by Andy Smith
Congratulations to Centereach who defeated Smithtown East in extra innings to clinch their first postseason berth since 2010 pic.twitter.com/xX8F8V0Ap1
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 4, 2022
The Centereach Cougars had quite the notable run last season. The Cougars finished with a 10-8 league record and 2-2 in the playoffs. Head Coach Pete Cammarata reflected, “Last season for us at Centereach was special. It ended with a deep run in the playoffs, and got us back to the winning ways of the past – overcoming the pressure of making the playoffs after not making it in a few years.”
This was the first time since 2010 that Centereach High School qualified for the playoffs. Not only did they qualify – but they defeated two rivals in the playoffs – at West Islip (extra innings) and at Newfield. Cammarata added about the fight the team had and how it set the tone for the season. “We had something to prove and early on this added pressure on the guys to get the job done.”
Head Coach Cammarata is entering his 21st season coaching at Centereach and his sixth year as the varsity head coach. Throughout his long tenure, Cammarata has referenced social media as a great way in keeping a strong relationship with the alumni he once coached.
Centereach RHP Dom Persichilli throws a No-hitter with 13 Ks
Dom Persichilli 2-2 (Single, Double, 2 HBP)
Ben Licata 3-4
(2 singles,Double, HBP) pic.twitter.com/6MQLUbV45U— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 28, 2022
While Cammarata is able to remain connected off the diamond with his graduates, he needs to find replacements on the field each and every offseason. Centereach enters this season without two key players; Dominic Persichilli and Burke Sheehan. Each is playing college baseball at Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY New Paltz, respectively.
Cammarata expressed how the biggest obstacle will be replacing the top two ace pitchers from last season. The returning players will have to step up and lead this team to the next level of success.
One returning player referenced was catcher Benny Licata (Neumann-commit). Cammarata described the talented backstop. “Strong arm that held runners from advancing. Power hitter that should see the middle of the lineup.” Licata qualified for All-League recognition as a junior and will bring some valuable leadership skills, especially to the younger pitchers on the team.
Top 1: Catcher Ben Licata crushes a 3-R shot to open up a 4-0 lead for Centereach pic.twitter.com/eT9DlkJMRp
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 3, 2022
Cammarata continued by highlighting two athletes who have been on the varsity team since their freshman year, juniors Logan Norman and Josh Ortiz. “They are both impact players”, Cammarata added. “Norman will be patrolling center field and Ortiz will be anchoring the infield at shortstop.” Read more about Norman by clicking here.
These impact players all excelled last season, batting well over .300 with power.
Centereach 10, Hills East 5
WP: Dom Persichilli (13 Ks, 1 H, 2 ER)Ben Licata and Colin Haegan with home runs
Logan Norman bases clearing double pic.twitter.com/4dtbJiTCy2
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 10, 2022
Other positions will feature an open competition for the starting role. Cammarata also feels similar regarding the potential starting rotation. “Our current starting rotation will be young, but made up of a committee of strike throwers.”
Cammarata is looking forward to working with the younger pitchers and helping them develop into the high caliber pitchers who recently graduated.
In addition to the returning players, Cammarata shined a spotlight on his assistant coach Niko Dovas. Cammarata praised Dovas, saying, “Last season was his first year with the program. He not only fits in very well, but it is like he has been here for many years. He has an immense knowledge of the game and the way he interacts with the players will make him a great head coach in the future.”
The achievements of last year will hopefully produce further success for the Cougars as they get ready for 2023. Each year is different, but the understanding that last year was just one step in the process, and every day is a chance for this team to get better.
“We are taking this season one game at a time and don’t want to overlook an opponent”, said Cammarata. “Our team will be very competitive. and we look forward to this team continuing the success of last year’s team.”
