Arroyo named RCAC Player of the Year

By JOHN LIKANJE

Victor Arroyo led East High to a Rochester City Athletic Conference (RCAC) Tournament title berth and the No. 5 seed in Class A sectionals.

The junior infielder was named Player of the Year as announced by RCAC coaches.

Arroyo paced a Eagles squad which exploded for 11.3 runs per game with five doubles and three triples as part of his .404 batting average. The junior infielder posted a .538 on-base percentage, scored 25 runs, compiled 23 RBI and swiped 12 bags.

Emille Diaz, Pedro Garcia, Kyle Markham, Luis Rivera and JJ Smith joined Arroyo on the RCAC All-League Team. Diaz contributed to East High’s explosive offense with a .444 batting average, .651 on-base percentage, 20 runs scored, 13 RBI, four doubles and one triple.

Abel Austin, Joaquin Diaz, Steven Lepki and Justin Rodriguez represented School of the Arts on the All-League First Team. Lepki led the Silverhawks with 23 hits in 52 at-bats (.442 batting average), .524 on-base percentage, .576 slugging percentage, 16 runs, 12 RBI, nine walks and nine stolen bases. Rodriguez contributed with a .413 batting average (19-of-46), .554 on-base percentage, .630 slugging percentage, 18 runs, 16 walks, 15 RBI, three doubles, two triples and one home run.

Diaz chipped in with a .392 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, .705 slugging percentage, 20 base knocks, 17 runs batted in, 15 runs scored, 14 swiped bags and nine walks. Austin was the Silverhawks’ ace, accounting for six of the team’s 10 victories plus a 3.00 earned run average and 58 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings.

Jalen Breedy and Melqui Montalvo made the All-League First Team for Franklin. Montalvo led the Quakers with a .512 batting average, .580 on-base percentage, .790 slugging percentage, 22 base knocks, 22 stolen bases, 17 runs scored, five doubles, two triples and one homer. The junior third baseman won a pair of games and recorded a save on the mound as well. Breedy finished right behind Montalvo with a .447 batting average, .475 on-base percentage, .500 slugging percentage, 17 hits, 12 runs scored, 11 swiped bags 10 RBI and a pair of doubles.

Yaliel Bonilla rounded out the RCAC All-League First Team for Wilson. Bonilla legged out four doubles and a trio of triples as part of his .367 batting average and drove in 12 runs.

Jordan Lindo and Victor Mercado earned Second Team honors for Leadership Academy. Angel Morales and Justus Robinson were named to the Second Team for Franklin. Adrian Ponce (Wilson) rounded out the RCAC All-League Second Team.

Willie Mason was named Coach of the Year. Mason led School of the Arts to the RCAC Tournament title over East High, which has advanced to the championship game for 16 straight years. The Silverhawks finished as the No. 6 seed in Class AA sectionals as well and defeated Wilson, 15-10, in the first round.