For the first time ever, the MetroWest and Milford Daily News are revealing their Most Valuable Players (MVPs) for a spring high school sports season.
After sifting through stats and results, this spring we selected nine MVPs in six sports: Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Indoor Athletics, Boys Volleyball, Boys and Girls Tennis, Baseball and Softball.
Meet: The Daily News All-Stars for Spring High School Sports in 2022
Boys Lacrosse
Colby LeBlanc, Natick
At 6-foot-4, this senior attack, who can also play in midfield, is an absolute nightmare of a match-up for opposing defenders with its combination of size and skill. LeBlanc has been out slightly this season, netting 49 goals and 65 assists, earning EMLCA All-American, BostonLax All-American (twice) and BSC Carey MVP (twice) honors. “Colby is a big, strong and athletic kid with a very high lacrosse IQ on the court,” said Natick coach Nate Kittler. He was a two-year varsity basketball starter and played quarterback for the football team his senior year. LeBlanc plans to play lacrosse at Siena College.
Girls Lacrosse
Alanna Dumalac, Wellesley
Simply put, there’s nothing this senior midfielder can’t do on the pitch. Dumalac helped the Raiders to the title game in Diviision 1 as she buried 85 more goals with 29 assists, 130 draws, 61 ground balls and 24 caused turnovers. Dumalac earned EMGLCA first-team All-Star, US Lacrosse All-American, Bay State Carey MVP and team MVP. “Alanna is one of the best two-way midfielders in the state influencing the game at all stages,” said Wellesley coach Steve Balter. She helps coach the Wellesley youth lacrosse program and will play lax at Davidson College.
Boys Track and Field
Sawyer Garrett, Dover-Sherborn
This senior pole vaulter continued to make Raider Nation proud, claiming the New England (14 feet, 9 inches) and Division 5 (14-6) titles and second place at the Meet of Champions (14-6). He also finished third with the New Balance Rising Stars (14-9). In addition, Garrett finished third in the 110-meter hurdles (16.19) at the Division 5 meeting. Read also : ‘Paper Girls’ on Prime Video release date, cast, trailer and plot. In the winter, he placed fourth in pole vault in the rising star group at Nationals. Garrett will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he plans to specialize in business and compete on the job.
Girls Track and Field
Kiyanni Simas, Milford
This junior, the area’s most dominant track talent, carried over her winning ways from winter to spring. After winning the 100 meters and long jump at the Hockomock League meeting, Simas then took both the 100 (12.17) and long jump (18-1.25) at the Division 2 state meet. The following week, the Hockomock League MVP won the long jump (18-6. On the same subject : Release Date and Time of Episode 7 of The Boys Season 3: How to Watch the Series on Amazon Prime Video.5) and placed second in the 100 (12.20) at the Meet of Champions. Simas is a five-time regional champion and two-time state champion with Milford’s cheerleading squad. Simas hopes to continue in athletics at a university in the south while studying design and business.
Boys Volleyball
Kendall Jackson, Natick
A dominant of a player to step on the floor in the MetroWest this spring, this senior recorded 446 digs, 286 kills, 45 aces and seven blocks en route to leading Natick to the quarterfinals of the Div. 1 MIAA state tournament. The two-time Bay State Conference All-Star recorded 69 aces, 466 kills and 22 blocks over the course of his career. See the article : Palm Beach County’s program uses basketball to educate children about healthy living habits. In addition to high school, Jackson plays club volleyball for SMASH 18s – Force. He will attend the University of New Hampshire where he plans to play club volleyball.
Boys Tennis
Srinjoy Ghosh, Westborough
A sophomore sensation for the Rangers, this No. 1 singles player was instrumental in helping Westborough reach the Division 2 state finals. After a successful freshman season spent mostly on first doubles for a state finalist team, Ghosh went 16-5 in the first singles this spring to the Mid-Wach League A MVP title. “Srinjoy is a tough competitor,” said Westborough coach Len O’Neil. “He has worked hard in the off-season to raise the level of his game and it shows on the pitch.” Ghosh, an avid guitarist, would like to play tennis in college.
Girls Tennis
Shruthi Nelluri, Westborough
This senior picked up where she left off after a perfect season last spring, losing just one game (19-1) in the No. 1 singles this year to help the Rangers into the Division 2 state finals. Nelluri, three-time Daily News All- Star, was named Mid-Wach A League MVP, finishing her high school career with a score of 47-3. “Shruthi is the total package,” said Westborough coach Scott Henderson. “Offense, defense, effort, determination, attitude and intelligence.” Nelluri plans to study computer science and economics at the University of Maryland.
Baseball
Will Parker, Hopedale
This senior went out with a bang and threw a no-hitter into the Div. 5 state championship despite his team losing to Mount Greylock. The Dual Valley Conference Most Valuable Player hit .573 with six homeruns and 34 RBI, while striking out only once in 93 at bats. On the mound, Parker was 5-5 with 114 strikeouts and a 1.78 ERA in 63 innings pitched. The three-sport athlete also plays soccer as a goalkeeper and participates in indoor athletics. Parker will continue his baseball career at his dream school of Army West Point.
Softball
Frankie Pizzarella, Millis
Pizzarella made a big step in her junior season when she hit .625 with 14 doubles, three triples, eight homeruns, 62 RBI and 42 runs scored in 23 games. She also threw 16 base stealers from behind the plate when she was named a Tri-Valley League All-Star and TVL Small MVP as she led Millis to the quarterfinals of the MIAA Division 5 state tournament. Pizzarella plans to continue her softball career at the College of the Holy Cross.
Daily News MVPs are nominated by high school coaches and sports directors and then selected by Daily News employees.
