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2026 New England High School Team Previews

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2026 Spring Team Preview: Xaverian Brothers (MA)

WESTWOOD, Ma. - If pitching produces Xaverian Brothers could be in for a great season.

“We have some options, but we’re a little thin at pitching,” head coach Gerry Lambert said in looking ahead to this year. “It’s where we could have the most trouble.”

The most experienced pitcher is Colin Mont, a Sacred Heart commit ranked 43rd among 2027 right-handed pitchers in New England. But the senior is coming back from arm problems bringing questions on a staff that will also be without Stonehill commit Tyler Korchin, who will miss the year after undergoing Tommy John.

It means seniors Jake Lonardo and AJ Artesani, a Gordon College signee, will be counted on more than ever to come through on the mound this year.

“We have five or six others that are fighting for the remaining two to three spots,” pointed out Lambert, with junior left-hander Pat Gage and Nick O’Neil, the second-rated sophomore southpaw in New England, among those hoping to provide valuable innings.

Lonardo, a Roger Williams commit, is one of three leading hitters that is back from last season. The 1B/3B will be joined in the lineup by Nolan Rappoli and Mike O’Keefe. Rappoli, the top-ranked senior shortstop in New England, is a Harvard recruit and three-year starter who played second base last year.

Rappoli had an .886 OPS, .478 OBP and .408 slugging percentage for the season with 14 RBIs, 11 runs and eight stolen bases. O’Keefe, the fourth-ranked junior second baseman in New England, brings versatility with the ability to play third, second and outfield for the 2026 Hawks.

Juniors Matt Volk and Luka Guerriero are battling to see time behind the plate with Lonardo and Charlie Gallagher, who was a part-time starter as a sophomore, at first.

Wesleyan commit Beckett Delleo, the 20th-ranked senior shortstop in New England, will play second base with O’Keefe and Lonardo third basemen. O’Keefe had an .863 OBP with 10 runs scored and nine stolen bases a year ago despite missing four games.

St. Michael’s recruit Jake Coen, the 33rd-ranked 2027 outfielder in New England, brings experience to the outfield with O’Keefe and O’Neil others expected to see action.

“My juniors feel they were part of some unfinished business last year,” explained Lambert, whose squad won the Catholic Conference a year ago only to be knocked out of the tournament in the round of 16 to complete a 16-6 campaign. “This team is hungry. I think they took the offseason to heart. These guys are relishing the fact they have something to prove.”

Lambert, who has been coaching at Xaverian Brothers for 32 years, including 25 with the varsity, has been part of three titles, 2004, 2012 and 2021, and that is always a goal each year.

“We’re usually a tough team to beat,” Lambert noted. “If we throw strikes I think we’ll make the plays. Our defense last year was very good and I think it will be good again this year.

“Offensively, I think we’re a half notch ahead of last year. We scored 116 runs last year in 22 games which isn’t bad, but not fantastic. I think we can be a better offensive team this year.”

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