This Saturday concludes the high school athletics season. Five local teams are set to take part in state championship games. Let’s get to predictions, shall we?
No. 1 Oakmont Regional vs. No. 2 St. Mary’s baseball (Division 3)
Joey: St. Mary’s (4-3)
Reasoning: We know St. Mary’s has the pitching; we know St. Mary’s has the defense. That said, the only question mark toward the tail-end of the regular season was if the Spartans could hit. Well, four tournament games later, they’ve plated 18 runs and, suddenly, look explosive with the bats. Add elite pitching from Josh Doney, who’s expected to make the start on Saturday, and I like St. Mary’s. Oakmont’s offense has been questionable, and it only defeated No. 32 Arlington Catholic, 1-0, in the Round of 32. Oakmont has allowed just one run this tournament, so it won’t be easy. That said, the Spartans are peaking at the right time.
Mark: St. Mary’s (2-1)
Reasoning: The Spartans – all season – have relied on their defense, and I don’t see it being any different in the championship game. The saying, “Defense wins championships” will prove to, once again, be correct. Another reason I pick the Spartans is because of the speed they possess in the outfield. With Devin Duval, Isaiah Weston, and Maxwell Parent, in addition to Rowan Merryman and Josh Doney, this group closes the gaps with, frankly, insane speed. Also, one St. Mary’s program has to keep the championship streak alive, no?
No. 1 St. John’s Prep vs. No. 7 Needham boys lacrosse (Division 1)
Joey: St. John’s Prep (13-6)
Reasoning: Let’s look at familiar opponents, shall we? The Prep defeated Catholic Memorial by six goals and Lincoln-Sudbury by four this spring – Needham lost to both in the regular season. Granted, that doesn’t translate to the title game, but if you’ve watched the Eagles this season, you know how explosive they are. Better yet, how versatile they are. Each and every game, a handful of players contribute to the scoresheet, as opposed to just one. Lastly, do-it-all Jake Vana is 6-0 in state championship games across three sports. It’s only fitting that he goes out in style and passes up Michael Jordan, am I right?
Mark: St. John’s Prep (9-4)
Reasoning: I love an underdog story more than the next person – I just don’t love it here. No team compares to the 20-2 St. John’s Prep Eagles. Strength in numbers is one of the Eagles’ calling cards, and there isn’t just one player you have to worry about. For me, the X-factor starts at the X. Coach John Pynchon described his face-off leader and captain, Jack Doherty, as the “ultimate competitor.” Add a few others who are fresh off a hockey championship, and this roster just knows how to win.
No. 1 St. John’s Prep vs. No. 2 Concord-Carlisle boys tennis (Division 1)
Joey: St. John’s Prep (3-2)
Reasoning: Once again, power in The Prep, which handled Concord-Carlisle in the regular season. That said, it was a close 3-2 match between the two programs who have been atop the power rankings all spring. Luke Free earned a big point in that match, and with his prowess in third singles all season, I see the trend continuing. Add John DeAngelis and Luke Prokopis, among others, and I like the starpower here.
Mark: St. John’s Prep (4-1)
Reasoning: It’s hard to pick against a team that hasn’t lost all season. This 21-0 St. John’s Prep team led by coach Mark Metropolis is the real deal. You don’t get more than 500 career wins without knowing a thing or two, and this season, Metropolis has his Eagles firing on all cylinders. After being eliminated in the Final 4 last season by Lexington, the Eagles reloaded and seem full of vengeance. They defeated that same Lexington side, 4-1, recently, while CC had a tough time dealing with No. 6 Brookline, 3-2.
No. 1 Lynnfield vs. No. 3 Manchester Essex boys tennis (Division 4)
Joey: Manchester-Essex (3-2)
Reasoning: As much as I enjoy what Joe Dunn has put together for Lynnfield, Manchester-Essex is too hot to handle right now – if you’re asking me. The opposition has won all but one of its tournament matches, 5-0, including against No. 2 Pioneer Vall. Chinese Imm., which was undefeated heading into the semifinals. I know, I know, Lynnfield defeated Manchester-Essex, 5-0, in the regular season, but third singles and first doubles were very, very close.
Mark: Lynnfield (3-2)
Reasoning: The last five years, the Pioneers couldn’t find a way past Weston. However, this year, Weston has moved up to Division 3, making the Pioneers the new team to beat. Dan Levin, in first singles, has had an amazing season and looks to cap it off with a ring, while the second doubles team of Matt Reinhold and Kurt Rothermund has stepped up in a big way lately. I like Lynnfield.
No. 1 Hamilton-Wenham vs. No. 3 Lynnfield girls tennis (Division 4)
Joey: Hamilton-Wenham (4-1)
Reasoning: First and second singles (Paige Martino and Lily Alves) have done their heavy lifting for Lynnfield this season, but both Hamilton-Wenham opponents (Emma Jani and Naomi Provost) are nationally ranked and tough to beat. The Generals shut out Lynnfield this season, but if the Pioneers can steal a singles match, you never know.
Mark: Hamilton-Wenham (3-2)
Reasoning: This match will come down to the wire, in my opinion. Unfortunately for Lynnfield, I feel this Hamilton-Wenham side is too strong this year. The most exciting matchup is at first singles: HW’s Emma Jani vs. Lynnfield’s Paige Martino. Two of the most dominant and exciting players in the Cape Ann League are set to square off head-to-head, but overall, I think the Generals command this one.
