Citizen names 21 spring all stars

Junior pitcher Rob Wilkinson had a breakout season for the Bulldogs in 2017. (Mike Barucci photo)

The following all-star selections appeared in the June 29 issue as part of the Canton Citizen’s annual spring sports wrap-up.

Boys MVP

Jake Wolicki (Tennis)

A junior captain and a two-time All-Hockomock selection, Wolicki was sensational throughout the 2017 tennis season, dominating the majority of his opponents in the No. 1 singles spot and leading the Bulldogs back to the postseason for a second consecutive season. Poised, skilled, and constantly improving, Wolicki only lost a handful of matches all season, and one of them came in his final match against the top player on the undefeated Sharon Eagles — an epic three-set battle that head coach Leo Nelson described as one of the best high school tennis matches he has ever seen.

Girls MVP

Sarah Collins (Outdoor Track)

Only a sophomore, Collins enjoyed a breakout season for the girls track team and was rewarded for her excellence with an All-Hockomock selection. Already a key contributor in the 800m, she decided to try the 400m hurdles and emerged as one of the best in the league in the event, going undefeated in dual meets and placing first overall at the Hockomock championships. She also won the event at the MSTCA Coaches Invitational in Sharon. “As a high honor roll student, Sarah excels in the classroom along with excelling on the track and she has a bright future,” said head coach Anna Amico. “Her hard work and competitiveness pushes those around her to be better.”

Baseball

Danny Hartnett

A senior captain, Harnett was the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and an All-Hockomock honorable mention, finishing with a .397 batting average while racking up 23 hits, including six doubles, and eight RBIs. A top leadoff hitter, he consistently got on base and finished with at least one hit in 17 of 18 games.

Robbie Wilkinson

A junior, Wilkinson earned the Bulldogs’ Pitcher of the Year award after a breakout season in which he went 3-1 with a 1.58 ERA and 13 strikeouts, highlighted by a complete-game, shutout win against playoff-bound Oliver Ames. Coach DiGirolamo said the key to his success was his ability to consistently throw strikes. When he was not pitching, he played first base and also chipped in offensively, tallying 10 hits on the season.

Matt Casamento

A junior, Casamento showed off his exceptional defensive talents with an error-free season at centerfield. He also had a fine offensive season, finishing with a .291 average and scoring nine runs. “He’s a defensive gamer, a great competitor,” said Coach DiGirolamo.

Softball

Evelyn Carrington

A junior, Carrington was an All-Hockomock honorable mention selection and the lady Bulldogs’ most complete player, finishing with a .349 batting average while displaying good defensive instincts in the outfield. “Offensively, she is a slap-hitter who can attack all fields,” said head coach Jen Robillard. “Defensively, she is very solid at centerfield. She is all over the field with her speed.”

Caroline Hughes

Only a freshman, Hughes showed lots of potential and growth with her pitching, bat speed and power, and her play at third base. For the season, she batted .333 with 14 singles, three doubles, and two triples. She also made significant strides as a pitcher and had some of her best outings later in the season as she gained more confidence and experience.

Boys Lacrosse

Michael Pigeon

A senior captain and the Bulldogs’ starting long-stick midfielder, Pigeon wrapped up a stellar four-year lacrosse career with his third consecutive All-Hockomock selection. He was the complete package — skilled, tough, and instinctive with elite defensive skills and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He collected 72 ground balls, good for second on the team, and was arguably at his best when playing on the man-down unit.

Ryan Lodge

A senior captain and an All-Hockomock honorable mention, Lodge was the team’s go-to scorer this season at attack, finishing tops on the team and eighth overall in the league with 45 points (29 goals, 16 assists). “He was our most consistent offensive player and someone who would go to the cage and make it happen,” said head coach Bill Bendell. “He gave us our spark when we needed a goal.”

Charlie O’Connor

A junior captain, O’Connor was one of the Bulldogs’ top all-around players and an anchor in the midfield, excelling on faceoffs while leading the team in ground balls with 74 — good for seventh best in the Hockomock League. He also played on both the man-down and extra-man units and was an important offensive contributor, finishing with 13 goals and three assists.

Girls Lacrosse

Mary Kent

A senior captain, Kent followed up a strong junior campaign with her finest season in a Bulldog uniform, emerging as a go-to offensive player and finishing as the team’s leading scorer. She produced several multi-goal games throughout the season and finished her career with over 100 total points.

Kathryn Doody

A senior captain and the lady Bulldogs’ starting goalie, Doody wrapped up an impressive four-year varsity career with another strong season in the cage, earning an All-Hockomock honorable mention. In addition to finishing among the top five in the league in several statistical categories, Doody was a vocal presence on the field who earned the respect of all of her teammates.

Boys Tennis

Dillon Anderson & Aidas Jakubenas

Both juniors, Anderson and Jakubenas proved to be a formidable duo as the Bulldogs’ top doubles pairing, racking up several victories throughout the season while helping to lead the squad back to the Division 2 postseason. Anderson also served as a team captain and both he and Jakubenas were recognized after the season with an All-Hockomock honorable mention.

Girls Tennis

Stelina Michaelidis & Sarah Hernandez

A promising freshman duo, Michaelidis and Hernandez joined forces at second doubles a few matches into the season and forged a strong connection, winning four matches together while taking several other opponents to three sets. Michaelidis also scored a few wins at doubles prior to teaming up with Hernandez and was recognized by the league’s coaches as an All-Hockomock honorable mention.

Boys Track

Muhammad Sambo

A senior, Sambo wrapped up a stellar career with an outstanding outdoor track season, placing third overall in the 400m at the Hockomock championships and earning an all-league honorable mention. He went on to place seventh at the Division 3 meet and helped lead the 4×400 relay team to a top-five finish. Sambo was also the team’s top 200-meter sprinter and its second-best long jumper. “Muhammad is a fantastic athlete, but his work ethic combined with that ability is the reason for his success,” noted head coach Anna Amico.

Jack Healey

A junior captain, Healey was the CHS track team’s top distance runner this season, posting the fastest times in both the mile (4:54.4) and two-mile (10:22.86). He qualified for the divisional meet in the two-mile and finished ninth at the league championships. He was also a member of the state-qualifying 4×800 relay team and one of the boys team’s top point scorers.

John Guenthner

A junior, Guenthner made huge progress in his track events this season and was one of the Bulldogs’ most consistent point scorers. He was the team’s top performer in both the 110- and 400-meter hurdles and qualified for the Division 3 championship in both events while greatly improving his times. He also placed among the top 10 in the 400m hurdles at the league meet and was an important part of the 4×400 relay team.

Girls Track

Erika Lum

An All-Hockomock honorable mention, Lum was a valuable all-around contributor who excelled in multiple events, including the 100m, high jump and long jump. She placed third overall in the high jump at the league championships and went on to place 11th in that event at the Division 3 meet. She was also part of the state-qualifying 4×100 relay team. “Erika was our second fastest 100 runner and long jumper, an awesome all-around athlete who quietly puts in work and we will miss her versatility,” said Coach Anna Amico.

Bronwyn Mahoney

A standout in the field events, Mahoney was one of the lady Bulldogs’ top point scorers. As a freshman she posted the Hockomock League’s eighth best throw in the shot put at 30 feet, 9.5 inches and was a double winner in multiple meets. “Her success as a freshman is impressive,” said Coach Amico. “She has a great work ethic and athletic ability, and I am excited to see her continue to improve the next three years.”

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