by Vinny Messana
When it comes to programs on the rise, one team to keep an eye out for is Jericho.
One of the tell-tale signs of a program ready to make a step forward is a) how they ended the previous season and b) how many veteran seniors they have.
June 5 at Dowling College
They certainly fit the criteria.
They graduated only four seniors, the most prominent of which was All-Conference Matt Caputo, who is now at St. John’s University.
Ninth year Head Coach Dan O’Shea is very high on his crop of 14 seniors.
Last season, after starting the season 1-5, they dug themselves quite a hole. Still, they rattled off an impressive run of seven wins in their next nine games. They fell one game shy of qualifying for a playoff berth, and that makes them a hungry program on the rise.
“This group has played together basically for three seasons,” said O’Shea. Never discredit a team with that level of continuity.
Leading the way is senior catcher Nico Doria, who is headed to Fordham University in the fall. He led the team in every offensive category, according to O’Shea. He is an All-County catcher and will be a leader on the team.
“He is a power guy, a big boy, and he’ll be hitting three or four in the order,” he said.
Additionally, their rotation is led by two pitchers already committed to play in college.
No. 1 pitcher Sal Cammisuli, headed to NYU, is coming off a very good season. O’Shea noted that he has developed a good curve since the end of last season. He will be joined by David Marmann, who is committed to LIU Post.
They will be joined by a younger crop of arms, but a talented group nonetheless.
First out of the bullpen will be Spencer Russell and Michael Maeola.
“We’re hoping to make some noise this year,” said O’Shea. “We have missed the playoffs the last four years,” he said.
The conference will be very strong. They just added Manhasset, who finished in the final four last year, and Great Neck North.
They open up at Garden City on March 28, and they will have a great opportunity to show their maturation immediately against a perennial playoff contender.
