Alex Ungar went 3-for-3 and Derek Yalon drove in 3 runs including a 2-R HR in Connetquot’s 7-2 victory pic.twitter.com/0pMIl6xXBo
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 28, 2019
One of the biggest reasons that Connetquot was able to capture the 2019 Suffolk Class AA Championship was their relentless offense.
Led by players such as Matt Brown-Eiring, the Yalon twins, Josh McGee and Alex Ungar, they were able to constantly apply pressure to opposing pitchers while also allowing their star-studded staff enough margin for error should they struggle at all.
The latter name of the group was the top uncommitted 2020 players until yesterday. He was a highly-sought after player and he announced last night that he was verbally committing to Albany, where he will play in the America East.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say..
Playing with this group of players all your life, when did you know that this could be a special group?
We always knew it was going to be special when we got older, we just all had to keep working hard and wait for our time.
You guys took Massapequa down to the wire. Can you explain what it was like in your dugout the last couple innings of the Long Island Championship?
That feeling was electric. Everybody fighting for one common goal. Every single game we all wanted to win no matter what.
What was it like having a first-year coach with such a talented group? Did everybody gel right away under Coach Burger?
He’s doing a lot to try and help the program and community. The team was already gelled because of our history and chemistry playing together. From the first practice everybody felt it.
What are your goals for 2020?
My goals for 2020 are to just keep getting better and improve every single aspect of my game.
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Albany?
My recruiting process was a very long and ongoing process filled with a lot of ups and downs. If it wasn’t for my dad I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today. I chose Albany because it isn’t too far from home, good D1 baseball, great academics, loved the campus and I also believe the coaching staff will develop me into the man/athlete I want to be.
Who are your favorite athletes and why?
Bryce Harper is my favorite athlete because even though a lot of people hate him, he doesn’t care at all. He doesn’t stop working and ignores everyone’s hate. He does his best every game and puts his heart into baseball and family.
Your brother, Nicholas, is a great baseball player as well. Can you explain the dynamic of your relationship and how he’s helped you?
My brother has helped me so much with everything. He’s helped me a lot with this recruiting process because and always kept me believing. He’s also helped me a lot with all aspects of my game and he’s always there.
Who are your favorite musical artists?
My favorite musical artists are Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert.
For a full list of the college commitments, you can click here.
