Weston’s Andrew Amato.
Pete Paguaga / Hearst Connecticut Media
Selecting 25 players to watch from across the state’s CIAC schools is never an easy task. Throw in a missed year due to a pandemic, and that challenge gets a little more difficult. The level of talent never ceases to amaze. This year 12 of the 25 players to watch have already committed to Division I schools, with five heading to Storrs to play for Jim Penders and UConn.
Andrew Amato, Sr. C/OF, Weston
The High Point University commit can play multiple positions and has show big-time pop with exit velocity hovering around 100 mph last summer.
Jackson Ciccone, Jr. OF, Danbury
Ciccone hit .300 as freshman for the Hatters and should serve as their leadoff hitter.
Jean Colon, Sr. SS/P, Hillhouse/Career
Hit .421 as a sophomore, leading Hillhouse to state the tournament.
Ryan Daniels, Jr. SS, St. Paul
The UConn commit is an excellent defender and one of the best hitters in the NVL.
Anthony DePino, Sr. 3B, Hand
The big-hitting third baseman, who has recorded exit velocities up to 88 mph, is committed to play at the University of Rhode Island.
Matthew Garbowski, Sr. C, New Fairfield
One of two UConn commits, along with LHP Braden Quinn, gives the Rebels a formidable battery.
Carter Kelsey, Sr. P, Staples
The Seton Hall commit is throwing in the mid-80s with a biting slider.
Drew Kron, Jr. CF, Xavier
The speedy centerfielder is committed to UConn. Also a quarterback on Falcons football team.
Miles Langhorne, Sr. P, Greenwich
The Vanderbilt-bound 6-foot-4 right-hander has been throwing in the lower to mid-90s with terrific command.
Tyler Mackowski, Sr. SS, Granby Memorial
The Tufts commit was first-team All-NCCC as a sophomore, batting .370 with an OBP if .521.
Frank Mozzicato, Sr. P, East Catholic
The 6-foot-3 lefty is among best pitchers in the state with a fastball in the upper 80s and a next-level curveball.
Zach Nakonechny, Sr. P/1B, Newington
Hit in the middle of the lineup as a sophomore and as a pitcher has gotten his fastball near 90 mph. Committed to play at SCSU.
Craig Ottaviano, Jr. P/1B, Westhill
The 6-foot-5 right-hander committed to Northeastern has been throwing heat in the preseason.
Kolby Pascarelli, Sr. P/OF, Coginchaug
The left-handed throwing UConn commit is coming back from Tommy John surgery and has been throwing in the upper 80s this spring.
Jack Petersen, Sr. P/SS, Newtown
The 6-foot-4 UConn commit can pitch, hit and field at an elite level.
Jake Pisano, Sr, IF/OF, Hamden
Pisano has been starting since freshman year. Posses great speed on the bases and has developing power at the plate.
Connor Podeszwa, Sr. P/3B, Waterford
As a hitter was popping 96 mph exit velos this past summer. On the mound he consistently throws strikes and has command of three pitches.
Zack Ramppen. Jr. C, New Canaan
Played in all 20 games as a freshman. This past summer, was throwing 82 mph down to second base with a pop time of 1.81.
Ryan Scialabba, Sr. SS, Cheshire
As a sophomore hit .455 with 20 runs scored and is committed to St. Anselm College.
Matt Scott, Jr. P, Barlow
The 6-foot-4 righty is committed to Stanford. He has command of all his pitches with the ability to reach low 90s on the radar gun.
Anthony Steele, Sr. P/1B, Shelton
The 6-foot-4 left-handed pitcher was All-SCC as a sophomore and is signed to play at Penn State.
JuJu Stevens, Sr. OF, Amity
The outfielder burst on the high school scene as a sophomore and is back and better than ever with power and speed. Committed to play at Missouri.
Jack Wallace, Sr, 2B, St. Joseph
The only returning player from the Cadets state title team in 2019. Also the 2019 Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year in football as a QB.
Jared Wilhelm, Jr. OF/P, Tolland
A true 5-tool player he throws in the upper 80s and recorded an exit velocity of 96 this past summer.
Bo Yaworski, Sr, CF/P, Killingly
Had a .385 avg. and.447 OBP as a sophomore at the plate. On the mound, he logged 54 innings with 78 strikeouts and only 9 earned runs, being named named All-ECC first team.
