Scouting Fox Valley baseball

Bartlett Hawks

Coach: Chris Pemberton (second year)

Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)

Last year: 12-21, 7-17 UEC

Key returnees: Seniors Brett Barger (OF), John Fleming (OF), Cory Motz (P), Joey Miceli (C), David Mutter (IF), Ryan Yore (OF),

Key newcomers: Senior Dan Schlitter (P), juniors Dan Gallanis (P/IF), Ben Grear (IF), Ryan Rozskowiak (C/IF), Robert Sadowski (P/IF)

Outlook: Chris Pemberton returns as Bartlett coach after a year away, and he'll be busy giving signs. The Hawks don't return proven boppers in the lineup ala graduated slugger Greg Partyka (Bradley), but they do posses above-average team speed. Bartlett will use that speed to generate offense and extend its range defensively. “We can definitely catch it; defense will be one of our strong points,” Pemberton said. “We're going to need that because we don't have a group that's going to hit the ball out of the park. We'll need to string together some hits, move runners along, play some small ball.”

Speedy out fielder Ryan Yore led the Hawks last year with 9 steals. He hit .269 with 8 doubles. Yore is the team's only third-year varsity player. The speedy outfielder will spearhead an offense that will force defenses to make plays. “We need to put pressure on the other team,” Pemberton said. “We'll look to utilize the speed we have by putting the ball in play and stealing bases. We're going to need all 23 guys on the roster to help every time they get out there.” Cory Motz, Dan Schlitter and Robert Sadowski each pitched well in starting roles in Bartlett's first three games. Schlitter didn't make the varsity team last year, but he played in the summer and attended multiple camps. His determination resulted in a recent commitment to Judson University.

Burlington Central Rockets

Coach: Kyle Nelson (sixth year)

Conference: Big Northern (East)

Last year: 32-3, 10-0

Key returnees: Seniors Luke Fleming (P/IF/OF), Nick Hahn (P/3B/1B), Sam Klein (P/SS), Joey Lang (P), juniors Ray Hunnicutt (CF), Zach Ranney (P), Tanner Scott (C)

Key newcomers: Juniors Clem Acitelli (LF), Kevin Zasada (1B)

Outlook: The Rockets lost big-hitting catcher Austin Jarvis (Bradley) to graduation, but multiple key performers return from last year's 32-win, regional championship team. Heading the list are talented senior pitchers Sam Klein and Nick Hahn, two big reasons the Rockets will contend for their sixth Big Northern East title in seven years and their third straight regional title. Klein went 9-0 with a 2.39 ERA. He struck out 57 and walked 21 in 58 innings. Hahn is 22-3 in two varsity seasons after going 11-2 last year with an ERA of 2.07. He struck out 62 and walked 25 in 81 innings. “Having those two guys back is pretty comforting,” Nelson said. “It's nice knowing they'll pitch two games a week for you and probably give up 3 or fewer runs most of the time.” No. 3 starter Zach Ranney (6-1, 2.00 ERA), No. 4 starter Fleming (5-0, 1.70 ERA) and Joey Lange (1-0, 3.00 ERA) all pitched meaningful innings last season, giving the Rockets an even deeper, more experienced pitching staff than a year ago.

Offensively, the top of the order is filled with proven performers, including Klein (.328 avg., .482 on-base, 10 steals, 51 runs), Hahn (.371, 11 2B, 9 HR), and junior Tanner Scott (.473, 11 2B, 45 RBI, 55 R). The power-hitting Scott clubbed 9 more home runs last year as a sophomore to give him a two-year total of 19. He moves to catcher, his natural position growing up. Hunnicutt (.379, 4 HR, 15 steals) brings great speed to the outfield and may lead off. Less experienced hitters like Acitelli and Zasada will get chances to make an impact at the bottom of the order. If they can contribute to the offense regularly, the Rockets could be one of the best teams in Class 3A. “If we can get some big things out of the bottom of our order this year, that's definitely where we'll see how good a team we can be,” Nelson said. “We'll mix and match down there. We've got a lot of defense to replace from last year, but if we can hit at the bottom of the order, we'll be pretty good. As we've seen in the postseason, anything can happen. As long as we learn from our mistakes during the regular season and get better, it's a team capable of winning a sectional and who knows after that if they get hot.”

Cary-Grove Trojans

Coach: Don Sutherland (24th year)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year: 25-13, 17-7

Key returnees: Seniors Tyler Lau (OF), Matt Panek (P), Alex Posey (1B), Nick Richter (1B), Nick Taylor (OF), Michael Vilardo (SS), Kevin Weber (P)

Key newcomers: Juniors Nick Beyer (C), Matt Byrne (2B), Matt Dunlap (P), Ryan Kaveney (P), Mike Nelson (OF)

Outlook: The Trojans have the talent to contend for an outright or shared title in the Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference for the fourth straight season. It's fortunate such talent runs deep because early season setbacks are already testing the roster in the short term. Returning ace Kevin Weber (9-0, 2.23 ERA, 66 IP, 82 K, 26 BB) won't take the mound for a few weeks due to tendinitis. Sean Kaveney, the leading pitcher on the sophomore level last year and a projected starter, hasn't pitched yet, also due to tendinitis. Mike DeVoe (3-3, 3 saves), a 6-3 right-hander who impressed over the summer and committed to Lewis University, will miss his senior season due to a knee injury. And speedy outfielder Mike Nelson broke his collarbone laying out for a flyball in practice earlier this week.

“Right now we're not as deep as we were or as deep as we're going to be, but we're happy with where we're at,” Cary-Grove coach Don Sutherland said. “I really think our strength is our pitching depth. Our pitching looks pretty strong despite our losses.” Six-foot-2 left-hander Matt Panek (Ohio State) returns to the mound. Last year he went 6-2 with and ERA of 3.50 in 54 innings with 41 strikeouts and 23 walks. Also back is senior right-hander John Spoelstra (Heartland C.C.), who went 3-2 with 12 strikeouts in 25 innings as a junior. Matt Dunlap is a right-hander expected to have an impact. Michael Vilardo (Richmond) moves from second base to shortstop this season. He anchors Cary-Grove's lineup after hitting .351 last year with 6 home runs, 8 doubles and 34 RBI. Nick Richter (.293) returns to play third base. Alex Posey (6-foot-6) returns at first base to give infielders a big target. Junior Matt Byrne is an impressive defensive second baseman, according to his coach, and Nick Beyer steps in at catcher. Tyler Lau (Illinois-Springfield), hit .333 with an OPS of .873. He shared time with Nick Taylor in left field last season, but both will start in the outfield, where Cary-Grove is least experienced overall.

Crystal Lake South Gators

Coach: Brian Bogda (fourth season)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year: 21-15, 14-10

Key returnees: Seniors Jeremy DeJesus (3B), Chris Hauser (SS/P), Robbie Lemke (OF/P), Nick Martin (P/1B), Chris Morrison (OF), Ryan Price (P/OF), Brandon Seiser (P), junior Dom Winiecki (C)

Key newcomers: Juniors Will Ahsmann (OF), Jordan Van Dyck (IF/P), Zack Geib (P), Eric Humpa (P), Tyler Salm (2B), sophomore Max Meitzler (1B)

Outlook: The Gators aim for their third straight season of 21 or more victories under Bogda (57-43), led by a pair of key returning players in the middle of the diamond. Senior Chris Hauser returns at shortstop. The team's leading returning hitter (.360, 4 HR, 20 RBI), Hauser is committed to St. Joseph (Ind.). Also back is senior center fielder Robbie Lemke, who hit .349 with 6 home runs and 29 RBI a year ago. Two juniors who saw varsity action last year are fleet-footed Dom Winiecki (16 RBI) and first baseman Nick Martin (.309, 14 RBI). Winiecki will catch. Ryan Price moves from the infield to left field.

The Gators will count on contribution from Chris Morrison in right field, Jeremy DeJesus at third base, junior Tyler Salm at second and utility infielder/pitcher Jordan Van Dyck, also a junior. The Gators graduated some good pitchers, but Bogda said the trio of Lemke, Brandon Seiser (1-0, 2.21 ERA, 19 IP) and Martin (4 wins, 3.54 ERA) could be just as effective. Seiser was a reliever last year. Lemke pitched in junior varsity games last season but made good progress over the summer. “So far pitching has been a strength,” said Bogda, whose team opened with 3 straight wins. “We have enough pitching. It's a nice mix of kids. We're definitely shooting to be at the top of the division and hoping for another 20-win season. We'll go as far as we hit, but I think we'll pick it up with the bats. It's early, but I'm excited about this group.”

Dundee-Crown Chargers

Coach: Jon Sawyer (third season)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year: 13-23, 9-15

Key returnees: Seniors Kirk Hanselmann (1B), Mike Lodi (P), Scott Nowicke (OF), Steve Schwartz (SS), Nick Spagnola (3B), juniors Eric Brewer (1B), Tyler Gross (DH/P), Jake Romano (CF), sophomore Dylan Kissack (C)

Key newcomers: Juniors Mike Hazelhurst (P), Thomas McNally (OF)

Outlook: A more successful season in 2011 is expected after coach Jon Sawyer was forced to play so many young players the past two years, when the Chargers finished 8-24 and 13-23, respectively. Five starters enter their third varsity season, and the first eight hitters in the last year's lineup are back. Scott Nowicke (.402), Steve Schwartz and Nick Spagnola (.370), were all named first-team all-FVC last year and Kirk Hanselmann brings experience and power. Junior center fielder Jake Romano (.350) is one of the best outfielders in the league entering his third varsity campaign. Dylan Kissack, a three-sport athlete, returns after claiming the catching duties as a freshman. Tyler Gross joined the varsity in late May and hit a home run in a regional game against South Elgin

. “We have our whole offensive lineup coming back except for our No. 9 hitter, so we expect a lot from these guys,” Sawyer said. “We like our team. Offensively, I think we're going to be really good. Defensively, I think we're solid. I guess our question mark is our experience on the mound.” The Chargers have more pitching depth than the past two years but lack varsity experience. Senior Mike Lodi returns to anchor a staff that will rely heavily on four juniors: Mike Hazelhurst, Eric Brewer, Tyler Gross and Chris Gorman. Hazelhurst won the opener against Larkin in relief of Lodi. Brewer was a member of the varsity as a freshman but was shut down last year. D-C has a potent offense, but the pitching staff must make those runs stand up. “I think those guys are going to be solid,” Sawyer said of his junior pitchers. “It's just a matter of how are they going to perform when it gets late in the year. We have a lot more depth than we had the last two years, but they haven't really proven it. But these aren't guys we're just throwing out there. These are guys who can be really good varsity pitchers.”

Elgin Maroons

Coach: David Foerster (fifth year)

Conference: Upstate Eight (River)

Last year: 5-29, 4-21

Key returnees: Seniors Drew Bloomquist (P), Javier Cardenas (2B), Joe Kellenberger (P), A.J. Martinez (3B), Jake Meyer (P/IF) and David Penaloza (P), juniors Alex Doty (P), Andrew Higdon (IF/OF), Gage Teschner (C)

Key newcomers: senior Lee Jackson (SS), juniors Eric Daly (P) and Chris Edwards (OF/IF).

Outlook: Elgin should be an improved team with strength up the middle of the diamond and a year of experience under the belts of many players thrust into starting roles last year. The Maroons get a defensive lift with Lee Jackson back in the fold. He was Elgin's shortstop two years ago as a sophomore but transferred as a junior to rival Larkin, where he enjoyed a successful season (.367, 8 steals). He returned to Elgin last fall and has regained his starting role at short. Teamed with second baseman Javier Cardenas (.337), himself a three-year starter, the Maroons should be able to turn double plays with the best of them. “He fits right in,” Maroons coach David Foerster said of Jackson's return. “He knows how we do everything. It's been a positive, and he and Javy are taking on more of a leadership role this year. Defense will be our strength overall.”

Gage Teschner is back for another season behind the plate. Andrew Higdon, displaced by Jackson's return, will see playing time as a utility man. Junior Chris Edwards will use his speed to crack the lineup. Jake Meyer could be ready for a breakout season, according to his coach. “Jake's been impressive,” Foerster said. “He's shown us a lot and we're looking for a lot out of him this year at the plate and on the mound and in the outfield.” Meyer, a right-hander, has pop on his fastball and mixes in curves and changeups. He'll either relieve or be the fifth man in the rotation behind top pitcher Alex Doty, a junior who struck out 49 last year, senior David Penaloza, Drew Bloomquist and senior Joe Kellenberger “It all starts with our defense,” Foerster said. “If we can pick it up and make plays and our pitchers throw strikes, we'll be in a lot of games. It'll come down to scoring runs on a consistent basis.”

Hampshire Whip-Purs

Coach: Steve Ream (13th year)

Conference: Big Northern (East)

Last year: 16-18, 6-4

Key returnees: Seniors Matt Calvello (3B), Danny Grzywa (SS/P), Nick Holze (1B), Tad Merchut (OF), Zack Skog (2B), Cameron Waterworth (OF), junior Luke Wians (P), sophomore Tyler Crater (P/C)

Key newcomers: Juniors Sean O'Shea (IF/C/OF), Dan Guerrero (IF)

Outlook: Many of the eight seniors on the roster have waited their turn to play and will get first crack at several open positions, according to veteran coach Steve Ream. “We've got some older guys who are anxious to play who didn't play a whole lot last year but love the game,” Ream said. “They really worked hard, so I'm looking for these seniors to produce for us. That will determine how successful we are.” Junior Luke Wians will anchor the staff in his third varsity season. As a sophomore he went 4-3 with an impressive ERA of 2.65. Wians will be followed in the rotation by sophomore Shane Hernandez (3.14 ERA, 41 IP), who gained some experience pitching on the varsity level last year. Hernandez will remain on the sophomore team when he's not pitching, Ream said.

Another sophomore, Tyler Crater, looked good over the summer and will join the rotation when he isn't catching. Senior Danny Grzywa has gained interest from small colleges after a successful summer. He will see innings on the mound along with fellow senior Matt Calvello, as will several sophomores considering Hampshire is scheduled to play five doubleheaders next week. “Pitching will be a question after losing so much from last year,” Ream said. “Wians will do a great job and the others we'll have to see. They don't have a whole lot of experience, but they've shown they can throw well. And a big question mark is where the offense is going to come from.” Crater (.341) is the only returning hitter whose average topped .300. “We have 15 players who can play defense, but we have to find nine who can hit,” Ream said. “But it's a group that has played plenty of baseball and worked hard, so I just hope that carries over. It's a really positive group.” Nick Holze returns after starting at first base most of last year.

Huntley Red Raiders

Coach: Andy Jakubowski (sixth year)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year: 29-11, 17-7

Key returnees: Seniors Tyler Davila (2B/SS/3B), Nick Kostalek (P/OF), Josh Prokuski (P/C), Jake Staab (P), juniors Justin Gundlach (P), Jake Perkins, sophomores Colin Lyman (P/OF), Bryce Only (P/SS/3B).

Key newcomers: Senior Erik Swanson (P), juniors Brody Burkhart (U), Jordan Chuipek (2B/U), Nick Corpolongo (OF/1B), Bryan Doherty (P/OF), Brandon King (2B), Craig Klein (P/3B), Dan Lowry (P/3B), Mark Merevick (OF), sophomores Tyler Albright (2B/U), Tyler Mindak (C), Kameron Salee (P/1B)

Outlook: The Red Raiders have been in this predicament before, namely, how do they replace all those graduation losses? True, the Red Raiders did graduate pitchers responsible for 19 of their 29 wins last year, when they finished fourth in Class 4A. But going into last year they had graduated the pitchers responsible for 28 of their 30 wins in 2009. In other words, the Huntley program has reached a point under sixth year coach Andy Jakubowski where it simply reloads instead of rebuilds. “I like our staff,” Jakubowski said. “We're deep and we have guys who can throw strikes. They won't dominate, but they'll force contact and allow us to make plays behind them.”

The rotation is headed by senior Jake Staab (5-2, 3.62 ERA, 50 IP), junior Justin Gundlach (4-0, 4.60 ERA, 21 IP) and unproven junior Bryan Doherty, who went 8-0 at the sophomore level last year. Sophomores Colin Lyman and Bryce Only, both starting varsity position players as freshmen, may also take the hill, as will seniors Nick Kostalek and Josh Prokuski and juniors Craig Perkins and Craig Klein. Offensively, Only (.269, 7 HR, 25 RBI) returns at third base and Lyman (.344, 11 RBI) returns to the outfield. Perkins hit .283 last year with 5 doubles. Three more sophomores join Lyman and Only on the varsity squad, bringing the total to five: Tyler Mindak will catch; Tyler Albright is an infielder; and Kameron Salee can pitch and play first base. The Red Raiders will face every opponent's best shot after making it downstate last year. “Our guys are hungry and they set some goals about getting back downstate and improving on where we finished last year,” Jakubowski said. “I'm excited about the mix of youth with juniors and seniors. We have a solid nucleus for this year and for years to come. It's a very solid ballclub.”

Jacobs Golden Eagles

Coach: Eric Kehoe (first year)

Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year: 18-15, 12-12

Key returnees: Seniors Joe Ross (P), Kevin Hubner (C), Dillon O'Toole (SS), Brett Kale (P/3B), Nate Anderson (RF/P); juniors Henry Gigeous (P), Mark Self (1B/OF)

Key newcomers: Junior Greg Mixon (P), sophomores Connor Conzelman (CF), Kenny Finn (2B)

Outlook: The Golden Eagles take the field under new coach Erik Kehoe, who previously coached at Streamwood. He'll enjoy penciling in the names of starting pitchers Joe Ross and Henry Gigeous. Ross, went 8-0 last year with an ERA of 2.33. Gigeous came on strong late in the season to finish with an ERA of 3.80. He committed to the University of Oregon over the winter. Brett Kale and Nate Anderson round out the rotation, which could also include Greg Mixon if he doesn't become the designated closer. Kehoe said shortstop Dillon O'Toole is a smart player who calls out the coverages and has a good arm to go with great feet. Kale, who will hit in the three-hole, will be counted on as a leader. Mark Self possesses natural power and is set to hit cleanup.

Conzelman is an excellent athlete tabbed with the responsibility of patrolling center field. Kehoe isn't shy about aiming the bar high in his first season. “If you're not out here to win the state title or the Fox Valley Conference, you're in the wrong sport,” he said. “To compete with the teams we play we need the nine toughest guys, nine guys who never quit. That's what I'm concerned with. We have some special kids talent-wise by my measurement, but I have high expectations. If guys buy into what we're selling and buy into their roles, we can be a very good team.”

Larkin Royals

Coach: Matt Esterino (third year)

Conference: Upstate Eight (River)

Last year: 10-25, 8-17 UEC

Key returnees: Seniors Victor Saldana (C/1B), Drew Shore (SS/P), Miguel Villafane (P/3B), Cody Wahl (3B/P), Trevor Whitehead (CF)

Key newcomers: Juniors Kyle Newquist (P/OF), Pete Lennard (IF), Austin Royse (P/OF), sophomore Niko Morado (C)

Outlook: The Royals hope to break through in their first year of play in the River Division of the Upstate Eight Conference behind the strong arms of Miguel Villafane, Kyle Newquist, Drew Shore and an influx of overall team speed. Villafane pitched well in the opener against Dundee-Crown but took a no-decision. Newquist joins the varsity for the first time, but he's one of Larkin's top athletes with two varsity football seasons already under his belt at quarterback. Wahl retired the first eight hitters he faced this season.

The speedy Whitehead will hit leadoff and patrol center field. Victor Saldana (.321) will hit in the heart of the order, as will Shore (.306), who won't be able to pitch for another week or two due to injury. Morado is a promising young catcher and Austin Royse and Pete Lennard will see action right away. “It's a good group of kids and if we're healthy, our top pitchers can be competitive with anyone as long as they're throwing strikes,” Larkin coach Matt Esterino said. “It's going to come down to little stuff like bunting and moving runners. We can hit for power a little bit, but we're going to have to be a gap-to-gap type team. Overall, everything is positive. If we can continue to get better and learn from our mistakes, I think we're going to be pretty tough this year.”

St. Edward Green Wave

Coach: Gene Belmonte (sixth year)

Conference: Suburban Christian (Gold)

Last year: 15-18 overall

Key returnees: Seniors Zach Brewster (OF), Ryan DiCristofano (OF), Tom Limberis (P/3B), Derek Porto (C), Jack Sutherland (P/3B), Dan Miler (OF), junior Luke Duffy (P/OF)

Key newcomers: Juniors Austin Davis (OF/P), Troy Gudino (OF), Tyler Morawaski (1B/OF/P), Dennis Turnquist (OF/P), sophomore Jake Koehring (1B/P), freshmen Tighe Koehring (SS/P), Ryan Nudd (2B/C)

Outlook: Coach Gene Belmonte's farewell tour will feature a mix of veterans and youth. The Green Wave will be led on the mound by junior Luke Duffy, who finished 5-6 last year in varsity action. Duffy will by followed in the order by sophomore Jake Koehring, who plays first base when he isn't pitching. Big senior Jack Sutherland, who earned the win in the season opener in relief, holds down a spot in the rotation, and junior Dennis Turnquist will get his share of starts.

Youth will be served in many positions. In fact, Belmonte will take his chances with a freshman double play combination of Tighe Koehring at shortstop and Ryan Nudd at second base. “It's a young and talented group that obviously lacks the experience,” Belmonte said. “Our job is to take them from Point A to Point B and, hopefully, get them ready to compete in our conference and go as deep in the state tournament as we possibly can.”

South Elgin Storm

Coach: Jim Kating (fifth year)

Conference: Upstate Eight (Valley)

Last year: 20-15, 13-12 UEC

Key returnees: Seniors Dillon Gardner (OF), Nate Garris (IF), Robbie Greene (CF), Dan Heine (C/3B), Kenny Lowden (P/OF), John Menken (OF/IF/C),

Key newcomers: Juniors Ryan Ford (OF/P), Marty Knuth (P), Andrew Perry (P), Eric Stazy (IF/P), Andrew Weedman (1B/P)

Outlook: Question marks abound for a team that won its first regional title last season but graduated, four-year varsity catcher (Kyle Kinyon), three-year shortstop (Drew Buddle) and leading pitcher Sam Jordt. “I'm looking for some leaders from our senior group to step up,” said South Elgin coach Jim Kating. “I want our pace and expectation level to be high like it was last year. Our goal is to compete in our conference, which will be really good again this year.” Kenny Lowden returns to front the pitching rotation, followed by Marty Knuth, who earned the win in the season opener. “Then we have question marks,” Kating said. “I think I have some people, but they haven't been tested yet so it will be pitching by committee.”

Andrew Weedman, Eric Stazy and Ryan Ford are all pitchers Kating was able to evaluate well during summer-league play. Offensively, All-Area utility man John Menken returns to the lineup. He led the Storm last year in batting average (.403,) doubles (11), home runs (3) and RBI (28) and struck out only five times. Nate Garris also returns. The corner infielder hit .361 last year. Robbie Greene returns to hit leadoff and play center field alongside corner outfielder Dillon Gardner. “If we can get outside and play and get our pitching staff situated and get some timely hitting, we can be effective and be a dangerous team to play,” Kating said.

Streamwood Sabres

Coach: Steve Diversey (fourth year)

Conference: Upstate Eight (River)

Last year: 25-13, 16-9

Key returnees: Seniors Tim Cohen (C), Richie Gorski (P/3B), Josh Harris (P), Blake Hunter (P), Pat Manning (RF), Nate Pearson (SS), Nick Pryor (CF)

Key newcomers: Juniors Brent Kiesel (IF), Brandon Larkin-Guilfoyle (2B), Dalton Lundeen (P), Alex Morrow (OF)

Outlook: After setting a school record for wins last spring, the Sabres advanced all the way to the state final in summer ball. With only two position players graduated and four skilled starting pitchers in the rotation, Streamwood has reason to think big. However, the Sabres are not taking success for granted despite their loaded lineup and summer showing. “We just want to compete for the River Division first, then we'll move on to the regional,” said Streamwood coach Steve Diversey.

The Sabres will alternate left-handed and right-handed starters among their top four, led by Villanova-bound senior lefty Josh Harris. He struck out 12 hitters in the opener against Oswego East. He's followed by Blake Hunter (8-1, 4.64 ERA, 60 IP, 60 K) and junior lefty Dalton Lundeen, the school's football quarterback. Right-hander Richie Gorski went 3-4 and logged 40 innings last year. The lineup is topped by Nate Pearson, who was far and away the area's stolen base leader in 2010 with 41. Pearson hit .331. He's rejoined in the order by Gorski (.328), Pat Manning (.337), Harris (.324, 4 HR) and Cohen (.291, 9 doubles). Brandon Larkin-Guilfoyle takes over at second base. He homered in the season opener. “We have a lot of talent and we've been aiming for this season,” said Diversey, who is 55-46 in three seasons at Streamwood. “I just want the guys to correct last year's shortcomings and get better and we'll take our chances from there.”

Westminster Christian Warriors

Coach: Jeff Moeller (10th year)

Conference: Northeast Athletic

Last year: 30-9, Class 1A state champions

Key returnees: Seniors Andrew Mason (SS/P), Frank Oliver (C), Ben Stevenson (1B/P), juniors Zach Barfield (P/1B/0F), Kevin Elder (P/3B) Ryan Perez (P/SS), Dylan Scully (OF/P), sophomore Will Woodhouse (OF)

Key newcomers: junior Ty Greene (2B)

Outlook: And now for the encore. The Warriors may have lost some hitting pop from the team that won last year's Class 1A state championship due to graduation losses, but the heart of the team — dominant pitchers Ryan Perez and Kevin Elder — return for their respective junior seasons. Perez, the ambidextrous fireballer, went 9-0 with an ERA of 0.59. Elder, who was the winning pitcher in the state semifinal and championship games, went 12-4. Both have electric stuff and both are being courted by some of the biggest schools in college baseball. “They both had outstanding summers and had a lot of looks in the fall league,” said Westminster Christian coach Jeff Moeller (137-132-1). “It's hard to say they are only juniors with all they've accomplished already, but it's great to have two pitchers like that with such experience. If we can just play some good defense behind them and execute, we should be fine.”

The Warriors lost top hitters Joe McGannon and Brandon Weingartner to graduation, but the offense is in good hands with the return of Frank Oliver (.462, 38 RBI), Andrew Mason (.321, 12 doubles), Ben Stevenson (.307, 5 doubles), Perez (.333, 3 doubles, 3 HR), Elder (.327, 5 doubles, 5 HR), Dylan Scully (.323, 4 doubles) and Will Woodhouse (19 hits, 2 doubles). Ty Greene, a transfer from Jacobs, joins the starting lineup at second base. Zach Barfield, a lefty with a big, breaking curveball, joins the rotation. Mason is coming along slowly after finishing the basketball season with a badly bruised knee. “It's a good team, but we know from firsthand experience when we had a good team and lost in 2008 that anything can happen,” Moeller said. “Our focus is on the postseason. We're big believers in playing the best possible competition you can play, especially if you have the horses. And we have the horses right now so we'll play a lot of bigger schools. Playing so many good programs will put our kids in the position of not caring who they play once we reach the postseason.”