also have a strong incoming freshmen class.

Northwestern

Coach: Stacey Zematis (17th year, 255-104)

Last year: 22-1

Key players: Sydney Sanden (Sr., All-State/All-BL/Jr. All-Star Team), Harley Jasmin (Sr., 2nd team), Ellie Olsen (Sr.), Lexi Fortier (Sr., All-BL), Megan Griswold (Sr.), Jana Sanden (Jr., All-BL), Laura Klimkosky (Jr.), Riley Webb (So.), Ava Blanchard (So.).

Outlook: The Highlanders return a solid core of last years’ squad, which went undefeated in the regular rseason and won a pair Class M Playoff games, but have some spots to fill. The squad has hard workers looking to earn a starting postition.

Shepaug

Coach: Steve Pickett (11th year)

Last year: 11-9

Key players: Hannah Lasky (Sr.), Lucy Puskas (Jr.), Bailey Herron (Jr.), Brooke Donaghey (So.), Haylie Lasky (So.), Anna Sprong (So.).

Outlook: The Spartans are returning 7 starters and looking to improve as the season progresses with hopes of making the state tournament.

Terryville

Coach: Stephanie Fuller (9th year, 79-88)

Last year: 8-13

Key players: Allie Michaud (Jr.), Olivia Tuohy (Jr.), Tiffany Pires (So.), Jessie Valentine (So.), Lacy Lyons (So.), Emma Farrow (So.), Gianna Farrow (So.), Alexis Fitzherbert (So.), Taylor Barnett (Fr.), Zoe Zappone (Fr.), Jessica Foster (Fr.).

Outlook: The Kangaroos are a young team, but have talent and experience playing together. One struggle will be to fill each position with experienced players.

Thomaston

Coach: Kelly Finlay (8th year, 115-38)

Last year: 15-7

Key players: Alexis Theriault (Sr.), Erin Fainer (Sr.), Kaylee Falter (Jr.), Alexis Boulanger (Jr.) Hannah Laone (So.), Caitlin Magnuson (So.).

Outlook: The Bears have a young team, having graduated 4 starters including Bl 1st team pitcher Katie Everett ane BL 1st team/all-state catcher Alexa Milius, but are expected to be contenders in the Berskhire League with a hard working freshman class.

Wamogo

Coach: Dave Sylvester (5th year, 73-16)

Last Year: 16-4

Key Players: Savannah Wheeler (Sr., captain/1st Team All-BL/All State), Mackenzie Hoyt (Sr., captain/2nd Team All-BL), Cassidy Wilson (Sr., captain), Samantha Sylvester (Jr., 1st Team All-BL, All-State), Danielle Maliszewski (2nd Team All-BL), Cecily Zemaitis (Jr.).

Outlook: Returning seven out of nine starters from last year’s squad that reached the state semifinals, the Warriors are optimistic and excited about the upcoming season. Sylvester is looking to improve upon a strong sophomore season. The Warriors’ strength is up the middle with catcher Maliszewski, SS Wheeler, second baseman Zemaitis and the centerfield dominance of Hoyt. Adding to the offense is the hitting of Harnett and Wilson. Adding to the Warriors’ strength is the defense of Paige Mitchell and Linnea Budge.

We asked area schools for information on their softball teams and here are the coaches who replied:

Chase Collegiate

Coach: Stephen Behr (1st year)

Last year: 1-7

Key players: Sophia Medeiros (Sr., SS, .500 average, All-WNEPS), Callie Hoyt (Sr., P-1B, .455 BA, HVAL All-Star), Angelene Guglielmo (Sr., 3B, .316, Kee Jung Carlson (Sr., 2B), Vicky Wan (Sr., C), Kaitlyn Green (So., P): Julia Francisco (So., 1B, .467)

Outlook: Behr takes over for longtime coach Carol Deming, who will be an assistant coach. The Highlanders are looking to build on last year’s improvements and become more competitive within our league. Since we had a brand new group last year, it will be exciting to see what they bring to the field this season. Added top the mix are six freshmen who will be able to contribute right away.

Cheshire

Coach: Kristine Drust (6th year, 113-15)

Last year: 23-3

Key players: Mia Juodaitis (Sr.), Jade Barnes (Sr.), Bri Floyd (Sr.), Lexie Hemstock (Sr.), Ari Perlini (Jr.), Bri Pearson (So.).

Outlook: The Rams goals is to get better everyday and build on the tradition from years past. The Rams have a core of experienced starters with a lot of young players eager to be learn the way and be impactful.

Pomperaug

Coach: Paul Masotto (15th year)

Last year: 9-13

Key players: Kaitlyn Flood (Sr., C-3B), Christina Stiber (Jr., OF), Rachel Ushka (Jr., SS-3B-OF), Autumn Ciccarella (Jr., 3B-2B-C-OF).

Outlook: The Panthers are young team in transition and will rely upon the leadership of Flood, Ushka and Stiber to succeed this season. The roster is full of good young players with great defensive abilities. The pitching staff will rely heavily on freshmen and sophomores that are developing their skills. Pomperaug looks to be competitive in the SCC and reach the conference and state tournaments.

Taft

Coach: Tom Antonucci (5th year, 41-15-1)

Last year: 9-4-1

Key players: Morgan Trimper (Sr., Western NE All-Star), Ally Trimper (Sr.), Piper DeSorcie (Jr.)

Outlook: Last season the Rhinos won the playoffs and finished as co-champs for the Western New England association. This season, they have spots to fill having graduated four starting seniors and hope to have another strong campaign in a competitive league.

Wolcott Tech

Coach: Jennifer Garzone (6th year, 60-47)

Last year: 15-8

Key players: Mary Dinice (Sr.) Katelyn Benedict (Sr.), Maura Nelson (Sr.), Sage Colucci (Sr.), Mikayla Doll (Sr.), Summer Moulthrop (Sr.), Danielle Negron (Sr.), Michaela Scully (Jr.), Megan Dorosh (Jr.), Amerie Massago (Jr.).

Outlook: The Wildcats graduated 6 starters last season but still have an experienced, versatile roster. With the right focus and chemistry, the Wildcats are looking to be a contender in the CTC and advance to post-season play.

We asked high school golf coaches to tell us about their teams. Here are the ones who did just that:

Naugatuck Valley League

Seymour

Coach: Paul O’Connor (2nd season)

Last year: 6-9

Key players: Cody Guillette (Sr., All-Iron), Jonah DeJarnette (Sr.), Jacob Scott (Sr.), Zach Thomas (Jr.), Ryan McCormick (Sr.)

Outlook: Guillette will lead an inexperienced team. Scott has made improvements to his short game and there are 10 others pushing to compete for the three to five slots.

Torrington

Coach: Michael McKenna (first season)

Key players: Jon Ledda (Jr., All-NVL), Anthony Marrinelli (Sr.), Greg Aschenbrenner (Sr.).

Outlook: McKenna, the school athletic director, succeeds longtime coach Joe Minutillo. The team is shorthanded this season with only six players, but they have been working hard on preparing for the season. Ledda should contend for medalist honors at the NVL championship. Marrinelli has improved his game. Overall the young Raiders will all get valuable experience competing at the varsity level.

Wolcott

Coach: Craig Kealey

Key players: Jarod Dunn, Colin Brandt, Austin Arroyo, Vin Malena.

Outlook: The Eagles have one senior leading a young roster this season. They are all working hard to be competitive in the NVL and have a rewarding season.

Berkshire League

Gilbert

Coach: Bob Sparks

Last year: 16-0

Key players: Returning BL All-Stars Conor Bailey, Dylan Keith, Hilson Liu.

Outlook: The Yellowjackets look to remain competitive and defend Berkshire League title.

Housatonic

Coach: John McGuire (16th season)

Last year: 12-7

Key players: Zach Ongley (Sr., capt., BL All-Star), Holden Marks (Sr.), Marcus Winburn (Sr.), Dean Saccardi (Sr.).

Outlook: Junior Mason Weigold is sidelined for the season due to injury. We are getting a promising freshman in Zim McAuliffe. The Mountaineers qualified for the state tournament in 2018 and hope to finish in top four of the Berkshire League this year.

Lewis Mills

Coach: Jay Pelchar (19th season)

Last year: 15-4

Key players: Colby Norton (Jr., All-State, #1 Rank in BL), Andrew LeBlanc (Sr., #3 rank in BL), Aaron Pelchar (Jr.), Kyle Goulet (So.), Ryan Flanders (Sr.).

Outlook: The Spartans return an experienced squad, having only graduated one golfer last season. The first goal they have to is to win the Berkshire League Title.

Litchfield

Coach: Rob Gollow (11th season)

Last year: 3-13

Key players: Carson Mello (Sr.), Chris Tieman (Sr.), Jimmy Kelleher (Sr.), Tripp Melk (Sr.), David O’Hara (Jr.), Evan Fischtal (Jr.).

Outlook: The Cowboys look to improve upon last season’s marks thanks to experience gained among the returning players. Newcomers Melk, Fischtal and Quinn Morse are expected to contribute out of the gate.

Shepaug

Coach: Chris Dennis (1st season)

Last year: 2-14

Key players: Tiernan Crossley (Sr.), Ted Eichen (Jr.), Eddie Puskas (Jr.), Henry Roush (Jr.), Grant Ketchum (Jr.).

Outlook: The Spartans return an enthusiastic group of kids that are excited to learn more about golf and improve their games. The experience gained last year should help the returning players improve this season. The goals for the season are to grow as golfers and enjoy the game while being competitive in each match.

Other teams

Chase Collegiate

Coach: Jim Wigren (20th season)

Last year: 6-4

Key players: Josh Gilbert (Sr., All-City), Stefanos Bilis (Sr.), Ben Goth (Soph.). Chris Ficeto (Jr.)

Outlook: The Highlanders have a chance to be a strong team and challenge for Housatonic Valley Athletic League and city titles. The returning players will need to perform well consistently along with newcomers Ritesh Vidhun and Connor McCormack, who be important since five scores are necessary in our matches.

Pomperaug

Coach: Rich Szymanski (31st season, 372-99-3)

Last year: 12-3

Key Players: Tyler Flood (So., All-Colonial), Andrew Letendre (Jr., All-Colonial), Tommy Drumm (Jr.), Zach Wisnefsky (Jr.).

Outlook: Despite having a young team, all of the returning Panthers have varsity experience and are looking to improve upon last season with a goal of a strong finish at the SWC League Championship and qualifying for the Division 1 State Championships.

Kaynor Tech

Coach: Thomas D’Amico (2nd season, 3-12)

Last year: 3-12

Key players: John Mader (Sr.), Kharissa Moore (So.), Ryan Gotlibowski (So.).

Outlook: The Panthers feature an eight-player roster, including three freshmen, that could provide a solid foundation to build upon and improve their record from a year ago.

Wolcott Tech

Coach: Carl Palazotto

Last year: 13-3-1, CT Technical Conference champion, 12th in state competition

Key players: Jon Gasper, Noah Weik

Outlook: The Wildcats are looking to defend the league title and are capable of attaining that goal, despite graduating two starters.

Taft girls

Coach: Ginger O’Shea

2018 record: 12-1-1

Key players: Olivia Wivestad, Sr., captain; Julia Kashimura, Jr., All-Founders League

Coach’s outlook: “We will be young with only three returners, but we are mentally and physically ready to keep up the Taft golf tradition. We had a great spring break trip to Florida to get ready for the season.”

We asked high school girls track coaches to tell us about their teams. Here are the ones who did just that:

Naugatuck Valley League

Holy Cross

Coach: Kate Xeller

Last year: 7-6-1

Key Players: Raquel Rosa (So., All-NVL), Tara Garden (Jr., pole vault)

Outlook: Despite graduating some talent last year, the Crusaders have a solid group willing to work hard and step up in a competitive league.

Sacred Heart

Coach: Thomas Festa (4th year)

Last year: 7-7

Key players: Jenna French (Sr.), Elysa Lopez (Sr.), Ashlyn Acuri (Sr.), Veronique Recile (Jr.), Berverley Okoronkwo (Jr.), Asia Chapman (So.), Melany Bouvin (So.).

Outlook: Despite a small roster size, the Hearts have strong senior leadership and will be competitive at every meet.

Seymour

Coach: Matthew DeMarco (1st year)

Last Year: 4th in NVL

Key performers: Patricia Jurkowski (Sr., sprinter/hurdler), Amber Recine (Sr. sprinter), Ashley Sobin (Sr., sprinter/javelin/jumper), Fiona Smith (Sr., thrower), Faith Rousseau (Jr., jumper/thrower).

Outlook: The girls are lead by an incredibly reliable group of juniors and seniors who are looking to help contribute in any way possible. The Wildcats are looking to compete against very strong competition in both the Copper division and overall NVL championship.

WCA

Coach: Laura Thomas (3rd year)

Key performers: Raianna Grant (Sr., sprints), Sr. Tashieka Sangster (Sr., sprints), Valarie Lopes (Sr., sprints/high jump), Kiani Artis (Sr., sprints), Latvia Parker (Sr., jumps), Samantha Mateo (Sr., throws), Monae Battle (Sr., throws), Jonna Pierce (So., distance).

Outlook: The Spartans are looking to repeat as City champions and have another successful run in the NVL. Grant has emerged as one of the leaders, earning All-NVL honors the past two seasons and holds program records for the 100m, 200m, 4×100 relay and 4×400 relay. Lopes holds the program record for the high jump.

Wilby

Coach: Eddie Tiru (5th year)

Key performers: Alana Daunis (Sr.,capt.).

Outlook: Wilby finished off the indoor track season on a positive note. As the team continues to grow into their roles, the key is to stay healthy while keeping that positive momentum going forward.

Wolcott

Coach: Chris Riviezzo (1st year)

Key performers: Allyson Gough (Sr.), Kim Rosato (Sr.), Kathryn Rodrigues (Sr.), Shannon Burby (Jr.), Lauren Kazemekas (Jr.), Morgan Matyoka (Jr.), Melanie Reed (Jr.), Camryn Brissette (Jr.), Allyson Leclerc (So.), Samantha Riviezzo (So.), Hannah Wright (So.)

Outlook: The Eagles have a young team and are looking to be competitive in the NVL.

Berkshire League

Housatonic

Coach: Gary Davis (3rd season)

Last year: 3-6

Key performers: Sierra O’Niel (Sr., sprinter hurdler), Jill Diamond (Jr., sprinter, jumper)

Outlook: It will be difficult to make up the points scored last season by Emily Geyselaers (10-time BL Track all-star) and Allison Holmes. But with an enthusiastic group of newcomers to develo, Davis thinks team could finish in the middle of the pack.

Lewis Mills

Coach: Jason Gonzalez (5th year, 24-14)

Last Year: 7-2

Key performers: Sydney Mello (Sr.), Celina Daigle (Sr.), Jaime Jackson (Sr.), Hope Sherman (Jr.), Cara Casida (So.), Alyse Pasqualini (So.).

Outlook: Despite losing about five or six seniors, the Spartans hope to reload with seven new freshman and some new sophomore and juniors joining the team this year. Their goal as it is every year is to contend for the Berkshire League title and to get as many athletes to qualify for the Class M and State Open Championships. Daigle placed top 15 in the 300 hurdles in Class M while Mello finsihed in the top 10 in the shot put in the state open. Mills is hoping to improve on our 7-2 record this year especially since its our last year in the BL.

Nonnewaug

Coach: Arleigh Duff (24th year, 237-3)

Last year: 8-1

Key performers: Azria Malloy (Sr., javelin/hurdles/sprints/jumps/throws), Katherine Tenennenza (Sr., thrower), Maddie Woodward (Jr.), Cassandra Barbino (Jr.), Helene Berger (Jr.), Savannah Fish (Jr.), Courtney Rowland (So., high jump), Samantha Thompson (So., pole vault)

Outlook: The Chiefs are looking to improve this season in a competitive Berkshire League. The Chiefs have a returning BL Javelin Champion, Azria Malloy and Sophmore talent in Courtney Rowland (high jump) and Samantha Thompson (pole vault) who qualified for the State Open in their respective events last season.

Shepaug

Coach: Tara Flaherty

Key performers: Olivia Tibbatts (Sr., sprinter), Elisa Afiouni (Sr., mid-distance/relay), Aileen Rosa (Sr., mid-distance/relay), Erin McGrath (Sr., distance/relay).

Outlook: The Spartans have a solid group of returning Seniors as well as a large freshman group eager to contribute during meets. A senior to look out for is 100m/200m/heptahlon State Qualifier Olivia Tibbatts.

Thomaston

Coach: Jeff Foulds (21 years) and Chris Perkins (13 years)

Last year: 1-8

Key players: Bella Christina (Sr.), Jordan Philbin (Sr.), Madison Maske (Jr.), Dillon Camarillo (Jr.), Kassie McCarthy (Jr.), Emily Morgan (Jr.), Reilly Stager (So.), Kelly Poulin (So.), Katie Deforest (Fr.).

Outlook: The Bears return several athletes that have the potential to put up points in multiple events this year that should bode well when it gets time to compete in league and state championships.