Baseball: Scouting Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Rich Swann (second season, 8 th overall as head coach at ACC-2002-97)
Last year’s record: 17-11 overall, 5-6 in Metro Suburban Blue (fourth place)
Top returning players: Carson Bailey, sr., P/3B; Cayden Lohrey, jr., P/1B; Brodie Curry, soph., P/1B.
Key newcomers: Adam Bartlett, sr., OF/2B; Ryan Vagnoni, sr., IF; Brian Donovan, sr., P/OF; Brendan O’Shea, sr., P; Kevin Lillwitz, sr., OF; Raul Gomez, jr., C; Liam Schwartz, jr., P/IF; Jackson Michels, jr., P; Manny Maysonet, soph., OF; Aiden Crisci, frosh., OF; Nick Czerak, frosh., P/IF.
Worth noting: It’s all hands on deck for the Chargers, who move into the rugged Chicago Catholic League this season. Only two full-time position players return – Bailey and Curry, along with Lohrey as the only pitchers to log more than 10 innings on the mound last season. Bailey recorded 6 wins and posted a 2.55 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 27 innings, while Lohrey owns 10 victories with a 3.47 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 39 innings the past two seasons. Losing pitcher/infielder Sam Carroll (39 IP, 2.14 ERA, 50 Ks, .259, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 8 stolen bases) to a season-ending injury will leave some big holes for the Chargers. Freshmen pitchers Matthew Guzauskas and Jacob Ginocchio could be called upon to the strengthen the staff.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Andy Zorger (16th season)
Last year’s record: 21-10 overall, 8-4 in Metro Suburban Blue (tied for first place)
Top returning players: Andrew Hernandez, sr., IF/P; Rudy Griffing, sr., 1B/C; Kaleb Elwood, jr., C; Jack Burns, jr., IF; Owen Niedzwiecki, soph., OF/P; Asa Johnson, soph., P.
Key newcomers: Andersen McKinzie, sr., OF; Kyle Koerner, sr., P/OF; Jameson Rapinchuk, soph., P/1B; Zach Zappia, soph., P/utility.
Worth noting: The numbers are up at Aurora Christian this spring. “We have 45 players in the program, grades 9-12, which is the most we have ever had in my time here,” said Zorger, who directed the Eagles to the Class 1A state title in 2018 and a third-place Class 2A state finish in 2019. “This provides some quality depth and competition at various positions.” Hernandez batted .356 last spring with 24 RBI and posted a 3.97 ERA in 24 2/3 innings on the mound, while Griffing hit .330 with 30 hits and 23 runs scored. Johnson compiled a 2.81 ERA in 32 ½ innings as a freshman, while Niedzwiecki fanned 39 in 36 2/3 innings. “We will need some young sophomore pitchers to contribute quality innings,” said the coach. The Eagles should be strong defensively and put pressure on opposing defenses on offense. Aurora Christian competes for the first time in the Chicagoland Christian Conference with some familiar teams – Timothy Christian, Wheaton Academy, Chicago Christian, St. Edward, and some new teams – Hope Academy, Marian Central. “I anticipate we will be somewhere in the top 3-4 of our conference and should be in line for a 1A regional championship and sectional run,” said Zorger.
Bartlett
Coach: Christopher Baum (fifth season)
Last year’s record: 20-16 overall, 14-4 in Upstate Eight (third place)
Top returning players: Brendan Campbell, sr., P/SS; Ryan Renella, sr., P/OF; Colin Swalley, sr., P/IF; Robby Stankus, sr., P; Alex Bihun, jr., C; Josh Colaizzi, soph., P/OF/SS.
Key newcomers: Vince Kamrat, jr., 1B; Brandon Pelz, soph., P/SS; Vince Yario, soph., P; Gio Scivittaro, soph., IF/P.
Worth noting: The Hawks lost only one of their starting pitchers from last season’s squad, which posted a 2.75 team ERA, and gained some big-time younger arms in Pelz, Yario, and Scivittaro. ‘Our pitching depth is our greatest strength,” said Baum. “We have 12 viable arms who can be plugged in at any point in the game.” Baum likes his team’s balance and experience. “Most if not all the seniors have been with me since their sophomore year,” said the coach. “Josh (Colaizzi) and Brandon (Pelz) are rated in the top of the 2026 class on both PBR (Prep Baseball Report) and PG (Perfect Game). Our offense has the potential to be very potent from top to bottom. It’s filled with speed and power.” Defensively, the Hawks look to improve after allowing 60 unearned runs last season (62 earned runs). “It was our biggest weakness last season and has been our main focus this offseason.” The list of college commits includes Campbell (Minnesota-Duluth), Renella (Concordia Chicago), Swalley (ECC), and Stankus (Loras).
Batavia
Coach: Alex Beckmann (eighth season)
Last year’s record: 19-17 overall, 9-12 in DuKane (fifth place)
Top returning players: Ryne Woods, sr., OF; Nate Nazos, sr., P/IF; Ryan Boe, sr., IF/P; Jacob Aseltine, sr., IF/P; Gavin Rosengren, jr., P; Connar Temple, jr., P.
Key newcomers: Bryce Burgoni, sr., OF; Katcher King, sr., OF; Luke Stevenson, jr., P; Jake Mysliwiec, jr., P; Daren Barnes, jr., IF.
Worth noting: Pitching figures to be a strength for the Bulldogs this season with the return of seniors Nazos, Aseltine, and Boe. Nazos recently completed an all-conference season on the basketball court this past winter, while Northwestern-bound Boe was the Bulldogs’ standout quarterback and Daily Herald Fox All-Area Captain last fall on the gridiron. Nazos also earned all-conference baseball honors a year ago. Nazos, Aseltine, and Boe are all two-way players on the infield as well as on the mound. Temple and Rosengren round out the starting staff and have been receiving Division 1 interest. Offensively, the Bulldogs will be led by all-conference right fielder Woods, while RJ Bohr started in left field last spring. Other players committed to colleges are Woods (Upper Iowa) and Aseltine (Olivet Nazarene). Last season, the Bulldogs saved their best for a playoff run that included a 4-3 regional championship victory over St. Charles North and a sectional semifinal win before a 4-3 sectional title loss to York. “We look forward to competing in the DuKane, one of the toughest conferences in the state, and another playoff run,” said Beckmann.
Burlington Central
Coach: Kyle Nelson (19th season).
Last year’s record: 20-17, 11-7 FVC (fourth place).
Top returning players: Brady Gilroy, sr., OF-SS-P; Michael Person, P-SS-OF; AJ Payton, sr., 1B-P-DH; Jake Johnson, jr., C; Chase Powrozek, jr., P-OF; Elliot Alicea, sr., P-OF; Mason Rosborough, sr., P-OF.
Top new players: Connor Finn, jr., IF; Zane Pollock, jr., IF; Yanni Pahnianis, jr., IF; Solomon Her, sr., IF.
Worth noting: Central is loaded with talent in the lineup and on the mound from a team that lost to Sycamore in a Class 3A sectional championship. … The Rockets return all but 10 innings from last year’s pitching staff, led by Michael Person. … SS-OF Brady Gilroy hit .471 with nine homers and 35 RBIs. P-1B AJ Payton hit .352 and knocked in 30 runs and C Jake Johnson hit .351 and drove in 21 runs. … Person, Gilroy and Payton are fourth-year starters, while Johnson and Powrozek will be third-year starters as juniors. … The Rockets look like a team that can compete for the FVC title and make a deep run in the state tournament series.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Ryan Passaglia (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 26-10 overall, 12-6 in Fox Valley (third place)
Top returning players: Ethan Dorchies, sr., P/1B; PJ Weaver, sr., OF; Cooper Motz, sr., IF; Matthew Dillon, sr., P; Peyton Seaburg, jr., P/IF; Charlie Taczy, jr., P/IF; Hayden Dieschbourg, jr., OF.
Key newcomers: Jacob Steele, sr., 1B; Francis Panko, jr., C; Keenan Krysh, jr., C; Brock Iverson, jr., 1B/OF; Jacob Duvall, jr., P/OF; Luca Vivaldelli, jr., P/IF.
Worth noting: Despite losing six starting position players to graduation, Cary-Grove still boasts a strong core of returning players, including mound ace Dorchies (UIC commit) and experienced starters Taczy and Dillow, as well as reliable relievers Seaburg and Mitchell Johnson. The talented junior class is eager to contribute alongside the seniors. While pitching and defense are likely to be the Trojans’ main strengths, the offense might not be too far behind based on the growth of their returners and how quickly the newcomers get acclimated to varsity baseball. The Trojans captured the Class 3A regional title last spring.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Bogda (17th season)
Last year’s record: 26-8 overall, 13-5 in Fox Valley (second place)
Top returning players: Dayton Murphy, sr., SS; James Carlson, sr., OF; C.J. Regillio, sr., 1B/P; Cole Tilley, sr., 1B/P; Yandel Ramirez, jr., 3B/P.
Key newcomers: Rhys Rankin, sr., 1B/P; Liam Sullivan, jr., C/OF; Xander Shevchenko, jr., OF; Jack Melhuish, jr., P; Mark Pachla, jr., P; Brady Diaz, jr., IF/P; Christian Alther, jr., IF/OF; Gio Evers Sanchez, soph., IF; Tony Amici, soph., C.
Worth noting: The Gators return plenty of talent, led by Murphy (.455, 2 HR, 33 RBI, 50 runs scored, 34 stolen bases), Carlson (.302, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 23 runs scored), Regillio (.354, 3 HR, 28 RBI), Tilley (.277, 12 RBI), and Ramirez (.333, 16 RBI). “We will need to stay focused, trust the process, and pay attention to details to be successful in the very tough FVC,” said Bogda, who guided the Gators to a Class 3A regional title before losing a 4-3 decision to eventual state runner-up Grayslake Central in the sectional semifinals. Murphy is a Michigan State commit, while Carlson will play at Youngstown State next season. “We know the games we play in the FVC will help prepare us for the postseason,” said the coach.
Elgin
Coach: Joel Gamino (first season)
Last year’s record: 2-24 overall, 1-17 in Upstate Eight (10 th place)
Top returning players: Benjamin Heinrich, sr., P; Andrew Firszt, sr., P/utility; Briar Dekarske, jr., IF/OF.
Key newcomers: Matthew Caldwell, soph., P/SS; Ivan Magdaleno, frosh., C; Jacob Rufino, frosh., OF.
Worth noting: The Maroons have a new coach – Gamino, and a new look – logo for the 2024 campaign. “The foundation of the program is taking shape, as it is out with the old and in with the new – New Era, New Vision, New Goals,” said Gamino, who played at Elgin Community College for longtime coach Bill Angelo before contributing to the program’s turnaround at Judson College. “Together, our coaches take on the big challenge of overhauling the entire program and instilling hard work, persistence, a ‘want-to attitude,’ a love for the game, and understanding that getting better equates to being a student of the game and constantly learning the intricacies of the game,” said the coach. “My passion for the game will help our players understand the importance of those little things within the game that are not overlooked and that we get better at our craft. The development will come = wins. We are young, we are hungry, and we are coming.”
Geneva
Coach: Brad Wendell (eighth season)
Last year’s record: 14-20 overall, 9-12 in DuKane (fifth place)
Top returning players: Nate Stempowski, sr., SS; Bryce Breon, sr., P/1B; Seth Kisner, sr., P; Sam Seykora, sr., 2B; Joseph Cosentino, sr., OF; Kollin Mickelsen, sr., OF; Chase Sorrentino, sr., 3B; Sawyer Venditti, sr., C; John Rueth, sr., C; Shane Webb, sr., P; Logan Bova, sr., P; John Feucht, sr., P.
Key newcomers: Miles Dibble, jr., P/OF/IF; Nick Price, jr., OF/2B; Ethan Gronberg, jr., 1B/3B; Michael Toole, jr., DH/1B; Blake Kopec, soph., DH/1B.
Worth noting: The Vikings return their top two arms from 2023 in Breon (3 wins, 52 IP, 4.03 ERA) and Kisner (3 wins, 42 1/3 IP, 4.29 ERA), while Webb, Feucht, Bova, and Sorrentino also have varsity pitching experience. Two-time all-conference shortstop Stempowski returns to lead the infield after hitting .426 with 6 home runs, 10 doubles, 8 stolen bases, and a 1.299 OPS last spring. Seykora batted .344 with a team-high 14 stolen bases a year ago, while Cosentino was a mainstay in right field with a .432 on-base percentage. “Our infield is strong up the middle,” said Wendell, “and we will have a senior-led outfield. Our defense is loaded with returning starters. In 2023, we had to replace all but 30 innings of work on the mound. For the 2024 campaign, we have 155 varsity innings returning. We hope some tough lessons from 2023 prepare our staff for a successful 2024.
Hampshire
Coach: Frank Simoncelli (seventh season)
Last year’s record: 19-17 overall, 6-12 in Fox Valley (eighth place)
Top returning players: Dominic Borecky, sr., SS; Luke Mejdrich, sr., P; Nicholas Randell, sr., LF/DH; Jack Schane, sr., P; Jaryd Vence, sr., P/2B; Tegan VanWiel, sr., P/C; Anthony Karbowski, jr., P/1B.
Key newcomers: Ari Fivelson, jr., OF; Eric Jackson, jr., OF/1B/P; Calen Scheider, jr., C/P; Wilson Wemhoff, jr., OF/P.
Worth noting: Simoncelli feels pitching and defense will be the strengths of the team this season. “We have good team speed,” said the coach. “We have a young team when it comes to varsity experience, but we have high expectations each day to improve. My guys have been working hard and they are hungry to get ready. They have a lot to prove and want to make a name for themselves.” Borecky, in his third year on varsity, hit .243 with a team-high 10 doubles, 26 runs scored, 20 RBI, and 5 stolen bases as a junior, while Karbowski batted .273 with RBI while finishing 2-4 on the mound with 34 Ks in 22 1/3 innings. Players committed to colleges include Borecky (Winona State), Mejdrich (Lake County), Schane (Morton), Randell (UW-Whitewater for track), and southpaw Karbowski (Louisville in 2025). “I have the utmost respect for every team in our conference,” said Simoncelli. “It’s a grind. We are hoping we can flip the script from last year’s 6-12 record but our goal is to be the best team we can be each day.” Hampshire’s annual Strikeout Cancer Game against McHenry is scheduled for Friday, May 17, at Trout Park (6:30 p.m. start).
Harvest Christian
Coach: Cory Deshazer (second season, first as head coach)
Last year’s record: 25-6 overall, 10-0 in Northeastern (first place)
Top returning players: Gavin Duran, sr., SS; Kaden Meeker, sr., CF/P; Emin Hartigan, sr., P; Hayden Moseley, sr., P/1B; Charles Smerek, sr., OF; Kyle Ziebell, soph., IF.
Key newcomers: Obed Lopez, jr., 3B/P.
Worth noting: Last spring, the Lions captured conference and regional titles before losing a 3-2 Class 1A sectional semifinal decision to Chicago Hope Academy on a dramatic play at the plate. This season, Harvest Christian looks to win its fourth straight conference and regional titles and advance beyond sectionals. “This team has the talent to do and is upper-class heavy,” said DeShazer, who has 20-plus years of experience on the travel baseball circuit coaching some of the top high school players in the state. Duran, a John Wood commit, earned conference Player of the Year honors after hitting .463 with 3 home runs and 45 RBIs last season. Meeker hit .390 with a team-high 55 runs scored from the leadoff spot a year ago. Moseley, a Morton College commit, hit .340 with 2 home runs and 23 RBI last season, while Bellarmine commit Mitchell batted .380 with 4 home runs and 30 RBI as a sophomore. Hartigan, a left-hander, is an Alabama-Huntsville commit. Deshazer expects Lopez, a transfer, to be a big part of the team success with his power bat and power arm (up to 87 mph). Smerek, a returning 4-year starter, is the team’s best defensive outfielder, while Ziebell hit .378 as a freshman. “Kyle is a top-end sophomore who is expected to be a high-end contributor this season,” said the coach.
Huntley
Coach: Andy Jakubowski (24th season overall, 18 th season at Huntley)
Last year’s record: 29-8 overall, 18-6 in Fox Valley (first place)
Top returning players: Malachi Paplanus, sr., P; Haiden Janke, sr., OF; Colby Aschenbach, sr., P; Quinn Drews, sr., P/C; Louis Siriano, sr., P; Eddie Johnson, sr., P; Griffin Goldstein, sr., SS/utility; A.J. Putty, jr., P/3B/1B; Ryan Dabe, jr., OF; T.J. Jakubowski, jr., P/SS/2B.
Key newcomers: Kyle Larson, sr., OF; Marco Stawski, sr., 2B/utility; Carter Piecuch, sr., P; Jack Lansu, sr., C; Rylan Sands, sr., P; Davis Tomlinson, sr., P; Jason Wolter, sr., P/C; Eric Suarez, jr., P/OF; Mason Leske, jr., P; Dylan Visvadra, jr., P/IF; Drew Borkowski, soph., P/OF/utility; Travis Dudycha, soph., P/1B/OF; Josh Rudnik, soph., P; Brady Klepfer, soph., P/C.
Worth noting: The defending Fox Valley Conference champion Red Raiders return 10 players from their 29-win team last season. Huntley will field an athletic group who will put pressure on opposing defenses. Offensively, the Red Raiders will be led by Putty (.390, 39 hits, 6 home runs, 36 RBI), Dabe (.290, 4 home runs, 31 RBI), Janke (.261, 12 RBI), Goldstein (.358, 16 RBI), Drews (.281), and Jakubowski (.400 in 18 games). On the mound, Huntley returns 47-plus innings, led by Paplanus (14 Ks in 9 2/3 IP), Putty (2.63 ERA), Aschenbach (1-0, 1 save, 19 1/3 IP), Siriano (1.40 ERA, 5 IP), and Johnson (8 IP, 9 Ks). Sophomores Borkowski, Dudycha, Klepfer, and Rudnik will also compete for innings. “Our players are focused and excited for the 2024 season,” said Jakubowski, whose team captured a Class 4A regional title before losing to rival Jacobs in the sectional semifinals last spring. “Ultimately, the goal is to be playing our best baseball at the end of the season and to make a strong postseason run.” Players committed to colleges, include Paplanus (Wright State), Aschenbach (verbal to Loras), Drews (verbal to UW-Whitewater), Siriano (verbal to McHenry CC), Larson (verbal to College of Lake County), Stawski (verbal to Dominican), Wolter (verbal to Ottawa), Lansu (verbal to Oakton), Sands (verbal to Columbia College of Missouri), and Putty (verbal to Illinois).
Kaneland
Coach: Brian Aversa (18 th season)
Last year’s record: 21-13 overall, 10-4 in Interstate Eight (third place)
Top returning players: Parker Violett, sr., OF/P; Zach Konrad, sr., C; Anthony Campise, sr., OF; Jackson Kottmeyer, sr., P.
Key newcomers: Tom Thill, jr., 2B.
Worth noting: The Knights expect senior leadership from Violett (.354, 5 HRs, 40 RBI), Konrad (.333), Campise (.406), and Kottmeyer (4-1 mound record), among others. “Our pitching will keep us in a lot of games, as will our experience and senior leadership that we have returning,” said Aversa. Last season, Kaneland finished 8 games above .500 and suffered a gut-wrenching, 4-3 Class 3A regional semifinal decision to Marmion. “We play in a very competitive conference with three games against Sycamore and also against Morris this year,” said the coach. “Both teams are considered favorites in our conference.” The list of players committed to colleges includes Alex Schiefer and Violett (St. Xavier), Kottmeyer (Lewis), Konrad (Elmhurst), Max Woodward (Morton), and Matthew Brunscheen (ECC).
Jacobs
Coach: Jamie Murray (13th season).
Last year’s record: 19-19, 8-10 FVC (tied for sixth place).
Top returning players: Nathan Gerritsen, sr., OF-P; Paulie Rudolph, sr., OF-P; Gage Martin, sr., 2B-P; Owen Ziajia, sr., C-IF; Brandon Koth, sr., 1B-OF; Kaden Wagenaar, sr., P; Mark Takasaki, sr., C-P; Braden Behrens, jr., P; Kyle Wayda, jr., P; Spencer Drummond, jr., P.
Top new players: Andrew Deegan, so., SS; Cooper Gulgren, so., 3B-P; Luke Gormsen, jr., 1B-P; Justin Ceisel, sr., P; Brennan Sproule, sr., P; Gavin Grummer, jr., 2B; Matt Scardina, jr., OF; Aiden Stumpf, jr., 1B-P.
Worth noting: The Golden Eagles upset Huntley in the Class 4A Dundee-Crown sectional semifinals last year, then fell to Hononegah in the sectional title game. … Slugger Christian Graves, who also was one of Jacobs’ top starters, will be a key graduation loss. Anthony Edge, now at Bradley, is another key arm that graduated. …Gerritsen, Rudolph, Martin, Ziaja and Koth all started most or parts of last season. … “We have a nice mix of some seniors (five) who were a big part of our postseason run last year,” coach Jamie Murray said. “Ten of our returning players saw significant innings on the mound and in the field last spring, including the postseason. We currently have six seniors committed to play baseball in college and expect three more to commit soon.”
Marmion
Coach: Aaron Nieckula
Last season’s record: 10-23 overall, 3-13 Chicago Catholic Blue.
Top returning players: Tyler Sowers, sr., CF/P; Ben Fritz, sr., LF; Ethan Flores, jr., C/P; Jackson Sherman, sr., IF; Jack Hughes, jr., 1B/P; Nate Bostrand, jr., IF/OF; Chuck Schweiner, jr., 1B/DH..
Worth noting: The Cadets are looking for a bounce-back season in a tough conference, paced by an experienced group of seniors. “We’ve been committed to the weight room, looking to add strength, size, speed and mobility,” Nieckula said. “Led by a solid group of seniors, this team will maintain aggression on the bases, put up quality at-bats and stay focused on making the routine plays consistently.”
South Elgin
Coach: Jim Kating (17th season)
Last year’s record: 17-8 overall, 15-3 in Upstate Eight (tied for first place)
Top returning players: Aedon Segovia, sr., OF; Keenan Oldani, sr., 3B; Andrew Shall, sr., P/OF; Connor Lund, jr., OF; Aiden Bernau, jr., IF/P.
Key newcomers: Caleb Williams, sr., P/1B; Zach Barkho, soph., 3B/C/P; Nathan Robertson, soph., C.
Worth noting: South Elgin hopes to compete for another top finish in the UEC while advancing in the postseason this spring. The Storm has several juniors that gained varsity experience last year as sophomores and expect that to translate into upperclassmen leadership along with the seniors. Segovia hit .361 with a .619 on-base percentage and 23 stolen bases last spring, while Lund and Oldani batted .323 and .288, respectively, with Lund scoring 23 runs and Oldani driving in 21. On the mound, Bernau posted a 3-0 record and 2.80 ERA with 3 saves, while Shall went 3-1 with a 1.77 ERA last season. Kating, who collected his 300 th coaching victory last season, owns a 309-182-2 career mark at South Elgin, which is celebrating the 10 th anniversary of its third-place Class 4A state tournament finish (2014). “We have some tough nonconference games against traditionally strong programs – Huntley, St. Charles North, Lake Park, and Stevenson),” said Kating. “We will see how our guys accept those challenges and bring that competitive attitude and style of play into the UEC games and beyond.”
St. Charles East
Coach: Derek Sutor (first season).
Last year’s record: 27-5 overall, 19-2 in DuKane Conference (first place)
Top returning players: Joey Arend, jr., OF/P; Sam Frausto, sr., OF/P; Jake Greenspan, sr., IF.
Key newcomers: Cole Ridgway, sr., IF/P; Matt Steinberg, jr., 1B/P; James Feigleson, soph., IF; Nathan Moline, soph., 2B/P.
Worth noting: Sutor takes over for longtime Saints coach Len Asquini, who recorded 479 career wins as well as the 1999 Class AA state title in 20 years at the helm. Sutor, who was Geneva’s sophomore coach last season, is no stranger to the diamond with 17 years of coaching experience under his belt. The Saints graduated 7 seniors from last season’s DuKane Conference and Class 4A regional champions, including 2-time DuKane Conference Player of the Year Jake Zitella (now playing in the minor leagues with the New York Mets’ organization). “The belief may be that we may take a step back in the 2024 season.” said Sutor. “However, our seniors are stepping up to lead our talented underclassmen groups and everyone is hungry to leave their mark on the Saints’ program.” Arend, a left-hander, earned conference Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore with an 8-1 record and 142 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched. At the plate, the Xavier commit hit .388 with a .543 on-base percentage and 1.049 OPS. Steinberg is a tall, lanky pitcher who consistently throws in the mid-80s, while Ridgway adds infield versatility at second base, third base, and shortstop. “We expect to compete for another conference title and be playing our best baseball come playoff time,” said Sutor.
St. Charles North
Coach: Todd Genke (19th season)
Last year’s record: 25-9-1 overall, 16-5 in DuKane (second place)
Top returning players: Mike Buono, sr., C; Parker Reinke, sr., OF/P; Colin Ryder, sr., 1B/P; Josh Caccia, sr., P/OF; Jackson Spring, sr., IF; Luke Holtz, sr., P/1B; Keaton Reinke, soph., OF/P; Andrew Good, sr., P; Jaden Harmon, sr., P/OF; Jake Kujak, sr., IF/P; Liam Ruane, sr., P.
Key newcomers: Jack Spotts, sr., IF; Jackson Smiley, sr., OF; George Gouriotis, sr., P/IF; Luci Falco, sr., C; Michael Hickey, sr., P; Trevor Lambel, sr., IF; Ty Heimbuch, jr., C/P; Tyler Koziol, jr., IF/OF; Matt Kelly, jr., IF; Henry Grimm, jr., OF; Mason Netcel, soph., IF.
Worth noting: The North Stars will rely on their strong pitching staff, led by Caccia, Holtz, Good, Ruane, Harmon, Kujak, and the Reinke brothers, a solid core of athletes on defense, and a capable offense. They should be able to score runs in bunches but also able to execute “small ball” opportunities when needed. Excellent team speed should provide many scoring opportunities. Gaining playoff experience from the past several years, while making deep postseason runs, should be major factors to the success in 2024. Some of the younger, inexperienced players will be asked to step up and reach their potential. Buono was an all-conference catcher as a junior and will hit in the middle of the lineup. Parker Reinke, one of the best athletes on the team, is a speedy outfielder with pop at the plate, while Ryder will start at first base and hit in the middle of the order. Players committed to colleges include Buono (UW-Whitewater), Parker Reinke (Taylor), Ryder (Southwest Illinois), Spring (UW-Whitewater), Holtz (Loras), Good (Lewis), and Harmon (Morton College). The North Stars’ schedule includes Providence, Lincoln-Way East, Neuqua Valley, Jacobs, Burlington Central, South Elgin, Barrington, and a spring trip to Nashville.
St. Edward
Coach: Darius Lugo (second season)
Last year’s record: 5-20 overall, 1-11 in Metro Suburban Red (seventh place)
Top returning players: Jack Cozzi, sr., P/OF; Drew Walker, sr., 3B/C/P; Josh Avila, sr., IF; Nolan Pomeroy, sr., OF; Andrew Ramos, sr., C/DH/1B; Joe DuSell, jr., OF/P; Anthony Freeman, jr., IF/P.
Key newcomers: Dominic Savini, sr., 3B/P; Zach Wojtas, soph., OF/IF; Anthony Leadley, frosh., IF/OF.
Worth noting: Veterans Cozzi, Walker, and DuSell return for the Green Wave as team captains for the 2024 campaign. Cozzi, a left-handed pitcher/outfielder, is beginning his fourth varsity season and is planning to make a college commitment soon. Walker “gets the job done” whether it behind the plate, on the mound, or as an infielder. “This team holds a lot of promise – teams won’t know what to expect,” said Walker. DuSell has a solid bat and a fastball that hovers in the mid- to high 80s (mph). Savini, an Aurora Christian transfer, is a power hitter who was St. Edward’s leading tackler last fall on the football team. Avila, Pomeroy, Ramos, and Freeman all possess 2-3 years of experience. Wojtas, a Burlington Central transfer, can play both middle infield positions, while Leadley is another reliable defensive infielder.
Streamwood
Coach: Dan Jennings (fourth season)
Last year’s record: 25-10 overall, 15-3 in Upstate Eight (first place)
Top returning players: Antonio Alanis, sr., OF; Miguel Rodriguez, sr., OF/IF/P/C; Austin Paskewic, jr., C/P/IF.
Key newcomers: Dylan Love, sr., OF; Chris Cole, sr., IF/P; Charlie Cole, sr., IF/P; Levi Brockway, sr., OF; Isaiah Shafi, sr., IF; Riley Nosek, jr., IF/P.
Worth noting: After winning the Upstate Eight Conference title for the first time since 2011, the Sabres will have some new faces in their starting lineup. Jennings said that many of them were juniors on the team last year, so they have some experience but will be put in new roles this season. Rodriguez, in his fourth year on varsity, figures to be the ace of the Sabres’ pitching staff, while Alanis and Paskewic are beginning their third varsity seasons, along with Love. Alanis and Rodriguez are Elgin Community College commits. “We hope to compete for another conference championship and regional title,” said Jennings.
West Aurora
Coach: John Reeves (17th season)
Last year’s record: 12-18 overall, 3-12 in Southwest Prairie (sixth place)
Top returning players: Carson Bantz, sr., 3B/P.
Key newcomers: Kaiden Williams, sr., P; Cooper Matheny, jr., P/SS; Jake Niedzwiedz, jr., P/IF; Logan Weaver, jr., P/OF; Zach Toma, soph., P/1B/OF.
Worth noting: The Blackhawks enter the season with Bantz as their top returner after he hit .309 with 2 home runs and 21 RBI last spring. Reeves expects his team’s inexperienced pitching staff to be solid, with Matheny, Niedzwiedz, Bants, Williams, Toma, Weaver, and Max Smith vying for innings. The veteran coach feels the early portion of the 2024 campaign will help determine everyone’s roles going forward. Numerous players are currently competing for playing time at almost every position. Bantz is an Elgin CC commit.
– - Joe Stevenson from Shaw Local contributed