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West Islip Enters New Era Under Kevin Osburn

Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landcape Design for sponsoring this year’s series

by Anthony DiCocco

With head coach Kevin Osburn now at the helm, the West Islip Lions will aim for more consistency in 2026 in order to climb back into the playoffs.

Last spring, West Islip went 9-9 overall and 8-8 in League 4 action, leading to the Lions missing the postseason by one game. Following the season, Shawn Rush — who coached West Islip for 16 years and won County Championships in 2014, 2016 and 2018— stepped away, paving the way for Osburn to be promoted from the junior varsity level.

“I’ve coached in this district for a long time and have a really good relationship with Coach Rush,” Osburn said in an interview with Axcess Baseball. “Coach Rush has really done a phenomenal job. He’s younger than me so I really didn’t expect to have an opportunity like this, but I was dying to do it once I did and I’m excited for the chance.”

Along with Rush’s departure, the Lions also graduated some key pieces, including their top two pitchers and starting backstop. RHPs Evan Byrnes and Alex Abi-Zeid are now pitching at Union and Bridgeport, respectively, while C Thomas Bomberger is playing at Stockton.

When it comes to returners, senior Connor Kenefick and junior Ryan Gaffney will be two of the best West Islip has to offer. Kenefick — a Ramapo College commit — will serve as the team’s starting shortstop while also being a top option on the bump. Across 17 innings last year, Kenefick totaled 17 strikeouts without allowing an earned run.

Gaffney was solid on the mound last year as well, recording 31 punch outs and a 2.12 earned run average (ERA) over 26 frames. He can also help at the plate, as he will get some starts at designated hitter and in the outfield.

Even with the presence of Kenefick and Gaffney, Brian Brower (Rutgers) is expected to be West Islip’s ace. After starting for the Lions as a freshman, Brower played at the Stony Brook School last season, but is returning for his junior year. The southpaw posted a 2.27 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 11 innings a season ago while slashing .327 at the dish.

In addition to his prowess on the mound, Brower has the ability to play first base, the outfield and he may see reps at designated hitter.

“[Brian]’s going to be our No. 1 pitcher and he’ll move around a little bit,” Osburn said. “He’s a really good athlete; you can play him anywhere on the field. He’ll definitely be one of our top contributors offensively as well.”

Junior Peter Malone is set to be the first pitcher out of the bullpen for the Lions after performing in some big innings last year, leaving the pitching staff in a favorable position for Osburn.

“[Malone] looks really good in practice this year and I think he’s going to be a major contributor,” Osburn said. “Once you get past the top four, we have four or five other guys that can contribute on the mound. We feel good about the top of our rotation and our depth.”

Another name in the mix to get innings on the mound is junior Matt Tomasello, who will primarily be the team’s starter at second base. When Tomasello and Kenefick toe the rubber, junior varsity call-ups Michael Shannon and Johnny Puglissi can man the middle infield.

Senior 1Bs Chris Ruby, who saw at-bats as a DH last year, and Anthony Azzariti (St. Joseph’s) will see time in the corner infield, as will junior 3B Ben Delanoy, who plays football as well. Delanoy’s twin — Will — was also a starter last year and is returning.

In Ben Delanoy’s case, Osburn has high hopes for his third baseman.

“[Ben] just works his butt off and he’s put a lot of time in this offseason,” Osburn said. “He’s someone I’m looking at to step up and I think he’ll have a really big year.”

Ruby is also competing for a corner outfield spot along with a litany of other Lions, including junior Brandon Wisniewski and another JV call-up in sophomore Derek Kolman. To replace Bomberger, junior Vance Kane and senior Dylan Keiser are in a competition to nab the starting backstop role.

Heading into the season, getting more from the Lions’ lineup will be at the forefront of Osburn and his players’ minds, as will the consistency aspect of their game. However, now that West Islip’s squad is a year older after being a green group last spring, Osburn believes that last year’s experience will help the Lions turn their fortune around in 2026. 

“The team struggled offensively and with consistency last year,” Osburn said. “But they were close last year. The kids all worked hard, they had a great attitude and they kept fighting til the end. The team had six 10th graders that were maybe a little unsure of themselves at the varsity level, but I think their mindset, attitude and approach are the big difference this year. 

West Islip will open up its 2026 slate at home against West Babylon on Thursday.