Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Tucker Terranova
Longwood has been a model of consistency under head coach Ryan McSherry, now entering his 10th season at the helm. Since taking over in 2016, he has built one of Suffolk County’s premier programs, consistently knocking on the door of a championship. His expectation for this season is clear:
“The goal is to win a Suffolk County Championship.”
McSherry’s confidence stems not just from talent but from the culture Longwood has built. This group has played together since elementary school, developing side-by-side and fostering a program built on family.
That family faced a tragic test this offseason. Nolan Horn, a member of the Longwood baseball program, passed away last December, adding deeper meaning to this season.
“We recently had a devastating loss to the community and the program with the passing of Nolan Horn,” McSherry told Axcess Baseball. “A wonderful young man from a wonderful family. We are going to represent his honor and legacy through perseverance, positivity, and how we carry ourselves every day.”
The team will honor Horn’s legacy by wearing his number three on their hats. For those who knew him, this season carries added significance. After a deep postseason run and a League 1 title last year, Longwood has the talent and experience to contend for a Suffolk County Championship.
Longwood: 10
Riverhead: 0
Perfect Game Alert
WP- CJ Forman: 7 innings, 0 hits, 0 walks, 8 Ks pic.twitter.com/p9wk8gbVBt
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 26, 2024
Longwood graduated eight seniors last season, headlined by CJ Forman, now pitching at Adelphi. His historic campaign featured two no-hitters and the first perfect game in school history, which McSherry called “one of the best pitching seasons I’ve witnessed.” He went 6-2 with a 0.78 ERA.
McSherry also faces the challenge of replacing two key contributors now at Utica—Dean Ennis and Jaden Urso. Ennis, a dominant lefty, was described as “tough to square up” and a go-to arm in the rotation. Urso, the Suffolk County Gold Glove winner at second base, was a cornerstone of Longwood’s lineup and a defensive anchor. Urso also batted .373 with a .981 OPS.
Despite those departures, Longwood returns an experienced core ready to make an impact.
RHP Timmy Kaleb (Longwood 2025) gets the start for USG New York. He just recently committed to Bridgeport pic.twitter.com/5KRdl6tCpr
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 28, 2024
On the mound, McSherry highlighted Timmy Kaleb, Kyle Connolly, Brendan Rivera, Adam Szczepanik, AJ Servellon, Dom Lauria, and Michael Kordecki as key arms. Lauria, a senior left-hander, will continue his career at Penn State Berks, while Connolly is committed to Post University and Kaleb is committed to Bridgeport. They will be relied on to lead the staff, bringing experience in high-pressure situations.
Offensively, Longwood boasts one of the most talented lineups in the county. Matt Faraone (.360 AVG), Paulie Capobianco (team leading 19 RBIs), Brayden Plugues (.932 OPS), Stephen Moscatiello (team leading 2 HRs), Brayden Franco, Jagger Franco, Luke Rizzi, Cameron Horn, and Dan Blank (.373 AVG) are all expected to play key roles both on the field and as leaders.
Rizzi, a senior committed to American International, is among the team’s most important returners. After a strong summer circuit with 5 Star National, he’ll be counted on as a leader for Longwood.
Jagger Franco (Longwood 2027) turning on one for an extra base hit at the Kings Point Classic pic.twitter.com/fAQsK2SB5h
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 6, 2025
The Franco brothers, Jagger and Brayden, bring exciting potential. Jagger, featured in Axcess Baseball’s “Up Next” series in January, is one of Long Island’s top sophomores. His versatility and speed will be vital this year and beyond. Brayden, a junior infielder with experience in big games, will be a mainstay in the lineup and a key part of Longwood’s leadership group.
Cameron Horn, an All-League selection in 2023, adds even more versatility. He has the ability to play anywhere on the field and has experience pitching in big moments, making him a crucial asset to this year’s team.
Back-to-back
Congratulations to 5 Star Terry on capturing the Axcess Invitational Varsity for a second straight year
Runner Up: 5 Star Brown
MVP: Cameron Horn pic.twitter.com/Alns0Nh38o
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 21, 2024
To win a Suffolk County Championship, Longwood is testing itself early with a tough non-conference schedule. McSherry believes these challenges are crucial for his team’s development.
“We have non-league games against Commack and Kings Park. They’re both strong opponents that will push us to be our best. We also have some scrimmages against very solid programs,” he said.
This season is about more than just baseball for Longwood. However, if any team can deal with the adversity and loss they have faced and use it to provide their town with something beautiful, this is the team to do so. After knocking on the door for nearly a decade, Longwood has the talent, depth, and culture to finally break through.
Longwood opens its league schedule on April 1 against Brentwood.
