The 2026 baseball season will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent SouthCoast history, with Apponequet Regional High School making its first ever appearance in the state final. Under the guidance of a dedicated coaching staff, the Lakers combined dominant pitching with a potent lineup, setting the stage for a series of memorable performances that captivated fans across the region.
A Season Defined by Excellence
At the center of the story is Petie Kanakis, whose name appeared on every local ballot for Player of the Year. Kanakis posted a 1.67 earned run average, struck out 71 batters and finished the year with a 7‑1 record on the mound, while also contributing three saves in the tournament. His consistency across five state‑tournament games helped the Lakers close out a historic run that culminated in a championship game appearance.
The Player of the Year award was decided by a hybrid vote: 75 % of the decision rested with Sports Editor Laurie Los Lee, while the remaining 25 % came from a reader poll that saw Aiden Deree capture 43 % of the votes. The combination of expert analysis and fan enthusiasm underscored the community’s deep investment in the sport.
Beyond Kanakis, the season showcased a wealth of talent across the region. Brady Beauparland of Dartmouth set a school record with 12 saves, while Amir Cartagena of Bishop Stang batted .518 and collected 29 hits, earning a spot on the Catholic Central League All‑Star team. Luke Cathcart from Fairhaven played a key role in his squad’s South Coast Conference Gold Division title and a run to the Div. 3 Elite 8.
Other standout performances included Ryan Levesque of Apponequet, who went 6‑3 with 50 strikeouts and a 1.97 ERA, and Sean Lundrigan, who led the team with 24 RBIs and a .282 average. Meanwhile, Old Colony’s Aiden Deree posted a .962 fielding percentage and batted .373 with 31 hits, and Fairhaven’s Evan Lamontagne was named South Coast Conference MVP with a 1.09 ERA.
The depth of talent extended to players like Keenan Peterson of Wareham, who earned Mayflower Athletic Conference MVP honors with a 2.48 ERA, and Ryan Pires of Fairhaven, who finished 5‑2 with three saves and a 1.18 ERA. Nathan Zexter of Bishop Stang contributed a .463 batting average and an on‑base percentage of .587, rounding out a season rich with individual achievements.
All of these stories converged on the All‑Star team, which highlighted players from across the SouthCoast who helped their respective squads reach new heights. As the region looks ahead, the 2026 season will serve as a benchmark for future programs aiming to blend pitching excellence with offensive firepower.