NE Division 2 Top 5 Rankings and Recruits

With fall ball approaching, we felt it was time to rattle off our top 5 rankings and recruits for the top 5 division one teams in New England, headed into the season.

#1: Franklin Pierce Ravens (NE10):

Last years record: 48-4
League finish: 1st
National Rank: 3rd
Is it even a question? Ravens had their best season record wise in school history a year ago, Coach King continues to get the most out of his players and put out a team that competes nationally every single year. Ravens fell short in the East Region and were unable to reach the World Series but they have the guys to compete for it once again in 2015.
Top recruits from New England Area: C David Nelson (John Stark Regional) Nelson is listed at 6'3, 190 lbs and is a very good defensive catcher who can swing a good bat, with the loss of captain Matt Walsh, Nelson can compete for the starting job right away. He was one of NH's top players this past spring. RHP Ben Mallet (Monadnock) the hard throwing righty's fastball can get up to 87 MPH, he was heavily recruited by many D1 teams last summer, he threw two no hitters at his time at Monadnock and will continue to dominate on the mound at Franklin Pierce, Mallett was ranked 17th according to NETopProspects.com about a year ago. RHP Hudson Hagland (Tilton School) Hagland accepted a scholarship to FPU this past year, ranked as one of the top pitching prospects in New Hampshire this past year, was dominant on the mound for Tilton this year, the 6'2 righty's fastball tops out at 83. RHP Zach Dionne (Tolland, CT) Dionne plays for a very good summer team in Team Connecticut baseball, the righty was heavily recruited by several D1 and D2 schools before choosing FPU, one of top pitchers in CT and his fastball has been recorded at 84-85.

#2: Southern New Hampshire University Penman (NE10):

Last years record: 31-14
League finish: 3rd
National Ranking: 18th
When head coach Scott Loiseau left the Penman weeks prior to the start of the season, it was a tough hit for the Penman as they had to deal with getting use to life without him. A little bit of a roller coaster season for the Penman but they battled and found themselves back in the East Regional. Scott Loiseau returns this season for the Penman which is why many think they can now be a contender for the World Series. All league SS Manny Cruz returns as well as Zach Goldstein and Mikr Robert. Watch out for the Penman this year.
Top Recruits from New England Area: RHP Connor Gavin (East Bridgewater) Listed at 6'3 215, the All Scholastic and Boston Herald Division 3 Player of the Year, Gavin was a horse on the mound for East Bridgewater leading them to a D3 South championship. Gavin's fastball sits upper 80's and will be a dominant arm for the Penman in due time. LHP Brendan Welch (Oliver Ames) Welch was named Boston Herald Division 2 Player of the Year, the three time all league pitcher led OA in wins, ERA and innings pitched, the big lefty is listed at 6'4 215 and his fastball is recorded at mid to upper 80's. RHP Rob Carillo (Bishop Fenwick) Carillo is coming off a great career at the highly touted Bishop Fenwick, Carillo is known for his heavy fastball and ability to spot his fastball, he was a two time Central Catholic league all star. SS Ryan Spagnoli (Arlington Catholic) Spagnoli, two time Catholic Central League all star, Perfect Game All New England Second team, is known for his lockdown defense and very good arm strength and range at shortstop, one of the top shortstops across the state for his class, contact hitter who uses whole field. 2B Josh Goldstein (Haverhill) Goldstein is coming off a nice career at HHS, known for his defense and ability to make good plays, contact hitter who has some pop in his bat. C Josh Zibierski (East Catholic) One of Connecticut's top catchers the past few years,  helped lead East Catholic to top ranked team in the state most of the spring, the 6'3, 220 lbs catcher has some serious power and is improving defensively, Josh is a very good player and will only get better. 3B/P Tyler Shemick(La Salle): Shemick was a force both at the plate and on the mound for La Salle, throwing two no hitters, also hit .350 while driving in 18 runs. OF Christian Aybar (Bishp Hendricken) won four state titles at Hendricken, one of Rhode Islands top outfielders and hitters, velocity from outfield is crazy, all state team, will be a great players for Penman in future.

#3: Stonehill Skyhawks (NE10):

Last years record:  34-15-1
League finish: 2nd
National Rank: 21st
Stonehill's upset of SNHU in NE10 semis and first East Region appearance in some time was enough to call it a very successful season in 2014-2015. Coach Pat Boen's Skyhawks are now looked at as one of the best D2 teams in New England, Stonewall could very well push SNHU and FPU for this years NE10 title and maybe even East Region. 
Top Recruits from New England Area: LHP Aran Grenham-Hamilton (BBN) One year removed from having a stroke while pitching, Hamilton had a very good spring for the Knights help leading them to an ISL title. His fastball ranges from 85-86 and will be a very good pitcher right away for the Knights. Very similar to current Skyhawks pitcher Jeremy Roberts. SS Matt Rocco (Newington, CT) Rocco is one of Connecticut's top shortstops, his above average range and arm strength make him a huge pickup for the Skyhawks. He plays his summer ball with Baseball Unlimited. C Harry Sabo (Wilton, CT)  Sabo is listed at 6'3, 210, his power bat will be a force for the Skyhawks in the middle of their order. Sabo is a good defensive catcher with a good pop time, he was heavily recruited by NESCAC schools before choosing Stonehill. OF Patrick Downey (Xavier, CT) Downey is another Connecticut kid who was listed on the Perfect Game All East Region team, very good speed, and a very good defender who can play all outfield positions.

#4: New Haven Chargers (NE10):

Last years finish: 17-16
League finish: 4th
National Rank: NR
New Haven had a good year under a first year head coach Chris Celano, they fell to Stonewall in the semis in the NE10 playoffs, but New Haven always wins and are destined to once again this year.
Top Recruits from New England Area: NO PLAYERS LISTED FROM NE AREA




#5: Merrimack Warriors (NE10):

Last years record: 17-17
League finish: 8th
National Rank: NR
Even though the only player drafted from the NE10 was wearing a Merrimack jersey (Frank Crinella) it wasn't enough to give the Warriors enough to beat powerhouse Franklin Pierce in the first round. 
Top recruits from New England Area: SS Jack Campsmith(Chelmsford): Two way star, Campmith, will play both baseball and football for the Warriors. Very good arm strength, could potentially be in the running to replace star Frank Crinella (who turned pro). OF Armani Henderson (La Salle) One of Rhode Islands top players, battled a wrist injury this year but was still a big help to La Salle in their playoff run, All League selection and helped lead La Salle to state finals in 2014.

*all commitments on players are based off Perfect Game and information off google searches 

NE Division 1 Top 5 Rankings and Recruits

With fall ball approaching, we felt it was time to rattle off our top 5 rankings and recruits for the top 5 division one teams in New England, headed into the season.

1. Boston College Eagles (ACC):

Last Years record: 27-27
League finish: Last
National Ranking: 81
We may shock you with this choice for our number one but we feel the Eagles have what it takes to compete this year. Despite having just a .500 record last year, the Eagles keep improving in the wins column as the years go by and with a loaded 2015 recruitment class coming in, the Eagles can compete this year and will be one of the best teams in New England. Despite the loss of first rounder Chris Shaw, the Eagles should be just fine offensively.
Top Recruits (from New England Area): Eagles have quite the pitching staff coming in, landing some of the top pitchers Massachusetts. LHP Dan Metzdorf (BBN): Metzdorf is a left handed pitcher, who is listed at 5'10", but don't let his size fool you, the lefty sits around 88 MPH and was dominant on the hill for the Knights. The All-League lefty mounted a 8-0 record with a 1.06 ERA this spring. He is playing his summer ball with the North Shore Navigators of the FCBL where he is 0-1 while posting a 3.62 ERA in 22.1 innings pitched. RHP Thomas Lane (Phillips Andover) RHP who is listed at 6'5, 245 lbs. His fastball sits upper 80's, was the PBR New England Player of the year and he also plays his summer ball with the Navs posting a 1-1 record with a 3.66 ERA in 19 innings pitched. Austin Batchelor (Malden Catholic) The righty is listed at 6'3, 185 lbs and successfully came off Tommy John as hi fastball is clocked at upper 80's, All State team in MA and is currently playing summer ball with the North Shore Navigators. Concluding our Massachusetts pitchers is RHP John Witowski (Avon Old Farms) the 6'6 RHP from Melrose is clocked at lower 90's at times, the all-league pitcher should throw some big innings for the Eagles this spring. C Gian Martellini (Bishop Hendricken) the former Vanderbilt commit, decommitted from there and is now one of the Birdballers top recruits. The catcher is a four time state champion for the Hawks of Bishop Hendricken, two time Rhode Island player of the year and two time Gatorade Player of the Year hit .408 this spring with four homers and twenty eight RBI's leading the Hawks to their fourth straight state title, the future starting catcher for the Eagles could be a first round pick come his junior year..he is that good. 1B Connor Bacon (Hudson, MA) 6'2 205 pound first baseman is a huge power bat for the Eagles.

# 2: UConn Huskies (AAC)

Last years finish: 35-24
League finish: 3rd
National Ranking: 47
Huskies are probably the most consistent team as far as Division 1 programs go in New England. Coming off of a season where they were just two games shy of a conference championship, the Huskies are bound to be in a similar situation this year to compete for the league title.
Top recruits (from New England Area): PJ Poulin (Tabor Academy) LHP who sits per 80's with a tight slider, was one of the most dominant pitcher we saw all spring, led Tabor to NEPSAC title his junior year, will be a dominant pitcher for Huskies come the spring. Top recruit OF Liam Scaffariello (Southington, CT) was drafted by the Braves in this years MLB draft but decided to turn down the pro contract and head to UConn. Scaffaeriello was heavily recruited by several SEC schools and chose the Huskies, huge get for Huskies as he could a be a very high round pick his junior year if he keeps progressing. RHP Ronnie Rossomando (Bunnell HS) another recruit of the Huskies drafted by the Reds, but according to sources he will head to UConn in the fall, 6'5 righty has a very heavy fastball and could find himself in the rotation right away. RHP Randy Polonia (Stamford, CT) RHP has a a four pitch arsenal and commands the strike zone very well.

#3: Bryant Bulldogs (NEC)

Last years finish: 27-24
League finish: 1st
National Ranking: 163
Bryant is one of the most consistent baseball teams in the New England area, Steve Owens Bulldogs won their third straight NEC title and lost in the East Region this past year. Bryant continues to rebuild and get better and better each year, I wouldn't be surprised if you find them in a Super Regional sometime soon.
Top Recruits (from New England Area): RHP Mason Palmieri (Lincoln) the 6'5, 220 lbs righty has a very heavy fastball, the all league pitcher was a dominant arm in the New England area for quite sometime now, Palmieri has the arm to pitch some big innings for the Bulldogs right away. OF Nick Angellini (Bedford NH) Angellini is a good bat and defensive outfielder and was heavily recruited by all D1 schools around here before choosing Bryant, he will shape out to be a very good player for the Bulldogs in a year or so.

#4: University of Rhode Island (A-10)

Last years finish: 25-24-1
League finish: 2nd
National Ranking: 132
A big year for the Rams and first year head coach Raphael Cerrato. Just a year ago when coach Jim Foster left after a 13-40 season, Cerrato came in and shocked a lot of people leading the Rams to a record over .500 and second in the A10.
Top Recruits (from New England are): With Top recruit Seamus Curran signing with the Orioles, the  Rams must turn the page and look into finding another power bat at that position. The only New England recruit coming in is C Mike Campatelli (Bishop Fenwick) Campatelli, two time Catholic Central league all star, led the Crusaders in batting average this spring and was one of the best defensive catchers in Mass this spring.

#5: Holy Cross Crusaders (Patriot League)

Last years finish: 24-26
League finish: 5th
National Ranking: 176
Crusaders continue to compete in the Patriot League and recruit well. Coach Greg Dicenzo has the team to compete again next year and years to come.
Top recruits (from New England Area): RHP Pat McGowan (St. Sebastians) McGowan has a fastball that sits in the mid to upper 80's and commands the strike zone very well. Wouldn't be surprised at all if Pat pitches some big innings for the Crusaders this spring.

*rankings are opinionated only and player information came from google searches and Perfect Game USA