Hills West is coming off yet another strong season in 2021 under longtime head coach Tom Migliozzi, who has over 400 wins to his name.
They defeated Westhampton Beach in the first round of the playoffs before losing to Sayville on a walk-off HR in the 10th inning.
From that team, they graduated 10 seniors, with Coach Migliozzi stated that catcher Mike Freda (Queens), 2b Jordan Goldstein and 3b Josh Waldman were impact players for them. In terms of returning players, they are in very good shape.
They had six sophomores start on most games for them, and one junior, Mike Steinberg, who started at second base.
The crux of the team is in the 2023 class and Migliozzi noted that they are a talented bunch.
Justin Leguernic (‘23, NY) closes out the game with a 2 inning save with electric stuff. FB up to 89 w/ ASR, sweeping SL he was throwing to both sides of the plate. Whippy arm with extremely projectable build. #Clemson commit. @PGMidAtlantic #WWBAWorlds pic.twitter.com/90llEnzCsu
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 30, 2021
Justin LeGuernic is a 6’5 LHP that committed to Clemson University last summer. He will be a key piece of their team. Coach said, “He is one of the top lefty recruits in the country in his class. But not only can he pitch, but he can play 1st and swing the bat.” He’ll sit in the mid-to-upper 80s and should keep his team in every game.
Another impact player in the junior class is Ryan Muskopf. He’s a pitcher/outfielder and has been putting up extremely impressive measurables.
Uncommitted 6’2 OF Ryan Muskopf (Hills West 2023) max exit velo 98. Player to watch pic.twitter.com/Sge0hdRoOV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 21, 2022
“He’s a force at the plate – he’s a true five-tool player,” said Migliozzi.
Coach noted that both of them would’ve been called up as freshman for the 2020 season, had there been one. The other juniors on the roster are Zach Vasconcellos, Aidan Suapengco, Luca Pipa, Darin Sahadeo, Jake Phelan, Dillon Aery, Ryan Bonocore, James Farrell. Their two seniors are the aforementioned Steinberg, Maritime-commit Luke Madden and Cole Pedersen.
They also will have two sophomores on the roster, Brandon Gralla and Artie Green. Coach noted he’s “hoping they have an impact on the mound.”
When asked about the strength of the team, coach noted they “have a talented pitching staff.”
Last season, as they were led by the underclassmen, naturally the offense struggled at times. Coach stated, “anytime you have six sophomores against older kids, you’ll struggle. I think as they get older, it will improve. I don’t think we’ll have any problems scoring runs.”
They will open up at home against Kings Park on April 4.
