Last season was a historic one for Wheeler High School in North Stonington, as both the boys basketball and baseball teams achieved all-time winning records. The basketball team made it to their first state semifinal, while the baseball team reached their first state quarterfinal. At the heart of both successful seasons was senior Kyle Kessler, a standout athlete who excelled in both sports.
Kessler, a four-year baseball player, received his fourth Eastern Connecticut Conference All-Star selection and his first Class S All-State honor at shortstop. In addition to his baseball achievements, Kessler also started as a guard for the 19-win basketball team. Wheeler coach Eric Collins praised Kessler’s versatility and skill, noting that his value went beyond just his impressive statistics.
With a batting average of .357 and 25 hits in 70 official at-bats, Kessler’s offensive prowess was evident. He also boasted a nearly .475 on-base percentage, scored 20 runs, had 15 RBIs, and stole nine bases. Defensively, Kessler showcased his abilities as a five-tool player, with six doubles, a triple, and a home run to his name. Collins commended Kessler’s defensive skills, highlighting his range, arm strength, and ability to make crucial plays when it mattered most.
Kessler’s leadership on the field was instrumental in guiding the Lions to success. The team finished second in a competitive division and secured notable victories against strong opponents like Stonington, Killingly, Montville, and Ledyard. Their impressive season culminated in Class S tournament wins over Northwest Catholic and Shepaug Valley before falling to eventual finalist Oxford in the quarterfinals.
In addition to Kessler, several other Wheeler players received recognition for their contributions to the team’s success. Senior Sean Bergel, a standout pitcher with a 7-2 record and an impressive 0.54 ERA, was named to the ECC First Team. Bergel’s pitching prowess was complemented by his offensive skills, as he maintained a .362 batting average and led the team with 19 RBIs.
Junior James Main, an outfielder and pitcher, earned ECC Division IV First Team honors for his solid performance at the plate and in the field. Main’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him a valuable asset to the team. Junior Garrett Lenihan, who played second base, was also recognized for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field.
Senior Bradin Anderson, a pitcher and third baseman, received ECC Division IV honorable mention despite posting impressive statistics. Anderson’s pitching record of 8-3 with a 2.14 ERA showcased his talent on the mound. Senior Jon Anderson and senior Wyatt Elliott were also recognized for their contributions to the team, with Jon receiving the ECC Scholar-Athlete award and Wyatt being named to the ECC Sportsmanship team.
Overall, Wheeler’s success on the basketball court and baseball diamond was a testament to the talent, dedication, and teamwork of players like Kyle Kessler and his teammates. Their achievements last season will be remembered as a milestone in the school’s athletic history, setting a high standard for future teams to aspire to.