On the defensive end, few ‘27s have proven themselves this spring as much as Mattaliano, who has been stellar since his freshman year at Roxbury Latin. The Navy commit and returning All-ISL and All-NEPSAC selection now suits up for defending champion Belmont Hill, a program known for its stout, team-oriented defensive play. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Mattaliano uses his length to his advantage, routinely going over the head to jar the ball loose before scooping it cleanly off the carpet. More effective within a structured system than a loose summer-ball setting, Mattaliano could be a tremendous asset for BH as he acclimates to their defensive approach. When he plays within himself and relies on his size, physicality, and position, good things tend to happen —  picking his spots on the home-run checks will only raise his ceiling.

Standing 6’3 and close to 200 pounds, it’s tough to miss Mattaliano, who also looks poised to be one of the better defensive prospects in the Northeast. With his combination of size, long arms, and fundamentally sound 1v1 play, he’s such a force in coverage. He plays angles exceptionally well and is also dialed in with the way he plays picks. It’s clear that he’s an excellent leader down low, as he was always communicating and getting guys in the right spots. Mattaliano constantly put the ball on the ground and did a really nice job of rolling away from pressure after collecting the GB and making the correct decisions in the clear.