East Catholic’s Jimmy Titus looks down for a sign in an earlier game vs. Southington. Titus is the reigning State Gatorade Player of the Year. Derek Turner-GameTimeCT
The Top 25 CIAC baseball players to watch in 2016. Compiled by Derek Turner. Listed in alphabetical order.
Terry (TT) Bowens, Montville, Sr., (P)
Set a school record with 47 hits in 2015. Bowens led the Indians to the Class M semifinals with a .469 average, 31 RBIs, 10 doubles, six triples and two home runs. On the mound he went 7-1 while allowing just nine earned runs in 54 2/3 and striking out 35.
Nate Carney, Bristol Eastern, Sr., (P)
Went 8-0 with a 1.48 ERA for the Lancers in 2015.
Ben Casparius, Staples, Jr., (SS/P)
As a sophomore, Casparius hit seven home runs with a .456 batting average while leading the Wreckers to the Class LL title game. He has verbally committed to the University of North Carolina.
Matt Cleveland, Windsor, Sr., (RHP)
Big right arm looks to lead the Warriors to the top of the CCC once again. Possible 2016 MLB draft pick.
Brandon Desautels, E.O. Smith, Sr., (P)
Three sport star in Storrs, Desautels has committed to play football at Central Connecticut State University as a kicker/punter.
Omar Diaz, Wilbur Cross, Jr., (SS)
Hit .354 and scored 11 runs for the Governors.
Southington starter Drew Farkas threw a complete game shutout on Wednesday vs. New Britain. He allowed four hits and struck out five in the win. Derek Turner-GameTimeCT
Drew Farkas, Southington, Sr., (LHP)
In 53 1/3 innings last season, Farkas struck out 62. He went 7-2 with a 2.49 ERA. He has committed to the University of Hartford.
Ryan Fitton, Staples, Jr., (P)
Had a breakout season in 2015 and carried it all the way to the mound in the Class LL championship game. Fitton should be a key to a deep Staples run in 2016.
James Foti, St. Bernard, Sr., (OF/3B)
Hit .449 with 25 RBI and 18 runs in 2015 for the Saints.
Justin Gallichio, Northwest Catholic, Sr., (P)
Transferred to Northwest Catholic from Northwestern for his junior year and led the Lions to the Class S title. Pitched in 12 games compiling a 7-1 record with one save and a 1.20 ERA. Had a .387 batting average with 19 RBI and 10 runs.
Mauro Paul Gozzo, Sheehan, Sr., (C)
A 2015 New Haven Register All-State selection, Gozzo has committed to Tulane University along with his brother Sal.
Sheehan catcher Paul Gozzo in action during a game last season. (Photo Dave Phillips)
Sal Gozzo, Sheehan, Sr., (SS)
The senior shortstop helped lead Sheehan to the Class M state title and the No. 1 ranking in the final GameTimeCT/Register poll in 2015. He has committed to Tulane University.
Rob Griswold, Law, Sr., (SS)
The Lawmen shortstop has committed to the Northeast Conference’s Long Island University-Brooklyn.
Dylan Ketch, Morgan, Sr., (C)
All-Shoreline catcher led the Huskies to the Class S title game.
Cam Kovachik, Masuk, Sr., (P)
The right-handed pitcher has committed to Duke University. He went 8-2 with a 1.56 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 54 innings in 2015.
Brody Labbe, Windham, Sr., (P/SS)
Hit .508 with 14 RBI and 12 extra base hits in 2015. As a pitcher he had a 3.26 ERA in 49.1 innings while striking out 31.
Trey McLoughlin, Shelton, Jr., (RHP)
The right-hander has committed to Fairfield University as a junior and looks to claim the top spot on the Gaels staff after the graduation of Mike Cowell.
Ray Miklos, Hand, Sr., (3B)
Power hitting third baseman looks to help get Daniel Hand back into the thick of the SCC.
Eli Oliphant, Amity, Sr., (RHP)
Committed to Fairfield University and will be a top pitcher in the SCC.
Nathan Panzer, Staples, Sr., (CF)
Part of the FCIAC champion and Class LL finalist Wreckers last year. Has committed to the University of Maryland.
Dylan Reynolds, Notre Dame-WH, Sr., (P/OF)
Reynolds played in all 24 games for the Green Knights and led the team with a .452 batting average, scored 22 runs and had 19 RBIs. On the mound he went 4-2 with a 2.62 ERA with 20 strikeouts.
Amity’s Chris Winkel rounds the bases after a home run while coach Sal Coppola congratulates him in a game earlier this year (Photo Peter Casolino)
Brian Ronai, Amity, Sr., (SS)
Another piece to the Amity big three, has committed to Yale.
Grant Stone, Fairfield Prep, Sr., (P)
Had a 1.62 ERA in 2015 for the Jesuits. Stone struck out 34 in 37 innings and picked up six wins for the SCC power.
Jimmy Titus, East Catholic, Sr. (SS/P)
The reigning Gatorade State Player of the Year has committed to Northeast Conference power Bryant University.
Chris Winkel, Amity, Sr., (1B)
Batted .390 with 11 doubles, three home runs and 14 stolen bases in 2015. Has committed to play baseball at UConn.
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