LeGuernic with his eighth strikeout in the fourth inning pic.twitter.com/4oGJ1moZUO
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 3, 2023
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
When you have been a head coach as long as Tom Miglozzi, who has been at the helm for the Hills West Colts for the last 31 years, you see the ebbs and flows of high school baseball.
Unfortunately for Hills West, the 2024 season was a down year for the program, falling just one game short of their goal of making the playoffs. This came a year after they won 14 games including two in the playoffs.
Last year’s Colts team featured seven seniors, three of which are playing baseball at the college level, including Arthur Green, who is pitching at Molloy College, Brandon Gralla who is pitching at Utica and Alex Scher who is playing at Suffolk Community College in Selden.
While still attending Half Hollow Hills West, current members of the Colts baseball team are committed to play baseball following the conclusion of their high school careers. They include senior Royale Baker, who is committed to Lancaster Bible College, Alex Casey, who is committed to Bridgeport and Mike Massa, a returning All-League player, is committed to play at Hendrix College in Arkansas.
Additionally, 2023 graduate Justin LeGuernic is pitching at Clemson University.
Alex Casey (Hills West 2025) laces one into left for a 2-Run double for Beast 2026 pic.twitter.com/1uReNjdwga
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 22, 2024
Miglozzi is very excited to see what returning All-County Alex Casey can do fresh off the heels of a very strong junior campaign. Casey, primarily an outfielder. Shines both offensively and defensively, and will be the key piece in the Hills West’s quest for redemption
“He’s a very strong outfielder and the toughest out in our lineup.” Miglozzi said. “He battled hard at the plate, and has been a very clutch hitter for us.”
Entering his fourth and final year as the team’s starting catcher is reigning All-League player Mike Massa. He has been behind the dish for the Colts since his freshman season, and both him and Miglozzi look to put the finishing touches to what will be a high school career to remember for the Colts captain.
“He’s very good behind the plate.” Miglozzi said. “He’s a much improved hitter, got a lot stronger and he’s going to be the captain of our team this year as well.”
Occupying the hot corner for the Colts is Ethan Saintjean. The junior is looking to continue his strong play both at third and as a pitcher as he begins the second half of his high school baseball career.
Ethan Saintjean (Half Hollow Hills West 2026) consistently putting barrel on baseball pic.twitter.com/znPXgmxptq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 2, 2024
“He’s a very good third baseman. Miglozzi said. “He also many pitch for us this year and has a beautiful swing. He’s going to be a very good hitter at the top of the lineup for us.”
Aman Aery, a senior, is expected to play a utility role for the Colts this year. Aery possesses the ability to play the infield, outfield as well as pitch. Aery is also a top of the lineup hitter, serving as the team’s leadoff man a season ago. He is committed to SUNY Plattsburgh. Miglozzi also mentioned Manny Saintjean, Ethan’s older brother, as a player that provides an energy boost and will serve as a middle of the order hitter.
In a year with a lot of starpower, Miglozzi believes that the depth of his lineup will lead to victories for the Colts.
“We’re going to battle.” Miglozzi said. “In the top and the middle of the lineup, and defensively we’ll be strong. We’re also excited for the young talent coming up, we’re just trying to keep the standard high, and get this thing headed in the right direction.
