Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
As spring approaches, the South Side Cyclones are preparing for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season. Coming off a year that ended just short of the county championship, the team is focused on turning past lessons into future success.
“The biggest goal is to make a deep playoff run,” said Head Coach Tom Smith. “We want to try and get to the County Championship and be in it at the end.” Last season, the Cyclones came painfully close, falling 3-1 to Division and 2-0 to Carey in two hard fought games. Both contests showcased strong pitching and solid defense, but when it came time to deliver in the clutch, the team fell just short.
One key takeaway from last year is that South Side’s roster is still young. The team only lost one senior, first baseman Gavin Donoghue, a three year starter whose presence in the middle of the lineup and leadership on the field will be missed. “His leadership is going to be a big part of what we’re missing this year,” Coach Smith said. Despite Donoghue’s departure, the team returns a majority of its core, giving younger players an opportunity to grow into more prominent roles.
This mix of experience and youth shapes the Cyclones’ identity. “We’re a versatile lineup,” Coach Smith explained. “We can hit for power, execute situational hitting, move runners over, and play small ball when we need to. That flexibility is our strength.”
At the heart of the lineup is Stony Brook commit John Percolosi, a three year starter and the 2025 Class AA Conference 2 Player of the Year. Last season, Percolosi hit .529 with 27 hits, including five doubles, three triples, and three home runs. He drove in 17 RBIs and scored 18 runs while striking out only three times all season. He also swiped 17 of 18 bases, showing that he is just as much a threat on the basepaths as at the plate.
“John has been a quiet leader,” Coach Smith said. “He defines what leadership looks like on this team. He’s always calm, composed, and gets the job done. That mentality has become a model for the younger players, and his communication with the infield sets the tone for the entire team.”
Joining Percolosi in the infield is senior All-Conference shortstop Jack Boyens, who, along with junior AJ Magaraci, will provide stability and offensive production. Sophomore catcher Ethan Johnson has impressed in the offseason and is expected to contribute both behind the plate and at the plate.
Coach Smith also highlighted the potential of younger players stepping up. “We have a couple of sophomores, Sam Vargas and Nate Burbidge, who dominated on JV last year. They’ve earned a chance to see varsity pitching and contribute this season. It’s exciting to watch them develop.”
The Cyclones’ pitching staff will be led by junior ace Stellan Zangari, who has been pitching on varsity since his freshman year. Zangari missed the second half of last season due to injury but has returned stronger than ever. With a mid-to-upper-80s fastball, a hard slider, a knuckle drop, and a developing changeup, Zangari looks poised to anchor the rotation. Last year, before his injury, he posted a 2.47 ERA, struck out 30 in 20 innings, and held opposing hitters to a .198 batting average.
“Stellan is going to be the guy we really look to this season,” Coach Smith said. “He’s a workhorse, and his presence gives the rest of the staff confidence.”
Stellan Zangari has his strikeout stuff working today. He’s racked up seven Ks through three innings for the Titans
Beast 2 – Titans 2
Mid third pic.twitter.com/hgAlpmKlJx— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 27, 2025
The bullpen features returning arms like Percolosi in a closer role, senior Liam Conlon, and senior Jack Kourtsounis, a strong left handed option. The team has also converted a catcher into a pitcher with a nasty curveball and added Brady Miller to bolster relief depth.
Beyond stats and talent, Coach Smith emphasizes the Cyclones’ culture as a major strength. With veterans like Boyens and Percolosi leading by example, the team has built a foundation of communication, discipline, and composure. “We want players who stay cool under pressure and support each other on and off the field,” Coach Smith said. “Leadership isn’t just about words, it’s about how you act every day.”
The Cyclones open their season at home against Bethpage on March 24. Coach Smith is particularly excited for this matchup. “They’re very comparable to us, and we’ve had some great battles over the years,” he said. The early season schedule, including Division and Carey, teams that eliminated South Side from the playoffs last year, will provide the Cyclones with an opportunity to test themselves against strong competition.
With a versatile lineup, a deep pitching staff, and a strong leadership core, the Cyclones are ready to make a statement this spring. For a team that came within inches of a championship last season, the goal is simple: compete hard, grow together, and make a serious run at the county title.
As Coach Smith put it, “We’ve learned from the past, we’ve grown, and now it’s time to bring it all together. The kids are ready, and this team is capable of something special.”
