SCC
Amity (19-7) fell short in both the SCC and Class LL semifinals last season, but returns with a very talented team, led by UConn-bound shortstop Vinny Siena. Juniors Mike Concato and Sam Nepiarsky lead the pitching staff. Juniors Keith Klebart and Justin Ashworth should also be important at the plate. … Fairfield Prep (15-8) returns 12 players with experience from last year’s SCC finalist. The Jesuits should be strong in all facets, especially offensively. Senior centerfielder Ryan Wright, senior catcher Matt Araya, senior catcher/first baseman Kevin Sinclair and senior pitcher Ben Sullivan figure to lead the way. … Foran (17-7) made a surprise run to the Class L semifinals last season and looks to build on that success. Ryan Manning (1.31 ERA) and Christian Malave combined for 14 wins last season. Junior Joe Zanghi is an all-league catcher, while Alex Malicki and Casey McGone provide some power, along with senior Sean Cariglio. … Law (5-15) was young last year and played a difficult crossover schedule. Seniors Sean Cameron, Matt Ferriaolo, Joe Bannon and Jake Saley are back and could have the Lawmen in position for a state tournament berth. … Notre Dame-West Haven (18-8) got hot in the Class L tournament and won a state championship. The Green Knights return Southern Connecticut-bound ace Gary Flowers (2.30 ERA in 2011). AIC-bound Matt Elia and Franklin Pierce-signee Mike Panza are also back, giving Notre Dame a very solid rotation. Junior centerfielder Griffin Garabedian is a burgeoning Division I talent, too. … Shelton (9-12) could be a contender with junior righty Ryan Testani, who’s already getting many D-I looks, leading the way for the Gaels. Ryan Daiss joins Testani in the rotation. Other starters back are Ryan Zahornasky, Marcello Ursini, Bryan Kondo and Dan McCormack. … West Haven (14-9) has 11 seniors on its roster, including Quinnipiac-bound shortstop Matt Gagne. Junior Cameron Stone leads the Blue Devils’ pitching staff and senior outfielders Wes Gamberdella (.386) and Tom Spencer (.361) provide some punch.
NVL
Ansonia (7-13) narrowly missed the state tournament and still lacks some experience at key positions. Senior captains Alex Westein (SS), Vinnie Bonaparte (OF) and Fredrico Russo (3B/P) will be relied upon. Pitcher Michael Palmquist and Adam Thayer will also be important for the Chargers. … Derby (13-9) has a solid senior battery in pitcher/outfielder Ray Kreiger and catcher Colin Haydu. Other contributors for the Red Raiders include senior infielder Brian Dobek, junior infielder Dillon McMahon and sophomore pitcher/outfielder Sal Frosceno. … Seymour (16-10) will be led by Adam Merritt, who posted a 1.95 ERA as a junior, while batting .302. Senior infielder Alex Burton provides some pop in the lineup, while Frank Frosceno is good at getting on base.
CSC
Bullard-Havens (10-12) is solid across the board with a strong pitching staff led by Nick Moreira. Angel Rosario (.414), Manny Montavlo (.386) and Joey Nguyen should power the Tigers’ offense. … Platt Tech (7-13) narrowly missed the Class L tournament last season. Seniors on the Panthers’ roster include John Kosma, Shawn Murray, Josh Brilovitch and Dylan Noble. … O’Brien Tech (6-14) brings back seniors Chad Sweeney, Justin Teixiera, Tyler Lafo and Cody Maida.
