News Summary

Twenty exceptional sophomore and junior baseball players from Massachusetts are set to compete in the High School Baseball National Championship Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Team Massachusetts will face tough opponents while showcasing their talent on a national stage. The excitement also includes notable commitments from young athletes in soccer, football, and hockey, highlighting the rising stars in Massachusetts sports.

Massachusetts Youth Athletes Make Headlines with National Championship and College Commitments!

Massachusetts is buzzing with excitement as twenty of the finest sophomore and junior baseball players from the state are gearing up for a thrilling adventure in Omaha, Nebraska! These young athletes, proudly representing Team Massachusetts, are set to compete in the High School Baseball National Championship Series.

This year, Team Massachusetts is diving into the challenge of Bracket C, where they’ll face fierce competitors from California, Georgia, and Louisiana. The tournament format includes three four-team brackets, offering a chance for the top team from each bracket and one wild card to move on to the semifinals. It’s shaping up to be an intense showdown!

Mark your calendars! The team will kick off the tournament at 2 p.m. on Friday with an exciting match against California. The subsequent semifinals are slated for Sunday and will be televised on ESPN+, followed by the championship game that evening on ESPNU. What an exhilarating way to showcase the talent of Massachusetts!

This ambitious team is under the guidance of experienced coach Bill O’Connell from Braintree, supported for the mission by an outstanding coaching staff that includes Steve Healy from BC High, Chris Costello from Walpole, and Mike Denise of Blackstone Valley Tech. Together, they’re working hard to bring home the championship title.

The players on Team Massachusetts are:

  • Mac Bianchi (Nobles)
  • Matt Blanusa (Dexter Southfield)
  • Max Boehm (Wellesley)
  • Owen Byrnes (Dexter Southfield)
  • Alex Cantwell (Dexter Southfield)
  • Chase Edgar (Austin Prep)
  • Morrie Fried (Pittsfield)
  • Brett Gallo (St. Sebastian’s)
  • Luke Joyce (Braintree)
  • Quincy Kerr (IMG)
  • Bradley McCafferty (Austin Prep)
  • Ryan Moreschi (Austin Prep)
  • Braden Place (Roxbury Latin)
  • James Rabuse (Wahconah)
  • Nick Ranaldi (Austin Prep)
  • Nolan Rappoli (Xaverian)
  • Ryan Ruggiero (Winchendon)
  • Brian Seo (Belmont Hill)
  • Conor Secrist (St. John’s Shrewsbury)
  • Andrew Shute (Bishop Feehan)

Adding to the proud moment for Massachusetts, four players have been recognized by being named to the National High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Region 1 team, which represents the best players from New England and New York. Those standout players are Brayden Mercier (St. John’s, Shrewsbury), Matt Stuart (Chelmsford), Paul McCarthy (Xaverian), and Randen May (Bishop Feehan).

Shining Stars in Soccer and Other Sports

The excitement doesn’t end there! Emmy O’Donnell, an incredible young talent and rising junior at Concord-Carlisle, is making waves as the only Massachusetts player on the US Under-17 Women’s National Team. She has verbally committed to playing women’s soccer at Duke University, showcasing her impressive record of 14 goals and 10 assists.

In the realm of football, Evan Velardo, a rising senior at Masconomet, has secured his future by committing to Colby College after receiving offers from other institutions. Meanwhile, BC High junior Kyle Hotarek has chosen Bowdoin for his collegiate journey, being recognized for his skills as a 6-3, 260-pound left tackle and defensive lineman.

The world of hockey is also being graced with fresh talent as Providence College announces its incoming men’s hockey class, which includes goaltender Aaron Matthews from Newton.

In coaching news, Molly Shield is stepping up as the head coach of the Mashpee girls’ soccer team, bringing a wealth of experience from her time coaching the JV and middle school teams. Additionally, Kathryn “Kat” Manigan has been appointed Dean of Athletics and Programs for Seekonk Public Schools after a competitive selection process.

Finally, our hearts are filled with pride as St. John’s Prep football coach Brian St. Pierre is set to be inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame this fall, honoring his successful journey in athletics.

As we watch these young athletes shine, it’s a reminder of the amazing talent blossoming in Massachusetts. Here’s wishing all the best to Team Massachusetts as they take on the challenge in Omaha!

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