Baseball: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Sean Bieterman
2017 record: 23-10-1, 9-3 Metro Suburban Blue (second place)
Top returning players: Seniors Hunter Darnell (3B), Mac Doherty (1B-P), Kyle Czerak (MIF-P), Adam Dickerson (IF), junior Alex Rakas (IF)
Key newcomers: Senior Michael Rivas (P), juniors Jeff Albert (OF), Eric Valles (OF), Nathan Sundberg (OF-P), sophomores Mike Elliott (C), Chris Cartright (OF-P)
Outlook: Darnell, Doherty, Czerak, Dickerson and Rakas all started last season. Darnell earned all-MSC Blue honors after hitting .340. "He's our three hitter and the guy who will have to lead us on offense," said Bieterman. Czerak is a three-year starter. Bieterman likes the depth of his pitching staff heading into the season. "We're probably strongest on the mound," he said. "We return a lot of experience. We have four or five guys who are returning and can throw the ball for us. Pitching and defensively is where we will be at our best. We return our entire infield." Bieterman added the Chargers also have speed on the bases at their disposal. "We will be quick and a lot more aggressive on the bases than in the past," he said. "This is a different type of team, but one that is talented. We have to figure out ways to score runs, but I also don't think we are going to be scored on a lot either. Rivas, Czerak and Doherty are top-of-the-rotation arms and will be helped by senior lefty Nathan Schweisthal. Bieterman sees plenty of tough games ahead in the MSC Blue this season. "I think you will see all-around competitive games," he said. "Illiana Christian won the league last year and IC Catholic Prep and Glenbard South are tough and Riverside-Brookfield always is good and Wheaton Academy won the league two years ago. In the four years we've been in the league we've been consistently in the top part of it. It's something where you are going to have to play really well to stay up there, but we have a group here that competes well."
Aurora Christian
Coach: Andy Zorger (11th year).
Conference: Northeastern Athletic.
2017 record: 24-9, 15-3.
Top returning players: Seniors Eric Hernandez (OF/P), Evan Stoneberg (IF), Clark Turek (OF/P), Evan Stoneberg (IF), Zach Zavasnik (C); juniors MJ Stavola (OF), Sam Tickel (IF/C); sophomore Jake Kuntzendorf (P/IF).
Top newcomers: Juniors Trey Madsen (IF), Hunter Thompson (P/IF); sophomore Nick Ports (IF/P).
Outlook: Zorger expects another solid season after the Eagles came within a game of capturing their first sectional championship since 2009 a year ago. Led by since-graduated catcher Tanner Dissell (. 451, 34 RBI), Aurora Christian earned its third regional title in four years in 2017 before dropping a 3-1, 10-inning decision to Somonauk in the Class 1A sectional championship. "We return a very solid core of talented players," said Zorger. "Offensively, we should be very strong, especially at the top half of the lineup with Hernandez, Tickel, Stavola, Turek, Zavasnik and Kuntzendorf all expected to produce." Kuntzendorf and Turek figure to form a strong 1-2 punch on the mound while Thompson and Ports absorb a good deal of innings as well. "We will lack depth at basically every position but should be very competitive in 1A again this year." The Eagles head to North Carolina for games March 27-29. "I think we can make another run into the sectional and then see what happens from there."
Bartlett
Coach: Devin Rosen, second year (18-13)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2017 record: 18-13
Top returning players: Seniors Joey Allen (OF), Andrew Fehr (1B), Ben Fisher (CF), Joey Tomazin (RHP), Tyler Yang (IF/RHP)
Top newcomers: Juniors Matt Ande (IF/RHP), Matt Angelone (C), Max Lewis (IF), Michael Vaca (SS)
Outlook: The Hawks enjoyed a winning season under first-year coach Rosen in 2017. Yang will anchor an otherwise inexperienced rotation at the varsity level. In 7 starts as a junior, he went 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA in 35⅔ innings over 8 appearances (7 starts), struck out 30 and walked 21. Tomazin (6-foot-5) went 1-1 in 4 starts with a 2.14 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 15 walks. Rosen said he projects Ande to be an important part of the pitching rotation. The lineup returns a few key holdovers. Leadoff man Allen batted .293, stole 29 bases in 29 attempts and scored a team-high 27 runs. Fisher returns to the outfield after batting .340 (18-for-53) in 23 games. Fehr showed promise in limited at-bats last year. He went 8 for 21 with 2 doubles, a home run and 7 RBI. Angelone was a consistent hitter with a big bat on the sophomore level, according to his coach, and Vaca shows promise at the plate. Scrappy infielder Lewis "could be part of the future," Rosen said. "I look forward to our defense having another solid year like last year. I'm hoping for better situational hitting and our pitching just being consistently good. We definitely have a lot more younger guys, so we're looking for guys from last year to show their experience and what they've learned and pass it on to the juniors. We're looking for day-in, day-out effort."
Batavia
Coach: Alex Beckmann (14-17, 2nd year).
Conference: Upstate Eight River.
2017 record: 14-17, 8-12.
Top returning players: Seniors Blake Carlson (IF/P), Jared Martin (IF/P), Justin Pelley (OF/P), Steven Wilson (P).
Top newcomers: Senior Michael Niemiec (OF); juniors Carter Gette (C), Justin Major (IF), Cole Nelson (IF), Brad Niedzwiedz (IF); sophomores Drew Lutzwig (P), Quinn Urwiler (C/OF).
Outlook: Whether the Bulldogs pick up where they left off down the stretch a year ago when they finished with a 5-2 record over the last couple weeks. Martin, a third-year starting shortstop and pitcher, figures to be one of the aces for Beckmann's staff that includes DePauw University-bound Pelley and Carlson. "They're among the few guys who saw significant playing time last year," said Beckmann. Niemiec, who helped anchor the Bulldogs' defense during their Class 7A state championship football run last fall, returns to the diamond after missing all last season with a knee injury. Since-graduated right-handed pitcher/infielder Glenn Albanese (4-0, 1.65 ERA, .352 batting average, 23 RBI) will be tough to replace but Beckmann likes the group he has to work with. "We have a strong junior class and some team speed," said the coach. "We feel that we are always in contention to compete for the conference title." Batavia will face Benet Academy and Naperville North March 26 and 29 at Wheaton College's Pfund Field. "We're really pleased with how this team has come together in our first two weeks of practice," said Beckmann.
Burlington Central
Coach: Kyle Nelson, 13th year
Conference: Kishwaukee River
2017 record: 28-10, 14-4 KRC
Top returning players: Seniors Bradley Dinges (RHP/IF), Kyle Hresil (LHP/1B/OF), Ryan Knowlton (RHP/OF), Nick Matijevic (C/1BDH), Paddy McKermitt (SS), Jake Mellinger (2B/SS), Zach Schutta (OF), Caden Scott (OF)
Top newcomers: Juniors Andrew Griffin (IF/RHP), Danny Kinney (LHP), Colton Wallace (C/3B); sophomores Ethan Krieger (OF/1B), Zach Zuiker (RHP)
Outlook: The Rockets have a veteran everyday lineup led by NIU signee McKermitt and outfielders Knowlton and Schutta. They'll need to score runs for a promising but inexperienced pitching staff of Dinges, Hresil, Kinney, Knowlton and Zuiker. Hresil is the most experienced of the group. In 19 innings last year, he posted a 2.21 ERA and a 2-3 record, struck out 19 and walked 7. Coach Kyle Nelson said solid defense should give his young pitchers a lift, particularly up the middle with McKermitt back to vacuum every ball hit to shortstop, Mellinger (Marian Univ.) and Dinges at second base and Wallace and Matijevic (ECC) behind the plate. Offensively, Knowlton and Schutta are proven commodities. Knowlton (Wisconsin-Whitewater) batted .342 last year with 12 doubles, 2 home runs, 28 RBI and 30 runs. Schutta batted .358 with 8 doubles, 2 home runs, 18 RBI and 20 runs. Matijevic hit .306 and drove in 11 and McKermitt batted .274 and scored 23 runs. McKermitt's highest value is in the field, where he vacuums most balls hit to his area. The Rockets begin their season with a spring break road trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Don Sutherland, 31st year
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 24-10, 16-8 FVC
Top returning players: Senior Ryan Ignoffo (OF/P); junior Quinn Priester (P/OF)
Top newcomers: Seniors Benjamin Belgrave (P) Matt Brieg (C/1B), Steve Calamari (IF), Robert Deischer (P), Kyle Ives (C/IF), Brandon Meinke (P), Alex Riehman (P); junior L.J. Waco (SS)
Outlook: Scoring runs against the top of the Cary-Grove pitching rotation won't be easy. The Trojans return a proven 1-2 punch of Priester and Ignoffo. Priester committed to NCAA national power Texas Christian before his sophomore season. In his first varsity campaign with the Trojans, he went 4-2, allowed only 8 earned runs in 49⅔ innings over 9 starts (1.13 ERA) and posted a .926 WHIP. He struck out 71 and walked 22. Ignoffo, committed to Eastern Illinois, finished his junior year 5-1 with a 3.60 ERA, 29 strikeouts and 19 walks. Cary-Grove is relatively inexperienced at the varsity level beyond its top two pitchers, but coach Don Sutherland says the entire staff has potential, most notably Meinke, Deischer, Riehman and Belgrave, all of whom worked hard in the off-season and took pitching lessons. Ignoffo and Priester are double threats. Ignoffo hit .405 (45-for-111) with 33 RBI and led the team in hits (45), doubles (10), triples (2) and runs (31). Priester plays the outfield when he doesn't pitch and is the only other regular returning to the lineup. He batted .276 (21-for-76) with 5 doubles, a home run and 15 RBI. Though the Trojans lost many regulars to graduation, Sutherland has a gut feeling this team will be better than a year ago, when defensive issues plagued the Trojans. "I think we'll be much better defensively and offensively despite our lack of experience," he said. "You base that upon a feeling of practice tempo, how they get along and what you hear them talk about. The experience isn't there but the passion is."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Bogda, 11th year (227-109)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 36-5, 19-5; Class 4A state champions
Top returning players: Seniors Harrison Hinz (C), Blake Kuffel (1B/P), Kyle Lang (P), Mark Paul (P), Scott Skwarek (IF), Riley Tannhauser (P), Noah Tyrrell (1B/OF/P)
Top newcomers: Juniors Beiker Fuentes (IF/OF/P), Kyle Hetherington (OF/P), Evan Jewson (C/P), Trevor Keegan (1B/DH), Henry Tipton (IF), Ghavin James (1B/DH); sophomores Ian Gorken (OF), Ben Peltz (C/3B).
Outlook: The Gators are back for another bite after winning the 2017 Class 4A state title. Pitching should be a strength. CL South returns four hurlers who threw at least 25 innings a year ago. That list is headed by McHenry County College commit Lang, a 6-foot-4 right-hander who least season went 10-0 with 2 saves and a 1.36 ERA. He also batted .373 with 2 home runs and 25 RBI. Other rotation candidates include Tannhauser (3-1, 2.24 ERA, 25 IP), Tyrrell (2-1, 0.53 ERA, 25⅓ IP), St. Mary University (Minn.) recruit Paul (4-2, 1.71 ERA, 28⅔ IP) and Kuffel (1-0, 4.94 ERA, 11⅓ IP). The big bat returning to the lineup belongs to finals MVP Tyrrell (Wisconsin-Parkside). He didn't hit a regular-season home run but in 2 games in Joliet went 5-for-9 with 2 homers, a triple and 9 RBI. MCC commit Skwarek batted .282 with 19 RBI and scored 28 runs. The lineup should get a lift from junior Beiker Fuentes, the younger brother of graduated pure hitter Brian Fuentes, now at Wabash Valley JC. The Gators know it's never easy in the rigorous Fox Valley Conference. Heck, they finished first in the state last year but second in the FVC. "The biggest obstacle that stands in our way is the traditionally strong FVC," said coach Brian Bogda, named 2017 Class 4A coach of the year by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Matt Mueller, second year (14-18)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 14-18, 8-16 FVC
Top returning players: Seniors Erik Hedmark (P/OF), Zach Hahn (C/IF), Jack Waldron (1B); junior Joey Marczyk (C/IF)
Top newcomers: Juniors Ray Gestrich (IF), Riley Fischer (P), Simon Schumacher (1B), Evan Wenc (IF/OF); sophomores Nick Gregory (OF/P), Justin Lawson (IF)
Outlook: Once the youngest player on a veteran Dundee-Crown roster, NIU-bound lefty pitcher Erik Hedmark is now the trusty 'ol vet leading a young team. The fourth-year varsity pitcher went 4-4 with a save last season. In 53⅔ innings over 11 appearances (9 starts), he struck out 66, walked 18 and beaned 6 batsmen. Beyond Hedmark, Hahn and Marczyk each started one game last year. Hahn returns to catch after seeing limited duty as a junior. He has a good eye. In 36 plate appearances, Hahn drew 9 walks, elevating his on-base rate to .417. Waldron is back to play first base. He batted. 282 a year ago (11-for-39). Hedmark led the Chargers last season with a .326 batting average (30-for-92) and drew 22 walks to reach base in 45.7 percent of his 116 plate appearances. There are plenty of opportunities for playing time following the graduation of 12 seniors. "Hedmark will anchor a young staff that has only 12 of innings of varsity experience outside of him," coach Matt Mueller said. "Hahn and Waldron have also been strong leaders for our younger players. and sophomores Nick Gregory and Justin Lawson should contribute right away."
Elgin
Coach: David Foerster, 12th year
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 5-27, 3-20 UEC River
Top returning players: Seniors RJ Bartlett (RHP/IF), John Fortmann (SS), Cameron Jackson (OF), Payton Reynolds (OF/RHP), Jack Sitter (IF/RHP), Matt Turner (RHP); juniors Kyle Coates (RHP), Tim Mitchell (OF/LHP)
Top newcomers: Juniors Eric Damerow (IF), Kejaun Harvey (C), Cameron Kendall (IF/RHP)
Outlook: A veteran pitching staff and several returning position players offer hope for a turnaround season. Last year's 5.75 team earned-run average is bound to come down based on a year of varsity experience alone. Elgin returns the arms responsible for 91 percent of innings pitched in 2017. Leading the rotation is Coates. He paced the staff as a sophomore with a 2.25 ERA in 49 innings, struck out 35, walked 14 and hit 12 batsmen. Sitter (4.56) was the only other Maroon to post a sub 5.00 ERA, but Turner, Fortmann, Reynolds, Bartlett and Mitchell will all be in the mix. Sitter led Elgin with a .307 batting average (23-for-75). All 23 hits were singles, but putting the ball in play led to 14 RBI and a tie for the team lead with Coates, who batted .282 with 7 doubles. Fortmann batted .299 (26-for-87) and drew 13 walks to reach base in 40.2 percent of his 102 plate appearances. Does Elgin have enough to finish with a winning record? "We are a veteran group with a decent amount of varsity experience returning," coach David Foerster said. "We return virtually all of our pitching from last year. As long as we throw strikes and make routine plays on defense, we should be very competitive."
Elgin Academy
Coach: Steve Shapiro, fifth year (73-46)
Conference: Independent School League
2017 record: 22-6
Top returning players: Seniors Jonathan Cruz (P/SS), Jordan Hare (P/OF); sophomores Ethan Hill (IF/P), Ethan Plantz (IF/OF)
Top newcomers: Junior Collin Konicek (C/OF); sophomore CJ Carni (IF/P)
Outlook: 2017 was a great year for Elgin Academy baseball. The Hilltoppers became the first Class 1A team to win the Independent School League and went on to win their second straight regional title. The program graduated all-state hitter Ian Wilson and all-ISL selection Andrew Wilson, two players who helped revive the school's baseball program. The team still has the talent to remain competitive, starting with pitcher/shortstop Cruz, a second-team Class 1A all-state pick committed to Northern Illinois. He batted .413 last season (31-for-75) with 6 doubles, a triple, a home run, 13 RBI and scored 30 runs. He reached base in 50.5 percent of 93 plate appearances. Hare, committed to division-III Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., batted .435 (27-for-62) with 22 RBI and scored 22 runs. Hill hit .423 (33-for-78) with 11 doubles and 3 home runs and was named all-ISL as a freshman. Plantz batted .348 (23-for-66) drove in 18 and scored 18 runs. Cruz is the rotation ace. Last year he went 5-0 in 11 appearances (7 starts) and posted a 2.28 ERA, struck out 64 and walked 14 in 40 innings. Hill forged a 1-1 record in 18 innings over 4 appearances and was named all-ISL. The Hilltoppers are as deep on the mound as they've been, said coach Steve Shapiro, who laid out the team's mission statement: "Be playing high school baseball games in June and keep providing wonderful opportunities to academic athletes that want to fulfill their dreams of playing college baseball at a top academic university."
Geneva
Coach: Brad Wendell (20-12, 2nd year).
Conference: Upstate Eight River.
2017 record: 20-12, 16-7.
Top returning players: Seniors Dominic Guido (SS/2B), Ian Hanson (P/3B), Josh Rose (C), Sean Sinisko (P/1B), Sean Baumgartner (SS/3B), Nathan Dewey (OF), Tyler Venditti (P/1B).
Top newcomers: Juniors Nick Black (P/3B), Jackson Chase (OF), Graham Radabaugh (P/OF).
Outlook: Wendell learned plenty during his first year as the Vikings' head coach last season. "The amount of work involved as a head coach is a lot," said Wendell, who guided the team to a second-place tie in UEC River play with St. Charles East. "There are added daily responsibilities and game management decisions like pitching, stealing, base running. It was a change but an enjoyable one." Despite the graduation loss of pitcher Noah Davison (9-4 now at MSOE), Jack Olson (Augustana), Dylan Baer (Augustana) and Jeremy Davis (ECC), the Vikings return a senior-dominated group anchored by all-conference selections Guido and Sinisko. Guido, who will play at Carthage next year), hit .373 with 19 RBI while starting most of the 2017 campaign at second base or designated hitter. Sinisko, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound left-hander, went 7-1 with a sparkling 1.20 ERA in 40 2/3 innings last season. "Sean has a big arm and the ability to be dominant," Wendell said of the Illinois State commit. "He's a kid you trust on the mound to throw strikes." Rose enters his third varsity season at catcher after batting .296 with 20 RBI a year ago. The Vikings head to the Jacksonville Jamboree in downstate Illinois March 23-25 where they'll face Lincoln-Way East, Andrew and Woodstock. Geneva opens conference action April 3-5 against Larkin before meeting UEC River defending champion St. Charles North April 10-12. "I feel we can compete with anybody," said Wendell. "We're hoping to have more quality at-bats and put the ball in play more in key situations."
Hampshire
Coach: Frank Simoncelli, first year
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 9-27-1, 3-21 FVC
Top returning players: Seniors Ben Corcelles (IF/RHP), Kevin Kardas (RHP), Ryan Korabik (1B/RHP) Kevin Michaelsen (SS/RHP), Christian Puente (OF/LHP), Nicholas Tenny (IF/OF/RHP), Matthew Wians (C); juniors Matthew Jachec (IF/OF/RHP), Trevor Laffin (OF/RHP), Logan Nespor (IF/OF/RHP)
Top newcomers: Juniors Zachary Golden (OF/RHP), Andrew Krajecki (IF/OF/RHP), Nicholas Sladek (1B/RHP)
Outlook: Hampshire baseball has a new leader in Frank Simoncelli, who spent the last four seasons as varsity pitching coach. His first team boasts its share of returning arms. Jachec finished 4-4 with a 3.99 ERA as a sophomore. The righty with natural movement on his fastball struck out 40 and walked 20 in 40⅓ innings. Left-hander Puente posted a 2-4 record and a 3.69 ERA in 36 innings. Nespor should be able to lower his ERA following a sophomore campaign in which he gained 33 innings of varsity experience. Kardas gained two starting nods to build upon. Hampshire's pitching staff is in experienced hands with Wians, who enters his third year as starting catcher. He threw out 22 percent of would-be base stealers and made only 7 errors in 159 chances. Offensively, the Whip-Purs look to improve on a .247 team batting average. Laffin batted .280 as a sophomore (23-for-82) with 4 doubles. Jachec hit .296 (29-for-98) with 9 doubles, 2 triples, a home run and 12 RBI. The lineup should get a boost from the additions of Golden (all-FVC football), Krajecki and Sladek. "Add that with some players that gained valuable experience as sophomores last year in Jachec and Laffin and mix that with some solid senior leadership presences in Michaelsen, Corcelles, Tenny and Korabik," Simoncelli said. "I'm excited to see how it all plays out."
Harvest Christian
Coach: David Lockwood
2017 record: 29-5, 17-1 Northeastern Athletic champions
Top returning players: Seniors Drew Lewis (3B-SS-P), Dayne Frederick (LF), Joey Pepper (P-3B-C), Zach Pawelek (P-CF), Dylan Lockwood (OF-P-1B), Dominick Olech (C-2B-P), juniors Brock Wilken (1B-P), Grant Young (SS-P), Jack Nohava (3B-C-1B)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Gilbert Duran (2B-P)
Outlook: The Lions are loaded with returning players who garnered various awards in 2017. Pepper was a first-team all-state pick and along with Lewis, Frederick, Pawelek, Lockwood and Wilken all made the all-NAC team. Lewis and Frederick are headed to Judson, while Olech will play at Trinity International. "We should have a very strong lineup this season with a mostly all-upperclassmen lineup for the first time here," said Lockwood. Depth will help on the defensive side. "We have much more depth this year that will allow us to fill in gaps and be stronger overall defensively even as we shift around the lineup for pitching substitutions," said Lockwood. Speaking of pitching, the Lions have the arms to go deep into a starting rotation. "Our staff remains intact from last season with much more depth this year," said Lockwood. "We can go 5-6 deep with a starting rotation, which will help immensely with the new pitch-count guidelines." Lockwood is looking for more success this season. "We have several players I expect to have great seasons and several that should have breakout seasons as well," he said. "Many have put in the work in the off-season and that should pay dividends in the next few months. Our first goal is to win conference and expectations are high beyond that. We have beefed up the schedule this season and are looking forward to seeing how this team handles adversity. How we come together and grow as a group through this will be very important and will be a main focus of our team. If we come together, stay focused and work hard, the result you are looking for generally takes care of itself. I look forward to leading a great group of young men this season."
Huntley
Coach: Andy Jakubowski, 19th year overall (361-278-2); 13th year at Huntley (266-153-2)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 31-7, 20-3 FVC
Top returning players: Seniors Chris Costantino (OF), Keegan Garcelon (RHP), Jordan Goldstein (SS/UT), Nathaniel Goodrich (LHP), Kamrin Hoffman (UT/C), Nick Laxner (RHP), Kyle Morgan (LHP), Joey Petryniec (OF), Matt Rodriguez (RHP/3B), Grant Yakimisky (RHP), Anthony Zak (2B); junior AJ Henkle (OF)
Top newcomers: Seniors Joe Rosenthal (LHP), Diego Solares (RHP); juniors Michael Boland (OF), Jackson Broom (RHP/3B), Dylan Janke (RHP/C), Kyle Maurer (RHP/1B), Zach Model (2B), Eli Papalanus (RHP), Davis Pasco (RHP/OF), Jason Peters (3B/UT), Hunter Rumachik (LHP/1B), Michael Talesky (3B), Josh Tarlin (1B); sophomore Evan Tomco (RHP/SS)
Outlook: The Red Raiders edged Crystal Lake South for the FVC title last year but lost to the eventual Class 4A state champs 6-2 in a sectional title game. Huntley's league title defense begins with a strong pitching staff led by two of last year's top three arms: Morgan (McHenry Community College) and Laxner (Miami, Ohio). Each enters his third varsity season. Morgan was 4-2 with 2 saves and a 1.73 ERA last year. The lefty struck out 45 and issued 15 walks in 48⅔ innings. Laxner finished 5-2 with a 1.20 ERA in 35 innings, 28 strikeouts and 6 walks. Garcelon pitched but 8 innings for Huntley last season and went 1-0 with 11 strikeouts and 4 walks. Yakimisky (Wisconsin-Osh Kosh) pitched only 1 inning for the Red Raiders in 2017. Solares (Carthage) didn't play last year but could be in the mix. The entire staff benefits from the return of the smooth-fielding Goldstein at shortstop. He is committed to Dubuque. The only other everyday player returning is Rodriguez, who batted .324 (24-for-74) with 5 doubles and 18 RBI, which means the Red Raiders "will be adept at the small ballgame as well as buying into the quality AB concept," coach Andy Jakubowski said. "(We) will have athletic individuals who will put pressure on the defense and they will look for ways to score and add on each inning."
Larkin
Coach: Matt Esterino, 10th year (128-191)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 13-18, 7-15 UEC River
Top returning players: Seniors Jeff Althamar (3B/C/OF), Gunnar Boley (RHP/SS), Andy Bonnot (RHP/OF), Cy Kerber (C/IF/OF), Aaron Lazovick (IF/RHP), Kobe Mounivong (LHP/1B), Jackson Reuter (RHP/OF/IF), Max Wiskirchen (1B/OF/LHP); juniors: Max Anderson (1B/LHP/OF)
Top newcomers: Juniors Kevin Duffy (RHP/OF), Zach Hubbard (IF/RHP) Sebastian Nava (IF/RHP), Thomas Woodruff (OF/RHP)
Outlook: Larkin has been building toward this season for two years. The goal is to return to the upper tier of the Upstate Eight River, if not challenge for the title, led by five seniors who have played varsity baseball since they were sophomores: Boley, Bonnot, Kerber, Mounivong and Reuter. The bulk of the rotation returns in Mounivong, Boley, Kerber and junior Max Anderson. In 8 starts as a sophomore, Anderson went 4-2 with a 4.20 ERA. In 40 innings, he struck out 28 and walked 21. Boley (Judson), is a multidimensional contributor. His .329 batting average (27-for-82) led the Royals and his 2-3 pitching record included wins at Batavia and St. Charles East. Mounivong went 3-5 with a 3.38 ERA, struck out 31 and walked 21 in 37.1 innings. Amazingly, the trio of left-handed starting pitchers matches the number Esterino coached combined in nearly a decade at Larkin. Reuter (Simpson College) finished with team highs in walks (20), on-base percentage (. 414) and runs scored (24) and hit .284 with 8 doubles. Kerber (Rock Valley College) batted .282 with 5 doubles and 14 RBI. He started 2 games on the mound and went 1-0 with a 2.80 ERA. Bonnot (Aurora University) batted .275, scored 24 runs and drove in 12. Nava could find a spot at the bottom of the rotation. Wiskirchen and Lazovic will get chances to pitch, too. Infielder/outfielder Althamar is one of seven returning position players. Is it enough for the Royals to forge a winning record, last accomplished when they went 22-17 in 2009? "I think we've got a team that is hungry, for sure," Esterino said. "We have a group of competitors with lofty goals to compete in conference and be playing our best toward the end. Depth could be an issue, but the juniors can help us with their intelligence and the seniors have experience. It's just a matter of us putting it together and finding a high level of consistent baseball because you can't afford lulls in our conference. We know where we're going and the direction we're headed, so we're excited."
Jacobs
Coach: Jamie Murray, seventh year
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 19-18, 9-15 FVC
Top returning players: Seniors Austin Asplen (P), Matt Camp (P), Cory Dennison (2B), Spencer Foulks (1B/C/OF), Justin Lavrisa (P), Daniel Murray (P/1B), Liam Oreskovich (C), Braden Wegner (OF/P); juniors Daniel Klein (OF), Christian Scianna (OF/2B), Bryce Vincent (3B)
Top newcomers: Juniors Luke Holub (1B), Adam Sonnefeldt (P); sophomores Andrew Balkcom (P/OF), Bryan Belo (SS)
Outlook: Jacobs welcomes back three of the top four pitchers from last year's rotation: Lavrisa (54⅓ IP), Camp (32⅔ IP) and Dennison (30 IP). For the Golden Eagles to again challenge for the Fox Valley Conference title, they have to improve at the plate. The team batting average slipped to .269 last year compared to .290 in 2016. Dennison is the leading returning hitter with a .313 average in 64 at-bats. He reached base in 41 percent of his plate appearances. Wegner batted .250 in 68 at-bats with 13 RBI. Klein hit .269 in 78 at-bats with 4 doubles and drove in 22 runs. Oreskovich batted .273 (27-for-99) with 8 doubles and 13 RBI. Foulks hit .276 in 58 at-bats. The expectation is each will improve at the plate with a year's experience. Meanwhile, pitching will be a strength. Lavrisa went 5-3 in 10 starts with a 2.45 ERA, struck out 56 and walked 14. Camp finished with a 2-2 record in 12 appearances (5 starts) and a 2.79 ERA, 33 strikeouts and 12 walks.
Camp 2.79, Dennison struck out 19 and walked 19 in 10 appearances (6 starts). "There are a lot of things to like about this group, specifically, the strong relationships that they share on and off the field," coach Jamie Murray said. "As baseball players, they play with passion and are very competitive. We are returning a solid nucleus of players who have fun playing together and for each other."
Kaneland
Coach: Brian Aversa
2017 record: 20-14, 6-6 NIB XII (third place)
Top returning players: Seniors Robbie Dudzinski (3B-P-1B), Luke Gomes (CF), Zach Farris (C)
Key newcomers: Juniors Nik Panico (P-C-DH), Jonathan Alstott (OF)
Outlook: Dudzinski was the team's top hitter last year at .412. "We expect bigger things from him," said Aversa. "He worked his butt off this offseason." Gomes is another returning starter in center. "Luke is quick, fast and can cover a lot of ground in the outfield," said Aversa. "Not a lot drops in the outfield with him out there." Offense and pitching will be two key calling cards for the Knights. "We can score runs and utilize our speed effectively," the coach said. "Our pitching staff is solid. I think our pitching staff and offense will be the two things we will need to lean on this year. We don't have a true No. 1, 2 or 3. We have a half-dozen guys who we are confident in handing them the ball in any situation." Defense will be the wild card early on. "Defensively we have some guys in some new places and we will see how well we can all get on the same page," said Aversa. "The faster we do that the better we will be." Aversa, like in other years, sees Kaneland as a prime contender in the conference. "We think we can be competitive every year for that top spot," he said. "We played a lot of close games in the conference, but I think we are in a position that we can make a big statement early on with our opening series against Yorkville. We have a very strong conference and every year it is a fight." The coach added an immediate need is to see an outdoor field. "We need to get on a field," he said. "We've been inside so much we don't really get to see the natural hop a ball takes on grass or turf. The sooner we can get on a real playing surface, the quicker we can see what adjustments we need to make in order to be successful."
Marmion Academy
Coach: Frank Chapman
2017 record: 23-17, 5-9 Chicago Catholic Blue Division
Top returning players: Seniors Chase Stanke (C), Brandon McPherson (RHP-OF), Jack Molenhouse (utility), Bryce Burton (OF-RHP), juniors Dillion Di lorio (1B-OF), Eric Lundell (RHP), Nick Talarico (IF RHP)
Key newcomers: Juniors Jake Carlson (SS), Jackson Best (C-IF)
Outlook: Marmion, which finished third in the state a year ago in its first trip on that stage, is loaded for battle again this year. Four-year starters Stanke and McPherson headline a long list of returners. Stanke, headed to the University of Minnesota, hit .317 with 10 doubles, 4 homers and 24 RBI. He was an all-state and all-CCL pick. McPherson, another all-state pick, hit .333 and was 7-2 on the mound with a 1.13 ERA and racked up 79 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings. Molenhouse, a St. Norbert signee, hit .420 with a .545 on-base percentage. He had 20 RBI and was hit by 15 pitches. Burton (. 321) is headed to Rock Valley College. Lundell was 5-3 with 44 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings, giving Chapman more than 100 innings of returning experience on the mound from two players. Talarico logged 17 innings and fanned 19 (2.05 ERA) as a sophomore. "The starting rotation again will be a strength, but expended contribution from several seniors and the development of the junior class will be key to another deep postseason run," said Chapman. Stanke and McPherson are four-year starters. Marmion return five of the six hitters that paced the offensive lineup from a year ago. "The expectation this year is to make another run at the state series and finish at the top of the talent rich and deep Chicago Catholic League Blue Division," Chapman added.
South Elgin
Coach: Jim Kating, 11th year (215-140-1)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2017 record: 25-5
Top returning players: Seniors Ryan Dominick (IF/OF), Nate Gomez (P/), Patrick Keaty (IF/P), Zach Saunders (C), Nate Smith (3B), Jack Watkins (OF/P); juniors Austin Doty (OF), Ben Hetelle (OF/P), Nick Poblocki (IF/P), Logan Romasanta (C/P), Tyler Sloan (P/IF)
Top newcomers: Juniors Grant Baker (OF), Kyle Crosby (IF/P), Garrett Wano (IF/OF)
Outlook: A retooled lineup looks to remain competitive. The heart of the batting order and three of the top four pitchers who helped South Elgin win its first UEC Valley title and a Class 4A sectional title have graduated. There is still talent, headed by returning all-area honorary captain Gomez, who intends to play football and baseball at Division-II Northwood University (Mich.). Last year he and led the Storm in batting average (. 422), doubles (10) and runs (29). He hit 3 home runs and drove in 26. On the mound he was 6-0 with 2 saves and a .656 ERA. Smith returns at third base and Keaty is back at shortstop. Smith batted .292 (21-for-72) with 12 RBI and 16 runs. Keaty batted .326 (29-for-89) with 6 doubles and 18 RBI. Spot starter Watkins (Triton) returns to the outfield after batting .305 in 58 at-bats. Romasanta, who will share catching duties with Saunders, had 11 hits in 37 at-bats (. 297) as a sophomore. Outfielder Doty got his feet wet at the varsity level late in the year. Others in the mix to contribute more this season are Sloan (Elmhurst), Dominick (Wisconsin Lutheran) and Poblacki (Wisconsin Lutheran). Jobs are open for the taking. "We're in the process of trying to find out who we are, who can pitch and who can contribute to what's going on," coach Jim Kating said. "We're trying to duplicate the atmosphere of those good years we've had where we've had good groups of kids who pulled for each other. Trying to duplicate that is the challenge."
St. Charles East
Coach: Len Asquini (371-158-1, 15th year).
Conference: Upstate Eight River.
2017 record: 22-11, 16-7.
Top returning players: Seniors John Dellostritto (SS), Pat Griffin (OF), Drew Conn (P/C), Jeremy Cox (P), Brett Brueske (P), Charlie Charpentier (OF/P), Jack Jordan (P/1B), Tyler Hudon (P).
Top newcomers: Juniors Connor Dunfee (P), Nick Manthei (P), Alec Rupp (P), Robert Carne (OF), Thomas Schroeder (IF/P), Ben Testo (OF); sophomores Clay Conn (IF), Cole Conn (C/OF).
Outlook: A year ago, St. Charles East entered the final week of the season with a 22-6 record before dropping its last five games, capped by a 2-1 regional semifinal loss to Conant. "It certainly wasn't the way we wanted to finish the season," said Asquini. Right-handed starting pitchers Drew Conn (Triton) and Cox (Dubuque) return with the most experience while southpaws Brueske (ECC) and Hudon (North Central) figure into the pitching plans. "We have four kids who have committed to play at the next level on the hill," said Asquini. "Hopefully that's going to be a driving force for them. I also like how much the juniors have advanced. They've come a long ways since the summer in terms of velocity and poise." All-conference shortstop Dellostritto anchors what could be a versatile infield. "We have a lot of moving parts and we like the pieces we have," Asquini said of a group that also includes Jordan, Schroeder, Clay Conn, Jude Clodi and Mike Abruzzo. "It may be a little bit of a juggling match early but I hope we can figure out a starting lineup real quick and just run with them." With the exception of center fielder Griffin, competition for the corner outfield spots remains ongoing. "It's still wide open," said the coach. "We're not sure what we're going to do yet." The Saints hope to contend for the UEC River title before joining the Dukane Conference in 2019. "We'd like to leave this conference with a bang and walk out with the final conference championship."
St. Charles North
Coach: Todd Genke (319-110, 14th year).
Conference: Upstate Eight River.
2017 record: 30-5, 24-1.
Top returning players: Seniors Justin Dunne (IF), Christian Erickson (IF/P), Steve Hamer (OF/P), Erik Larson (P/IF), Tommy Nelson (OF/P), Sean Nemetz (C), Nick Skurka (P).
Top newcomers: Tristan Cazel (P), Nick Demarco (IF/P), John Hamer (OF/P), Luke Heflen (1B/P), Egon Hein (IF), Ryan Thiesse (OF).
Outlook: While opposing coaches won't have to deal with the Mettetal twins - Tyler (. 359, 21 RBI) and Zach (. 387, 31 RBI) - or Sam Faith (. 468, 4 HR, 41 RBI) any longer, they'll still likely face plenty of quality players at St. Charles North. Those three Division 1 players have moved on to Memphis and Missouri State, respectively, but the North Stars return a talented group headed by veteran catcher Nemetz (Hillsdale College), left-handers Steve Hamer (Miami of Ohio) and Skurka, and Nelson (UW-LaCrosse). Nemetz led the team in batting average this past summer (. 477) as the North Stars reached the state tournament. Hamer and Skurka both throw in the mid to upper 80s (mph) while the former hits for power and average with excellent speed on the base paths. Genke calls Nelson "the best athlete on the team with the best outfield arm in the conference." Larson, another southpaw, could be in the starting rotation while Erickson was effective in a closing role last summer. The North Stars will be shooting for their fifth straight 4A regional crown and fourth consecutive conference title. "Offensively, we should be able to score runs in bunches but also able to execute 'small ball' opportunities when needed," said Genke. "Gaining playoff experience from the last several years with deep postseason runs will be a major factor for our success in 2018." With the exception of Nemetz, the North Stars must replace their entire infield. St. Charles North will play five varsity games and four JV contests in Cocoa Beach, Fla., March 25-29.
St. Edward
Coach: Trent Golz, second year (4-23)
Conference: Metro Suburban
2017 record: 4-23, 3-10 Metro Suburban
Top returning players: Seniors Daniel Falco (OF/P), Andrew Johnson (C/P), Jake Lesch (IF), Dylan Morawski (OF), Matthew Schimbke (P/1B); juniors Michael Lopez (P/SS), Jack Olson (3B/OF), Ethan Palomino (1B/P/OF); sophomores Joey Mandarino (IF/P), Jake Middleton (IF/OF)
Top newcomers: juniors Ben Boydston (P/IF), Danny Camarena (C/P/IF), Ben Salzmann (OF)
Outlook: The grass should be greener for the Green Wave in 2018 following last year's youth movement. First-year coach Trent Golz started multiple underclassmen last season and returns most of the team, led by returning senior all-conference selections Schimbke and Falco. In fact, the first four hitters in the order return: Falco, Lopez, Olson and Schimbke. Falco batted .463 (38-for-82) with 9 doubles, a home run, 17 RBI and 19 steals. Schimbke hit .432 (32-for-74) with 4 doubles, a home run and 19 RBI. Olson batted .300 as a sophomore with 6 doubles and 13 RBI. The Green Wave gave up a too many runs last season due to the combination of a porous defense and an extremely young pitching staff. Their second-year coach sees improvement on the horizon with seven position players returning. "The upside of having a young team last year is that they gained a year of varsity experience," coach Trent Golz said. "Most of our team saw significant playing time last year. In order to be successful, everyone from our 13-man roster needs to contribute this year. We need to be stronger defensively this season and minimize the mistakes that took us out of games last year."
Streamwood
Coach: Ryan Lasota, sixth year (43-123)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 16-15, 9-12 UEC River
Top returning players: Seniors Kevin Bauer (P/IF), Colin Caminitti (P/IF), Daniel Kuehl (P/IF), Jared Oliver (C), Koby Motykowski (OF), Michael Pawlikowski (P/1B), Chris Randel (P/UT), Dominic Robles (C/P), Martin Saldivar (UT); junior AJ Reyna (OF/P),
Top newcomers: Juniors Anthony Caruso (P/IF), Connor Johnson (P/1B), Dillon Skelnik (C/OF), Jared Martinez (IF/OF); sophomores Max Alanis (P/IF), Colin Bielinski (P/OF), Tyler Jones (P/IF)
Outlook: The Sabres intend to maintain their upward trajectory after finishing with a winning record last season for the first time since 2011 and winning a regional playoff game. A mixture of veterans and talented new blood could result in back-to-back winning seasons. Caminitti returns to lead the pitching rotation. He went 5-3 last year with a 3.50 ERA, struck out 49 and walked 10 in 57⅔ innings. He could be joined by Pawlikowski (4-5, 28 IP), Kuehl (2-5, 28 IP) and Bauer (1-0, 9⅔ IP), among many. "This is the most pitching we have had on our roster compared to previous years," coach Ryan Lasota said. "We have several guys who pitched coming back to shoulder the load for us. Having more pitchers this season will give us more flexibility to mix and match defensively and offensively later in the game." Lasota said defense should be an area of strength with multiple versatile players on the roster, but offense is a variable considering the team's top four hitters graduated. Top returnees at the plate include Robles (. 307 average, HR, 23 RBI) and Reyna, who hit .292 and reached base in 41 percent of his plate appearances.
West Aurora
Coach: John Reeves (11th year).
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley.
2017 record: 10-22, 9-12.
Top returning players: Seniors Jacob Gray (P/OF), Alberto Martinez (3B/P), J.J. Rivera (OF/P), Dustin Tomas (P/OF/IF/DH), Cam Zimmerman (C).
Top newcomers: Senior Jacob Pavey (P/SS): Juniors Alex Diaz (1B), Alec Losselyoung (2B), Adrian Ruiz (SS/P/OF), Eddie Wilson (P).
Outlook: The Blackhawks return numerous position players and pitchers from last season's squad that rebounded from a rocky start to play their best baseball over the last couple weeks. Right-hander Gray earned all-conference honors in 2017 and figures to lead an experienced pitching staff that includes Tomas and Martinez. Gray, who battled toe to toe with South Elgin ace Nate Gomez during the Blackhawks' 2-1 loss to the Storm in late-April, also deserved better in West Aurora's 4-3 regional tournament loss to Downers Grove North. "Jacob was dominating in that game," said Reeves. "I had to go get him after he reached the 105-pitch limit and we had a 3-2 lead at the time." Gray, an Aurora University recruit, will likely throw to Ripon College-bound catcher Zimmerman. Third-year starter Rivera (McKendree University) moves from shortstop to center field. "He liked it better in center," said Reeves. "I don't think he was ever comfortable at shortstop." A year ago, the Blackhawks recovered from a 4-17 start to finish 6-5 over their last 11 games. This season, Reeves hopes his team can get off to a faster start. "I think the pitching will be pretty good as well as the defense," he said. "The key will be finding ways to score runs."
Westminster Christian
Coach: Tom Polka
2017 record: 16-9, 12-6 Northeastern Athletic
Top returning players: Seniors Max Schulenburg (OF-P-C), Theron Dorsey (IF-P-C), Nathen Martinez (IF-P-C), Mason Runkel (IF-P), Sam Huguley (OF), JT Stoll (OF-P), sophomores Frankie Schlaffer (IF-P), Peter DeFalco (OF)
Key newcomers: Seniors Andrew Kurcz (IF-P), Tony Calabrese (OF)
Outlook: Polka takes over the controls of the Westminster program, but is no stranger to the proceedings. He did a pair of five-year stints as frosh-soph coach and varsity assistant. He'll be assisted by Steve Kurz, who is in his second season as the varsity assistant and was the former sophomore head coach at Marian Catholic. "Our goals are to win conference and go deep into the state tournament," said Polka. The coach noted the Warriors will be driven by a strong offense and a talented pitching staff. However, depth could be a concern with only 10 varsity players. "Staying healthy is important because of the lack of depth," he said. Polka said Aurora Christian and Harvest Christian are teams to keep an eye on in the NAC.
- Mike Miazga and Craig Brueske contributed.