Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
‼️ Andrew Amarando comes through with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 8th to send Connetquot to the Suffolk AAA Finals against Sachem North ! ‼️ pic.twitter.com/PDbUi3eFqt
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 28, 2025
A spectacular regular season ended with a premature postseason exit for the Smithtown East Bulls in 2025. Head coach Rob Christensen, who is entering his fifth year as the head coach of the Bulls, summed it up:
“It was excellent and disappointing.” Christensen said. “We went 15-3 in league play and won both of our non-league games. We were the three seed but ultimately lost to Sachem North in a tough game, and Connetquot walked us off to end our season.”
Last year’s team featured 11 seniors, meaning that a majority of last year’s team will not be returning this season. The biggest loss for Smithtown comes in the form of Sean Fanning. Last season, Fanning was the League MVP in 2025, and is now playing at SUNY Purchase. Additionally, Evan Schickler is playing at Rider University, Joe Koppelman is playing at Georgian Court, Liam Gaine is playing at Curry College, Nicholas Perillo is now at Manhattanville after an All-League season and while not playing in college, Michael DeRosa was an All-County player, and will be missed by the Bulls. They also lost last year’s cleanup hitter, Angelo Ciminiello, who transferred to The Stony Brook School.
This year will be stock full of new faces for Smithtown, as they look to build off of the success of recent Smithtown teams.
“We have a great group of guys.” Christensen said. “I think all the kids who were on the team last year are going to have the opportunity to come into a wide open lineup and prove that it’s their spot now. I think competition brings out the best in everybody. We still have a lot of players coming out for our program, which makes it very competitive. I know the kids trying out are going to make us even better as well, but it’s really open competition for all the spots on our team this year.”
RHP Lucas Hubner (Smithtown East 2027) commits to Dartmouth College @mvpnewyork pic.twitter.com/nwwIk8MseT
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 28, 2025
One of the faces who is expected to take a big step for the Bulls is Lucas Hubner, who despite only being a junior, is already committed to play at Dartmouth.
“We are excited for what the next two years are going to bring from him.” Christensen said. “He’s going to set the tone for us.”
PG All-American Sean Gaine (Smithtown East 2027) impressed on the mound today. Had good control on his fastball topping out at 86 MPH and mixed in an effective changeup, generating plenty of swings and misses. pic.twitter.com/flqUvHQhTs
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 19, 2025
Also returning to the Bulls this year is Sean Gaine. The junior missed all of his sophomore season due to injury, but will return to the team in 2026. He was on the team as a freshman, and Christensen is looking forward to having his bat in the lineup, as well as becoming a big piece in the rotation once again. Additionally, NJIT-commit Conner Delauzon, who is entering his senior year, is expected to let loose and have a big year for the Bulls in left field.
In center field, they have Mercy-commit Nick Piccoli. Christensen stated that “he will be huge for us this season.” At Blue Chip’s showcase last summer his outfield arm velocity was up to 87 MPH so he should deter the opposition from taking extra bases.
They return senior RHP Virignia Wesleyan-commit Dylan Cogliano as well.
“Last year our arms were lights out so we never really went to anyone else but I think he will be a big part for us. Whether it’s a starter or closer, I’m not sure yet.”
With plenty of success to speak of in 2025, Christensen believes that the players who were around to experience Smithtown’s winning ways will help to continue their winning ways in 2026.
“We’ve had plenty of success the last couple years and I think we have kids coming back who have been around the success. They know the hard work, they learn from great leaders. They’re going to set the tone for the kids that are going to be part of our team this year. The game isn’t over until the last out is made, and the kids know that’s how we operate.”
