Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Joe Bello
Phil Sanfilippo is entering his 15th year as the head coach at Valley Stream North High School and is assisted by James Casella. The Spartans made it to the Conference A quarterfinals in the 2024 baseball season, being eliminated by the eventual county champs, Clarke.
“We were glad to be back in the postseason after missing it in 2023.” Sanfilippo said to Axcess Baseball. “Due to construction on a new turf field, we played all but one regular season series away from North and held practices at four different locations throughout the season, so there was plenty of adversity to deal with. We had series victories over Plainedge and Lynbrook, and played a very tight series with Mineola. We drew Clarke in the postseason which is always challenging. We’ve been playing them for years, and they’re as tough as it gets. We showed a lot of resiliency in our final game of the year, but of course, we would’ve liked to advance all the way.”
The Spartans unfortunately ran into Clarke in the playoffs, but still had a solid season, showing a lot of heart during their last game.
“We had a lead in the final game, then fell behind.” Sanfilippo said. “The team showed a lot of heart, scoring six runs in the last two innings. We came up short, losing 10-8, but the team displayed grit, and many players will return.”
Jimmy Stroehlein headlines the non-returning players for the Spartans, he was a big part of the starting rotation for the past four years. He was awarded All-League honors last season and is now playing college baseball at SUNY Old Westbury.
Anthony Rivera, who won All-Conference honors last year, was an effective starting pitcher last season for Sanfilippo’s club. Nick Naumov also graduated last year, he played a solid center field for the team.
While Valley Stream North may have lost some talent, they do have seven players returning who all had significant playing time last season.
Nick Lang returns to the starting rotation for another season, he was awarded All-Conference honors for his performance in 2024.
“Lang returns after a very strong 2024 season.” Sanfilippo said. “He pitched at an All-County level for much of the season and has improved every year. Nick is a strong two-way player who will start in the outfield when not on the mound. Lang is a top-tier arm who will pitch at Pace next season.”
Uncommitted 6’2 RHP Nick Lang (Valley Stream North 2025) FB T85 SL 72 pic.twitter.com/zfz72tJX5R
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 30, 2024
Lang will be the team’s ace this season, helping the Spartans with every outing he takes the mound in.
“He is a high caliber arm who can get any hitter out.” Sanfilippo said. “His velocity has increased every year and his off speed command is excellent. Lang will lead the Spartans on the mound as he continues his ascent as one of the better arms in Nassau County.”
Senior Michael Pagano will be a high impact player in the lineup for the Spartans this spring. Sanfilippo hopes that he can replicate what he did offensively last year during the 2025 season. Pagano is committed to play college baseball at SUNY Purchase.
“North’s best hitter in 2024, returns behind the plate and at first base.” Sanfilippo said. “After recovering from winter shoulder surgery, Michael led North in every offensive category and is a dangerous bat.”
Junior Anthony Muscatelli returns to the team this year, he will be starting at third base and also pitching. Also returning are seniors Aaron Sibblies, Daniel Banach, and Gavin Ferreira, all of whom will make an impact in 2025.
Sibblies has great speed and will be starting in the outfield for Sanfilippo. After graduating he will be playing baseball at Farmingdale State College.
Banach plays all over the place, catcher, outfield and pitcher, he will also use his power to help the Spartans offensively. He is committed to St. Joseph’s Brooklyn.
FInally is Ferreira, who Sanfilippo claims is one of the best defensive shortstops to ever play at Valley Stream North. Ferreira will combine with 2B Liam Corbett to make up the Spartans middle infield.
The Spartans have started winter workouts with strong turnouts, showing dedication and great work ethic despite having a small roster.
“North had a solid winter, and although the varsity roster is expected to be thin due to unusually low numbers in the junior class, the work ethic from the core players has been strong.” Sanfilippo said. “The senior class has four players committed to playing baseball at the next level, and the younger grades have made a good impression on the coaching staff this winter.”
The Spartans will need to rely on its experience and versatility to compete in a tough conference. With new opponents like Clarke and Valley Stream South, the team will have to be ready for a challenge. Sanfilippo’s team knows however, that they will have to be better than average to make some noise this season.
“VS North returns seven players who played important roles on last year’s team.” Sanfilippo said. “The roster is expected to be thin but we will have several starters returning from last year’s playoff team. Position versatility will be crucial if North is to make noise this season. Although not many players graduated, North must replace two-thirds of the starting rotation behind Lang, which will be challenging. All jobs are open every year, with the best players playing regardless of grade. With how Nassau County baseball is currently structured, there are no easy weeks or weak teams on the schedule, so our players know that being just an average team will lead to a disappointing season. Conference A1 loses Plainedge and gains Clarke and VS South. Other opponents remain from last year, such as Mineola, Wantagh, Floral Park, and Lynbrook. North is excited to play our first full season on a new turf field.”
Valley Stream North opens up their 2025 season on their new turf field against Valley Stream South on April 1st.
