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Baseball: Scouting the Fox Valley

Bartlett HawksCoach: Chris Pemberton (sixth year)

Conference: Upstate Eight Valley

2014 record: 14-17, 12-12

Top returning athletes: Alex Curtis (Sr. P), Jordan Flint (Sr. 3B/P), Cory Krolikowski (Sr. SS), Tripp Paris (Jr. P/IF), Michael Pfaender (Sr. 1B), Vince Searson (Sr. P), Myles Zilinsky (Sr. OF/P)

Top newcomers: Austin Hilvert (Jr. OF), Cameron Mays (Jr. IF/OF/P)

Season outlook: Bartlett was the top-hitting team in the Fox Valley area a year ago (. 302). The intention this season is to lower the team ERA of 3.21 to bring pitching in line with the Hawks' offense and defense. "If our pitching staff can round into form, we are confident that our hitting and defense will be complemented," Bartlett coach Chris Pemberton said. "As in past years we know that we face a challenging schedule - the Upstate Eight Valley is one of the best in the state - and difficult weather conditions, among other things. These challenges have made us a better team in past seasons. We hope to reach that level and beyond this year." The Hawks boast a pair of Division-I committed players in seniors Jordan Flint (Eastern Illinois) and Myles Zilinsky (Oakland, Mich.). Flint led the team in home runs (3) and was second in RBI (17). A multisport athlete, he moves this season from catcher to third base. The strong-armed Zilinsky moves from right to center field after an extensive summer travel season, according to Pemberton. Team leader Cory Krolikowski (Minnesota-Duluth) returns at shortstop. The senior hit .333 with 8 doubles and 14 RBI to go with a .432 on-base rate. Michael Pfaender is a returning starter at first base. The rotation will include junior Tripp Paris (3-3, 18 K, 14 BB, 2.51 ERA, 30.2 IP), who impressed as a sophomore, and 6-foot-6 senior Alex Curtis, who last year tossed 19 innings over 6 appearances. Flint and Zilinsky will figure into the pitching mix, as will Vince Searson, a late-inning pitcher a year ago. Juniors Matt Johnson, Mike Prang and Shane Donovan could provide valuable innings from the left side, Pemberton said. Junior Cameron Mays, an all-UEC Valley defensive back last fall, is a versatile infielder/outfielder who can also pitch. Junior Austin Hilvert has the speed and ability to play all three outfield positions, his coach said. Four players are battling for innings at catcher.

Burlington Central RocketsCoach: Kyle Nelson (10th year)

Conference: Big Northern East

2014 record: 20-12, 9-3 (tie-first)

Top returning athletes: Parker Boron (Sr. P), Brenden Bushy (Sr. 1B/P), Jonny Frederickson (Sr. P/2B), Ryan Gannon (Sr. OF), Kevin Jerger (Sr. P), Jake Johnson (Sr. P), Max Judnic (Sr. C), John Murphy (Jr. C/3B/DH), Tanner Smith (Sr. SS/2B/CF), Drew Wiss (Sr. SS),

Top newcomers: Ryan Anderson (Sr. P/1B), Dylan Berry (So. P), Kyle Creadon (Jr. P), Avery Moore (Sr. OF), Craig Schuring (Jr. P/3B), Killian Vascica (So. C/1B/DH),

Season outlook: This shapes up as another interesting season for Central, which runs two deep at nearly every position and returns several experienced pitchers. "This is probably the most depth we've ever had," 10th-year coach Kyle Nelson said. The senior class is particularly talented, led by Air Force-bound shortstop Drew Wiss, who turned in a 2014 stat line of .381/.500/.670 (1.170 OPS). He belted 9 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home runs and was successful in all 13 stolen-base attempts. Senior Tanner Smith, committed to Elgin Community College, can play the middle infield or center. He hit .325 and reached base 46 percent of the time. Several players return with pitching experience, but a true No. 1 or No. 2 have yet to define themselves, Nelson said of a group that includes seniors Kevin Jerger (3-1, 2.26 ERA), Brenden Bushy (2-4, 2.68 ERA), lefty Parker Boron (1-0, 381, 4 saves), Jonny Frederickson (1-0, 2.67 ERA, 3 saves) and Jake Johnson (2-0, 2.33 ERA). Senior Ryan Anderson and sophomore Dylan Berry give Central needed left-handed pitching. Junior John Murphy, in an injury shortened season last year, hit .438 with a .471 on-base percentage. Senior outfielder Avery Moore possesses the speed needed to track down fly balls and hit near the top of the order. "We have some pretty talented guys at the top of our roster, some good flexibility with the middle of our order and flexibility with the pitching staff as well," Nelson said.

Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Don Sutherland (28th year)

Conference: Fox Valley Valley

2014 record: 20-13, 12-7

Top returning athletes: Nick Franz (Sr. P), Larkin Hanselmann (Sr. OF/P), Tyler Pennington (So. 3B), Jim Perkins (Sr. (OF/P), Matt Sutherland (Sr. 2B/SS)

Top newcomers: Matt McCumber (So. P)

Season outlook: The Trojans have won 39 games over the past two years but went 0-2 in the postseason. This team is determined to advance beyond the first playoff game even if Cary-Grove again is assigned to a loaded, predetermined regional by the IHSA, as was the case in 2013 and 2014. "Our seniors have a great attitude, and six of our players played in the state championship (football) game," coach Don Sutherland said. "That would be enough for most kids but these kids want to have a fantastic baseball season after losing in the first regional game two years in a row against pretty good teams. They really want to finish well and accomplish great things. I liked their approach in the off-season and their work ethic so far. They're focused." Cary-Grove's pitching staff is deep, led by returning all-area pick Larkin Hanselmann. Last year the left-hander went 6-2 with 47 strikeouts, 24 walks and a 1.76 ERA in 57.2 innings. Also an all-area football player, the fleet-footed Hanselmann patrols the outfield as well as any defensive player in the area when he's not on the mound. Also returning to pitch is Nick Franz. The senior finished 5-1 between starts and relief appearances with a 2.78 ERA in 40.1 innings. A prospect expected to have an impact is hard-throwing Matt McCumber, a 6-foot-3 sophomore who already has Sutherland's phone ringing with interested college coaches. Junior Danny Schmidt, also a basketball player, got his feet wet with the varsity last year before a sore arm slowed him. He'll be part of the pitching mix, as will Western Illinois-bound senior Jim Perkins. Offensively, Perkins, an outfielder, is the team's leading returning hitter (. 345, 6 doubles, 11 RBI). Also back is versatile middle infielder Matt Sutherland, a three-year varsity performer who last year hit .340, scored 32 runs and drove in 12. He could see some time at shortstop while Willie Hartke continues to mend his broken glove hand. Senior Wyatt Mascarella is a defensive-minded, 6-3, 200-pound catcher committed to UIC. The Trojans are deep behind the plate; senior catcher Zack Forney has accepted a walk-on offer from Eastern Illinois. Another prospect to watch is Tyler Pennington, the football phenom who last fall shattered the school record for touchdowns in a season. Sutherland tells anyone who will listen Pennington's best sport might be baseball. "He sure hits," the 28th-year coach said. "He's a left-hander and he puts the best part of the bat on the ball all the time. He has some work to do at third base because of his inexperience, but he's a hardworking kid so he'll be fine there."

Crystal Lake South GatorsCoach: Brian Bogda (eighth year)

Conference: Fox Valley Valley

2014 record: 16-15, 8-11

Top returning athletes: Michael Avella (Sr. LF/P), Garrett Bright (Sr. SS), Collin Chubb (Sr. CF), John Constantino (Sr. RF/P), Matt Schingel (Sr. P/3B), John Smerecky (Sr. OF/P), Andrew Swiatly (Sr. 2B), Ryan Wilkening (Sr. P/3B)

Top newcomers: Cameron Geisser (Jr. IF), Tim Siesennop (Jr. P), Nick Van Witzenburg (Jr. C)

Season outlook: A team that finished fifth in the state in summer-league action intends to make noise with a pair of senior pitchers, experienced defenders up the middle of the field and a solid junior class. The Gators are anchored by senior pitchers Matt Schingel (Northwest Missouri State) and Ryan Wilkening (Wisconsin-Oshkosh). Schingel, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-hander, went 3-1 as a junior with 32 strikeouts, 5 walks and a 0.78 ERA in 36 innings. Wilkening, an all-area pick, finished 5-2 with a 1.37 ERA in 46 innings. A master of control, Wilkening last season struck out 32 and walked just one hitter. "Both guys go deep in games, minimize pitches and are a joy to coach," CL South coach Brian Bogda said. "We have six left-handed pitchers on staff that I am ready to use in any situation." Senior Garrett Bright (St. Xavier) captains the infield in his third varsity season at shortstop. Last year he hit .283 with 25 runs, 15 steals and 6 RBI. Right fielder John Constantino hit .305 and scored 20 runs as a junior while left fielder Michael Avella hit .297 with 2 homers and 17 RBI. Avella also went 2-0 on the mound with a 1.07 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13 innings. He and Constantino will each pitch when not playing a corner outfield spot. The team boasts a trio of players committed to McHenry County College: second baseman Andrew Swiatly, center fielder Collin Chubb and outfielder/left-handed pitcher John Smerecky. Taking over at catcher full time is junior Nick Van Witzenburg, who gained some varsity experience last season when he hit .286 with 6 RBI. Junior infielder Cameron Geisser and junior left-handed pitcher Tim Siesennop add to this squad's depth. "We have a lot of experience returning and a great group of juniors ready to compete and augment our depth," Bogda said.

Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Jon Anderson (third year)

Conference: Fox Valley Valley

2014 record: 14-19, 9-10

Top returning athletes: Riley Alvarado (Sr. 3B/P), Dan Denz (Jr. P/1B), Brett Johnson (Sr. C), Jared Ludwig (Sr. P/1B), Sam Ray (Sr. SS)

Top newcomers: Nick Musielewicz (Jr. OF/P), Joe Welzien (Jr. OF/P), Matt Wiechmann (Jr. P/3B)

Season outlook: The Chargers aim to challenge for a spot in the top half of the tough FVC Valley by stressing the fundamentals. D-C was among the area leaders in errors last season and the pitching staff issued 3.9 walks per game. "We need to focus on our fundamentals to be competitive in each game," said coach Jon Anderson, who played for Illinois and spent three years in Boston's farm system. "The team that makes the fewest mistakes usually wins the game. We need to execute when given the opportunity in every situation. Our pitchers need to throw strikes, hitters need to put the ball in play and defense needs to field their positions." The Chargers return experience behind the plate in all-area pick Brett Johnson. Committed to Wisconsin-LaCrosse, last year Johnson led Dundee-Crown with a batting average of .369 (41-for-111) to go with 11 doubles and 19 RBI. The Chargers should be strong up the middle with the return of senior shortstop Sam Ray (. 289, 11 runs, 4 doubles, 10 RBI). Leading the pitching staff will be junior Dan Denz and senior Jared Ludwig. In his first varsity season as a junior, Denz went 1-2 with 47 strikeouts, 14 walks and a 3.12 ERA in 33.2 innings. He is joined in the rotation by Jared Ludwig, who didn't get much run support a year ago when he finished 1-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 37 innings. Senior Riley Alvarado and juniors Nick Musielewicz, Joe Welzien and Matt Wiechmann fortify a pitching staff that last year posted a 3.60 team ERA.

Elgin MaroonsCoach: David Foerster (ninth year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2014 record: 9-23, 5-20

Top returning athletes: Dean Anderson (Sr. OF/P), Mike Gonzalez (Sr. 3B), Jack Koeckritz (Sr. P/OF), Jon Nelson (Sr. (P/1B), Kirtan Patel (Sr. OF), Tom Sobeki (Sr. C/P), Clay White (Sr. P/SS)

Top newcomers: Eddy Ramos (Jr. P/SS/2B), Scotty Palmer (Sr. P/1B), Rigoberto Sanchez (Jr. 2B/OF), Brandon Stork (Jr. P/3B/1B)

Season outlook: Elgin finished the 2014 season with the area's highest team ERA (5.70) and the third-lowest team batting average (. 253), but the Maroons have reason to expect improvement on both fronts. Senior Clay White was the most effective pitcher for the Maroons last season, when he finished 4-3 with 40 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 3.50 ERA in 48 innings. Not only do the Maroons return pitchers who threw 63 percent of their innings last year, they get a boost from senior Scotty Palmer, who transferred from St. Edward after finishing his junior season with a 1-4 record that belied his 2.01 ERA in 31.1 innings. Palmer struck out 35 and walked 21. White and Palmer will be joined in the rotation by Jon Nelson (32 strikeouts, 5.96 ERA, 47 IP), Dean Anderson (16 IP) and Jack Koeckritz (Florence-Darlington Tech, SC). Juniors Brandon Stork, Rigoberto Sanchez and Eddy Ramos add pitching depth with Stork the most likely to gain a starting nod. "Overall depth is a concern for us," Elgin coach David Foerster said. "We have a lot of two-way players. Most of our pitchers will be playing other positions when not pitching. We expect a lot from our juniors." Offense is a question mark: the top four hitters graduated from a team that batted .253. The Maroons will look for improved pop from White (. 232, 6 doubles, 12 RBI), outfielder Kirtan Patel and catcher Tom Sobeski (5 doubles, 10 RBI). "Our offense should improve as the year goes on," Foerster said. "We lost a lot of power from last year, but we should make up for that by getting on base more and creating runs."

Elgin Academy HilltoppersCoach: Steve Shapiro (second year)

Conference: Independent School League

2014 record: 4-28, 1-13

Top returning athletes: Gannon Cottonen (Sr. C/P), Karl Rauschenburger (Jr. CF), Andrew Wilson (So. SS/P), Ian Wilson (So. 3B/C/P)

Top newcomers: Jordan Hare (Fr. P/C)

Season outlook: Injuries, particularly to the pitching staff, derailed Elgin Academy's return to varsity baseball in 2014. The team is hoping more experience and improved health equates to more success in Year Two. Coach Steve Shapiro has set the goal of "Staying healthy and having fun by being competitive and focused during the season." The Hilltoppers are led offensively by Gannon Cottonen (. 375, 4 HR), a 6-foot, 215-pound senior who catches and pitches, and 6-2 sophomore Ian Wilson, who hit .417 with 27 RBI. Also returning is sophomore Andrew Wilson, who played shortstop, posted a 4.35 ERA on the mound and hit .350. Speedy junior Karl Rauschenburger stole 22 bases last year. The pitching rotation of Cottonen and the Wilsons gains a new threat in 6-4 freshman Jordan Hare. If the young pitching staff can gain traction, Shapiro believes this team has the offense and middle-infield defense to be competitive.

Hampshire Whip-PursCoach: John Sarna (fourth year)

Conference: Fox Valley Fox

2014 record: 13-18, 6-13

Top returning athletes: Alex Crinigan (Sr. P), Michael Kruse (Jr. OF), Trey Schramm (Sr. P)

Top newcomers: Matt kielbasa (Jr. DH), Tristyn Ross (So. SS),

Noah Schrader (So. OF)

Season outlook: Hampshire coach John Sarna enjoys the luxury of one of the top pitching tandems in the Fox Valley Conference: seniors Trey Schramm (Xavier) and Alex Crinigan (Waubonsee Community). Schramm played shortstop most of last season before taking the mound in the second half of the campaign. In 30.2 innings, he went 2-1 with 41 strikeouts and 14 walks. His 0.46 ERA was second in the area only to South Elgin's Ryan Nutof (0.39), who now pitches for Michigan. Shramm moves to the outfield this season to lessen stress on his arm on non-pitching days. Crinigan led the Whip-Purs last year in innings pitched (35.1). A groundball pitcher who keeps the all low in the zone, he struck out 27, walked 8 and posted a 2.58 ERA. Hampshire's staff will get instruction from second-year pitching coach Frank Simoncelli, a counselor at Hampshire who played collegiately at Eastern Illinois. "Good pitching. That's what it's all about in the BBCOR age," Sarna said. "You've got to hit. And that's been our downfall. We have to figure out a way to overcome that." The Whip-Purs graduated their top four hitters from a team that hit .258 and averaged 3.9 runs per game. The top returning hitter is center fielder Michael Kruse, who as a sophomore hit .271 with 5 doubles and 9 RBI. Kruse will again see time on the mound, where last year he was used in late-game situations. The infield lacks experience. Only second baseman Tyler Schutt saw varsity playing time last year. Promising sophomore Tristyn Ross has been tabbed to play shortstop. "He's a nice, left-handed bat," Sarna said. "We'll give him a shot at shortstop. He has the ability. He played for us this summer and did a good job. He'll make some sophomore mistakes, but with the pitching we have we'll work with him." Another sophomore, Noah Schrader, will hit leadoff and play a corner outfield position. The lineup gains some pop with the addition of 6-2, 280-pound junior DH Matt kielbasa. The multisport athlete missed his sophomore year of baseball due to injuries suffered during football season. "He hasn't missed a beat," Sarna said. "He's a big kid, a strong kid. He's athletic and motivated. I'm interested to see what he can do."

Harvest Christian Academy LionsCoach: David Lockwood (first year)

Conference: Northeastern Athletic

Top newcomers: Mark Davila (Fr. CF), Chad Jakel (Jr. C/P/SS), Drew Lewis (Fr. SS/P), Dylan Lockwood (Fr. P/1B/IF), Dominick Olech (Fr. 2B/P), Zach Pawelek (Fr. P/1B), Zack Zabran (Jr. P/3B)

Season outlook: Welcome to Year One of Harvest Christian Academy baseball. The Elgin Class 1A private school's first varsity baseball team has a roster of 12. All home games will be played on the new turf infield/grass outfield surface at Judson University, most of them 6 p.m. starts under the lights. Harvest Christian athletic director and coach David Lockwood held baseball camps in past summers to gauge interest but never had enough players to field a high school team. A bumper freshman class has changed that. Leading the group will be juniors Chad Jakel, the team's primary catcher, and pitcher/third baseman Zack Zabran. Freshman shortstop Drew Lewis and freshman second baseman Dominck Olech will have four years to perfect their double-play combination. Freshman center fielder Mark Davila has speed to track down flyouts. Versatile freshmen athletes Dylan Lockwood and lefty Zach Pawelek round out the core group around which the program will build. "We'll be real young," David Lockwood said, "but a lot of these guys have high-level travel experience. We'll see how that translates against some bigger, stronger kids. We'll rely on the fundamentals: throw strikes and play defense to stay in games and we'll see how we do. We're ready to go."

Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Andy Jakubowski (10th year at Huntley, 16th overall)

Conference: Fox Valley Valley

2014 record: 26-8-1, 15-4

Top returning athletes: Pierce Albright (Sr. 2B), Brandon Altergott (Sr. P/OF), Matt Blain (Sr. C/OF), Brandon Duvall (Sr. P/OF), Bobby Hecker (Sr. 3B), Jake Liebman (Sr. P/2B), Jake Lonergan (Sr. P/2B), Ryan Mills (Sr. P), Ben Reiva (Sr. P/1B), Robert Thomm (Sr. C), Brian Wiggins (Sr. SS/2B)

Top newcomers: Bobby Black (Sr. OF), DJ Cruz (Sr. P), Nick Fanselow (Jr. 1B/C/UTL), Jeff Heinrich (So. 3B/UTL), Noah Konie (So. P/1B), Steven Lussnig (Jr. P), Ryan McGran (Jr. OF), Brandon Meyer (Sr. OF), Charlie Nugent (Jr. SS/2B), Jake Pollo (Jr. P), Trevor Ranallo (Jr. 2B/UTL), Cameron Reed (So. P), Joe Rizzo (So. C/2B/UTL), Patrick Sexton (Jr. P/OF), Luc Sibert (Jr. P)

Season outlook: Twelve of the 16 players who graduated from the 2014 Huntley team that won the FVC Valley and a Class 4A regional now play college baseball, but the Red Raiders plan to reload, not rebuild. To do so they'll have to find ways to replace most of their run production and pitching. The top three hitters graduated from a team that hit .276 and averaged 5.7 runs per game. The Red Raiders have very little proven offense returning and may have to manufacture runs, an aspect of the game in which aggressive coach Andy Jakubowski specializes. It starts at the top of the order with all-conference outfielder Brandon Altergott (McHenry County College). The speedy senior hit .286 with 3 doubles, 5 triples, a home run, 13 steals and 31 runs scored. Also returning to the lineup is third baseman Bobby Hecker, committed to Southeastern Community College. Last year Hecker hit .241 and drove in 8 RBI. Senior Matt Blain will be asked to hit in the middle of the lineup and drive in key runs, his coach said. Huntley hopes to replace some of its lost offensive production with the help of sophomores Joe Rizzo and Jeff Heinrich, players who "handle the bat very well and who will be nice additions to the lineup," according to Jakubowski. The pitching staff returns zero wins and only 7.1 innings of experience from last year. Jakubowski said he expects the 12 pitchers on staff to nevertheless pick up where last year's group left off. "On the mound (we) did lose a lot, but our coaching staff likes the makeup of our staff and their ability to command the zone and the ability to pitch to contact. Defensively, Huntley has always put an emphasis on defense and this year we should be solid behind the dish, up the middle and in the outfield."

Jacobs Golden EaglesCoach: Jamie Murray (fourth year)

Conference: Fox Valley Valley

2014 record: 25-13, 14-5

Top returning athletes: Mike Addante (So. OF), Ryan George (Jr. P), Brenden Heiss (Jr. P), Tyler Jones (Jr. P), Matt Kozlak (Sr. SS/P), Owen Oreskovich (Sr. 3B), Ryan Sargent (Sr. CF/P), Daniel Tenayuca (Sr. C/P)

Top newcomers: Casey Dennison (Jr. 1B/P), Evan Liebau (Jr. P), Nate Meland (Jr. 2B), Johnny Rohde (Jr. P)

Season outlook: Jacobs won a sectional title in 2013 and reached a sectional final in 2014. Despite graduating their top three hitters and ace Reilly Peltier, the Golden Eagles expect to once again contend for the FVC Valley and make another deep postseason push on the strength of pitching, defense, speed and aggressiveness on the basepaths. The Jacobs pitching staff legitimately runs 10 deep, coach Jamie Murray said. The top of the rotation is particularly talented with junior Brenden Heiss and senior Ryan Sargent, both right-handers. Heiss, committed to Arkansas, throws in the low nineties. He pitched to the Golden Eagles to a regional title game victory over Barrington last spring, when he went 3-2 with 44 strikeouts, 31 walks and a 2.15 ERA in 42 innings. Sargent (Ohio University) pitched in only 4 games last year, but as a sophomore threw important innings late in the postseason. He epitomizes the Jacobs pitching philosophy of commanding both sides of the plate and changing speeds to keep hitters off-balance. Matt Kozlak, the team's likely No. 3 starter, is also the leading returning hitter in the order. He batted .315 with 4 doubles, 2 home runs and 16 RBI as a junior. Senior right-hander Ryan George, a bright student who plans to walk on at Brown University, is another pitcher with experience. In 2014, he went 2-1 with 21 strikeouts, 15 walks and a 2.97 ERA in 30.2 innings. They will be joined by promising juniors Johnny Rohde and Evan Liebau. A hard-throwing right-hander, Rohde touched 90 mph over the summer and has gained interest from college coaches. He will be used as a 1-inning specialist this season and likely start as a senior. Left-hander Liebau has great mechanics, according to his coach. Both were part of the Jacobs sophomore team that won the FVC Valley last season. Senior Owen Oreskovich returns to play third base after a junior year in which he hit .280 with 3 doubles and drove in 13. Catcher Daniel Tenayuca adds experience, agility and speed behind the plate. "What I love about being part of this with them is how much respect they have for each other," Jacobs coach Jamie Murray said. "As coaches we love coming to work every single day because they love being around each other and respect each other one through 26. We put an emphasis on camaraderie. We want good students, good citizens first and skill development on the field and strength building. That's the culture we want."

Larkin RoyalsCoach: Matt Esterino (seventh year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2014 record: 15-20, 10-15

Top returning athletes: Johnny Avila (Sr. OF), Zach Edgar (Jr. IF/P), Tanner Gardon (Sr. P/1B), Will King (Sr. P/1B), Dan Lenz (Sr. 3B/C), Jon Lenz (Sr. SS/P)

Top newcomers: Luis Bello (So. IF), Nick Fillmore (Jr. OF/P), Carlos Mayoral (Sr. IF), Seth Morford (Jr. OF/P), Kordell Thomas (Jr. 1B)

Season outlook: Pitching should once again be a strength for the Royals, who last season recorded a team ERA of 2.42, best among the five District U-46 high schools. However, the Royals must find ways to produce more runs than in 2014, when they hit .247 as a team and averaged 3.7 runs per game. The pitching staff is in good shape with senior Jon Lenz, Will King and Tanner Gardon. Lenz didn't throw much last year because he was the starting shortstop and the Royals had depth in the rotation. He has added 15 pounds since last season and is able to spot his pitches with better velocity, according to Larkin coach Matt Esterino. In 24 innings last year Lenz went 2-1 with 17 strikeouts, 8 walks and a 1.46 ERA. King went 4-4 as a junior with 35 punchouts, 28 free passes and a 3.99 ERA in 471 innings. Gardon (6-foot-7, 195 pounds) hopes to improve on his ERA of 5.00 in 31 innings. He finished his junior campaign with 20 strikeouts and 21 bases on balls. Vying to crack the rotation is junior Nick Fillmore, who has "great stuff" and is in the process of harnessing it, his coach said. "We have a solid top of the rotation and we could be deep if a couple of guys step up," Esterino said. "We should be pretty good defensively behind them. We just need to execute offensively." Jon Lenz is the team's leading returning hitter. He batted .312 with 8 doubles and 6 RBI. Other returning regulars looking to improve on their 2014 stat lines are senior Johnny Avila (. 246, 4 doubles, 8 runs), senior Dan Lenz (. 237, 8 doubles, 13 RBI, 15 runs) and junior infielder Zach Edgar (. 207, 4 RBI). "We have to execute offensively to support our pitching," Esterino said. "We have to get our pitchers a little more run support and put the ball in play more than we did last year. If we could have averaged 5 or 6 runs, our record would have been flipped. We lost a lot of 1-run games. We have guys working hard to put the ball in play and drive it to the gap."

St. Edward Green WaveCoach: Tim Dovichi (fourth year)

Conference: Metro Suburban

2014 record: 9-17-1

Top returning athletes: Vicente Camerena (Sr. 2B), Patrick Costello (Sr. 1B), Mike Dazzo (Sr. IF), Gino Domel (Sr. SS), David Groves (Sr. OF), Jake LaFrenz (Sr. P/1B), Alex Lara (Sr. P/OF), Joe Martell (Sr. 3B), Jack Tierney (Sr. P/OF),

Top newcomers: Jason Allan (Jr. IF), Carl Bibler (Jr. P/OF), Joe Esposito (Jr. C), Dylan Murray (Jr. OF)

Season outlook: What once shaped up to be a promising pitching staff is now a work in progress. Three-year varsity starting pitcher Jake LaFrenz is committed to Coastal Carolina. Last season the lefty struck out 67 with 22 walks in 38 innings, but he is unavailable to pitch this spring in the wake of Tommy John surgery performed last June. However, LaFrenz expects to be able to hit and will attempt to play first base, coach Tim Dovichi said. The pitching staff took another hit when Scotty Palmer transferred to Elgin High. Committed to Colorado Mesa (the top-ranked Division-II baseball program in the country), Palmer finished last season with a 1-4 record that belied his 2.01 ERA in 31.1 innings. The good news is St. Edward returns senior Jack Tierney to the hill. Last season the workhorse led the Green Wave in innings pitched (45), struck out 39, walked 34 and finished with a 2.02 ERA. Senior Alex Lara will join the rotation behind Tierney with junior Carl Bibler also in the mix. Defensively, St. Edward looks for a spark from senior third baseman Joe Martell, speedy shortstop Gino Domel, second baseman Vicente Camerena and first baseman Patrick Costello. Junior Joe Esposito will play catcher. The Wave could be challenged by opposing pitching. Tierney (. 256, 3 doubles, 2 HR) is the team's top returning hitter. "Our strength is our defense," Dovichi said. "We have a lot of returning defensive starters with a lot of experience. Even some of the new guys saw a little time in the field defensively last year. Hopefully, our leadership will have an effect with Jack and Jake both four-year starters. It'll be a lot of figuring out where guys fall. We usually have a good sense of where our lineup is going, but this year we'll need those first two weeks to see what we have on the field. They can all play. It's just a matter of what's the best combination of nine guys. We have a bright future with our younger crowd. We have a good crop of young pitchers, but they're not quite ready for varsity."

Streamwood SabresCoach: Ryan Lasota (third year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2014 record: 7-26, 5-20

Top returning athletes: Chris Bauer (Sr. 1B/P), Tim Crom (Jr. OF), Zach Campbell (Sr. P/3B), Hayden Holota (Sr. OF), Jonah Seckel (Sr. P/IF)

Top newcomers: Jose Aguilar (So. IF), Alvaro Alvarez (JR. P/IF), Keagan Cordone (Jr. P/UTL), Joey O'Halloran (Jr. IF), Juan Payne (Jr. OF)

Season outlook: Streamwood has lots of speed. The trick will be getting that speed on base so it can wreak havoc. The Sabres finished last in the Fox Valley area in team batting in 2014 with a .235 average. "Our weakness has been hitting so getting the runners on base will be our greatest challenge," Streamwood coach Ryan Lasota said. "If we can get them on, we should have some success." The Sabres will look for improvement from its returnees and a lift from the junior class. The team's leading returning hitter is senior Zach Campbell, who last season hit .265 with 4 doubles and 8 RBI. Junior Tim Cromm returns to the order after driving in 4 runs in limited at-bats a year ago. Campbell also returns on the mound, where last year he finished 0-3 with 1 save and a 3.70 ERA in 26 innings. He'll be joined in the rotation by senior Jonah Seckel. He gained 8 innings of varsity experience as a junior. Juniors Keagan Cordone and Alvaro Alvarez are expected to contribute innings on the mound. "The keys to being successful for us will be our pitchers pounding the strike zone and reducing the walk totals we had last spring and summer," Lasota said, "and having hitters improving not only their batting averages but their on-base percentage and baserunning."

South Elgin StormCoach: Jim Kating (ninth year)

Conference: Upstate Eight Valley

2014 record: 25-11, 16-8

Top returning athletes: Max Keough (Sr. P), Dane Toppel (Sr. SS)

Top newcomers: Jake Amrhein (Jr. P/IF), Tyler Hankins (Jr. P/1B), Joe Roberson (Jr. P/1B).

Season outlook: The Storm surprised many by charging through the 2014 playoffs to a third-place trophy at the Class 4A state finals. Whether last year was the start of a long-term trend or an outlier is yet to be determined. South Elgin graduated all-state ace Ryan Nutof to Michigan, but No. 2 starter Max Keough returns for his senior season. The right-hander went 5-1 last year with 37 strikeouts, 17 walks and a 1.62 ERA in 39 innings. The pitching staff gets a lift from three juniors: Joe Roberson, Tyler Hankins and Jake Amrhein. Roberson and Hankins are left-handers, the latter an intimidating 6-foot-10 lefty physically reminiscent of Randy Johnson. Amrhein is one of his school's best athletes. He is trying to return to form from a knee injury suffered while playing quarterback late in the fall season. Shortstop Dane Toppel returns to captain the infield. Committed to Eastern Illinois, the talented senior finished fifth among hitters from the 15 Fox Valley area schools with a .408 batting average. He amassed 51 hits, 36 runs and 38 stolen bases. "As always we will depend on pitching and defense to compete for a conference title and, hopefully, advance again in the postseason," South Elgin coach Jim Kating said. "We stress fundamental baseball on both sides of the ball and we hope the experience of last season motivates and prepares our team for this spring."

Westminster Christian WarriorsCoach: Steve Gallaher (first year)

Conference: Northeastern Athletic

2014 record: 14-18, 8-2

Top returning athletes: Frankie Anguilo (Sr. P), Nic Anguilo (So. P/IF), Tyler Mamrot (Sr. IF), Iam Merlak (Jr. IF/OF), Jarrett Moeller (Sr. IF/OF), Justin Rasmussen (Jr. IF/OF), Tyler Schoemann (So. IF/OF), Luke Weston (Sr. IF),

Top newcomers: Peter Hahn (Sr. IF), Nathan Martinez (Fr. IF), Josh Zahara (Fr. OF/IF)

Season outlook: Steven Gallaher becomes the fourth baseball coach at Westminster Christian in as many years. He replaces Brance Rivera, who departed in August to become an assistant coach at Union College in Tennessee. Gallaher inherits an experienced, good-hitting team that returns eight of nine starters. The Warriors should contend for the title in the Northeastern Athletic Conference with a returning lineup headed by seniors Tyler Mamrot (. 413, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 22 steals), Frank Anquilo (4 triples, 2 HR) and Luke Weston (. 409, 9 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR, 22 RBI) and junior Ian Merlak (. 309, 4 doubles, 19 RBI, 16 steals). Mamrot is the area's leading returning hitter by average, while Weston ranks third. The Warriors hit .284 as a team last season, but the pitching must improve if they are to make a deep postseason incursion. The top returning pitcher is junior Justin Rasmussen, who acquitted himself well for a sophomore with a 3.87 ERA in 34.1 innings. He struck out 29 and walked 33. "We are fortunate to have 13 pitchers on the team and we are working on placing them in appropriate roles in the rotation," Gallaher said. The Warriors will play an aggressive schedule that includes several Class 2A and 3A schools.

Images: Daily Herald High School Softball and Baseball Trading Cards

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