Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
By Ryan Manno
The Island Trees Bulldogs enter the spring season with confidence as they prepare for another competitive campaign under fourth year head coach Coach Valiando. After earning playoff berths in each of the last two seasons, the Bulldogs have established themselves as a consistent postseason team. Now, the focus shifts toward taking the next step and turning that success into a county championship run.
“Every year our goal is to win a county championship,” Valiando said. “That doesn’t happen by accident. From day one, our emphasis is on playing high level baseball and building momentum as the season goes on.” That mindset has shaped the program during the offseason, where preparation, accountability, and competition have been central themes within the locker room.
Last season came to an end in the quarterfinals with a Game 3 loss to Wantagh, a series that served as a valuable learning experience for the Bulldogs. The close, high pressure environment of playoff baseball emphasized how small details often determine outcomes. Execution, situational awareness, and the ability to stay composed under pressure proved to be the difference. According to Valiando, the loss reinforced the importance of preparation and poise, lessons the team has carried into this season.
One of the biggest challenges facing Island Trees this year is replacing the leadership of several key seniors who graduated, including Nick Karras, Kevin Kristyensen, and Nick Rottino. Those players were instrumental in setting the tone for the program both on and off the field. While their departure leaves big shoes to fill, Valiando sees it as an opportunity for growth. The standard they established remains, and now it is up to the next wave of Bulldogs to embrace responsibility and lead by example.
The Bulldogs’ identity is rooted in toughness, effort, and selflessness. The focus is on doing whatever it takes to win, executing the fundamentals and embracing roles for the good of the team. Coach Valiando emphasizes playing for the name on the front of the jersey, creating a culture where buy-in and accountability are non-negotiable.
Ryan Mabrouk (Island Trees 2026) was an All-league player this season for Island Trees.
He featured an effective curveball today as well as high 70s fastball topping at 79. Generates weak contact and keeps hitters off balance, resulting in easy ground balls and popups pic.twitter.com/OoOyA1UQU4
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 19, 2025
Offensively, Island Trees will look to build around experienced returners who have already proven themselves at the varsity level. Ryan Mabrouk, an All-League selection last season, is expected to be a key contributor and leader in the lineup. Jacob Schmeisser is another player poised to take on a larger role, while Richie Montalvo brings additional experience and versatility. With the graduation of 11 seniors, this season represents a fresh start offensively, and competition will determine who emerges as consistent producers. Valiando has stressed that opportunities are open, and players who rise to the challenge will earn their spots.
Pitching could be a major strength for the Bulldogs this season. The staff is led by Mabrouk, Enzo Ciorciari, a Purchase-commit, Xavier Wilson, and Montalvo. All four pitchers have demonstrated the ability to handle different roles, whether as starters or out of the bullpen, giving Island Trees flexibility throughout the season.
Xavier Wilson (Island Trees 2027) with a beautiful punch out on the corner to get Empire out of trouble. We are all tied up at 1 after the first. pic.twitter.com/i4XlLsfcly
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 12, 2025
Depth will also play an important role, with pitchers such as Julian Carias, Donovan Reid, and Pat Bisceglia competing for innings as the year progresses. Assistant coach Anthony Rinaldi has overseen a competitive and demanding offseason pitching program, helping push each arm to improve and preparing the staff for the challenges of a tough conference schedule.
Offseason workouts have been highly productive, according to Valiando. With the help of assistant coaches Anthony Rinaldi and James Messina, players have continued to develop both physically and mentally. The recent return to the mound energized the pitching staff, while overall competition during winter workouts has raised the level of the entire program. That internal competition is expected to translate into consistency on the diamond once the season begins.
The Bulldogs will open their season on the road against Seaford on Tuesday, March 24th, immediately stepping into a challenging conference matchup. The opener sets the tone for what promises to be a demanding league schedule, where every series is hard fought on every pitch. For Island Trees, the game represents an early opportunity to test their preparation, execution, and ability to compete under pressure.
With a strong foundation, experienced returners, and a culture built on grit and accountability, the Island Trees Bulldogs are well positioned for another playoff run. As they begin their fourth season under Coach Valiando, the team’s goals are clear.. If the Bulldogs can apply the lessons learned from past seasons and continue to grow together, they have the pieces in place to make a deep postseason push and compete for a county championship.
