Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

The Comeback Kids

Bud Kohler
     Coach Chernovetz attributes the success of the program to several elements. “The top priority in my coaching philosophy is that the kids must enjoy what they are doing; if they don’t, they won’t buy in. So a meaningful practice every day is key.” And the key to those effective practices was the help he and the players got from an impressive assemblage of assistant coaches. “Unquestionably, I have the best coaching staff in the state,” Chernovetz remarked. “Jim Bradanini is a North Haven legend and has seen it all, and Merek Drabinski joined us this year after spending years as a coach at Brown University and Holy Cross. Mike Perry also joined this year, and when not leading the JV team to an undefeated season, he helped out with the varsity infielders and with hitting."

     The team boasted plenty of talent, yet the season got off to a very rocky start. The hitting was extremely sporadic, and despite an early thrilling walkoff 9-8 win over Hopkins, the Hornets dropped to a 3-4 record after a frustrating loss at St. Luke’s. However, on the ride back, Chernovetz and captains Cam Maldonado and Christian Scanlon resolved that the team would hit their way back into contention, and that became the turning point. “We practiced hitting every day; we wanted those guys to get excited about getting to the plate,” said Chernovetz. “Plus we did not have a deep pitching staff, so we knew that the bats would be the key. The kids just took it one at bat at a time, one game at a time. We never talked about how far we would get, even when the streak really got going.” And what a streak, as the Hornets won 15 of their next 16 games! 

     In addition to the rediscovered hitting prowess, the Hornets got terrific pitching, relying primarily on Cam Maldonado, who will be playing at D1 Northeastern University next year, and Gavin Lyons, while Max Liebel made some clutch appearances as well. The Hornets also had a balanced squad and did not rely solely on seniors like Scanlon, who will play at Merrimack College, to carry the day. Freshman Asher Wasserman was probably the best surprise on the squad, playing a solid center field, while fellow 9th grader Bennett Crerar was an infield star. In addition, Chernovetz enjoyed the distinct pleasure of coaching his son, Brady, a sophomore. “I’ve been coaching him since he was six. Of course it’s a little harder at this age and level, but he’s a solid hitter, so that makes it easy when it comes time to fill out the line-up card.” Chernovetz also directed plenty of praise towards senior Anthony Aceto, who fought hard through arm problems, yet was the character who would always loosen up the team.

     Chernovetz readily admitted he is a die hard Boston fan, so it was not surprising that he relished the charge that the Hornets made through the playoffs, likening them to the Red Sox 1967 “Impossible Dream” team and the “Loveable Idiots” of 2004. The Hornets even had their version of Yaz and Big Papi in Cam Maldonado, who anchored the team. Cam hit 2 homeruns and a double as the Hornets shocked top ranked Brunswick School 5-2 in the semifinals of the Fairchester Tournament. In the final, the team traveled not once but twice to Westport because of a rain, and defeated #2 seed Greens Farms Academy 10-0 behind 5 strong innings by Scanlon, with Maldonado, who hit a two run double, serving as the closer. Sophomore Nick Criscuolo provided a three run shot to lead the offense, enabling the Hornets to capture the FAA trophy. Maldonado then truly carried the team through their 1-0 win over King in the New England quarterfinal game, throwing a no hitter through 7 innings and striking out 16. And in the bottom of the 10th, it was Maldonado’s line drive double that plated Brady Chernovetz for the victory. Depleted of arms, the Hornets turned to Max Liebel to help edge the Cavaliers of the Harvey School 5-3 and reach the finals. Facing off against the MacDuffie School of Massachusetts, Maldonado again proved unhittable on the mound, while the bats exploded for 8 runs in the first frame, en route to a 13-2 victory and the first New England baseball banner since 2017.

     “The winning was fun, and to have started at 3-4 and finish 18-5 was unbelievable,” remarked Chernovetz. “But it was the camaraderie that we saw develop among the guys that really defined the season. And the parents with all their support, including the sandwiches for the road games, played a big part in all this as well. I am already very excited about next year,” (when, by the way, Brad’s daughter Reilly will join our 9th grade.) Congratulations to the team, coaches, and fans on a fantastic season. Another title for the Comeback Kids of Hamden Hall!
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Hamden Hall Country Day School

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Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.