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04/14/2017 12:00 AMEven though the Haddam-Killingworth baseball team had to retool some things in the field after graduating key players from last season, the Cougars still feature plenty of young, but experienced ballplayers who can help them climb higher in 2017.
Head Coach Mark Brookes and H-K finished the regular season at 16-4 before losing in the Shoreline Conference Tournament quarterfinals a year ago. Then as the No. 4 seed in the Class M State Tournament, the Cougars defeated Norwich Tech, St. Joseph, and Plainfield to reach their second state semifinal in three years, where they lost to eventual champion Wolcott.
This year, H-K stormed out to a 4-0 start in its opening week and then split its four matchups in last week’s action to stand with a record of 6-2. The Cougars posted a 20-7 rout of Portland on April 10, took an 8-7 loss to Morgan the next day, responded in a big way with a 17-0 blanking of Creed-Hillhouse on April 12, and then dropped a 3-0 decision against Old Lyme on April 14. Coach Brookes said that H-K still has to iron out some finer points, but added that he’s pleased with how the Cougars have been sharp with the stick during the campaign’s formative stage.
“We are happy with our record. We are hitting the ball well for early in the year. We still need to be getting better on defense, so there’s some work to be done there,” said Brookes. “You can never have enough pitching, and we’ve been trying to develop more pitchers in the last few years. Between our starting staff and bullpen, we want to get three [to] five guys involved. We have to improve there, too.”
Pitcher Luke Bauer and catcher Tyler Popp are H-K’s senior captains this year. Bauer went 8-1 with a 2.59 ERA last spring, while Popp batted .438 with 26 RBI. Coach Brookes said both athletes earned their captaincy by making sure that everyone always feels welcome in the dugout.
“Luke was also a captain on the basketball team this year, and he’s a mature kid. He leads a lot by example. He includes everyone in the equation and treats everyone the same,” said Brookes. “Tyler is a good catcher and a very friendly kid. I feel blessed with great leaders again this year.”
Additional seniors like outfielder Jon Grasso (.366 batting average with 14 RBI last year), pitcher Kyle Aitken, first baseman Aiden Doyle, and outfielder Curt Fetteroll (.286) provide more seasoned leadership for Haddam-Killingworth.
The Cougars also return a lot of juniors who did anything but slump as sophomores with shortstop/pitcher Owen Marica (4-1, 1.58 ERA; 25 RBI in 2016), third baseman/designated hitter Ben Alonso (.386, 24 runs), pitcher/outfielder Kyle Crandall (.277), second baseman Jackson Parmentier, infielder/pitcher Trevor Rydel, catcher Justin Popp, pitcher Jon Lord, and first baseman Ross Meglin (.390).
Sophomore outfielder Jon Civiello brings contact and speed to the leadoff spot of H-K’s lineup.
“Owen hits the ball well and is a good defensive player, Ben hit well last year and had eight hits in our first four games this year, Kyle has also hit well, Jackson is a good defensive infielder at second base, Jon has hit the ball well in the early parts of the year,” said Coach Brookes. “Trevor had 10 strikeouts in five innings in his first outing, Jon Civiello has hit for .400 in our leadoff spot so far, and Ross plays good defense and hits the ball well and has a great attitude. We’ve gotten good play out of a lot of good kids.”
Facing Portland last week, Meglin had three hits and four RBI, while Grasso homered and drove in three to lead the Cougars to the 20-7 victory. Bauer had five strikeouts and scattered four hits to get the win on the mound.
In the Morgan loss, Alonso had three hits, plus Tyler Popp and Crandall had two apiece for H-K.
Against Creed-Hillhouse, Alonso and Crandall both had three hits to lead the Cougars’ attack. Rydel, Popp, and Marica each had two base knocks to aid the 17-0 rout.
The high school baseball season is a journey that often features many bumps along the ride. Still, the Cougars are ready for whatever the game throws at them this spring as they aim to continue program’s postseason prominence.
“Our goals always stay the same. The kids want to make both Shorelines and states. We went deep into states last year, which was a surprise with a lot of sophomore starters,” said Coach Brookes. “You never know what could happen. Injuries could disrupt things. We are still looking for that third effective pitcher, and a lot of things have to go right to make a run in the postseason. We must improve our team defense and not allow extra outs per inning. Graduation took two starting infielders and our center fielder. Morgan, North Branford, and Cromwell all have a significant number of returning players. East Hampton will be solid. Morgan is the team to beat. But we look to be competitive this year.”
From the Sidelines
Mark Brookes returns for his 40th year as head coach of the Cougars. Brookes brought a record of 636-285 into the 2017 campaign.
Haddam-Killingworth has qualified for states every season since 1978.
The Cougars are seeking their first state title this season. H-K has made state final appearances in 2014, 2012, 1986, 1982, and 1981. The first two were in Class M and the latter three came in the Class S bracket.