Scouting DuPage County baseball

Addison Trail

Coach: Mike Kennedy.

Last year: 14-17, 9-9, tied for fourth in West Suburban Gold; lost 7-0 to Rolling Meadows in Class 4A Lake Park regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Ricky Perez, sr., OF; Nick Villasenor, sr., P; Trevor Fulmer, jr. P-IF; Simon Marinelli, jr., C; Bobby Daniels, sr., P-IF; Jack Kalbas, sr., IF; George Neri, sr., IF; A.J. Parnell, jr., P; Matt Crandell, jr., OF-P; Ricky Troha, jr., P; Bryan Hidalgo-Ortiz, jr., DH.

Scouting report: Hope for continued program growth rests with the experienced pitching staff. Villasenor embarks on his third varsity campaign after last season posting a 2.47 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 51 innings. Fulmer and Daniels combined for 65 innings. Parnell was a leader on the sophomore team. "With the pitching we have coming back I think we have a legit chance of being at the top of the conference," Kennedy said. Perez was the three hitter last year and hit .351 with 20 RBI, but he's just coming back from a knee injury suffered last summer. Marinelli led off at times last year, hitting .289 as a sophomore. Beyond that, the Blazers need bats to emerge from a mix of three classes. "People are going to underestimate us and we have to prove otherwise," Kennedy said.

Benet

Coach: Scott Lawler.

Last year: 14-20, 7-11, eighth in East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 8-7 to Montini in Class 3A Fenwick sectional semifinals.

Top players: Marty Dosen, sr., OF; Mike Dunn, sr., 3B-P; Jack Schneider, jr., SS; C.J. Birck, sr., P-1B; Erik Jones, sr., OF; Mark Moran, sr., P; P-1B; Tyler Bautista, sr., 2B; Nick Imoff, sr., P-OF-IF; Dolan Glasgow, so., IF; Steven Arrowsmith, sr., P; Quinn Moriarty, jr., P.

Scouting report: There may not be a superstar on this team, but the overall depth of talent is improved. Dunn returns healthy after an injury-riddled junior year, and Imoff and Glasgow enter the program as transfers. Add it up and the Redwings have a better starting point than a year ago. "There's a lot of athletic ability and a lot of interchangeable parts," Lawler said. Dunn, committed to Lafayette, had 3 wins last year despite the injuries. Birck also returns experience while Moran moves into the rotation after spending much of last season in the bullpen. Imoff, a transfer from Wisconsin, is a strong addition to a staff pitching in front of a strong defense. "Our pitchers should be able to throw strikes and let our defense go get it." Jones, Dosen and Bautista all hit over .300 last year.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Chad Isaacson.

Last year: 17-19, 8-10, fifth in West Suburban Silver; lost 7-3 to Plainfield East in Class 4A Plainfield East regional final.

Top players: David Giuliano, sr., OF; Trey Romay, sr., 2B; Tyler Rosen, sr., SS; Sam Condon, sr., OF; Nolan Young, sr., 3B-DH; Nick Bacarella, jr., P-1B-OF; Nick Taviani, sr., P-OF; Jeremy Del Valle, sr., P.

Scouting report: The season's already getting off to a rough start because of injuries to two returning starters. James Krick, slated to be a starting pitcher and three hitter, will miss the campaign with a knee injury. Outfielder Alan Janowiak is out for the year with a shoulder injury. "We're going to have to find a way to cover for those guys," Isaacson said. "It's tough for both guys but others need to step up." The Trojans graduated only three other position players, though, leaving plenty of experience. Giuliano led off last season and hit .330 with 28 runs scored, but he may shift to the middle of the lineup to make up for Krick's loss. That could put Condon at lead off and Young and Romay also in the top half. Taviani and Rosen return 87 innings on the mound. Bacarella was up at the end of last year as a sophomore and earned a win.

Downers Grove South

Coach: Darren Orel.

Last year: 24-10, 12-6, second in West Suburban Gold; lost 5-2 to Plainfield Central in Class 4A Downers South regional semifinals.

Top players: Michael Hall, jr., 3B; Cameron Crowley, jr., P-OF; Nick Stacey, jr., OF-P; Brett Riegler, jr., C; Mike Greco, sr., 1B-P; Mike Hoes, so., SS; Anthony Stellato, so., 2B; Keegan Garland, so., C-1B; Mike Wagner, sr., C.

Scouting report: An inexperienced, smaller group - 16 total players and only one starting senior in Greco - still should claim its standard spot at or near the top of the Gold standings despite the graduation of Danny Oriente, who last season hit .500 and is now at Louisville. The key is the further development of four juniors who spent last season on varsity. "We're going to make some mistakes because of how young we are, but we'll be better as we go along," Orel said. Last year's sophomores - Crowley, Hall, Stacey and Riegler - made an immediate impact. Crowley hit .421 and won five games on the mound. Riegler and Hall each hit over .380. Sophomores Hoes, Stellato and Garland aim for similar results this year. Stacey, Greco and others must deepen the inexperienced pitching staff behind Crowley.

Fenton

Coach: David Schwabe.

Last year: 14-20, 8-11, sixth in Metro Suburban West; lost 4-1 to Lincoln Park in Class 4A Lane Tech regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Bryan Larsen, sr., SS-P; Joey Simoncelli, sr., 2B; Garrett Focht, sr., 3B; Tommy Mach, sr., C-P; Danny Lucas, sr., P-1B; Jordan Vogel, sr., P; Tim Beecroft, jr., 1B-P; Ryan Kielbasa, jr., C-P; Nick Mercado, sr., OF.

Scouting report: The Bison beat three of the four MSC West teams that tied for last year's championship and did it with a bunch of juniors contributing. Eleven seniors return to bring consistent winning to this season. "We played tough against a lot of good teams," Schwabe said. "This senior group has matured." Pitching and defense need to shine because of the uncertainty in the batting order. Larsen and Mach will be in the heart of it. Without much power on the team, Mercado, Simoncelli and others need to use their speed to create runs. Defensively, the Bison are strong up the middle with Mercado in center, Larsen and Simoncelli in the middle infield and a pair of quality catchers in Mach and Kielbasa. Vogel returns experience on the mound, and he's backed by Lucas, Beecroft, Larsen and others.

Glenbard East

Coach: Joel Pelland.

Last year: 28-9, 18-3, first in Upstate Eight Valley; lost 13-8 to Batavia in Class 4A Glenbard West regional final.

Top players: Brett Bushka, so., C; Nathan Bertuca, sr., IF-P; Tommy Wilkans, sr., OF; Brett Tomlinson, sr. P; Jacob Behrendt, sr. IF; Austin Novak, sr., 1B; Conner Grzenia, sr., OF-P; Austin Grote, sr., P-OF; Brandon Quigley, sr., P; Steve O'Brien, sr., P; Alex Deli, sr., P.

Scouting report: Eight standout seniors graduated including last year's Daily Herald All-Area Team Captain, Michael Sebby, but the Rams still hope to maintain last season's success. "Everyone's expecting us to have a down year, but I think we'll be competitive," Pelland said. Bushka, who drove in 11 runs as a freshman, and Bertuca combined for 160 at-bats but little other experience returns to the lineup. Behrendt, coming off a good summer, and Wilkans also figure to be in the top half of the order. The pitching is inexperienced, although Tomlinson returns 41 innings and 5 victories. A deep staff of 15 arms will be fully utilized with multiple pitchers possibly contributing each game. "The one good thing is we have the flexibility to bring in different arms that might be more effective," Pelland said.

Glenbard North

Coach: Rich Smelko.

Last year: 9-27, 5-19, eighth in DuPage Valley; lost 16-4 to St. Charles North in Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional semifinals.

Top players: Zach Heck, sr., C; Nick Frawley, sr., SS-P; Anthony Sottile, sr., OF-P; Zach Bachara, sr., 1B-P; Jim Zay, so., IF-P; Mike Wellman, so., OF-P; Anthony Ferreri, so., IF-OF; Dom Rotondo, jr., IF; John Marron, jr., P; Guiseppe Riggio, jr., OF.

Scouting report: Three of the Panthers' top four hitters return as the team strength shifts to offense. "Our middle of the order guys should be pretty good," Smelko said. "The key is piecing together the back half." Heck is a two-time all-DVC honoree, and last season he hit .420 with 18 RBI. Frawley came on late and wound up batting .333 with 15 RBI. Bachara hit .302 with 18 RBI. There are plenty of sticks to drive in runs if guys like Sottile can get on base ahead of them. Pitching is a work in progress, but there's a positive in the numerous options. Frawley, Bachara, Wellman and Marron are among the contributors. "If our pitchers can throw strikes and we make the routine plays, we should be OK," Smelko said. "We just need to get some of these guys some action."

Glenbard South

Coach: Marco Eufrasio.

Last year: 16-18, 12-7, tied for second in Metro Suburban West; lost 6-2 to Benet in Class 3A Benet regional final.

Top players: Dan Opem, sr., C-P-IF; Christian Dupuis, sr., IF-P; Kyle Zygadto, sr., IF-P; Sean Cooke, sr. DH; Johnny Faragoi, sr., IF-P; Billy Powers, sr., OF; Robbie McGimpsey, sr., IF-P; Lucas Lorusso, sr., OF; Mike Paprota, jr., IF-P; Nick Atkinson, jr., OF; Jack Crouch, jr., OF-P.

Scouting report: Eufrasio takes the reins of the program from Mike Riley, who retired at the end of last season. The 2002 Willowbrook graduate was an assistant coach for the Raiders the last two years. "It's been a whirlwind, but I'm excited to get going," Eufrasio said. "This is a good group to work with." There's also good experience to work with, and McGimpsey returns to the team after not playing as a junior. He'll step in as the team's shortstop and one of its lead pitchers, which will bolster Zygadto's experience after posting a 2.79 ERA last year. Dupuis and Opem return another 70 innings. There's a bunch of speed at the top of the lineup with Lorusso, who stole 13 bases, and Crouch. "If we stay within ourselves, the rest will take care of itself," Eufrasio said.

Glenbard West

Coach: Andy Schultz.

Last year: 15-20, 7-11, sixth in West Suburban Silver; lost 14-3 to Glenbard East in Class 4A Glenbard West regional semifinals.

Top players: Kevin Spencer, sr., C; Cole Brady, sr., OF-P; D.J. Ficarella, sr., OF; Sam Kaske, sr., P-1B; Kolin Kennebeck, sr., P; Jack Campanella, jr., IF; Kyle Engstrom, jr., IF; Sam Fenske, jr., P-1B; Grant Lalla, jr., 1B-OF; Adrian Del Valle, jr., IF-OF; Ryan Petersen, jr., OF; Matt Skelton, sr., IF; Andrew Zienty, sr., IF; Scott Monocchio, so., P.

Scouting report: With their deepest and potentially most-talented team in years, the Hilltoppers look to leap in the Silver standings. "Our expectation is to win conference," Schultz said. "We don't want to just compete. We want to win." They return three batters who hit over .300, including Spencer's .385 average with 21 RBI. Spencer is also one of the many players boasting speed. Campanella, up as a sophomore, could be at the top of the lineup. Ficarella, healthy from a football injury, is another speedster. Pitching consistency and depth will be much improved with Kaske, who won 4 games, Fenske and Monocchio. "This is the group that could turn the corner for us," Schultz said.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Jason Ziemer.

Last year: 23-14, 11-7, third in West Suburban Silver; lost 12-0 to Plainfield North in Class 4A Metea Valley regional final.

Top players: Mitchell Mulvihill, sr., SS; Travis Pelton, sr., 3B-P; Peter Pigatti, sr., C; John Harzich, sr., OF-IF; J.P. Medick, sr., OF; Andrew Zapka, sr., OF-P; Kyle Wisch, so., P-3B-DH; Matt Deiss, jr., P-1B-OF; Peter Mercurio, jr., P-IF; Murphy Juska, jr., P.

Scouting report: It's a small senior class, but all five will contribute. Combined with a junior class that won 20 games last year and claimed the Silver title as freshmen, this should be a solid three-class team. Wisch is a hard-throwing sophomore already receiving significant college attention. "We have a lot of new guys, but they're talented," Ziemer said. "It's just a matter of getting them varsity experience." Zapka posted a 2.59 ERA in 27 innings while notching 4 wins. After Wisch the staff is uncertain, but that's because of the numerous options thanks to depth. Mulvihill was one of last year's leading hitters with a .352 average and 22 RBI. Pigatti, coming off injury, batted .338 while Zapka drove in a team-high 26 runs. The offense could roll with Medick's leadership from the top of the order.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Paul Hoel.

Last year: 29-7, 17-1, first in West Suburban Gold; lost 10-2 to Downers North in Class 4A Plainfield East regional semifinals.

Top players: Dan Mazzei, sr., OF; John Stoltz, sr., C; Mike Stoltz, sr., SS; Charlie Klemm, sr., P-2B; Jaxon Herchenbach, sr., P-IF; Matt Uba, jr., P-IF; Will Yurchak, sr., OF; Colton Kotecki, jr., OF; Nick Wenkus, sr., OF; John Colucci, jr., P.

Scouting report: Last year the Hornets were led by their position players as the pitching staff gained experience. This season the roles are reversed. "If we pitch as well as I think we can, we may only need three or four runs a game," Hoel said. "This is one of the best pitching staffs we've had." Hoel believes he has three No. 1 pitchers in Herchenbach, Klemm and Colucci, a trio that last season combined for 13 wins and 120 innings. Unlike last year's hard-hitting crew, this season's team needs to attack opposing teams with speed and run manufacturing. Mazzei and John and Mike Stoltz, each three-year varsity members, hit in the mid-.300s. Mazzei, last year's three hitter, and John Stoltz combined for 56 RBI. Mike Stoltz, coming off a wrist injury, will be a speedster at the top of the batting order.

IC Catholic Prep

Coach: Frank DeAngelis.

Last year: 20-17, 10-9, fifth in Metro Suburban West; lost 1-0 to DePaul Prep in Class 2A Benedictine University sectional final.

Top players: Matt Sutton, sr., OF; Paul Morris, sr., 2B; Brendan Russ, sr., P-OF; Joey Salvi, sr., P-IF-OF; Tim Aspan, sr., C-OF; John Hoffman, sr., OF-P; Austin Reed, sr., P-SS; Andrew Falduto, jr., OF-P; Michael Hoffman, jr., C; C.J. West, 3B, jr.

Scouting report: DeAngelis, a 1997 graduate of the school, spent the last three seasons as an assistant in the program. He takes over a team loaded with multisport athletes who enjoyed success in football and basketball. That basketball success, however, also delayed their return to baseball. Eventually, this will be a team ready to continue IC Catholic's championship school year. "It's a great opportunity to build on the program," DeAngelis said. "Collectively it's a real solid group." The Knights should be much improved at the plate, especially with Reed, Russ and Salvi returning. Morris and Sutton both could see time at leadoff. The pitching staff has a solid 1-2 tandem with Russ and Reed. "We have a lot of good baseball players, and that's going to give us a lot of flexibility," DeAngelis said.

Lake Park

Coach: Dan Colucci.

Last year: 22-13, 14-10, tied for third in DuPage Valley; lost 5-4 to St. Charles North in Class 4A Schaumburg sectional semifinals.

Top players: Paul Beverly, sr., P-IF; Sean Cummins, sr., OF; Zach Aehlert, jr., C; Dan Defino, sr., P; Anthony DeConcilis, jr., SS; Joe Amore, sr., 1B; Matt Latoria, sr., 2B; Ian Renger, sr., 3B-P; Isaac Bracher, sr., OF; Jay Palmer, jr., P.

Scouting report: The Lancers graduated their entire starting lineup from last year's regional title team, but they're reloading quickly. Six seniors played a lot last year while four juniors - Beverly, Aehlert, DeConcilis and Palmer - were up on varsity throughout their sophomore campaign. Last summer the combined group went 21-3. "They have talent, it's just unproven," Colucci said. "If we get off to a good start, we think we can be in the mix at the end of the season." Of the 20 players on the roster, 14 are pitchers. The depth should counter the inexperience of only 20 innings returning to the mound from Beverly and Defino. Aehlert, Beverly and DeConcilis all contributed to the offense as sophomores. "It's hard to predict what the lineup will look like right now," Colucci said. "We've got a lot of options right now."

Lisle

Coach: Pete Meyer.

Last year: 16-15, 7-9, tied for second in Interstate Eight North; lost 4-3 to Timothy Christian in Class 2A Timothy Christian regional final.

Top players: Max Sokolowski, sr., 3B; Zach Heidenry, jr., P-IF; Grant Haen, sr., C; David White, sr., IF-P; Trevor Stitt, sr., OF; Bryan O'Connell, sr., OF-1B; Emmett Malavia, jr. P-IF; Ben Lanning, jr., P; Nick Janitch, sr., P-IF; Andrew Waldusky, sr., 1B.

Scouting report: Good numbers throughout the program will bring depth and may allow the Lions to bring up some sophomores to varsity. Waldusky and Janitch also return to the team after not playing last year. "That's going to help us," Meyer said. "It's going to give us some options with the lineup." Stitt returns at leadoff after last season batting .342, second on the team, and stealing a team-high 16 bases. Sokolowski, White, Haen and Heidenry all hit over .300 despite the team struggling to swing it at the end of the season. "We really trailed off," Meyer said. "We'll have to hit better." Heidenry led the team with 56 innings pitched, notching a 1.34 ERA with 47 strikeouts. He and White each won 4 games. Malavia threw 12 varsity innings as a sophomore. All 15 players could see mound time.

Metea Valley

Coach: Craig Tomczak.

Last year: 22-14, 13-11, tied for fifth in DuPage Valley; lost 9-7 to Hinsdale Central in Class 4A Metea Valley regional semifinals.

Top players: Ashton Creal, sr., OF; Matt Vass, sr., P; Mitch Reyes, sr., P; Steven Anderson, sr., P; Jack Dziewiatkowski, sr., IF; Nick Hegar, sr., IF-P; Devin Myers, sr., OF-C; Carter Wardell, jr., IF; Andrew Cronin, jr., P-OF; Danny Zorn, jr., P-1B.

Scouting report: The Mustangs have holes to fill with the graduation of seven position players. They'll lean on experienced pitching, especially early in the season. "The first part of the season is about finding out who we are," Tomczak said. "Our pitching should be a strength in the middle and late in the year." Vass led last year's team in innings pitched, wins (7) and ERA (1.89). Anderson had a 2.45 ERA. Unfortunately, Cronin and Reyes are coming back from injury and are working their way back. That'll create opportunities for the junior pitchers and even some sophomores. There could be as many as six sophomores on the team, the most the program's ever had. The Mustangs graduated their top five hitters, but Creal batted .356 with 25 RBI and Dziewiatkowski contributed when injury struck the team.

Montini

Coach: Rich Janor.

Last year: 23-15, 9-11, third in Chicago Catholic White; lost 4-3 to Fenwick in Class 3A Fenwick sectional final.

Top players: Nick Malek, sr., C-DH; Alex Luka, sr., 1B-P; Cooper Hynes, sr., C-DH; Ben Steiner, jr., 3B; Jake Karczewski, jr., OF; J.R. Walsh, sr., 2B; Ryan Nelson, so., SS; Anthony Rogers, sr., P; Seth Quick, jr., P; Dan Mallory, sr., P.

Scouting report: The Broncos are in prime position to pick right up from last year's deep postseason run. Much of that group remains intact at the plate and on the mound. "There's good energy in the program right now," Janor said. "These guys got some good experience last season." Four of last year's top five hitters return, and they'll occupy the heart of the batting order. Steiner, Malik and Hynes all hit over .300 and Luka drove in a team-high 29 runs. Walsh will slide into the leadoff spot. The Broncos graduated their top pitchers, leaving some work to be done on the mound. Luka had 5 wins last year while Rogers and Mallory combined for 45 innings. Quick was the best pitcher on last year's sophomore team. "We don't have a dominant ace, but we have a bunch of pitchers capable of stepping up," Janor said.

Naperville Central

Coach: Mike Stock.

Last year: 24-11, 16-8, tied for first in DuPage Valley; lost 4-3 to Neuqua Valley in Class 4A Bolingbrook regional final.

Top players: Ryan Eiermann, sr., P; Connor Gurnik, sr., SS; Jack Hughes, sr. C; Gabe Soria, sr., 3B; Charlie Walzer, sr., P; Tyler Brinker, sr., P; Nick Rietz, sr., P; Ben Rietz, sr., P; Blake McClung, sr., P; Tommy Carlson, jr., OF; Josh Boomgarden, sr., OF; Kyle Bennington, sr., OF.

Scouting report: With Eiermann, committed to TCU, and Gurnik, committed to Cal Poly, back for a third varsity season, the senior-heavy Redhawks will be a contender to repeat in the DVC and forge a strong postseason run. "They've all worked so hard, and as seniors the urgency isn't lost on them," Stock said. Eiermann won 6 games with a 2.45 ERA, striking out 70 in 55 innings. Walzer and Brinker return extensive pitching experience, while McClung and Nick and Ben Rietz also pitched some last season. With Eiermann in the lead, they'll form one of the area's top staffs. There are many more questions in the lineup, where about half the positions remain undecided. Certainties are Gurnik and Hughes in the middle of the order, Carlson possibly at leadoff and Soria in a key spot.

Naperville North

Coach: Carl Hunckler.

Last year: 16-15, 13-11, tied for fifth in DuPage Valley; lost 6-3 to Romeoville in Class 4A Bolingbrook regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Matt Schwartz, sr., P-3B; Jack Ginzkey, sr., 2B; Brennan Simek, sr., OF; Jack Whitley, jr., P-SS-OF; Jarred Dunnett, jr., OF-P; Mark McCabe, jr., 1B-P; Brendan Lacey, jr., C-IF; Cliff Vickers, so., OF-P; Trevor Wojtyla, sr., IF-P; Brett Grzesiak, sr., P-DH.

Scouting report: The Huskies may not have the Division I college talent of other DVC teams, but they still have the stuff to compete with anyone in the league. "We've got the kind of nucleus that we haven't really had the last few years," Hunckler said. The 1-2 punch of Schwartz and Whitley anchor the pitching staff, but it'll take the efforts of McCabe, Dunnett, Grzesiak and others among the dozen arms for the Huskies to have success. The offense will group together the top hitters, which means Ginzkey, Simek, Whitley and Schwartz will be somewhere in the top half of a flexible lineup. McCabe was the three hitter on last year's sophomore team, and Dunnett batted leadoff. "We may have to manufacture them, but we'll do everything we can to score runs," Hunckler said.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Robin Renner.

Last year: 24-14, 14-10, tied for third in DuPage Valley; lost 11-3 to Plainfield North in Class 4A Oswego sectional final.

Top players: James Gargano, sr., SS; James Kulak, jr., P; Austin Waeghe, sr., P; Ricky Castro, jr., P; Tim Schneider, sr., OF; Eric Nelson, sr., OF; Ryan Wheeler, jr., 2B; Jake Wenz, jr., C; Tyler Cristofaro, sr., C; Evan Ranneklev, jr., P-OF; Mason LeBreck, sr., P; Justin Hicks, sr., P; Noah Herdman, jr., 3B.

Scouting report: The Wildcats enter the season as the area's top team with hopes of winning the DVC title and the program's fourth state trophy. "This is the deepest team we've ever had," Renner said. "We'll have guys on the bench who would have started for us in past years." The Wildcats boast the experience of returners like Gargano, who last season hit .356, and Waeghe, who won 5 games - a duo that's headed to play at Butler. The senior class is strong and bolstered by a junior group that lost only four games the last two years. Kulak and Castro combined for 12 wins. Keep an eye on another junior in Ranneklev. With Wheeler, Herdman, Schneider and Nelson hitting behind Gargano, the Wildcats will hit one through nine.

St. Francis

Coach: Nick Hall.

Last year: 21-13, 9-12, seventh in Chicago Catholic Blue; lost 15-8 to Willowbrook in Class 4A Lake Park regional semifinals.

Top players: Tim Sullivan, sr., SS; Nolan Pechan, sr., OF; Zach Crescenzo, sr., OF; Connor Quinn, sr., OF-P; Tommy Mayor, sr., P; Nick Kosmetatos, so., 2B; Shane Walker, sr., 1B; Trevor Hicks, so., C; Tom Siurek, so., C.

Scouting report: The Spartans graduated five of the first six batters in their order as well as their top three pitchers. Combined with another year in Class 4A and the CCL Blue, they'll have their hands full but will improve as the season progresses. "The senior class was so strong for us last year," Hall said. "It's going to take about 10 games to see how everything fits together." Sullivan is a three-year starter who last season hit .296 and scored 34 runs. He'll be in the top three of the order and, unlike last year, he'll also be a main pitcher. Kosmetatos made his presence felt as a freshman, batting .346 in the second half of the season. Pechan is another bat in the top half of the order. Pechan, Kosmetatos and Quinn, who returns 23 innings, lead the pitching staff. "There's potential," Hall said. "I really think this is a group that'll get better every week."

Timothy Christian

Coach: Jim Snoeyink.

Last year: 16-13, 11-8, fourth in Metro Suburban East; lost 14-5 to DePaul Prep in Class 2A Benedictine University sectional semifinals.

Top players: Josh Anderson, sr., OF-P; Joey Davidson, sr., 1B; Brian Schiff, sr., 3B-P; Shaun Van Tholen, sr., OF-2B-P; Noah Marrera, sr., C; Jimmy Allen, jr., SS-P; Connor Gwaltney, jr., C-3B-OF; Nick Huisman, jr., P-3B; Brady Klooster, jr., OF; Jake Loerop, jr., P-IF; Graham Loughead, jr., OF; Jon Tazelaar, jr., OF; Jonny Strube, sr., OF-P.

Scouting report: Six seniors and Allen return from last season's regional title team. They'll push for an MSC East title and another playoff run. "These guys have been ready to go for a long time," Snoeyink said. "We really came on at the end of last year." Allen hit .414 last season and Marrera, Anderson and Davidson all hit over .300. As much as Snoeyink doesn't want to lose Allen's fielding at shortstop, he may be the team's top pitcher. Schiff, Huisman and Van Tholen also return pitching experience. Anderson enters his fourth season in center field and Marrera his third behind the plate. That'll make for a strong defense up the middle. "Our lineup will depend a lot on who's pitching," Snoeyink said.

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Bryan Acevedo.

Last year: 23-12, 16-8, tied for first in DuPage Valley; lost 6-1 to Plainfield Central in Class 4A Downers South regional final.

Top players: Luke Gregorio, sr., SS; Alex Schram, sr., P; Connor Yukna, sr., OF-3B; Matt Oliver, sr., OF; Will Isdell, sr., P-IF; Johnny Johnson, so., P-1B-OF; Eric Esch, jr., OF; Zach Laws, jr., 3B-OF; Jake Klaft, jr., P; Ben Jaynes, jr., P-1B.

Scouting report: Riding three straight conference titles, a fourth depends on unproven talent emerging - especially on the mound. "Sustaining that success is something we talk about, but every team has its own identity," Acevedo said. "This team needs to develop its own identity." Last season the Warriors overcame injures to their top two pitchers including Schram, who had a 2.01 ERA and 4 wins in 39 innings. He's healthy and backed by experienced pitchers like Isdell and Johnson. Klaft is another sophomore slated for the rotation. Yukna is the top returning hitter after batting .266 last year. He'll be in the middle of the order with Gregorio. Esch will be at the top in hopes of sparking an offense that hit a cumulative .252. "We're hoping to hit better," Acevedo said. "We didn't have the type of offensive year we anticipated."

West Chicago

Coach: Thomas Nall.

Last year: 8-23, 6-15, fifth in Upstate Eight Valley; lost 13-3 to Glenbard West in Class 4A Glenbard West regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Matt Dall, sr., SS; Keaton Lauro, sr., IF; Matt Natzke, jr., P-1B; Mike Sawicki, jr., C; Jeff Zajac, sr., P-IF; Rob Szulczewski, sr., OF; Billy Lietzow, jr., IF; Chris Bangert, sr., P-OF; Marc Pischetola, jr., P.

Scouting report: Nall replaces longtime West Chicago coach Dan McCarthy, who retired from teaching at the end of last school year. Nall is a Schaumburg graduate who played eight years in the Dodgers minor-league organization. An assistant and head coach at various levels, Nall's goal is to hit the ground competing. "I couldn't be happier with where I landed," he said. "We just want to compete from the first pitch on." The Wildcats suffered significant graduation losses, but Dall is back to anchor the defense at shortstop and lead the offense after last season batting .317. Szulczewski hit .295. Lietzow at the top of the order, Lauro, Natzke and Sawicki must fill in around them. The pitching staff graduated more than 120 innings. Arms must develop among Natzke, Zajac, Bangert and others.

Westmont

Coach: D.J. Cocks.

Last year: 21-15, 7-9, tied for second in Interstate Eight North; lost 6-4 to St. Joseph in Class 2A St. Joseph regional semifinals.

Top players: Joe Donovan, sr., C-IF-OF; Dan Fredericks, sr., P-IF; Michael Kokoszka, jr., P-IF-OF; Chad Johnson, jr., C-OF-P; Caden Anderson, so., P-1B-OF; Alex Marotta, so., P-OF-3B; Matt O'Leary, so., P-IF-OF; Robbie Burns, so., P-DH-OF.

Scouting report: Any team starting the season with a player like Michigan-bound Donovan is in good shape. But the Sentinels offer much more beyond one of the state's top players. "These guys are very talented," Cocks said. "If we get the performances we need on the mound, we'll be tough to beat." Fredericks and Anderson return a combined 55 innings, but there are nine pitchers expecting to contribute. The key offensively is protecting Donovan, who hit .523 with 10 homers and 44 RBI, at the top of the order. After stealing 38 of 38 bases last season, if Donovan gets on first he'll likely end up on third. Marotta drove in 30 runs while Kokoszka hit .358. Three of the five sophomores on the team were up as freshmen. Only three seniors are on the roster but it's still an experienced group with high expectations.

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Brad Byrne.

Last year: 19-14, 12-7, tied for second in Metro Suburban West; lost 10-5 to Carmel in Class 3A Vernon Hills regional final.

Top players: Harrison Taylor, sr., OF-SS; Payton Sowa, jr., P-SS; Jake Koslosky, jr., P-IF; Kellen Mitchell, sr., P-IF; Anthony Vavrinchik, sr., 2B; Isaiah Bedrossian, sr., OF; Jason Poulos, sr., P; Max Martin, so., P; Mike Cortez, so, P; Jimmy Paganis, so., P.

Scouting report: Behind a trio of three-year starters in Taylor, Vavrinchik and Mitchell, the Warriors will make a strong run at defending their conference title. "You never know how they're going to react, but I like the way this group is coming together," Byrne said. Taylor is the top returning hitter after last season batting .275. Sowa drove in 22 runs. With Vavrinchik, Koslosky and Mitchell, the Warriors hope to improve upon last season's .279 team average. Sowa and Mitchell combined for 9 victories and 95 innings while posting sub-3.00 ERAs. Koslosky returns another 32 innings and earned 2 wins. There are four sophomores on the roster, and all of them will pitch for a deep staff and contribute to a deep lineup. "I don't think we've had this kind of depth in the 10 years I've been here," Byrne said.

Wheaton North

Coach: Dan Schoessling.

Last year: 19-16, 13-11, tied for fifth in DuPage Valley; lost 6-1 to St. Charles North in Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional final.

Top players: Erik Mueller, sr., 3B; John Carlson, sr., SS; Ben Leander, sr., IF; Jackson Gray, jr., P; Andrew Nelson, sr., P; D.J. Hagen, jr., OF; Chris Donahue, jr., OF; Connor Olson, jr., OF; Mitch Creer, sr., C; Jonathan Vesevick, jr., P; Bjorn Bostrom, jr., P.

Scouting report: It took a grind for the Falcons to pull out 19 wins last year. It'll take a similar grind this season with an inexperienced pitching staff that graduated three arms accounting for 150 innings and 18 wins. "The first few weeks we'll need to get the pitching going, especially the juniors," Schoessling said. "Hopefully we can settle in after that." Gray and Nelson combined for 32 innings as the only returning pitchers with experience. Strong defense will be more important than ever, and that starts with the steady presence of Carlson at shortstop and good infield gloves in general. "We can't afford to give away any extra outs," Schoessling said. Mueller, who hit .333 last year, led the team with 20 RBI. Between Olson, Carlson, Nelson and Leander, the Falcons should generate runs.

WW South

Coach: Tim Brylka.

Last year: 6-23, 4-20, ninth in DuPage Valley; lost 10-0 to Downers North in Class 4A Plainfield East regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Griffen Pschigoda, sr., C; Caleb Larson, so., P-1B; Jared Smaga, sr., P-IF; Brandon Luna, sr., P; Ryan Keeley, so., P; Ryan Simak, sr., 2B; Mitch Sandleback, jr., OF; Kendall Simpson, jr., OF; Matt Scherrman, so., SS-P; Joe Adamek, so., OF; Brad Novak, so., P-IF-OF.

Scouting report: Despite last season's struggles there's optimism in the program thanks to a burst of young energy. It starts on the mound with Larson, committed to Illinois, and Keeley, one of the state's top sophomores. "Our strength will be on the mound," Brylka said. "We've got experience and potential there." Smaga and Luna return experience while the potential comes from sophomore arms like Scherrman and Novak. Brylka believes this is one of his better sophomore classes, and four will be up on varsity. The lineup is thinned out, so the goal is offensive aggressiveness. Pschigoda, in addition to being a standout catcher, is a critical bat in the middle of the order. Adamek was solid leading off last summer. "There's some excitement with this group," Brylka said.

Willowbrook

Coach: Vic Wisner.

Last year: 18-17, 11-7, third in West Suburban Gold; lost 4-3 to Lake Park in Class 4A Lake Park regional final.

Top players: Kyle Ferguson, sr., 2B; M.J. Ranieri, sr., SS; Jon Kelso, sr., OF; Trevor Jaloszynski, so., OF; Alec Michaelson, sr., P; Scott Kohrt, sr., P; Will Hines, sr., P; Ben Espinoza, sr., OF; Dan Gusel, sr., C; Mike Dembowski, sr., 1B; Ryan Mintz, so., P; Jack Hines, so., P-SS; Jack Nilles, so., P-SS.

Scouting report: Last year's freshman team went 28-2 with three players up on the sophomore team and Jaloszynski on varsity. The team then went out and won 20 straight games in the summer. While that guarantees nothing, it makes the Warriors an interesting team to watch. "We don't want to rush this group but they look ready," Wisner said. Look for seniors to anchor the top of the batting order. Ferguson is a three-year starter who drove in 32 runs last season. Kelso drove in another 19 and Espinoza launched 3 homers in the summer. The batting order isn't set, but there are options. Michaelson went 5-0 with a sub-1.00 ERA in the summer. Will Hines and Kohrt also have pitching experience.Mintz, Jack Hines and Nilles need to step up.

York

Coach: Dave Kalal.

Last year: 19-15, 10-8, fourth in West Suburban Silver; lost 14-4 to Lane Tech in Class 4A Lane Tech regional semifinals.

Top players: Nick Lee, sr., OF-1B-P; Joey Chiappetta, jr., 3B-OF-P; Ian Steinorth, so., 2B; Ryan Ross, so., SS; Joey Yaeger, jr., 1B-DH; Burke Corcoran, sr., P; Mike Bernal, sr., C-3B; Andrew Deardurff, jr., OF; Mike Pastuovic, jr., 1B.

Scouting report: The Dukes took a look at their future last season, and now they hope to reap the benefits of that young group. The three-class mix features sophomores Steinorth and Ross, on varsity as freshmen, and a good junior class highlighted by Deardurff, a transfer from Northridge Prep. "It's unusual for us, but we'll be relying on all three classes," Kalal said. Deardurff stood out in his first action with the Dukes in the summer, and his speed gives the team an ideal candidate to lead off. The bulk of the lineup graduated, although Lee returns 86 at-bats. Lee, Bernal and Chiappetta don't have as many varsity at-bats, but they'll need to be potent in the middle of the order. Corcoran made five appearances on the mound last season, but little experience returns there as well. Junior arms must emerge.