Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
The Port Washington Vikings finished 12-8 overall and lost a first round contest to Oceanside. Head coach Matt Holzer, entering his 16th season, looked back fondly on his team’s season.
“I thought we played well.” Holzer said. “It was another good year for us. We lost a one-run game down in Oceanside in the playoffs that could have gone our way very easily. Overall, it was a good season.”
Port Washington did have a pair of key seniors graduate in 2025, one of which, Jake Scharlat is now playing college baseball at Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island. Additionally, while not playing college ball, Derek Fine was a key player for the Vikings last season, earning all-county honors.
Despite the key losses, Holzer has plenty of returning players that he is excited about heading into 2026. At the top of the list is shortstop Leo Schindler. Last season, Schindler hit .278 with an .866 OPS. Schindler also added a pair of doubles and home runs in 2025.
“He’s a great kid and a great teammate.” Holzer said. “He’s the energy of our team. He always has a positive attitude. He’s our starting shortstop with gold glove level defense, great range and a really strong arm. Hopefully the bat will come alive this year.”
Koki Maezawa (Port Washington 2026) launches a solo shot for Showtime Select pic.twitter.com/UMnyyrghXz
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 6, 2025
Koki Maezawa, who is a four-year senior, was cited by his coach as being the “ace of our staff.” Will look to take another big step in 2026. Last season, Maezawa pitched to a 4.86 ERA with 26 strikeouts to 16 walks. At the plate, Maezawa hit .294 with two homers and 15 RBI’s.
“He’s going to be the ace of our staff this year, as well as hitting in the middle of our lineup.” Holzer said. “We’re looking for big things from him this year. He had a solid junior season, so hopefully he can build on that.”
Committed to Iona is junior Jake Wilber. Last season Wilbur hit .244 with a .738 OPS. Wilber also added a pair of triples and six RBIs at the plate. However, Wilbur’s strength comes behind the plate, where he is the Vikings starting catcher, and threw out 41% of potential base stealers last season.
Top catcher pop times at the @BCprospects showcase
Jake Wilber (Schrieber 27)- 1.96
Conor Mullin (Clarkstown North 27) – 2.08
Brendan McCollum (Bay Shore 2027)- 2.08 pic.twitter.com/klMOPLk103
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 19, 2025
“He’s been with us since freshman year.” Holzer said. “He’s the leader of our pitching staff and does a great job of calling the game. He has a super quick release and a great pop time. He’s the type of kid who throws out the leadoff hitter in the first inning by three steps and they stop running. He’s a weapon back there, and hopefully he takes the next step with the bat this year as well.”
In center field, the Vikings are looking forward to the return of Josh Itzikowitz. Last season, Itzikowitz drove in 11 runs. Holzer is hoping that Itzikowitz takes a step forward in 2026 after an injury derailed what was a strong start to his junior campaign.
“He got off to a great start to the season and then got hurt midway through.” Holzer said. “He came back towards the end of the season but couldn’t get it going again. He had tough luck with some balls he hit hard that just didn’t fall in. But he’s another top of the lineup, middle of the lineup type of guy.
After pitching out of the bullpen last year, senior Gavin Kraus threw 13.1 innings and a 1.57 ERA. Kraus struck out 15 batters and only walked five.
“He’s a lefty that throws a lot of junk balls.” Holzer said. “He gets a lot of guys out in front, keeps them off balance. He does a really nice job with that.”
In terms of new guys, Matthew Sheps is joining the varsity team after hitting .400 on junior varsity last year. Also making the jump to varsity is Luke Maute. With Sheps being an outfielder and Maute an infielder, both will look to bring the same impact to the varsity level that they brought to JV.
In terms of his team’s biggest strength this year, Holzer believes that his team will be coachable and ready to learn heading into this season.
“This team definitely is going to have great intangibles.” Holzer said. “I think they’re very coachable, they’re hardworking. We’ve had great numbers at our off-season workouts. They have great chemistry. They like being around each other and I think it will translate onto the field.”
The Port Washington Vikings will open their season on March 27 against Syosset.
