Justin Martin throws from shortstop for Pascack Valley. He will be playing in college at Sacred Heart after his high school career ends.
Baseball hoping for state title
Indians to rely on dynamic offense
Coach: Will Lynch (12th season)
Last year’s record: 17-10
Key Returners: Jake Williams (Jr., C/OF), Jake Lutz (Jr., SS), Dan Scachetti (Jr., OF), Sean Donaldson (Sr., 2B/3B), Ryan Novakowski (Sr., P/OF), Mike Foti (Sr., C), John DeMartini (Sr., INF/OF), Justin Martin (Sr. 3B/SS)
Key Losses: Jordan Issackedes, Brendan Liddy, Jake Klag, Ricky Lutz and Austin Piorkowski
Key Newcomers: In terms of replacing last year’s seniors, Lynch hopes that seniors Mike Smolen and Tommy Chiellini, as well as DeMartini, Novakowski, and Scacchetti can “step up and help [the Indians] on the mound.”
Strength of team: “We can swing the bats with just about anybody,” Lynch said. “Defensively I think we’re going to be pretty good too.”
Weakness of team: “I wouldn’t say weakness, but pitching is the one thing we’re definitely unsure of,” Lynch said.
Outlook: The team’s goals, in order, are to win the league, then win the county championship and finally win a state championship.
“I think we’re going to be able to score an awful lot of runs,” Lynch said. “So if our pitching does its job, I think we’re going to be okay.”
Starters: DeMartini is expected to play up to five different positions, while other players expected to play a significant role include Sean Duffy (Jr.), who will see time at first base, and Craig Sodano (Jr.).
“A lot of different people playing a lot of different positions,” Lynch said.