Scouting DuPage County baseball
Addison Trail
Coach: Mike Kennedy.
Last year: 11-20, 7-11, fifth in West Suburban Gold; lost 8-2 to Hoffman Estates in Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Jake Atiyeh, sr., OF; Christian Grabowski, sr., P-OF; Mike Rybarczyk, sr., OF; Jaime Valdez, sr., 2B; Joe Conforti, sr., C; Nick Fugarino, jr., OF; Steven Mosny, jr., SS; Angelo Feola, jr., IF; Alex Hernandez, jr., OF; Eric Gilliam, sr., OF; Nick Villasenor, so., P; Jake Crandal sr., P.
Scouting report: With a stable of standout athletes from a variety of sports, the Blazers look to extend a competitive attitude to the baseball field. "I like the mix of players we have because a lot of them had success in other sports," Kennedy said. "This group has the potential to be successful. We just need to put it together." A key to success will be the recovery from injury of Grabowski, who leads the pitching staff, and Rybarczyk. Beyond Grabowski's 25 innings, little pitching experience returns. Crandal and Villasenor need to develop quickly. The ability to hit also relies greatly on Grabowski, who hit .333. Atiyeh is another experienced bat while Hernandez deepens the lineup. Valdez is among the many Blazers with blazing speed.
Benet
Coach: Scott Lawler.
Last year: 23-11, 12-4, tied for first in East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 8-4 to Fenwick in Class 3A Fenwick regional final.
Top players: Jon Kruppe, sr., C-P; Cole Channell, sr., SS-P; Mike Powers, sr., P; Connor Hickey, sr., OF; Josh Crosby, sr., DH-1B; Mike Ryan, sr., OF; Conor Hayes, sr., 1B-P; Dan Minik, sr., P; Dan Sobolewski, jr., 3B-OF; Josh Tumpane, jr., OF.
Scouting report: If the Redwings' inexperienced pitching staff comes around, it could be a special season. Channell's committed to Villanova, Kruppe to Evansville, Hickey to University of Chicago and Crosby to Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. Even after graduating its top two hitters, Benet has plenty of firepower with three returning .300 hitters in Hickey, Kruppe and Channell. "Our lineup's going to be tough," Lawler said. "It's definitely a strength, but I also like our pitching staff. Filling out our rotation's the biggest issue, but we've got plenty of guys who can do the job." Powers moves up to the top of the rotation while Kruppe, after minimal innings last year, will be a much bigger part of the staff. Hayes and a handful of other arms look to contribute on a team with a pool of 16 pitchers.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Chad Isaacson.
Last year: 18-14, 9-9, tied for third in West Suburban Silver; lost 2-0 to Marmion in Class 4A Downers Grove South regional semifinals.
Top players: Myles Farley, sr. SS-P; Brett Pyburn, sr., P-OF; Ryan Andrews, sr., P; Pat Geraghty, sr., OF; Nic Laio, sr., P; Paul Cappetta, sr., 1B; Brendan Shanahan, jr., C; Jack Warwick, sr., 2B; Ryan Camplin, jr., P; Dalton Baran, jr., IF; Jake Stevenson, sr., IF; Luke Goergen, jr., IF-OF.
Scouting report: With an improved defense and an experienced pitching staff, it's pretty clear how the Trojans plan on winning games. "If we glove the baseball well and our pitching staff matches up, we'll be competitive," Isaacson said. "We're not going to be flashy, but we've got some solid baseball players." Pyburn, who had 57 strikeouts in 51 innings, Andrews and Farley, who return another 60 innings, represent three of the team's top four pitchers from a year ago. Add Laio, committed to Western Michigan, to the mix and the Trojans should be strong on the mound. The lineup's a little thinner with experienced bats, although Geraghty, Cappetta, Shanahan and Farley each drove in at least 10 runs last season.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Darren Orel.
Last year: 28-9, 18-0, first in West Suburban Gold; lost 2-1 to St. Rita in Class 4A Standard Bank Stadium supersectional.
Top players: Ryan Taylor, sr., 3B-P; Danny Oriente, jr., C-OF; Joe Engel, sr., 2B-SS; Peter Hamot, sr., P; Ty McCulloch, jr., P; Joe Lacivita, sr., DH-OF; Zack Radde, sr., IF; Zack Jones, jr., P; Danny Kasher, sr., P.
Scouting report: Reloading from the second sectional title in program history won't be easy, but the Mustangs have a group capable of repeating that success. Taylor, Oriente and Engel were critical members of last year's team. They each batted .370 or better and combined for 81 RBI. The Mustangs need to solidify the leadoff spot, but the batting order's deep with Radde, Lacivita and McCulloch poised to contribute. Hamot and Taylor pitched 60 innings last year, but the staff depends upon the development of junior lefties McCulloch, a standout brought up to varsity for last year's playoff run, and Jones. "I think we've got four solid pitchers," Orel said. "After that we have some questions marks, but we feel confident with the group we have." The defense may not be as strong as last season, but it's an area of focus.
Fenton
Coach: David Schwabe.
Last year: 8-22, 3-15, seventh in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 3-2 to Vernon Hills in Class 3A Vernon Hills regional semifinals.
Top players: David Alden, sr., OF; Alejandro Orosco, jr., P-SS; Corey Schwarz, jr., C; Brady Pugliese, sr. 1B-P; Brian Larsen, so., IF-P-C; Eric Pingel, sr., OF; Matt Lucas, sr., 1B-OF; Griffin Idelman, sr., OF; Alex Williams, sr., IF; Francisco Montoya, jr., P; Jesse Forester, sr., 2B; Angelo Demichael, sr., 3B.
Scouting report: With an inexperienced pitching staff and a lineup without significant power, the Bison look for improvement with their defense and the ability to manufacture runs. "I think we'll be able to get on base and we'll be able to run," Schwabe said. "We need to find a way to drive in those runners." At the top of the order and in center field, Alden defines what the Bison hope to accomplish. He's a standout defensive player who last year stole 28 bases. It'll be up to players like Pingel, Larsen and Pugliese, who hit .383, to drive him in. Very few innings return on the mound, although Schwabe is confident in Orosco, Pugliese and Montoya. After catching on varsity as a sophomore, Schwarz will be an asset to the defense and pitching staff.
Glenbard East
Coach: Joel Pelland.
Last year: 18-18, 9-12, sixth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 10-5 to St. Charles North in Class 4A St. Charles North regional semifinals.
Top players: Michael Sebby, jr., P-OF; Justin Griffin, sr., C; Bryce Roberts, sr., IF; Ryan Schefske, jr., IF; Joey Moore, jr., OF-P; Ricky Arnold, sr., P; Tyler Huber, sr., P; Jake Heyman, jr., P.
Scouting report: Three sophomores were up on varsity last season, and that should pay dividends for a more experienced group as it shifts from the DVC to the Upstate Eight Conference. The junior class is led by Sebby, who already holds an offer from Illinois State University. He'll top the pitching staff and hit third in the lineup after batting .312 last season. Moore and Schefske also started as sophomores. With Heyman expected to contribute as a starting pitcher, the junior class will be critical to the team's success. "It's a good junior class," Pelland said. "But our success depends on the two classes coming together." While the three returning juniors likely will sit at the top of the lineup, it'll be up to seniors like Griffin, who last season had 21 RBI, to drive them in. Also backing up Sebby on the mound will be Arnold and Huber on a staff 11 deep.
Glenbard North
Coach: Rich Smelko.
Last year: 20-15, 12-9, tied for third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 2-1 to St. Charles North in Class 4A St. Charles North regional final.
Top players: Eric Orze, sr., P-C-1B; Luke Greenberg, sr., OF-P; Sam Ledbetter, sr., 3B-P; Nolan Jasinski, sr., SS; Zach Heck, so., C-IF; John Bosco, sr., OF; Alex Taylor, jr., OF; Marc Cerabona, jr., IF-P; Neal Shah, jr., P-OF; Matt Michalak, sr., IF.
Scouting report: Orze and Greenberg, who last season combined for 100 innings and 9 wins, form one of DuPage County's best 1-2 pitching punches. While that alone may rate an edge in the DVC, the staff will be in even better shape if Ledbetter, Shah, Cerabon and others can step up. "We had pretty good depth on the mound last year," Smelko said. "It's a talented group with a lot of athletes, so hopefully we can develop that same kind of depth." Jasinski, a third-year starter, scored 29 runs from the leadoff spot last year. He batted .319 while Ledbetter hit .309. Heck, who came up with clutch playoff hits as a freshman, also figures into the top half of the lineup. The Panthers hope to get a boost from the return of Bosco, a talented outfielder who missed last season due to injury.
Glenbard South
Coach: Mike Riley.
Last year: 20-14, 12-6, third in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 3-1 to Montini in Class 3A Montini regional final.
Top players: Alex McGimpsey, sr., OF-P; Andrew Wrona, sr., SS; Dominic Fazzari, sr., P; Joey Atkinson, sr., DH; Dylan Brambora, sr., OF-P; Kyle Carli, jr., C; Tim Marks, jr., OF-3B; Brian Ashe, sr., 2B; Michael Ashe, jr., 3B; Fabian Garcia, jr., P; Roy Dodge, jr., P; Joey Cimaglia, jr., P-OF.
Scouting report: Despite vast inexperience the Raiders won 20 games a year ago and challenged for the conference title until a late slide. A more seasoned group is primed for a run at the crown this spring. "These guys have experience and they do things the right way," Riley said. "There's no question we're a better team than we were last year." Fazzari won 5 games last season and posted a 0.90 ERA. Brambora returns another 35 innings while McGimpsey and Garcia also figure into the pitching plans. Defensive strength up the middle starts with Carli behind the plate and Wrona at shortstop. Atkinson batted a team-high .349 last season but the lineup needs to develop depth from one-to-nine. Glenbard South has five captains this season, a sign of the strong leadership on the team.
Glenbard West
Coach: Andy Schultz.
Last year: 17-17, 9-9, tied for third in West Suburban Silver; lost 2-1 to Glenbard North in Class 4A St. Charles North regional semifinals.
Top players: Will Simoneit, sr., C-1B; Alex Martenson, sr., OF-IF; Jack Sojka, sr., OF; Billy Becker, sr., IF-P; Justin O'Neal, jr., P-OF; Zach Lutz, jr., P-OF; Arno Curtis, jr., 3B-P; Matt Shoub, jr., SS-P; Matt Porter, sr., 1B.
Scouting report: Sixteen seniors graduated from last year's team, making this junior-laden group a work in progress. The pitching staff returns no experience. O'Neal and Lutz, coming off strong summer seasons, will be leaned on to develop quickly on the mound. "We don't play in a very forgiving conference," Schultz said. "If we don't throw strikes and pick up the ball we'll have a hard time." Cornell-bound Simoneit brings optimism to the Hilltoppers' hitting potential. Last season Simoneit was among DuPage County's leaders with a .442 batting average and drove in 24 runs. He and Curtis bring power to the heart of the Hilltoppers' order. Sojka and Martenson, who had a great summer, each hit .310. Speed also dominates the lineup. A young squad aims to play its best ball at the end of the season.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Jason Ziemer.
Last year: 19-17, 9-9, tied for third in West Suburban Silver; lost 8-6 to Plainfield North in Class 4A Bolingbrook regional final.
Top players: Chris Botsoe, sr., OF; Mark Dykstra, sr., OF; Dan Teska, sr., P; Ben Chapman, sr., SS-P; Mike Johnson, sr., 1B-DH; Trenton Barnett, sr., OF; Drew Mullarkey, jr., 1B-C; Jake Ryder, jr., SS; Alex Herbst, jr., 3B-P; Patrick Sullivan, sr., P-3B; Spencer Tate, jr., P; Andrew Jurack, jr., OF-P; Rob Dandorph, jr., P; Anthony Pescara, jr., P; Mike Guerrero, sr., P.
Scouting report: Botsoe, a Louisville recruit who missed much of last season after being hit in the face with a pitch, returns as one of the state's top senior players. With Botsoe leading off and Johnson, who hit a team-high .402 with 29 RBI, the Red Devils have the makings of a pretty strong hitting team. A staff that could go 10 deep is led by Teska, who notched 3 wins with a 2.50 ERA. Chapman doesn't boast varsity pitching experience, but Ziemer believes Chapman, Guerrero and a crop of juniors will carry the load. A Silver title is the clear goal. "The goal is always a conference championship," Ziemer said. "This team is definitely capable."
Hinsdale South
Coach: Paul Hoel.
Last year: 15-15, 12-6, second in West Suburban Gold; lost 2-1 to Downers Grove South in Class 4A Downers Grove South regional semifinals.
Top players: Rob Regan, sr., P-3B; Anthony Nicholas, sr., P; Alex Briscolino, jr. C-P; Tim Dziergas, sr., 1B-P; Danny Schimmel, jr., 3B; Matthew Marrera, sr., SS; Danny Mazzei, so., OF; Lucas Carlson, sr., OF; Zach Duffy, jr., OF; Frank Basic, jr., P; Aaron Frueh, jr., DH-1B; Terrance Cribbs, jr., 2B-DH.
Scouting report: The graduation of nine seniors hurts but a deep junior class will keep the Hornets vying for a Gold title and beyond. And even though the senior class is thinner, it received a mighty boost when Rob Regan, who will walk on to play football at Notre Dame, chose to return to baseball after a season away from the sport. He immediately could be the team ace to be paired with Nicholas, who led the staff in the summer. With contributions expected from the entire 26-man roster, the Hornets will hit the ground running. "We don't have much varsity experience at all, but I really think they'll be ready to go," Hoel said. A speedy lineup from top to bottom is also power-heavy with Carlson, Dziergas, Frueh, Schimmel and Cribbs.
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Zach Rodeghero.
Last year: 17-19, 9-7, second in Suburban Christian Gold; lost 7-4 to Westmont in Class 2A Timothy Christian regional final.
Top players: Stone Brinkman, sr., 3B; Connor Youngman, sr., SS-P; Robert Hughes, sr., 2B; Steve Stam, sr., 1B-P; Brian Herrera, jr., P; Austin Reed, so., C-P; Brendan Russ, so., P; Joey Salvi, so., OF-P; Jose Rodriguez, sr., OF.
Scouting report: Only four seniors are on the roster, so the successful blending together of three classes will be critical for the Knights. "They're already doing a good job getting used to each other," Rodeghero said. "If we can mature quickly, that'll really help us develop as a team." Even with two sophomores and a junior in the outfield, not to mention a sophomore behind the plate in Reed, the Knights' defense will be a definite strength. That'll be especially true in the infield with Brinkman at third and Youngman and Hughes up the middle. The team's inexperience will be most evident in the starting rotation with sophomores Russ and Reed joining Herrera and Youngman. The batting order also returns little experience, although Rodriguez should provide a spark at the top.
Lake Park
Coach: Dan Colucci.
Last year: 13-22, 7-14, seventh in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 7-4 to West Chicago in Class 4A Lake Park regional final.
Top players: James Palmer, sr., 3B; Kenny Schutz, sr., OF; Dom Fallico, jr., C; Colin Fowich, jr., P-IF; Zach Zimmerman, sr., 1B; Michael Nielsen, jr., C-3B; Nick Worcester, jr., OF; Brian Grimaldi, sr., 2B; Connor Cook, jr., P-SS-OF; Scott Fuchs, sr., P; Nico Mirandola, sr., P-IF; A.J. Ackerly, jr., P-OF; Joe Kennedy, jr., OF.
Scouting report: The influx of a talented junior class should push the Lancers into the race for the DVC crown. Lake Park won last year's sophomore title with Fowich and Fallico starting on varsity. All seven seniors, meanwhile, figure greatly into the plans. "We've got a ton of flexibility with the two classes coming together," Colucci said. "It's a healthy competition at a lot of positions on the team right now." Speed at the top of the lineup comes from Fowich, a third-year varsity member, and Worcester. There's also power with Schutz, who last season drove in a team-high 17 runs, Palmer, Nielsen and Zimmerman. Fowich returns 33 innings on the mound, but the staff needs big contributions from juniors like Cook, Ackerly and Nielsen.
Lisle
Coach: Pete Meyer.
Last year: 18-13, 8-7, tied for second in Interstate Eight Conference North Division; lost 2-1 to IC Catholic Prep in Class 2A Timothy Christian regional semifinals.
Top players: George Swedie, sr., SS-P; Christian Grego, jr., IF-P; Alec Van Volkenburg, jr., 2B-P; Ryan Joyce, sr., P; Drew English, jr., OF-P; Grant Haen, so., C; David White, so., IF.
Scouting report: The lack of plate experience is a concern, but the depth of pitching is encouraging. "I'm not sure about the offense at this point, but we'll find a way," Meyer said. "This is probably the most question marks we've had at different positions." Swedie's back as the team's ace after last season winning 3 games and posting a 2.14 ERA. Van Volkenburg and Joyce return about 45 innings to a staff loaded with potential. It's just a matter of who will emerge behind Swedie at the top of the rotation. With that and a stingy defense to lean on, the offense will have time to develop. For now, the Lions will lean on Grego and Swedie. They combined for 36 RBI with Swedie hitting .354. English and White will be key at the top of the order but others obviously need to step up for the Lions to compete in the IEC and beyond in the postseason.
Metea Valley
Coach: Craig Tomczak.
Last year: 19-14, 15-10, tied for second in Upstate Eight Valley; lost 4-1 to Neuqua Valley in Class 4A Metea Valley regional semifinals.
Top players: Jack Szott, sr., P-1B; Andy See, sr., SS; Matt Fitzgerald, sr., C; Jacob Petersen, sr., 1B; Mike Sfikas, sr., OF; Sam Janus, sr., P; Connor Lovely, jr., IF-P; Blake Nicolls, jr., 3B-P; Joey Coryell, jr., P; Devon Wardell, jr., OF.
Scouting report: Even though the Mustangs graduated three of their top five starters from last year's successful pitching staff, the good news is they return Western Michigan-bound Szott as the team's ace. Last season Szott went 4-1 with a 1.11 ERA. Szott has some experience joining him with Janus, who returns 20 innings. "There's some inexperience on the mound but we have potential," Tomczak said. "The first third of the season we'll be figuring out our staff a little bit. It's really a matter of the juniors getting acclimated to varsity." Szott's one of three third-year starters with See and Fitzgerald. Combined they'll represent the bulk of the experience in the lineup. Szott hit .386 with 3 homers and 30 RBI while See and Fitzgerald both batted over .300 and combined for 37 RBI.
Montini
Coach: Rich Janor.
Last year: 23-10, 13-3, second in Suburban Christian Blue; lost 6-2 to Fenwick in Class 3A Glenbard South sectional final.
Top players: Sean Frontzak, sr., P-1B; Jake Pestel, sr., SS; Brandon Shilgalis, so., OF; Reed Taylor, jr., 3B; Justin Blake, jr., 3B; Alex Luka, so., 1B-P; Kyle Jackson, sr., 1B; Cooper Hynes, so., C; Nick Malik, so., DH-C; Bruno Bodnum, jr., P; Jack Gerberich, jr., OF; Jordan Lazowski, sr., 2B; Anthony Vosicky, sr., IF; Pat Laughlin, jr., P; Nick Steiner, jr., OF.
Scouting report: After a successful 12-season run at St. Francis, Janor takes the helm at rival Montini. The inexperience of this year's group is evident with as many as four sophomore starters, but the Broncos also return their top pitcher and hitter from a year ago. Frontzak's a dominant ace who last season went 9-2 with a 1.82 ERA. Pestel returns at the top of the order after leading the team with a .361 batting average. Shilgalis brings back another 60 at-bats, but beyond him the varsity experience is limited. "What we lack in varsity innings we make up for with depth and athleticism," Janor said. "These guys need to learn quickly and I think they will."
Naperville Central
Coach: Mike Stock.
Last year: 22-13, 15-6, first in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 4-2 to Neuqua Valley in Class 4A Metea Valley regional final.
Top players: Bobby McMillen, sr., OF-1B; Kevin Clifford, sr., OF, Justin Wegner, sr., C; Mack Heatherly, sr., 3B-DH; Glenn Kozlowski, sr., P; Logan Muckenhirn, sr., P-1B; Conor Joyce, jr., P-OF; Zac Bianucci, jr., P; Ryan Eiermann, so., P-OF; Tony Petrungaro, sr., P.
Scouting report: It's always a great start for a team when you return an elite player like McMillen, an Iowa State football recruit who last season nearly achieved DuPage County's triple crown with a .523 batting average, 7 home runs and 28 RBI. Clifford hit .384 and Heatherly batted .364, so the lineup looks stout if it develops depth. A promising pitching staff, even though its young, merits confidence that Naperville Central can defend the DVC title. "We have a lot of questions, but we have way more possible answers," Stock said. "We're going to need guys to step up for us on the mound and at the plate." Kozlowski and Muckenhirn are the lone veteran pitchers, returning 36 combined innings, but the potential with Eiermann, Bianucci, Joyce and Petrungaro is tremendous.
Naperville North
Coach: Carl Hunckler.
Last year: 17-16, 10-11, fifth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 2-1 to Naperville Central in Class 4A Metea Valley regional semifinals.
Top players: Mark Khoury, sr., C; Steve Dudas, sr., OF; Alex Garon, sr., OF; Sam Siebers, sr., 3B; Christian Robert, sr., 2B; Luke Brennan, sr., P; Morgan Reid, sr., P; Sam LaScala, sr., SS-2B; Jake Smith, sr., 1B; Chris Samp, sr., IF-OF; Nate Given, sr., OF; Matt Pillatsch, jr., P; Paul Dobravec, jr., 1B-DH; Jaylen Lockhart, jr., OF-DH; Christian Barczi, jr., C-DH.
Scouting report: For all the ups and downs of last season, the Huskies won seven of their last nine games. With key elements back, the momentum should continue. "We had some struggles the last couple of years, but I liked the way we competed," Hunckler said. "Hopefully we can string together some wins and get that momentum going." Last season was the first time one of Hunckler's teams didn't hit a collective .300, but that'll change with Khoury and Siebers returning as .300 hitters and Garon, Dudas and Robert on the cusp. Combine it with an experienced pitching duo in Brennan and Reid, and the Huskies are in business. Especially if the staff deepens with newcomers like Pillatsch.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Robin Renner.
Last year: 18-17, 12-11, fourth in Upstate Eight Valley; lost 3-2 to Plainfield North in Class 4A Oswego sectional semifinals.
Top players: Tyler Tesmond, sr., OF; Matt Gould, sr., C; Tyler Bromer, sr., P; Alex DiFranco, sr., P-3B; Kevin Hutt, sr., SS; Nolan Hicks, sr., 2B; Nick Hilgemann, sr., OF; Logan Vlk, sr., P; Zach Herdman, sr., OF; Tyler Wypiszenski, sr., C-IF; Will Drake, jr., 1B-P; Danny Wagner, jr., P-OF; Reed Martin, jr., P; Kevin Ringlein, jr., OF; Jake Dupre, jr., 1B.
Scouting report: After a rare dip below the .500 mark for most of last season, the Wildcats pulled together to upset the field for a regional championship. Building upon that success is the goal with six returning starters in the field and three experienced pitchers. "This is a good group," Renner said. "They're just good, solid baseball players." Tesmond, committed to Eastern Illinois, anchors an experienced lineup after last season batting .362 with 22 RBI. Gould, Hutt, Hicks, DiFranco and Hilgemann also return while Herdman, Wypiszenski and Drake are poised to surround them. While the pitching staff graduated more than 150 innings, Bromer, DiFranco and Vlk bring back 60.
St. Francis
Coach: Nick Hall.
Last year: 23-11, 11-5, third in Suburban Christian Blue; lost 4-1 to Kaneland in Class 3A Plano regional final.
Top players: Jason Sullivan, sr., SS-P; Will Purdom, jr., OF; Brett Whelton, jr., C; Jake Radel, sr., P-2B-OF; Nick Dama, sr., OF; Michael O'Keefe, sr., P; Zach Palrang, sr., P; Michael Beach, jr., OF; Foster Heise, jr., 1B-P; Colin Wisted, jr., OF-P; Tim Lilly, sr., 2B-SS; Tim Sullivan, so., P-IF.
Scouting report: Central Michigan-bound Sullivan, who last season hit .417 and posted a 2.01 ERA, leads an experienced crew with a new coach at the helm. Hall, a Prairie Ridge and Northern Illinois grad who played in the Phillies and Padres systems, comes to St. Francis after a three-year coaching stint in Louisiana. If the Spartans can overcome the loss to injury of standout pitcher Ryan Hodgett, they'll be as strong as ever. "We won't be short of arms, but we'll have to see who can make it happen out there," Hall said. "It really is a special group." With Purdom at the top and Sullivan, Whelton and Radel in the heart, the batting order is solid top to bottom. Radel, O'Keefe and Palrang return varsity innings while Wisted and Heise are ready to emerge as juniors.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Jim Snoeyink.
Last year: 10-17, 6-12, fifth in Metro Suburban Conference; lost 5-4 to Westmont in Class 2A Timothy Christian regional semifinals.
Top players: Devin May, sr., SS-P; Connor Loughead, sr., 2B-P; Joey Davidson, so., 3B-1B; Carter Johnson, jr., 1B-OF-P; Josh Anderson, so., OF; Jon Barrera, sr., OF; Andrew Goedeke, sr., OF; Jeff Voss, sr., OF; Jimmy Brush, jr., IF-C; Patrick Roelofs, jr., 2B-P; Noah Marrera, so., C; Jimmy Allen, fr., 3B-SS-P; Joe Bootsma, jr., OF.
Scouting report: The Trojans traditionally lack a large roster to lean on, but this year's group became even thinner with a pair of transfers. Cole Miller is now at York, while Michael Bieterman is at Aurora Central. With four classes pitching in - including three sophomores and a freshman - the Trojans aim to overcome the losses. "We've only got 13, but I feel pretty good about it," Snoeyink said. "We're pretty versatile as a team." The infield stands in pretty good shape with May, an all-MSC performer last season, coming back after batting .338. While Miller would have boosted the pitching staff, the Trojans still have experience with Johnson, May and Loughead returning 60 innings.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Bryan Acevedo.
Last year: 26-9, 18-5, first in Upstate Eight Valley; lost 9-2 to Downers Grove South in Class 4A Oswego sectional semifinals.
Top players: Luke Marzano, sr., C-OF-1B; Garret Howicz, sr., SS-C; Brandon Petersen, jr., P-1B; Ryan Jones, sr., P-3B; Ryan Strick, sr., OF; Preston Everts, sr., P; Ryan Todd, sr., P-IF; Nick Price, jr., C; Jason Neville, jr., P-OF-IF; Jacob Hennessy, jr., P.
Scouting report: Acevedo, in his sixth year in the program, including the last two as the sophomore team's coach, takes over for Dan Fezzuoglio, who stepped down after leading the varsity team for 14 seasons. Coming off UEC and regional titles, this will be another team with a bunch of potential. "We've got some high hopes," Acevedo said. "If we can put up a few runs for our pitchers, that'll take us a long way." Petersen is the definitive staff ace after he went 6-0 with a 1.09 ERA as a sophomore. Backing him up are a number of candidates featuring Everts, Jones, Neville and Hennessy. There's more certainty in the lineup, where Marzano returns at leadoff in his third varsity season. He hit .398 with 29 RBI last year. Despite key graduations the lineup should still be strong at the top,
West Chicago
Coach: Dan McCarthy.
Last year: 18-18, 10-15, sixth in Upstate Eight Valley; lost 4-1 to Batavia in Class 4A Schaumburg sectional semifinals.
Top players: Connor Dall, sr., SS; Fred Gosbeth, sr., P; Peyton Seidler, sr., P-1B; Jared Smothers, sr., P-3B; Alex Cabral, sr., P-OF; Steve Gutowski, sr., C; Jake DeLuca, sr., OF; Jon Sturm, sr., OF; Brandon Bouchez, sr., sr., OF; Brian Sullivan, jr., IF; Matt Dall, so., 2B.
Scouting report: Coming off a stunning run to a regional championship, West Chicago gears up for another solid season as it shifts from the UEC Valley division to the River. The loss of five starters to graduation, however, won't be easy to overcome. Developing depth, especially on the mound, may be a struggle. "We lost a lot of talent from last year," McCarthy said. "We've got the kids to compete, but we need a lot of them to step up." Connor Dall and Gosbeth lead the group. Dall, a Butler recruit, is a third-year starter who last season hit .376. Gosbeth came up huge during the Wildcats' late run while compiling a 1.05 ERA. The University of Illinois-Chicago recruit has hit 91 mph with his fastball. Seidler and Smothers return mound experience, but others must emerge.
Westmont
Coach: D.J. Cocks.
Last year: 27-8, 11-5, first in Interstate Eight North; lost 6-2 to Byron in Class 2A state semifinals.
Top players: Charlie Donovan, sr., SS-P; Austin Loehman, sr., P; Joe Donovan, so., C; Anthony Powers, sr., 2B; Andrew Rosol, sr., P; Anthony Alessi, sr., P; Kevin Melvin, jr., P; Adam Doll, jr., OF; Jackson Fischer, jr., IF-OF-P; Matt Alisauskis, jr., IF-OF; Kyle Domin, jr., P-1B-DH.
Scouting report: Last season the Sentinels finished third in the state in Class 2A as they enjoyed their best finish and won the most games in program history. With the Donovan brothers returning - both committed to Michigan - expectations remain extremely high. Charlie, rated as the state's top senior player by the Prep Baseball Report, batted .495 with 6 homers and 47 RBI. Joe hit .400. With the entire outfield, middle infield, catcher and No. 2 pitcher returning, the pieces are in place for another deep playoff run. "The guys want to be a part of that success again," Cocks said. "They saw the hard work that went into it." Loehman won 5 games last year while Rosol, Alessi and Melvin started a combined nine games. Charlie Donovan didn't give up a run as the team's closer.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Brad Byrne.
Last year: 17-14, 7-8, fourth in Suburban Christian Blue; lost 2-0 to Burlington Central in Class 3A Hampshire regional semifinals.
Top players: Chris Johnson, sr., OF; Brett Albaugh, sr., P-SS-OF; Luke Kram, sr., 3B; Luis Ramos, sr., C-OF; Adam Ghosh, sr., P-C-OF; Bryce Sandberg, sr., 2B; Jake Lindstedt, sr., 1B-P; Noah Ritchie, jr., 3B-SS; R.W. Rienow, jr., OF-P; Christian Ebeling, jr., SS-P; David Thrasher, jr., IF-OF.
Scouting report: Seven seniors return who aren't just experienced, they're experienced playing together. That core, combined with a good mix of juniors, should make for a solid team as it shifts from the Suburban Christian to the Metro Suburban. "Our kids feel like they can compete with anyone in 3A," Byrne said. "They expect to win championships." Albaugh enters his second season as ace after he posted a 2.20 ERA and led the team with 41 innings pitched. Ebeling returns another 32 innings while Lindstedt, last year's closer, moves into the rotation. The Warriors return their top three hitters in Kram, Lindstedt and Johnson, who combined for 59 RBI. Johnson also led the team with 5 homers. Look for Albaugh and Rienow at the top.
Wheaton North
Coach: Dan Schoessling.
Last year: 18-15, 13-8, second in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 10-0 to South Elgin in Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional semifinals.
Top players: Charles Robin, sr., SS-P; Doug Michalak, sr., 3B; Jason Szumski, sr., 1B-3B; Zach Colangelo, jr., P; Sam Lawrence, jr., P; Sam Keup, sr., C; Jack Duggan, sr., OF; Billy Todd, sr., OF; Erik Mueller, so., OF; Andrew Hrgich, sr., SS-2B.
Scouting report: Staying healthy is important for any team but it's a must for Wheaton North, which needs to keep Robin and Lawrence consistently on the field. "This team probably has more questions than we've had in a while," Schoessling said. "We'll need to figure out some things in those first couple of weeks." Robin was all-DVC last season after notching 4 wins with a 1.16 ERA. Lawrence and Colangelo, who also won four games and pitched a team-high 52 innings, both emerged as sophomores. The staff looks strong, but the Falcons have a bunch of bats to replace. No one returns more than the 58 at-bats Robin had last season. In addition to juniors like Lawrence and Colangelo, Wheaton North also will rely upon Mueller, a sophomore, hitting in the middle of the order.
WW South
Coach: Tim Brylka.
Last year: 16-14, 12-9, tied for third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 1-0 to Hinsdale Central in Class 4A Bolingbrook regional semifinals.
Top players: Eric Giltz, sr., OF; Justin Kelly, sr, C; Ben Flores, sr., 2B-OF; Chris Simpson, sr., P; Austin Polezoes, sr., P-IF; Paul Monaco, jr. 3B-1B; Jeran Simpson, jr., SS-2B; Jake Kyllonen, sr., P; Joe Pilalis, sr., P; Jordan Coakley, jr., 1B-OF.
Scouting report: This Tigers team will have a different look after they graduated a large chunk of pitching and team speed. A pair of three-year starters in Giltz and Kelly, however, should keep them competitive. "With the pitching we lost, we need to play good defense and score more runs," Brylka said. "We need to take advantage of our scoring opportunities, and I think we can do it." Giltz, committed to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, and Kelly, committed to Wayne State, lead a potent top half of the batting order with Flores, Polezoes and Simpson. Early-season goals include deepening the potential at the plate. Simpson, Polezoes and Pilalis offer experience on the mound, and the Tigers received an added boost with the return to the program of Kyllonen, who didn't play baseball last year.
Willowbrook
Coach: Vic Wisner.
Last year: 21-12, 11-7, third in West Suburban Gold; lost 8-1 to Batavia in Class 4A York regional final.
Top players: Dom McDonnell, sr., C; Mike Petruzzi, sr., OF; Matt Pizur, jr., P-OF; Trey Jones, sr., 1B; Luke Schuemer sr., 3B; Olind Watkins, sr., OF-P; T.J. Geritano, jr., OF; Cam Zunkel, jr., P-SS; Chris Roycroft, sr., P; Joe Strem, jr., P; Matt Garbacz, jr., P-IF; Kyle Ferguson, so., 2B; John Kelso, so., OF; Austin Debok, sr., P.
Scouting report: Despite the graduation of a massive amount of hitting, this is still poised to be a good year for the Warriors. Thanks to a young but talented pitching staff, Willowbrook should challenge for the Gold title. Zunkel threw two no-hitters and a 1-hitter last summer when the team made it a victory shy of the Elite Eight state tournament. Pizur returns 30 innings while Roycroft also had a strong summer run. The question is whether the Warriors can hit consistently after their top seven hitters graduated. Manufacturing runs with speedsters like Petruzzi, Schuemer and Watkins is critical. Geritano will bring a boost when he returns from injury. "We're not going to thump the ball like last year," Wisner said, "but we'll still be able to create runs."
York
Coach: Dave Kalal.
Last year: 22-14, 13-5, second in West Suburban Silver; lost 3-2 to Willowbrook in Class 4A York regional semifinals.
Top players: Matt Sabatini, sr., P; Cole Miller, jr., P; Sam Craggs, sr., OF; Phil Schlitter, jr., OF; Mike Homan, sr., C-3B; Nolan Spencer, sr., SS; Kyle Coughlin, sr., 2B; Brian Peterson, sr., 1B-DH; Nick Potaczek, sr., DH-1B; Matt Riecker, jr. 3B-P; Cam Fowler, jr., OF-P; Joe Polowski, jr., IF-P; Mike O'Malley, jr. OF-IF-P.
Scouting report: Despite competing in what looks like an improved West Suburban Silver, the Dukes' aim is to win their third conference title in the last four years. "The kids are hungry," Kalal said. "We're pretty versatile so we'll have a lot of different lineups as the season goes along." Sabatini's 11 innings represent the lone returning pitching experience but the Dukes gladly welcomed the transfer from Timothy Christian of Miller, a talented lefty ranked in his class by the Prep Baseball Report. A handful of junior pitchers need to emerge for the Dukes to compete for the Silver title. With Spencer, Coughlin, Potaczek, Peterson, Homan and Schlitter back in the lineup, the offense should be able to lead the way while the pitching develops.