Guilford's Season Ends in State Quarterfinals

Jun 3, 2024

The 2024 Guilford Grizzlies' baseball season came to an end on Sat., 6/1, when they lost to Woodstock Academy, 7-1, in the CIAC Class L, State Quarterfinal Round in Woodstock, CT. A trio of Woodstock pitchers held Guilford to 3 hits in the game, and just 1 hit through the first 6 innings, while a 6-run 3rd inning by the Centaurs proved too much for the Grizzlies to overcome.

Guilford ends the season with a highly successful, 16-8 overall record, after going 14-6 in the regular season. They qualified for the SCC Tournament for the 3rd year in a row as the #4 seed, after going 12-4 in conference play, and winning the Quinnipiac Division by going 5-1 vs. division opponents.

The team will graduate 5 seniors that played a major role in the team's success this year.  Brandon Rosa, who delivered as part of the team's starting rotation, including 2 huge wins vs. Notre Dame - WH, will head to the University of Tampa in the Fall. Left-fielder, Joe Tafro, an outstanding defensive outfielder with speed and a penchant for timely hitting that included a game-deciding, grand slam vs. Fairfield Prep this year, will be off to the University of Oregon. 3B, Colin Pompano, who earned All-SCC honors in 2024, ending the season with a .300 batting avg. and a GHS career, .291 avg in 60 games played, will attend Providence College.

The Grizzlies' two senior captains both wrap up outstanding, 4-year careers at GHS. Both players started varsity as freshman, played in 89 varsity games and were major contributors in all 4 years as members of the team. Michael Buccaro, who finished 2024 with a team-leading .364 AVG. and 1.017 OPS, ended his GHS tenure with a .337 career AVG. in 330 plate appearances as a Grizzly, and earned All-SCC honors as a senior. This year, he also led the team with a .484 OBP and 10 doubles, and will go on to play baseball at Salem State University next year. And Bryce Meder, who earned All-State honors twice and All-SCC honors three times, finishes his career with a 2.05 ERA in over 170 innings pitched in his GHS career. During his 4 years as a Grizzly, Meder struck out 190 batters vs. just 42 walks, and was also an excellent offensive player who batted .304 in 286 career plate appearances. In 2024, Meder led the team in many pitching stats, RBI, stolen bases and played an outstanding RF when he wasn't on the mound. Bryce will be playing ball at the Salisbury School in 2024-25, before beginning his college career the following year.

Junior, Lucas Ametrano, earned both All-Conference and All-State honors in 2024 after leading the team in several offensive categories including hits (30), runs(23), OPS (1.056), SLG (.607), HR & 3B. And Junior, Lucas Deshefy earned 2024 All-Conference honors after posting a .338 AVG and a .429 OBP. Other Juniors that made big contributions were P/1B Adam Copeland, who finished the year with a 3.03 ERA and tied for the team lead in wins (4) on the mound, and SS Matt DiNardo came in 2nd in team RBI (18) on the 2024 varsity squad.

Looking forward to 2025, Sophomores Alex Tafro (catcher), Finn Matlosz (OF) and Tanner Smith (P) should return to the lineup after earning significant playing opportunities in '24. And Freshman, Cade Rinehart, who tied Copeland for the team lead in pitching wins while posting a 2.50 ERA over 25 innings pitched, will most certainly be featured in the team's starting rotation.

As we wrap up another successful GHS Baseball Season in 2024, we wish to thank all of the generous sponsors who have supported the team this year - you are a huge part of the growth of GHS Baseball and share in the success of the Program. Thank you for your contributions, have a great Summer, and we hope to see you all next season!