Baseball: Scouting Cook County
MID SUBURBAN EAST
BUFFALO GROVE
Coach: Bill Montemayor
Last year's record: 21-14, 10-6 (2nd)
Top returning players: Payton Diaz, Sr., SS/P, Brody Mac, Sr., C, Michael Wolverton, Sr., 2B, Griffin Kelly, Jr., 1B/P. Ryan Stefani, Sr., OF/P, Justin Brosnahan, Sr. OF/P, Matthew Maradkel, Sr., OF, Jonah Pomerantz, Sr., DH.
Key newcomers: Zach Picciola, Sr., 1B/3B, Joseph Rotondo, Sr., P, Kaden Khayyata, Sr, P, Connor Kummerow, Jr., IF/P, Brady Horvath, Jr., P, Drew Sadowski, Jr. C/3B/P, Emmit Szewc, Jr., OF/P, Cole Diaz, So., 1B/OF, Rocco Perricone, So., IF/P, Andrew Lee, So, INF, Jordan Dudek, So., OF.
Worth noting: The Bison have a solid nucleus back from last season as they attempt to regain the East crown. Diaz and Wolverton made All-Area last season. They will be joined by Mac, Kelly and Stefani. Diaz, Wolverton and Mac are 4-year varsity players while Kelly is a 3-year player. Brosnahan, who saw lots of time as a sophomore two seasons ago, is back after missing last season with an injury. Marakdel, who saw some time last season, is currently injured, but is expected back while Pomerantz should also be a key contributor. “The guys have worked very hard this off-season and we hope to get off to a fast start and build off that momentum when we get to conference play,” Montemayor said. “Our goals this year are to win the East division and win a regional. In order to achieve these goals, we will need our veteran players to lead the way.”
ELK GROVE
Coach: Steve Lesniak (5th season)
Last year's record: 17-16, 9-7 (4th)
Top returning players: Lucas Rogers, S., CF/P, Matthew Martorano, Sr., 3B/P, Myles Schwartz, Jr., SS/P, Nick Jimenez, Jr., UTIL/P, Dylan Berkowitz, Jr., 1B/OF, Mo Burt, Sr., INF.
Key newcomers: Daniel Pasterski, Jr., 1B/OF, Angel Soto, Jr., OF, Isaac Santkowski, So., INF/P, Nate Dean, So., C, Robbie Bibian, So., 1B/P, Michael Montag, So., P/INF, Dylan Fries, Jr., OF, Jake McLane, Jr., OF, Jakub Rusiniak, Jr., OF, Tommy Whalen, Jr., OF.
Worth noting: The Grenadiers return 4 starters from last season. But fortunately for Elk Grove, two of those are their top pitchers from last season. Mortorano and Schwartz will be counted on to eat up lots of innings this season. They will also be factors at the plate along with Jimenez, Berkowitz and Burt. The key will be how fast the rest of the team can adjust to the varsity game. “There will be a lot of opportunities for players to earn playing time,” Lesniak said. “I am excited to see which players emerge as key contributors to our success. I expect our team to compete on the mound and in the batter's box.”
HERSEY
Coach: Wally Brownley (7th year)
Last year's record: 29-9, 12-4 (1st)
Top returning players: Jeremy Allen, Sr., P, Brandon Pflomm. Sr., OF, Will Hickey, Sr., INF, Bryk Barnard, Sr. C, Drew Phillips, Sr., OF, Cooper Breiler, Sr., P, Matt Lemke, Sr., P, Evan Fahey, Sr., P/INF, John Balla, Sr., P, Keegan Luxem, Jr., P/IF, Chuck Meister, Jr., INF, Lincoln Causero, Jr., P.
Key newcomers: Brad Lemke, Sr., P, Brayy Klehr, Jr., INF, Charlie Arvanitis, Jr., OF/1B/P, Marcus Krecu, Jr., C/INF, Diego Garcia, Jr., OF, Riley Blackwell, Jr., P, Bennett McNeill, Jr., P, Drew Thomas, So., C/INF, Wyatt Groberski, So., C/INF, Mikey Sokan, So., C/INF.
Worth noting: It was a magical year for Hersey that continued into the summer. The Huskies won the East for the first time in 11 years. They went on to win the MSL title and followed up with a regional title before bowing out in the sectional finals. This past summer, the Huskies won the Lawler Summer Tournament making them not just a favorite in the MSL, but statewide as well. Allen, who is committed to Kansas along with Luxem give the Huskies a terrific start on the mound. They will be joined by Lemke, Careuso, Fahey, Balla and Breiler, who all saw time last year. Plomm, Hickey, Meister, Phillips and Barnard all hit over .315 last year while Luxem is a threat at the plate as well. “We are coming off the best season in Hersey history, so we have very high expectations,” Brownley said. “Our loss in the sectional championship left us with a bad taste in our mouths and we are hungry to get back there.”
PROSPECT
Coach: Ross Giusti (27th season)
Last year's record: 20-17, 10-6 (2nd)
Top returning players: Drew Terpins, Sr. SS, Alex Tabbert, Sr., 2B, Nick Albrecht, Sr., C, Owen Anderson, Sr., OF, Jack Mannion, Sr., 1B/ P, Matt Szyska, Sr., P, Matt Fouch, Jr., OF, Ryan Foley, Jr., P, Matt Guza, Sr., P/C/1B, Justin Bjorgo, Sr., P, Jack Krueger, Sr., P/1B, Matt Truit, Sr., OF, Jack Davis, Jr., C/1B, Louis Calderon, Sr., INF, John Aquino, Sr., INF.
Key newcomers: P.J, O'Grady, Jr., OF/INF, Ken Muneo, Jr., OF, Jackson Szwed, Jr., P/INF, Andrew Kura, SR., C, Nick Demeas, Jr., P/OF, Sal Damico, Sr., C, Griffin Limbers, Sr., P.
Worth noting: The Knights return 8 starters from last season and with that they feel they can challenge for the East title. Prospect is deep in pitching with Mannion, Szysaka, Foley, Guza (Harper), Bjorgo and Krueger ready to give the Knights’ innings. They also returned Terpins, who was All-Area at short along with Truit (Hope College), Fouch, Tabbert, Albrecht and Anderson. “This is a veteran team with a lot to prove,” Giusti said. “We return a lot of experience both pitching and defense. I feel pitching is our strength with solid defense. If our offense is able to click, we have a chance to do some real good things.”
ROLLING MEADOWS
Coach: Matt Rice (6th season)
Last year's record: 16-16, 4-12 (5th)
Top returning players: Braden Koons, Sr., SS, Sam Newland, Sr., OF/ 3B, Cal Paisley, Jr., MI, Brock Ryan, So., P/OF, Hayden Sander, Sr., P/OF, Tino Savino, Jr., P/ 3B/ C, Ryan Schneider, Jr., P/C, Charlie Soukup, Sr., P/1B, Kyle Tavares, Sr., OF.
Key newcomers: Joe Brigham, So., CF, Josh Cazares, Jr., C, Owen Gapsis, Jr., P/OF, Charlie Hoeper, Jr., 1B/ P, Ben Kusumpa, Fr., P/ C/ 3B, Anthony Polenzani, Jr., 3B/OF, Tyler Stankiewicz, So. P/ 3B/ OF, Andrew Tysl, Jr., 3B, Cam Wachtel, Jr., P/ 2B.
Worth noting: The Mustangs were able to turn their program around last season to finish at .500 for the first time since 2013. Meadows will look to build off that with four returnees. They will be led by Elmhurst-commit Koons, along with Newland and Soukup. “This year's group has a great opportunity to make their own mark by elevating our program to the next level,” Rice said. “I love the way they constantly put in the work. They love the process of getting better each day. It's clear that they all care about each other and have each other's back.”
WHEELING
Coach: Jason Wieder (11th season)
Last year's record: 17-19, 4-12 (5th)
Top returning players: Zach Zangara, Sr., SS/P, Anthony Scanlon, Sr., OF, Grant Scheuerman, Jr., CF, Brandon Marchetti, Jr., OF, Henry Snarski, Jr., OF, Zach Neukirch, So., 1B/P, Tyler Zangara, So., C/P,
Key newcomers: Jack Murphy, 2B/C/OF, Evan Fischer, So., 2B/OF/P, Dylan Baloun. So., 3B/P, Collin Fitzgerald, OF/1B/P, Reid Gerjerts, Fr., 3B/SS.
Worth noting: Wheeling returns five starters including four-year starter Zach Zangara and three-year starter Scheueman. But depth is going to be an issue since Wheeling has just 12 players on its roster. “This year, we will be very young starting anywhere from 6 to 7 underclassmen each game,” Wieder said. “Being young is exciting because we will be tested, but we will also develop and grow together. All 12 players are hard-working, high character young men, so I know we will get the most out of them.”
MID SUBURBAN WEST
BARRINGTON
Coach: Pat Wire (11th season)
Last year's record: 24-13, 13-3 (1st)
Top returning players: Bryce Koch, Sr., P/1B/OF, Conor Fitzpatrick, Sr. OF, Dillon Fitzpatrick, Sr., OF, Will Nahza, Sr., P/INF, Noah Rasmussen, Sr., INF, Patrick Podlesnik, Sr., C/3B/P, Julian Ashley Friedman, Jr., MI, Connor Lenderman, Sr., P, Jaimin Patel, Sr., OF.
Key newcomers: Jackson Cavaliero, Jr., MI, Soren Leahy, Jr., P/1B, Logan Glantz, Jr., 1B/DH, Peter Ensign, Jr., C/ P, Jacob Dorn, Jr., P/OF, Mike Audino, Jr., P/INF, Caid Heick P/OF, Chuck Domke, Jr., P/OF, Collin Kane, Jr., P/3B, Hunter Gaul, Jr., P/MI, Will Kinsella, Jr., P,/1B, James Vondrak, Jr., P, 1B, Jack Swarbick, Jr., 1B, Brady Spencer, Jr., MI, Vaughn Werner, Jr., OF, Jack Costello, Jr., C.
Worth noting: For 10 consecutive seasons, Barrington has won or shared the MSL West title. They have their eyes set on a repeat and hopes for a longer run in the state playoffs. The Broncos return Koch, who will play at Cincinnati next year, and Nahza on the mound to give them a solid top two. The Fitzpatrick brothers are also back to roam the outfield and contribute at the plate. Podlesnik will be moving from behind the plate to help out in the field. Rasmussen, who is headed to Elmhurst, and Friedman return to anchor the infield. “We are expecting newcomers to contribute this season as well,” Wire said. “There are several juniors and possibly sophomores that will help round out the roster. Last year is over, this year is now. We know the MSL schedule will be a difficult road and we look forward to the challenge it presents.”
CONANT
Coach: Derek Fivelson (11th season)
Last year's record: 22-15, 9-7 (3rd)
Top returning players: Jake Parpet, Sr., C, Isaiah Rhodes, Sr., 1B, Bryce Loeger, Sr., P/OF, Logan Gale, Sr., CF/P, Cooper Hanson, Sr., SS, Matt Maize, Sr., LF, Aiden Kovaka, Sr., OF, Austin Potocnic. Sr., P/OF, Adrian Ramirez, Sr., P, Aniik Patel, Sr. P.
Key newcomers: Brody Siervertson, Jr., P, Connor Kehoe. Jr., P/OF, Franklin Kirchner, Jr., P/OF, Jacob Szpiganowicz. So., C/INF, Josh Barnett. Jr., INF, Julian Selmeczy, Sr., UTIL, Luis Avila, Jr., INF, Nick Santos. Jr., P, Richard Pena. Jr., OF/P, Shin Fujino. Sr., INF/P, Zak Fuesz, Jr., C.
Worth noting: The Cougars are built for a deep run this season with 7 solid seniors returning this year. Parpet, a three-year starter and MSL West co-MVP who is headed to Heartland JC, breaking the individual record for runs scored. Rhodes, who set the school record in RBI last season, also returns, and is headed to Joliet JC. Loeger and Gale, who are committed to Parkland CC, are both three-year starters and could be one of the best combos on the mound. Maize, who also is committed to Parkland, along with Hanson and Kovaka, all were key contributors last season. “The conference will be competitive and challenging as usual,” Fivelson said. “The west goes through Barrington, so we need to give them a run. We believe we have the players to compete for a conference championship, we just need to put it all together on the field. We need to improve defensively, which I predict will happen naturally with a loaded lineup of seniors.”
FREMD
Coach: Chris Piggott (22nd season)
Last year's record: 16-15-1, 10-6 (2nd)
Top returning players: Tommy Shintaku, Sr., 2B, Cooper Nelson, Sr., SS; AJ Del mar, Sr., 3B/DH, Brody Frieders, Sr., C, Kosta Kokos, Sr., P, Johnny O’Brien, Jr., OF.
Key newcomers: Will Klimas, Jr., 3B, Caleb Yoon, Jr., C/P, Tyler Schader, Jr., OF/P, Dennis Bond, Jr., OF, Deven Vettickal, Jr., P/OF, Vinny Panzino, Jr., OF, Brayden Miller, Jr., P, Jack Crihfield, Jr., P, Matthew Cabrales, Sr., 1B/P, Milan Huff, Sr., P, Tommy Lindholm, Sr., P, Griffyn Schwartz, Sr., P, Chase Nelson, So., SS, Will Graba, So., P/3B, Kyle Halvadia, So., P/1B.
Worth noting: How quickly Fremd will grow up will be the key this season. Fremd returns four varsity starters led by Carthage-bound Kokos. Frieders, Shintaku and Nelson give the Vikings strength up the middle and the return of O’Brine, who was sidelined last year with an injury will also help. I expect us to struggle early on since we are inexperienced on the varsity level,” Piggott said. “We have solid talent, but not a lot of varsity innings. They have good instincts and are baseball smart so as the season goes on, I expect them to make adjustments and improve in all aspects of the game. We will be good defensively and on the bases. I am excited about this team. We have a good mix of younger and older players.”
HOFFMAN ESTATES
Coach: Andrew Wulbecker (3rd season)
Last year's record: 9-21-1, 3-11 (6th)
Top returning players: Adrian Bello, Jr., OF/P, Emmett Bond, Jr., P/INF, Derek Conjardi, So., CF/P, Joey Lizak, Sr., P, Branden Osorio, Sr., 3B/P, Ty Pearson, Jr., INF, Josh Shemanskis, Sr., 1B/P, Eloy Suarez, Sr., C/DH, Luis Tobella, So., SS.
Key newcomers: Tyler Dillon, So., P/OF, Jaden Holmes Jr., 2B, Colin Karecki, Jr., C/DH/P, Adrian Lara-Acevedo, Sr., RF/P, Dalen Roldan-Brossett, Sr. OF, Chinno Shellenberger, Jr., P/INF.
Worth noting: It will be all about battery power for the Hawks. Hoffman returns Central Alabama-commit Suarez who will be handling returning starters Lizak, Conjardi and Osorio on the bump. “We have a good core group of returning starters from last year,” Wulbecker said. “With that being said, there are a few key roles that will need to be filled up and down the lineup. There is young talent sprinkled throughout the lineup.”
PALATINE
Coach: Paul Belo (23rd season)
Last year's record: 13-22, 6-10 (4th)
Top returning players: Toby Peterson, Jr., P/OF, Peter Mulhern, Jr., P/3B, Liam Arnold, Sr., P, Sean Wasserman, Sr., P, Maarten Pederson, Sr., C, Carter Monroe, Jr., SS, Morgan Wachler, Sr., P/OF, Sean Wasserman, Sr., OF.
Key newcomers: Ben Ratajczak, So., C, Maddux Heilman., Fr., C, Joe Riley, Jr., INF, David Oddo, Jr., INF, Ian Sherman, Jr., UTIL, Jack Houser. Jr., OF.
Worth noting: This will be the final season for Hall of Fame coach Paul Belo, who will retire after 23 seasons at Palatine and another 10 at Fremd. Palatine will look to turn things around this season behind a solid 1-2 punch on the mound in Peterson and Mulhern, who combined to toss 82 innings last season. Monroe, who was solid at short last season, is back to anchor the defense. Wachler, who is committed to Illinois Weslyan, and Wasserman, who is committed to Carthage, should key the offense. “Returnees coupled with player versatility will key spring success,” Belo said. “A lot of questions remain for the ’24 edition. It will take much of the non-conference season to slot players appropriately and redefine player roles. Offensively, patient at-bats and situational hitting approaches will complement above average team speed.”
SCHAUMBURG
Coach: Nick Kostalek (4th season)
Last year's record: 16-13, 4-10 (5th)
Top returning players: Collin Adams, Sr., C/1B/2B, Elliott Leonhardt, Sr., P, Brayden Mazzacano, Sr., P/C/1B, Zack Miller, Sr., P/MI, Danny Police, Sr., P/3B/1B, Tyler Schmidt, Sr., OF, Lucas Tillotson, Sr., MI.
Key newcomers: Jackson Young, Sr., P/3B/1B, Hayden Adamowicz, Fr, P/1B/OF, Kile Gough, So., OF/P, Lucas Wagener, Jr., OF.
Worth noting: Schaumburg has a solid core with 7 returning starters. Mazzacano, who has committed to Illinois, leads that group that has 5 others with college commitments. He is solid on the mound as well as the plate and in the field. Adams, who is Mazzacano’s cousin, is also a four-year starter and committed to Elmhurst. Miller is headed to Morton JC, Police and Tillitson to Joilet JC and Schmidt to Kishwaukee. The Saxons also got a transfer in Young, who will also attend Kishwaukee. “This is a senior-heavy team that has competed in a regional championship each of the past three seasons,” Kostalek said. “This class has been working all off-season for the opportunity to take the next step The seniors have placed an emphasis on culture as they look to take advantage of one final season together.”
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
St. VIATOR
Coach: Terry Beyna (2nd year)
Last year's record: 21-11, 9-3 (2nd)
Top returning players: Bryan Hatch, Sr., Inf, Chase Dymon, Jr., P, Alistar Kanyuh, Jr., P, Ryan Jackson, So., SS, Brandon Thomson, Jr., C, JR Clary, Jr., 1B/P, Aidan Marshall, Sr., OF.
Key newcomers: Mike Zawilenski, Jr., OF, Brock Harer, Jr., Inf., Jeff Beckert, Sr., INF/P, Jake Lund, Sr., OF, Charlie Ferrazza, Sr., OF.
Worth noting: The Lions will have a solid 3-man rotation in Dymon, Clary and Kanyuh, who was all-conference last year as a sophomore. That should help them in the always competitive ESCC, which features two-time defending state champ Nazareth Academy. Hatch, who is committed to Valparaiso, along with Becket, who is a Chicago Concordia commit, will be keys to the offense. “We return three of our top four arms from last year and there are a solid group of young arms coming up as well,” Beyna said. “We believe our pitching and defense should give us a chance to win some games. We also have a nice mix of returning position players and some promising newcomers that will get the opportunity to lock down spots in our everyday lineup.”
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
MAINE EAST
Coach: Ron Clark
Last year's record: 3-19-1, 2-14 (6th)
Top returning players: Jalen Moraga, SR., CF/SS; Vasili Memmos, Sr., 1B/P, Peter Poggas, Sr., OF, Dean Kakares, Sr., 1B/OF, John Sarkis, Sr., OF, Eshaan Lotwala, Sr., 1B/P, Charlie Diaz, Sr., OF, Adolfo Lopez, Jr., 3B/1B, Landon Ringo, Jr., 3B/P, Gustavo Castro, Jr., OF, Jackson Slamowitz, So., C, Andrew Merza, So., SS/P, Edgar Berge, So., OF/P, Kam'ryn Thompson, So., OF.
Key newcomers: Rafie Windham, So., 3B/P, Ethan Robles, Jr., OF, Giovanni Rizza, So., C.
Worth noting: The Blue Demons are looking for a reversal of fortunes after a difficult 2023 campaign. Maine East returns 8 starters who picked up valuable experience last year. This season they have a nice combination of seniors, juniors and sophomores that should contribute. “This team has a nice blend of youth and experience,” Clark said. “We can be a very competitive team this season if our pitching performs and if our young players continue to develop well. We need to build on our experience from last year and take a major step in development and performance. This is especially true of our pitchers. If they perform well for us, we will be a very competitive team.”
MAINE WEST
Coach: Mike Randazzo (8th season)
Last year's record: 13-16, 9-7 (1st)
Top returning players: Zack Steingard, Sr., 3B/P, Tannor Carson, Sr., SS/P, Tommy Delaney, Sr., 2B, Ben Cooper, Sr., C, Julian Delao, Jr., 1B/P, Ethan Cusack, Sr., CF, Kyle Ramirez, Sr., RF, Collin Duffy, Sr., P, Alex Krecu, Sr., P, Luis Huguet, Sr., LF.
Key newcomers: JT Torres, Sr., SS, Ethan Talbert, Jr., P, Connor Woodford, Sr., P, Carlos Nava, Sr., 2B, Alex Zogman, Sr., OF, Colin Jones, Sr. C.
Worth noting: The Warriors have 9 starters back from last season and figure to challenge again for the CSL North title. They will have to find a way to replace Cook All-Area captain Charlie Parcell. But with a senior-laden lineup, Randazzo feels his team may be able to do just that. “This is a senior-heavy and experienced team with lots of big athletic players,” Randazzo said. “Hopefully they improve greatly on last season and put it all together for their final year playing high school baseball.” With football standouts Carson, Delaney, Cooper and Ramirez along with Quincy-bound Duffy and UW-River Ralls commit Cusak leading the way, the Warriors have their sights set on a 20-win season and regional title.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH
MAINE SOUTH
Coach: Brian Lorenz (7th season)
Last year's record: 20-16-1, 13-3 (1st)
Top returning players: Marko Kotur, Sr., P/1B, Logan Tomlinson, Sr., 3B, Chris Gonzalo, Sr., 2B, Sean O'Dowd. Sr., P., Sam Higgins, So., P., Noah Van Hess, Sr., C., Fred Wessel, Sr., P., Christos Vaselopulous, Sr., P/OF.
Key newcomers: Constantine Coines, Jr., OF., Alex Babich. Jr., OF., Jack Gianikos, So., P., Luka Stojakovic. So., C/OF, Finn Haugh, So., SS., Bill Zitis. Sr. INF., Jake Zabratanski, Jr., P/OF., Quinn Huber. Jr., P.
Worth noting: Kotur, Tomlinson and Gonzalo, who has committed to Montclair State, were all starers last season and should be the backbone for a program that has won the CSL South for the past three seasons. O’Dowd, who is committed to St. Charles CC, and Zitis, who has committed to Carthage, will also be counted on. Lorenz, who prides himself on playing teams from all over the Chicago area, will pick up his 100th career victory with the Hawks’ first win in the 2024 season. “My expectation is to compete among the best competition the state has to offer,” Lorenz said. “We are looking to get over the hump and have a deep playoff run.”
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC
SCHAUMBURG CHRISTIAN
Coach: Wes Dixon
Last year's record: 11-9, 5-3 (2nd)
Top returning players: John Vadermeir, Sr., SS/P, Josh Falco Sr., C/P, Suh Lee, Sr., 1B., James Carey, So., IF/P., Nathan Peterson So., Util/P.
Key newcomers: Cooper Smith, Fr., OF/P., Takefumi Onishi, So., P., Vander Harris, Fr., 3B/OF, Jhomie Coleman, FR., OF.
Worth noting: The Conquerors are coming off the best season in the 10-year history of the program. Schaumburg Christian lost just four starters from last season. They will have Suh Lee, who was all conference last season, to help with his leadership on and off the field. The Conquerors will be resting its hopes on repeating that winning performance on a young team that features six underclassmen as sophomores. “We are young,” Dixon said. “We must improve defensively.”
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
LEYDEN
Coach: Ruairi O'Connor (4th season)
Last year's record: 13-23, 5-13
Top returning players: Nikko Bradle, Sr., Noah Schmitt, Sr., Hassan Khrawish, Jr., Jonathan Rosas, Jr., Sammy Calderon, So., Jacob Ganir, So., Luis Zapata, So.
Key newcomers: Elias Carrillo, Brody Wilson
Worth noting: The Eagles have set high goals this season. With seven players returning from last year Leyden has set its sights on a 20-win season as well as a regional title. “We're embracing the challenges ahead with a solid game plan and a hunger for improvement,” O’Connor said. “Our focus is on discipline, execution and playing smart baseball. We know success won't come easy, but we're ready to work, learn from our setbacks, and compete. Our goal is clear. To consistently raise our game, push our limits, and leave it all on the field.”