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Who's the Longplex Athlete of the Week in Baseball? Vote now!
TL;DR
The Longplex Athlete of the Week awards for 2026 are now open for voting, highlighting standout performers in Rhode Island high school baseball as the season kicks off. Teams have been actively competing, with some playing up to four games last week.
Whatever we’ve come to accept as spring in Rhode Island seemed to arrive last week.
The rain disappeared, the fields dried out and the first proper span of high school baseball was played throughout the state. Teams in all three divisions were in frequent action, with some playing up to four games and some featuring neighboring states on the schedule.
There were plenty of standout performers who would have qualified for this list, but there can only be a few each time – the Longplex Athlete of the Week awards for 2026 are upon us.
Longplex Athlete of the Week logo.
Polls will be posted every Monday morning with the previous week’s nominees and run through Friday. There’s only one way to vote – click the link on the story, find the ballot included within and pick your player. Phone calls, emails and stating your preference in person won’t qualify.
Winners will be announced in the following Player of the Week poll. The prize is pretty simple – nothing tangible. Bragging rights, a bit of extra exposure on social media, the right to belong to an exclusive club by the start of June – that's about it.
We need your help!
We can’t do this alone. We need your help – engagement, reporting scores, spreading the word about the poll. That’s all up to you. We can facilitate in a few different ways, but this weekly competition will be what you make of it – we appreciate you for it.
Coaches and athletic administrators from either team in a given game are asked to contact us through the Game Changer app, by phone at (401) 277-7340 or via email at pjsports@providencejournal.com. We’ll accept phone and email submissions Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and we’ll also check email over the course of the weekend. Getting in touch as early as possible will always be preferable.
Most importantly – we hope everyone stays healthy and has a great season. It will be fun to follow along over the next two months on the journey to Rhode Island College. Thanks to all for taking part and keeping us in mind.
That’s enough of a preamble. It’s time for the Week 1 nominees (in alphabetical order).
Meet the Week 1 nominees for Longplex Athlete of the Week in Baseball
Nick Andruchow, West Warwick
Andruchow sparked the Wizards to a 3-0 week in Division II, including a rivalry win against Coventry. He crushed a two-run homer to help fuel a season-opening win against North Providence, the defending league champions. Andruchow added the deciding two-run single in the top of the ninth inning as West Warwick completed a rally past Coventry, a 6-4 victory against a Division I foe.
Micah Cousineau, Cumberland Baseball
Micah Cousineau, Cumberland
The Clippers collected 17 runs in a 2-0 week and Cousineau helped drive them from the top third of the order. He knocked out three hits in a 7-2 victory over South Kingstown and added three hits, three RBI and a pair of runs scored in a 10-0 shutout of Westerly. Cumberland has a Division I finals series rematch looming Monday with Bishop Hendricken.
Axel da Silva, La Salle baseball, is questioned by umpire Scott Malloy about his bat.
Axel da Silva, La Salle
The Rams continued their hot start with three wins last week, and da Silva swung a dangerous bat in each of them. He slugged a two-run homer and scored twice in a win over Portsmouth via the mercy rule, cracked a solo home run for the only offense in a 1-0 shutout of Bishop Feehan and came up with two more hits while La Salle outlasted Smithfield, 7-5, in eight innings.
Ben Hallene, East Providence
Hallene started the week with a bang, firing a no-hitter to give the Townies a 3-0 win over Smithfield. He struck out seven while completing the gem, a first for the left-hander after recovering from an elbow injury he suffered last season. Hallene needed 94 pitches and walked just two while East Providence extended what is now a 4-1 start.
Dylan Poloski pitching for Hendricken.
Dylan Poloski, Bishop Hendricken
Poloski helped the Hawks to a 3-0 start thanks to contributions on both sides of the ball. He struck out four and cracked a solo home run in an opening victory against Coventry via the mercy rule. Poloski added three hits and three RBI in a Saturday showdown against Bishop Feehan (Mass.), following an early two-run single with a walkoff double to deep left-center in a 7-6 home triumph.
On X: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Vote for the Providence Journal athlete of the week in baseball
Q&A
How can I vote for the Longplex Athlete of the Week in baseball?
Voting for the Longplex Athlete of the Week can typically be done through the official Longplex website or social media platforms.
What are the criteria for being nominated as Longplex Athlete of the Week?
Nominees for the Longplex Athlete of the Week are usually selected based on their outstanding performance and contributions during the week in high school baseball games.
When does the Longplex Athlete of the Week voting period end?
The voting period for the Longplex Athlete of the Week typically ends at a specified time each week, which is announced alongside the nominations.
Which high school baseball teams are participating in the Longplex Athlete of the Week awards?
All high school baseball teams in Rhode Island are eligible for the Longplex Athlete of the Week awards, including those from all three divisions.
