Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
Clemson-commit Justin LeGuernic struck out 9 over four hitless innings and showed why he’s one of the top pitching prospects in the region. @GCsports pic.twitter.com/HkALGt2m4H
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 3, 2023
Half Hollow Hills West had a much improved season in 2023 going 14-10 and securing two victories in the playoffs. In 2022, the Colts were disappointed in their 7-11 season including missing out on the postseason. Head coach Tom Migliozzi, who has held the manager position for 31 years, was able to turn the tide and hopes to continue the same success in 2024.
Migliozzi’s team added playoff experience following the 2023 postseason. His two leaders this season are seniors Artie Green and Brandon Gralla. Both make significant impacts on the mound. Green is a southpaw and is committed to play baseball for Molloy University. Green went 4-2 last season with a 3.59 ERA. He pitched 37 innings and struck out 44 batters. He will be looking to lower his walk total as he issued 21.
Gralla is right-handed and is committed to Utica University. Migliozzi says they’ve always been loyal to the program.
Hills West- 12 , Hauppauge – 5
WP: Ryan Muskopf (5.1 IP, 6H , 4R, 4K, 3BB. Went 2-for-3 at the plate with 1 RBI and HR)Vasconcellos – 1-for-3 with 3 RBIs pic.twitter.com/kS2lGSb8Mj
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 27, 2023
“The expectations are the same every year. Making sure the team stays together and treats the little things as important as the results. Though we have two captains, all players and coaches are expected to lead by example,” Migliozzi told Axcess Baseball.
The core of the offense for the Colts will be ran by juniors and sophomores. Juniors Alex Casey, Mike Massa, Aman Aery, and Emmanuel Saintjean will carry a big bat in the lineup. Sophomore Ethan Saintjean is also expected to carry a role in the order.
Casey had a nice season in 2023 as he batted .312 with 1 HR and 2 doubles , 1 triple and 24 runs scored.
Some names that Migliozzi sees having a surprising season are Alex Scher and Evan Waldman. Both will spend some time pitching.
Hills West’s concerning aspect, according to Migliozzi, is pitching. The team lost Justin LeGuernic to graduation. LeGuernic, a left-handed pitcher, was All-County last season and one of the brightest pitching prospects in the region. He pitched a shutout inning in his collegiate debut for Clemson University. The pitching staff this year lacks some experience on the mound and depth. The mound will see a few players on it including Green, Gralla, and Aery.
Hills West 19, Kings Park 8
WP: James FarrellAidan Suapengco: 3-for-4, 5 RBIs
Zach Vasconcellos: 2-for-5, 4 RBIs
Ethan Saint Jean: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs
Ryan Muskopf: 3 RBIsHills West will face East Islip on Monday pic.twitter.com/EDxo4St4Nd
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 20, 2023
They also graduated All-County RHP/1B Ryan Muskopf who is currently at George Mason University. He was another 4-year varsity player for Migliozzi.
Migliozzi says the team’s biggest strength lies in its defense and strong work ethic. Hills West will open their 2024 league schedule away against Eastport-South Manor on March 25.
