by Max Edelman
Last year was a mix of highs and lows for the St. John’s the Baptist Cougars. After a strong start to the season filled with promise, the end wasn’t as rewarding. Coach Ryan Dalton, who is entering his second year as head coach of the Cougars, highlighted the highs and lows for St John’s last season, who finished 2023 with a 7-14-1 record overall.
“Last year we started off pretty well and then we struggled towards the end of the season.” Dalton said. “ We started strong and then ended up losing in the second round of the playoffs.”
Although the overall record doesn’t stand out on paper, the Cougars did get off to a strong start in conference play, starting the season with a very respectable 5-2 record. Following the strong start however, it was rough sledding for St John’s, who fell to a 6-11 record following the strong opening. One reason for their struggles could be pointed to an injury to one of their key players, freshman shortstop and leadoff hitter Keegan McElligott.
“We started off the season 5-2 and then we lost our starting shortstop and leadoff hitter [McElligott].” Dalton said. “After starting 5-2, we lost six straight games, which brought us to 5-8 in conference play, and we finished the season 6-13 including playoffs.”
Many of the players who played large roles with the Cougars last season have now graduated and have taken their talents to the college level. Those players include Braden Davis (Maine), Rocco Cimino, who now plays at Pace University. Jaxson Warner is now playing at Felician. CJ Pisano, now at SUNY Brockport, Christian Alicea, St. Leo’s, and Jacob Shehata, who is now playing at SUNY POLY.
Despite the loss of graduates, St John’s is full of returners who look to make big impacts on the Cougars this season. Anchoring the rotation for the Cougars this season will be senior left handed Nick D’Avanzo, who is committed to play college at North Greenville University.
“[D’Avanzo] is going to be the ace of our staff this season.” Dalton said. “He’s a big southpaw that has been continuing to improve each year. I believe he will have a successful year and has the chance of being a dominant pitcher.”
Fellow left handed pitcher Marco Pipia will also be an impact piece in the rotation for the Cougars. Pipia made sporadic appearances on varsity and 2023 as a sophomore, and will become a full time member of the varsity team this season as a junior.
While D’Avanzo is the standout senior on the mound, there are a number of other seniors who will have their impacts on the field and at the plate this year for the Cougars. Thomas Rorick, a Muhlenberg commit, is an infielder that hits for average, and is a large part of the Cougars lineup.
“Hit over .300 in regular season league play last year.” Dalton said. “He is a tremendous leader and has a big impact on the team.”
Splitting time between catching and the infield are a pair of seniors committed to play college baseball. Dom Coniglio is committed to play at STAC, is a player to watch for the Cougars this season. Coniglio came through in a big spot last year, hitting a walk off against Chaminade.
“[Coniglio] will be a player to watch this year.” Dalton said. “He had some big hits last year including a walk off against Chaminade.”
The other catcher infielder is Ray Ferguson, who is committed to play at NYU in college. Dalton believes that Furgerson has plenty of potential, and should make a big impact on the Cougars this season.
“I Believe he can live up to his potential this year and be a serious threat at the plate.” Dalton said.
Keegan McElligot (St. John the Baptist 2026) pic.twitter.com/gMh5BIlvc1
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 20, 2022
Starting shortstop Keegan McElligott will be returning for his second season with the team, despite missing much of his first season due to injury, McElligott was a major piece for St John’s last season, and the Cougars are hoping to get a full season out of their starting shortstop in 2024.
“McElligott started at shortstop last year and was our leadoff hitter.” Dalton said. “He missed half the season with an injury. He is a big impact player and has potential to be a top player in the league for years to come. He is a player that many coaches and scouts will be coming to watch play throughout his career.”
Other players that are coming up from JV to play their first year on varsity are juniors Jacob Schmutz and Joe Randello.
The St. John’s Cougars will open their league season against Kellenberg, on Tuesday, March. 26.
