Record last season: 14-6 (lost in semifinal game)
Head coach: Kevin Rines
Mascenic was one Mike Phillips toenail away from the state championship game last season, but a tough call at the first base bag ended the season for the Vikings in the semifinals against Monadnock. Mascenic lost a few pieces, but the puzzle should come together nicely this year.
“Obviously, the goal is to get back to where we were last season, with a different outcome in that final game,” said head coach Kevin Rines.
Scott Humphrey really came along on the mound last year, and he’ll be Mascenic’s top pitcher this season. Jason Moreau (who threw a gem against Monadnock in the regular season last year), Cooper Wayrynen, Travis Rautiola and Chase Holombo will likely see some mound time as well.
The lineup is full of experienced vets, without a weak spot anywhere in the field.
Drew Rines will catch, returning to his natural position after being displaced by Jared Stauffeneker in previous years.
Roman “Bones” Ojala is back at first base, Holombo at second and Daimon Gibson at third, though there will be a bit of a shuffle when Humphrey is on the mound and not at his other position, shortstop.
The outfield, too, is stacked, with speed demon Phillips in center and Wayrynen and Rautiola on either side of him.
One wild card who’ll fight for some playing time is freshman TJ Hiott.
This looks like a typical Vikings team — solid all-around, nobody who’ll really overpower you on the mound or at the plate, but a bunch of solid, blue-collar guys who can play smart baseball and rack up wins.
Given that, Rines said he’ll really be counting on the Vikings to flash some leather in the field.
“We’re not going to be able to make mistakes,” Rines said, “so defense is going to be key this year.”
One special note on Mascenic’s schedule: They’ll travel to Cooperstown, New York, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, to play against Hopkinton on April 23.
Record last season: 4-13 (lost in first playoff round)
Head coach: Mike Marschok
The Cougars snuck into the playoffs “by the skin of their teeth” last year, according to coach Mike Marschok, but they have plans to improve upon that in the upcoming season, and they’ve got the experience to do it.
“Bottom line is we’re a year older and we should be a year more mature,” Marschok said, “so that should definitely help.”
Seasoned pitchers Matt Davis and Isaac Blake will make it happen on the mound, supplemented by Finn Redding and Jacob Swain. They’ll hurl to an alternating pair of catchers: Lawton Fagiano and Liam McGrath.
“They’re older and stronger and should be better there,” Marschok said.
All-State Third Teamer Brandon Carland heads back out to left field, where he’ll be joined by Jon Grossi in right and speedy Japanese exchange student Daisuke Kuriki.
The infield will see Wil Clark take over first base, Blake at second and Swain at third, with an improving Danny Allen at short.
Manny Bowman is elbowing his way into the discussion for playing time as well.
“The kids have worked hard in the offseason and they’re expecting a lot out of themselves,” Marschok said. “I tell them we can beat anybody. All I really expect from the kids is to play hard and the chips will fall into place. Focus on the job at hand. You’re at bat, you have a job to do. You can’t take your mistakes at the plate and bring them out on the field, because you’ve still got to play defense — and defense wins games.”
Record last season: 11-7 (lost in second playoff round)
Head coach: Josh Heaphy
The Orioles come into this season bearing a bit of bad news: Garrett Poole, who’d been pitching for Conant for the past couple years, was deemed ineligible for the season by the NHIAA. Poole, who attends Dublin Christian Academy, played basketball for DCA and therefore can no longer play any sports at Conant.
But despite losing their top pitcher, Josh Heaphy’s Orioles pack a lot of punch.
Hard-throwing Shawn Marsh becomes the de facto ace. James Record will throw a lot for the Orioles this year as well, and Corbin Sasner will be the number three.
In the field, Conant looks terrific. Plymouth State-bound three-year captain Craig Bilodeau is back at catcher, providing unrivaled leadership and pop at the plate.
“Everyone on the team looks up to him,” Heaphy said.
Burly Caleb Donahue is at first, Chance Kirby returns to third and Record will hold down short.
Second base is still up for grabs, with Gavin Motuzas, Aiden Kirby and Gavin Ketola all in the discussion.
Senior Kyle Dupuis moved from shortstop to centerfield midway through last season, and he’ll return there this year. Quinton Aho returns to the team and has won the left field spot, and Ryan Smith and Sasner will play right.
Heaphy said his goal this year is development.
“I have sort of a young team this year,” Heaphy said. “As long as they are getting better every day, I’m happy.”
Record last year: 10-8 (lost in second playoff round)
Head coach: Dave Finch
Pitching is the name of the game, said WLC head coach Dave Finch coming into the season. That starts with Christian Seeley, the Warrior ace with a no-no under his belt.
“He’s not really a power pitcher but he’s got some decent speed,” Finch said. “Better than anything, he mixes his pitches up and he throws strikes.”
Slugger Casey Lane will be back behind the plate. First-team All-State shortstop Nolan Steevens returns as well, reprising his role at short and as the “fireman” of the pitching staff.
The much-improved Jake LeVert will play second and add his contact hitting and speed to the mix.
Sean McLure brings his bat back to a corner infield position. Peter Bickerton will find playing time wherever he can, based on the day’s pitcher
The rest of the lineup ought to be filled out by senior outfielder Tom Crowley — “he’s Mr. Hustle,” Finch said — Shane Partridge, Cody Johnson and Neil Brennan.
“My expectation is to be better than last year,” Finch said.
The Warriors will have to get through a “Murderer’s Row” in their first week. They were scheduled to open up with Mascenic on Monday night, before playing last year’s runnerup, Sunapee, and then reigning champions Portsmouth Christian Academy.
Keep reading the Ledger-Transcript for all the action this upcoming season.