Scouting DuPage County baseball

Addison Trail

Coach: Paul Parpet.

Last year: 6-30, 3-15, seventh in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Nick Karakosta, sr., SS-P; Matt Haas, jr., P; Kevin Babica, jr., 3B-P; Matt Turk, sr., OF-P; Kyle Guerriero, sr., OF; Nick Larsen, sr., P; Mike Colatorti, jr., 1B; Costa Diamond, jr., 2B; Nick Kamide, sr., DH-OF; Jim Merritello, sr., OF; Ismael DeLaCruz, jr., C; Anthony Milazzo, so., P.

Outlook: The six sophomores promoted to varsity last year are a year better. Led by all-Gold Karakosta, who hit .333 with 18 RBI, the team returns all its pitching and seven starters. If Haas and Karakosta can lead on the mound, the Blazers will improve. "We have an opportunity to be pretty good," Parpet said.

Benet

Coach: Jeff Bonebrake.

Last year: 23-14, 14-4, third in East Suburban Catholic.

Top players: Alex Staehely, sr., SS; John Boyle, sr., P; Pat Gelwicks, sr., 1B-P, Mike Vanchieri, sr., OF; Connor Reilly, jr., 3B; Matt O'Rourke, sr., C; Nick Moore, so., 2B; Patrick Callahan, jr., P; Jake Norton, jr., P; Eric Patzelt, jr., P.

Outlook: Led by Creighton-bound Staehely, who returns 39 RBI, and Boyle, who went 7-0, Benet reloaded. Reilly hit a team-high .429 while Gelwicks bolsters the offense and pitching. A big loss is graduated all-stater Bryan Roberts, but Benet will soar if the arms behind Boyle step up. "Pitching may end up as our biggest strength," Bonebrake said.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Chad Isaacson.

Last year: 22-12, 12-6, second in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Dan Sheppard, sr., C; Eric Jagielo, jr., SS; Jack Lowry, sr., 2B; Trevor Snyders, sr., OF; Marco Diaz, sr., 3B-P; Jake Murray, sr., OF; Kevin Knott, sr., 1B; Dan Morrill, sr., 1B-P; John Galligan, jr., OF; Joe Claver, jr., P-OF; Nick Nehls, jr., P.

Outlook: Sheppard, committed to Iowa, moves to catcher to lead the team. Jagielo's a returning All-Area pick who hit .400. With Galligan and Lowry, the lineup's tough. Look for newcomers Claver, Diaz and Nehls to be strong on the mound as the Trojans contend for the Silver crown. "We could make things very interesting," Isaacson said.

Downers Grove South

Coach: Darren Orel.

Last year: 28-8, 14-4, first in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Joey White, sr., OF; Dan Walsh, jr., SS; Mike Birkner, sr., C; Greg Fox, sr., P; Nick Burdi, so., P; Kyle Engel, so., IF; John Dillon, so., IF-P; Matt Wivinis, so., IF-P; Nick Tennerelli, so., C; Wes Manzer, sr., P.

Outlook: Only four experienced players return led by White and Walsh, who both hit over .400 last year. Fox, who went 3-2 with a 3.29 ERA, is the lone pitcher who returns significant innings. A major key to defending the Gold title is the rapid emergence of five sophomores up on varsity. "As much as we lost from last year, our pitching should be just as good," Orel said.

Driscoll

Coach: Sean Bieterman.

Last year: 24-9, 10-3, second in Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Gabe Tumlos, sr., 2B-OF; Steve Schwabe, sr., IF-C; Rick Divito, sr., SS-P; Andrew O'Reilly, sr., 1B-DH; Phil Bongiovanni, sr., OF; Pierre Washington-Steel, jr., OF; Joe Conti, sr., P; Austin Hennessy, jr., P; Mike Romito, sr., C; Al Bruno, sr., OF; Anthony Reaber, so., P; Tom Alt, so., DH-1B.

Outlook: Only three starters return with a new pitching staff, but never count out Driscoll. Tumlos hit .300 while Divito was all-SCC after batting .431. Hennessy, Conti, Divito and Reaber are key on the mound. "We're a different team, but we've got some very good players," Bieterman said.

Fenton

Coach: Sam Gallucci.

Last year: 11-16, 7-8, third in Metro Suburban Conference.

Top players: D.J. Anderson, sr., P-3B; Cody Cannon, sr., P-1B; Evan Scully, jr., C; Cody McDonel, sr., 3B; Alex Miles, jr., P-3B; Danny Stevens, jr., P-SS; John Zalecki, jr., P-3B; Tyler Tucci, jr., P-OF; Ian Wallace, jr., OF; Michael Mach, jr., C-SS; Danny Pingel, jr., 1B.

Outlook: The Bison will lean on juniors who won the MSC sophomore title. The goal is to win the varsity's first crown since 1953. Small ball and pitching depth feature Scully, who hit .431, and Cannon, who returns the most pitching experience. "The juniors need to be the backbone of the team and step up," Gallucci said.

Glenbard East

Coach: Nick Scipione.

Last year: 10-23, 6-15, eighth in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Andrew Edwards, sr., P; Jeremy Juhl, sr., SS-P; Bob Ryan, sr., OF; Scott Klepetka, sr., C; Nick Hogan, sr., P; Mark Krueger, sr., 1B; Cody Thompson, jr., P; Sean Little, jr., 3B; Joe Dathe, jr., C; Kevin McGarry, jr., 2B; Derek Danylevski, jr. OF; Anil Patel, jr., OF.

Outlook: With Eric Zwintscher out with a torn ACL and Klepetka playing through a back injury, health will be an issue. The top of the order's strong with Ryan, Juhl and Edwards, who also brings back a sub-3.00 ERA and forms a nice pitching duo with Hogan. "We'll definitely have to avoid injuries," Scipione said.

Glenbard North

Coach: Mike Franzen.

Last year: 14-11, 13-8, first in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Steve Cocat, sr., P-SS; Tyler Doll, sr., 2B; Nick Mishevich, sr., 1B-P; Steve Friedberg, sr., 3B; Marko Govedarica, sr., OF; Eddie Rose, sr., C; Zac Zaranko, sr., P; Steve Slobodecki, sr., OF-P; Alex Kowalczyk, sr., P; Chris Caliva, jr., P; Dave Wolak, jr., IF-OF; Ryan Sabalasky, jr., SS.

Outlook: With Franzen retiring, the Panthers want to send him out on a high note. Cocat and Zaranko bring back 75 innings with about 3.00 ERAs. Cocat batted .400. Doll, Govedarica and Friedberg will spark at the top of the order. "We don't have any superstars, but they've got a good approach," Franzen said.

Glenbard South

Coach: Mike Riley.

Last year: 23-15, 13-8, second in Western Sun Conference.

Top players: David Suffern, sr., P-3B; Joe Ramirez, sr., P-OF; Tony Scotellaro, sr., P-OF; Trace Wanless, jr., OF; Dylan Milkent, jr., 1B; Mike Meath, jr., 2B; Matt Behnke, sr., SS; Anthony Affrunti, sr., IF; Sterling Smith, sr., OF; Nick Slezak, jr., C; Ryan Derosa, jr., P-3B; Brandon Phillips, jr., IF.

Outlook: Most starters return from a sectional title team led by pitchers Suffern and Scotellaro, who combined for 12 wins last year. The lineup lost a lot of pop but look for Ramirez, who hit .370 with 27 RBI, Wanless and Suffern to anchor the heart of it. "Our kids want to go a little farther this year," Riley said.

Glenbard West

Coach: Brian Wojtun.

Last year: 19-16, 8-10, fifth in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Bryan Emanuel, sr. 1B-P; Jesse Condie, sr., IF; Blake O'Brien, sr., P; Joey Wheeler, sr., C; Ben Krusen, so., C-IF; Will Caspers, jr., 3B-P; Dylan Rheault, jr., P; Nick Morley, sr., OF; Dave Martz, sr., P; Jordan Rock, sr., OF; Drew Blane, sr., 1B; Andy Anderson, jr., IF-OF; Steve Lindquist, sr., IF-P.

Outlook: Emanuel, who batted .326 with 22 RBI, hit well in the summer, and Condie brings back a .349 average. O'Brien's the leader of the pitching staff after going 5-2. A vault in the Silver depends on the depth behind him. "They've done a lot of work to get better," Wojtun said.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Tom Dorrance.

Last year: 12-18, 6-12, sixth in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Connor Marrero, sr., OF; Robbie Bellusci, sr., P-OF; Charlie Herr, sr., P-1B; David Kiyosaki, sr., P-1B; Will Pahos, jr., P-3B; Jason McClain, sr., P-1B; Josh Camalick, sr., 3B-C; Ryan Connelly, sr., C; John Duffy, sr., P-OF; Matt Anderson, so., IF; Steve Kraynak, jr., IF.

Outlook: A mix of classes looks to rebound from a rare down year. Marrero was second on last year's team with a .363 batting average. Kiyosaki, also a pivotal hitter, looks to get back on the mound after an injury-filled junior year. Pahos, Duffy and others bring back a good amount of varsity pitching experience.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Kraig Conyer.

Last year: 17-16, 12-6, third in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Connor Duckhorn, sr., P-SS; Connor Schomig, sr., 1B-3B; Rob Folkerts, sr., OF-P; Matt Perez, jr., 1B-P; Michael Prosia, jr., C; Jay McGowan, sr., OF; John Leganski, sr., 2B; Adam Schwarz, jr., 2B-SS; Chris Massimillian, so., OF; Eric Burger, so., 3B; Jeff Pomykala, sr., OF-P; Dan Capocci, sr., P.

Outlook: Possible season-ending injuries to pitchers Joe Begel and Kyle Wagner hurt bad. Duckhorn, who hit .327, returns 3 wins and a 2.90 ERA. Perez, Capocci and Folkerts plan to deepen the staff. Schomig is a big bat in the order. "They're anxious for an opportunity," Conyer said.

Immaculate Conception

Coach: Dan Holleman.

Last year: 15-19, 3-10, sixth in Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Dan Muisenga, sr., P-3B; Paul Hornstra, sr., OF; Matt Purdom, sr., 1B; Matt McMahon, jr., P-SS; Carlos Rodriguez, jr., OF; Jose Godinez, so., P-C; Steve Gilbert, sr., C; Mike Slaga, sr., 2B; Kevin Nutley, jr., P-OF; Steve Maloney, jr., P-Util.; Nick Perrone, jr., P-IF.

Outlook: The goal is a repeat of last season's sectional title success. Pitchers Muisenga and McMahon return 90 innings while Nutley, a St. Patrick transfer, also will contribute. The heart of the order - Muisenga, Rodriguez and Godinez - returns 76 RBI. "Their confidence has only gotten stronger," Holleman said.

Lake Park

Coach: Dan Colucci.

Last year: 20-16, 13-12, fifth in Upstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Brian Norwood, sr., C; Matt Hammesfahr, sr., P; Garrett Gajewski, jr., SS; Artie Monaco, jr., OF; Dan Suich, sr., 2B; Ben Coleman, sr., OF; Kevin Miller, jr., P; Brian Konecke, jr., P-1B; Jake McNamara, jr., IF; Trevor Koehn, jr., P.

Outlook: The pitching staff took a hit when Peter Spear was lost for the season to Tommy John surgery. Hammesfahr, who returns 41 innings, will miss time with an ankle injury. Konecke, Koehn and Miller need to fill the void. Norwood, who hit .325, is a true talent behind the plate. "We'll have to have good defense and play small ball," Colucci said.

Lisle

Coach: Pete Meyer.

Last year: 15-14, 7-9, fourth in Interstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Jon Surber, jr., P-3B; Jay Osika, sr., P-SS; Jon Kolosky, jr., P-1B-OF; Scotty Mowery, sr., 2B; Alec Blechschmidt, jr., OF; Will DeCraene, so., C-OF; Ty Howell, fr., IF-P; Nick Thome, so., IF-OF-P.

Outlook: Surber, who hit .367 with 5 homers and went 5-3 with 72 strikeouts, leads a team with high expectations. He anchors the pitching staff along with Osika and Kolosky. That trio and Blechschmidt lead a potent offense that looks to bounce back from last year's struggles at the plate. "We should be very competitive this season, especially on the mound," Meyer said.

Montini

Coach: Bill Leeberg.

Last year: 18-8, 9-5, fourth in Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Sean Keeley, sr., P; Tom DiCristina, sr., C; Jeff Spokas, sr., SS-P; Colin Meister, sr., P-1B; Kevin Glennon, sr., 2B-P; Kevin Hankins, jr., 3B; Bobby Pinter, sr., C-DH; Jared Jayne, fr., P-OF.

Outlook: With a bulk of last year's pitching graduated, Keeley will lead the staff after going 5-1 with a 2.63 ERA. Eleven pitchers boost the depth including Meister and a talented freshman in Jayne. Speed and gap power highlight the batting order. DiCristina, Glennon and Spokas return 43 RBI. "It's a team that should get better as the season goes along," Leeberg said.

Naperville Central

Coach: Bill Seiple.

Last year: 20-12, 12-9, fourth in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Pat Kaminska, sr., P-OF; Marc Mantucca, jr., P-SS; Nick Linne, jr., OF-1B; Matt Soria, jr., 2B; Mike Oles, sr., 3B; Anthony Lopez, sr., 1B-3B; Matt Cmiel, jr., OF; Dave Ludwig, sr., P; Dan Ludwig, so., P; Wesley Webb, sr., OF; Ryan Burton, sr., C; Bobby Czarnowski, jr., 1B.

Outlook: Last year's young team is a year better. A very strong, experienced infield anchors the team, a group led by Mantucca, who led the Redhawks with 29 RBI, Soria and Linne. Kaminska's back for his fourth varsity season on the mound. He and Mantucca return 5 wins apiece. "This is a really deep group," Seiple said.

Naperville North

Coach: Carl Hunckler.

Last year: 23-11, 13-8, first in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Jake Naumann, sr., P-SS; David McWilliams, sr., C; Devon Moon, sr., 1B-OF; Alex Helms, sr., 3B; Nick Laskowsky, sr., OF-DH; Dan Grimley, sr., OF; Nick Giannini, sr., P-SS; Wes Torrez, sr., P; Dan Sagen, sr. 2B; Charlie White, jr., OF-P; Kyle Klosek, jr., P.

Outlook: The program's career leader in wins, Evansville-bound Naumann, is a great start. After going 10-2 last year he's joined on the mound by High Point recruit Torrez and juniors White and Klosek. The offense graduated a ton, but White is a spark at leadoff. "We'll see how well we can hit the ball," Hunckler said.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Robin Renner.

Last year: 33-7, 20-3, first in Upstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Mike McKinley, sr., P; Ryan Wagner, sr., 2B; Alex Lincoln, sr., C; Jordan Williamson, sr., OF; Craig Provow, sr., P; Drew Sutton, sr., P; Mike Gerber, jr., OF; Rob Skowronski, sr., P; Jeff Dean, sr., 3B; Kyle Mener, sr., OF; Joe Ippolitto, jr., OF.

Outlook: Ian Krol's season-long suspension is devastating, but talent remains. Indiana-bound McKinley went 7-1 with a 2.75 ERA last year. Another third-year starter is Williamson, who returns at leadoff with a .306 average. Thinner than expected, more offense and pitching must emerge. "Guys need to step up for us to be successful," Renner said.

St. Francis

Coach: Rich Janor.

Last year: 11-17, 3-10, sixth in Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Dean Quaranta, jr., 1B-P; Michelangelo Consiglio, sr., IF-C; Jason Lombardi, sr., OF-P; Zach Clark, jr., P; Mike Pugliese, jr., SS-2B; Matt Massa, sr., P; Tommy Purdom, sr., OF; Jeff Melin, sr., P; Casey Riggen, sr., IF-P; Ryan Spatz, jr., OF-1B; Jack Roback, so., 3B-P.

Outlook: The lineup's top four breeds confidence. Pugliese, Consiglio, Lombardi and Quaranta all return, the last three posting near-.350 averages last year. A five-man rotation includes four pitchers - Massa, Clark, Quaranta and Melin - returning 75 innings. "They're hungrier than ever," Janor said.

Timothy Christian

Coach: Jim Snoeyink.

Last year: 6-18, 5-11, seventh in Private School League.

Top players: Adam Bulthuis, sr., OF; Kyle Venhousen, sr., 1B; Rob White, sr., OF-P; Dane VanReken, sr., OF; Nate Tameling, jr., P-IF; Johnathan VanByssum, jr., SS-P; Matt Meyer, jr., C; Troy Ellens, so., P-Util.; Kevin Hansberger, so., 2B; Brad Wieringa, jr., C; Aaron Foster, jr., OF; Mitch Vlasak, jr., OF.

Outlook: The Trojans look to improve upon a strong finish to last year. Hitting is a question mark, but White's an anchor in his third season. Pitching will be better with Tameling at the top. He posted half the team's wins last year. "We're off to a great start this year," Snoeyink said.

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Dan Fezzuoglio.

Last year: 15-18, 11-13 seventh in Upstate Eight Conference.

Top players: Kris Singh, jr., 1B-P; Kevin Kirchner, sr., P-OF; Ryne Gill, sr., OF-P; Jonny Strauss, sr., SS-P; Eric Sousanes, jr., 2B; Sam Carius, jr., 3B; Dan Walker, sr., OF-P; Jeff Brown, jr., DH-C; Trevor Romeo, sr., OF; Sean Smith, jr., P; Jon Wingfield, sr., C.

Outlook: After a summer semifinal run the aim is the top of the UEC standings. The juniors won freshman and sophomore titles and look to keep that run going. Singh was the ace pitcher in the summer and hit .500. Kirchner overcame injuries to bat .320 last year while Strauss hit .311. "Overall this is the best team we've had," Fezzuoglio said.

West Chicago

Coach: Dan McCarthy.

Last year: 12-16, 8-13, sixth in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Trevor Bodie, sr., P; Jordan Long, sr., P; Rhett Gunderson, sr., OF; Tyler Christ, sr., OF; Ethan Burau, sr., OF; Kevin Peterson, jr., 1B; Corey Freebern, sr., P-3B; Blair Skarin, jr., SS; Al Robbins, jr., 2B-P; Charles Jacques, jr., P.

Outlook: Bodie and Long led in innings pitched last year and earned 8 wins. With the outfield of Gunderson, Christ and Burau also returning, expectations are high under McCarthy, who's back coaching after a two-year absence. Gunderson batted .308 last year and leads the offense. "This season is a great opportunity for us," McCarthy said.

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Willie Bosque.

Last year: 16-14, 9-7, fifth in Private School League.

Top players: Eric Albaugh, sr., OF-P; Ryan Dzingel, jr., SS; Sterling Witt, sr., 3B-P; Jon Lace, jr., P-1B; Justin Potesta, sr., OF; Josh Rak, sr., 2B; Dave McCarthy, sr., OF; Sam Scholes, sr., OF; Ben Souders, sr., C; Brian Hess, sr., P; Dan Schmitz, sr., P; Trevor Swaney, fr., P-3B.

Outlook: Seven starters and the entire pitching staff's back for last year's regional champs, who will compete for the final PSL title. Lace and Witt are co-aces, with Albaugh and Swaney adding depth. Albaugh, Dzingel and Witt are back at the top of the order. All hit close to .400. "We're looking pretty strong," Bosque said.

Wheaton North

Coach: Dan Schoessling.

Last year: 24-15, 13-8, first in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Jack DeAno, sr., P-OF; Trey Martin, sr., P-3B; Aric Dama, sr., P-OF; Wade Cervenka, sr., 3B-OF; Mike Small, jr., SS; Jack Quinn, sr., C; Sean Ford, sr., P; Burk Lewis, sr., 2B; Nick Norder, jr., P-OF; Jeff Schalk, so., 1B-OF; Justin Swider, jr., 2B; Mike Coduto, jr., IF.

Outlook: Key parts return from a Class 4A semifinalist. DeAno, Martin and Dama had 20 wins and sub-1.30 ERAs. Vanderbilt-bound DeAno hit .475 with power. Cervenka and Martin, who had 6 homers and 32 RBI, also have tremendous power. "Our confidence level is right where it should be," Schoessling said.

WW South

Coach: Tim Brylka.

Last year: 14-17, 11-10, fifth in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Mike Olp, sr., OF; Taylor Rhoades, sr., 2B; Jon O'Neil, sr., C; Ryan Conley, sr., P-1B; Robert Grabek, sr., P; Ty Peterson, sr., SS; R.J. Hoshell, so., 3B-P; Alex Lopez, sr., OF; Neil Johnston, jr., OF-P; Steve Smith, sr., P.

Outlook: Little experience returns beyond Olp, a third-year starter who hit .307 and led last year's team with 22 RBI. Grabek and Conley return a total of 27 innings and will be counted on to lead the pitching staff. A good sophomore class is headed by Hoshell. "If we can stay in games with our pitching and defense, we'll be able to compete," Brylka said.

Willowbrook

Coach: Steve Gilliam.

Last year: 20-16, 10-8, fourth in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Chris Savas, sr., 3B; Alex Gasiamis, sr., P; Nick Cuzzone, sr., P; Brian Monette, jr., P-OF; Brian Morgan, sr., P; Dan Mahnke, sr., 2B; Matt Kotilinek, sr., C; Will Martin, sr., SS; Brett Buchanan, jr., P-OF; Mike Elgeness, jr., OF; Steve Cox, jr., P; Jose Castro, jr., IF-OF.

Outlook: Seniors like Central Michigan-bound Savas, who last year hit .394, blend with juniors who went 26-5 as sophomores, to form a Gold favorite. Depth extends to the mound where Cuzzone, Gasiamis, Morgan and Monette form the staff's core. "This might be the deepest team we've ever had," Gilliam said.

York

Coach: John Walters.

Last year: 21-14, 10-8, fourth in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Steve Adkins, jr., 3B-P; Tom Judge, sr., SS; Shay Wagner, sr., P; Andrew Johnson, sr., C; Ray Yong, jr., OF; Bobby Fisher, jr., 2B; Jimmy Dickert, jr., C-1B; Kevin Flood, jr., P; John Mellone, jr., P; Dan Murphy, sr., P; Matt Pisani, jr., P; Jeff Nowak, sr., OF; Joe Maurino, sr., OF.

Outlook: Walters, West Chicago's longtime coach, takes the helm of a team with pitching talent despite Tyler Sill's loss to elbow surgery. Adkins posted a 2.56 ERA as a sophomore. Johnson returns from an all-Silver season where he hit .367 with 30 RBI. "It's a new coach, new team and new philosophy," Walters said.

- Kevin Schmit