Softball Top 20

1 St. Charles East (23-16) Sujack 17 HRs last year; Wulf transfers in from Wheaton N.

2. Barrington (35-4-1) Second in Class 4A last spring

3. St. Charles North (22-10) Heimbuch, Kouba 3rd team all-state

4. South Elgin (29-5) UEC champs, sectional finalist always in the mix

5. Antioch (24-14) 9 starters back; highly touted freshmen on roster

6. Fremd (28-6) Kanupke was 9-0 last year

7. Glenbard North (20-5) All-state picks Miller, Whelan back for DKC champs

8. Lake Park (21-8) Pitching will be calling card; 5 college commits

9. Hersey (20-11) Four straight 20-win seasons

10. Prospect (23-12) Knights have pitching depth

11. Stevenson (28-4) NSC champs return pitcher of the year Potempa

12. Libertyville (24-9) Georgetown commit Higham, Weaver provide 1-2 punch in circle

13. Neuqua Valley (18-15) Wisconsin-bound Clifford a headliner for DVC co-champs

14. Huntley (25-13) Petryniec three wins from 500

15. Mundelein (21-11) 2024 NSC pitcher of the year Johnson back from injury

16. Naperville Central (20-15) DVC co-champs lost a lot, but pitching will be strength

17. Glenbard East (20-6) Division I commits Bolda and Carver lead the way

18. St. Francis (23-5) Kennedy (Louisville) and Konen are returning all-staters

19. Glenbard West (21-9) Four-year starter Trybus hit .387 last year

20. WW South (20-10) Six starters back including Chaney (.443 avg)

Others to watch: IC Catholic Prep 22-14, Hampshire 23-11, Maine West 18-2, Downers Grove North 19-15, Warren 19-9, Wheaton North 24-9, Grayslake North 17-12 Buffalo Grove 14-16, Conant 15-9, Aurora Central Catholic 23-10