SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — After advancing to the state championship game in 2015, the Abington Heights baseball team took a couple steps back last year and fell to Wyoming Area in the district quarterfinals.

With a large group of players with varsity experience returning, the Comets could be poised for another deep postseason run.

Senior Anthony Duboski returns in left field. Senior Ryan Eckersley is back after contributing as a second baseman and pitcher. Senior Luke Fayocavitz returns in right field. Senior Ryan Harvey is back as a pitcher and shortstop. Senior Colin McCreary returns as a center fielder and pitcher. Junior Nick Termini is back as a pitcher. Sophomore James Myers returns at catcher. Senior Jake Swank is back as a pitcher and senior Tommy Rothenberger returns after playing in the outfield.

With McCreary, Harvey and Termini back in the fold, Abington Heights head coach Bill Zalewski believes the team’s pitching depth will be a strength.

“We feel very comfortable with our pitching,” Zalewski said. “We also have a couple other young guys who are blossoming into relievers and spot starters. We’re very happy with our pitching staff right now.”

According to Zalewski, there are several position battles, including at third base where Rothenberger and junior Andrew Myers appear to be the front runners.

“We have 12 seniors, so a lot of those guys are looking to find a spot on the field,” he said. “Some guys have changed positions just to be able to compete in other spots. It’s very competitive this year, we feel like we have a really deep team.”

The Comets must replace five players who graduated off last year’s team and had significant roles.

Sam Arnold, who now plays for Muhlenberg College, spent time at shortstop and third base; Zach Spangenberg, who now plays for West Chester University, contributed at second and third base; Matt Hughes started at first base; Peter Nolan served as a pitcher and outfielder; and Nick Carlini contributed as a designated hitter.

McCreary, a Monmouth University commit, plans to cherish his final high school season.

“I just want to have fun with the senior class and all my friends,” he said. “We’ve been playing for such a long time. Winning a district championship is always a goal of ours. We’d also like to make a run in the state playoffs and, hopefully, get back to the state championship game.”

Harvey believes it will take a team effort for the Comets to have a successful season.

“We need everybody to get involved and know their role,” he said. “The seniors and everyone on the team need to come together if we’re going to make a good run.”

The Comets are scheduled to host West Scranton to begin Lackawanna League play April 3.

Zalewski expects North Pocono and Wallenpaupack to be tough challengers for the Division 2 title.

Senior members of the Abington Heights baseball team, from left, first row, Collin Huggler, Luke Fayocavitz, Ryan Eckersley, Tommy Rothenberger, Colin McCreary, Anthony Duboski. Second row, Jake Swank, Sean Myers, Lucas Goodman, Anthony Sallavanti, Ryan Harvey and Kyle Porpiglia.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_ABJ-AH-Baseball-1.jpg.optimal.jpgSenior members of the Abington Heights baseball team, from left, first row, Collin Huggler, Luke Fayocavitz, Ryan Eckersley, Tommy Rothenberger, Colin McCreary, Anthony Duboski. Second row, Jake Swank, Sean Myers, Lucas Goodman, Anthony Sallavanti, Ryan Harvey and Kyle Porpiglia. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.