Finally on the diamond after a late start to spring, area high school baseball teams are preparing with varied expectations to begin the 2017 season.
A pair of defending Vermont state champions, Windsor (Division III) and South Royalton (D-IV), return deep and talented pitching staffs that have both teams dreaming of repeats. Sunapee came up just short last season, losing in the New Hampshire D-IV state title game, but the Lakers boast a trio of senior leaders who have never seen their season end before the state finals.
Hanover and Lebanon each look to rebound from below-.500 finishes last season. The Marauders seek to improve by leaps and bounds, with their entire starting lineup remaining unchanged from a year ago. The Raiders look to integrate a young group of varsity newcomers with a strong upperclass core.
Hartford lost a 2-1 heartbreaker to St. Johnsbury in the Vermont D-I semifinals last season and will endeavor to take a step (or two) more this year with a team led by a potentially dominant group of pitchers.
Hanover
Coach: John Grainger (second year).
Last year: 3-14, missed state tournament.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Avery Monahan (P/IF), Will Smith (CF), David Seigne (IF), Ivan Somoff (IF), Connor Stafford (P/IF). Juniors — David Lehmann (P/IF), Moises Celaya (P/IF), Charlie Goodrich (OF), Mark Hampers (P/IF), Braxton McNulty (C). Sophomore — Kegan Silovich (P/OF).
Newcomers: Junior — Sam Maynes (OF). Sophomore — Nick Starosta (IF). Freshmen — Joey Perras (P/IF), Jack Loftus (C).
Analysis: The Marauders return all nine starters from last season and have their sights set on a return to postseason play. Center fielder Will Smith is a dynamic player coming off second-team all-state honors last year. Moises Celaya and Kegan Silovich will pick up the bulk of duties on the mound to lead a deep pitching staff for second-year coach John Grainger.
“We have a great group of kids who work hard and want to compete every day. It’s been a struggle being in the gym every day for practice, but there hasn’t been a single practice where the kids didn’t come to learn,” Grainger said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this team can do. Last year, even though we lost 14 games, we played the best teams in the state tough. We are a very fast team, so I hope we can steal a lot of bases and put pressure on the other team to make good plays.”
Hartford
Coach: Jarrod Grassi (14).
Last year: 11-8, lost in semifinals to St. Johnsbury.
Leagues: Vermont Division I, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Nate Robinson (OF), Nick Wright (IF), Jordy Allard (P/SS), Dylan Spencer (IF/P), Matt Libuda (OF). Juniors — Austin Gaudette (CF/P), Tyler Hamilton (C), Hunter Perkins (P/1B).
Newcomers: Seniors — Adam Potter (C), Brendan Whitney (OF). Juniors — Cody Thayer (OF), Walker Farley (IF). Sophomores — Riley Packard (2B), Nick Cameron (1B). Freshman — Kyle Hamilton (IF/P).
Analysis: A trio of strong pitchers (Jordy Allard, Hunter Perkins, Dylan Spencer) will be the backbone of this season’s Hurricanes. Allard, a senior, will be a starting pitcher for the first time after a successful run as a hard-throwing relief specialist earlier in his high school career. That trio, along with Tyler Hamilton and Austin Gaudette, will be counted on to provide leadership for a team that is otherwise young and a bit inexperienced at the varsity level.
“If we pitch the way we’re capable of and just score 3-4 runs per game, it might be enough,” Hartford coach Jarrod Grassi said. “We’ve got some good younger kids; some of them will have to step up and give us good production. We’re just trying to get them in the right spots so that they’re comfortable and confident. There’s definitely potential with this group.”
Lebanon
Coach: Doug Ashey (24).
Last year: 7-11, lost in the second round.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Nate Gariepy (C), Hunter Marsh (IF/P), Joah Moss (OF/P), Nate Perkins (OF/P), Caleb Broughton (SS/P). Juniors — Derek Griffin (IF/P), Hunter Boutin (UT).
Newcomers: Senior — Colin Becker (OF). Juniors — Jaret Armstrong (OF), Ryan Nicholson (IF), Matt Eylander (P/3B), Tyler Tewksbury (C/DH). Sophomores — Kyle Pelletier (IF/P), Graham Ten Haken (IF/P), Joe Dupree (C/DH). Freshman — Caleb Smith (P/IF).
Analysis: Four-year varsity players Nate Gariepy, Caleb Broughton and Nate Perkins, along with third-year senior Joah Moss, lead a team low on varsity experience but high on work ethic and enthusiasm for the sport. Broughton will miss the first eight games of the season for a violation of the school conduct code, a circumstance that will open opportunities for others to step forward.
“We are playing inexperienced kids in a lot of spots,” Lebanon coach Doug Ashey said. “We need to get better in all areas. The team has a willingness to learn, and they’re coachable kids. Hopefully, we’ll see some progress as we go along, and I’m optimistic about what we can become.”
Mascoma
Coach: Guy Serviss (10).
Last year: 5-11, missed playoffs.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Tyler Findley (P/1B), Mark Olsen (OF), Jonny Raymond (C/2B), Micah McCullough (SS/2B), Derek French (P/IF/OF), Wyatt Wheeler (1B/3B). Juniors — Ethan Brueckner (P/IF), Tyler Warner (CF/SS/P).
Newcomers: Seniors — Gus Chapman (P/OF), Andrew Melkonian (OF). Junior — Aidan O’Connell (C/OF). Sophomores — Dom Wilcox (2B), Caleb McAlister (IF/OF), Devin Tetreault (P/1B).
Analysis: Senior pitchers Tyler Findley and Derek French lead a group that should be strong on the mound. The Royals are loaded with versatile players and have shown good team chemistry early in the season. Ethan Brueckner, Tyler Warner, Jonny Raymond and Wyatt Wheeler will lead the Mascoma bats in support of that deep pitching staff.
“I expect us to win enough games to make the playoffs, and then anything can happen,” coach Guy Serviss said. “If our defense plays as well as it should, we will win quite a few games. This group of players work hard every day and support each other.”
Newport
Coach: Jonathan Hamel (2).
Last year: 5-11, missed tournament.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Dylan McNamara (P/IF), Cameron Ackerman (OF), Dominic Russell (C/P/3B), T.J. Hubert (IF/OF). Juniors — Cody Turgeon (P/IF), Kyle Fish (IF).
Newcomers: Seniors — Bryce Turner (C/IF/OF), Brendon Halleck (IF/OF). Junior — Gabe Edwards (IF/OF). Sophomores — J.T. Blaine (P/IF/OF), Joey Ackerman (P/OF), Tony Robertson (IF/OF), Daniel Lee (IF).
Analysis: The group of returning players will be counted on for leadership and experience as the Tigers look to build in large part around a big group of new varsity athletes. Pitching depth could be a challenge, especially with a condensed schedule on the horizon due to early-season weather cancellations.
“I’m liking the effort and enthusiasm I’m seeing from the team so far. They are a great group of kids with great senior leadership,” coach Jonathan Hamel said. “Our overall goal is still to reach the playoffs. The goal is a lofty one especially since this year the (NHIAA) is only taking 12 teams from the 25 or so in D-III.”
Oxbow
Coach: Shawn French (19).
Last year: 8-10, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Jake Stimson (C/P/3B), Noah Johnson (P/OF), Tyler Longmoore (OF/2B). Juniors — Lincoln Illsley (SS/2B/P).
Newcomers: Senior — Trevor MacAloney (OF). Juniors — Sullivan French (1B/3B), Kodi Dyke (3B/1B). Sophomores — Jackson Schramm (C/2B), Cody Grant (P/OF/2B), Orin Mahikoa (SS/3B/P). Freshmen — Hunter Locke (P/1B), Jace Page (2B/3B/P).
Analysis: The Olympians have a great deal of team speed and athleticism, which will hopefully be able to overcome a lack of experience at the varsity level. “Hopefully, we’ll come together for the stretch run,” coach Shawn French said.
Rivendell
Coach: Eric Reichert (23).
Last year: 7-10, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Wiatt Suich (2B), Colin Gould (C/P), Demetres Perry (P/SS), Sam Tilden (3B/P/C), Lucas Souza (OF). Junior — Dashiel Fukushima (P/SS). Sophomores — Lucas Streeter (1B/P), Jake Kilmer (1B/DH), Charley Bradley (OF), Caleb Haley (OF), Gil Souza (OF). Freshmen — Johnny Vogelien (SS), Zach Gould (CF/P).
Newcomers: Freshman — Dylan Ricker (SS/P/C).
Analysis: The Raptors will be shorthanded to start the season with multiple players gone on school trips to the southwest U.S. or to France.
“Our strength revolves around the senior leadership on the team. Our seniors set a fine example both in the classroom and on the field,” coach Eric Reichert said. “Pitching depth is not in place as of yet. We will focus on the big picture in an attempt to fortify our strengths. We’re proud of our first-round playoff victories the last two years, but we would like to go significantly deeper into the playoffs this year.”
South Royalton
Coach: Michael Ballou (8).
Last year: 16-2, won state title.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Dalton McDougall (P/3B), Nicholas Howe (OF), Justin Brock (P/2B), Stephen Paige (SS), Andrew Moore (OF), Michael Hemond (1B/OF). Junior — Dominick Small (P/1B). Sophomore — Jacob Hewitt (C/INF).
Newcomers: Senior — Emily Ballou (OF). Freshmen — George Carr (C/OF), Logan Martin (INF), Zeb Perrault (C/OF).
Analysis: The defending state champion Royals return a group of six seniors with plenty of experience; among the returnees is the entirety of the title-winning pitching staff from a year ago.
That pitching depth will be tested due to the condensed nature of the 2017 season. “With the (poor early-season) weather, we will be playing an entire season in a little over a month,” coach Michael Ballou said. “We’re looking forward to playing some baseball and getting the season going. We hope to be playing our best baseball when the playoffs start, and then you never know.”
Stevens
Coach: Paul Silva (11).
Last year: 9-8, lost to Belmont in second round.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Coby Hussey (3B/SS), Zach O’Brien (OF/P). Juniors — Noah Spaulding (SS/P), Drew Grenier (U), Aidan Cahill (C/OF), Brendan Bean (1B). Sophomores — Trey Theriault (3B/2B/P), Derrick Stanhope (CF/P), Henri Bourque (C/1B/P), Ethan Johnson (INF/OF).
Newcomers: Seniors — Zach Stanhope (OF), Parker Smith (OF), Cody Schoolcraft (OF), Nick O’Brien (1B), Richard Bell (OF).
Analysis: “We have some good players returning from last year’s team, and we have some good athletes who haven’t played baseball in a while,” coach Paul Silva said. “I was really looking forward to the two jamborees I run each year to get a look at them in game action. Unfortunately, the weather has not cooperated, and all of the teams, I am sure, are in the same boat.
“I like what I have seen with this group so far. Now that we have gotten outside a little bit, they continue to work hard, and the team chemistry has been great. Our goal, as always, is to try to make the tournament. If you can do that, you have a chance to get to where you want to go. With the new format of only 12 teams making the tournament in a very tough division, you have little margin for error.”
Sunapee
Coach: Tom Frederick (11).
Last year: 18-2, lost state championship game.
League: New Hampshire Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Will Austin (P), Keir Lucas (1B/P), Hank Vincent (OF). Juniors — Cade Robinson (SS), Nick Ducharme (3B/P), Will Palin (C/OF). Sophomores — Matt Nangeroni (OF/IF), Lane Smith (CF/1B/P), Josh Shisko (2B).
Newcomers: Sophomores — James Cahill (P), Gabe Hastings (P/OF). Freshmen — Darren Hulton (P/C), Quinn Fair (P/1B).
Analysis: Seniors Will Austin, Keir Lucas and Hank Vincent have played in the D-IV state championship game in all three years of their varsity careers, winning one title and falling in the other two. Austin and Lucas anchor the starting pitching rotation for a Laker roster full of athletic and interchangeable players.
“We have a lot of role players still figuring it out, but they’ve played well so far,” Sunapee coach Tom Frederick said. “All these seniors and juniors have known is making it to the finals. It’s going to take a lot of work (to return), but I’m impressed so far with the way they’ve worked and been receptive to learning.”
Thetford
Coach: Phil Chaput (6).
Last year: 4-13, lost in the first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Senior — Connor Brown (P/IF). Juniors — Lawson Ouellette (P/IF), Dan Wells (P/IF). Sophomores — Seth Boyce (C/P/IF), Owen Deffner (P/IF), Alden Nichols (P/OF), Aiden Cudhea (UTIL).
Newcomers: Senior — Jon Hayes (OF). Freshmen — Alex Emerson (OF/P), John Moore (C/OF/P), Ryan Pepe (IF/P).
Analysis: With turnout numbers up, this will mark the first season that Thetford will field a full junior varsity team with dedicated JV coaches and a separate schedule. Tri-captains Connor Brown, Lawson Ouellette and Seth Boyce will be looked upon to provide leadership for a young team looking to improve on last year’s record.
Owen Deffner has shown great improvement since last year, according to coach Phil Chaput. Deffner, Alden Nichols and Aiden Cudhea lead a strong group of sophomores looking to play a big role for this team.
“It’s exciting to finally have a full JV team,” Chaput said. “I think we have a strong core of freshmen and sophomores who all love baseball. I look forward to being a part of their development.”
Whitcomb-Rochester
Coach: Chris Mattrick (4).
Last year: 8-10, lost to South Royalton in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Ben Harvey (2B), Alex Munyon (OF/C), Isaac Hodgdon (3B/P), Cory Abbott (OF/P). Juniors — Kevin Kingsbury (C/P), Colby Washburn (1B).
Newcomers: Juniors — Matt Brown (OF/1B), Zac Rhoades (SS/P). Junior — Nick Doyle (3B/OF). Sophomores — Ty Murowaski (C/SS), Gabe Feeney (SS/OF), Emma Gillette (2B/OF), Triston Irish (SS/OF). Freshman — Timber Russell (1B/P). Eighth grade — Chase Christiansen (1B/OF), Savino Arguto (OF).
Analysis: Due to a low turnout, the Mountaineers won’t field a junior varsity team this season. Senior Isaac Hodgdon and junior Kevin Kingsbury have emerged as team leaders and their experience will be needed with so many new players to the varsity level. Hodgdon, Kingsbury, Zac Rhoades, Timber Russell and Colby Washburn provide a solid core of hitters and the Mountaineers should be able to hit enough to compete.
“Some of our younger players, last year’s JV, are developing nicely,” Whitchester coach Chris Mattrick said. “Our pitching staff will be the key to our success this season. I expect our team will play good, solid baseball this year. We have spent a great deal of time on fundamentals. This group of players has good attitudes and a desire to win.”
Windsor
Coach: Jamie Richardson (3).
Last year: 12-8, won state championship.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Senior — Brandon Tillman (3B). Juniors — Seth Balch (P/1B/SS), Duncan Frazer (C/P), Dakota Page (CF/2B). Sophomores — Ryland Richardson (SS/C/P), Robert Slocum (2B/P).
Newcomers: Junior — Adam Stapleton (P/1B). Sophomores — Justin Smith (OF), Tyler Wright (OF), Daniel Cardillo (2B/OF), Colby Darrell (1B), Josh Gaudette (3B).
Analysis: The Yellowjackets broke a 41-year championship drought last season with a run to the title from the No. 5 seed in the D-III playoffs. Batterymates Seth Balch (pitcher) and Duncan Frazer (catcher) are both back. Shortstop Ryland Richardson, second baseman Robert Slocum and center fielder Dakota Page will provide further stability for Windsor up the middle.
“With five quality pitchers this season, pitching and defense should be our strength,” coach Jamie Richardson said. “Again, we will play in the tough MVL-B division. Playing teams like Hartford, Brattleboro and Burr & Burton will only make us better and prepare us for the state tournament. Our motto in Windsor is to play a tough schedule, outwork our opponents every day in practice and be playing our best baseball at the beginning of June. If we can stay healthy, this team has the makeup and work ethic to make another run in the playoffs.”
Woodstock
Coach: Jason Tarleton (17).
Last year: 2-14, lost in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Hunter Balch (P/C/1B), Alex Blaiklock (2B/OF), Devon Mumford (SS/P), Evan Bloch (OF/P), Cody Chase (P/3B). Juniors — Owen Tarleton (3B/P), Andy Seiple (OF/P), Kyle Weirether (OF). Sophomore — Anthony Hendrick (1B).
Newcomers: Junior — Tom Carroll (OF). Freshmen — Owen Spann (UT), Stephen Bianchi (UT), Sam Mitchell (2B).
Analysis: A solid group of upperclassmen, led by captains Hunter Balch, Alex Blaiklock and Devon Mumford, have the Wasps looking forward to a postseason berth. Balch and Owen Tarleton figure to lead a deep group of pitchers.
“The strength of the team will likely be pitching and hitting,” coach Jason Tarleton said. “The thing I’m looking forward to the most is for the upperclassmen to enjoy success. They have been playing together since elementary school and are ready to compete together for what will be the seniors’ final season. We are expecting to be in a position to win games and prepare for a playoff run.”
Woodsville
Coach: Brent Cox (4).
Last year: 12-6, lost to Newmarket in quarterfinals.
League: New Hampshire Division IV.
Returnees: Senior — Eric Thornton (OF). Juniors — Seanon May (SS), Cooper Davidson (P), Seth Hannett (OF). Sophomore — Zach Moore (IF).
Newcomers: Juniors — Travis Stoddard (IF/OF), Tyren Hartford (OF), Michael Pierre (1B), Ben Simbolli (1B), Elijah Frost (OF).
Analysis: The Engineers graduated six players from the 2016 team, a group led by Jaret Bemis and Mike Dennis. This season’s team features a strong group of juniors looking to help secure a return berth in the D-IV playoffs.
“We’ve had a good start to the year,” coach Brent Cox said. “We have very strong team chemistry. Minimizing mistakes, having a good attitude and a strong work ethic will be keys to the season.”