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2024 New England High School Team Previews

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2024 Spring Team Preview: Portsmouth (RI)

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. - Ryan Long is hoping last season’s experience brings success in the 2024 campaign for Portsmouth.

“We went into last year knowing we had talent and could surprise people,” reflected the third-year head coach. “When we had productive at-bats we could beat anybody. But we were also inexperienced. We had a lot of sophomores and juniors starting. Eight of them are returning.”

A 14-9 season featured a loss to eventual state champion Cumberland before being eliminated by Central.

“We have a different mentality going into this year,” explained Long, whose Patriots reached the Final 4 his first year at the helm before losing 2-of-3 to North Kingstown, which went on to win state. “That’s maturing. They all have very serious goals, the ultimate being to win a state title. We have the confidence, but we have to prove ourselves.”

John Mass returns to lead the cause this year and Long has high praise for his ace pitcher, shortstop, leadoff hitter and senior three-year captain who hit .458 with 26 runs scored in 2023.

“As good as he’s been he only seems to get better,” Long said of the Boston College commit who is ranked third in New England among senior shortstops. “I firmly believe he’s the best player in the state. I haven’t coached a player like him in terms of effort and passion.

“We are expecting John to continue to be our voice and fearless leader, and I believe this will be his best season.” 

Two other senior captains bring optimism to the upcoming campaign in three-hole hitter Nick Spaner and Oliver Rey, who will bat second in the lineup. The second-ranked 2024 catcher in Rhode Island, Spaner is a Holy Cross signee while Rey, a Williams College recruit rated the fifth best senior shortstop in Rhode Island, will play second base and move to short when Mass pitches. Spaner hit .411 with 21 RBIs a year ago while Rey batted .312.

“He’s the best catcher in the state,” Long proclaimed about Spaner, who is in his third year as a starter behind the plate. “He hits for power and is very good defensively. Nick leads by example and is expected to have yet another great season.”

Spaner could also be used in a closer role with Rey the number three hurler on the Patriots behind Mass and junior Cam Ruggieri.

“Cam has already built a pitching resume of which many can only dream of having,” Long said. “He throws three, sometimes four different pitches for strikes.” 

Three other juniors are penciled in for mound duty in Casey Cord, Emmett Greenwood and Thomas Calhoun.

“Thomas was a pinch hitter in big situations for us last year, and will see some more at-bats this year,” Long noted. “He will also be on the mound more frequently. He is continuing to develop and has a higher ceiling than most.” 

Junior Justin Gambrell, called “our best defensive first baseman” by Long, and Ruggieri will see time at first base. Greenwood and junior Nate Chartier, “one of the most improved players on the team” according to Long, will back up Rey at second base with Cord at third.

“Casey is one of our most solid defenders playing one of the toughest positions,” Long noted. “He is very good at getting on base, but we expect to see him put his bat on the ball a lot more this year.”

Senior DH Matt Nolan could see time in the outfield this year.

“Matt is a great hitter and will bat fourth for us,” noted Long about Nolan, who finished with a .309 average last season. “He is known for being successful in the biggest moments.”

Greenwood, Charlie Cord and Ruggieri are also potential corner outfielders with senior Lucas Huffman anchoring the outfield in center.

“Emmett is a great athlete and can play anywhere in the field,” Long said of the junior. “He has proven to be competitive at the plate and was a bright spot in our lineup last year. We are expecting good things again this season.

“Charlie continues to grow and get better, and he is not afraid of a challenge. We are hoping for a little more consistency at the plate, and with a year of starting varsity under his belt that should come much easier.

“With Cam, we are looking to see what he can do with his bat this year for more of an everyday role in the field.” 

Damon Owen is another possibility to make contributions later in the year.

“Damon pitched very well for us last year, but due to some arm issues he will not be activated until halfway through the season,” Long said of the junior. “We are hoping he can have a speedy recovery and get back on the field ASAP.” 

There are additional players that Long is looking at to help in sophomores Avery Amaio, Brady MacDonald and Chase Blythe.

“Avery may find himself being our next catcher,” Long said of the switch-hitting 10th-grader. “Brady will play outfield and pitch over the next few years and Chase is one of the strongest players on the team. He’s still raw, but has great upside if he continues to work at his craft.”

It has Long excited about improving on his two-year record of 30-16 at Portsmouth.

“I like their determination, plus their personality,” Long said of his squad. “They’re very respectful and they’re ready to learn. Just their love for the game stands out. The sense of family they have around each other … they’re very close.”

Bishop Hendricken, LaSalle and Lincoln are teams expected to contend for league supremacy according to Long, who has confidence that the Patriots will certainly be in the mix.

“What plays to our advantage now is our experience,” Long concluded. “They know how to win games. Last year we didn’t get the key play or key hit. Everyone understands their role now and what they need to do to achieve their goals.

“There’s luck involved in winning state, but I know they’ll go out and do their best. We have the depth pitching and firepower at the plate and we should, by the end of the year, have nine players making the play.”

Long feels his ability to have a rapport with his players is another plus.

“They already had a great culture from Matt McGuire when I took over,” Long said about the former head coach, who is now an assistant in the program. “I’m only 30 and I can relate to players on a personal level. My passion and the effort I give to the program speaks for itself.”

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