Scouting DuPage County baseball teams
Addison Trail
Coach: Paul Parpet.
Last year: 15-21, 7-11, fifth in West Suburban Gold; lost 8-1 to Wheaton North in the Class 4A St. Charles East regional semifinals.
Top players: Matt Haas, sr., P-OF-1B; Anthony Milazzo, jr., P; Jason Brzezinski, sr., SS; Costa Diamond, sr., 2B; Mike Miceli, sr., OF; Tim O'Connor, sr., 3B-P; Eric Janik, sr., OF-P; Kevin Babica, sr., 1B-P; Ismael DeLaCruz, sr., C; Tyler Ramir, sr., 1B-DH; Cody Mueller, jr., SS-P; Todd Brooksome, jr., OF; Scott Babica, so., OF.
Scouting report: The Blazers won six of their last eight games last year and hope to keep up the momentum with much of that team returning. Improved defense is a major emphasis after allowing 30 unearned runs in the Gold. Haas only won 2 games last year despite a stellar 1.73 ERA. Milazzo, who went 7-4 as a sophomore, is a co-ace on the staff. Haas, Diamond, DeLaCruz, O'Connor and Kevin Babica are all third-year varsity players on a team filled with experience. Brzezinski, who hit a team-high .389, Diamond and Haas each batted over .300. "With our experience I think we can be pretty competitive," Parpet said.
Benet
Coach: Jeff Bonebrake.
Last year: 20-14, 12-6, third in East Suburban Catholic; lost 12-6 to Joliet in the Class 4A Joliet regional semifinals.
Top players: Connor Reilly, sr., 3B; Patrick Callahan, sr., P; Scott Dawson, sr., P; Andrew Jachna, jr., 2B; Sam Santa Maria, so., 1B; Eric Patzelt, jr., P; R.J. Gatto, jr., OF; Nick Moore, jr., SS; Jake Norton, sr., P; Mike Chiaro, sr., P; Mark Jablonski, sr., OF; Brian Graff, sr., OF.
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Scouting report: This is a deep team - especially on the mound - with speed at the top and bottom of the order and power in the middle. The Redwings should vie for the ESCC title. Glimpses of the potential shined in Benet's run to the summer regional final, which is where Reilly truly showed his talent hitting third in the lineup. From the spring he brings back a .315 average and 21 RBI. Moore also hit over .300 while Santa Maria adds pop to the heart of the order. Callahan and Patzelt return a combined 86 innings on the mound. Dawson pitched well in the summer, as did Norton and Chiaro. "We're athletic, and I think we'll give teams fits at the plate and on the bases," Bonebrake said.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Chad Isaacson.
Last year: 15-17, 9-9, fourth in West Suburban Silver; lost 8-6 to Providence in the Class 4A Joliet regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Eric Jagielo, sr., SS; John Galligan, sr., OF; Nick Goergen, sr., P-IF; Joe Claver, sr., P; Phil McNulty, sr., 1B; Bryan Jagielo, jr., P-OF; Anthony Ciango, jr., P-IF; Nick Niehls, sr., P; Alex Yeager, sr., OF; Steve Banda, sr., 2B.
Scouting report: Eric Jagielo, committed to Notre Dame, is a great start once again for the Trojans. The third-year shortstop and No. 3 hitter battled injury all last season but hit .441 in 34 at bats. Another team strength is the deep pitching staff. Goergen returns 5 wins while Ciango and Claver, a third-year varsity pitcher who's committed to Illinois State University, also bring back significant experience. Niehls, if healthy, adds pitching depth and experience. Bryan Jagielo boosts the pitching staff and the lineup. Another health issue rests with McNulty, whose broken wrist thins the lineup and will keep him out for about two months. "We have some question marks, but we also have a lot to build upon," Isaacson said.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Darren Orel.
Last year: 25-11, 14-4, tied for first in West Suburban Gold; lost 10-0 to Waubonsie Valley in the Class 4A Plainfield South regional semifinals.
Top players: Nick Burdi, jr., P; Jake Rone, sr., P; Dan Walsh, sr., SS; Kyle Engel, jr., 2B; Pat Korienek, sr., 1B; Matt Wivinis, jr., P-3B; John Dillon, jr., P-IF; Ashton Smith, sr., P; Jacob Wolf, jr., OF; Nick Tenerelli, jr., C.
Scouting report: Despite only three seniors in the lineup, this is a team with extremely high expectations featuring seven returning starters and one of the area's best 1-2 pitching punches. Burdi, who's hit 93 mph with his fastball, already has committed to Louisville. Rone, 12-0 in the spring and summer, is headed to Parkland. Wivinis, Dillon and Smith give the Mustangs plenty of pitching talent to defend their Gold title and continue the momentum from a state semifinal finish in the summer. Walsh, a third-year starter headed to Miami of Ohio, anchors the batting order along with Engel and Korienek. "With our staff," Orel said, "I don't see why we can't compete in every single game this season."
Fenton
Coach: Brad Meyer.
Last year: 3-33, fifth in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 3-1 to Ridgewood in the Class 3A Elmwood Park regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Michael Mach, sr., C; John Zalecki, sr., P-3B; Danny Stevens, sr., P-SS-3B; Danny Diaz, jr., OF; Matt Swartz, jr., 2B; Jake Martin, sr., DH; Buddy Larsen, sr., 1B; Vinnie Pack, sr., P-SS; David Savioa, jr., P; Garrett Alden, jr., P; Richie Rebmann, sr., P; Eric Justiniano, sr., OF; Tyrell Magee, sr., IF.
Scouting report: Meyer, who played at Crete-Monee High school, Kankakee Community College and Cumberland College, takes the helm after spending three seasons as a graduate assistant at NAIA University of Cumberland. The centerpiece of the team is Mach, who batted a team-high .344 last year, behind the plate. Zalecki claimed 2 wins for Fenton, posting a 1.96 ERA while striking out 64 and walking only 16 in 50 innings. Stevens and Rebmann return another 90 innings. Speed and aggression on the bases will dominate the style of play. "The biggest thing is playing hard and playing the right way," Meyer said.
Glenbard East
Coach: John Walters.
Last year: 11-21, 7-14, tied for fifth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 9-3 to Geneva in the Class 4A Geneva regional semifinals.
Top players: Sean Little, sr., 3B-P; Cody Thompson, sr., P; Anil Patel, sr., OF; Derek Danylevsky, sr., OF; Mike Dexl, jr., OF; Kevin McGarry, sr., 2B; Nick Chesky, sr., P-OF; Joe Dathe, sr., C; Mike Schlitter, sr., P-OF; Max Oppenheimer, jr., SS-P; Will Koski, jr., P-3B; Dave Walsh, jr., P.
Scouting report: Walters, a veteran head coach with experience at West Chicago and York, returns to the DVC with the Rams. He inherits a team that could surprise opponents. Little is a returning all-DVC performer who batted .390 with 3 homers last year. Patel and McGarry each hit .325 with double-digit RBI. From one to six it's a solid, balanced and flexible lineup. Thompson, who's committed to St. Joseph's, brings back 50 innings and 5 wins to the mound. He's backed by Chesky, last year's closer, Schlitter and Koski in a rotation that lacks starting varsity experience after Thompson. "You can see how hard they've worked," Walters said. "I think we could sneak up on some people."
Glenbard North
Coach: Rich Smelko.
Last year: 12-19, 6-15, tied for seventh in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 7-3 to West Aurora in the Class 4A Willowbrook regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Dave Wolak, sr., OF; Andrew Bergmann, jr., P; Ryan Sabalaskey, sr., SS; Brandon Clark, jr., C; Rick Janokowicz, sr., 2B-P; Jordan Hanlon, sr., P; Sam Julian, sr., P; Chris Caliva, sr., 1B; Evin Natick, jr., OF; Jake Kline, jr., 3B; Will Petrosky, jr., P.
Scouting report: On the heels of last summer's Elite Eight finish, confidence is high for the Panthers under Smelko, a longtime assistant in the program. Not many varsity innings return on the mound beyond Bergmann, who went 4-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 46 innings as a sophomore. Janokowicz is coming off a good summer while Hanlon is back after spending last year as a reliever. The lineup should be strong with power coming from Caliva, Clark and Natick. Look for Wolak, who batted .368 last year, and Sabalaskey to set the table at the top of the order. "We'll be pretty competitive if we can get some consistent starting pitching," Smelko said.
Glenbard South
Coach: Mike Riley.
Last year: 20-17, 9-12, fifth in Western Sun Conference; lost 2-0 to Johnsburg in the Class 3A Lakes sectional semifinals.
Top players: Nick Slezak, sr., C; Dylan Milkent, sr., 1B; Mike Meath, sr., 2B; Ryan DeRosa, sr., P-3B; Andrew Bettin, sr., DH; Charlie Adams, sr., IF-OF; Brandon Phillips, sr., IF-C; Nick Gohla, sr., P; Joel Genovesi, sr., P; Taylor Rahtjen, sr., P; Dylan Rheault, sr., P; Ben Gaspar, jr., OF-P; Mitch Gasbarro, so., SS; Ryan Schlegel, jr., OF.
Scouting report: The Raiders are poised for more success if the pitching staff develops. DeRosa won three games last year and posted a 3.38 ERA. Gaspar and Rheault, a Glenbard West transfer who suffered a broken wrist last season, boast live arms. The Raiders will be strong defensively, starting with Slezak's great arm behind the plate. Three infielders return while Gasbarro, the team's leadoff man, should make an immediate impact at shortstop. Milkent, coming off a good summer at the plate, leads the offense, while Slezak returns a .333 average with 2 homers and 18 RBI. "This is a very competitive group," Riley said.
Glenbard West
Coach: Brian Wojtun.
Last year: 13-23, 6-12, sixth in West Suburban Silver; lost 2-1 to Hoffman Estates in the Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Will Caspers, sr., P-IF; Chris Kavanaugh, sr., 2B; Ben Krusen, jr., P-C; Mike Laning, jr., SS; Eric Boockford, sr., P; Tom Alt, jr., 3B-C; Scott Lembitz, sr., OF; Jeremy Abernathy, so., OF; Andy Anderson, sr., OF; Bob Targo, jr., 1B.
Scouting report: Uncertainty abounds on a team with a mix of experience and newcomers. Caspers is the key to the rotation as a third-year starter. He's a captain along with Kavanaugh, an all-conference returner, and Krusen, who's expected to bolster the pitching staff. Caspers returns 50 innings and a pair of victories while Krusen pitched 10 innings as a sophomore. Look for Boockford to also contribute. Kavanaugh hit .333 with 13 RBI. Power comes from Krusen, who hit .299, and Alt, a key Driscoll transfer along with Abernathy in the outfield. Lembitz brings back a .288 average with 10 RBI. "This team works so well together," Wojtun said. "They're so dedicated to getting better."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Tom Dorrance.
Last year: 16-14, 11-7, tied for second in West Suburban Silver; lost 14-5 to Naperville Central in the Class 4A Naperville Central regional semifinals.
Top players: Matt Anderson, jr., IF-P; Will Pahos, sr. P-3B; Alex Tufano, sr., C; Jack Hellwig, sr., IF-P; Mac Burridge, sr., OF; Drew Kornak, sr., 1B-P; Peter Marquardt, sr., P-1B; Carson Elmore, sr., P; John Ellis, sr., OF-P; Zach Alleman, sr., OF; Chris Bobo, jr., P. Jack Gilbert, jr., OF-P.
Scouting report: The Red Devils have question marks, starting with accounting for the graduation of Josh Camalick, his .571 average and 8 homers. Two key elements of the lineup return led by Anderson, an all-Silver pick as a sophomore. Last season he was second on the team with a .414 average while smacking 3 home runs. Tufano's back behind the plate and returns a .390 average. Three of the Red Devils' top four pitchers from last season graduated, but Pahos is a third-year starter. In 34 innings last year he notched 3 wins and struck out 42 while posting a 3.06 ERA. Kornak, Marquardt, Hellwig and Elmore bring back limited varsity experience.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Kraig Conyer.
Last year: 7-25, 5-13, seventh in West Suburban Gold; lost 12-2 to Romeoville in the Class 4A Hinsdale South regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Chris Massimillian, jr., OF; Matt Perez, sr., OF-P; Tyler Langosch, jr., OF-P; Emmanuel Morris, so., IF-P; P.J. Schuster, so., 1B-P; Michael Prosia, sr., C; Adam Schwarz, sr., IF; Jake Beesley, sr., OF-P; Sean Beesley, so., OF; Joe Kerr, sr., IF; Eric Burger, jr., IF.
Scouting report: Despite a very young lineup, the Hornets aim to improve with a vibrant style of play. Morris, the likely leadoff hitter, will miss the first month of the season with a knee injury suffered during football season, but he'll lead a speedy batting order planning to create runs with aggressive baserunning. Massimillian and Sean Beesley also bring speed to the lineup. The Hornets are hoping for a boost from Kerr, a Brother Rice transfer. Langosch is one of the few players with pitching experience. Perez and Schuster aim to develop quickly on a staff that's thin to start the season. "We've got a lot of improving and learning to do," Conyer said.
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Dan Holleman.
Last year: 15-18, 4-10, tied for sixth in Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 5-2 to Aurora Christian in the Class 2A Lisle regional final.
Top players: Matt McMahon, sr., P-2B-3B; Jose Godinez, jr., C-P; Kevin Nutley, sr., P-OF; Carlos Rodriguez, sr., OF; Steve Maloney, sr., SS; Austin Hennessy, sr., 1B-P; Conor Hendricks, jr., 2B-OF; Luke Stanczyk, sr., 3B-2B; Dan Ribando, so., OF; Nick Perrone, sr., IF-P; Robert Rivera, jr., 1B.
Scouting report: Twelve seniors and seven returning starters are back as the Knights compete for the title in the Suburban Christian Gold Division. McMahon and Nutley form one of the league's best pitching tandems, and they return 8 wins and sub-3.50 ERAs. Godinez and Hennessy, a Driscoll transfer, add to a very talented staff. A speedy lineup starts with McMahon, who hit .350, at the top and continues with Maloney, Rodriguez and Hendricks. Godinez, who batted a team-high .367, and Rodriguez, who drove in 17 runs, power the heart of the order. "With our experience I definitely like our chances in the division," Holleman said.
Lake Park
Coach: Dan Colucci.
Last year: 9-25, 8-17, ninth in Upstate Eight Conference; lost 11-1 to St. Charles North in the Class 4A Willowbrook regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Peter Spear, sr., SS-P; Matt Kaiser, sr., 1B; Jake McNamara, sr., C; Artie Monaco, sr., OF; Garrett Gajewski, sr., OF; Rick Palandri, sr., P; Trevor Koehn, sr., P; Marc Ostrowski, sr., 3B-P; Brian Konecke, sr., P; Brian Madaj, sr., P; Kevin Miller, sr., P; David Dial, sr., 2B; Ryan Rapshus, sr., OF; Kevin Steger, jr., P; John Schram, so., DH-C-P.
Scouting report: Last year's disappointment should become a distant memory. Spear, recovered from an injury that kept him out last season, is healthy and committed to Evansville. Kaiser is headed to Eastern Illinois and McNamara's bound for Illinois-Chicago. Deep and experienced with 14 seniors, the Lancers are poised to vault in the UEC standings. Koehn, Miller and Palandri join Spear on a strong pitching staff. McNamara, Kaiser and Monaco combined for 16 homers last year. "It's a much different feel with this group," Colucci said. "These guys want some success this year."
Lisle
Coach: Pete Meyer.
Last year: 12-19, 7-9 tied for third in Interstate Eight Conference; lost 10-3 to Immaculate Conception in the Class 2A Lisle regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Jon Surber, sr., P-3B; Jon Kolosky, sr., P-OF; Alec Blechschmidt, sr., OF; Ryan Liss, sr., 2B; Will DeCraene, jr., C-DH; Nick Thome, jr., 3B-P; Ty Howell, so., 1B-P; Kazim Khan, so., C; Brian Begley, sr., OF; Ian Scarlato, sr., OF; Curt Walker, jr., OF; Ed Kretch, jr., P-IF; Stephen Accetturo, fr., SS; Ryan Van Volkenburg, fr., OF-P.
Scouting report: Surber, committed to Clemson, missed the final two-thirds of last season with a knee injury. Back for his fourth year on varsity, Surber aims to lead the Lions to a run at the IEC title. In 12 games he batted .410 with 5 homers and posted a 1.69 ERA in 20 innings. Kolosky, a third-year starter who hit .375 with 3 homers last year, and Howell, all-conference as a freshman, lead a potent and flexible offense with big power potential. It's a senior-led group, although two freshmen and two sophomores will contribute. "If we can stay healthy we'll be in pretty good shape," Meyer said.
Montini
Coach: Bill Leeberg.
Last year: 16-11, 8-6, tied for third in Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 6-5 to St. Joseph in the Class 3A St. Joseph regional final.
Top players: Kevin Hankins, sr., 2B; Jared Jayne, so., P-SS; Jack Bowe, sr., OF; Frank Montalto, jr., OF; Dan Krishock, sr., P; Ben Smego, sr., P; Martin Dwar, sr., 1B; Chris Wisniewski, sr., 1B; Dave Kelly, sr., OF; Anthony Reaber, jr., P; Kurt Gitchell, so., C; Chris Bartosz, fr., P-SS; Tom Ruopp, jr., IF; Matt Robinson, jr. C.
Scouting report: The Broncos don't have dominant pitching, which will make a solid defense even more important. They do, however, have depth on the mound with Jayne, Krishock and Smego returning a total of 50 varsity innings. Bartosz and Reaber, a transfer from Driscoll, also figure greatly into the pitching plans. The batting order isn't as strong as last year but Montini hopes to rely on tremendous speed, starting at the top of the lineup with Hankins, who hit .367, Jayne and Montalto, who hit .347. "If we pitch and play defense, we could be pretty good," Leeberg said.
Naperville Central
Coach: Bill Seiple.
Last year: 24-15, 14-7, third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 2-1 to O'Fallon in the Class 4A Illinois Wesleyan University supersectional.
Top players: Shane Conlon, sr., 1B-P; Marc Mantucca, sr., P-3B; Dan Ludwig, jr., P; Matt Cmiel, sr., OF; Nick Linne, sr., IF-OF; Ryan Walsh, sr., C; Bobby Czarnowski, sr., 1B-OF; Matt Soria, sr., 2B; Ben Lucas, sr., OF; Mason Hallett, sr., P-IF; Tim Roetter, sr., P; Sammy Wandolowski, sr., OF; Ian Lewandowski, so., P-IF; Luke Holm, sr., P; Nick Ryan, so., SS.
Scouting report: Last year's sectional champion lost only two starters and gained a huge addition with Kansas State-bound Conlon, who transferred from St. Rita after leading the Mustangs to a summer state title. Conlon, who last year hit .396 and went 9-1 with 67 strikeouts, gives the team an ace pitcher, No. 3 hitter and early status as a state title contender. Ludwig went 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA as a sophomore. Cmiel hit .445, Czarnowski .371. Mantucca, Lucas and Linne, headed to Northwestern, all hit in the mid-.300s. "There's excitement right now," Seiple said.
Naperville North
Coach: Carl Hunckler.
Last year: 25-8, 16-5, second in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 19-6 to Naperville Central in the Class 4A Naperville Central regional final.
Top players: Charlie White, sr., OF-P; Kyle Klosek, sr., P; Paul Bloodgood, sr., OF; Alex Khoury, sr., SS; Harrison Katz, sr., P; Andrew Arenson, sr., 1B-DH-P; Jack Krejci, sr., 1B-DH; Matt LaCosse, jr., P-OF; Mariano Long, so., 3B; Mike Fattore, sr., OF; Dave Considine, jr., 2B; Idris Hanidu, sr., OF-IF; Jon Ryan, sr., C.
Scouting report: After setting a program record for batting average, the Huskies have some rebuilding to do with their lineup. The good news is right at the top with the return of White, last year's team MVP who's headed to Maryland after batting .479 with 5 homers and 39 RBI. Beyond Khoury and Bloodgood, though, little experience returns. The Huskies should be strong on the mound with White, who went 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA, and Klosek, who won three games. Katz went 6-0 in the summer while LaCosse was 7-0 on the sophomore team. "I'm real anxious to see how we do," Hunckler said.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Robin Renner.
Last year: 25-12, 17-6, first in Upstate Eight Conference; lost 4-3 to Providence in the Class 4A Lockport sectional semifinals.
Top players: Mike Gerber, sr., OF; Joe Ippolito, sr., OF; Mike Bogar, jr., SS; Kevin Clendening, sr., P; Cody Cooper, sr., C; Jake Gallucci, sr., P-1B; Adam D'Addario, sr., IF; Drew Bailey, jr., 2B; Chris Medhurst, jr., OF; Nick Oleskowicz, jr., OF; Andrew Skowronski, jr., 1B; Kevin Hodgman, jr., P; Thomas Michelson, jr., P.
Scouting report: With Bogar and Bailey up the middle in the infield, this should be a tremendous defensive team. That'll help a pitching staff that doesn't boast the power arms of the past. Clendening, though, went 8-1 last year while leading the area with a 1.30 ERA. Gallucci gained valuable experience in the summer, and the Wildcats will need Hodgman and Michelson to step up as juniors. Gerber, who's committed to Creighton, was tremendous last year while batting .355 with 8 homers and 30 RBI. Ippolito hit .374 with 4 homers and 24 RBI. "I'm excited because we have great kids from top to bottom," Renner said.
St. Francis
Coach: Rich Janor.
Last year: 9-22, 4-10, tied for sixth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 12-2 to Glenbard South in the Class 3A Wheaton Academy regional semifinals.
Top players: Dean Quaranta, sr. 1B-P; Mike Pugliese, sr., SS; Jack Roback, jr., P-IF; Mark Salomon, sr. P-IF; Jon Wons, sr., OF; Eric Stout, jr., P; Scott Purdom, jr., OF; Kelton Zimmerman, jr., C; Ryan Acciavati, jr., 3B; Joel Birch, jr., IF.
Scouting report: If they stay healthy on the mound, the Spartans will be much improved. Roback, out much of last year with a back injury, returns as the staff ace. Stout led the sophomore staff last year. Salomon and Quaranta deepen the program's best group of pitchers in several years. Quaranta, a four-year varsity starter, has hit cleanup since his freshman year. Pugliese, a third-year starter, returns a .379 average from the leadoff spot. Stout, Salomon and Roback also figure into the offensive plans of a team that lost much of its power but still can create runs. "A lot of our confidence this year comes from the attitude of the kids," Janor said. "They have high expectations."
Timothy Christian
Coach: Jim Snoeyink.
Last year: 6-18, 5-11, seventh in Private School League; lost 9-2 to Westmont in the Class 2A Lisle regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Nate Tameling, sr., P-SS-3B; Jon VanByssum, sr., P-SS-3B; Matt Meyer, sr., C; Troy Ellens, jr., P-OF; Kevin Hansberger, jr., 2B-P-SS; Chris Ridolphi, so., P-2B; Matt Robinson, so., P-OF; Andrew Munson, sr., P-OF; Brad Wieringa, sr., C-1B; Jon Penczak, jr., 1B; Ben Cook, jr., 2B; John Bowman, jr., IF-OF; Aaron Foster, sr., OF.
Scouting report: With their top hitter and two top pitchers back, things are looking up for the Trojans, who have a team similar to their regional title squad from three years ago that won with pitching and defense. VanByssum hit .417 last season, blasting 4 home runs and driving in 20 runs. He and Tameling, third-year starters, combined for 5 wins. Ridolphi, Hansberger and Meyer all need to contribute to an offense looking for a boost after last year's team struggled at the plate. If the hitting improves, pitching and defense will take care of the rest. "This is probably the deepest pitching staff we've ever had," Snoeyink said.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Dan Fezzuoglio.
Last year: 20-15, 16-8, second in Upstate Eight Conference; lost 4-2 to Lockport in the Class 4A Plainfield South regional final.
Top players: Kris Singh, sr., P-1B-OF; Sam Carius, sr., 3B; Sean Smith, sr., 1B-P; Jeff Brown, sr., OF; Eric Sousanes, sr., 2B; Eric Josupait, jr., C; Harry Vickers, jr., OF; Ryan Vega, jr., SS; Danny Hodorowski, sr., OF; Mike Murphy, jr., P; Alex Stolte, sr., P; Matt McCaskey, jr., P; Kyle Cassidy, sr., P.
Scouting report: Back-to-back Elite Eight summer finishes, including last summer's semifinal berth, leave high expectations for this experienced team with two very talented classes of players. Two Valparaiso recruits - Singh and Carius - lead the way. Singh is recovering from off-season hip surgery, but he'll return early in the season as the pitching staff's ace. Last year he won five games with a 2.70 ERA. Smith won three games with a 2.71 ERA. If Stolte, Murphy and McCaskey emerge, the Warriors will be stacked on the mound. Carius hit .425 while Singh hit .369 with 6 homers and 28 RBI. "This is the deepest team I've ever had," Fezzuoglio said.
West Chicago
Coach: Dan McCarthy.
Last year: 14-21, 7-14, tied for fifth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 6-3 to Glenbard East in the Class 4A Geneva regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Charles Jacques, sr., P; Al Robbins, sr., 2B-P; Blair Skarin, sr., SS-P; Jerrick Habecker, jr., IF-P; Kevin Peterson, sr., 1B; Jeff Robinson, sr., OF; Matt Matson, sr., C; Ben Orr, sr., C; Matt Ackerman, sr., OF; John Wehr, sr., 3B-P; Louis Diaz, sr., OF; Dane Sauer, jr., SS-3B; Tommy Krone, jr., OF; Colton Reif, jr., P; Hunter Serrato, jr., 1B.
Scouting report: Tremendous team speed needs to make up for the graduation of an outfield that accounted for 20 home runs and 81 RBI. Skarin, Habecker and Peterson are all base blazers. Skarin and Robbins each hit over .300 last year with more than 20 runs scored. Jacques, committed to St. Joseph's, leads the pitching staff and brings back 40 innings to combine with Robbins' 33. Thirteen pitchers form a deep staff that's thin on experience and needs a boost from Skarin and Reif. "We've got kids who can fly, and we'll have to take advantage of that as much as possible," McCarthy said.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Willie Bosque.
Last year: 21-10, 12-6, third in Private School League; lost 5-2 to Crystal Lake Central in the Class 3A Wheaton Academy regional semifinals.
Top players: Ryan Dzingel, sr., SS; Trevor Swaney, so., 3B-P; Jon Lace, sr., 1B; Tyler Coopman, sr., OF; Jon Burdett, sr., P; Ryan Kramer, jr., P; Jonathan Fink, sr., C; Tyler Nelson, sr., OF; Alec McNally, so., IF-P; Drew Sandberg, so., 2B; Danny Leo, jr., OF; Nate Jones, jr., P; Tate Fritz, jr., 1B-DH.
Scouting report: After a strong season in the final year of the PSL, the Warriors aim to keep up the success in the first year of the Suburban Christian Gold. Dzingel, a third-year starter, and Lace, a fourth-year starter, bolster the middle of the lineup while Coopman will be the spark at the top. Dzingel, however, won't be with the team until early April because of a hockey commitment. Uncertainty lies on the mound, where Kramer, a West Chicago transfer, carries the best stuff on the team. Swaney, Burdett, Leo and McNally need to step up quickly. "The thing I like about this team is we're a lot more athletic," Bosque said.
Wheaton North
Coach: Dan Schoessling.
Last year: 28-6, 17-4, first in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 6-4 to Batavia in the Class 4A St. Charles North sectional final.
Top players: Mike Small, sr., SS; Jeff Schalk, jr., 1B-C; Justin Swider, sr., 3B; Mike Coduto, sr., P-2B; Nick Norder, sr., P-OF; Ben Murrow, sr., C; Craig Berberich, jr., P; Reece Butler, jr., 2B-OF; Jake Schieber, so., OF; Nick Barry, jr., 1B; Dan Brake, jr., P; Ed Norris, so., P; Eric Scandora, jr., P.
Scouting report: Rebuilding a pitching staff that lost its top three starters including Jack DeAno, last year's All-Area captain, is the prime mission for the two-time defending DVC champions. Little mound experience returns beyond Coduto, who won three games in 30 innings. Berberich and Norder are the only other pitchers with varsity innings under their belt. Defensively, led by Small at shortstop, the Falcons should be strong. Small also sparks the lineup from the top after driving in 21 runs last year. Schalk hit .347 with 6 homers and 34 RBI while Swider also carries some power. "We'll look a little different, but we're still optimistic," Schoessling said.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Tim Brylka.
Last year: 20-14, 11-10, fourth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 7-2 to Batavia in the Class 4A St. Charles North sectional semifinals.
Top players: Neil Johnston, sr., OF; Jason Schuman, jr., P; Eric Richter, sr., P; Jeremy Rhoades, jr., C; R.J. Hoshell, jr., 3B; Steve Lemm, jr., P-OF; Tom Henning, sr., P; Joe Tedeschi, sr., 2B; Eric Pavel, sr., SS; Caleb Bednarz, jr., OF.
Scouting report: Strength on the mound will keep the Tigers competitive. Schuman gained valuable varsity experience with 40 innings as a sophomore. Richter returns 35 innings. Lemm and Henning, coming off a good summer, help form a solid rotation. The Tigers graduated the bulk of their run producers but Johnston's return at leadoff should spark the offense. Last year he batted .388 with 14 steals, 35 runs scored and 17 driven in. Tedeschi, Rhoades and Hoshell, a starter as a sophomore, bolster the lineup. Defensively, Rhoades behind the plate, Hoshell at third and Johnston in center field will capably back up the pitching. "There's a lot of uncertainty, but we're excited," Brylka said.
Willowbrook
Coach: Steve Gilliam.
Last year: 25-10, 13-5, third in West Suburban Gold; lost 11-6 to Batavia in the Class 4A Willowbrook regional final.
Top players: Brian Monette, sr., OF-2B-P; Brett Buchanan, sr., P-IF-OF; Steve Cox, sr., P-OF; Brian Cree, sr., SS; Jose Castro, sr., 3B-P; Eric Maki, sr., 1B; Mike Elgeness, sr., OF; Dan Fahlgren, jr., C; Andy Voelker, sr., OF.
Scouting report: This is a senior-dominated group - Fahlgren is projected as the only everyday junior in the lineup - that went 26-5 as sophomore Gold champions. Monette, committed to Southern Illinois, is an all-around gem who throws in the upper 80s and went 3-1 with 3 saves and a 3.39 ERA last year. At the plate he batted .357 with 22 RBI. Buchanan, committed to St. Joseph's, won three games and saved two more in 38 innings. With Cox adding additional experience, the staff looks strong enough to challenge for the Gold crown. Cree and Buchanan both hit over .300 and drove in more than 20 runs. "I have very high expectations," Gilliam said. "Pitching and defense wins games, and we feel pretty comfortable with our talent."
York
Coach: Dave Kalal.
Last year: 18-14, 11-7, tied for second in West Suburban Silver; lost 7-1 to WW South in the Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional semifinals.
Top players: Steve Adkins, sr., P-1B; Ray Yong, sr., OF; Ryan Hinchley, jr., P; Steve Brogan, sr., OF; Bobby Fisher, sr., SS; John Mellone, sr. P; Kevin Flood, sr., P; Joe Paparone, jr., OF-IF; Matt Williams, jr., OF-C; Joey Grollo, jr., 3B; Kyle Leone, jr., C.; Brandon Barbosa, sr., 2B; Phil Ganser, jr., 2B; Joe Boozell, jr., 1B.
Scouting report: Adkins, committed to Bradley, returns as one of the area's premier pitchers. Last season he went 5-3 with a 2.61 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 51 innings. He also batted .348 with 22 RBI. Keep an eye on Hinchley, who's touched 90 mph with his fastball. That tandem will be as good as any in the Silver, and contributions from Flood and Mellone will help the Dukes challenge for the title. Yong, a third-year starter, leads off and returns a .370 average. "We'll be pretty balanced this year," said Kalal, the Dukes' first-year coach who was an assistant at Downers South and Naperville Central.
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<h1>More Coverage</h1>
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<h2>Related documents</h2>
<ul class="morePdf">
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/dupage.pdf">DuPage County players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/fox.pdf">Fox Valley players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/lake.pdf">Lake County players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/northwest.pdf">Northwest suburban players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/tri-cities.pdf">Tri-Cities players </a></li>
</ul>
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