Hamden Hall has picked up pretty much where it left off last season.

Following a slow start last year, the Hornets put the finishing touches on a remarkable late-season stretch — winning nine of their last 10 games — and captured the New England Prep School Class D title.

Winners of nine straight and owners of a 13-3 mark heading into this week, Hamden Hall has certainly carried the momentum into this season.

“We’re a year older and a year better,” Hamden Hall coach Joe Fontana said. “We have a great group of guys who get along so well. That’s a big key. And of course, there’s talent there, too.”

The Hornets lost just two seniors from the 2009 title run. They are hitting collectively above .350, and the lineup has been supplemented by a deep pitching staff.

Fontana says it’s been the versatility and all-around depth that’s made the season successful.

Leadoff hitter Marc Cafasso sets the tone. Cleanup hitter Vin Teixeira has 26 RBIs, is one of Hamden Hall’s top arms in the pitching rotation, and a vocal leader. And even players in the bottom of the lineup like Marco Gasparro have come up with big hits. Gasparro drove in a key run in a come-from-behind 4-3 win over Brunswick.

That’s just a few on a long list of examples. Also, the lineup is seemingly interchangeable. Fontana has the luxury to shift players around as needed.

Now, Hamden Hall hopes to keep up the pace and finish strong again.

“We knew we were one of the preseason favorites, but that doesn’t mean much on the field,” Fontana said. “We know we need to work hard again to accomplish our goals. We can’t think it’s going to happen just like that, and they really take that to heart.”