MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Lee Moses
WARWICK
BEACON
ALL
CITY TEAMS
ATHLETES
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Abby Ellis Abby Ellis first picked up a hockey stick a long time ago. In the time since, she went to high school and found a golf club too. A couple of years later, she added a tennis racket to her repertoire. Ellis excelled with all of them. Her junior year saw her soar the highest. “She’s just a great athlete,” said Toll Gate girls’ tennis coach Gary Gorman It started in the fall, when Ellis began her tennis career with a talented Titans squad, immediately made an impact in the doubles lineup and helped them to an undefeated regular season and a Division II finals berth. When the winter came around, she strapped on the skates and dominated the local hockey scene, serving as the best defenseman in the state on the best team, as she led Warwick all the way to the state title. And finally, after celebrating her hockey championship, Ellis played her third season with the golf team, where she was a fixture in the top three on the co-ed team before finishing 17th at the girls’ state tournament. It was a whirlwind, but a special year all the way from the fall to the spring. The best highlight, though, came in the winter. With hockey as her main sport of focus, Ellis has been a three-year starter for the Lady Titans, and has been a crucial part of the program’s building process, which culminated this season. As the postseason came around,
she played some of her best hockey in leading Toll Gate to the title – the first for a public school in history – with a state championship sweep of La Salle. “It was just a really, really surreal feeling,” Ellis said. “I knew we had potential. But the fact that we were the only public school to ever win it, we kind of took everyone by surprise. Last year, our school didn’t even know that we had a hockey team. The fact that we won it this year was amazing.” Ellis was one of the leading scorers in the state, despite spending most of her time in the back. She finished tied for seventh in D-I with 25 points, comprised of nine goals and 16 assists. As the bench shortened later in the season to utilize the team’s top players more, she was on the ice as much as anybody. She was simply too good to take off. “She came in pretty talented as a freshman, but progressed each year,” said hockey head coach Dave Tibbetts. “Her game kind of evolved quite a bit from the first year. She learned how to play a tougher game, especially in the corners, battling for pucks.” Part of the reason for Ellis’ evolution on the ice was her work with trainer Rodney Millette. She trains three times a week with the former AHL player, and it’s made quite a difference in almost every aspect of her game. “I’ve definitely gotten lower body and upper body strength,” ■
ELLIS - PAGE 23
OF THE
YEAR COACHES
OF THE
YEAR WARWICK’S
BEST
Lee Moses claims he wasn’t very good at football when he first put on shoulder pads as an 8-year-old in the North End 49ers program. He also claims he wasn’t too good at track, either, when he gave it a shot as a freshman at Bishop Hendricken High School. Now that he’s an All-State regular in both sports, it’s a little hard to believe him, but his recollection of his humble beginnings speaks to exactly what makes Moses one of the best athletes in the state. He never let himself believe that he could get by without working at it. “It’s been a long run – working hard, practicing a lot, a lot of great coaches,” Moses said. “I’ve learned so much from them and I’ve been surrounded by so many great players. I watch people who have done it before me. I saw how hard they worked. I just wanted to do what they did.” He’s done that and more. With his willingness and desire to work paving the way, Moses authored a year so good that even Hendricken’s storied history doesn’t have many to match. In the fall, he starred for Hendricken’s football team in its run to a fourth consecutive state championship. In the winter, he won his second consecutive long jump state championship and added two sprint medals, and in the spring, he added another long jump title at the outdoor track state meet. If not for a hamstring injury suffered in the 100-meter dash, he likely would have won that, too. But even without the perfect finish, it was a near-perfect year. “It’s been amazing,” Moses said. He came to Hendricken with plenty of athletic potential, and flashed it for the freshman football team right off the bat. He gave track a try, too, just to have a sport in the winter and spring. He set the course for big things. The last two years, Moses has been a starting defensive back for the Super Bowl champion Hawks. From day one, he was making big plays all over the field. “Just his athleticism makes him
special,” Hendricken head coach Keith Croft said. “His closing speed is incredible. A lot of times, he’s chasing people down and making touchdown-saving tackles that don’t show up in the box score.” Moses emerged as a bigger threat on both sides of the ball this past season, as a junior. He was a game-breaker at the wide receiver spot, and he made huge plays as a kick returner. “He just got better and better and more confident as the year went on,” Croft said. Along the way, he was responsible for two plays that defined Hendricken’s season. In a comeback win over La Salle in the season finale, Moses caught a 53-yard touchdown pass that put his team ahead for good in the fourth quarter. Then, in the Super Bowl against Cranston East, he delivered the play of the season. The ’Bolts had just taken a one-point lead with only 14 seconds to go before halftime, but Moses returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a gamechanging touchdown. Hendricken never trailed again. “I looked at the clock and realized we were about to go into halftime,” Moses recalled. “I thought they were just going to kick it short. I remember when they kicked it long, it bounced up, I caught it and I didn’t know where to go. I looked and Nate Gyampo waved me over so I just followed him.” Moses added two more touchdowns in the second half as Hendricken held off East for its fourth consecutive Super Bowl championship. “It was big to win another one, especially with the young team we had,” Moses said. “It was great to battle and get it done. We had to work really hard to get it back to where we were the year before. It felt great to do it.” Moses didn’t have much time to bask in the glow, with the indoor track season starting immediately ■
MOSES - PAGE 27
INSIDE Page 18 - Football Page 19 - Boys’ & Girls’ Soccer Page 20 - Boys’ & Girls’ Volleyball Page 21 - Boys’ & Girls’ Tennis Page 22 - Field Hockey & Gymnastics Page 23 - Boys’ & Girls’ Hockey Page 24 - Wrestling Page 25 - Boys’ & Girls’ Swimming Page 26 - Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball Page 27 - Boys’ & Girls’ Indoor Track Page 28 - Baseball Page 29 - Boys’ & Girls’ Lacrosse Page 30 - Boys’ Outdoor Track & Boys’ Cross Country Page 31 - Girls’ Outdoor Track & Girls’ Cross Country Page 32 - Softball & Golf
18
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
FOOTBALL
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Remington Blue HENDRICKEN • RUNNING BACK
ALL CITY TEAM
With every passing year, people involved in the Bishop Hendricken football team’s run of four consecutive state championships will reflect back with a little more wonder. Much of it will be reserved for a 5-foot-9 running back who became one of the best that’s ever donned the green and gold. Remington Blue leaves Hendricken with nearly 3,000 career rushing yards, 35 touchdowns, and back-to-back Super Bowl MVP awards. “The further away we get from the run we’ve had, I think the more we’ll look back and kind of be amazed,” said Hendricken head coach Keith Croft. “I can’t remember a Hendricken running back who’s been more productive. He won backto-back Super Bowl MVP’s. That doesn’t happen.” Blue made it happen – and he couldn’t have been happier. “It was just a great way to finish off my high school career,” he said. “To win the fourth championship in a row and make history – it’s kind of unbeatable. It was definitely a phenomenal feeling.” Blue grew up playing football with youth leagues in Exeter/West Greenwich and Coventry. He was always a running back, and he started at that spot for Hendricken’s freshman team in 2011. But he knew he had work to do as he made the transition to varsity. As a sophomore, he rushed for 268 yards in spot duty. “Coming in, I knew it was a heck of a lot different than Pop Warner,” Blue said. “One of the things that motivated me is that everybody at Hendricken is good. And I also had the adversity of being a smaller player. I had to overcome that and earn that spot.” He earned it in a very big way. With talented players nipping at his heels, Blue put a stranglehold on the job as a junior and became Hendricken’s key offensive cog. He rushed for 1,227 yards and 10 touchdowns and led the Hawks’ Super Bowl upset of La Salle with an MVP performance. Blue’s off-season work fueled his breakout. “Pound-for-pound, he’s the strongest kid on the team,” Croft said. As a senior, Blue was no longer a secret to the rest of the state, but it still didn’t matter. Even with teams keying on him, he rushed for 1,405 yards and an eye-popping 22 touchdowns. When Hendricken beat Cranston East for its fourth straight title, the MVP honor again went to Blue, but he would have rather shared it. “I couldn’t have done it without the guys around me,” he said. “I played for four years, and all my personal success, I wouldn’t have had any of it without them.” Blue finished his career with 2,900 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. He graduated this spring and will now accept a scholarship to play football at Division III McDaniel College in Westminster, Md. As Hendricken chases another title this fall, they’ll have to do it without one of their best. “He’s the type of kid we’re going to miss more than we realize,” Croft said. “He was a huge part of everything we accomplished.” - William Geoghegan
PATRICK GILL
SEAN KELLY
LEE MOSES
HENDRICKEN • QUARTERBACK
HENDRICKEN • OFFENSIVE LINE
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSIVE BACK
Helped make the offense a big part of a fourth-straight championship.
Relatively undersized for Division I, Kelly more than held his own at center.
Maybe the fastest player in the state, Moses was key in a Hawks' secondary that took a backseat to no one.
OWEN KELLY
JOHN CUTE
MATT DUFFIE
PILGRIM • RUNNING BACK
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSIVE LINE
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSIVE BACK
Emerged as an explosive weapon in the backfield despite limited help around him.
One of the fastest defensive linemen in the state, Cute used his track speed to get after quarterbacks.
The best man-to-man corner on the Hendricken team, Duffie consistently limited the state's best receivers.
JEREMY MORRISSETTE
BRYCE FAMIANO
KYLE MORRISSETTE
WARWICK VETS • WIDE RECEIVER
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSIVE LINE
WARWICK VETS • DEFENSIVE BACK
A reliable option on the outside, Morrissette always seemed to find a way to get open.
Another talented edge rusher, Famiano gave the Hawks a high-motor player at the line of scrimmage.
Morrissette seemed to know where the ball would be at all times, picking off more than his fair share of passes.
MIKE SCARCELLA
JACKSON BURGOS
JOE BROSNAHAN
HENDRICKEN • WIDE RECEIVER
TOLL GATE • DEFENSIVE LINE
TOLL GATE • DEFENSIVE BACK
While defenses focused elsewhere, Scarcella consistently came up with big plays down the field.
Perhaps the most talented player in a Toll Gate uniform, Burgos was a force all over the field.
One of the most athletic players for the Titans, Brosnahan was versatile enough to do just about anything.
JACOB MORAN
TOM ST. PIERRE
ROBERT CAMPBELL
TOLL GATE • TIGHT END
HENDRICKEN • LINEBACKER
HENDRICKEN • KICKER
In a run-based system, Moran made numerous big catches to keep defenses on their toes.
The leading tackler on a talented defense, St. Pierre was an anchor in the middle.
After some early-season struggles, Campbell became a valuable weapon for the Hawks.
RICKY ANTONIO
DENNIS SCALZO
JESSE SEDOMA
WARWICK VETS • OFFENSIVE LINE
WARWICK VETS • LINEBACKER
WARWICK VETS • PUNTER
Anchored an offensive line that featured a wellbalanced run-pass attack.
Scalzo played bigger than his size in the middle, helping Vets to one of D-II's better linebacking corps.
When his team needed a long punt to switch the field, Sedoma always seemed to come through, while also shining at QB.
DALLAS SAUER
DAVID MACDONALD
JOSH THIBEAULT
HENDRICKEN • OFFENSIVE LINE
WARWICK VETS • LINEBACKER
TOLL GATE • KICK RETURNER
A multi-year starter in the trenches for the Hawks, Sauer provided a substantial element of toughness.
The 'Canes' best defensive player was also its most feared, as MacDonald hit harder than anyone on the field.
Thibeault excelled out of the backfield for the Titans and was elusive whenever he had the ball.
NICK MARIANO
GARY GIBBS
MITCH LUCCI
HENDRICKEN • OFFENSIVE LINE
HENDRICKEN • LINEBACKER
HENDRICKEN • PUNT RETURNER
Power Kanga, Hendricken
Mariano served as a leader and a force up front, paving the way for one of the state's best ground games.
A more consistent player as the season wore on, Gibbs became a major factor in the playoffs.
A solid leader and allaround player, Lucci was consistent and reliable when fielding punts.
Gary Gibbs, Hendricken
HONORABLE MENTION Zack Ponte, Pilgrim Rob Quaine, Pilgrim Griffin Potter, Pilgrim Nick Lemoie, Toll Gate
OLUIWASEUN AKINNUSOTU PILGRIM • OFFENSIVE LINE
After moving into the starting lineup mid-season, Akinnusotu quickly became Pilgrim's best lineman.
COACH OF THE YEAR Keith Croft, Hendricken
Chris Durand, Toll Gate Tim Hogan, Warwick Vets Connor Thompson, Warwick Vets Luke Cardillo, Warwick Vets
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
19
BOYS’ SOCCER ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Josh Sandin TOLL GATE • FORWARD Josh Sandin knew he’d have to play an instrumental role on the Toll Gate soccer team if it was going to have any real success in his junior season. But a state championship? That was barely on his radar. “At practices, we had a bunch of jokesters on our team,” Sandin said. “We’d all just be laughing. I never thought we’d have a high school championship.” Yet, with all the laughing that went on during the season, the Titans got the last laugh in all of Division II, beating Lincoln on penalty kicks to claim the crown. Sandin was the Titans’ key cog. After making an immediate difference on the team his freshman year and helping lead it to the playoffs along with his older brother, then-senior Nate Sandin, Josh Sandin battled injuries and saw Toll Gate struggle in his sophomore campaign. In 2013, though, the pieces were in place, and Sandin made sure they didn’t go to waste. He was second in all of D-II with 26 points. “He bangs in all the goals, or a lot of them,” said Toll Gate head coach Tim Hayes. “He’s either scoring or he’s centrally located in how we got it. He’s really fast, he’s really strong, he’s really smart.” In short, he’s really good. He led the Titans with 15 goals his freshman year before really coming into his own this fall. With fellow forward Jose Beltran back for his senior year and Nate DaCosta joining the midfield after missing the previous season due to injury, plus a strong defense behind them, Sandin’s group jelled quickly and reached its potential. He made sure they did. “He’s really, really competitive,” Hayes said. “It does rub off on the other guys. He gets on other guys, but he also demands it from himself too.” The pay-off was a state title. “A lot of times at public schools we don’t get guys like him for four years,” Hayes aid. “It’s great to get us going again. It’s been huge for us. His brother started it and he carried it.” -Kevin Pomeroy
ALL CITY TEAM JUSTIN BATISTA
BRANDON SILVESTRI
ANTHONY GRAZIANO
WARWICK VETS • FORWARD
HENDRICKEN • MIDFIELDER
HENDRICKEN • DEFENDER
One of the most dynamic scoring threats in Division III, Batista simply out-ran defenders.
A strong player the past two years, Silvestri hardly ever left the field for the Hawks.
His monster throw-ins gave the Hawks a weapon that most teams couldn't match.
JOSE BELTRAN
TRAVIS MEDEIROS
BRADY CHANT
TOLL GATE • FORWARD
PILGRIM • MIDFIELDER
HENDRICKEN • DEFENDER
Part of an elite duo with Sandin up front, Beltran was as skilled as anyone in the division.
In a down season Medeiros was one of the lone bright spots for the Pats thanks to his solid all-around play.
A leader at sweeper, Chant kept Hendricken's stingy back line in order.
NIK SOUPHARATH
ZACH BROMAGE
MIKE RICCITELLI
WARWICK VETS • MIDFIELDER
TOLL GATE • DEFENDER
WARWICK VETS • GOALIE
Soupharath served as a steadying presence in the middle for the 'Canes, and he doubled as a scorer.
Scored the game-winning goal and was named MVP of the D-II title game.
Riccitelli's acrobatic saves highlighted his team's growth and his own progression in net.
NATHAN DACOSTA TOLL GATE • MIDFIELDER
DaCosta returned from injury this year to become the facilitator the Titans needed to get over the hump.
HONORABLE MENTION Dan Escobar, Hendricken
Yolee Khamsomphou, Pilgrim
Andrew Rocchio, Toll Gate
Chris Cambio, Hendricken
Aaron Edmonds, Pilgrim
Brad Robert, Warwick Vets
Brennan Martin, Hendricken
David Saran, Pilgrim
Tyler Kurtz, Warwick Vets
Lucas Gesmundo, Hendricken
Ezequiel Franco, Toll Gate
Tyler Oliveira, Warwick Vets
Reed Worthington, Hendricken
Corey Favino, Toll Gate
Brandon Gemmell,
Justin Matrone, Hendricken
James Meizoso, Toll Gate
Warwick Vets
Devon Crespin, Pilgrim
Manny Pickering, Toll Gate
COACH OF THE YEAR Tim Hayes, Toll Gate
GIRLS’ SOCCER ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Katelyn Vieira PILGRIM • FORWARD
ALL CITY TEAM HANNAH MCNULTY
KENDRA TANTIMONICO
CLARE BIRNEY
TOLL GATE • FORWARD
PILGRIM • MIDFIELDER
PILGRIM • DEFENDER
Just a freshman, McNulty led the Titans in goals and flashed star potential.
A breakout star for the Pats, Tantimonico kept up the program's tradition of standout midfielders.
A holdover from the past few strong Pilgrim teams, Birney established herself as an elite defender.
HALEY MCCUSKER
LAUREN ALMONTE
RICKI BEAUFORT
PILGRIM • FORWARD
WARWICK VETS • MIDFIELDER
WARWICK VETS • DEFENDER
McCusker had her best season in a Pilgrim uniform and provided a solid second scoring option to Vieira.
A match-up problem because of her height, Almonte made an impact on both ends.
With a quick first step and the ability to keep players to the outside, Beaufort was tough to crack.
CASEY BENNETT
LAURA MCGUIRE
HANNAH PAGE
WARWICK VETS • MIDFIELDER
TOLL GATE • DEFENDER
PILGRIM • GOALIE
Maybe the school's top athlete, Bennett was a facilitator and a scorer from the center.
An All-State selection thanks to her play in the back, McGuire was a clear difference maker.
Only a sophomore, Page used her athleticism and natural instincts to become one of D-II's best.
SLOAN KINNEY WARWICK VETS • MIDFIELDER
Fast and difficult to contain on the outside, Kinney made defenses constantly nervous.
HONORABLE MENTION Jen King, Pilgrim
Nicole Patricio, Toll Gate
Sophia DeLuca, Pilgrim
Emily Almonte, Warwick Vets
Emily Fluette, Pilgrim
Jami Derderian, Warwick Vets
Kendra Levesque, Pilgrim
Kat Raposo, Warwick Vets
Courtney Crowley, Toll Gate
Katelen Pick, Warwick Vets
Victoria Bucci, Toll Gate
ud Pro ber m Me IBA of R
COACH OF THE YEAR Fred Schweizer, Warwick Vets
Tom Flanders has no trouble recalling one of the defining moments of his Pilgrim girls’ soccer team’s season, and how much junior Katelyn Vieira was involved in making it happen. “At halftime of the Burrillville game, we played them the last game of the season and we beat them 1-0 on a second-half goal by her,” Flanders said. “And she basically said at halftime that she was going to score that goal. Against a team that hadn’t lost at home, to say something like that and then actually do it is pretty remarkable.” But that wasn’t far from ordinary for Vieira, who was a junior captain for the Pats and finished third in Division II in scoring. She was balanced across the board – scoring 18 times and adding 11 assists – and Pilgrim advanced to the semifinals for the first time in years on the strength of her feet. “The kid can score from anywhere on the field inside the 18,” Flanders said. The Pats had an inexperienced team – other than Vieira – that was trying to live up to the lofty success of the past two Pilgrim squads, which had made the playoffs after strong regular seasons. “It was extremely different this season,” Vieira said. The Pats went 11-2-1 and won a playoff game, and part of the success can be attributed to the leadership of Vieira and her fellow captains. They held numerous captains practices, and tried to push the young group to the limit. Now the focus is on the future. Heading into her senior year, the ultimate goal for Vieira and her team is to finish with a championship, one that it has been building toward since her freshman year. The team has already had some meetings, and preparing for next year starts immediately. “We’ve been doing our research, looking at all the obstacles – teams moving up, teams moving down,” Vieira said. “We’re really optimistic.” -K.P.
20
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Phil Nemirow PILGRIM
ALL CITY TEAM WENDELL THAO
CALEB FOURNIER
TOLL GATE
PILGRIM
A young team's most experienced player, Thao played a big part as the Titans took their first step in rebuilding.
In his second year as a starter, Fournier gave the improved Pats a weapon on the outside.
PEPE PHANHSENA
ROB QUAINE
WARWICK VETS
PILGRIM
Returning for his second year as a key player, Phanhsena could do it all for the playoffbound 'Canes.
Making the jump from junior varsity, Quaine became one of the top middles in the division.
NATE GYAMPO HENDRICKEN
A multi-sport athlete, Gyampo held his own on the volleyball court, emerging as Hendricken's best threat.
HONORABLE MENTION Dan Flaherty, Hendricken
Jake Johnson, Toll Gate
Christian Leonard, Hendricken
Mike Riccitelli, Warwick Vets
Blake Doelling, Pilgrim Tyler Mantaian, Pilgrim
COACH OF THE YEAR Brendan Friel, Warwick Vets
Phil Nemirow was on the court in 2012 when Pilgrim won its first-ever boys’ volleyball state championship. He was only a sophomore, in the game because of an injury to the starter, but the moment is one he won’t forget. “There were great players on that team, and I just watched what they were doing and the way they were playing,” Nemirow said. “I wanted to be the same kind of player so I kind of worked on getting the consistency down.” As the leaders of the championship team graduated and Pilgrim moved up to Division I, Nemirow kept doing it and became the most consistent performer on a team trying to lay a foundation at the D-I level. The Pats wouldn’t make the playoffs again in Nemirow’s career, but there were positive steps and Nemirow led the way. “He was just a very consistent player,” said Pilgrim head coach Mike McGiveron. “He really worked hard on playing in the back row. He was our most consistent blocker. He had the most aces on the team. Just overall, he was a really good player for us.” Nemirow still remembers the beginning. He’d gotten some varsity time in that 2012 season, but it didn’t quite prepare him for what would happen in the championship, when middle blocker Matt McCabe injured his ankle and had to leave the match. Nemirow stepped right up. “I just remember freaking out,” he said. But the experience set the course. “That team was perfect and learning from them really helped me when we moved up to D-I,” he said. Nemirow helped lead the way as the Pats transitioned to Division I in 2013. They had their struggles but made big improvements this past season. They just missed out on a playoff berth. “We weren’t shell-shocked to be in D-I this year,” Nemirow said. “I think we played a lot better.” The work of Nemirow and his teammates this season should help the Pats as they continue to build a program that can contend with the state’s best. Nemirow graduated and will head to the University of Rhode Island. -W.G.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Kalia Thao PILGRIM Kalia Thao moved to Warwick from Oklahoma last year, during her junior year, but showed up a little too late to try out for the volleyball team. When fall rolled around the following school year, Thao took the court for the first time and instantly made her presence felt. She quickly became Pilgrim’s top all-around player, leading the Pats to a resurgent 10-8 season and a playoff berth. “As my first year coaching here, to have her come out as a senior was a complete joy,” said Pilgrim head coach Kelly Harrington. “She came out right away with strong skills.” Thao has a family background with the game of volleyball, and she had played during her first two years of high school in Oklahoma. Coming into the Pilgrim program, she instantly became a force defensively and contributed with her outside hitting. “Defense is something I really do focus on,” Thao said. “Coming out, being one of the shorter girls, I kind of had to step up with my defense.” Harrington did all she could to maximize her one year with Thao on the court. “She was by far the most skilled all-around player that we had,” Harrington said. “We tried to arrange our defense so she would take the majority of the court. She’s got a great understanding of the game.” Pilgrim ended up earning a No. 5 seed for the Division II playoffs and nearly upset fourth-seeded Central Falls, falling in five games. It was an impressive performance for the Pats, who had gone 4-14 the year before, and Thao was one of the biggest reasons why. “She was a fantastic outside hitter, our go-to player, always out on the court, playing with a great attitude, giving 100 percent effort all the time,” Harrington said. “She kept us competitive in all of our matches.” Even if it was just for one season, it was still well worth it. Thao will head back to Oklahoma this coming school year, where she’ll attend Tulsa Community College. -K.P.
ALL CITY TEAM MEGAN ST. JACQUES
ALYSSA MCCRACKEN
PILGRIM
WARWICK VETS
St. Jacques had a height advantage in the middle, and the Pats tried to exploit it.
McCracken had to take on a big role with an inexperienced team this season, and did so solidly.
JAMIE HOPGOOD
ASHLEY CHIN
TOLL GATE
TOLL GATE
Explosive with her hitting when she got going, Hopgood gave the Titans valuable offense.
Steady all over the court, Chin's defense and setting were keys for any Toll Gate success.
COURTNEY MARSH TOLL GATE
Not overly powerful, Marsh used placement and a consistent approach to get the job done.
HONORABLE MENTION Michelle Asels, Pilgrim
Jessica Tyree, Warwick Vets
Colleen Conti, Pilgrim
Liz Iadevaia, Warwick Vets
Kelsey Kurbiec, Toll Gate
COACH OF THE YEAR Kelly Harrington, Pilgrim
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
21
BOYS’ TENNIS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Christian Boyer HENDRICKEN The No. 1 singles spot in the state’s highest division is not for the faint of heart. Even though he was a doubles player who had never played a singles match in his high school career, Christian Boyer was not faint of heart this season. The Hendricken senior took the top spot for one of the youngest Hendricken tennis teams in recent history and held his own against the best competition Rhode Island had to offer. “He had never played a high school singles match until this year,” said head coach Steve Crawford. “He had to step in and play the best players in the state every time out. He had his work cut out for him.” Boyer had been a key part of the Hendricken team for several years. As a sophomore, he played No. 3 doubles on a Hawk squad that went 13-3 and pushed powerhouse South Kingstown to the brink in the state championship match. That Hendricken team lost a ton of talent to graduation, and the Hawks haven’t been back to the playoffs since. But players like Boyer have helped keep the Hawks afloat, giving them their best chance to contend. This season, that meant a new – and big – challenge for Boyer. He ended up with a losing record, but he won four matches and never stopped pushing for more. “He beat all the players he should have beaten,” Crawford said. “He never was upset about his situation.” Instead, Boyer embraced the challenge. He battled in tough matches, took care of business in easier ones and ended up qualifying for the main draw of the state singles tournament. He was the only Warwick player to do so. “He got better as the year went on,” Crawford said. “He was playing his best tennis at the end of the year.” -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM JEREMY CULLEN
ADEEB KOMARI
TOLL GATE
HENDRICKEN
Had a tremendous season for the Titans, going undefeated while playing No. 4 singles.
Komari played No. 3 for the Hawks and held tough, battling his way to three wins.
JORDAN CARVALHAL
DAN SMITH
HENDRICKEN
TOLL GATE
Took on the challenge of playing No. 2 in the state's top division and won four matches.
Smith played No. 2 and bumped to No. 1 several times, and was steady wherever he played, finishing with five wins.
DUNCAN HART & HUNTER HEBERG
CHRISTIAN KIRBY & PETER CIENKI
TOLL GATE
HENDRICKEN
The Titans' top doubles team went 5-3 in a solid year for Toll Gate.
Playing mostly in the third spot, they were Hendricken's most successful pairing, finishing 7-4 with several big wins.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Michael Neiderberger, Hendricken
Nick Mattioli, Toll Gate
Tamra Gallo, Toll Gate
Cory Sloan & Mike Bittner, Hendricken
Kyle Morrissette, Warwick Vets
Andrea Panzeri, Warwick Vets
Jay Chehy, Pilgrim Brandyn Garrahy, Toll Gate
GIRLS’ TENNIS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Arianna Rizzo TOLL GATE
ALL CITY TEAM CAROLINE WAGGONER
LAUREN SMITH
TOLL GATE
WARWICK VETS
The No. 1 player on the team when healthy, Waggoner went 6-3 from the top spot.
The top player on a solid Vets team, Smith finished her final season at 10-3.
SCHUYLER TENEYCK
CORINNE GREGOIRE
TOLL GATE
WARWICK VETS
Dominant in the middle of the lineup, Teneyck didn't lose a single match all season.
Playing in the No. 2 spot for the 'Canes, Gregoire compiled a 10-3 record.
MACKENZIE KELLY
JACKIE FALSO & JEN SCHAAD
TOLL GATE
TOLL GATE
The Titans went undefeated during the regular season, and so did Kelly.
With doubles teams constantly rotating, Falso and Schaad found a way to finish the season at 8-1.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Erin Isherwood, Pilgrim
Gary Gorman, Toll Gate
Alison Chace, Warwick Vets Kiah Marcotte, Warwick Vets
Laurel Teneyck & Anna Rose Pearson, Toll Gate Rose Kaczmarek & Addie Lamothe, Toll Gate
The Toll Gate girls’ tennis team was as consistent as they come this season, going 12-0 and advancing all the way to the Division II championship match. One of the main catalysts for that success was No. 2 singles player Arianna Rizzo. A junior, Rizzo compiled a 9-3 overall record, showing the willingness to challenge herself near the top of the singles ladder, the durability to play in every match and the skill to consistently pick up win for the Titans. “She was like the silent killer,” said head coach Gary Gorman. “She was very consistent all year, the past two years.” Rizzo has been a mainstay near the top of Toll Gate’s lineup since her sophomore year, helping it to a 9-3 record two years ago before the undefeated mark this past year. It’s been her work ethic that has paved the way. While Gorman highlights her dedication in high school practices, Rizzo also takes lessons at Tennis Rhode Island during the off-season and tries to play as often as she can. While she played well at No. 2 last year, she was also called into action three times at No. 1. “I definitely like playing singles more,” Rizzo said. “And obviously I want to play No. 1, but I liked playing No. 2 this year. I liked the competition.” With the fall season only a few months away, Rizzo has already seen improvement in her game from last season, and she’ll likely need to capitalize on that to repeat her success next year, as Toll Gate is moving up to Division I. “I’ve definitely improved a lot this off-season,” Rizzo said. “It’s going to be a challenge but I’m excited to move up and see if I can compete with some of those girls.” Rizzo will be serving as a co-captain next season, a role in which Gorman thinks she’ll continue to flourish. “She’s like the All-American girl,” Gorman said. “She’s very supportive of all the other players.” -K.P.
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22
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
FIELD HOCKEY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Savannah Hersey WARWICK VETS • MIDFIELDER
ALL CITY TEAM PAULA CAVANAGH
CHRISSY CAVANAGH
VICTORIA NELSON
PILGRIM • FORWARD
PILGRIM • MIDFIELDER
TOLL GATE • DEFENSE
A freshman standout, Cavanagh scored all but one of Pilgrim's goals this season.
Aggressive and quick to the ball, Cavanagh maintained her status as one of Pilgrim's best players.
The Titans didn't score a lot of goals, but they were in a few games because of Nelson's defensive presence.
TAYLOR SPINARD
ELLEN MCDONNELL
HALEY DONAHAY
TOLL GATE • FORWARD
MIDFIELDER • PILGRIM
PILGRIM • DEFENSE
One of the Titans' stronger players from the beginning of the season on, Spinard paced the offense.
A naturally strong athlete, McDonnell wasn't afraid to take a shot for the Pats.
Physical at the point of attack, Donahay helped the Pats to their best season in years.
MEGAN LEMAY
ARIETTA CHEVIAN
COURTNEY CARDOZA
WARWICK VETS • FORWARD
WARWICK VETS • DEFENSE
PILGRIM • GOALIE
Not always the focal point, Lemay ended up as the team’s top goal scorer.
On a stingy defensive team, Chevian held up her end of the bargain on the back end.
One of the better goalkeepers in the state, Cardoza capped her career with another strong year.
BREANA COLEMAN TOLL GATE • MIDFIELDER
Held her own in the center of the field while the Titans struggled to produce goals.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Lillian Saran, Pilgrim
Naomi Franzen, Warwick Vets
Steph Shields, Pilgrim
Jessica Pope, Pilgrim
Allison Stopyra, Warwick Vets
Shanelle Lawson, Toll Gate
Natasha Savage, Warwick Vets
Kelsey Holmes, Toll Gate
Lexy Santos-Smith, Warwick Vets
Jackie Durand, Toll Gate
Savannah Hersey started playing field hockey three years ago for two reasons. First, she played ice hockey, and thought field hockey was a logical sport to play in the fall. Secondly, she wanted to stay in shape. Now, she’s the best field hockey player in Warwick. “I figured that field hockey would be a good thing to keep in shape and maybe improve some of my hockey skills,” Hersey said. “Then I ended up really liking it.” A rising senior at Warwick Vets, Hersey took to the sport immediately her freshman year and has steadily gotten better and better. This season, as Vets went 4-63 and contended for a playoff spot, Hersey took her game a step further. She led Division II in assists with 13 and added three goals as well. From her spot in the midfield she also was a defensive presence, helping the ’Canes allow only 13 goals, second in D-II. For her efforts, she earned first-team All-Division honors. “She was definitely the engine of the team,” said Vets head coach Jim Areson. “She was a great two-way player. Not just offensively, but defensively, Savannah excelled for us the whole year.” Hersey rarely came off the field last season, and she’s started for Vets for three years running. She also served as a captain in her junior year, meaning she’ll be a two-time captain when it’s all said and done. “She’s an absolute coach’s dream, to the point where I have a little girl and I point Savannah out and I say, ‘That’s how you should do things. Just watch Savannah,’” Areson said. Hersey has started playing in field hockey leagues outside of school and also playing in showcases, as the sport may end up taking her further than she could have imagined. “I’ve gotten a lot better,” Hersey said. “Freshman year I didn’t know what I was doing and then sophomore year, I kind of figured it out. Then this year, I became a much better player.” -K.P.
GYMNASTICS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Candis Kowalik WARWICK VETS It’s no secret that as Candis Kowalik goes, so does the Warwick Vets gymnastics team. That partnership worked out beautifully in 2014. Kowalik captured her second individual all-around state championship, while Vets took home the first state title in school history with the Division II crown. To boot, Kowalik recorded the highest total in state history with a 37.850. Vets’ total team score was just a shade below that of Division I champion La Salle. “This season was a lot of fun,” Kowalik said. “We had a lot more confidence. When we realized what we were capable of doing, and then hearing La Salle’s scores and seeing that we almost had the same scores as them, that’s where we really became competitors.” The fact that Kowalik was able to earn a second individual title was made even more meaningful due to an ankle injury she suffered her sophomore year. She was forced to miss the state meet and was unable to defend her title from freshman year. This season, she took first place in all four individual events – floor, vault, bars and beam – and cruised to the title. “Everything comes naturally to her,” said Vets head coach Stacy Capone. “She does really well in showing the other girls where they need help. If they’re focusing on obtaining a certain skill, she’ll work with them in certain drills to obtain it.” Kowalik continued her impressive campaign by winning the vault title at the New England Championships. It was the first time she ever did that particular routine. Now she’ll look forward to her senior year, where she’ll try to lead the ’Canes to a second straight title. Kowalik has already done so much, but there’s a lot still out there. “I know it’s going to be a very emotional year,” she said. “But the confidence will definitely be way higher for everybody, not only myself.” -K.P.
ALL CITY TEAM ASHLEY CLIFT
TIERRA FREY
WARWICK VETS
WARWICK VETS
Clift finished 12th place allaround, giving Vets a solid No. 2 behind Kowalik.
Frey finished tied for 19th on vault with her teammate, helping Vets to a D-II title.
KAYLEIGH DESJARLAIS
DAYNA RAZZA
WARWICK VETS
WARWICK VETS
Qualified for the state meet and performed well with a 19th-place finish on vault.
With her strong floor routine, Razza found her way into the state's top 25.
HONORABLE MENTION Katie Moore, Warwick Vets Tess Bussick, Warwick Vets Danielle Breault, Warwick Vets Michaela McNally, Warwick Vets
COACH OF THE YEAR Stacy Capone, Warwick Vets
EMMA LANDROCHE PILGRIOM
Landroche was the only representative from her school and grabbed 22nd on the floor.
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
23
BOYS’ HOCKEY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Andrew Fera HENDRICKEN • FORWARD The best hockey players in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League don’t always stay very long in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. The prep school ranks or junior hockey come calling. Andrew Fera stuck around. And the Bishop Hendricken star wouldn’t trade a minute. “It was the time of my life,” Fera said. “I enjoyed every second of it. I have no regrets.” Fera skated varsity from the start, scoring three goals and handing out two assists as a freshman. As a sophomore in 2011, he took on a bigger role, ranking third on the team with 10 goals and dishing out six assists. That year, he helped a senior-laden squad raise the state championship trophy. As a junior, Fera firmly established as one of the best forwards in the division, tying for the team lead in goals with 14. This past season, with one of his linemates graduated and another off to prep school, Fera returned as the unquestioned leader of a talented squad. He scored 14 goals again to lead the team and he had 13 assists. The Hawks again had a lot of seniors, but Fera’s linemates were a freshman and a sophomore. “I knew I had to step up and be a leader,” Fera said. “I had to show all the young guys what it’s like to play at Hendricken.” His example helped the Hawks go 14-1-2, the best record in the division. They took a 1-0 lead in the championship series with Mount St. Charles before dropping the next two. For Fera, who went on to first-team All-State honors, it was a tough ending. But ultimately, there was perspective. Fera finished his career with 41 goals, 35 assists – and a whole lot of wins. “I felt good about the year,” Fera said. “It would have been nice to win a championship but there’s nothing we can do about. Everybody played their hearts out.” Fera graduated this spring and will head to Salve Regina University, where he’ll play lacrosse and possibly hockey. -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM JAMIE ARMSTRONG
LIAM WATKINSON
KYLE VEYERA
HENDRICKEN • FORWARD
HENDRICKEN • FORWARD
WARWICK VETS • DEFENSE
A rising star in his sophomore season, Armstrong showed flashes of brilliance.
Watkinson was a solid contributor on Hendricken's third line, made up entirely of seniors.
In a growing year, Veyera was a steadying presence in the back end and a goal-scoring threat.
SAM ADAMO
BRYCE DOLAN
JOE PALIOTTE
PILGRIM • FORWARD
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSE
PILGRIM • DEFENSE
For a team that struggled to score, Adamo was able to put the puck in the net regularly.
Only a freshman, Dolan quickly established himself as the Hawks' top defenseman.
Paliotte had eight points from his defensive spot, good for third on the team.
PATRICK CREAMER
TUCKER ALBERIGO
MATT KENNEALLY
HENDRICKEN • FORWARD
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSE
HENDRICKEN • GOALIE
Just a freshman, Creamer burst onto the scene as a top line forward.
Alberigo shuffled between the back and up front, showing his versatility and importance.
In his first year as the starter, Kenneally had no trouble, registering a 1.67 GAA.
JACK SULLIVAN TOLL GATE • FORWARD
The Titans didn't score a ton of goals, but Sullivan led the team with 13 points.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Reilly Miller, Hendricken
Jesse Butler, Toll Gate
Jim Creamer, Hendricken
Jon Finelli, Hendricken
Dave Stachurski, Toll Gate
Brandon Mitchell, Hendricken
Sean Vittum, Toll Gate
Shane Olson, Hendricken
Greg Fontaine, Warwick Vets
Chris Shalvey, Hendricken
Tyler Dipetrillo, Warwick Vets
Bryant Palermo, Pilgrim
Jacob Mitchell, Warwick Vets
Patrick Reilly, Pilgrim
David Kowalik, Warwick Vets
GIRLS’ HOCKEY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Abby Ellis WARWICK • DEFENSE ■
ALL CITY TEAM MADISON BALUTOWSKI
SAVANNAH HERSEY
WARWICK • FORWARD
WARWICK • DEFENSE
Quick and lightning-fast with the puck, Balutowski led the state in scoring as the Titans won the state title.
A steady complement to Ellis in the back, Hersey gave Warwick an impressive duo.
KELSEY HOLMES
GABRIELLA DICOMITIS
WARWICK • FORWARD
WARWICK • GOALIE
Sometimes overshadowed, Holmes was one of the top scorers in the state anyway.
Dicomitis seized the full-time starter job late in the season and became one of the state's best, earning championship series MVP honors.
JAIME GIVEN WARWICK • FORWARD
A veteran presence up front, Given was the type of player who contributed and knew when to defer.
HONORABLE MENTION Alyssa Mathews, Warwick
Marianna Brawn, Warwick
Natasha Savage, Warwick
Paula Cavanagh, Warwick
Erin Vermilye, Warwick
COACH OF THE YEAR Dave Tibbetts, Warwick
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ELLIS - PAGE 17
Ellis said. “I’ve gotten faster, better agility, all that kind of stuff. And my stick handling got better too. Every aspect of the game, I’ve improved on.” While Ellis’s winter on the ice certainly took the cake as her most outstanding season, the fall brought some memories with it as well. The Toll Gate tennis team was plenty talented, and Ellis decided to join because she thought she could pick it up, it would be fun and it would help her keep in shape. That turned out to be true, as she took some time to come back from an injury, but when eventually she did she learned the sport quickly – it was her first time playing competitively – and played No. 2 doubles with Laurel Teneyck. The Titans went unbeaten, and Ellis had a huge hand in making that happen. In the season finale, she and Teneyck were playing the last match of the night, with Toll Gate tied with Narragansett at three apiece. It came down to their match, and the two of them out-lasted their opponents in a third-set tiebreak to finish the magical regular season, Toll Gate’s first unbeaten year on record. In the spring, Ellis returned to her place on the golf team. While Toll Gate went 6-8 in the division, Ellis had her moments of brilliance, including shooting a teambest 46 on May 13 in a win over Pilgrim. At states, she fired a disappointing 57 on the front nine but followed that up with a 48 to give her a total of 105. That day actually marked the end of her Toll Gate career though, as Ellis will move on next school year and enroll in prep school at Tabor Academy. In keeping with her athletic persona, Ellis won’t just play hockey – but she won’t play tennis or golf either. While she plans on continuing to play those sports in her leisure time, she’ll play soccer and lacrosse in prep school. If her past is any indication, she’ll be successful no matter what sports she pursues. “She’s just an all-around great athlete,” Tibbetts said. -K.P.
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24
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
WRESTLING
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
John Altieri WARWICK VETS • 120 POUNDS
ALL CITY TEAM JON CELICO
AARON TRAVERS
HUNTER BOESCH
HENDRICKEN • 106 POUNDS
TOLL GATE • 145 POUNDS
HENDRICKEN • 182 POUNDS
Celico came up just shy of a title, taking second place at the state meet.
Travers accomplished his main goal and capped a standout career, running through his bracket for a state title at 145.
Boesch was one of five Hawks in the finals, and he ended up in second place.
NICK CELICO
OWEN AMIRAULT
NICK MARTINO
HENDRICKEN • 113 POUNDS
WARWICK VETS • 152 POUNDS
HENDRICKEN • 195 POUNDS
Celico brought home one of Hendricken's two first-place finishes, taking the crown at 113.
Amirault was a solid performer all year and was also a state meet qualifier.
Competing in a tough weight class, Martino battled his way to fifth place overall.
JAMIE SWANSON
LEWIS STEWART
AARON HURST
HENDRICKEN • 126 POUNDS
HENDRICKEN • 160 POUNDS
WARWICK VETS • 220 POUNDS
Swanson lost in the second round at states, finishing just out of the medals.
Stewart made it all the way to the finals where his run ended in second place at states.
Hurst capped his career with his first state meet medal, a fifth-place.
DAVIN LOURENCO
JAMES SAURO
DALLAS SAUER
WARWICK VETS • 132 POUNDS
HENDRICKEN • 170 POUNDS
HENDRICKEN • 285 POUNDS
Lourenco got the job done for the 'Canes with a strong third-place showing.
Another point-getter for the state champion Hawks, Sauro did his job with a fourth-place finish.
Sauer closed a standout career with a state championship in the 285-pound weight class.
MAX PROCOPIO TOLL GATE • 138 POUNDS
A standout all year for the Titans, Procopio finished in fifth at states.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION
Kevin Hennessey, Hendricken
Jason Davol, Hendricken
Zach Caldarone, Toll Gate
Matt Jacobson, Hendricken
John DiGiuseppe, Toll Gate
Anthony DiMauro, Hendricken
Dave Navilliat, Toll Gate
Pierre Louis-Arcand, Hendricken
Joe Mercurio, Toll Gate
John Arruda, Hendricken
Ed Pierce, Toll Gate
Steven Johnson, Hendricken
Tim Warner, Toll Gate
John Castaldi, Pilgrim
Nick Thompson, Warwick Vets
Oluiwaseun Akinnusotu, Pilgrim
Logan Amirault, Warwick Vets
Griffin Potter, Pilgrim
Kendall Watts, Warwick Vets
Mike Turchetta, Pilgrim
Bobby Thomas, Warwick Vets
Mike Pereira, Pilgrim
Ronald Larocque, Warwick Vets
Joe Brosnahan, Toll Gate
No stranger to winning, John Altieri nearly didn’t have the chance to do that this season. Already a three-time state champion heading into the year, Altieri tore his labrum during the early part of the regular season and was forced to miss the rest of the campaign. But, against the odds, he returned to the mat for the first time since the injury at the state tournament and picked up right where he left off, winning his fourth consecutive high school state title – this one at 120 pounds – to put himself in an elite club of four-time champs. Throw in the injury and the uncertainty, and this one was the most special of all. “I can’t really explain it,” Altieri said. “It was the greatest feeling, getting a standing ovation, getting my hand raised. With everything that happened, I was on top of the world.” Altieri is one of just four wrestlers in Rhode Island history to win the title all four years. It almost didn’t happen. Wrestling Cumberland’s Cody Beaudette – his chief rival – during the season, he felt a pop in his shoulder and knew something was wrong immediately. At the hospital that night, he initially heard some tough news. “It was kind of up in the air,” Altieri said. “They told me that my season was done. I told them it wasn’t. I told them I was still coming back.” He worked as hard as he could on the rehab, and little by little worked himself back into a position to wrestle. While he never quite reached 100 percent, he still gave it a go. “You hear it all the time on ESPN about professional athletes – he had it,” said Vets head coach Brendan Friel. “He just came in and he just has that competitive drive, that inner drive.” On the big stage, Altieri advanced to the semifinals where he defeated Beaudette. In the finals, he knocked off Hendricken’s Jason Davol for the title. That secured his place as one of the school’s and the state’s best ever. He became the second Vets wrestler to win four in a row, following in the footsteps of Mike Meyers, who was a senior when Altieri was a freshman. “After (watching Meyers), it wasn’t enough to be good,” Friel said. “He knew he had to do what Mike did to be great.” Altieri will wrestle at Iowa’s William Penn University this coming school year. -K.P.
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
25
BOYS’ SWIMMING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Max Miranda HENDRICKEN • 100 FREE, 200 FREE The best program in Rhode Island high school boys’ swimming history has also produced some of the best swimmers the state has ever seen. None of them have been as good as Max Miranda. A freshman at Hendricken this past year, Miranda shattered records left and right, earning three state titles in the process. “Let’s put it this way – in all the years that I’ve been coaching, he’s the best swimmer I’ve ever dealt with,” said Hendricken head coach Dave Hanson. Hanson’s perspective is about as good as it gets on the matter – he’s the only head coach in Hendricken swimming history. But Miranda’s body of work speaks for itself. Though the team missed out on a state championship for the first time in 25 years, Miranda set the team record in the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle, and then broke the program’s oldest record in the 200 individual medley. He won the 200 and 100 freestyles at the state meet, setting a new state record in the 200 free. He swam anchor on the Hawks’ first-place 400 free relay team and was the lead swimmer on the their second place 200 medley relay. And he’s just a freshman. “I was just trying to have fun with the team,” Miranda said. “I know Hendricken has had a great swim team for the past number of years and Dave Hanson has been great a long time. I came in and I was hoping for a couple state titles. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but that was one of the goals I had in mind.” An avid swimmer outside of high school for the Blue Fish Swim Club, there’s almost no telling just how good Miranda can be in the coming years. “We’ve never had a high school All-American,” Hanson said. “As good as he is right now, he’s still not quite a high school All-American yet. That’s a realistic goal, to be the first swimmer at Hendricken to do that.” -K.P.
ALL CITY TEAM MARC ANDREWS
MICHAEL SUNDBERG
JON O’CONNELL
HENDRICKEN • 200 IM, 100 FLY
HENDRICKEN • 500 FREE
HENDRICKEN • 100 BREAST
Andrews flexed his muscles with a third in the IM and a fourth in the butterfly at states.
Sundberg gave the Hawks big points in the 500 with a secondplace finish.
O'Connell swam his way to an eighth-place finish in his final state meet.
WILL BAILER
EVAN KORTICK
TOLL GATE • 50 FREE
HENDRICKEN • 100 BACK
Bailer capped his outstanding individual career with a seventh in the 50 free.
No one scored points for the Hawks at states in the back, but Kortick came the closest in 19th.
DAN FEDORENKO, BRENDAN CROWE, MICHAEL SUNDBERG, JAMES MANNI
JAMES MANNI, MARC ANDREWS, MICHAEL SUNDBERG, MAX MIRANDA
HENDRICKEN • 200 FREE RELAY
HENDRICKEN • 400 FREE RELAY
Without top freestyler Miranda on the team, Hendricken's group still grabbed third place at states.
Though they were already out of overall team contention, the Hawks finished the state meet with a first-place.
MAX MIRANDA, JON O’CONNELL, JOHN BERRETTA, MARC ANDREWS HENDRICKEN • 200 MEDLEY RELAY
The Hawks big four got off to a strong start at states with a second-place finish.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION Alex Vessella, Hendricken
Jacob Fox, Hendricken
Owen Schriber, Hendricken
Ryan Theriault, Toll Gate
Dave Hanson, Hendricken
Gian Paterno, Hendricken Gabe Ibarra, Hendricken
GIRLS’ SWIMMING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Mikayla Rogers TOLL GATE • 500 FREE, 100 FLY
ALL CITY TEAM ABIGAIL SLATER
LAURA HOPKINS
MCKENZIE CARON
PILGRIM • 50 FREE, 200 FREE
TOLL GATE • 100 BACK
PILGRIM • 100 FREE
Slater took 21st in the 200 freestyle and 29th in the 50 freestyle at the state meet.
Though she didn't compete at the state meet, Hopkins was 19th at the D-II meet.
Caron didn't compete in the event at states, but she took 12th at the DIII meet.
TAYLOR RYAN
STEPH HAGER
PILGRIM • 200 IM
TOLL GATE • 100 BREAST
Ryan followed up her work on the relay teams with a 21st-place finish in the 200 IM.
Hager qualified for states and finished up in 26th place in the 100 breast.
TAYLOR RYAN, MCKENZIE CARON, SOPHIA CARACUZZO, ABIGAIL SLATER PILGRIM • 200 MEDLEY RELAY, 200 FREE RELAY
The Pats' quartet of state meet qualifiers swam to 18th and 12th place in the two relays.
STEPH HAGER, AMANDA WILKS, RACHEL GILBAR, MIKAYLA ROGERS TOLL GATE • 200 FREE RELAY
The Titans' foursome swam well on the big stage, finishing in 21st at the state meet
HONORABLE MENTION Nicole Gauthier, Pilgrim
Maddy Hayes, Toll Gate
Drisanna Watson, Pilgrim
Phone Htoo, Warwick Vets
COACH OF THE YEAR Nisa San Giovanni, Pilgrim
Casey Adams, Pilgrim Rachel Euell, Toll Gate
Mikayla Rogers has been a key part of the Toll Gate swim team for four years and she was around the Titans well before that, when her older sister Becky swam. She thought of all those years frequently this past season. “I was excited about my senior year but I was really emotional,” Rogers said. “Every meet, I was like, ‘This is one of the last times.’” With that perspective taking hold, Rogers made her final year count. After hitting the wall as she tried to drop her times in the regular season, she surged at the state championship meet, grabbing two top-10 finishes for the second year in a row. “She was determined to get back to where she was and do even better,” said Toll Gate coach Mike Seidenberg. Rogers finished fourth in the 500 freestyle at states, nearly matching a personal-best time from last year’s state meet. In the 100 butterfly, she finished seventh, shaving five seconds off her seeding time. “That was the best I could have asked for,” she said. “All season, I wasn’t pulling the numbers I wanted. Going to states, I just said, ‘This is the last time I’m swimming at states. I just wanted to have fun.’” Her performance at states capped a strong highschool career for Rogers, who was Toll Gate’s best for several years and a regular on the state meet scene. This season, she was also tasked with being a leader for a young squad, a job she handled well. “She was always enthusiastic, always bringing kids into the fold,” Seidenberg said. The Titans will miss her next year, but Rogers won’t have to miss swimming. She’ll swim at Springfield College. “People would ask me if I was swimming in college and my immediate answer was always no,” she said. “At the beginning of this year, I realized I couldn’t imagine my life without swimming.” -W.G.
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26
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
BOYS’ BASKETBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Matt Duffie HENDRICKEN • GUARD Matt Duffie had a strong sophomore campaign for the Bishop Hendricken basketball team as he helped anchor the best defense in the state. As he got set for his junior season – one that came with higher expectations for the Hawks – he didn’t want any of his teammates to forget about their defensive roots. “It starts on defense,” Duffie said. “The year before, we didn’t really score but we were always in games because of our defense. I just wanted to make sure we still had that.” They had that – and plenty more. Duffie became one of the team’s best offensive threats as the Hawks established themselves as a contender. After they were bounced from the Division I tournament, they regrouped for the all-division state tournament and went out and won it. “It felt great to win,” Duffie said. “It’s what you work for.” Even for a storied program, this one was special. In the semifinals, Hendricken knocked off a La Salle team that had dominated them in previous meetings. In the championship game, the Hawks surged past Central to win the title. Duffie scored 12 points, and he and his teammates shut down a Knights team that had lit it up from long range throughout the playoffs. Duffie finished the year as the Hawks leading scorer and a driving force on defense. “He did it on both ends of the court,” said head coach Jamal Gomes. For Duffie, the championship continued a tremendous athletic career at Hendricken. The Warwick native won two state championships on the football field as a standout defensive back for the Hawks. The basketball title was icing on the cake. Duffie will leave Hendricken for Tabor Academy this fall, where he’ll play both football and basketball. “He’s an outstanding young man,” Gomes said. “His mindset and mental toughness are second to none. We’re very proud of him.” -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM JUSTIN MAZZULLA
GARFIELD COUSTARD
HENDRICKEN • GUARD
HENDRICKEN • FORWARD
An immediate starter as a freshman, Mazzulla impressed with his basketball IQ and steady point guard play.
In his first year as a full-time starter, Coustard made enormous contributions for the state champs.
WILL REMAK
RYAN MORRIS
WARWICK VETS • FORWARD
PILGRIM • CENTER
Immensely talented, Remak was capable of getting hot like no one else in the division.
Skilled inside, Morris had a senior year to remember and capped it with his 1,000th point.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
E.J. Nygren, Hendricken
Adam Brice, Toll Gate
Kyle Henseler, Hendricken
Jake Johnson, Toll Gate
Will Parmlee, Hendricken
Scott Camara, Warwick Vets
Blake Doelling, Pilgrim
Josh Muto, Warwick Vets
Chris Duchesneau, Pilgrim
Israel Thomas, Warwick Vets
Letrelle Johnson, Pilgrim
Jamal Gomes, Hendricken
Zach Bacon, Toll Gate
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Casey Bennett WARWICK VETS • GUARD Casey Bennett has a hard time believing it’s all over. At least she’ll leave behind quite a legacy. Bennett, who recently graduated from Warwick Vets, scored her 1,000th career point this past season for the ’Canes, one of just a handful of players in school history to accomplish that feat. Reaching that milestone was fitting for a player who has been the face of the girls’ basketball team at Vets since taking over the primary point guard responsibilities her sophomore year. “It is going to be sad,” Bennett said about her career coming to a close. “I gained a lot of confidence though. Freshman year, I was afraid to shoot the ball. I’ve come a long way.” Shooting the ball wasn’t a problem for Bennett this season, as that was the best route to success for Vets. The team ended up 5-11, but in two games that Bennett didn’t play in, the team failed to score more than 25 points. Bennett finished 11th in the state in scoring at 15.6 points, and the ’Canes needed all of them. “You have to understand that the Warwick Vets girls’ basketball team has always been a tight knit family and they’ve always had each other’s back,” said head coach Owen Paquet. “They’ll do whatever it takes to progress and win as a team. Casey was the beneficiary of that mentality.” Her 1,000th point came late in the season. She needed just two points to do reach it, and buried a three early in the first half to get the job done. “I’ve thought about it since freshman year, how cool it would be, because I saw a girl from Pilgrim do it,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wow that would be really cool to do.’ Paquet told me I had the potential to do it.” Next season will be the first since 2010 without Bennett playing a significant role for the team. Bennett, meanwhile, will attend Stonehill College and potentially try to walk-on to the soccer team. Paquet knows he’s in for quite an adjustment. “I am going to miss her drastically,” he said. -K.P.
ALL CITY TEAM LAURA MCGUIRE
EMILY ALMONTE
TOLL GATE • GUARD
WARWICK VETS • FORWARD
The team's best ball-handler and most athletic player, McGuire made the Titans go.
Playing alongside her sister, Almonte helped create problems for smaller teams.
LAUREN ALMONTE
MADDY CRAIK
WARWICK VETS • FORWARD
PILGRIM • FORWARD
Solid both on the boards and with possession in the paint, Almonte was a steady presence.
Craik came on strong in the second half of the year, especially on the offensive end.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Alexa Annotti, Pilgrim
Owen Paquet, Warwick Vets
Haley Donahay, Pilgrim Megan St. Jacques, Pilgrim Sarah Sagnella, Toll Gate Hannah McNulty, Toll Gate Kat Raposo, Warwick Vets Abbie Paul, Warwick Vets
2014 BEST HOOPS BASKETBALL CAMP at Bishop Hendricken H.S. Three Great Weeks MONDAY-FRIDAY
July 21-25 • July 28-Aug. 1 • Aug. 4-8 FEE: $195/week ~ 9am-3pm Family & 3-Weeks Discounts Available
Grade School: Ages 8-10 Middle School: Ages 11-13 High School: 14-18* Separate Instructions for Boys & Girls
*High School level has a more advanced schedule of instruction
Steve Ceseretti, Best Hoops Director (401) 463-6490 www.besthoopsbasketballcamp.com
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
27
BOYS’ INDOOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Lee Moses HENDRICKEN • 55, 300, LONG JUMP ■
MOSES - PAGE 17
after football ended. Already a state champ in the long jump, Moses cemented himself this past season as one of the top sprinters in the state. At the indoor state meet, he finished third in the 55 and fourth in the 300. After running those races – and a relay – Moses settled in for the long jump and won it for the second year in a row. “Lee has been without a doubt one of the best sprinters to come along since probably Will Blackmon, there’s no question about it,” said Hendricken track coach Jim Doyle. In the outdoor season, he shined in big meets, beating his chief rivals in the 100-meter dash at the division and class championships. At states, the injury robbed him of another medal, but not before he won his third long jump championship. “I didn’t know what I was doing when I started, but once I got more into it, I realized I’m actually good at this,” Moses said. “So I just kept working hard at it.” His coaches took notice. “He’s a guy that works hard, that really has an unbelievable amount of talent,” Doyle said. With another year at Hendricken left, Moses may yet have more in the tank. On the football field, the Hawks would like to find ways to get him the ball more often. And on the track, he should be one of the top returning sprinters in the state. “To some extent, the sky’s the limit for him,” Croft said. Colleges have already come calling, some looking at him for football, others for track. The summer and this next season will determine where he lands. For his part, Moses will just keep working. “I’m just going to focus on my schoolwork, and keep working hard,” he said. “Just getting ready for the next level.” -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM JARED BOULANGER
BEN MURPHY
ALEX CERBO
HENDRICKEN • 600
HENDRICKEN • HIGH JUMP
HENDRICKEN • SHOT PUT
Boulanger came into his own during the indoor season, earning a sixth place in the 600.
One of the top high jumpers in the state, Murphy finished in second at the state meet.
Cerbo came up just shy of a state title with a second-place finish in the shot put.
COLIN TIERNEY
CHRIS CELONA
HENDRICKEN • 1000, 1500, 3000
HENDRICKEN • WEIGHT THROW
The Hawks' top distance man showed it off at states with a sixth, a fourth and a second.
Celona finished as the Hawks' top man in the weight, grabbing eighth place.
LIAM VETTER HENDRICKEN • 55H
Vetter didn't earn any points, but he did finish in 18th for the Hawks in the hurdles.
NICK STRAVATO, LEE MOSES, KWITY PAYE, POWER KANGA HENDRICKEN • 4X200 RELAY
One of the top teams in the state, the group got DQ'ed at states but still had a strong season.
IAN MACLEOD, CHRIS CAMBIO POWER KANGA, ANDREW GRADY
JARED BOULANGER, AVERY INGEGNERI, MATT CONSTANT, GRANT GAUTHIER
HENDRICKEN • 4X400 RELAY
HENDRICKEN • 4X800 RELAY
Thanks to consistent running from all four contributors, Hendricken took third place.
Hendricken's four distance relayers put in a solid effort and came in third place at states.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Michael Kiernan, Hendricken
Evan Nelson, Hendricken
John Clavin, Hendricken
Alex Pires, Toll Gate
Michael Potter, Hendricken
Ronnie Gaynor, Hendricken
Matt Rich, Hendricken
Frank Merlino, Warwick Vets
Dom Parlato, Hendricken
John Larkin, Hendricken
Jacob Yang, Pilgrim
Jeremy Morrissette, Warwick Vets
Brendan Dillon, Hendricken
Robert Merlino, Hendricken
Lukas Fontaine, Pilgrim
Kyle Morrissette, Warwick Vets
Dan Medici, Hendricken
Jake Cardello, Hendricken
Andrew Swain, Pilgrim
Brian Schofield, Warwick Vets
Eddie Barber, Hendricken
Jack Rossi, Hendricken
Dan Johnston, Pilgrim
Dave Valladolid, Warwick Vets
Ben Nelson, Hendricken
Patrick Hagerty, Hendricken
Brandon Paiva, Pilgrim
Connor Hurst, Hendricken
Tom McMahon, Hendricken
Brock Massa, Toll Gate
Jim Doyle, Hendricken
GIRLS’ INDOOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Erika Pena TOLL GATE • 55 HURDLES
ALL CITY TEAM ASHLEY CHIN
BRYANNA MULLIN
MADDISON CARON
TOLL GATE • 55
PILGRIM • 3000
PILGRIM • WEIGHT THROW
Chin stepped up big at states, taking sixth place in a competitive 55-meter dash.
Mullin got herself into the mix in the long distance race, taking 14th at states.
A regular near the top of the standings in the weight throw, Caron took eighth at states.
HEATHER ALLSTROM
MELANIE BRUNELLE
ANI ARMENAKYAN
TOLL GATE • 300
PILGRIM • HIGH JUMP
TOLL GATE • SHOT PUT
Allstrom just missed out on adding points to Toll Gate's total, with a ninth-place finish.
One of the more consistent jumpers in the state, Brunelle took home sixth place.
Only a freshman, Armenakyan put up a seventh-place showing at states.
JESS CAWLEY
REBECCA O’DONNELL
DANIKA WAYSS
TOLL GATE • 600
PILGRIM • LONG JUMP
PILGRIM • 1000, 1500
Keeping with her solid distance performances, Cawley finished in 10th at states.
In her best personal event, O'Donnell captured a fourth-place finish in the long jump.
Wayss was fifth in the 1500 at states and came in second at divisions in the 1000.
REBECCA O’DONNELL, MADISON STANLEY, MOLLY LYNCH, NICOLE MORALES
HEATHER ALLSTROM, ERIKA PENA, JESS CAWLEY, NORA HALL
KATHERINE LAVALLEE, SARAH LAVALLEE, DEBBIE JESSOP, LIAN SMITHERS
PILGRIM • 4X200 RELAY
TOLL GATE • 4X400 RELAY
TOLL GATE • 4X800 RELAY
The group of four Pilgrim sprinters finished in the medals at states with a fifth place.
Toll Gate's four middle distance runners found their way into the points with a sixth-place finish.
With a relatively young group, the Titans managed to run to 12th place at states.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION Nicole Morales, Pilgrim Claudia DeMelo, Pilgrim Kayda Phillip, Pilgrim Miranda Plante, Pilgrim Annemarie Martella, Toll Gate Morgan Duggan, Toll Gate Courtney Jacobsen, Toll Gate
Hannah Dubiel, Toll Gate Victoria Bucci, Toll Gate Alyssa McCracken, Warwick Vets Kylie Lyon, Warwick Vets Brianna Boyd, Warwick Vets Brittney Boyd, Warwick Vets Kaitlyn Johnson, Warwick Vets
Carlie McPherson, Warwick Vets Michelle Spremulli, Warwick Vets Bria McAloon, Warwick Vets Kimberly Buchanan, Warwick Vets Kayla Bourbon, Warwick Vets
Tom Dolce, Pilgrim
Erika Pena hopes to be a heptathlete one day. Until then, she’s doing her best impression in the interscholastic ranks. A rising senior at Toll Gate, Pena put on a show at the indoor track state meet this season, capturing fourth place in the 55 hurdles, fifth place in the long jump, running anchor on the Titans’ sixth-place 4x400 team and also running on the 11th-place 4x200 team. “She works hard,” said Toll Gate coach Jon Deming. “It is kind of tough, because she does so many different events. It’s hard to find the time to focus on just one thing. If she just focused on the hurdles that would be one thing, but she’s one of our main runners on our relays. She does track workouts, then long jump and we use her for high jump sometimes.” That’s Pena’s M.O., though, as she’s been a contributor all over the track and field since breaking onto the scene as a freshman. Also the school’s best cross country runner, Pena has stood out as one of the most versatile performers in the state. “My training is to be a heptathlete (a heptathlon features seven different events, ranging from throwing to jumping to running distance to hurdling) in college,” Pena said. “So my coaches have always said, ‘Let’s get you to do all these events, and focus on the hurdles and the other ones can just be the cake.’” Pena took a little time to reach peak form in the indoor season after coming from cross country. But when the big events came around, she delivered. At states, she was hoping for a third-place finish in the hurdles but had a small hiccup during the finals and ended up in fourth. That was disappointing – although still a strong showing – yet she redeemed herself in the long jump. Just hoping to medal, she set a personal record with a leap of 17-feet, five-inches and grabbed fifth. Also a standout on the outdoor scene, where she took third place in the 100 hurdles at states, Pena will be back for one more year all over the track, where she’ll be trying again to put herself in position for more success. “It’s good that she’s got a lot to work on, but the ceiling is so high,” Deming said. “There’s really no limit.” -K.P.
28
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
BASEBALL
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Gian Martellini HENDRICKEN • CATCHER
ALL CITY TEAM STEPHEN DENIS
SHANE KITTILA
DAN GREAVES
WARWICK VETS • FIRST BASE
WARWICK VETS • OUTFIELD
WARWICK VETS • PITCHER
Anchored the middle of the order as Vets surged to a big season in Division II.
Part of a dynamic pitching rotation, Kittila also hit the ball well for the 'Canes.
Always steady, Greaves took the leap into the ace role this season, becoming one of D-II's best pitchers.
RYAN ROTONDO
ELVIS PIMENTAL
HENDRICKEN • SECOND BASE
TOLL GATE • OUTFIELD
ELIJAH DRESSEL
In his first year as a starter, Rotondo hit over .400 and played a great second base for the state champs.
In his first year on the team, Pimental burst onto the scene as one of Toll Gate's best hitters and stole 22 bases.
Dressel became one of the best pitchers in the state, posting a 1.11 ERA and striking out 59 in 48.2 innings.
JOHN TOPPA
BRANDON PAIVA
MIKE MCCAFFREY
HENDRICKEN • THIRD BASE
PILGRIM • UTILITY
HENDRICKEN • PITCHER
The UConn commit slumped late in the year, but earned state championship series MVP honors.
In his second year as a starter, Paiva emerged as Pilgrim's best hitter and a steady defender at second.
Stepping into the No. 1 spot, McCaffrey went undefeated as the Hawks won the state championship.
JOHN WILLETTE
ALEX LEFEBVRE
AUSTIN LAMAIRE
HENDRICKEN • SHORTSTOP
UTILITY • TOLL GATE
WARWICK VETS • PITCHER
Just a sophomore, Willette grabbed the starting job at shortstop, batted leadoff and helped lead the Hawks to the title.
Manning shortstop for the Titans, Lefebvre flashed a great glove and was one of the team's best hitters.
A valuable two-way player, Lamaire had a terrific season on the mound that included a six-inning no-hitter.
DANTE BALDELLI
TYLER EKROTH
STEPHEN NOTI
HENDRICKEN • OUTFIELD
TOLL GATE • DH
PILGRIM • PITCHER
The brother of former Big Leaguer Rocco, Dante made a name for himself in a big sophomore season.
Ekroth made the most of his senior year, emerging as Toll Gate's best run producer.
Noti turned in another strong season in the Pilgrim rotation, posting a 2.72 ERA.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION Andrew Ciacciarelli, Hendricken
James Meizoso, Toll Gate
Brady Chant, Hendricken
Zach Bacon, Toll Gate
Anthony Graziano, Hendricken
Steve Foster, Toll Gate
Matt Kennedy, Hendricken
Tim Warner, Toll Gate
Kevin Sutyla, Hendricken
Jeremy Batista, Warwick Vets
Sam Boulanger, Hendricken
Tyler Dipetrillo, Warwick Vets
Christian Travers, Hendricken Anthony Cofone, Hendricken Mike Broccoli, Pilgrim Joe Paliotte, Pilgrim
PILGRIM • PITCHER
Starting at catcher and batting in the middle of the order as a sophomore on a state championship team was a great opportunity for Gian Martellini. But the Bishop Hendricken standout did not confuse a great opportunity with a great year. He was still learning the catcher’s position and he didn’t hit as well as he wanted to. “I thought it was an OK year,” he said. Even under his high expectations, he had to say 2014 was a little better than OK. Martellini became the offensive force he was always projected to be, hitting .467 in the regular season and leading the team with 41 RBI as the Hawks won their third consecutive state championship. He was named Rhode Island’s Gatorade Player of the Year. “Gian had a huge year for us, hitting, knocking in runs, batting in the middle of order,” coach Ed Holloway said. “He came through time and again in clutch situations.” Martellini was pegged for big things from the moment he hit the baseball field at Bishop Hendricken. After starring for the freshman team, he got the call to play American Legion baseball that summer, the usual path for Hawks baseball stardom. He became the starting catcher in 2013 and helped the Hawks win the title. In the off-season, he committed to play baseball at Vanderbilt University – who will play for a national championship this week – and then delivered the kind of season you’d expect from a top-level Division I commit. His presence in the middle made Hendricken’s order one of its most fearsome in years. And on defense, Martellini finally felt at home behind the plate. “He did a good job catching this year,” Holloway said. “It was only his second year as a catcher. It’s a thing that’s cliché, but a good catcher makes your pitching staff better. But without a doubt, he did that. He made them better than maybe they would have been without a good catcher.” In the state championship series, Martellini helped the Hawks rally from an eighth-inning deficit to take game one in dramatic fashion. His two-out single kept the rally going, and if not for the respect La Salle showed him, the hit might have been the final out. “La Salle was playing so deep because they had so much respect for Gian,” Holloway said. “If they weren’t playing that deep, that ball is probably caught and the game’s over. But they were trying to prevent him from hitting it into the gap.” Hendricken went on to the win then finished off a sweep the next day. It was exactly how Martellini and the Hawks drew it up. “It was an awesome year,” Holloway said. -W.G.
Ed Holloway, Hendricken
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
29
BOYS’ LACROSSE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Conor Garrahy HENDRICKEN • ATTACK Conor Garrahy joined select company this year when he was voted a captain for the Hendricken lacrosse team for the second year in a row. The Hawks’ leading scorer was also their leader. “He was a tremendous asset for the team,” said head coach Kevin Murray. “He’s what you want in a kid. He works hard, he plays hard. He was a great motivator for the guys.” Garrahy was part of a family dynasty in the Hendricken lacrosse program, with two older brothers coming before him. Both were goalies, but Conor plied his trade at the other end of the field. He was a strong contributor as a freshman and sophomore before scoring 39 goals last year and tallying 28 more this season. He was the team’s leading scorer both years. This season, he ranked ninth in Division I in goals. “He was outstanding as a goal-scorer and he improved his overall game the last few years,” Murray said. This season, he and his teammates hit some struggles out of the gate, winning only twice in their first five games. Seniors like Garrahy, Andrew Fera, Andrew Grady, Nick Mariano and Jon Finelli led a resurgence. The Hawks finished the regular season with four straight wins and made a run to the semifinals. Fera led the team in points thanks to a big assist total. Grady, Finelli, Kyle Ellis and Tyler Williams chipped in as well, but when the Hawks needed a goal, there was no doubt who it was going to. Garrahy was recently named an All-American and an Academic All-American. He’s also expected to be named first-team All-State. “He had a great career at Hendricken,” Murray said. Garrahy will attend Villanova University in the fall. The Hawks will move on without a Garrahy in uniform for the first time in a long time. “The run of Garrahys is over,” Murray said. “We’ll miss him.” -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM ANDREW ZELANO
JON FINELLI
DAVE STACHURSKI
TOLL GATE • ATTACK
HENDRICKEN • MIDFIELD
TOLL GATE • DEFENSE
Zelano's emergence on the attack fueled a big year for the Titans. He had 18 goals and 13 assists.
Finelli capped a strong career with 11 goals and 10 assists in his senior season.
Stachurski led a solid defensive unit as the Titans made the playoffs for the 10th straight year.
ANDREW FERA
ANDREW GRADY
CONNOR THOMPSON
HENDRICKEN • ATTACK
HENDRICKEN • MIDFIELD
WARWICK VETS • DEFENSE
While Garrahy did a lot of the scoring, Fera led the team in points thanks to 13 assists. He also scored 19 goals.
Another key cog for the Hawks, Grady matched Finelli with 11 goals and added 12 assists.
Like Pacheco, Thompson had to shoulder a big load for the young 'Canes and led from the back line.
MICKENZEY PACHECO
NICK MARIANO
SAM MILNES
WARWICK VETS • MIDFIELD
HENDRICKEN • DEFENSE
HENDRICKEN • GOALIE
The only offensive player with any experience, Pacheco carried the load for the 'Canes as one of D-III's best.
The anchor of a young unit, Mariano helped Hendricken to another strong year.
Just a freshman, Milnes stepped right into the starting job and more than held his own.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION Kyle Ellis, Hendricken
Jack Sullivan, Toll Gate
Tyler Williams, Hendricken
Will Patenaude, Toll Gate
Mike Sousa, Hendricken
Sean Vittum, Toll Gate
Mike Murray, Hendricken
Chris Defreitas, Warwick Vets
Anthony Ottone, Toll Gate
Mike Vadney, Toll Gate
GIRLS’ LACROSSE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Haley McCusker PILGRIM • CENTER
ALL CITY TEAM JENNA FONTAINE
EMILY ALMONTE
CLARE BIRNEY
WARWICK VETS • HOME
WARWICK VETS • WING
PILGRIM • DEFENSE
Fontaine had another strong season for the 'Canes, ranking fourth on the team with 23 goals.
Almonte led the 'Canes and finished top-20 in the state with 43 goals.
Birney anchored a unit that got better as the year went on.
HANNAH PAGE
SAVANNAH HERSEY
LAUREN ALMONTE
PILGRIM • HOME
WARWICK VETS • WING
WARWICK VETS • DEFENSE
Page made herself at home on the lacrosse field as one of Pilgrim's top threats.
Part of a veteran core, Hersey had a strong year for Vets, scoring 25 goals.
While her twin sister did the scoring, Lauren held down the back line for the improved 'Canes.
PAULA CAVANAGH
KELSEY MARTIN
KATELEN PICK
PILGRIM • HOME
PILGRIM • WING
WARWICK VETS • GOALIE
Playing for the first time, Cavanagh ranked second on the team in goals.
Martin stepped up for a young squad and was a strong leader. She scored 12 goals.
A goalie in two sports, Pick held her own on the lacrosse field in a tough D-II.
CASEY BENNETT
RICKI BEAUFORT
WARWICK VETS • WING
WARWICK VETS • DEFENSE
Bennett was dynamic on both ends of the field and ranked second on the team with 27 goals.
Beaufort could do it all for the 'Canes, excelling on defense while chipping in eight goals.
COACH OF THE YEAR Tom Flanders, Pilgrim
HONORABLE MENTION Alex Pouliot, Pilgrim Sophia DeLuca, Pilgrim Hannah Johnson, Pilgrim Emma Reilly, Pilgrim Sloan Kinney, Warwick Vets Frankie Medeiros, Warwick Vets Nicole Luiz, Warwick Vets
Haley McCusker’s job has been to put the ball in the net for the Pilgrim girls’ lacrosse team. This year, McCusker was tasked with doing that and more. One of the only returning starters from the 2013 Division III runner-up team, McCusker had to help get a new team up to speed on the fly while also switching positions, from attack to center. She took it all in stride. When the season finally came to a close, she had led her team back to another D-III title appearance and she was the state’s leading goal-scorer, while also crossing the 200-goal plateau for her career. “I thought we were a year away from getting deep in the playoffs, and they stepped up,” said Pilgrim head coach Tom Flanders. “They peaked at the right time. Without Haley, that doesn’t happen.” McCusker scored 94 times during the regular season and added four in both the quarterfinals and semifinals before scoring five times in an eventual 9-8 finals loss to Chariho. It was her presence on the draws that sparked Pilgrim’s run. With the team having trouble maintaining possession, McCusker moved to center. It paid immediate dividends, and it jumpstarted a streak of seven straight wins that led all the way into the state championship game. “I loved the new position,” McCusker said. “I loved playing there. It was fun winning the draws. That’s one of the best feelings you’ll get in a game.” Along the way, she scored her 200th career goal while dedicating the night to and wearing the jersey number of former teammate Elanna Zuller, who passed away in a car accident three years ago. Though McCusker would have also liked to add a championship to her resume, it was quite a career. She’ll play at Coker College in South Carolina next season. -K.P.
30
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
BOYS’ OUTDOOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Alex Cerbo HENDRICKEN • SHOT PUT
ALL CITY TEAM AUSTIN ASOROONA
COLIN TIERNEY
LEE MOSES
WARWICK VETS • 100
HENDRICKEN • 3000
HENDRICKEN • LONG JUMP
A surprise star, Asoroona left an injury-plagued year in the dust when he took third at states.
Tierney finished an outstanding career with gold medals at states and New Englands.
Moses won the third long jump title of his career at the outdoor state meet.
JOHN CUTE
GAGE POWELL
JUSTIN MAZZULLA
HENDRICKEN • 200
HENDRICKEN • 110H
HENDRICKEN • TRIPLE JUMP
Cute had a strong spring and finished seventh in the preliminaries of the 200 at states.
The team's top hurdler, Powell was 13th in the prelims at states.
The freshman basketball star tried his hand at the triple jump, and promptly medalled at states.
IAN MACLEOD
ROBERT MERLINO
CHRIS CELONA
HENDRICKEN • 400
HENDRICKEN • 300H
HENDRICKEN • HAMMER
MacLeod capped a strong senior year with a 13th-place finish in Class A.
Merlino just missed the state meet but ran to ninth at the class meet.
Celona grabbed a medal for the Hawks at states, with a sixth-place finish in the hammer.
JARED BOULANGER
BEN MURPHY
SHANE OLSON
HENDRICKEN • 800
HENDRICKEN • HIGH JUMP
HENDRICKEN • JAVELIN
Boulanger closed out a big winter and spring by finishing just outside the medals at states.
Murphy took second in the high jump at the outdoor state meet.
Olson continued a tradition for Hendricken throwers when he grabbed a third-place medal.
GRANT GAUTHIER
JOE BROSNAHAN
HENDRICKEN • 1500
TOLL GATE • POLE VAULT
Gauthier was the team's top 1500 performer with an 11th at the class meet.
A three-sport athlete, Brosnahan just missed a medal in the pole vault at states, taking 10th.
IAN MACLEOD, JOE SWIFT, POWER KANGA, JUSTIN MAZZULLA
GRANT GAUTHIER, AVERY INGEGNERI, MATT CONSTANT, JARED BOULANGER
HENDRICKEN • 4X400 RELAY
HENDRICKEN • 4X800 RELAY
Less heralded than their 4x100 brethren, the 4x4 squad grabbed a third-place medal at states.
The Hawks' distance relay powered its way to fifth at states.
NICK STRAVATO, JOHN CUTE, RONNIE GAYNOR LEE MOSES HENDRICKEN • 4X100 RELAY
The Hawks' top relay squad sprinted to second at states.
COACH OF THE YEAR Jim Doyle, Hendricken
HONORABLE MENTION Michael Potter, Hendricken
Ben Nelson, Hendricken
Joe Tocco, Pilgrim
Ian Anderson, Warwick Vets
Nick Celico, Hendricken
Nick Delsesto, Hendricken
Jacob Yang, Pilgrim
John Nordin, Warwick Vets
Dom Parlato, Hendricken
Michael Tarro, Hendricken
Lukas Fontaine, Pilgrim
Levi Martin, Warwick Vets
Jack Rossi, Hendricken
Eddie Barber, Hendricken
Max Procopio, Toll Gate
Frank Merlino, Warwick Vets
Kwity Paye, Hendricken
Chris Duxbury, Hendricken
Nikolas Poulios, Toll Gate
Chris Smith, Warwick Vets
Connor Hurst, Hendricken
Kyle Buonfiglio, Pilgrim
Alex Pires, Toll Gate
Evan Nelson, Hendricken
Sam Schoepfer, Pilgrim
Wyatt Jencks, Toll Gate
As disappointing as the finish to the indoor track season was for Hendricken shot putter Alex Cerbo, the outdoor season provided sweet redemption. Ranked No. 1 in the state heading to the state meet during indoor, Cerbo stumbled a bit and finished in second place. With that as his primary motivation, he re-focused, trained harder and found himself atop the podium after his best day of the season at outdoor states. Even though it came a few months later than he expected, Cerbo was a state champion. “I decided to buckle down and bring back my motivation and determination to come back and bring back the title for Hendricken,” Cerbo said. He certainly did, blowing away the competition by over six feet with a season-long throw of 54feet, 5.25-inches. At indoor, he had thrown 53-feet, 4.5-inches. It was the culmination of a long process between seasons in which Cerbo worked with trainer Matt Ellis at Primal Athlete Training Center on his speed and agility at the beginning of his throw. Clearly, it paid off. “That was his best throw,” said Hendricken head coach Jim Doyle said. “He’s a hard working young man that I know had a lot of desire to win that one.” Cerbo knew right away that his throw at states was one of his best ever, and as it was one of the first events of the day, he didn’t have to wait very long to receive his medal and the round of applause that comes with out-throwing everybody else in the state. “I felt very confident and very sure of myself,” Cerbo said. “I felt I had prepared very well. I was extremely determined and very motivated to leave Brown with a win.” His next stop is Assumption College, where he will throw in the collegiate ranks. As the No. 4 ranked thrower in all of New England, taking his talents up the ranks is an exciting transition for an athlete who finally reached the pinnacle of high school success. “I’m very excited,” Cerbo said. “I can’t wait to go. I can’t wait to get started.” -K.P.
BOYS’ XC
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Colin Tierney HENDRICKEN Regardless of what happened on Nov. 3, Colin Tierney would have had nothing but great memories from his time in the Bishop Hendricken cross country program. When he and the Hawks raised the trophy on Nov. 3, it meant his career was pretty much perfect. Tierney won the individual championship at the state cross country meet and his Hawks held off a hard-charging La Salle team to win their sixth consecutive team title. Tierney has been part of the last four – a four-year career out of a storybook. “It felt great,” Tierney said. “I’ve been lucky enough to win four state championships. It felt great to top it off. It was almost a rebuilding year, but we were able to pull through it.” Tierney led the way. For three years, he’d been a key part of deep teams. Sometimes he set the pace; other times he ran second or third for the Hawks. In Tierney’s sophomore and junior seasons, Hendricken won state and New England championships. As a senior, Tierney had no choice but to set the pace. The team around him was inexperienced and young. And with La Salle lurking, they had work to do. “We had to overcome La Salle,” Tierney said. “All summer, we heard that La Salle was going to win it.” Tierney won his first individual championship in 15:49.01. He finished five seconds ahead of La Salle’s Jack Salisbury, and that fact was just as important to Tierney as the trophy itself. The Hawks ended up beating La Salle by five points to win the title. “Scoring one point for the team was kind of the goal from the start,” he said. Tierney went on to big seasons in indoor and outdoor track, and he’s already preparing to run at Columbia University in the fall. -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM MICHAEL POTTER
COLLIN MANNING
HENDRICKEN
HENDRICKEN
Excelled on the biggest stage, taking third at the Rhode Island state meet.
A mainstay in the Hendricken top five, Manning earned a top-10 with a ninth at states.
TOM GRIZZETTI
DOM PARLATO
HENDRICKEN
HENDRICKEN
A breakout performer for the Hawks, Grizzetti finished in sixth in the state.
A newcomer to the group, Parlato scored valuable points for the Hawks with an 18th at states.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION Avery Ingegneri, Hendricken
Nick Mattioli, Toll Gate
Chris Smith, Warwick Vets
Brandon Lawton, Pilgrim
Pat Rocchio, Toll Gate
John Nordin, Warwick Vets
Sam Eleuterio, Pilgrim
Brock Massa, Toll Gate
Dave Valladolid, Warwick Vets
Alex Pires, Toll Gate
Ryan Viti, Toll Gate
Evan Anderson, Warwick Vets
Evan Cummiskey, Toll Gate
Ian Anderson, Warwick Vets
Jacob Pikul, Warwick Vets
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Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
31
GIRLS’ OUTDOOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Rebecca O’Donnell PILGRIM • LONG JUMP The last of her many high school track meets in the state of Rhode Island did not go exactly the way Rebecca O’Donnell wanted it to. But her last high school meet, period, was pretty much a perfect ending. After finishing as the runner-up in the long jump at the outdoor track state championship, the Pilgrim standout won her first career medal at the New England championship the next week, and she finished that meet as the top Rhode Island performer. “I definitely felt redeemed,” O’Donnell said. “I finally got a place at New Englands. I was really happy. Even though I didn’t win the states, I felt like I really did something big at New Englands.” It was a fitting finish – because O’Donnell has been doing big things for a while. A jumper and a sprinter, she won eight state meet medals in indoor and outdoor track, including an indoor track state championship in the long jump in 2012. “It’s been amazing,” she said of her career. She still remembers falling in love with the sport during her first few runs her freshman year. Her brother had done track so she wanted to give it a shot. It was a perfect fit. O’Donnell showed potential even as a freshman, when she qualified for the indoor state meet in the long jump and outdoor states in the triple jump. She really burst onto the scene two years later, when she won the indoor championship in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet, 10 inches. She was hoping – and training very hard – for more hardware in her senior year but got edged out at both indoor and outdoor states. She did place sixth in the triple jump at states, adding another medal to her long list. Her performance at New Englands – where she finished sixth with a season-best jump of 17 feet, four inches – helped cap a memorable career with another special moment. “It really felt good,” she said. O’Donnell graduated this spring and will now head to the University of Rhode Island. She plans to major in kinesiology and will compete for the track team. -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM EMMA LANDROCHE
ERIKA PENA
ANI ARMENAKYAN
PILGRIM • 100
TOLL GATE • 100H
TOLL GATE • SHOT PUT
A versatile performer, Landroche shined at states, where she just missed a medal.
Pena finished out her three-season tour with another medal, taking third at states.
After just missing an indoor medal, she made good at outdoor states with a sixth.
NICOLE MORALES
ALEXA ANNOTTI
COURTNEY JACOBSEN
PILGRIM • 200, 400
PILGRIM • 300H
TOLL GATE • DISCUS, HAMMER
Morales was the team’s top sprinter at states, taking ninth in the 400 and 11th in the 200.
Annotti helped Pilgrim win Class B with a fifthplace medal in the 300 hurdles.
The team's most versatile thrower had two top-10 finishes at the state meet.
DANIKA WAYSS
MELANIE BRUNELLE
ARIELLE FRANK
PILGRIM • 800, 1500
PILGRIM • HIGH JUMP, TRIPLE JUMP
TOLL GATE • JAVELIN
Wayss finished a year of great distance runs with two top-15 finishes at the state meet.
Brunelle took home two state medals, finishing third in the triple and sixth in the high jump.
Part of a state qualifying duo, Frank was Toll Gate's top javelin finisher in 12th.
BRYANNA MULLIN
HALEY ROULEAU
PILGRIM • 3000
TOLL GATE • POLE VAULT
Mullin added another feather in her cap with a fourth-place finish in Class B.
Rouleau did not record a height at states but was a second-place medalist at the class meet.
NICOLE MORALES, MADISON STANLEY, DANIKA WAYSS, MARANDA DUFFIE
JESS CAWLEY, MORGAN DUGGAN, NORA HALL, KATHERINE LAVALLEE
PILGRIM • 4X400 RELAY
TOLL GATE • 4X800 RELAY
Pilgrim's middle-distance unit finished eighth at states after a fourth in Class B.
Toll Gate's distance relay followed up a third at the class meet with a sixth-place medal at states.
REBECCA O’DONNELL, MADISON STANLEY, EMMA LANDROCHE, NICOLE MORALES PILGRIM • 4X100 RELAY
Pilgrim's dream team of sprinters had a tough day at states, but had taken first in Class B.
COACH OF THE YEAR Tom Dolce, Pilgrim
HONORABLE MENTION Alexa Annotti, Pilgrim
Emma Thibodeau, Pilgrim
Alyssa Mathews, Toll Gate
Madison Stanley, Pilgrim
Annemarie Martella, Toll Gate
Victoria Bucci, Toll Gate
TG 4x400 - Jess Cawley, Morgan Duggan, Nora Hall, Erika Pena
Maddison Caron, Pilgrim
Jess Cawley, Toll Gate
Jillian Eaton, Toll Gate
Bria McAloon, Warwick Vets
Claudia DeMelo, Pilgrim
Hannah Dubiel, Toll Gate
Paige Carmichael, Toll Gate
Kim Buchanan, Warwick Vets
GIRLS’ XC
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Erika Pena TOLL GATE
ALL CITY TEAM DANIKA WAYSS
JESS CAWLEY
PILGRIM
TOLL GATE
Though she didn't run in the state meet, Wayss was second in the Warwick city meet.
A steady distance runner for the Titans in all three seasons, Cawley took 67th at states.
BRYANNA MULLIN
KATHERINE LAVALLEE
PILGRIM
TOLL GATE
Mullin ended the season as Pilgrim's top runner, grabbing 55th at states.
After Pena and Cawley crossed the line for Toll Gate, Lavallee was next in 92nd.
COACH OF THE YEAR
HONORABLE MENTION Megan Wilks, Pilgrim
Tess Bussick, Warwick Vets
Maranda Duffie, Pilgrim
Sarah Grace Plante, Warwick Vets
Morgan Duggan, Toll Gate
Ashley Clift, Warwick Vets
Christina Abramson, Toll Gate
Kaitlyn Johnson, Warwick Vets
Jon Deming, Toll Gate
Debbie Jessop, Toll Gate
On the statewide scene, Toll Gate rising senior Erika Pena might be known more for her ability on the track than anything else, but locally, there is no better distance runner either. Pena had her best cross country season to date this past fall, winning the Warwick City Meet with a huge burst down the final stretch over Pilgrim standout Danika Wayss, and then following that up with a dominant showing and a firstplace finish at the Class B Championships. At the state meet, she led all Warwick runners with a 32nd place finish and ended up with a personal record of 20:07. “She’s the type of kid that can do pretty much anything well,” said Toll Gate coach Jon Deming. “Whether it was distance or sprinting or jumping, she’s just an overall good athlete.” That showed at the City Meet, where Pena and Wayss were co-favorites coming in. In her sophomore year, Pena came in second to Pilgrim standout Natalie Tocco. This time, she ran her fastest mile of the year out of the gate, hung with Wayss the entire way and then showed off her track speed with a big kick over the last quarter-mile to win the title. “I went into the race thinking that I want to be the city champion,” Pena said. “That was one of the goals I wrote down. My first mile was the fastest mile I’ve run all season. When my coach yelled out the time of the first mile I was like, ‘Wow, I feel great.’ I had so much energy left.” That win really put her on the cross country radar, and she came up big again at the Class B Meet. Facing teams like South Kingstown and Portsmouth, Pena ran with the top group for the early portion of the race, then felt strong enough to extend the lead and cruise from there. It was another notch on her belt. “My goal was to win that, and I did,” Pena said. “I thought that was probably the best race I ever ran.” The competition got tougher at the state meet, but Pena’s time was her lowest yet. Next season, she’ll aim to break 20 minutes with an eye toward getting closer to 19. And there’s no reason to doubt her at this point. If she gets there, they’ll be plenty more standout performances to celebrate along the way. -K.P.
“The greatest accomplishment is not in never failing, but in rising again after you fall.” ~Vince Lombardi
Congratulations to all High School All City Athletes! C.J. Donovan – Councilman Ward Seven Warwick Vets Graduate ’87 Paid for by Friends of Charles J. Donovan, Jr., Danika Vinacco, Treasurer
32
Warwick Beacon
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
SOFTBALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Kelsey Johnston PILGRIM • THIRD BASE
ALL CITY TEAM COURTNEY CONKLIN
JAMIE HOPGOOD
ELLEN MCDONNELL
TOLL GATE • CATCHER
TOLL GATE • OUTFIELD
PILGRIM • UTILITY
Conklin was an anchor for the Titans behind the plate, and one of the team's most consistent hitters.
A threat to go yard at any time, Hopgood was again Toll Gate's top offensive power.
One of the top players in D-II, McDonnell battled injuries but delivered when she was on the field.
CAITLIN BLANCHARD
MADISON BALUTOWSKI
COURTNEY MARSH
PILGRIM • FIRST BASE
PILGRIM • OUTFIELD
TOLL GATE • PITCHER
A contributor for several years, Blanchard closed her senior year as a big-time run producer.
Bouncing between catcher and the outfield, Balutowski was a steady presence at the top of the lineup.
Emerged as the Titans' top arm as the season went on and led a late surge with dominant performances.
LIZ IADEVAIA
LAURA SALISBURY
KAYLA MORIN
WARWICK VETS • MIDDLE INFIELD
TOLL GATE • OUTFIELD
WARWICK VETS • PITCHER
Iadevaia anchored the middle, batted at the top of the order, and helped the 'Canes to an improved season.
Salisbury was a solid defender and hitter for the Titans.
Burst onto the scene as a freshman, grabbing the No. 1 pitcher's spot and coming up big at the plate.
JENNA BEAUCHAMP TOLL GATE • MIDDLE INFIELD
Beauchamp saved her best for last, emerging as a big hitter and a steady defender in her final season.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tayla Ferreira, Pilgrim
Emily Walason, Warwick Vets
Morgan Almon, Pilgrim
Michelle Spremulli, Warwick Vets
Paul Kennedy, Warwick Vets
Karley Mallette, Toll Gate Arizona Hunt-Kirkland, Toll Gate
Arietta Chevian, Warwick Vets
The Pilgrim softball program has become a Division II contender the last few seasons, and the continuity provided by a host of mainstays has been a big reason. The Pats said goodbye to one of the steadiest mainstays of all this past season. Kelsey Johnston played in every one of Pilgrim’s 88 games in her four years with the program, and she started 68 consecutive games at third base. All the while, she was a consistent producer in the lineup, finishing with a .360 career batting average and what’s believed to be a school-record 65 RBI. “The last few years, third base and the third spot in the order have just been set,” said head coach Bill Aquilante. “We just plugged her in every time.” Johnston got an opportunity to play varsity as a freshman and forced her way into the starting lineup. “Going into it, you don’t know what to expect,” Johnston said. “I had always just kind of played for fun. Once you get to know everybody and become part of the team, you really get into it.” Johnston really became a key player as a sophomore, when she hit .330. In 2013, she hit .345 and helped lead Pilgrim to its best season in years. This season, a younger squad had an up-and-down season. Pilgrim was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. But individually, Johnston had her best year, hitting .471 and staying consistent all the way. She also hit a milestone when she knocked her 100th career hit. “I just always tried to stay focused,” she said. “Anytime you get down, you have to keep your head up. My dad was at 99.9 percent of my games and he always reminded me of that. It really helped me.” Even though a playoff run wasn’t in the cards, Johnston and fellow senior Caitlin Blanchard had nothing but positive memories. “I know Kelsey was really proud of her career,” Aquilante. “She put in the work and it paid off.” Johnston will attend CCRI next school year and hopes to play for the softball team in the spring. -W.G.
GOLF ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Justin Matrone HENDRICKEN Justin Matrone made a strong first impression as a sophomore on the Bishop Hendricken golf team, an impression he cemented when he surged to an eighth-place finish at the state tournament. It was the beginning of a rock-solid career. Matrone became one of Hendricken’s steadiest golfers after the big finish to his sophomore year, always playing consistent and always coming up big on the biggest stage. This season, he was the unquestioned leader for the Hawks, a golfer whose play, work ethic and attitude served as a perfect example for his teammates. “He just did a magnificent job for us,” said Hendricken head coach Rick Angeli. “He provided such good leadership. He was the perfect face for our program.” His state tournament performance as a sophomore set the stage. His 72 on day one was the best round of his life. “It was shocking to me,” he said at the time. After ranking fourth with a day of golf in the books, he hit some more struggles on day two but still grabbed a top-10 finish. Last year, Matrone again shined when the lights were brightest. He had been the team’s No. 3 player all season, but he was their top performer at states again, this time grabbing a sixth-place finish. Angeli, who was in his first season at the helm last year, knew what Matrone had accomplished at states the year before and wasn’t surprised to see him replicate it. “He’s not fazed by being in a big tournament,” Angeli said. Matrone finished his senior season with a scoring average of 41.125, and he carded one of the state’s lowest rounds with a 33 during the regular season. “You wouldn’t see a lot of big numbers with him,” Angeli said. “He was very consistent. On the rare occasions when he had a big hole, it wouldn’t derail him.” In his final state tournament, Matrone actually had his worst state performance, finishing 11th. But three top-12 finishes at states added up to quite a career. Matrone will attend Wake Forest this coming year. “We’ve got big shoes to fill,” Angeli said. “We’re going to miss him.” -W.G.
ALL CITY TEAM JOEY TUCKER
SEAN IRONS
HENDRICKEN
HENDRICKEN
A talented freshman, Tucker made good on his potential with Hendricken's top showing - a sixth-place finish - at states.
Irons capped a strong season with a 26th-place finish at the state tournament.
DUNCAN MARSHALL
SAL SAVASTANO
HENDRICKEN
HENDRICKEN
A steady No. 3 for the Hawks, Marshall finished tied for 23rd at states.
Savastano became a key part of the lineup mid-season and finished 28th at states.
HONORABLE MENTION
COACH OF THE YEAR
Zach White, Hendricken
Rick Angeli, Hendricken
Gavin Marshall, Hendricken Kevin Browning, Toll Gate Abby Ellis, Toll Gate Liam Strain, Pilgrim