Staten Island’s high school baseball circuit is experiencing a surge in pitching prowess this season, with several standout hurlers emerging as contenders for the title of Staten Island’s No. 1 pitcher. Our poll presents a diverse group of 16 candidates, each boasting a unique repertoire of pitches and impressive statistics that have left opponents bewildered.
Among the contenders is Jason Bassett of Tottenville, a junior right-hander who has showcased a formidable fastball-slider combination. In four starts this season, Bassett has compiled a 3-0 record with a remarkable 0.74 ERA. His dominance is evident in the 32 strikeouts he has amassed in just 19 innings, while surrendering only eight hits and three walks.
Another standout is Anthony Battista of New Dorp, a senior ace who has returned to lead his team this season. Battista boasts pinpoint control and has struck out 19 batters over 19.1 innings, maintaining a 2-1 record with a 1.10 ERA. His ability to limit hits and walks has been crucial to the Cougars’ success.
Chris Bedford of St. Peter’s has emerged as the ace of a formidable Eagles staff. The senior hurler has compiled a 4-1 record with an impressive 0.86 ERA. Over 32.1 innings, Bedford has racked up 37 strikeouts, while allowing only 10 hits. His command of the strike zone and ability to navigate walks have been instrumental in his team’s victories.
Kevin Brennan of Susan Wagner, a senior hurler, has started the season with a 1-0 record and a 3.77 ERA. His 19 strikeouts have been a key factor in his team’s success, despite allowing 10 hits and 13 walks. Brennan’s ability to generate strikeouts and limit damage has made him a valuable asset to the Seagulls.
Anthony Catalano of St. Joseph-by-the-Sea, a senior committed to NJIT, has compiled a 1-1 record with a 1.89 ERA. His 33 strikeouts in 22.1 innings are a testament to his ability to overpower opponents. Catalano’s dominance on the mound has been a driving force behind the Vikings’ success this season.
Anthony Cormier of CSI/McCown, a junior, has piled up 26 strikeouts in 15 innings, showcasing his potential as a strikeout artist. His 2-1 record and 4.67 ERA indicate his ability to navigate challenging situations and lead his team to victory.
Alexander DePietro, a sophomore at Port Richmond, has allowed only one run in his first four starts, posting a 3-1 record with a remarkable 0.32 ERA. His 25 strikeouts in 22 innings, coupled with his ability to limit hits and walks, have made him a formidable force on the mound.
Arion Draga, a freshman at Staten Island Academy, made a remarkable debut by throwing a seven-inning complete game in his first start of the season. His school-record 16 strikeouts, while allowing only two hits and four walks, showcased his exceptional potential and bright future in the sport.
Anthony Fusco of Monsignor Farrell, a senior ace, has maintained a 4-0 record with a 1.10 ERA. His 18 strikeouts in 20 innings are a testament to his ability to generate swings and misses. Fusco’s command of the strike zone and ability to minimize hits have been crucial to the Lions’ success.
John Gano, a sophomore at St. Joseph-by-the-Sea, has compiled a 3-0 record with a 1.75 ERA. His 18 punchouts in 20 innings indicate his ability to keep batters off balance and limit runs. Gano’s emergence as a reliable starter has bolstered the Vikings’ pitching staff.
Jack Kehoe, a senior at St. Peter’s, has emerged as a dominant force on the mound, compiling a 4-0 record with a remarkable 0.00 ERA. His 39 strikeouts in 19 innings, coupled with his ability to limit hits and walks, have made him virtually unhittable this season.
Lorenzo Lamattina of Petrides, a junior righty, has been nearly un-hittable in the PSAL AA division. His 3-0 record with a 0.74 ERA is a testament to his exceptional command of the strike zone. Lamattina’s 37 strikeouts in 19 innings, while allowing only six hits and 13 free passes, have made him a formidable presence on the mound.
Matt Mavricos of McKee/S.I. Tech, a junior right-hander, has been a key factor in the Seagulls’ undefeated start to the season. His 4-0 record with a minuscule 0.32 ERA is a reflection of his ability to overpower opponents. Mavricos’ 45 strikeouts in 22 innings, while allowing only three hits and two walks, have made him a nightmare for opposing batters.
Nick Neville of Moore Catholic, a junior southpaw, has been dominant in four starts, compiling a 3-1 record with a 0.78 ERA. His 40 strikeouts in 27.1 innings are a testament to his ability to generate swings and misses. Neville’s command of his pitches and ability to limit hits have been crucial to the Mavericks’ success.
Ian Thaisz of Curtis, a sophomore, has showcased his potential with a 1-1 record and a 3.29 ERA. His 21 strikeouts in 17 innings, despite walking 15 and allowing 12 hits, indicate his ability to strike out batters while navigating challenging situations.
Kenny Vazquez of Moore Catholic, a junior, has compiled a 2-1 record with a 1.80 ERA. His 28 punchouts in 26 frames are a testament to his ability to generate swings and misses. Vazquez’s ability to limit hits and walks has made him a reliable starter for the Mavericks.
This season’s Staten Island high school baseball circuit is teeming with pitching talent, making it an exciting time for fans and players alike. These 16 candidates represent the best of the best, and the competition for the title of Staten Island’s No. 1 pitcher is sure to be fierce as the season progresses.
