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Preseason Team Preview: Ramapo

March 2, 2016

New Jersey Scouting Staff
 

High School: Ramapo
Head Coach: Mickey Hunt (16th season, 292-139)
2015 Record: 13-14

With what it lacks in experience, the Green Raiders will try to make up for it by using a great deal of natural athleticism.  Ramapo’s lineup is littered with multi-sport stars with championship experience in basketball and football.  Leading the way are seniors 2B/P Frankie Aiello  (Rowan), 1B/P Matt Valente (Babson) and OF/P Greg Latushko. Aiello, also a point guard on the basketball team, has above average velocity on his fastball, and throws from a high ¾ angle. His curveball has a slurvy motion to it, but occasionally will bump up the velocity on it to show more of a slider action. His ability to play multiple positions allows Coach Hunt to fill vital holes on any given day. Latushko is headed to Coastal Carolina to play football and will look to bring his hard-hitting, tough-nosed grit to the baseball diamond after a spectacular season at Wide Receiver/Corner for the State Sectional Champion Green Raiders.  His ball-hawking skills will be counted on to captain the outfield in center.  However, the team will only go as far as Matt Valente will take them.  The slugging first-baseman will be counted upon to provide a steady bat in a young line-up.  If Ramapo is to return to form this year, their success will be closely tied to the 6-foot-3 two-way player.  Among the underclassmen that will be counted on to contribute will be INF/P Evan Mooney and INF/P A.J. Ferrara.

One big story-line to watch out for with the Green Raiders is what Coach Hunt decides to do with a strong group of Freshmen.  The 2019 group could challenge for playing time early, but will Coach Hunt rush them through the program or choose to let them grow together at the lower levels?  Regardless, the 2016 outlook for ‘Po promises exciting athleticism on the diamond.

 

Head Coach Bio 
+ Mickey Hunt entering 16th season at the helm for the Green Raiders (career: 292-139)
+ New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee, 2016
+ Coach of the Year, 2001, 2002, 2005
+ Group 3 State Champion, 2001
+ NJ Group 3 North Jersey Champions: 2001, 2002, 2005
+ North 1 Group 3 State Sectional Champions: 2001, 2002, 2005
+ Bergen County Tournament Finalist: 2002, 2009, 2011
+ Bergen County Final Four: 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
+ League Champions: 2002, 2009, 2011, 2012

 

Team Rivals 
+ Northern Highlands
+ Ridgewood

 

Notable Baseball Alumni 
+ Garrison Ward, 2003 (Western New England)
+ Shooter Hunt, 2005 (Tulane University All-American)
+ A.J. Pisarri, 2006 (Lafayette College)
+ Joe Borelli, 2006 (Johns Hopkins)
+ Dan Berardo, 2007 (Harvard)
+ Bobby Graber, 2009 (TCNJ)
+ TJ Hunt, 2011 (Monmouth University)
+ Ari Kaufman, 2012 (Lafayette College)
+ Alex Nickles, 2012 (Lafayette College)
+ Chris Liquori, 2012 (Manhattan College)
+ Joe Scaglione, 2012 (Quinnipiac)
+ Matt Osieja, 2012 (Quinnipiac)


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