Mike Mancini, North Attleboro

Here's one strong-armed Rocketeer who came into his own this season, getting better too as the season progressed for the Rocketeers. "He really developed and matured as a pitcher," praised North coach Paul Sullivan. "He developed a mental toughness, he wanted the ball."

Relying on a fastball, curveball and changeup, Mancini compiled a 6-3 record with one save. Through 46.2 innings of work, Mancini totaled 47 strikeouts with 19 bases on balls, a 2.40 earned run average. He struck out 11 in a game against Sharon.

At the plate, he batted .264 with 14 hits, including a homer to beat Barnstable in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 South Tournament. In the Rocketeer pitching rotation for two years, he also hurls for the South Attleboro American Legion team and will also do so at Franklin Pierce University.

Dan Rayburg, North Attleboro A tremendously efficient and effective leadoff batter for the Big Red, the Rocketeers' senior second baseman was a major catalyst in North winning 17 games overall, earning a No. 4 seed for the Division 1 South Tournament and reaching the semifinals.

"He didn't get cheated with his swings," said North coach Paul Sullivan of Rayburg finding a way to get on base, a .494 rate with a .518 slugging percentage. Rayburg batted at a .304 rate with 17 hits, 17 walks and 17 stolen bases.

A two-year starter, "he was the real energy behind the team," praised Sullivan of Rayburg on and off the field. Also an All Hockomock pick in football (the Offensive MVP, Balfour Trophy winner), he will attend UMass-Amherst.

Kevin Connolly, North Attleboro

One of the typical over-achieving kids in North Attleboro, Connolly completed a trifecta of three-year starting assignments on the football field, basketball floor and baseball field. An outfielder by trade, he moved into first base and hit at a .377 rate for the Rocketeers.

With a steady glove and excellent athletic instinct, Connolly was a steadying influence as North posted a 15-5 regular season record. He belted out 23 hits, including six doubles, stole eight bases and drove in 14 runs. He finished with a .466 on-base percentage and a .508 slugging percentage.

A two-time All Sun Chronicle football selection, Connolly also plays baseball for the South Attleboro American Legion team. He will attend UMass-Amherst.

Greg Dusel, North Attleboro

An outfielder, a pitcher, a shortstop, Dusel wore quite a few hats during his Rocketeer career and delivered a tremendous senior season. He may have been North's true unsung hero on the mound, posting a 5-2 record. In 37.2 innings, he struck out 29 and walked 15.

"He gave us a lot of innings and was always around the plate," said North coach Paul Sullivan of Dusel accumulating mound wins to give the Rocketeers a No. 4 seed for the MIAA Division 1 South Tournament. "He was an outstanding rightfielder for us too." At the plate, Dusel batted .323 with 20 hits, including four doubles and two homers. He drew 13 walks, stole seven bases and drove in nine runs. He had a .455 on-base percentage and a .445 slugging percentage. Also a member of the football and basketball teams, he will attend Northeastern.

Brendan Picini, North Attleboro

In a reserve role for the past two seasons, Picini had a prolific and productive senior season, at shortstop and at the plate - one strong and steady reason why North won 17 games overall, advancing to the semifinals of the Division 1 South Tournament.

"He came into his own," said North coach Paul Sullivan. "He's a baseball player." Batting either second or third in the order, Picini had a .435 rate of success with 27 hits, including three doubles and three triples. He topped the team with 19 RBI.

More impressively, Picini struck out just three times! He had a .487 on-base percentage, a .581 slugging percentage. He attended the RBI Baseball Academy and will continue playing at Dean College.

James Kelly, Attleboro

Just how well respected was Kelly? The Bombardier senior captain and catcher was No. 2 in the OCL MVP balloting. "He's such a heady player, a smart player, understanding situations," said AHS coach Matt Bosh of the three-year starter. "He knows the game, he was a luxury to have around."

Kelly batted at a .455 rate for the Bombardiers, usually in the second or third spot of the order. He had an on-base percentage of .582, stroking seven doubles, driving in 11 runs and scoring 19 runs.

The Bombardier MVP on the season and an All-OCL pick, he plays for the South Attleboro American Legion baseball team and will attend UMass-Amherst.

John Garabedian, Mansfield

Batting second, third or fourth in the order, the Hornet junior hit at a .391 rate. Patrolling centerfield, Garabedian claimed flyballs, line drives and turf with confidence. "He got the job done," said Mansfield coach Tim Graham of the All Hockomock League selection.

Garabedian had a .409 on-base percentage and a .516 slugging percentage with a team-best 25 hits. He had four doubles and two triples, while also driving in a dozen runs. And in the field, he was credited with six assists.

"He's one of the most talented kids that I've had, he's starting to understand his potential," added Graham of the speedy 6-foot-1 Garabedian. He also plays for the Foxboro American Legion baseball team.

Lucas Gagne, Bishop Feehan

The Shamrocks' No. 1 pitcher posted a 6-2 slate with an eye-popping 1.21 earned run average. And batting No. 2 in the order, Gagne hit at a .344 clip (a .462 on-base percentage), having 22 hits, drawing 14 walks, scoring 13 runs, stealing six bases and driving in nine runs.

A three-year member of the varsity and two-year prime time pitcher-first baseman, Gagne "was consistent," according to his dad and Feehan coach Greg Gagne. On the mound, the southpaw notched 69 strikeouts in 52 innings of work for the MIAA Tournament-qualifying Shamrocks.

A two-time, All-EAC baseball and golf selection, Gagne also plays baseball for the South Attleboro American Legion team. He will attend Wagner College.

Ryan Lee, Bishop Feehan

With a great stroke at the plate and a great first step in tracking down balls hit to centerfield, Lee had a breakout season for the Shamrocks. "He was excellent defensively and had some very good numbers for us," praised Feehan coach Greg Gagne.

Batting in the leadoff spot, Lee hit at a .437 rate, stroking 31 hits - including seven doubles and five triples. Lee stole 11 bases, scored 25 runs and drove in 17 runs, having a .506 on-base percentage.

Lee was also named to the All-EAC basketball and baseball teams and is a Sun Chronicle basketball all-star. The junior plays baseball for the South Attleboro American Legion Post 312 team.

Ricky Travers, Norton

A two-year starter behind the plate for Lancer coach Dave Mollica, Travers further honed his tremendous defensive skills, while having some great numbers in the batter's box as Norton won 16 games overall, advancing to the quarterfinals of the MIAA Division 3 South Tournament.

Travers batted at a .478 rate with 32 hits in the No. 5 spot of the order. He belted 10 doubles, drew 12 walks and drove in 19 runs, while scoring 28 runs, a pure gap, power hitter. He had an on-base percentage of .634.

"Defensively, he has very good tools, he has good mechanics," praised Mollica. Also a member of the football and basketball teams, he is an All-TVL selection and captain-elect for the 2009 team.

Dave Billotte, Norton

The ultimate compliment for anyone to suit up in a Lancer uniform and represent Norton High was paid by coach Dave Mollica to Billotte - "he could play for any of our teams, he was an old school player." A four-year varsity member, Billotte pitched and played shortstop.

The senior righthander compiled a 6-2 record on the mound with a 2.86 earned run average this season, striking out 64 in 56 innings for a Lancer team which went 16-7 overall, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Division 3 South Tournament.

At the plate, Billotte stroked the ball for 36 hits and a .419 batting rate. He scored 28 runs and drove in 27 runs, batting in the No. 3 spot of the order. He drew 10 walks and struck out just five times.

Sean Ryan, Norton

Mr. Productivity at the Plate was Ryan, the Lancers' leadoff batter. "He was a key factor in our success," praised Norton coach Dave Mollica, the Lancers winning 16 games, a pair in the MIAA Division 3 South Tournament. Ryan played at third base and shortstop this season, having played a bit of the outfield as a sophomore.

Ryan batted at a .511 rate with (gulp!) 48 hits, including eight doubles. He had an on-base percentage of .618 with 21 stolen bases, 22 RBI and 38 runs scored.

And as a pitcher, he compiled a 3-2 record with a 2.30 ERA with 21 strikeouts. A captain-elect for the 2009 team, Ryan is also a member of the football team, an All-TVL selection and plays baseball with the Norton American Legion team.

Jacob Cappello, Dighton-Rehoboth

"He had a very productive year," related D-R coach Bill Cuthbertson of the Falcon senior, who quietly, but effectively helped his team win 21 games overall, three in the post season to advance to the Division 2 South Tournament title game.

As a pitcher, Cappello posted a 6-2 record with one save. He struck out 47 batters in 46.1 innings of work, walking 17 and having a 1.66 earned run average. He was an All-SCC selection.

As a hitter (and also outfielder) in the No. 4 spot, he cracked 29 hits for a .382 batting average. He had great power numbers with eight doubles, two homers and 33 runs batted in. Cappello finished with a .472 on-base percentage and a .592 slugging percentage. He will attend R.I. College.

George Agostini, Dighton-Rehoboth

One of the great Falcon hitters of all time, a four-year member of the varsity, a three-year starter at shortstop, Agostini batted .500 on the season for the SCC champion and MIAA Division 2 South Tournament finalist D-R club. he smashed 36 hits, including eight doubles and eight homers.

Agostini drove in 37 runs and struck out just once! He drew 16 walks and totaled 70 bases, having a .564 on-base percentage, a .972 slugging percentage. "He was as good a hitter as we've had," said D-R coach Bill Cuthbertson.

The Marist College-bound Agostini finished his career with 132 hits, including 17 homers and 42 doubles, a .418 average and 111 RBI.

Nate Koneski, Dighton-Rehoboth

Always in the strikezone, always around the plate, Koneski became one of D-R's all-time great pitchers, compiling a 31-5 career record. Selected to the All SCC team and a repeat All Sun Chronicle choice, he was also named to the Mass. Coaches Association All Star team.

The Holy Cross College-bound Koneski compiled an 11-0 record with two saves for the SCC champion and MIAA Division 2 South Tournament finalist Falcon team, which compiled a 21-3 record this season. He posted a 0.10 ERA with 102 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 69.2 innings of work.

And at the plate, Koneski batted .366 with 30 hits, including eight doubles. He drove in 20 runs, drew 14 walks, scored 36 runs and had an on-base percentage of .464.

Chris Horne, King Philip

A three-year starter and Warrior captain, Horne helped the Warriors win 12 regular season games, two post-season games and advance to the quarterfinals of the MIAA Division 2 South Tournament. "He had a very productive year for us, in the field, at the plate and on the mound," said KP coach Ed Moran.

On the mound, Horne fashioned a 3-3 record with 52 strikeouts in 55 innings of work with a 4.68 ERA. At the plate, Horne belted out 30 hits at the No. 2 spot in the order. He had a .319 batting average, "a good hit and run batter, hitting to all fields," added Moran.

Horne, who also played at second base, had six doubles, seven stolen bases, 13 RBI and scored 15 runs. Also a member of the National Honor Society and KP basketball team. Horne will attend Colby College.

Luke Darling, King Philip

A three-year member of the varsity, a two-year starter, Darling proved to be the "Unsung Hero" of the Warriors' cinderella-esque season, winning 14 games overall, advancing to the quarterfinal round of the Division 2 South Tournament. And he followed in the Darling tradition as both older brothers John (currently the jayvee coach) and Chris played baseball at KP.

"He'd take balls off his chest, he'd block balls, he's excellent defensively, one tough kid," praised KP coach Ed Moran of the second and third baseman. Darling committed just four errors.

At the plate, Darling batted at a .353 rate with 24 hits. He drove in 10 runs, stole six bases and scored 14 runs, having an on-base percentage of .467. An All Hockomock League pick, he will attend Springfield College.

Colby Andrade, Seekonk

A senior who came into his own, Andrade was the Warriors' No. 1 pitcher for the past two seasons, compiling a 6-1 record with one save. Relying on his fastball and curveball, he helped Seekonk win 13 games overall and advance to the MIAA Division 3 Tournament.

"He mixes his pitches well, working in his changeup," praised Seekonk coach Dave Hanson. "He could throw all three of his pitches for strikes." In 44.1 innings of work, Andrade struck out 58 batters, walked 20 and finished with a 2.36 earned run average.

Selected to the All-SCC Team, Andrade also played football at Seekonk and plays with the Seekonk American Legion baseball team. He will attend CCRI.

Cody Callahan, Seekonk

Without a doubt, to be considered one of the all-time great Warriors, Callahan completed a four-year varsity career. "The best catcher in the (SCC) league, a tremendous hitter, a great competitor, you can't say enough about him," said Seekonk coach Dave Hanson.

Callahan began his career in the outfield, moved behind the plate to shore up some Warrior defensive weaknesses and also filled in at first base. This season, he hit at a .392 rate with 30 hits. Batting at the No. 3 spot in the order, Callahan drove in 34 runs and scored 22 runs.

Callahan had an on-base percentage of .525 and a slugging percentage of .812. A two-time All SCC and Sun Chronicle All Star, the Warrior captain will attend Keene (N.H.) State.

Greg King, Tri-County

The Cougars won 11 games and qualified for the MIAA Division 3 Tournament with King as the No. 1 pitcher, as a competent first baseman and tremendously productive leadoff batter. "He certainly helped us in a lot of ways," said Tri-County coach Dave Wallace of the three-year varsity member.

As a hurler, King compiled a 4-2 record with an 0.50 ERA, relying on pin-point control and accuracy. King walked just nine batters through 40 innings, while strikingt out 37. He hurled four complete games, including an 11-inning affair against Avon.

As a batter, King belted the ball at a .420 rate with 28 hits. He drew 13 walks, scored 24 runs and drove in 10 runs, while striking out just six times. An All Mayflower League pick, he was elected as Cougar MVP. King also plays baseball for the Norfolk American Legion Post, is a member of the basketball team and will attend Massasoit CC.

Joe Nixon, Foxboro

The Warriors' senior centerfielder produced a stunning amount of highlight film catches, while also stroking the ball at a tremendous .425 rate in the leadoff position. A reserve last year, Nixon became a prime-time starter and contributor this season.

"He has uncanny instincts, he takes perfect angles," said Foxboro coach Glen Conlon of Nixon's ability to track down airballs and make catches. Nixon produced an on-base percentage of .575, drawing eight walks, stroking three home runs, stealing 19 bases and scoring 22 runs.

Also named to the All Hockomock team, Nixon had a walk-off two-run homer to beat Canton. A member of the FHS football team, the Foxboro American Legion Post baseball team and Peer Leadership group, he will attend Babson.

Brian Swanton, Foxboro

The Warrior junior was in the Roger Clemens mode of a pitcher, the hurler that nobody wanted to face because of his fastball and intensity. "He really was a feared pitcher," said Foxboro coach Glen Conlon of Swanton, who compiled a 4-5 record overall for the Warriors, tossing a one-hitter against OA.

In 55 innings on the mound, Swanton notched 53 strikeouts, walking just 16. He compiled a solid 2.40 earned run average. "He developed a slider, which became his strikeout pitch," added Conlon. At the plate, Conlon batted at a .375 rate with eight doubles and 17 RBI, out of the No. 3 or 4 spot in the order.

Also quarterback for the football team, he is a co-captain-elect for the baseball team and plays for the Foxboro American Legion Post 93 team.