It’s a new baseball season, and the Highland Huskies are taking aim at their second straight Mid Hudson Athletic League Division III championship.

It was the first step in what was a strong and resurgent year for the Huskies that saw them post a 16-6 overall record, winning their division and conference championship, and earning the No. 2 seed in the Section 9 Class B tournament.
They lost to No. 3 Spackenkill in the semifinals, 3-1 in 10 innings, and despite losing three key players in Ian Warren, Jeremy Angelone and Matt Dubois, expectations are high as the Huskies return most players.

Returning players are led by outfielder James Gescheidle, who hit .478 with 36 stolen bases a year ago. They also return third baseman Logan Ellison, who Highland coach John Manganiello said provides an “excellent glove and a big bat.”

Leland Dubois hit .378 last year and Bradley Gatto is a three-year starter at first base.

Sophomore Hunter Tomlin went 5-2 on the mound and junior Michael Secor was 8-0. Both will return this year.

Senior Connor Gemmell will return from a season-ending injury last year and will help anchor the pitching staff and provide another big bat in the lineup. A.J. Grant will also return. Returning outfielder Zach Osterhoudt will provide speed on the bases for the Huskies.

“We look to compete for a division title again, as well as a Section 9 championship since we return most of our starters and our whole pitching staff,” Manganiello said.

The Marlboro Iron Dukes weren’t as successful in sectional play last year, as they earned the fourth seed and were eliminated by No. 5 Rondout Valley in the Section 9 Class B semifinals.

The postseason may be more challenging this year, as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s realignment to six classes puts the Iron Dukes in Class A.

Departed from last year’s team include Jack Schlagler, Maxwell McKiever, Alex Engles, Nick Gephard, and Aiden Robertson.

However, coach John Morrissey said the Iron Dukes have more dept than they’ve had in recent seasons, and they will be led by returning seniors Sal Montaperto, Casey Vogel, Mitch Neer, Cooper Vogel, Justin Piscopo, Dan Conrad, and John Ryder.

Returning junior Tommy Benfer also serves as a team captain.

“I can look at the bench and I can see some guys that can step up and give us some options,” Marlboro coach John Morrissey said. “This is going to be a real team effort this season. We’re going to put the team first, check the egos at the door. I’m looking forward to it.”