Softball: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Jamie Paul (fifth season)
Last year's record: 18-8, 13-3
Graduated players: Katie Conley, Breann Steady, Michelle Dublin
Returning players: Julia Camardo (Sr. P), Caitlin Catino (Sr. CF), Dea Barton (Sr. SS), Emily Carnes (Jr. C), Jasmine Avalos (So. 3B), Cassie May (Sr. 2B), Nikki Longdon (Sr. 1B-P), Katie Fontanetta (So. OF), Grace Gran (So. 2B-OF), Cynthia Gorski (Sr.-U).
Newcomers: Olivia Morini (Fr. U), Kaela Drum (So. U), Jessica Soskich (So. U), Kelly Konwent (Sr. U)
Outlook: Coach Jamie Paul has the Bison shooting for a third straight MSL East crown with pitcher Julia Camardo leading the way. The senior ace, who along with teammate Caitlin Catino will play at Wisconsin-Whitewater, had 98 strikeouts in 16 MSL games last spring and also batted .365. Catino hit .567 and was named all-area for the third straight season. As a sophomore, Catino batted .396 and led the team with 9 stolen bases while Camardo broke school records on the mound, including single-season strikeouts (181). She also hit .347 with 5 doubles and 3 homers that season. "We have strong leadership and experience with our core group of returning seniors," Paul said. "Pitching and defense will be strengths of this team. Our goal is to play strong defense every game, have our entire batting order contribute and improve on last year's win-loss record."
Elk GroveCoach: Ken Grams (35th season)
Last year's record: 29-8, 11-5
Graduated players: Becca Maher, Brooke Barges, Megan Eul, Gina Cirrincione, Kara Granata, Allie Peters
Returning players: Brianna Leach (Sr. OF), Aleece Duffy (Sr. 2B), Alex Masnica (Jr. OF), Marjorie Sloan (Sr. OF), Sarah Pauscher (Jr. 3B), Shannon Taucher (Sr. 1B), Melissa Picchi (Sr. C), Mary Hirschauer (Jr. P), Abbey Sloan (Jr. OF), Kylie Thomsen (So. P),
Newcomers: Sabra Morton (So. P), Anna Bonder (Jr. P), Gabby Rathmell (Sr. OF), Jackie Peters (Sr. 3B), Tayler Merkel (Sr. C), Carly Crothers (Jr. 1B), Taylor Mantos (Jr. OF), Haley Itzenthaler (So. IF)
Outlook: Hall of Fame coach Ken Grams checks into his 35th season with 827 wins. "I think we'll catch and throw the ball very well and make good decisions," Grams said. "We do have very good speed. Offensively, we return a good chunk of the lineup that was able to put the ball in play with regularity and score runs last season." The Grens need to replace a lot of pitching. Megan Eul carried the load for most of the last two springs. "We do have four strong candidates to pick up the innings," Grams said, referring to Hirschauer, junior Anna Bonder and sophomores Thomsen and Sabra Morton. "Our goals, as always, are to be competitive game in and game out," Grams said. "And to win the MSL East, play in the MSL conference title game, win a regional, sectional and supersectional so that we get the opportunity to play in the state finals."
HerseyCoach: Molly Freeman (eighth season)
Last year's record: 5-20, 3-13
Graduated seniors: Alysia Zaucha, Angela Schmiederer, Michelle Helminski, Emily Butler, Katherine Surma
Returning players: Cassie Zouras (Sr. IF), Payton Anderskow (Sr, C-IF), Danielle Sychowski (Sr. IF), Kim Labahn (Jr. P), Katie Wingerter (So. IF), Kaitlyn Denton (So. P), Jessica Schmiederer (Sr. OF)
Newcomers: Isabella McGinnis (Sr. P), Anna Johnson (Sr. IF), Danielle Maiorano (Sr, OF), Danielle Dickerson (Sr. C), Remy Gerw (So. IF), Sofia Cano (So. OF), Jackie Bednar (So. P-C)
Outlook: As Freeman begins her eighth season, she will be joined by a new assistant coach in the dugout. Jessica Franco, who worked at the College of DuPage and The Bulls-Sox Academy will handle the Huskies' pitching staff. "We're so excited," Freeman said. "We've never had a full-time pitching coach so to have Jessica working with our pitchers, I think she will take us in a real positive direction." Freeman likes her roster, which includes returning all-area infielder Zouras, who belted a pair of game-winning homers in her first varsity season and batted .411. "It's a really good group of girls." she said. "They want to get better, work hard, and you don't have to watch over them every day. They want to do it on their own. There is a lot of lot of intrinsic motivation which is every coaches' dream. To have that as a coach, along with the talent, is really exciting. It's a fun group of girls who wan to get better every day and that's all we can ask for."
ProspectCoach: Jim Adair (fifth season)
Last year's record: 7-22, 5-11
Graduated players: Emma Riordan, Meghan Doyle
Returning players: Rachel Trebswether (So. 2B,), Casey Lenski (Jr. 1B), Ally Schuldt (Sr. SS-OF), Emily Saenz (Sr. IF-OF), Cate Meersman (So. C-3B), Delilah Malczewski (Jr. P-1B), Emma Gilhooly (Sr. C), Jenny Krengiel (SR. P-OF), Kelly Marshall (Sr. 3B-OF),
Newcomers: Alyssa Cacini (Fr. P-SS), Lindsey Lecomte (Jr. C-1B), Lauren Caldrone (Fr. IF), Eileen Donohue (So. 2B-3B), Jennifer Strickland (So. IF-OF), Erica Nelson (Sr. C-1B)
Coach's comments: With eight returning lettermen, the Knights have plenty of experience as coach Jim Adair launches his fifth season in charge of the program. "We have a ton of game experience coming back, but a lot of my girls are going to be playing in different positions this year," he said. "And some will have new roles. Mix that in with some great young talent and we're going to have a lot of learning to do." But Adair said he has been impressed with the level of determination the girls have shown. "The desire to win is certainly there," he said. "I know they'll come together as a team. Once that happens, there's no limit to what we can accomplish."
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Tony Wolanski (12th season)
Last year's record: 7-25, 3-13
Graduated players: Lane Winkler, Grace Skorin, Chloe Prodanovic, and Jenny Watson
Returning players: Paige Connor (So. 3B), Eliana Psarros (Sr. OF), Meghan Slowik (Jr. OF), Megan King (Jr. 2B-SS), Lydia Schultz (So. P-1B), Jordan Giachetti (Sr.-OF), Amanda Elkins (So. -C), Lauren Hattory (Sr. P-1B)
Newcomers: Jenifer Kokotis (Fr. OF), Elizabeth Elkins (So. OF), Alyssa Powers (Sr. OF), Mallory King (Fr. SS-2B)
Outlook: Coach Tony Wolanski expects improvement on the pitcher's mound, where both Hattory and Schultz have experience. "They should be better this season,' Wolanski said. "When they are not pitching they will be playing first base." O'Connor, who saw some starting time at third base last year, will be counted on heavily this spring with her bat and glove. Amanda Elkins will move behind the plate and should provide a solid bat. Megan King, one of the top 3-point shooters in the MSL this winter, and Slowik have improved defensively and will need to contribute offensively this season. Wolanski said that freshman Elizabeth Elkins will play in the outfield and could provide the Mustangs with some power. Outfielders Giachetti and Psarros will bring senior leadership for Wolanski, who will be assisted by former Palatine head coach Jeff Manz. "We are very young and inexperienced," Wolanski said. "We will start at times four sophomores and two freshmen. We will need to improve each day in practice and games." He said pitching will have to lead the Mustangs. "We have worked hard and if the girls can believe in each other and believe they can compete, we feel we can improve on our win total from last year," Wolanski added. "The conference is loaded and if we can compete in the MSL it will be a good season. These are good kids who enjoy playing softball. We will have our share of growing pains, we just hope it ends up paying off in the long run."
WheelingCoach: Mike Caringella (sixth season)
Last year's record: 6-26, 2-14
Graduated players: Anne Janulis, Alexa Fishman, Katie Quagliano, Sonia Rivera
Returning players: Lauren Hart (Sr. Of), Nikki Mikosz Sr, SS-C), Megan Olsen (Sr. C), Christina Ambrose Jr. (P-OF), Sydney Kaplan (Sr. 1B), Karlie Orlando (Sr, OF), Alexa Orlando So. OF-IF)
Newcomers: Kirsten Wilhelm (Jr. C), Abby Greenspan (Jr. P-IF), Karli Bara (Jr. OF), Arielle Rosenston (So. OF), Kaitlyn Schuetz (So. IF), Remy Jankowski (Fr. P), Dakota Medrano Fr. P-OF), Olivia Walker (Fr. C-OF)
Outlook: With four-year starting pitcher Katie Quagliano graduating last season, coach Mike Caringella will be looking for some newcomers to step up on the mound for the Wildcats. "We need a couple girls to take over the pitching duties," said the coach who has a pair of juniors (Ambrose and Greenspan) and freshmen (Jankowski and Medrano) all working on the hill. Ambrose is expected to provide speed from the leadoff spot. Mikosz, a power-hitting shortstop headed to Wisconsin-Whitewater, Olsen and Hart provide power in the middle of the Wildcats' order. "This group of girls will put the ball in play, hustle and play good defense," Caringella said. "We need to improve our pitching and baserunning to be successful." Caringella said that his players worked hard with assistant coach and former Palatine standout third baseman Kelli Urban during the off season. "We look forward to a productive season in an always tough MSL," Caringella added.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Perry Peterson (23rd season)
Last year's record: 27-12, 12-4
Graduated players: Erin Ward, Katie Dehnert, Jenna Privatsky, Taylor Moran, Jennifer Inamoto, Caitlin Inamoto
Returning players: Keenan Dolezal (Sr. P), Carly Kordich (So. OF), Kelly Katis (Jr. IF), Rachel Krzysko (So. OF), Rachel Macdonald (Jr. C)
Newcomers: Julie Magro (Sr. IF), Nicole Chapman (Jr. IF), Jenna Fingerman (Jr. IF), Brittany Glowacki (Jr. P), Annie Leiding (Jr. OF), Liz Sweeney (Jr. IF)
Outlook: Hall of Fame coach Perry Peterson (682-164 in 23 seasons, which includes one at St. Viator in 1992) guided the Fillies to a second straight sectional title last spring with pitcher Dolezal (Loyola recruit) returning for a third try. Dolezal was 26-10 last spring with a 1.65 ERA and 255 strikeouts. Also back are Kordich (.407, 18 stolen bases), Katis (.306, 18 RBI, 12 doubles), Krzysko (6 home runs, 27 RBI) and Macdonald, who hit .500 in the postseason with a home run and 3 doubles. "One challenging game for us will be the return of Sandburg (second in Class 4A last year) to the Fields of Dreams for the first time in 20 years," said Peterson, whose team will host the Eagles on April 8. The Fillies own a 425-61 home record and they are 299-53 in the conference in 22 years under Peterson. Overall, they have won 16 MSL division championships and a record 12 MSL conference championships (also a record 10 under Peterson). They've been to the state finals eight times and have an overall school mark of 965-339 ranking third on the IHSA all-time list behind Casey and Lockport. Kat Panos (Sr,. OF) and Jamie Brown (Jr., IF) are out with knee injuries and hope to return during the season.
ConantCoach: Cathyann Smith (15th season)
Last year's record: 26-4, 13-2
Graduated players: Rachel O'Malley (Indiana), Telly Hunter (Bradley)
Returning players: Elisa Ambrose (Sr. CF), Alissa Wachal (Sr. RF), Kim Zaucha (Sr. IF-P-OF), DeeDee Durr (Sr. SS), Hailey Rothstein (Sr. 1B), Sara Neuman (Jr. P), Kali Schumacher (Jr. P), Dream Aaron (Jr. C-3B), Rachel Falbo (So. LF), Lauren Grzelak (So. C-IF)
Newcomers: Stephanie Taucher (Sr. OF), Sam Gadomski (So. P-IF), Morgan Byun (So. IF), Sydney Correa (Fr. IF)
Outlook: Conant coach Cathyann Smith welcomes back a solid base of returning players from the defending MSL championship squad. Strong senior leadership from Ambrose (team-high 479, 13 doubles, 26 RBI), Wachal, Rothstein (Wisconsin-Platteville recruit), Durr (.400, 31 RBI, 9 doubles) and Zaucha will help pave the way for the Cougars, who have won MSL titles in three of the last four seasons. "They will be key factors in the extent of our success this year," Smith said. "We have a solid core group of veterans that are determined and excited to compete in our strong conference for a top spot." Also, the sophomore Grzelak, was a key player on last year's team which defeated Buffalo Grove 3-0 in the MSL title game. "Lauren (Grzelak) is someone to keep an eye on this season for sure," Smith said. The Cougars have four newcomers on their roster. "We are pleased with our newcomers not only because of their talent but their passion for the game," Smith said. "Chemistry is a key component to a successful team and they are bonding well so far." Aaron batted .402 with 6 home runs as a sophomore all-area catcher. "I expect to see a lot of good things from our returning players," added Smith, the former Schaumburg standout left-hander. "Dream (Aaron) should be a strong factor for us on the field and at the plate. Sara Neuman worked hard in the off-season and should keep batters off balance this season."
FremdCoach: Jim Weaver (14th season)
Last year's record: 21-10, 0-0
Graduated players: Tracy Welninski, Leigh Farina, Joanna Josten, Kayla Kaufman
Returning players: Julie Josten (Sr. 3B), Alyssa Garcia (JR. CF), Abbi Iuorio (JR. LF), Holly Straup (Jr. C), Hailey Goodwin (P)
Newcomers: Julia Wacker (Jr P-1B), Kylie Hess (Jr. OF), Becca Uhrich (So. 2B-C), Reagan Schneider (So. SS), Jessica Mazur (Fr. P-1B-OF), Nikki Kehoe (FR. P-U)
Outlook: Fremd coach Jim Weaver begins his 14th season with a career record of 343-113-2, including 10 regional titles, three sectional crowns and three trips to the state finals (third place in 2009 and second in 2010). The Vikings are looking forward to another successful season with five returning starters who will provide leadership. "They (Josten, Garcia, Iuorio, Straup, Goodwin) make up our core," Weaver said. "And we also have several exciting young players being added to the mix." Garcia hit .458 and Josten .446 as Illinois Coaches Association second-team all-staters last spring. Iuorio batted .361 while Straup hit .368 in her second varsity season. "We expect to be strong defensively and balanced offensively with great team speed and power," Weaver said. "As we continue to battle together, we'll be ready to make a strong move toward the playoffs." Junior Molly Muhs will be sidelined for the season due to hip surgery.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Lindsey Hamma (tenth season)
Last year's record: 15-15, 6-10
Graduated players: Sam Acosta (competing at the University of Illinois), Natalie Biddle, Kajal Dalal, Kaileen Hendle, and Andrea Wolinski
Returning players: Charlotte Allan (Sr. P-OF), Caitlyn Farina (Sr. 2B-OF), Alyssa Galan (Sr. OF-IF), Veronica Cardella (Jr. OF-C), Jordyn Fera (Jr. 3B-SS), Tracy Osimowicz (Jr. PUT), Alexus Venegas (Jr. 2B-UT), Brynn Connelly (So. OF-IF)
Newcomers: Valerie Olsen (Jr. 3B-1B), Mary Bean (Fr. C-3B), Giselle Velazquez (Fr. IF-C)
Outlook: Coach Lindsey Hamma will look to her captains, Charlotte Allan and Jordyn Fera (all-conference as a sophomore), to provide leadership. For a third consecutive year, she is excited to return both Allan and Tracy Osimowicz on the mound. "Charlotte and Tracy have another solid year of varsity experience under their belts in the circle and have proved their ability to keep us in every game" Hamma said. Osimowicz will likely join returners Fera, Venegas, and Farina to make up the heart of the batting order. Hamma also expects freshman newcomers Mary Bean and Giselle Velazquez to make an immediate impact in the productivity of her lineup. "I look forward to seeing who will emerge as our starters as the season progresses," Hamma added. "Currently, the competition between the girls at all positions has been very positive." Hamma stressed the importance of the Hawks supporting their pitching staff with solid defense and consistent run production. "We look to build on our success from last season to continue to compete at a high level in our challenging conference. The girls push each other to give maximum effort day in and day out, and I look forward to seeing everything come together between the lines." Hamma, a former Chicago Bandits, Illinois and Buffalo Grove shortstop, was also a starting guard for Buffalo Grove's 2000 Class AA state champion girls basketball team.
PalatineCoach: Nicole Pauly (first season)
Last year's record: 10-26, 3-13
Graduated players: Grace Rohrwasser, Juliana Udoni, Shannon Surell, Courtney English, Katelyn Angelaccio, Emily Plesnicar, Jamie Haze, Madison Levecke, Dominique Boisvert
Returning players: Erin Davis (Sr. P-U), Nora Walsh, (Sr. OF), Maria Howell (Sr. OF), Gabriela Kozlowski (Sr. P-U), Samantha Muzzupappa (Sr. C-IF), Victoria Parrott (Jr. SS), Kenzie Craver (Jr. C-U), Emily Griffin (Jr. IF)
Newcomers: Julia Proctor (Sr. IF), Cassie Kerlin (Sr. IF), Brooke Bauer (So. IF), Madison Craver (Fr. P-IF)
Outlook: Former Palatine, Northwestern and pro softball standout Nicole Pauly takes over the program of her alma mater. She already likes the attitude of her first team. "We have a tight-knit group of girls that give 110 percent in everything they do," she said. "You will see hustle, grit and flat-out handwork from our team this year." Walsh returns after an all-area junior campaign where she led the team with 53 hits and 30 runs while batting .445 with 2 doubles and 9 RBI. Parrott and Davis were also key performers on that team. "I think every year our team is looking to improve in every aspect of our game," Pauly said. "In general, we will focus on improving our consistency in every game with playing good defense, pitching, and hitting." Pauly knows the MSL well after starring in basketball and softball for four years at Palatine. "Every team in the MSL is tough competition," she said. "Every game is going to be a dogfight and any team has the opportunity to win the game. Our goal is to compete in conference and make a run in the state tournament." Pauly is excited for her first team. "The hard work and focus these girls put into the offseason with training has allowed us to not skip a beat starting with team practices," Pauly said. "I'm excited to see this team compete on the field."
SchaumburgCoach: Ellen Abreu (fifth season)
Last year's record: 26-9, 12-4
Graduated players: Lindsay Leiber, Jamie Kudjer
Returning players: Shannon Felde (Sr. P-IF), Elaine Walker (Sr. C-IF), Roxanne Kakareka (Sr. OF-P), Paige Alt (Jr. P-1B), Christina Candotti (Jr. C-IF-OF), Sarah Schwind (Jr. OF), Natalie Napier (So. 3B), Kaiden Jackson (So. OF), Micaela Encarnación (So. OF)
Newcomers: Alexandra Cook (So. SS-2B), Michelle Birkholz (So. P-SS-2B), Brittney Butt (So. 3B-C).
Outlook: As former standout Fremd pitcher Ellen Stoddard Abreu begins her fifth season directing the Saxons program, she has plenty of experience back from a team that won 26 games and made a big run at the MSL West title last spring. Two all-area players (Felde and Walker) are back as well as Candotti, who has already made a verbal commitment to Butler. Walker served as the model leadoff hitter last spring, batting .508 with 64 hits including 13 doubles, 1 triple, and 10 home runs. She also collected 35 RBI despite leading off. Felde, an Illinois State recruit, batted .483 with 16 doubles, 3 homers and 29 RBI while striking out only one time. She was 12-5 with 139 strikeouts and a 1.93 ERA for the Saxons who tied with Barrington for second place in the MSL West behind Conant. "We have a lot of interchangeable parts this year," said Abreu, who has guided the Saxons to back-to-back 20-win seasons. "With nine returning players, I look forward to having a great season."
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Mike McGovern (first season).
Last year's record: 14-14, 8-2
Graduated players: Erin Ross, Kassy Entona, Sadie Aargus, Erin Feldkamp, Abbey Herling, Anna Willeko, Katrina Entona
Returning players: Annemarie Weber (Jr. IB), Kayla Pociejewski (Jr. C), Alyssa Pegoraro (Sr. IF), Kati Roycroft (Sr. 3B).
Newcomers: Jordan Hart (Jr. 2B), Jessica Wold (Jr. CF), Allison Pearson (Fr. OF), Nicole Byerly (Jr. IF-OF), Jessica Riedl Fr. IF-OF), Brooke Winiecki (Sr. OF), Jamie Travis (Jr. IF), Anne Lipinski (So. OF), Alison Tworek (So. OF)
Outlook: Mike McGovern, the former Illinois-Chicago softball coach who won more than 560 games on the Division I collegiate level, takes over the program. Former coach Amy Gonzales, who led the Warriors the last three seasons, including a supersectional appearance, accepted a job as a physical education teacher at Evanston High School where she will serve as an assistant coach. She called last spring somewhat of a "rebuilding season," so McGovern says the shelf is not bare. He has some key returning players. One of them would have been junior Monica Liwag. However, a knee injury suffered during the basketball season will keep the talented junior sidelined from softball. Pociejewski, also a starter on the basketball team, returns behind the plate after an all-area sophomore season in which she hit. 510. with a team-high 40 RBI (22 extra-base hits, including a team-high 11 homers). Pociejewski also belted 7 doubles and 5 triples while scoring 28 runs. Other top hitters back for West are pitcher Feldkamp (. 500 batting average with a 4.5 ERA) and Pegoraro (. 391). "The team can hit," said McGovern, who has served as athletic director at Marian Central and Notre Dame High School since retiring from Illinois-Chicago, where he was an assistant professor for sports management. "The battery should be stronger this year and that makes our hitting and defense better."
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: John Scotillo (second season)
Last year's record: 19-17, 5-13
Graduated players: Sam Hogan, Tess Kaiser, Gina Mastrodomenico, Martha Hayes, Kristen Hackel, Mary Gerbatsch
Returning players: Krystal Harris (Sr. OF-P), Olivia Michalik (Jr. OF-IF), Catherine Hafner (JR, IF), Cam Vanvalkenburg (So. OF) Grace Kaiser (So. IF-P), Adeline Swiderski (So. C-IF)
Newcomers: Meg Naughton (Jr. P-IF-OF), Roxanne Kowalczuk (Jr OF-IF), Jenna Breslin (So. C-IF), Aryana Ziakas (So. IF), Cara Haubner (So C-IF), Haley Robinson (Fr. OF)
Outlook: Last spring, the Lions enjoyed their best season since winning a regional in 2010. Five starters graduated from that team, including all-area Harris (led the Lions with 52 hits and 10 sacrifices while batting .464 with a .500 on-base percentage). So Lions coach John Scotillo is hoping to 'retool and not rebuild in 2015'. The Lions will be led by last year's daily double of Harris (. 46,4 52 hits) and Vanvalkenburg (. 381) at the top of the order. "Our most improved player last year (Olivia Michalik who was second in RBI) will probably fill one of the infield vacancies." Scotillo said. "I have confidence in her because she is such a good athlete." Newcomer Ziakas gives Viator another fast left-handed batter and freshman Robinson will also provide exceptional speed and defense in the outfield. "We've added power with newcomer Jenna Breslin to go with second-year player Addy Swiderski," added Scotillo, who is beginning his second season. "You don't want to look away when they are batting. Our offense will be more productive with newcomer Meg Naughton and the returning Catherine Hafner and Grace Kaiser who are not only improved over last year but more confident." Haubner and Kowalczuk are newcomers who also help make this one of most solid Viator defensive teams in years. Harris, Naughton and Kaiser will give Scotillo depth on the mound.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Kurt Schuett (eighth season)
Last year's record: 18-11, 8-4
Graduated players: Kelly Bjorvik, Ali Luna, Mackenzie LeDuc, Xochi Vega, Jessica Potts.
Returning players: Sammi Caputo (Sr. P-OF), Kendall Duwal (Jr. P), Jodi DuBrock (So.), Abby Grande (Jr.)
Outlook: The Eagles lost in the regional championship last year to Fenwick after finishing second in the West Suburban Gold. Coach Kurt Schuett welcomes back seven starters from that team, including pitcher Sammi Caputo, a four-year varsity player. Caputo batted .378 last spring with 39 RBI. She will play at Carthage College. Duwal, a three-year varsity starter, hit .500 last spring with 35 RBI. Duwal also won 11 games on the mound last spring. DuBrock (. 275, 22 RBI) and Grande (. 373, 16 RBI) are two-year starters. One newcomer is Lauren Vermilyer, a sophomore catcher. "She can hit," Schuett said. "And she has wheels." Schuett is hoping for a 20-win season. He calls Downers Grove South the team to beat in the West suburban Gold.