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2026 New England High School Team Previews

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2026 Spring Team Preview: Dexter Southfield (MA)

BROOKLINE, Ma. - The number one team in New England in 2025 is looking for an encore in 2026.

“Actually, I think we’ll be better this year than last year,” related head coach Dan Donato, who also serves as the school’s hockey mentor. “We have depth everywhere.”

That is the reasoning Donato expressed his view that the upcoming campaign could be a special one.

“I love that they’re all in already,” Donato pointed out. “They’re very low maintenance. They understand the college/pro mentality. They want to be good. The reputation of the program has been a feeder for them.”

As for the depth, none is more evident than on the mound with Auburn commit Owen Burnes leading the way. The sixth-ranked junior left-handed pitcher in the country had a 1.09 ERA in 19.1 innings last season, striking out 27.

Rory Funke, the 19th-rated sophomore southpaw in the nation, Jett Little and Matt Blanusa all return after seeing time pitching last season. Little, the fourth-ranked senior RHP in New England, saw limited action due to an injury, throwing three innings, the same as Funke, but is now up to 94 according to Donato. Blanusa struck out 25 in 16.2 frames with a 2-1 record and 2.52 ERA. 

At 6-5, Ryan Johnson is the 64th-rated junior RHP in New England hitting 92 on the gun while AJ Barinalli is the 102nd-ranked 2027 right-handed hurler in the country, a Northeastern signee now touching 94 on the radar. Norris Bowden, a senior captain, brings another arm to the staff.

“Rich Hill, who pitched in the majors (with the Royals) last year, is working with our players this spring when he’s not working with the MLB Network and is a nice addition to our staff,” noted Donato.

A trio of versatile players, all that can catch, will anchor the lineup, Alex Cantwell, Patrick Bryan and JT Taylor. Cantwell, the fourth-ranked senior catcher in New England who is committed to UConn, plays catch, first base and outfield. Bryan, a Stanford recruit rated ninth in the nation among catchers in the junior class, will see time at third, catch and pitch, while Taylor, the two-hole hitter who batted .346 as a freshman and the second-ranked 2028 catcher in New England, will play left and catch.

The middle infield is strong with Grady Tempesta, the seventh-rated sophomore shortstop in New England, and Tyler Koski, the top-ranked junior second baseman in New England. Tempesta hit .318 and Koski .315 a year ago.

Burnes is back to play first base this season along with two promising newcomers. Rudy Preziosi, with future draft potential according to Donato, is the 11th-rated sophomore first baseman in New England while freshman Giovanni Naples brings power to the team, hitting eight of 10 pitches out with a wood bat at the Area Codes.

Bryan and Tyler Macneil, the fourth-rated sophomore third baseman in New England, bring promise at third with Funke in center, Taylor left and Ryan Burns, the 48th-rated junior outfielder in New England, in right.

“This is a very mature group,” concluded Donato, who is now approaching 30 years of coaching experience, including a stint at Salisbury before coming over to Dexter Southfield. “The guys that are now the leaders saw the serious players before them and the baton has been handed down to these guys. We’re proud of being part of the program and excited for the season.”

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