After a .500 start to 2024, Giac Squad 16u was able to turn the corner mid summer through the end of the fall finishing with a 18-6 record with a league championship. After losing in the Boys of summer National finals, Giac Squad was able to bounce back to the championship in the fall – this time taking care of business against a tough Bonnie Bees club.
The team is lead by staff ace, Jefferson Biener (Division 2026).
The rest of the rotation includes Fernando Alverez (Mepham 27), who has proven his dominance and will have a lot of eyes on him this summer, Anthony Sanchez (St. Anthonys 27), and Holy Trinity’s stacked sophomore arm class of Sly Dombrosky, Pat Annello and Jack Lyke. All these pitchers also play multiple positions which brings even more value to what this club has.
Giac Squad Outfield is one of the strengths of the team with Luke Giglio (Chaminade 2027) in CF, Lucas Eagleston (Mepham 2027) in LF and Ethan Shapiro (MacArthur 2027) in RF. Eagleston and Giglio have been at the top of this lineup all year setting the table while Shapiro led the team in RBIs in the middle of the lineup. Adding utility guy Sly Dombrosky to the team gives the OF even more depth.
Coach noted that Giac Squad has ‘one of the best defensive infields around’. Utility man Pat Annello will play most of his innings this year at 3B, While power hitter Alex Alicea (Division 2026) along with Jefferson Biener will hold down 1B. The middle infield will be locked down by Anthony Sanchez and Matt Tolipano (Bellmore JFK 27); two of the best pairs of hands this class has on the island. Although just a freshman, When not playing 14u, Jayden Schrader (Mepham 28), will be in the mix, both in the infield and on the hill. “Shrader is one of the most advanced players at his age” says Giac.
Behind the dish, Giac Squad is in good hands – Leo Alesia (Bellmore JFK 27), has proven to be Giac’s main source of protection with runners on. “Alesia calls a great game and I trust him with that each game”. Joey Rotondaro (Seaford 2027), was a freshman on varsity last year. Although new to the team- he will be an immediate impact. “When we played against his former team last year he threw two of our runners out, which is pretty uncommon for us”, said Giac. Also to note, when not playing 14u, Catcher and 3B Drew waters (St. Dom’s 28) will get the call up to catch pens and learn from two of Giac Squad’s older guys at a position so demanding.
Giac Squad 2025 Schedule:
PBR Northeast
Diamond Nation WS
WWBA PG Marietta, Georgia
Battle of Saratoga
PG Gulf Shores, Alabama
PG Northeast
Diamond Nation Finale
This will be a fun team to follow throughout 2025
