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Baseball: Scouting Lake County

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Lake Zurich

Coach: Gary Simon, 11th year

Last year's record: 19-17 (9-7 NSC Lake)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Glenbrook North in the regional semifinal, 11-6.

Key players lost: OF/P Danny Johnson, 3B Ryan Bartmans, C Jordan Johnson, IF Anthony Orlando, 1B Tim Bavester, 1B Chis Bauman, OF Kyle Sanders, OF Justin Russell

Key players returning: P/2B Parker Asmann, sr.; P/3B Mike Schnur, sr.; P/1B Ben Gullo, sr.; P/1B Mike Irgang, sr.; P Eddie Szarkowicz, sr.; P/1B Brian Wiest, sr.; P/3B Mike Lutz, jr.; C Jeremy Ruesch, jr.; C Dan O'Connor, jr.; OF Danny Minogue, sr.; OF Mitch Tuthill, sr.; OF Mark Dorfman, sr.; OF Tim Sayre, sr.; SS Zach Till, sr.;

Top newcomers: P/1B Steve Kuhn, jr.; P Wyatt Spector, jr.; P Sean Eder, jr.; OF John Orlando, jr.; SS Jake Guilianelli, jr.; 2B Collin Roto, jr.; IF Jacob LaRue, jr.

Outlook: The summer of 2010 is a distant memory for most, but the Bears can remember all kinds of details. In fact, they're hoping that this spring is an extension of last summer, when they won eight straight games late in the summer season to capture a regional championship and earn a trip to the state Elite 8 tournament. It was the second time in school history that Lake Zurich advanced downstate in the summer tournament.

“We enter the spring season with optimism after a strong summer finish,” said Lake Zurich coach Gary Simon, whose team lost in the second round of the summer tournament. “Our kids know we are capable of winning but that you don't win games on paper. If we work hard and play as a team, we expect good things to happen.” Good things should happen on the mound for Lake Zurich, which returns all but one pitcher from last year's staff. The Bears will be led by three-year starter Parker Asmann, who was named all conference last year and has committed to Evansville. He won five games last year. Returning seniors Mike Schnur, Ben Gullo, Mike Irgang, Eddie Szarkowicz and Brian Wiest and junior veteran Mike Lutz will all be jockeying for starts as well. One area that will be a point of emphasis this season for the Bears is defense. “It was our Achilles heel last season,” Simon said. “We've been working hard to solidify the defensive side of the game.”

Libertyville

Coach: Jim Schurr, 9th year

Last year's record: 23-12 (8-4 NSC Lake)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Carmel in the regional final, 9-8.

Key players lost: SS Tyler Schweigert (Eastern Illinois)

Key players returning: SS AJ Schurr, sr.; P Joey Eichmann, sr.; P/IF Davis Ogilvie, sr.; C Jake Duguid, sr.; P Mark Boyle, sr.; P Darwin Townsend, jr.

Top newcomers: OF Nick Coutre, jr.; OF Joey uppert, jr.; IF Anthony Mack, jr.

Outlook: In all of his years as a coach, Jim Schurr has never seen anything like it. But he more than welcomes the situation his team is in this year. The Wildcats return their entire pitching staff from last season, which includes Joey Eichmann, Darwin Townsend, Mark Boyle and Davis Ogilvie. “I've never been in a situation like this. It's very usual, but it's nice,” Schurr said. “To have all those guys back, to have that experience is a big advantage. Having experienced pitchers gives you that mound presence, that composure that you're always looking for out of pitchers. You've got pitchers who have the attitude, ‘I've been here before, I've seen that before.' These guys have a lot of confidence and that helps them and it helps the entire team feel comfortable with whoever we have on the mound.”

Eichmann entered the season having never lost on the mound in a Libertyville uniform. He was 11-0 in his two previous seasons of work, including his sophomore year. And speaking of sophomore pitchers, Townsend, now a junior, is coming off a sensational sophomore seasons of pitching for the Wildcats. “Those two both have great command of their pitches,” Schurr said. “They both get ahead early, they both have low pitch counts. They're very similar players and they could both be our ace this year.” Libertyville's depth on the pitching staff will be offset by its lack of experience on defense. Only two position players from last year return. But AJ Schurr will provide a strong anchor at shortstop. The three-year starter has spent the last two seasons at second base and moves back to his natural position. “We got a lot of double plays last year with AJ and (former shortstop) Tyler (Schweigert) and we're hoping that once we get the rest of our infield settled that can be a strength again this year.”

Mundelein

Coach: Todd Parola, 17th year

Last year's record: 25-11

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Stevenson in the sectional semifinal, 8-1.

Key players lost: SS Mike O'Donoghue (Augustana), C Matt Risdon (Kishwaukee CC), P Kevin Rohe

Key players returning: P Dante Martinez, sr.; C John DeVito, P Jack Gavin, CF D.J. Lewis, 1B Bill McMahon, DH Luis Carasco, P Ben Mahar, sr.

Top newcomers: P Ryan Borucki, jr.; IF Chris Maranto, jr.; C Matt Langlie, jr.; Nik Gastfield.

Outlook: By most standards, a 25-win season that ends in the sectionals is a success. But the Mustangs were hungry for more when they lost to Stevenson in the sectional final last spring and their stomachs are still grumbling. “Our 2010 season ended prematurely and we expect to come out hungry for a sectional, and eventually a state title,” Mundelein coach Todd Parola said. “We will be competitive. We will win more than we did last year.” Parola expects his team to win a lot of games with its pitching. Mundelein boasts a deep pitching staff that includes veterans Ben Mahar and Dante Martinez as well as impressive newcomer Ryan Borucki. “The best way to describe our pitchers is that they are strike throwers,” Parola said. “Ben, Dante and Ryan all pound the zone with good movement and get a lot of groundball outs.”

Parola has also seen improvement in his defense from a year ago. “We're in good shape, our defense has really picked it up,” Parola said. “We're very improved (on defense), especially in the infield. Bill McMahon (Mundelein's first baseman) has improved a lot for us defensively.” Parola also has some dangerous hitters, such as Nik Gastfield, who is an everyday starter after seeing limited action last season. “Our hitting will improve as the year goes on,” Parola said. “I expect us to compete in every game, and to be in a lot of close games as well.”

Stevenson

Coach: Paul Mazzuca, 4th year

Last year's record: 35-4 (10-2 NSC Lake)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost in Class 4A state semifinals to Naperville Central, 6-4. Won third-place game against Huntley, 5-0.

Key players lost: P/SS Kyle Ruchim (Northwestern), 1B Pat Wilson (Augustana), 2B Teddy Heiser (Illinois-Springfield), OF Corey Lasky (St. Xavier), C Jeff Ferstein (Benedictine), OF Erick King, OF Alex Daar, OF Kory Cutler

Key players returning: P Tyler Radtke, sr.; IF Michael Martin, sr.; P Blake Fiedelman, sr.

Top newcomers: IF Jacob Sholl, sr.; IF Barry Saks, sr.; OF Brandon Waters, sr.; OF Ricky Kern, sr.; P Dalsen Ferbert, sr.; IF Jeremy Scheck, sr.; P Isaac Greenspon, sr.; IF Adam Walton, jr.; OF Max Golembo, jr.

Outlook: Replacing eight players from a starting lineup is never an easy task. It's even harder when the starters were of the quality that Stevenson lost to graduation. The Patriots won 35 games and placed third in the state last season for a reason. Their seniors were a dominant group, led by star pitcher and shortstop Kyle Ruchim, who is now playing at Northwestern. “Trying to repeat a 35-4 year might seem like a daunting and unrealistic task, having lost eight from the starting lineup, but this year's team is confident they can compete,” Stevenson coach Paul Mazzuca said. “They don't want to get caught up in having to replace the Kyle Ruchims, Pat Wilsons, Erick Kings and the rest of the guys from last year because those are pretty big shoes to fill. This team is working hard to create its own identity.”

That identity will start with pitchers Tyler Radtke and Blake Fiedelman, who are the only returning players with significant experience on the mound. Mazzuca thought his rotation would be bolstered further with the return of Jeremy Scheck, who missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery on his elbow. But Scheck will not be ready to pitch and will be relegated to playing first base and batting in a designated hitter role. “Not having Jeremy back pitching for us is a huge blow, no doubt about it,” Mazzuca said. “Hopefully, (Isaac) Greenspon and (Dalsen) Ferbert can step up and contribute right away on the mound. Without much returning experience, we really need to get some games under our belt. And we need to stay healthy. If our pitchers can stay healthy, I think we can compete for a conference title.”

Warren

Coach: Clint Smothers, 4th year

Last year's record: 29-10, (8-4 NSC Lake)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost in sectional final to Stevenson, 10-1.

Key players lost: OF Tim Bodine (Evansville), C Scott Heelan (Virginia Tech), OF Jon Frericks (Illinois Wesleyan), P Jeff Johnson (Illinois Wesleyan), P Zach Schneider (Webster).

Key players returning: 3B Kevin Colburn, sr.; 1B Mike Herrmann, sr.; P Ryan Kennedy, sr.; OF Pat Kenney, jr.

Top newcomers: P/IF Jimmy Nickell, jr.; P/OF Adam Glogovsky, jr.; P Caleb Haley, sr.; Alex Letto, jr.

Outlook: The Blue Devils have big shoes to fill. Warren won a school-record 29 games last season, as well as a regional championship, but had to say goodbye to six superstar starters, all of whom are now playing in college. “We lost a lot of key players from last year,” Warren coach Clint Smothers said. “We lost a lot of good hitters with power. We had 32 home runs last season. We also have only two returning pitchers with more than 10 innings last year, and only three or four returning position players. We know we have a rebuilding year with a lot of young guys.”

But don't feel too sorry for the Blue Devils. They still have a horse on the mound in senior pitcher Ryan Kennedy. And they also have a premiere hitter in Pat Kenney, who smacked 12 homers and maintained a .400 batting average last season. Perhaps just as important, the Blue Devils also have some hunger. They're anxious to build off of last year and to extend their run into the playoffs. “Our players made great improvement in the off-season in the weight room,” Smothers said. “We had 22 weeks and they didn't miss.”

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Antioch

Coach: Paul Petty, 19th year

Last year's record: 18-17 (7-5 NSC Prairie)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost in the regional final to Grayslake Central, 3-1.

Key players lost: P Chris Terzic (Wisconsin-Oshkosh), OF Cameron Jerina (St. Norbert), IF Andy Green (North Park), IF/P Kevin Smiley (College of Lake County)

Key players returning: SS Paul DeJong, sr.; C Joe Gregory, jr.; OF Alex Grimm, sr.; P Ryan Dragoon, sr.; OF Brett Prather, sr.; IF Adam Waner, jr.

Top newcomers: IF Emery Paramski, jr.; OF Mitch Everett, soph.; IF Aaron Karpiel, jr.; P Dave Meade, soph.

Outlook: Antioch wasn't ready for the season to end last year. The Sequoits were just starting to get hot. Antioch won 10 of its last 15 games and advanced to the regional championship game, beating archrival and North Suburban Prairie Division champion Lakes along the way. “We finished the last three weeks of our season on a positive note,” Antioch coach Paul Petty said. “We had a lot of team chemistry and leadership last season. I think that's a trend that could carry over to this season.” Strong defense would be another trait from last year that the Sequoits would like to duplicate.

Antioch was strong up the middle thanks to catcher Joe Gregory and shortstop Paul DeJong, both of whom are back this season and will be surrounded by five returning starters. Gregory and DeJong combined for nearly 60 RBI and DeJong has quietly snagged himself a scholarship to Illinois State even though he was sidelined for much of his early career with a knee injury. Meanwhile, outfielder Alex Grimm gives the Sequoits some speed. He rolled up 18 stolen bases last season. “We just need to improve our team batting average,” Petty said. “We need more of our lineup hitting.”

Grant

Coach: Dave Behm, 2nd year

Last year's record: 12-17 (7-5 NSC Prairie)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Lake Forest in regional play-in game, 3-0.

Key players lost: SS Thomas Gier (Concordia), C Jeremy Wiker (North Central), P/OF Justin Cokefair, OF Kyle Hunter

Key players returning: P/1B Jared Helmich, jr.; SS Jordan Villarreal, soph.; 3B Tyler Gorski, soph.; CF/P Jake Ring, soph.; IF/OF John Schenning, sr.

Top newcomers: OF Eric Wilhelm, jr.; OF/P Mike Lutz, jr.; P/IF Zach Niedrich, jr.; C/P Nick Fanella, soph.; 2B Brent Spohr, soph.

Outlook: It's a youth movement at Grant where five sophomores will be starting and only two seniors are on the roster. “Last year, we had a mix of veteran seniors and solid underclassmen that made up our team and this year, those seniors are gone. It leaves us with a very young team,” Grant coach Dave Behm said. “Young players with little varsity experience will be called on to play important roles on this year's team.” The sophomores who will have to grow up fast are: Jordan Villarreal at shortstop, Jake Ring, who is a centerfielder and pitcher, Tyler Gorski at third base, Bret Spohr at second base and Nick Fanella, who is a catcher and pitcher. “Three of those guys (Vilarreal, Ring and Gorski) were up as freshmen last year,” Behm said. “They had solid years.”

Junior pitcher Jared Helmich, who recorded three wins for the varsity last season as a sophomore, is coming off a solid year on the hardwood. He was recently named most valuable player of the Grant basketball team. “If he shows as much improvement on the baseball field as he did on the basketball court, he'll have a big impact for us. Jared will be a big part of our team this year.” Helmich will have to come up big as overall pitching is a question mark for the Bulldogs. “We have many talented, but unproven pitchers in the mix,” Behm said. We will be solid on defense and with our hitting, but our pitching has a lot of question marks and unknowns.”

Lakes

Coach: Raymond Gialo, 1st year

Last year's record: 24-10 (10-2 NSC Prairie)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Antioch in the regional semifinal, 12-8.

Key players lost: C Wills Massie (Elmhurst College, football), 1B/P Travis Vanderwall (North Central), P D.J. Snelton (Minnesota)

Key players returning: 3B/P Paul Kukulka, sr.; P Nick Hibbing, sr.; OF Kyle Noon, sr.; OF/P A.J. Metzger, sr.; 2B Nick Traska, jr.; OF/P Chris Hoffman, jr.

Top newcomers: OF/P Robby Thompson, P Chris DeRue

Outlook: The Eagles soared through the regular season but were grounded immediately in the postseason, losing to archrival Antioch in the first round. “Last year's playoff loss left a bad taste in the mouth of our returning players,” said first-year coach Raymond Gialo, an assistant at Lakes for the previous five seasons. “I think they are really looking forward to getting a chance to make a name for themselves.” One player who has already done that is Nick Hibbing. The senior pitcher committed to Iowa last season and will be on the radar of major league scouts. He went 7-0 last season and rolled up 76 strikeouts while maintaining a 1.09 earned run average.

Of the Eagles' top three pitchers from last season, Hibbing is the only returner. “Our pitching staff took a hit,” Gialo said. “But Nick is a No. 1 and we also got a lot of innings out of Paul Kukulka. And Chris Hoffman had a number of very good stats for us last spring but just took some tough losses.” Gialo also likes what he has seen on the mound out of newcomers Robby Thompson and Chris DeRue. Offensively, the Eagles will have plenty of punch with players such as Nick Traska and Hoffman, who have a knack for getting on base. “Those guys can drive the ball in the gaps, get on base and set the table,” Gialo said. “We can't sit back and wait for the long ball.”

Round Lake

Coach: Ed Adamson, 3rd year

Last year's record: 5-24 (2-10 NSC Prairie)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Highland Park in regional play-in game, 10-1.

Key players lost: P Matt Baum, OF Matt Novak

Key players returning: P/1B Chris Rana, sr.; P/SS Randy Eanos, jr.; P/3B Anthony Gutierrez, jr.; OF Gerald Williams, sr.

Top newcomers: P/IF Danny Trujillo, jr.; P/1B/OF Antonio Carranza, jr.; P/OF/IF Ryan Newman, fr.; P/OF Anthony Burton, jr.; C Alex Whiton, sr.

Outlook: If the old cliché is true, that athletes are made in the off-season, then the future looks bright for the Panthers. They put in a lot of work since last season. “The players put in more effort in the off-season to improve,” Round Lake coach Ed Adamson said. “I believe as a team we are further along than we were last year.” That goes double for Round Lake's pitchers. Pitching hasn't exactly been a strength for the Panthers in recent years, so Adamson and his staff really zeroed in on that area over the off-season. “We have spent more time trying to develop pitchers,” Adamson said. “As a coach, you try to put your players into game-like situations as much as possible, so I have tried to put my hitters and pitchers into live situations in the cage. Hopefully, we will benefit from that. It is important that we have a variety of guys who can throw strikes.”

One pitcher who has proven he can do that is senior Chris Rana, who will be playing baseball next year at Cornell College in Iowa. “He is a three-year starter and unquestionably our team leader,” Adamson said. “We'll be counting on him with his bat, in the field and on the mound.” The Panthers also return fellow pitchers Randy Eanos and Anthony Gutierrez.

Vernon Hills

Coach: Jay Czarnecki, 11th year

Last year's record: 21-16 (9-3 NSC Prairie)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to St. Viator in regional final, 7-1.

Key players lost: CF Zach Kisley (Oberlin), P Scott Kempel (Monmouth), P Cesar Gallegos, DH Eric Oberwise

Key players returning: SS Chris Argianas, sr.; 2B Anthony Mazza, sr.; C Chris Marras, jr.; 1B Brian Palmer, sr.; OF MJ Crowley, jr.; OF Ryan Knopoff, sr.; P Tyler Feece, soph.; P Ryan Lane, jr.; DH Tyler Coppney, jr.

Top newcomers: 3B Steve Nelson, jr.; 1B Colin Krippinger, jr.; OF Eric Lang, jr.; OF Austin Hagen, jr.

Outlook: While it usually is true that it matters more how you finish than how you start, Vernon Hills coach Jay Czarnecki sure wouldn't mind a better start out of his team this year. Prior to losing in the regional final last season, the Cougars had won nine games in a row, including significant victories over power teams such as Hoffman Estates, Warren and Lake Zurich. But that finish was tempered by a 2-7 start to the season by Vernon Hills. “We need to get off to a better start,” Czarnecki said. “We played good competition but really could have fared better. We were pretty young last year and it seemed like we struggled against opposing teams' No. 1 pitchers. Hopefully, getting a year under our belts will put us in a better position to compete against strong pitchers.”

Vernon Hills has a couple of strong pitchers of its own in lefty Tyler Feece, who got four wins last year, and Ryan Lane. But the Cougars lost their top two pitchers in Scott Kempel and Cesar Gallegos so the pitching rotation includes some unknowns. “It will probably be pitching by committee until some guys separate themselves from the pack.” Defensively, Vernon Hills will be strong up the middle with shortstop Chris Argianas and catcher Chris Marras returning for their third varsity season. Meanwhile, second baseman Anthony Mazza is back after starting every game last year.

Wauconda

Coach: Bill Sliker, 9th year

Last year's record: 17-17 (7-5 NSC Prairie)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Richmond-Burton in regional semifinal, 8-3.

Key players lost: C/1B Jeff Jackson (Wabash Valley), C Kevin Fessler (Wisconsin-Platteville), SS Tom Tyrell (Illinois Wesleyan), P/3B Dan Tanzillo

Key players returning: OF/P Erik Maki, sr.; P/1B Jeremy Wagner, sr.; OF Jake Ziolkowski, jr.; P Tim Matesi, sr.

Top newcomers: OF Andrew Schmucher, sr.; P Vincent Badino, sr.; 2B Brandon Stang, sr.; OF Henry Manahan, sr.; SS Kollin Siewerth; C Cody Rapier, jr.; P/3B Trevor Larhman, jr.; P/OF Jack Botheroyd, jr.; P/OF Shawn Sundquist, jr.; OF AJ Malisheski, jr.; P/2B Tony Kaminsky, jr.; P/1B John Kamakis, jr.; P/1B David Diol, jr.; P/OF Kyle Mascheri, jr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs are hoping to catch a break this season. At catcher. Last year, Wauconda was blessed with two college-caliber catchers. Jeff Jackson is now playing at Wabash Valley Community College and Kevin Fessler is now at Wisconsin-Platteville. Now, junior Cody Rapier will settle in to lead the Bulldogs from behind the plate. He's green, but very capable of handling a talented pitching staff that includes veterans Jeremy Wagner, Tim Matesi and Erik Maki. Wagner rolled up 5 wins last season while Maki had 3. Matesi recorded 2 saves for the Bulldogs.

“Those three returning pitchers should provide some leadership to our pitching staff,” Wauconda coach Bill Sliker said. “Our practices have been very competitive, which should help us achieve our goals, which are to be competitive in every game and to improve in some phase of the game every day.” Outfielder Jake Ziolkowski should also help the Bulldogs achieve their goals. An honorable mention all-conference selection last season along with Maki, Ziolkowski hit a blistering .500 for the season and also blasted 2 home runs. Maki was also a big offensive threat for the Bulldogs. He maintained a .422 average and had 3 home runs.

FOX VALLEY / FOX DIVISION

Grayslake Central

Coach: Troy Whalen, 9th year

Last year's record: 30-9

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Marian in sectional final, 5-4.

Key players lost: P Matt Murphy (Southern Illinois), OF Mike Gentile (Carthage), IF Andrew Hosford, IF Angelo Gargano, IF Joe Schaiper, C Josh DeAngelis, OF Jackson White (Knox), P Mitch Tielke (Heartland), CF Stefan Falbo

Key players returning: SS Austin Miller, sr.; P/OF Austin Leggett, sr.; P Mark Gawinski, sr.; 2B Derek Idstein, sr.; OF Cam Neely, sr.

Top newcomers: C Joey Bleuer, sr.; 1B/P Andrew Formica, sr.; P Mark Ash, jr.; C Kristian Meehan, jr.; IF Ryan Hamrick, jr.; OF Nick Hosford, jr.; OF Sean Boban, jr.

Outlook: The names are changing. A lot of them, in fact. But the talent level that Grayslake Central has become accustomed to in back-to-back regional championship seasons over the last two years looks to be the same. “Central fans may need a scorecard (to keep track of) some of the new Rams,” Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said. “There may be some different names on the back of the jersey, but in no way should that send a message of mediocrity or rebuilding. We have some kids who just could not get on the field last year because of our talented senior group. But a lot of those guys would have started and been front line producers for some of the teams we played.” One player who has been on the front line for the Rams for quite some time is Austin Miller. The senior shortstop has been on varsity since his sophomore year and has already signed with Butler. He had a .340 batting average last year and put up a team-leading 5 home runs. He'll team up in the middle infield with senior second baseman Derek Idstein, who is getting Division I looks.

“Having Austin around is like having an additional coach,” Whalen said. “He has a very high baseball IQ and is our coach on the field. We will count on him for a lot this year, but his true measurement will come in his ability to make those players around him better.” Count newcomers Andrew Formica and Mark Ash among those who will benefit from Miller's leadership. They will be counted on to pitch a lot of innings for the Rams, who return only seven of 30 (pitching) wins and lost two college-caliber pitchers in Matt Murphy and Mitch Tielke. They are now at Southern Illinois and Heartland College, respectively. Returners Austin Leggett and Mark Gawinski, who combined for 6 wins last year, will also be counted on to produce more on the mound this season. “We have the talent and balance both offensively and defensively to make another run at Joliet,” said Whalen, whose team placed third in state in 2009. “That has become the norm here the past few seasons and it will not change this year.”

Grayslake North

Coach: Andy Strahan, 5th year

Last year's record: 9-28 (7-17 FVC Fox)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Grayslake Central in regional semifinal, 18-0.

Key players lost: 1B/P Ed Tatera (Rockford)

Key players returning: IF/P Tom Elias, jr.; OF/P Brandon Fern, sr.; P Kyle Fosco, sr.; 3B/P Colin Laughlin, sr.; OF/C Andrew Soulis, jr.; SS Kevin Staszczak, sr.; C Andy Tatera, jr.

Top newcomers: OF/P CJ Bailey, jr.; 1B Nick Stanfel, jr.; 3B/P Adam Gomski, soph.; IF/P Carl Russell, soph.

Outlook: Recovering from an 0-16 start isn't easy. Just ask the Knights, who struggled out of the gates last season. Grayslake North finally got its first win in its 17th game and went on to win eight more games. “We played a tough schedule last year and after missing some opportunities during the first few games, things started to snowball and I think the kids started to put a little too much pressure on themselves,” Grayslake North coach Andy Strahan said. “This year's group has used last season as motivation. They want to be the group to change the perception of Grayslake North baseball and I think they are capable of it.”

Strahan says his team boasts the most speed in the history of the program and that pitching depth should be a strength with Tom Elias, Adam Gomski, Colin Laughlin and Kyle Fosco serving as the workhorses in the rotation. Senior shortstop Kevin Staszczak is a four-year varsity player and has set a competitive tone, along with fellow seniors Brandon Fern, Laughlin and Fosco. “Our senior group may be small in numbers, but they did a great job of setting the tone for the underclassmen during the off-season,” Strahan said. “Overall, we have a good group of baseball kids. They love to compete against one another and that has really helped create a positive practice environment.”

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel

Coach: Joe May, 2nd year

Last year's record: 27-9 (15-3 ESCC)

Last year's state tournament advancement: Lost to Warren in sectional semifinal, 5-2.

Key players lost: 1B Chris Divarco (Northern Illinois), 3B Jimmy Spagna (John Carroll), SS Mike Pudlo (Loras), P Nick Battalini (Loras), P Paul Poirier (Iowa Western CC), C Alex May (Elmhurst), Eric Stevenson (Elmhurst), OF Derek Jordan (Milwaukee School of Engineering), P Jonathan Huisel (Wooster), P Cale St. Clair (St. Joseph)

Key players returning: OF/P Tim Hendricks, sr.; P Daniel Mooney, sr.; P Adam Warkenthien, sr.; C Luke Venegoni, sr.; OF Brian Serio, sr.

Top newcomers: P/OF Alex Young, jr.; SS Brian Brennan, jr.; 2B Blake Bucsa, jr.; IF Jordan Kos, jr.

Outlook: Carmel coach Joe May isn't exaggerating when he says he has a very young team. Considering that 10 players from Carmel's Class of 2010 are now playing baseball in college, playing time for non-seniors last year was at a premium. The veteran Corsairs won the rugged East Suburban Catholic Conference and advanced to the sectional. “We have to replace 900 at bats and 200 innings of pitching,” May said. “We will need to play stellar defense as runs will be at a premium.” That's not to say Carmel doesn't return some offensive power. Tim Hendricks, Luke Venegoni and Brian Serio all showed the ability to hit for power and to all fields last season.

Hendricks, a lefty, will also likely be one of Carmel's top pitching threats, as will Daniel Mooney, who is routinely hitting 85 miles per hour. “The depth of that senior group last year minimized Tim's playing time last season, but he has the tools to play every day this year (also in the outfield),” May said. “Mooney will vie for the ace role. He commands the strike zone with his fastball and his curve/slide combination.” Adam Wakenthien is also another lefty who should get in plenty of innings. May says he boasts a nice curveball. Speed should be a team strength as Carmel welcomes in newcomers Brian Brennan and Jordan Kos, infielders who are both stars in the backfield for the Carmel football team.

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