Scouting Northwest baseball teams
Mid-Suburban East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Jeff Grybash (second year, 13-18)
Last year: 13-18, 7-9 (tie third in East).
Key losses: Matt Stadler (OF, .314), Mike Fu (P), Danny Linden (IF, .338), Zach Jones (IF), J.P. Kulick (OF-P, .333, 17 RBI), Jon Moore (2B-SS), James Hurley (1B-P, .546, 12 2B, 6 HR, 44 RBI)
Returnees: Seniors Steve Pollakov (C, .333), Jeremy Salzman (OF-P, .289, 19 RBI), Greg Sanders (3B-P, .297, 21 RBI), Todd Smithern (OF-P), Evan Pfeifer (IF), Matt Transon (OF), Mike Hepner (P-1B), Brian Crowell (2B); juniors Ryan Nisbet (SS, .250), Dan Recht (P), Tommy Ricciardi (C-IF, .250, 19 RBI)
Newcomers: Juniors Cody Iverson (P), Trevor Myers (OF), Joel Cruz (P), Mike Seery (C-DH), Ryan Dembinski (P), Matt Molinare (P), Andrew Van Wazer (IF-P), Kevin Tennenbaum (P-1B), Jake Marthaler (C), Nick Prus (OF-P); sophomores Richie Zirngibl (OF-P), Jake Monson (IF-P), Jimmy Pinakidis (OF)
Outlook: The Bison are expecting some basic fundamental improvements to show up in the win-loss column. It did in the opener when Salzman and Recht combined on a no-hitter of Clemente, considered one of the top teams in the Chicago Public League. "(Salzman) was ahead of every guy and we fielded the baseball," Grybash said. "Last year we got killed when we played poor defense. We're more athletic." The sinkerballing Sanders will round out the top three but Nisbet and Dembinski are part of a young group that gives Grybash more options. "We feel we have up to 10 arms we can throw out there and will throw strikes," Grybash said. And there should also be some striking differences on offense with Pollakov and Ricciardi splitting time at catcher and DH in the middle of the lineup with Sanders. Zirngibl and Pinakidis, who went through the fence in center for a spectacular catch to preserve the no-hitter, will also have an impact. "Top to bottom our lineup is much more balanced," Grybash said. "We'll definitely be able to run more and make contact better."
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Elk Grove
Coach: Terry Beyna (11th year, 168-175)
Last year: 20-16, 5-11 (fifth in East, regional finalist)
Key losses: Colin Semler (IF-OF, .370, 6 HR, 29 RBI, McLennan JC), Tony Logli (C, .349, 3 HR, 16 RBI), Joe DeHuebles (1B-P, .324, 9 2B, 24 RBI, Danny Lopez (2B), Josh Daniels (P, 2-4, 2 saves, 4.97)
Returnees: Seniors Donny Duschinsky (3B-P, .423, 13 2B, 4 HR, 34 RBI; 4-2, 4.54, 57 K in 57 IP), Kyle Pfister (P-OF, 8-6, 2 saves, 2.19, 76 Ks in 70 IP; .271), Nico Piscopo (1B-C, .263), J.J. Kaczynski (. 240, 10 RBI), Joe Majerus (P), Ethan Husak (1B-OF-DH), Pat Eder (2B), Derek Corso (OF-P); juniors Carl Sugihara (OF-P, .489, 10 2B, 13 RBI), Ryan Martinski (SS-P, .226, 15 RBI)
Newcomers: Seniors Danny Murray (P-3B), Justin Rambert (OF); juniors Ryan Daubenspeck (P-C), Kevin Kaczynski (OF), Justin Arguelles (IF), Blake Cavins (OF-P), Mike D'Angelo (OF-3B), Erik D'Onofrio (1B), Eddie Eid (2B), Gordan Kokanovic (P-3B), Cajmere Neal (P).
Outlook: Pfister and the Southern Illinois-bound Duschinsky are a tough, experienced 1-2 punch on the mound. The key winning 20 games in consecutive years for the first time will come after them with Sugihara, Daubenspeck and Majerus the top candidates. "I think we'll be able to score some runs," Beyna said. "When it's all said and done it will come down to that No. 3 pitcher." Sugihara also figures to be a disruptive force at the top of the lineup after thriving in the ninth spot last year with Martinski, Duschinsky, Piscopo and Husak ready to do some damage. "I think we can run," Beyna said. "Once (Sugihara) is on pitchers are worried and Donny should have a big year offensively." Eder was just cleared to play from a broken foot and the left side of the infield should be solid as Martinski's emergence at shortstop allowed Beyna to move Duschinsky to third late last year. "Ryan is really good," Beyna said.
Hersey
Coach: Bob Huber (16th year, 300-228)
Last year: 18-19, 8-8 (second in East)
Key losses: Chris James (P-3B, 7-3, 3.92; .366, 6 HR, 29 RBI), Mike Toljanic (OF, .290, 4 HR, 16 RBI), Sal Locascio (P, 2-3, 2 saves, 3.33), Kevin Polinski (IF, .306, 19 RBI), Matt Milligan (OF), Joe Koziol (P-OF), Pat Hyde (C, Northern Kentucky, .279, 5 HR, 27 RBI)
Returnees: Seniors Jake Knauss (3B-1B, .448, 9 2B, 3 HR, 33 RBI), Steve Danielak (P-OF, 8-2, 3.05, 69 K in 76 IP, Indiana-Purdue-Indianapolis), Alex Lee (SS, .306, 2 HR, 17 RBI), Ryan Busse (P), Domenic Biagini (OF, Western Illinois), Mike Ozga (P-OF), John Sauer (OF-P), Steve Sgrignoli (P-2B), Alex Gelabert (1B-C); juniors Joe Perricone (OF-P, .274), Chris Polinski (1B-3B, .330, 5 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI), Sean Thompson (C)
Newcomers: Juniors Dalton Farel (IF), Zack Smetana (C), Mike Tsilois (OF-P), Dan Gierman (1B), Jay Livesay (2B), Dan Kovach (IF); sophomore Erik Stoltzner (OF)
Outlook: Recent history has made for some cautious optimism for a team expected to be in the MSL East title hunt. "Last year I thought we'd be really good," Huber said. "We were loaded and had a lot of guys coming back and I thought we had the makings of a very good group and it didn't pan out." Danielak comes off a big year to anchor a pitching staff where Huber is still looking for depth. Busse appears ready to break out and Perricone didn't pitch much last year but is healthy. "The key is if he can give us what I think he's capable of," Huber said. "You have to have three guys." The hope is Knauss and Polinski will work out on the corners as leadoff man Lee and Livesay look good up the middle. The outfield is also deep with the additions of the power-hitting Biagini, who missed last season with an elbow injury, and Stoltzner. Knauss will probably hit second because of his ability to control the bat. "The middle of the order has the potential to be pretty solid," Huber said. "(Knauss) is a baseball kid and he knows situations. He's a pretty solid guy to have and can probably play or bat anywhere."
Prospect
Coach: Ross Giusti (14th year, 257-176)
Last year: 17-16, 7-9 (tie third in East, regional finalist)
Key losses: Jason Leblebijian (SS, Bradley, .453, 9 2B, 32 RBI), Johnny Bergman (C), Johnny Larson (P, 2-1, 1 save), Bobby Reibel (IF)
Returnees: Seniors John Coen (P-3B, .323, 13 RBI; 4-2, 3.86, 39 K in 42 IP), Thomas Kelly (SS-2B, .300), Miles Osei (P-OF, .370, 3 HR, 31 RBI; 5-2, 36 K in 35 IP), Kyle Kapka (C), Ed Gerdes (UT), Jack Mullenix (P, 3-3), Tom Longpre (1B), Scott Plaza (P), Jake Sofinski (1B-P); juniors Peter Bonahoom (OF, .432, 6 HR, 28 RBI), Steve Dazzo (OF-P, .471), Brian Bauer (P-1B-3B), Ben Menich (P-1B), Matt Molini (2B, .283), Joey Siers (OF)
Newcomers: Juniors Anthony Charnota (OF), Luke Bergman (IF), Matt Sedey (P), Beau Zanca (P), Kurt Donner (C-OF), Jim Nowak (P), Brad Coffman (1B-P), Dan Panicko (C), Will Botefuhr (P), Kevin Miller (OF-C)
Outlook: The tradition of prolific offenses figures to continue as the Knights chase their ninth straight winning season. But Giusti hopes to see a significant difference in preventing runs. "Our knock the last couple of years has been that one inning where we'll have a (big) defensive lapse," Giusti said. "This team is determined to change that." If the Knights to that will strengthen a deep pitching staff that will pound the strike zone led by Osei, Coen, Mullenix and Plaza. "We look at all of them as No. 1s," Giusti said. "We can put them in at any time and they've all pitched in big situations for us. If we keep the runs down we feel pretty confident in our offense to generate some runs." Especially with fourth-year varsity players Coen and Osei, the powerful Bonahoom in center and Stetson-bound Kelly moving to shortstop. Gerdes can play any position and Siers can play every outfield spot, which typifies the versatility and depth the Knights have. "We have six or seven kids who play multiple positions and also pitch, which gives us a lot of flexibility," Giusti said. "There's a lot of internal competition going on in a positive way."
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jim Lindeman (ninth year, 149-109)
Last year: 18-15, 13-3 (MSL champions; regional finalist)
Key losses: Jon Carlson (P-1B, 7-2, 2.01, 124 K in 73 IP; .454, 5 HR, 33 RBI, Kentucky), Ted Metzger (SS-P, .355, 2 HR, 23 RBI; 6-3, 3.82), Ben Kamperschroer (OF, .354, 24 RBI), Dan Wenzel (OF, .352, 15 RBI), Owen Stiff (OF, .323, 17 RBI), Dan Lauria (2B, .311, 2 HR, 20 RBI, Harper), Pat Conlin (1B-P, .281, 2 HR, 16 RBI; 2-3, 2 saves), Will Trunk (1B-3B, .279), Dan Lynch (OF-C, .267), Kyle Winkler (OF, Harper), Dan Hoppel (P)
Returnees: Seniors Steve Rickerson (1B-C), Kevin Berry (2B-3B), Chris Varilek (OF), Jack Barry (OF), Mike Rico (OF), Steve Heer (P-OF), Mike Levy (P); junior Kyle Krzeski (2B-SS-P, .370, 5 RBI in 27 AB)
Newcomers: Juniors Pat McGinn (C-P), Kevin Cwynar (OF-P), Eric Franz (OF), Joe Kropp (OF), John Bonnell (P-IF-OF), Keenan Baldree (P-IF-OF), Paul Volkman (P), Dan Eck (P); sophomores Matt Hendricks (P-3B), Eric Lowe (P-SS)
Outlook: How inexperienced are the two-time defending MSL East champions? Krzeski, a late-season call-up, has 27 of the returning 42 at-bats and there are only 42/3 innings back. "It will be a learning process," Lindeman said. "It's not something we've had before but it's something we have now. We're going out trying to win and not just trying to rebuild." The Mustangs will try for an eighth straight winning season with Krzeski, Hendricks and Lowe leading the way in the infield, on the mound and at the top of the lineup. "Those guys are quality players and they'll have nice three-year careers," Lindeman said. Heer and Volkman will also get chances to be in the rotation and Varilek, who got into 20 games with pinch-running duty, looks good in center field. McGinn has showed some ability behind the plate and in the cleanup spot. "We might have to do some things we haven't been accustomed to doing (offensively)," Lindeman said. "We'll have to steal some runs. We can't sit back and wait for someone to hit a 3-run bomb."
Wheeling
Coach: Mike Tice (seventh year, 46-136)
Last year: 5-27, 4-12 (sixth in East)
Key losses: Bobby Beelen (DH, .320, 3 HR, 30 RBI, Harper), Matt Holmes (IF-P, .300, 15 RBI), Kevin Kowynia (. 330, 10 RBI), Connor Mara (C, .260, 10 RBI), Neal Christensen (OF)
Returnees: Seniors Steve Yfantis (P-IF, 3-4, 4.85), Jay Espinoza (C), David Scanlon (1B), Danny Starbeck (P-IF), George Nunez (OF),; juniors Matt Hart (P-3B-1B, .240), Theo Yfantis (SS)
Newcomers: Senior Edgar Banuelos (OF); juniors Anthony Spiezia (OF-P), Tyler Shapiro (P-OF), Ricky Schwind (P-IF), Glen Dismang (P-OF); sophomores Kalvin Thong (2B), Matt Hoffman (C-IF), Jon Slywka (OF), Peter Durbin (P-IF-OF), Jeff Stankowicz (IF-OF), Otto Holzer (P-IF), Nxxx Lichtenberger (OF-P-IF)
Outlook: Tice doesn't feel as short-staffed on the mound as the Wildcats have been in recent years with the Yfantises, Hart, Shapiro and Schwind. "I like the pitchers we can bring out there," Tice said. "I think we have some arms to run out there and guys with more pitching experience than in the past." Now the key is putting it all together. "In the first two games I thought we'd hit better," Tice said. "We got 4 hits each game and also 4 errors. It's hard to manufacture many runs." The lefty-hitting Matthys has a solid bat and getting Banuelos back adds another solid athlete. Tice is also hoping Espinoza can handle the catching so Theo Yafantis can focus on solidifying the infield at shortstop. Tice also had to promote a group of sophomores because there weren't enough players to field a team at that level.
Mid-Suburban West
Barrington
Coach: Jim Hawrysko (12th year, 239-166)
Last year: 21-15, 8-8 (fifth in West, lost in 4A supersectional)
Key losses: Johnny Day (C-OF, Evansville, .355, 2 HR, 23 RBI), Gus Handler (1B, .239, 7 HR, 31 RBI), Chris Holke (3B-C, .339, 3 HR, 20 RBI), Tim Oakley (2B-C, .244, 13 RBI), Steven Weisshappel (IF, .262), Tom Unak (P-SS, 5-4, 4.10),
Top returnees: Seniors Robby McDonnell (P-1B, 9-3, 2.10, 70 IP, 99 K), Sean Buchholz (P-1B, 5-4, 3.78, 70 IP, 81 K), Anthony Brignola (OF, .430, 9 2B, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 11 SB), Derek Foderaro (OF-C, .311, 17 RBI), Tyler Tureck (P), Jackson Lundmark (P), Jim Cook (SS-2B), Chris Rogers (P), Paul Rathmann (C), Pete Colon (C); juniors Jack Scheffler (SS, .255, 5 HR, 18 RBI), Ricky Alfonso (OF, .313, 6 RBI in 32 AB)
Newcomers: Juniors Greg Gerrard (P), Doug Beath (C), Pete Batliner (C-1B), Jake Broughton (2B), Jack Kurcab (2B), Kyle Fitzpatrick (3B), John O'Connell (OF), Dan Locascio (P), Jim Gockenbach (P-OF), Ben LeCompte (OF-P), Mike Maude (P), Taylor Ward (P-3B), Mike Weisshappel (P-C), Devin Gallagher (1B)
Outlook: Barrington looks for the lefty McDonnell (Illinois) and righty Buchholz (Logan CC) to continue what they did in last year's run to the supersectional. Buchholz is in his fourth varsity season and McDonnell is in his third. "Those are two guys who could be No. 1s on the staff," Hawrysko said. "They're great competitors and they've been through a lot. Both of them have a lot of game experience and you can't replace that." Hawrysko also liked what he saw from Tureck in his first start and the experience he got in American Legion with Rogers and Lundmark. Gerrard is another competitor who adds to the staff's depth. Brignola (Logan CC) leading off and playing center, Foderaro (Kishwaukee), Cook, Scheffler and Alfonso could help the Broncos alternate righty-lefty in the first six lineup spots. "They did a good job in the offseason of knowing we have to hit-and-run and sacrifice bunt," Hawrysko said, "and realizing that home run is just not something that's going to come that often. Anthony won't surprise anybody this year and everybody is going to pitch him a lot closer." Filling graduation losses at catcher, second and third figures to determine if the Broncos can get their first state trophy since they were third in AA in 2005.
Conant
Coach: Jerry Song (sixth year, 67-77)
Last year: 20-12, 10-6 (second in West; sectional semifinalist)
Key losses: Walt Wijas (P, Kentucky, 5-5, 1.73, 92 K in 65 IP), Derek Wojcik (P-SS, Winona State, .379, 19 RBI; 4-2, 3.16), Bobby Colucci (2B-SS, Southeast Missouri State, .348, 22 RBI, 23 SB), Jeff Vercillo (3B, .278), Mitch Comstock (OF, .342), Sean Smith (P-OF), John DiMatteo (P, 3-1, 1.48), Mario Morrone (C, .292), Nate Rahn (OF, .326, 15 RBI)
Top returnees: Seniors Otto Linderman (1B, .279), Nolan Drake (OF), Kevin Carman (2B), Kevin Chua (3B), Bill Colantonio (P), Aaron Wright (P-OF), James Hafer (1B); juniors Paul Warble (P, 4-1, 2.68, 64 K in 47 IP), Joe Belmonte (C-1B, .371, 2 HR, 16 RBI), Mike Passaro (P-OF)
Newcomers: Juniors Jared Lappa (OF), Jake Esmael (OF), Paul Komis (IF), Pat Barry (IF), Jon Altobelli (OF), Conor Donohue (IF-OF), Mike Taccona (P-3B), Nick Fillmore (IF), Mike Miller (IF), Nate Anderson (P-IF), Art Sutter (P-3B), Anthony Lauria (P-3B), Leslie Poole (IF-OF), Kevin Robinson (OF); sophomore Kyle Gizynski (SS)
Outlook: Conant will be counting on a lot of new faces to try and get the program's third 20-win season and regional title. "The camaraderie is unbelievable, it's been great," Song said. "We'll be competitive and we're going to have to give the underclassmen the ball sometimes and hope they throw strikes and hope they make plays." The good news on the mound is the left-handed Warble is back after a solid sophomore season, Sutter threw strikes and looked good in his varsity debut and Passaro threw seven shutout relief innings Tuesday. Belmonte was also solid offensively last year and should be the same behind the plate while Linderman brings experience, pop in the lineup and speed that will surprise people. "He's stepped up big-time," Song said. "Guys listen to him and Belmonte." Altobelli should be solid in center and Gizynski figures to adjust quickly at shortstop. "We needed his stick," Song said. "He's a very smart player." Carman moved into the leadoff spot and will set the tone for what Song wants to do offensively. "We have to create here and there and obviously we'll be aggressive on the bases as usual," Song said. "We'll have to hit-and-run and look for the gaps. That's basically how we're going to have to hit."
Fremd
Coach: Chris Piggott (eighth year, 129-97)
Last year: 20-11, 12-4 (MSL West champions; regional finalist)
Key losses: Mike Tauchman (OF, .489, 7 HR, 38 RBI, Bradley), Matt Johnsen (P-OF, 7-2, 2.35), Mike Schoolcraft (P, 2-2, 2 saves, 4.74, UIC), Jake Llanas (P, 2-2, 2.40), Todd Dunham (SS, .297, 23 SB, Oakland), Joey DePaolis (3B-2B, .242, 16 RBI), Tyler Gregory (C, .312, 16 RBI), Chris Doloughty (OF, .324, 23 RBI), Ryan Polak (OF)
Returnees: Seniors Clint Terry (P-1B, 5-2, 2.92, 69 K in 53 IP; .363, 10 2B, 22 RBI), Eric Paulson (3B, .315, 18 RBI, Bradley), Zenon Kolakowski (1B-P, .340, 3 HR, 25 RBI, UIC), Vince Addison (OF, .300), Evan Wright (OF, 13 SB), Chris Brady (P), Matt Koeppen (P-SS-C), Kevin Ciardello (2B); junior Joe Leaf (P, 2-1, 4.52, 41 K in 31 IP).
Newcomers: Juniors Connor McWard (SS-2B), Sean Stutzman (P-OF), Alex Maas (OF), Mike Risher (SS-2B), Jim McGlade (1B), Brett Tudela (P), Rich Concialdi (C), Jimmy Latal (OF), Clint Herdegen (C), Matt Zerfass (3B-2B), K.J. Kinsella (P), Kurt Kaufman (P-OF)
Outlook: Arms aren't a concern for Fremd in a challenging West race as it tries to repeat as champions for the first time since 2000-01. The lefty Terry, a Division I prospect and all-area returnee, leads the way. The 6-foot-7 Leaf has rebounded quicker than Piggott expected from summer Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and Stutzman throws harder than people might expect at 5-9. Koeppen, Kinsella, Tudela and Kaufman provide the depth. "We really haven't had pitching this good since I've been here," Piggott said. "Our guys are going to throw strikes so we're going to have to make some plays behind them." One of the keys for the Vikings will be who emerges to do the catching. Piggott has been pleasantly surprised by what he's seen from the infield defense led by Terry, Paulson, Koeppen while Kolakowski will lead the way in the outfield in center and at the top of the lineup with Paulson, Addison and Terry. Latal will provide some pop at the plate and Wright brings the speed he's flashed on the football field. "I don't think we have as much speed as last year but we still have pretty good speed," Piggott said.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Todd Meador (10th year, 142-169)
Last year: 11-23, 4-12 (sixth in West)
Key losses: Don Rathje (OF-P, .385, 17 RBI), Mike Eisele (C, .271), Mike Norman (1B, .274, 19 RBI), Justin Harris (2B, .357, 19 SB), Kyle Sertich (P, Harper), Andrew Pettit (OF)
Returnees: Seniors Chris Fett (2B-SS, .437, 3 HR, 29 RBI), Mike Kiviranta (P-3B, 3-8, 4.34, 67 K in 69 IP; .284, 11 RBI), Erik Smoy (P-OF, 3-6; .376, 14 RBI), Zach Demmon (1B-C, .241, 3 HR, 10 RBI), Colin Conway (P-OF), Joe Gordon (C), J.T. Weaver (OF), Scott Galetano (2B), Matt McGee (P-3B); sophomores Kevin Grudzinski (SS-P, .243 in 44 AB), Mark Roberts (CF-SS-P, .250, 1 HR in 28 AB)
Newcomers: Seniors Lance Vesper (P), Dan Malakismail (OF); juniors Kevin Tednes (OF), Jordan Loikits (2B), Trent Rehusch (P-1B), Jordan Habel (OF), Drew Roesch (C)
Outlook: After three straight losing seasons, Meador likes what the Hawks have in talent and experience. "I think we have solid guys at every spot," Meador said. "I think we can make this one of the better seasons we've had at Hoffman and hopefully we're up for the challenge." The lefty Smoy had a strong first outing and had added velocity after he was hampered by a leg injury last year. Kiviranta enters his third year as a starter, Roberts was one of the Hawks' better pitchers at the end of last year and the additions of McGee and Vesper should help. All-area pick Fett enters his third varsity year and is the anchor of what figures to be a solid infield defense and lineup in the No. 3 spot. Grudzinski was just cleared from a cracked vertebrae he suffered after a promising varsity call-up last year and Smoy will leadoff and anchor a deep outfield in center. "I think when everybody is clicking we'll definitely have some speed and on-base guys upfront and some power potential in the middle," Meador said. "When guys are clicking we should have tough outs throughout the lineup. We definitely have less question-marks going into this year than previous years."
Palatine
Coach: Paul Belo (eighth year, 123-121; 13th year overall, 250-213)
Last year: 17-18, 9-7 (tie second in West)
Key losses: Dan Huenecke (P), Andy Prombo (C), Kevin Becker (P), Alex Foley (P)
Top returnees: Seniors Mike Luschen (OF), Byron Skinner (P-1B), Trey Cannon (OF), Phil Brand (P), Joe Campe (2B), Tom Galvan (3B-P), Mackenzie Murphy (P), Kevin Klein (C); juniors Cody Bobbit (SS), Jim Smearman (1B-C), Dan Haze (OF-P)
Newcomers: Juniors Mark Sarti (OF), Vince Portera (IF), Matt Bohlman (OF), Alex Kehe (P), Alex Miramontes (P), Joe Walsh (P-1B), Luke Gimmler (C); sophomores David Schalla (IF-P), Kurt Becker (P-UT)
Outlook: Familiar faces in every place but catcher has Palatine hoping to continue last year's second-half surge toward a run at its first West title since 2006. "There's a real strong camaraderie amongst these kids," Belo said. "They've grown really tight." Skinner, who got some varsity starts as a freshman, is consistently around 86 mph and has topped out at 90-91 with a hard, biting breaking ball. Brand, Galvan, Miramontes and Walsh round out the Pirates' top five. Division I prospect Bobbit is back for his third year as a varsity starter. "If he's not one of the top leadoff guys in the state of Illinois, I don't know who is," Belo said. He's also part of one of the better defensive teams Belo has had with Campe at second, Smearman at first, Galvan and Becker at third and Cannon, Luschen and Haze in the outfield. Behind Bobbit is a versatile and athletic lineup with Cannon, Luschen, Haze, Skinner, Smearman, Klein, Galvan and Campe. "The top end of the lineup and back end possesses pretty good speed and heady baserunners," Belo said. "I'm impressed with their bat control - we can hit-and-run and put guys in motion. A lot of that falls on experience and their level of comfort."
Schaumburg
Coach: Paul Groot (26th year, 560-257)
Last year: 16-15, 9-7 (tie second in West)
Key losses: Dave Compitello (SS, Bradley, .400, 4 HR, 21 RBI), Kyle Meyer (P, Concordia, 11-2, 2.70), Mike Mistrata (1B, .404, 3 HR, 19 RBI), Matt Mistrata (3B, .322, 3 HR, 23 RBI), Chris Kelly (OF, .288, 10 RBI), Tim Massat (C, .373, 3 HR, 19 RBI), Anthony Solmo (2B, .261), Vito Perrino (OF, .245)
Top returnees: Seniors Andy Keehn (P), Joe Dombek (OF, .307, 3 HR, 17 RBI), Joe Infusino (OF, .282), Shawn O'Neill (P-3B), Matt Glombicki (2B-3B), Connor McHugh (P-OF), Adam Lenoci (P-OF), Eric Englund (C)
Newcomers: Juniors Mark Bielanski (SS), Kurt Kempema (P), Ryan Hayes (P-OF), Dave Geller (2B), Roger Lane (1B-P); sophomores Matt Brancato (P-3B), Kevin Hilliard (C-OF), Jeremy Hall (C-1B)
Outlook: Zero - that's how many varsity wins the Saxons have coming back on the mound. "Never, never can I remember in all my years has that happened," said Groot, who has only two losing seasons in his tenure. "It will definitely be a building year for us." Keehn has the most experience but the Saxons will be counting heavily on Kempema, a 6-4 lefty who pitched in the regional, Brancato and Hayes. Kempema, Brancato, Infusino, Bielanski and Lane are also getting a late start from the basketball team's run to the sectional final. Dombek is the most experienced returnee in center, Englund has been solid defensively behind the plate and Bielanski will lead the way for a lineup that will rely more on speed than in recent years. "We have line-drive singles hitters and we're going to have to manufacture runs," Groot said. Brancato, Hall and Hilliard have power potential. "I can't remember a more inexperienced team that we've had but I'm very positive about what I've seen the first few weeks," Groot said. "We're going to need some senior leadership and some of the seniors to respond and come through for us to have a pretty good year."
ESCC
St. Viator
Coach: Mike Manno (fifth year, 62-78)
Last year: 18-16, 7-11 ESCC
Key losses: Brett Kay (SS, Illinois State, .465, 7 3B, 18 RBI, 20 SB), Eric Walantas (OF, .360, 17 SB), Kevin Hulsebosch (OF), Bryce Hensley (P), Mike Fleming (1B, .322, 3 HR, 18 RBI), Phil Bar (3B, .291, 17 RBI)
Top returnees: Seniors Brendan King (P-1B), Julian Sipiora (P-C-OF, .425, 11 2B, 5 HR, 38 RBI), Kevin Gannon (3B, .324, 12 RBI), Jake Mastrangeli (OF, .363, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 10 SB), David Alameda (SS), Rick Perotti (DH-1B), Tyler Ford (P), Rob Gentile (2B), Louie Cairo (OF), Anthony Quagliano (P), John Scully (2B); junior Cory Kay (C, .371, 9 2B, 3 HR, 31 RBI); sophomore Jack Czeszewski (OF-P)
Newcomers: Juniors Robert Romano (P-2B), Brian Tichardo (1B), Mac Mastrangeli (P), Derek Noel (P), Matt Madonia (P), Eddie Zahrebelski (P), Andrew Bertagnia (P), Shane Fitzmaurice (P), Dominic Monaco (2B), Andrew Hayes (C), Jack Gaffney (OF), Jim Menges (OF)
Outlook: Viator's top two pitchers, Sipiora and King, are getting a late start from the basketball team's run to the supersectional. But when they're ready the Lions should be as well with Romano and Czeszewski, who was called up late last year, giving the Lions the depth needed to compete in the rugged ESCC. "It's definitely the best four I've had since I've been here," Manno said. "'Quags' being out hurts us but I feel we have eight guys I can really hand the ball to and they'll throw strikes." Quagliano hopes to return by the end of the year from a football knee injury. Manno also thinks Czeszewski is one of the top sophomores around and Jake Mastrangeli is one of the best center fielders in an athletic outfield. Kay returns behind the plate and Gannon and Alameda should give the Lions a solid left side of the infield. "It's the most depth we've ever had since I've been here," Manno said. "We do have a couple of winners in Brendan and Julian and it's nice to have guys like that on the team."
CSL North
Maine West
Coach: Joe Pederson (fourth year, 54-29)
Last year: 24-8, 11-5 (tied for CSL North title)
Key losses: Ryan Tuntland (2B-SS, .537, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 15 SB, Oakton), Lucas Udischas (UT, .420, 26 RBI), Justin Johann (C), Frank Hess (OF), Steve Zimmerman (1B, .432, 6 HR, 29 RBI), Kane Hernandez (P, Oakton), Alex Kopf (DH), Nate Andersen (P)
Top returnees: Seniors Tommy Ross (OF), Tony Meza (P), Ricky Cabral (P), Brian Godowa (P), Arnold Galindo (1B), C.J. Eisenberg (OF), Shaun Borst (P); juniors Connor Skoczynski (SS-2B, .394, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 15 SB), Josh Wright (P), Paul Solka (3B-1B, .420, 19 RBI)
Newcomers: Juniors Ziggy Krycka (OF), Mike Fuoco (UT), Brian Jozefat (P), Nick Litman (P), Emmett Turner-Jackson (UT), Alberto Cisneros (C-1B), Joby Joy (OF), Mike Farias (C), John Ollerer (P); sophomore Alex Hernandez (SS-2B)
Outlook: The Warriors have already faced some big early-season losses that include the hard-hitting Solka until mid-May with a broken hand. "We've had some adversity," Pederson said as the Warriors come off their second-best win total in history. "Hopefully it's just a bad spell for us because we should be pretty competitive once we get everybody back." Having Ross and Skoczynski back at the top of the lineup and in the middle of the field is a good start toward more success. Farias should be solid behind the plate working with Meza, Litman, Wright, Godowa and Jozefat. "Some kids are still very green," Pederson said. "If we can throw strikes and play 'D' we'll have a chance."
WSC Gold
Leyden
Coach: Gary Wolf (22nd year, 403-326)
Last year: 17-15, 10-8 WSC Gold (regional finalist)
Key losses: Ricky Zapata (P-SS, 7-2, 0.84, Oakton), Mike Otte (OF, .415, 10 2B, 22 RBI), Eugene Hylka (OF)
Top returnees: Seniors Dan Savas (P), Dominic Messina (P-IF), Adam Locassio (2B), Billy Falcone (OF), Mike Cronin (IF), Henry Espinal (IF), Kyle Abrell (OF); juniors Eric Palmer (P-OF), Justin Stawychny (C-OF), Carlos Olavarria (SS), Jeremy Stawychny (P-C)
Newcomers: Juniors Nic Dimaso (C-OF), Matt Jeske (IF), John Marino (OF), Adrian Ruiz (OF), Tyler Lenon (IF-OF), Matt Jos (IF), Steve Gargula (P), Javier Perez (OF), Sandro Irizarry (P-OF), Eli Perez (OF), Joe Motyka (P-1B), Kevin Pendleton (C-OF), Anthony Martinez (P-1B); sophomores Tony Cruz (IF-OF), Joey Diaz (OF-P)
Outlook: In a year where the West Suburban Gold has five Division I pitchers, Leyden has one of them in the Illinois State-bound Savas to go with Jeremy Stawychny, whose velocity has improved to around 84 mph to go with a solid changeup and curve. "I feel we have two No. 1s," Wolf said. "We're extremely excited about the pitching staff with our infield." Palmer got a lot of innings and should be a solid No. 3 and Justin Stawychny will be the closer and regular catcher. Jeremy Stawychny will be at third and Olavarria and Locassio return for the second years as varsity starters up the middle. But the outfield is a wide-open race loaded with juniors and sophomores and the offense is a concern after the Eagles were no-hit in their opener by Palatine. "If we have any question-mark it's definitely our hitting," Wolf said. "Every year we manage to hit the ball pretty well but it was only toward the tail end of the summer that we hit the ball with any authority. We're athletic and we have some depth but we have a ways to go baseball-wise for us to compete for a conference championship."
Northeastern Athletic
Christian Liberty
Coach: Paul Kostelny
Returnees: Seniors Zach Cavanaugh (P-3B-SS), Patrick Gong (OF), Kris Rand (OF), Chris Valdez (P-OF); juniors Tyler Canoy (1B), Alex Russ (SS); sophomores David Cabrera (P-OF), Carl Forsythe (IF)
Newcomers: Sophomores Andrew Johnson (OF), Noah Johnson (IF); freshmen Shawn Andersen (P-C-3B), Trevor Cavanaugh (OF), Dave Colbert (P-2B-3B), J.D. Dulinsky (P-OF), Dan Glad (P-OF), Matt Kaufman (P-IF), Juan Pagan (IF), Merek Quaglia (P-C), Brent Vilchez (IF-OF)
Outlook: So much will be new for the Chargers and Kostelny and assistant coach Denny Hortsman, who have worked together at the school since 1997. A new conference, starting the first year in the IHSA and a roster where nearly half of the players are freshmen. "It's the most unknown team I've ever been involved with," Hortsman said. "We're looking at some things to see who can do what and when we get to conference hopefully we know who are best nine are." Zach Cavanaugh won the opener on the mound for the Chargers and Valdez, a four-year starter, will play center and hit third. Russ is also solid at short, Canoy is in his third year as a starter and Cabrera also has experience. And one of the big differences is the experience the freshmen will bring. "We'll be very heavy with freshmen starting and these kids are very good compared to what we've had in the past," Hortsman said. "It's the first team in many, many years where we have a lot of ballplayers, kids who have played it all their lives." Glad pitched the last three innings of the opener and will be in the lineup every day and Quaglia is a solid all-around athlete. Colbert, Andersen, Kaufman and Dulinsky also figure prominently. And Hortsman saw things in the opening win over Steinmetz that bode well for a team that can't rely on waiting for the longball with its home games played at Rec Park. "Fundamentally we were doing the little things correct, which we've never seen in the past," Hortsman said. "Now we can move guys around and it will be a lot of fun with this bunch. It's very exciting."
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<h2>Related documents</h2>
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