Baseball: Scouting Northwest
By Marty Maciaszek
MID-SUBURBAN EAST
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Jeff Grybash (third year, 32-31)
Last year: 19-13, 11-5 (T2nd East)
Key losses: Steve Pollakov (C, .410, 3 HR, 22 RBI), Jeremy Salzman (P-OF, .440, 3 HR, 31 RBI; 5-2, 2.38 ERA; Carthage), Greg Sanders (P-3B, .390, 8 HR, 29 RBI; 6-2, 4.09), Brian Crowell (2B, .310, Roosevelt), Mike Hepner (1B)
Returnees: Seniors Ryan Nisbet (OF-P, .430, 7 HR, 13 2B, 28 RBI), Tommy Ricciardi (C, .300, 6 HR, 33 RBI), Andrew Van Wazer (3B-P, .460, 3 HR, 33 RBI), Cody Iverson (P, 4-1), Dan Recht (P, 1-2, 1 save), Kevin Dembinski (P), Kevin Tennenbaum (1B), Trevor Myers (2B-P), Mike Seery (C-1B-DH), Joel Cruz (P), Jake Marthaler (C); juniors Jake Monson (SS-P, .320), Jimmy Pinakidis (OF, .310), Robert Hawkins (P), Richie Zirngibl (OF)
Newcomers: Senior Jesus Sanchez (P); juniors Mike Reed (OF), Alex Fritz (IF), Jeremy Berger (IF), Jimmy Barton (1B), Erich Froemming (OF), Jake Fanella (2B-DH); sophomore Mike DiViesti (C)
Outlook: The Bison figure to line up with most teams after making a second-half run at the East title. “Up and down the lineup I feel comfortable that we can put the ball in play, we can run and we’re athletic,” Grybash said. “The big key for us will obviously be how well we can pitch.” But one of the encouraging signs in an extra-inning loss last Friday was 3 perfect innings by Recht, who enters his third varsity season. Dembinski, the University of Chicago-bound Van Wazer and the lefty Hawkins are also in line for starts. Ricciardi has the arm to shut down running games and a healthy Monson gives BG a solid left side of the infield with Van Wazer. The outfield is athletic with Pinakidis and Nisbet hitting in the first two spots. “If guys pitch how we think we can then I think we have a good shot (in the East),” Grybash said.
Elk Grove
Coach: Terry Beyna (12th year, 178-199)
Last year: 10-24, 4-12 (5th East)
Key losses: Donny Duschinsky (3B-P, .354, 4 HR, 14 RBI, Southern Illinois), Kyle Pfister (P-OF, .363; 4-8, 4.09), J.J. Kaczynski (OF, .353), Joe Majerus (P, 2-3 3.13)
Returnees: Seniors Ryan Daubenspeck (C-P, .352, 4 HR, 21 RBI), Carl Sugihara (OF-P, .304), Ryan Martinski (SS-P, 10 RBI), Justin Arguelles (IF), Blake Cavins (C), Mike D’Angelo (OF-P), Eddie Eid (2B), Kevin Kaczynski (OF-IF), Mike Varvodic (C); junior Mike Fox (2B)
Newcomers: Juniors Jack Czeszewski (OF-P, transfer from St. Viator, .417, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 15 SB), Dan Guido (P), Cody Gustafson (IF), Peter Kinsella (1B-C), Joe Piscopo (1B), Joe Ray (P), Cody Schrader (IF-P), Justin Thornton (IF), Josh Wucki (P); sophomores Michael Anciulis (3B-1B), Luc Dimaso (OF-P)
Outlook: The early returns in a 1-2 start on the pitching were good. Czeszewski had an impressive first outing, Sugihara made a nice jump velocity-wise, D’Angelo threw well and Guido was good in relief. Martinski, Daubenspeck and Dimaso will also be keys to the staff. “Hopefully somebody steps up to be our true No. 1 but I do feel like we have pitching depth,” Beyna said. “We just don’t have that proven No. 1 guy yet but hopefully that guy emerges.” The offense has struggled early but Beyna expects that to turn since Sugihara, Daubenspeck, Martinski and Czeszewski “have proved they can swing the bat some in the past.” The addition of Anciulis should add some pop and adding Czeszewski makes for a strong defensive outfield with Sugihara, Dimaso and Kaczynski. “Chemistry-wise they’ve been tremendous,” Beyna said. “It’s a great group of guys to work with.”
Hersey
Coach: Bob Huber (17th year, 325-238)
Last year: 25-10, 12-4 (East champs)
Key losses: Steve Danielak (P-OF, Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, 9-5, 2.78, 97 Ks in 83 IP; .322, 3 HR, 22 RBI), Jake Knauss (3B, .356, 5 HR, 33 RBI), Alex Lee (SS, .410, 6 HR, 33 RBI), Domenic Biagini (OF, Western Illinois, .351, 7 HR, 38 RBI), Ryan Busse (P, Harper, 6-2, 3.60, 57 K in 56.1 IP), Jay Livesay (2B, .392, 14 RBI), Alex Gelabert (1B, .359, 4 HR, 18 RBI); senior Chris Polinski (1B-3B, .431, 4 HR, 31 RBI; shoulder injury)
Returnees: Seniors Joe Perricone (OF-P, .347, 6 HR, 22 RBI; 2-2, 2 saves, 3.59), Sean Thompson (C, .366, 4 HR, 33 RBI), Dalton Farel (2B), Dan Gierman (1B), Kevin Schmadebeck (P-2B), Mike Tsiolis (P-OF); juniors Erik Stoltzner (OF), Trevor Haas (P-OF), Mike Danielak (P-1B)
Newcomers: Juniors Jake Davie (P-3B), Aaron DeGeorge (P-OF), Sean Hardiman (P-2B), James Ioratti (3B), Josh Koutnik (C-IF), Brad Moore (P-OF), Pat Nix (P-OF), Nick Nolan (OF), Tyler Perkowitz (SS-3B), Pete Psardellis (P-OF), Tim Scaramuzzi (P-OF), Brian Tansor (C-OF)
Outlook: Almost 75 percent of the 39 homers from last year have departed but Hersey doesn’t figure to be short-circuited offensively. “I think we’re diverse enough to maybe hit a double, bunt a guy over and hit and run,” Huber said. “At our level you’d better be able to do that before you think you have four guys who can hit 10 homers.” There is still plenty of pop from Perricone and Thompson and Tsiolis, Stoltzner and Haas should make an impact. Perkowitz also figures to be a catalyst defensively and at the plate. Depth and flexibility have been trademarks and this year is no exception. Replacing Steve Danielak on the mound won’t be easy but the hard-throwing Perricone appears ready to anchor a staff where Haas and Mike Danielak looked good in spot starts last year, Schmadebeck had a nice summer and DeGeorge, a transfer from Conant, could help. “Our goal really hasn’t changed, we want to win 20, get into June and contend for the division,” Huber said. “The key will be our defense and if some of our younger pitchers step up.”
Prospect
Coach: Ross Giusti (15th year, 277-189)
Last year: 20-12, 11-5 (T2nd East)
Key losses: John Coen (3B-P, .549, 28 RBI, 21 SB; 5-2, 3.47, UIC), Thomas Kelly (SS, .365, 7 HR, 32 RBI, Stetson), Miles Osei (OF-P, .368, 3 HR, 25 RBI; 3-1), Kyle Kapka (C, .356, 20 RBI, Lewis), Ed Gerdes (IF, .375, 38 RBI, Illinois Wesleyan), Jack Mullenix (P, 2-2, Oakton), Scott Plaza (P, 3-2, 4.17, Harper), Jake Sofinski (P, Harper)
Returnees: Seniors Peter Bonahoom (OF, .436, 8 HR, 43 RBI), Steve Dazzo (OF-3B-P, .246, 14 RBI), Brian Bauer (P-1B-3B, .269), Ben Menich (P-1B), Matt Molini (2B, .255), Kurt Donner (C-P), Brad Coffman (1B-P), Luke Bergman (SS), Anthony Charnota (OF-IF), Kevin Miller (C), Matt Sedey (P), Dan Panicko (C), Will Botefuhr (P); junior Jack Landwehr (3B-P, .361, 19 RBI; 5-0, 0.92, 34 K in 30.1 IP)
Newcomers: Juniors Andrew Fernandez (P), Niko Whitanen (2B), Shane Joyce (OF), Brad Gerdes (IF), Jason Spataro (P), Eric Krohm (OF), Jake Logiudice (1B), Patrick Drucker (P)
Outlook: Prospect has traditionally had some of the area’s most potent lineups but this year Giusti said “we have good balance in all phases of the game.” That includes the mound where Landwehr, Menich, Donner and Dazzo will all compete for starts. Dazzo could also close, Botefuhr figures to help and Coffman has been a nice surprise. “We’re deeper in pitching than we’ve been the last few years,” Giusti said. “They’re confident in the defense, too. They aren’t afraid to take a gamble on certain pitches and know the infield is going to scoop it up or the outfield can go get it.” Especially up the middle with Bergman at SS and Molini at 2B and Bonahoom in CF. And as usual, scoring runs shouldn’t be an issue. “I like how these kids put pressure on the other team,” Giusti said. “We had a solid offense last year but we had too many strikeouts in key situations.”
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jim Lindeman (10th year, 158-131)
Last year: 9-22, 7-9 (4th East)
Key losses: Steve Rickerson (1B, .309), Steve Heer (OF-P, .299), Chris Varilek (OF, .263), Kevin Berry (IF), Mike Levy (P)
Returnees: Seniors Kyle Krzeski (IF-P), Pat McGinn (C, 5 HR, 16 RBI), Kevin Cwynar (OF-P, .333, 11 2B, 33 RBI), Paul Volkman (P), Mike Crigler (OF), Dan Eck (P), Keenan Baldree (IF-C), Joe Kropp (OF); juniors Eric Lowe (SS-P, .367, 16 RBI, 13 SB; 4-6, 4.67, 50 K in 69 IP), Matt Hendricks (2B-P, .373, 15 2B, 21 RBI; 2-7, 4.74)
Newcomers: Juniors Mike Olson (OF), Mike Weingart (IF-OF), Chuck Lynk (IF), Joe Bartucci (P), Dan Larson (C), Tyler Gaedele (1B), John Ott (OF); sophomore Matt Dennis (IF-P)
Outlook: Meadows is looking for a return to better days after a seven-year run of winning seasons ended with the most losses in school history. Having Hendricks and Lowe back on the mound, anchoring the infield and cleaning up and leading off respectively in the lineup is a good place to start. “Both of them look like they’re in midseason form,” Lindeman said. “Both of them are really excited about baseball. They work hard, they’re good leaders and they do the right things.” The return of Krzeski, who was called up late in his sophomore year but had just 15 at-bats last year because of a broken collarbone, along with Gaedele and Dennis had Lindeman say “I’d be surprised if it isn’t the best defensive infield I’ve had here.” Cwynar, Kropp, Lowe and Hendricks can also add some running to the offense. Rounding out the rotation is the 6-6 Volkman, who has looked good early and could be a nice surprise, and Dennis. “I’d be really disappointed if we’re not better than last year,” Lindeman said. “I’m hoping we’ll be competitive in the East with the top two pitchers we have and Volkman and Dennis.”
Wheeling
Coach: Mike Tice (eighth year, 54-159; 11th year overall, 118-198)
Last year: 8-23, 3-13 (6th East)
Key losses: Steve Yfantis (P-IF, 1-5, 4.90; .348, 15 RBI), David Scanlon (1B)
Returnees: Seniors Theo Yfantis (IF-P, .258, 12 RBI), Anthony Spiezia (P-IF-OF), Tyler Shapiro (P-IF-OF, 2-6, 3.82), Josh Matthys (IF-P, .442, 3 HR, 18 RBI), Ricky Schwind (P-IF, 2-2), Matt Hart (P-IF, 3-7, 3.05, 54 K in 57.1 IP); juniors Kalvin Thong (2B-P, .300, 12 RBI), Peter Durbin (OF-IF-P), Matt Hoffman (C-IF), Jeff Stankowicz (IF-OF)
Newcomers: Senior Nick Boyd (IF-OF); juniors Joey Zimmerman (OF), Abraham Flamenco (OF), Josue Albavera (OF), David Shapiro (P-IF-OF); sophomore Nick Ricciardi (P-3B-C).
Outlook: Having the hard-throwing Hart, Tyler Shapiro, Schwind, Spiezia and Matthys on the mound gives Tice an unfamiliar luxury. “I think we have more quality and number of pitchers returning than ever,” Tice said. “They’re all throwing better. Hart has looked good and he’s just pounding the glove.” The Wildcats should also be solid up the middle with Hoffman back behind the plate, Thong and three-year starter Yfantis in the infield and Matthys in center. Matthys may also hit for more power this year and Tice hopes Shapiro can handled the leadoff spot. “When he goes, he’s kind of a charismatic leader for those guys,” Tice said. “I think we’ll be a little better offensively.”
MID-SUBURBAN WEST
Barrington
Coach: Jim Hawrysko (13th year, 259-181)
Last year: 20-15, 9-7 (3rd West)
Key losses: Robby McDonnell (P, 4-2, 1.56, 81 K in 40.1 IP, Illinois), Jackson Lundmark (P, 1-4, 1.56), Sean Buchholz (P, 4-2, 1.84, 50 K in 38 IP), Chris Rogers (P, 3-3, 3.09), Tyler Tureck (P, 5-3, 3.55), Jim Cook (IF, .353), Anthony Brignola (OF, .342, 2 HR, 15 RBI), Derek Foderaro (OF, .340, 2 HR, 23 RBI), Paul Rathman (C)
Returnees: Seniors John O’Connell (OF, .360, 14 RBI), Jack Scheffler (SS, .316, 2 HR, 27 RBI), Ricky Alfonso (OF, .252, 19 RBI), Jack Kurcab (2B-3B), Jake Broughton (2B), Devin Gallagher (1B), Greg Gerrard (P, 3-1, 3.56), Dan Locascio (P), Mike Maude (P), Doug Beath (C-OF), Mike Weisshappel (P), Kyle Fitzpatrick (IF), Taylor Ward (P-IF); junior Max Redpath (C-P)
Newcomers: Senior Alejandro Estanislao (P); juniors Frank Waliczek (OF-P), John Shattuck (C-IF), Jack Stumpf (P), Justin Gitelis (IF), Charlie Grabowski (IF), Aaron Foley (IF), Connor MacCartney (P), Patrick Stallone (IF-P), Drew Cunniff (IF), Jon Rogers (P); sophomores Chris Coco (IF), Macray Poidomani (OF)
Outlook: Only Gerrard’s 3 wins and a total of 24 innings return on the mound from a solid staff that had a 2.81 team ERA. And Hawrysko doesn’t expect Gerrard to be full-go for a few more weeks after basketball. “It’s kind of an exciting year,” Hawrysko said. “If you get the ball and do what you’re supposed to do you can keep getting innings. Everyone is hungry for the ball.” The Oakland University-bound Beath and Redpath return at catcher and Broughton and Scheffler should be solid in the middle infield. O’Connell returns and will lead off with the Indiana-bound Alfonso hitting second. “We’re going to have to hit-and-run and bunt a lot and that’s not a bad thing,” Hawrysko said. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised with our defense (no errors first two games) and I think our pitching will get better.”
Conant
Coach: Jerry Song (seventh year, 79-92)
Last year: 12-15, 5-11 (T5th West)
Key losses: Otto Linderman (1B, .264, 2 HR, 14 RBI), Nolan Drake (OF), Kevin Carman (2B), Kevin Chua (3B), Bill Colantonio (P, 3-2, 1.93, 32 K in 28 IP), James Hafer (OF)
Returnees: Seniors Jake Esmael (OF), Paul Komis (IF), Pat Barry (IF), Mike Passaro (P-OF, 1-3, 3.39, 29 K in 28.1 IP), Joe Belmonte (C-1B, .377), Jon Altobelli (OF), Conor Donohue (IF-OF), Mike Taccona (P-IF, 1-0, 0.79, 22 K in 22.2 IP), Nick Fillmore (IF), Mike Miller (IF), Nate Anderson (P-IF), Paul Warble (P-1B, 3-5, 5.10, 46 K in 40 IP), Art Sutter (P-3B, 1-0, 2.22 30 K in 24.1 IP), Anthony Lauria (P-IF, 2-3, 2.32), Pat Smith (P), Leslie Poole (IF-OF), Kevin Robinson (C-OF); junior Kyle Gizynski (SS, .446, 3 HR, 26 RBI)
Newcomers: Senior Yun Choi (P); juniors Dan Durr (IF), John Reynolds (P-OF), Nick Monelli (OF), Ben Wiertel (P), Zach Losch (C), Dan Behof (P-IF), Kerry Hickerson (IF), Nick Blaha (P-IF)
Outlook: Tired arms shouldn’t be an issue with six returnees who have significant varsity innings and juniors Behof and Blaha also in the pitching mix. “This is the best (depth) I’ve ever had,” Song said. “It’s kind of intriguing. The array is unbelievable finally.” The lefty Warble is back for his third varsity season and figures to start with Lauria, Taccona and Passaro. The hard-throwing Sutter, who is headed to Grand Valley State, will close. Belmonte enters his third varsity season and Song said “the leadership is there” behind the plate. The Cougars hope to dent the plate more often as production after Gizynski and Belmonte was inconsistent last year. Altobelli will lead off and Fillmore will hit second. “It’s a lot better than last year,” Song said. “They’re mostly gap hitters. We don’t have a lot of power and we’re not the fastest team but we definitely have kids who can hit.” The pitchers should also benefit from a defense Song said is better. “The guys are really enthusiastic and really gung-ho this year,” Song said. “They’re working hard and you name it, they’re doing it. The camaraderie is very good.”
Fremd
Coach: Chris Piggott (ninth year, 149-110)
Last year: 20-14, 12-4 (MSL champs, regional finalist)
Key losses: Clint Terry (P-1B, UIC, .303, 4 HR, 19 RBI: 9-4, 1.86, 92 Ks in 83 IP), Zenon Kolakowski (OF-1B, UIC, .394, 10 2B, 15 RBI), Kevin Ciardiello (2B, .353, 7 2B, 27 RBI), Eric Paulson (3B, .341, 15 RBI, Bradley), Vince Addison (OF, 4 HR, 17 RBI), Matt Koeppen (SS), Evan Wright (OF, 18 RBI)
Returnees: Seniors Connor McWard (2B), Sean Stutzman (P-OF, .340, 18 RBI; 5-3, 3.19, 78 K in 63.2 IP), Alex Maas (OF), Brett Tudela (P), Richard Concialdi (C), Jimmy Latal (OF), Clint Herdegen (C), Jim McGlade (1B), KJ Kinsella (P-1B), Kurt Kaufman (P-OF, .307, 19 RBI; 3-0, 2.88), Joe Leaf (P); junior Matt Wisniewski (OF)
Newcomers: Juniors Connor Bieda (C), Josh Jyawook (OF-1B), Danny Haduch (IF), Keith Giagnorio (OF-1B), Keith Browning (OF), Jake Babcock (P), Mike Withey (P), Lee Breitzman (P-1B), Jack Andersen (P-3B), Zach Kolakowski (SS), Jason English (P)
Outlook: Although the defending MSL champs lost ace and all-area captain Terry, the Vikings still have quality on the mound led by Stutzman, Leaf, Kaufman, Kinsella, Andersen and English. “I think we’re going to be pretty good on the mound,” Piggott said. “We have pretty good depth — more so than in years past.” Stutzman and Kaufman are also the top offensive returnees to a lineup that will have a lot of new faces and will rely on manufacturing runs at times. “I think we’ll be better offensively and we’ll score more runs,” Piggott said. “Overall we won’t strike out as much and we’ll put the ball in play and move runners along.” Zach Kolakowski looked good at SS for the Palatine American Legion team and should help address defensive concerns. “We can kind of go either way,” Piggott said. “I think we’ll make the routine plays and that’s pretty much all we ask of them.”
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Todd Meador (12th year, 156-190)
Last year: 14-21, 6-10 (4th West)
Key losses: Chris Fett (IF, .394, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 13 SB), Zach Demmon (1B, .333, 15 2B, 15 RBI), Colin Conway (P-1B, .301), Mike Kiviranta (IF-P, .253, 13 RBI; 3-8, 2.76), Lance Vesper (P, 1-2, 2.90), Erik Smoy (P-OF, .317, 15 RBI; 3-5, 2 saves, 4.27), J.T. Weaver (IF), Joe Gordon (C)
Returnees: Seniors Jordan Loikits (3B), Trent Rehusch (P-1B, .317, 13 RBI; 2-3, 4.00), Kevin Tednes (OF, .338, 14 RBI), Drew Roesch (C-P); juniors Mark Roberts (SS-2B-P, 11 RBI), Kevin Grudzinski (SS-2B-P, .273)
Newcomers: Juniors Riley Mugerditchian (OF), Danny Barela (P-2B), Lance Berko (OF), Mike Wnek (1B-OF), Brian Cvitkovich (P-OF), Jordan Hudak (P-OF), Mike Gordon (P-C-OF), Jeremy Donovan (C-3B); sophomore Jimmy Ward (2B-P)
Outlook: Meador said the Hawks “are about as young as you can get” with only four seniors and Rehusch and Tednes the only ones from the class who started every day. But Roberts and Grudzinski have been on the varsity since they were freshmen and will be keys on the mound with Rehusch and Ward, who has a lot of potential. “I think our strength is our pitching,” Meador said. “I feel if we go six or seven deep we can still put a kid out there who will get people out.” Another good sign in a 2-1 loss to Libertyville was 15 groundball outs and no errors with Grudzinski, Roberts and Ward forming a nice middle infield rotation. Tednes hit over .500 in the summer and will be solid in CF. “We aren’t going to sit back and wait for the 3-run homer,” Meador said. “We have a lot of speed up top with Grudzinski leading off and Tednes hitting second. Every kid on our roster will go out and compete.”
Palatine
Coach: Paul Belo (ninth year, 143-136; 14th year overall, 270-228)
Last year: 20-15, 11-5 (T2nd West)
Key losses: Joe Campe (2B, .317), Trey Cannon (OF, .245, Wisconsin-Whitewater), Tom Galvan (3B-P, 2-1, 2.64), Kevin Klein (C, .288, 17 RBI), Mike Luschen (OF, .318, 4 HR, 26 RBI), Byron Skinner (P-1B, .300, 15 RBI; 6-5, 2.82, 81 K in 62 IP)
Returnees: Seniors Mark Sarti (OF), Vince Portera (IF), Matt Bohlmann (OF), Cody Bobbit (SS, .445, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 13 SB), Jim Smearman (C, .326, 2 HR, 16 RBI), Alex Kehe (P), Dan Haze (OF, .393, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 8 SB), Joe Walsh (P-1B, 2-1), Alex Miramontes (P, 6-2, 3.50), Luke Gimmler (C); juniors Eric Scheuermann (P-IF, 1-2), Kurt Becker (3B-P, .354, 2 HR, 11 RBI)
Newcomers: Juniors Jake Demars (C), Elliot Brustad (UT), Scott Schneberger (UT), David Schalla (OF-P), Nick Roy (1B-P), Pat Scotkovsky (P), Dan Jeske (P), Mike Czarnik (C), Eric Foley (P), Jake Walker (P), Quinn Devero (P); sophomore Jesse Bobbit (OF-P)
Outlook: Getting through an experienced lineup with four-year starter and Heartland College-bound Cody Bobbit, Haze, Smearman, Becker and Co. won’t be easy. After two losses, the Pirates broke out with an 11-7 win over Cary-Grove as Haze had 3 doubles. Walsh also figures to be a strong middle of the order behind Bobbit and Schneberger. “Since I came over from Fremd, on paper it’s the best lineup I’ve been able to put out one through nine,” Belo said. “I’m very excited about our year to come here and I feel like good things are ahead of us.” A solid pitching staff anchored by Miramontes, Walsh, Schalla and Scheuermann shouldn’t have to worry about support offensively and defensively from a team that made the summer Elite Eight. Bobbit anchors the infield while his younger brother Jesse, Scheuermann and Haze can cover a lot of ground in the outfield and prevent runners from taking the extra base. “The kids really made a statement with our run in the summer,” Belo said. “These are competitive kids and they’ve done everything they need to prepare themselves for the opportunities ahead of them.”
Schaumburg
Coach: Paul Groot (27th year, 570-276)
Last year: 10-19, 5-11 (T5th West)
Key losses: Joe Dombek (SS-OF, .366, 23 RBI, 23 SB), Connor McHugh (OF, .337, 13 RBI), Joe Infusino (OF, .296), Eric Englund (C, .333, 14 RBI), Matt Glombicki (IF, .262)
Returnees: Seniors Kurt Kempema (P, 4-6, 2.79, 51 K in 57.2 IP), Mark Bielanski (OF, .311, 2 HR), Ryan Hayes (P-OF), Dave Geller (2B), Roger Lane (1B-P), Mike Petritis (OF); juniors Kevin Hilliard (OF, .279), Matt Brancato (3B-P, .373, 11 2B, 23 RBI), Jeremy Hall (1B-C)
Newcomers: Juniors Tom Byrne (SS), Bronson Wittkamp (P-1B), Justin Charvat (OF-P), Colin Bethran (OF), Nick Eodice (2B-3B), Pat Bellinger (P-1B), Joe Pentz (P), Kedric Daly (OF), Jordan Grubb (OF), Matt Moran (IF); sophomore Brayden Teele (C)
Outlook: Schaumburg expects to start moving back up after suffering just its third losing season in Groot’s tenure. “We’re certainly a better club than last year,” Groot said as he starts his second to last year before retiring. “I’m hoping we can compete.” Early signs on the mound have been good from Kempema and Bellinger, despite late starts from basketball, and Brancato. The hard-throwing Bellinger had a good summer and Brancato looks improved after control battles a year ago. “If our top three pitchers throw like they have been early we’re going to be OK,” Groot said. Hayes should also help as a starter and reliever. Groot hopes Teele, who has looked good defensively, can develop and answer the catching question. “We’re pretty solid everywhere else,” Groot said. “We have some kids who can play.” That includes Byrne in the middle infield and Grubb in CF and Bielanski, Petritis and Bethran adding to a more potent lineup. “Our first five or six will put the ball in play and give us a chance to score some runs,” Groot said.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
St. Viator
Coach: Mike Manno (sixth year, 80-97)
Last year: 18-19, 8-10 (3A sectional semifinalist)
Key losses: Julian Sipiora (P-OF, .390, 8 HR, 30 RBI; 3-2, 2.27; Illinois State), Kevin Gannon (3B-OF, .315, 26 RBI, 17 SB; John Carroll), Jake Mastrangeli (OF, .250), David Alameda (IF, .358), Brendan King (P-1B, .283, 22 RBI; 4-6, 3.48), Rick Perotti (1B, .310, 3 HR); Jack Czeszewski (OF-P, .417, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 15 SB; transferred to Elk Grove)
Returnees: Seniors Cory Kay (C, .402, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 12 SB), Robert Romano (P, 8-2, 3.04, 67 K in 55.1 IP), Mac Mastrangeli (P), Andrew Bertagna (P), Shane Fitzmaurice (P), Jack Gaffney (OF), Andrew Hayes (C), Dom Monaco (2B), Derek Noel (P), Brian Pichardo (1B-DH); juniors Brian Wilhite (SS), Chris Myjak (P-3B)
Newcomers: Juniors Cosimo Cannella (1B), Joe Ferrante (P), Kole Luthringshausen (2B), Ryan McCollum (OF), Tim McElroy (P), Bobby Napoleon (P), Kevin Patzke (P-3B), Nick Prazuch (OF), Jake Soprych (C), Alex Thomas (OF)
Outlook: St. Viator’s goal is to be ready for June, so Manno put together a rugged nonconference schedule to go with the traditionally tough trip through the ESCC. “Most people look at this team as a rebuilding year but I’m not sure that’s the case,” Manno said. “I don’t know what our record will be but I know we’ll compete.” Having the Houston-bound Kay back behind the plate and the hard-throwing Romano on the mound will be a tough combination for any opponent. Myjak and McElroy have the ability to complement Romano and Manno has plenty of other options. “It’s probably the deepest staff I’ve had,” Manno said. “I think our pitching will keep us in every game.” They’ll also benefit from the dimensions being pushed back 20 feet to 325 down the left-field line and 55 feet to 375 in left-center. But even with that and the loss of some big boppers, Manno thinks the overall lineup will be deeper. “If we can mature quickly we’ll be all right,” Manno said. “If we don’t it could be a long year.”
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Maine West
Coach: Joe Pederson (fifth year, 77-39)
Last year: 23-10, 12-4 (CSL North champs, regional finalist)
Key losses: Tommy Ross (OF, .407, 17 2B, 28 RBI, North Central), Arnold Galindo (1B, .370, 27 RBI), C.J. Eisenberg (OF, .299, 5 HR, 21 RBI), Tony Meza (P, 8-2, 2.51)
Returnees: Seniors Josh Wright (P-OF, 5-6, 3.27, 51 K in 62 IP), Connor Skoczynski (SS-2B, .381, 17 RBI, 17 SB), Mike Fuoco (OF), Brian Jozefat (P), Nick Litman (P, 4-1), Emmett Turner-Jackson (P-OF), Paul Solka (3B-1B, .400, 9 2B, 19 RBI), Alberto Cisneros (C-1B, .246, 11 RBI), Mike Farias (C, .416, 5 HR, 39 RBI), John Ollerer (P); juniors James Duckman (OF, .422), Ryan Ross (OF, .413)
Newcomers: Juniors Tait Jensen (P-OF), Jonathan Augustine (P), Robbie McCabe (SS-3B), Jake English (OF), Dylan Reinke (P); sophomore Tom Kukec (3B)
Outlook: It’s going to be a lot different for Pederson to look out at center field and not see four-year starter Tommy Ross there. But the middle is still a strength with team captains in Farias catching, Skoczynski at SS and Hernandez at 2B. “(Farias) is definitely a man and he’s gotten a little bit better behind the plate,” Pederson said. “(Skoczynski and Hernandez) have pretty good gloves and they understand the game.” The Bradley-bound Solka is another veteran who could play either corner infield spot and Ryan Ross and Duckman made a big impact when they joined the varsity last year. “They definitely provided a spark and those are two pretty solid kids,” Pederson said. Wright and Jozefat are the top returnees on the mound and Ollerer has a nice upside. Pederson also likes Reinke’s potential and Turner-Jackson has the nasty stuff to go with a closer’s mentality. “You had better show up to play or you’re going to get beat,” Pederson said of the CSL North.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden
Coach: Gary Wolf (23rd year, 425-340)
Last year: 18-16, 9-9
Key losses: Jeremy Stawychny (P-C, .379, 12 2B, 26 RBI; 5-2, 1.18, 97 K in 65 IP, St. Francis), Dan Savas (P, 5-5, 1.64, 84 K in 59.2 IP, Illinois State), Adam Locassio (2B, 9 2B)
Returnees: Seniors Justin Stawychny (P-1B), Carlos Olavarria (SS-P, 4 3B, 33 RBI), Eric Palmer (P-OF, 4 wins), Adrian Ruiz (OF), Matt Jeske (IF), Kevin Pendleton (C-OF), Nick Dimaso (C-OF), Matt Jos (IF), Javier Perez (OF), Tyler Lenon (IF-P), Steve Gargula (P), Sandro Irizarry (P-OF), Eli Perez (OF, .356, 26 RBI)
Newcomers: Juniors Adrian Mondragan (P-OF), Alex Nelson (P-OF), Joe Diaz (IF-P), Dan Schoedel (P-OF), James Jankowski (IF), Brenan Chillemi (OF), Angel Sanchez (P-IF)
Outlook: Back trouble isn’t holding back Justin Stawychny this year and that’s great news for the Eagles. The Louisiana-Monroe signee had 9 strikeouts in 3 innings and combined with Palmer for 16 Ks in a win over Palatine and hit a long 2-run homer against the wind. “Him being back is such a huge difference,” Wolf said of Stawychny missing nearly all of last year. “If he’s healthy last year we’re in the mid-20s with wins and at least fighting for a conference championship.” And the Eagles expect to at least make a run at powerful Downers Grove South with Palmer throwing in the mid-80s and the slick-fielding Olavarria back at SS. Eli Perez anchors the outfield in center where Ruiz and Marino also return. “When we get everything together we have a lot of pop in our lineup,” Wolf said. “We’re concernced about a No. 3 (starter) and we need to find a closer. We’ll be stronger hitting-wise and the kids are more confident.”
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC
Christian Liberty
Coach: Jed Bennett (first year)
Last year: 2-16, 0-12 (seventh NAC)
Returnees: Seniors Tyler Canoy (1B), Alex Russ (SS); juniors David Cabrera (P-3B),; sophomores Dan Glad (P-OF), J.D. Dulinsky (P-OF), Shawn Andersen (C), David Colbert (OF)
Newcomers: Juniors Keegan Nichols (P-3B-OF), Keifer Bennett (2B); freshmen Aaron Karr (P-2B), Aaron Cunningham (1B-DH)
Outlook: Jed Bennett gets his first shot at coaching the program he played in after two years as the head softball coach. “We have a lot of talent but we’re still very young,” Bennett said. “The future is very bright.” The Chargers were 0-4 against bigger-school competition last weekend in downstate Jacksonville but had some solid offensive efforts as Glad went 6-for-11 with 4 doubles in the leadoff spot, Russ and Canoy had 4 hits and Andersen had 3 hits. “We saw some very good pitching … and we hit the ball up and down the lineup,” Bennett said. “Even though we couldn’t hold anybody with our pitching we kept ourselves in a couple of games by hitting the ball.” Cabrera and Glad, who is nursing a sore arm, pitched last year. Nichols, a move-in from St. Louis, will also be one of the staff mainstays. Bennett has also seen improvement in the better grasp of the fundamentals he has emphasized. “The biggest things for us is we want to win a few conference games this year,” Bennett said. “The kids are tired of going 0-for like they did in conference last year.”