Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
Final: Center Moriches 10, Mattituck 1
WP: Max Rayburn (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H)Rayburn also scored 2 runs, had a hit and drew a walk
Christian Meadows drove in 3 runs, Andrew Foster and Dan Gilroy drove in 2 each
Center Moriches improves to 7-1 on the season. @GCsports pic.twitter.com/U64kgIbMZ9
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 10, 2024
Regarded as one of the powerhouse programs on Long Island – who won back-to-back New York State Class B Championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as a Long Island Championship in 2022, the Center Moriches Red Devils moved up to Class A in 2024.
“Last season was our first as a Class A school.” head coach Paul Gibson, who is entering his sixth year, said. “We had a solid season, lost two games in the playoffs, both very close, but unfortunately we came up short.”
For a school that saw as much success as the Red Devils did in Class B, a move up to class A is a big step up for any team, even those that are the most successful. A testament to the success of the program is their players continuing their careers in college. For Center Moriches, Evan Koloski graduated last year and is now playing at Manhattanville College.
Luckily for the Red Devils, they have plenty of talent returning. Entering his fifth year as a starter on varsity is reigning All-County and Quinnipiac Commit Joe Hiller. Hiller, who began his varsity career as an eighth grader, has been a staple of the Red Devils rotation and lineup for the past five seasons.
Joesph Hiller (Center Moriches 2025).
Fastball 82-84 T85 mph
Slider 73-75
Curveball 71-72 pic.twitter.com/HSlSA1Nbxk
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 1, 2024
“He’s a pitcher that commands the zone very well.” Gibson said. “He moves the ball around really well and has good command of all of his pitches. He’s a really good competitor on the mound and a guy that I would take on the mound over anybody.”
Also All-County and a Quinnipac commit is catcher Brayden Hromada. Much like Hiller, Hromada has been on the varsity team since eighth grade, and will be looking to end his high school career in a big way.
Uncommitted Catcher/RHP Brayden Hromada (Center Moriches 2025). Powerful Lefty bat.
Max Exit Velo at 97mph pic.twitter.com/15fxPipYcs
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 1, 2024
“He’s a left-handed hitting power bat.” Gibson said. “He has a great eye, he’s on base constantly, strong arm behind the plate and again someone that profiles to be a very strong division I player.
It is rare that you see two players play together as long as Hiller and Hromada have. But seeing them grow up was a privilege for Gibson, and he believes that they bring the very best out of each other.
“They have been on the same team since they were eight.” Gibson said. “Little league, travel, high school, and now college. They are very different kids but have a great relationship and really work hard at pushing each other.”
Max Rayburn, the Red Devils first baseman, was an All-League member a season ago, led the team in doubles in 2024, had a great offseason and is expected to bat in the middle of the lineup.
Christian Meadows serves as the Center Moriches super utility player. The All-Leaguer can catch, play the infield as well as the outfield, and possesses a good bat. “He’s had a knack for coming up with big hits in big spots.” Gibson said.
On the mound, Gibson is excited to see what Dan Gilroy brings following a 2024 All-League campaign. Gilroy has earned a reputation as someone that the Red Devils can consistently rely on.
Dan Gilroy (Center Moriches 2026) gets the start for MVP East End against LIB Prime pic.twitter.com/JvqLB3pouK
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 23, 2024
“He gave us quality innings every time out last year.” Gibson said. “He’s really worked hard during the offseason and the summer. He looks great right now and I think he will make another jump for us.
Although he missed last season due to injury, the Red Devils are excited for the return of Luke Rebore. He was an All-League player in 2023, is likely to fill the center field role, where his speed will be a key aspect of his game.
Luke Rebore-Costanzo (Center Moriches 2026) with the line drive to LF for an RBI single. pic.twitter.com/iKC7MBMpGK
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 21, 2024
“He is one of the fastest guys in the county.” Gibson said. “He also runs track during the spring. Really good bat, really good at tracking the ball in center field, and he will slot in right in the top of our lineup as our leadoff hitter again.”
Gibson also mentioned sophomore JT Bonventre , who the team is hoping to get back after an injury. Gibson praised Bonventre’s bat and defense in the infield. Gibson also praised pitcher Richie Roberts. Roberts shined during his freshman season, and hope is high that Roberts can take another step this season.
Pitching and defense is the identity of Center Moriches baseball, and Gibson believes that will once again be the strength of his team in 2025.
“It’s the Center Moriches way.” Gibson said. “We always seem to have pitchers that can keep us in games and defense that can help us to win games. But this year, hopefully we can make a jump offensively because we have a lot of quality bats in the lineup. If we’re able to do that, I think we’re going to be a pretty good force.”
The Red Devils will open their season on April 2 against Southampton.
