FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH IN CIAC BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS

HARRY AZADIAN, STAPLES

Everyone knows about Chad Knight, but if Staples is going to win it all in LL, Azadian will need to have a good tournament. He is the No. 2 pitcher on the Wreckers’ staff and will be called upon to pitch big innings. He also carries a strong bat in the middle of the order while playing well defensively at first base.

JACK CARRATURO, BETHEL

Bethel won the SWC and Carraturo was named MVP of the tournament. It is easy to see why. He established himself as one of the top hitters in the league while dominating on the mound at the same time. The 6-foot-5 first baseman has a combination of power, speed and the ability to hit to all fields.

JACK DREWRY, WOLCOTT

Class M is loaded with talent but the best of them all may reside on the No. 1 seed. Drewry has been dominant on the mound and has been raking at the plate all season hitting for both average and power. Drewry is committed to play at Southern Connecticut.

RYAN STROLLO, CHESHIRE

The SCC player of the year is hoping to end his career with back-to-back Class LL titles. Patrolling centerfield, he is an A+ defender capable of covering vast amounts of ground to track down balls. At the plate, he hits in the heart of the Rams’ order, providing pop and speed.

CADE WALTERS, LEDYARD

Ken Turner is a state player of the year candidate. Walters may have eclipsed Turner on the mound this spring. Walters tossed a remarkable three no-hitters this season and added a one-hitter to that. He is 5-foot-7 but throws with power and will be the key to the Colonels hopes of winning Class M.