They’ve knocked on the door the past two seasons, losing in the semifinals each time. Last season was particularly cruel, as they led Plainview-JFK 2-1 in the seventh inning in consecutive games but failed to close the door each time.
“I think we were just young, a little inexperienced last year,” said Head Coach Art Canestro, who is entering his fifth season at the helm.
They graduated only two seniors, relying primarily on underclassman and juniors to get them to 15 wins. This year, they will have eight seniors, with about four of them expected to be starters.
Canestro noted that the strength of the team is in his pitching staff, calling it a “strange year” that he has “legitimately eight pitchers”.
“It’s a good problem to have when you have that,” he said.
Anchoring the staff will be returning All-County pitcher Andrea D’Andrea, who compiled a record of 5-2 with a 2.60 ERA. Joining him will be returning All-League senior Mike Porcelli, who was 2-1 with a 1.20 ERA. Not to be overlooked might be the most talented of the group, hard-throwing junior Ben Kovel. His fastball has been sitting in the upper 80s and had a 1.20 ERA to go along with two victories on the mound.
Offensively, they will be counting on returning All-State OF Jake Edwards. The junior batted .402 last season and smacked 15 doubles and drove in 22 runs.
Sophomore catcher and Hofstra-commit Matt Pelcher will do the “majority of the catching”, according to Canestro. Only a sophomore, Canestro described him as a veteran already being that he has been a starter on varsity since eighth grade. Canestro also stated that he may also get some time in the middle infield to prepare him for college. He will be batting in the top-of-the-order.
Senior Jack Pugliano was described as “Mr. Verstility” and they play to give him time in the infield, outfield and on the mound.
“He got a lot faster this winter, he ran track. He’s quick on the bases, we expect a big year from him,” he said.
They are also optimistic about sophomore infielder Dante Dimarco. I watched him at the Prep Baseball Report LI Showcase last week and he was very impressive in al facets of the game, specifically at third base. Canestro stated that he has grown a lot recently and put on 15 lbs over the winter and could see some time at third base.
Calhoun appears to be in great shape for another postseason appearance.
“Here’s the thing,” he said. “We lost in the semifinals the past two seasons and I think we are better. But here’s the problem, our competition got better too–East Meadow is stacked. Plainview has two really good pitchers. It’s going to be tough,” he added.
They will open up the season against Valley Stream Central.
