In Class AA, Calhoun has been one of the more prominent programs as far as talent and consistency go. In 2017, they fell in the semifinals and in 2018, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Due to their success over the past few years and returning several impact players, all the arrows are pointing upwards towards a legitimate county championship run this year.
However, there will be a change of scenery this season for the Colts.
As a result of Class A expanding to 30 teams, Calhoun is one of four new teams. This means they will find themselves playing teams they are unfamiliar with, but capable of beating. They believe they can beat anybody in the newly adopted 30-team Class A.
In past years, Calhoun has leaned on younger players to do most of the carrying. This season, Calhoun is loaded with seniors who all have postseason experience. In total, only three seniors graduated from 2018. Their largest loss was star catcher Matt Pelcher.
Leading their loaded rotation is Fordham-commit Ben Kovel.
“Ben has the ability to be one of Long Island’s top pitchers. He had a terrific off season,” said Head Coach Art Canestro. “He put on some muscle and is working very hard to prove he could be a game changer,” he added.
Behind Kovel in the rotation is Anthony D’Andrea and Central Connecticuit State-commit Matt Monahan. In 2018, D’Andrea was named All-County. Expect Jake Edwards and Preston Reitz to eat up some innings on the mound as well.
Offensively is where Calhoun can really do some damage. Not only do they return most of their starters, but they have the potential to be one of the deepest lineups in the county.
Jake Edwards, who’s made his presence felt since he was a sophomore, will lead this team offensively. He will present a strong bat in the middle of the order, along with Anthony D’Andrea.
In his first year behind the dish, junior Dante DiMarco will seek to have an extremely strong season. Not only does he possess a top of the lineup bat, but he will be an all-around asset for the Colts.
Defensively, they are counting on Brandon Borrelli, who will patrol center field once again this season. Expect the athletic Jake Marine to make an impact defensively at second base, as well as offensively.
If this Calhoun team plays to their full potential, they can be extremely dangerous and compete for a county championship.
Conference A1 consists of Herricks, Valley Stream Central, Mepham, Great Neck South and MacArthur. Although this is a tough conference, there’s no reason why Calhoun shouldn’t be competing for a conference title come May.
The Colts open up their season on April 8th against Mepham. Their quest to make some noise in Class A looks bright.
