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2026 New England High School Team Previews

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2026 Spring Team Preview: Trumbull (CT)

TRUMBULL, Ct. - With seven key players back from a 12-10 team a year ago, Trumbull head coach Philip Pacelli is expecting to find success on the ball diamond this season.

“Once again, our team tends to be strong defensively and on the mound,” explained Pacelli, who stands 273-170 entering his 19th year in charge of the Eagles. “We have some experience in the lineup and on the mound so that should be a help to a successful season.”

Trevor Schuelke headlines four returning pitchers after earning All-State and first team FCIAC honors a year ago. The ninth-ranked senior right-handed pitcher in Connecticut is a Merrimack signee.

Andrew Valentino, an East Carolina commit rated 99th in the nation among junior right-handed pitchers, brings another solid arm to the roster along with Ryan DeMelo, the 53rd-ranked junior RHP in New England, and senior right-hander Jason Costello.

Ryan Leonzi, a first team FCIAC performer as a sophomore, is back to anchor the outfield with the seventh-ranked junior outfielder in Connecticut joined in the outfield by junior Anthony Moura. Brayden Jagoe, the No. 6 senior third baseman in New England, is back to play the hot corner.

“Our experienced pitching depth will be a nice luxury to have,” Pacelli noted. “We also have some good team speed and, hopefully, that will translate to runs on the scoreboard.”

Easton Nankervis, the 54th-ranked junior RHP in New England, Alex Perrotta, the 27th-rated 2027 outfielder in New England, and Luke McDermott, a junior infielder, along with shortstop David Bagley, the 13th-ranked sophomore in Connecticut, are newcomers that Pacelli is counting on this year to help make up for the loss of players like Jack Larkin, Ryan Johnston and Ryan Paine.

“Becoming a better offensive team against higher-end pitching will be a key for us,” pointed out Pacelli. “A better approach at the plate, especially with two strikes, will hopefully lead to more runs for us.”

Pacelli has led Trumbull to a pair of FCIAC championships in his time as head coach, winning in 2012 and 2024.

“The FCIAC is always strong,” explained Pacelli, who is in charge of a program that has won two state titles in school history, 1986 and 1998. “I am expecting deep post-season runs by a few of the FCIAC teams.”

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