Scouting Cook County baseball
The high school baseball started this week. Here’s a look at what to expect in Cook County.
MID-SUBURBAN EAST
BUFFALO GROVE
Coach: Bill Montemayor (6th season)
Last year's record: 18-16-1, 12-4 (MSL East champions)
Top returning players: Griffin Kelly,1B/P, Sr.; Cole Diaz, OF, Sr.; Andrew Lee, UT, Sr.; Rocco Perricone, SS/3B, Sr.; Drew Sadowski, P/C, Sr.; Jordan Dudek, OF, Sr.; Brady Horvath, P, Sr.
Key newcomers: Jacob Boumstein, P/2B, Sr.; Drew Carrison, P/1B/OF, Soph.; Owen Erickson, P/3B, Soph.; Connor Fitzsimmons, P/OF, Jr.; Michael Guretz, P/OF, Jr.; Joey Hanson, P/Inf, Soph.; Carter Mainville, P/OF, Jr.; Alex Shimanski, P/C/3B, Jr.; Justin Smart, 3B, Jr.; Emmit Szewc, P/OF, Sr.
Worth noting: The Bison will be migrating all season. With their new baseball field not set to be ready until 2026, Buffalo Grove will play all its games away from campus with their 7 home games at Recreation Park in Arlington Heights this season. Griffin Kelly, who was MSL East player of the year last season, will lead the Bison, along with Cole Diaz, who was all-conference. That should give Buffalo Grove a solid 1-2 punch on the mound, the plate and defensively. But with 10 seniors graduated, the Bison have lots of holes to fill. “There is not much varsity experience outside of Kelly and Diaz,” Montemayor said. “I believe this team will be very competitive and try to build a strong resume. Our sophomores and juniors will have some growing pains early on, but we expect them to continue to improve as the season progresses to compete at a high level in our conference, and then in postseason play.”
ELK GROVE
Coach: Steve Lesniak (6th season)
Last year's record: 10-23, 4-12 (5th)
Top returning players: Myles Schwartz, P/SS, Sr.; Nick Jimenez, P/3B/OF, Sr.; Cooper Casterton, CF, Soph.; Isaac Santowski. P/UT, Jr.; Denis Rangel, P/2B, Soph.; Nate Dean, C, Jr.
Worth noting: The Grenadiers will be looking to blend veteran players and youth with 9 juniors and 4 sophomores on their 18-man roster. Key to that effort will be the play of Schwartz, who is a 4-year starter and committed to Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Jiminez and Dean return from injuries and the hopes are they will regain their form. Casterton and Rangel are sophomores who are coming off of solid years on the varsity while Santowski could be a sleeper on the bump. “We are a young team this year and will have many opportunities for our younger pitchers to earn a spot in the rotation,” Leniak said. “I am excited to see which players emerge as key contributors to our success. I expect our team to compete on the mound and in the batter's box. One of our goals is to continue to develop a strong mental approach to the game.”
HERSEY
Coach: Wally Brownley (8th year)
Last year's record: 20-16, 11-5 (2nd )
Top returning players: Chuck Meister, P/Inf, Sr.; Keegan Luxem. P/Inf, Sr.; Lincoln Causero, P, Sr.; Brady Klehr, Inf, Sr., Riley Blackwell, P, Sr.; Charlie Arvanitis, P/OF, Sr.; Diego Garcia, OF, Sr.; Bo Anselmi, P, Sr.; Marcus Krecu, C/Inf, Sr.; Drew Thomas, C/Inf, Jr.; Mikey Sokan, C/Inf, Jr.
Key newcomers: Bennett McNeill, P/OF, Sr.; Jack Goergen, P, Sr.; Jack Sancya, P, Sr.; Wyatt Groberski, C/IF/OF, Jr.
Worth noting: Injuries nearly decimated the Huskies last season. Hersey battled through injuries from Meister, Luxem, Krecu and Causero last year and still were able to finish second in the MSL East. All are healthy this season and expect to lead Hersey back in contention with 16 seniors and 8 already committed to playing at the next level. The Huskies are led by D-1 commits Luxem (UIC) and Causero (Xavier) on the mound. Krecu and Goergen have committed to Elmhurst College, while Arvantis (GateWay College), Anselmi (Milwaukee School of Engineering), McNeil (Wisconsin-LaCrosse) and Riley Balckwell (Rock Valley) also have committed to play college baseball. Meister and Klehr are also expected to play in college. “We had one of the most injury-riddled seasons I have ever seen,” Brownley said. “It was very trying on our team. However, we were able to gain some experience with some of our younger players that we are now poised to help us win this year.”
PROSPECT
Coach: Ross Giusti (28th season)
Last year's record: 20-15, 10-6 (3rd, regional champions)
Top returning players: Aiden Nelson, OF, Sr.; Jack Davis C/1B, Sr.; Ryan Foley P/Inf, Sr.; Matt Fouch, OF, Sr.; Louie Caldrone, Inf, OF, Sr.; John Aquino, Inf, Sr.
Key newcomers: Lucas Nelson, P. Sr.; Ken Munao, Of, Sr.; Dominic Graf, P, Sr.; Nathan Kurtz, P, Sr.; Gavin Kalsch, 1B, Sr.; Logan Nordentoft, Inf, Jr.; Matt Jackson, P/Of, Jr.; John Bazula, C, Jr.; Aiden Janowiak, P, Jr.; Jakob Miller, Inf, Jr.; Matthew Donnelly, OF, Soph.; Michael Foley, P/Inf, Soph.; Joe Peters, C, Jr.
Worth noting: It will be the end of an era at Prospect with Giusti retiring at the end of this season. The Knights lost a ton thanks to graduation. “We lost a lot of innings on the mound,” Giusti said. “So those innings need to be absorbed by a pack of competitors who will throw strikes and put us in a position to win. Our offense is pretty balanced and loaded with speed. I believe we will have a number of tough outs who cause chaos on the basepaths. I believe we have a good team who can compete with anybody.”
ROLLING MEADOWS
Coach: Matt Rice (7th season)
Last year's record: 12-19, 5-10 (4th )
Top returning players: Callum Paisley, P/Inf, Sr.; Josh Cazares, P/Inf, Sr.; Charlie Hoeper, OF, Sr.; Andrew Tysl, Inf, Sr.; Ryan Schneider, P/C. Inf; Sr.; Cam Wachtel, P, Sr.; Tino Savino, P/Inf, Sr.; Owen Gapsis, P, Sr.; Brock Ryan, P, Jr.; Will Fiore, Inf, Jr.; Joe Brigham, P/OF, Jr.; Tyler Stankiewicz, P/Inf, Jr.; Josh Rappa, Inf/OF, Jr.; Jack Rappa, C. Jr.; Tony Romanacce, OF, Jr.; Dominic Riggi, P/OF. Jr.; CJ King, Inf, Jr.
Key newcomers: Jack O’Callaghan, C/OF, Soph; Will Ciccone, P/OF, Jr.; Ben Kusumpa, P/OF. Soph.; Aiden Gallucci, P/OF, Soph.; Luke Schneider, P/OF, Fr.; Anthony Nuccio, C/OF, Fr.
Worth noting: With 7 starters back, the Mustangs feel they can climb to the next level. In order to accomplish that, they will need to get their mix of upperclassmen to come out of the gate hard. “This group has a strong collective mindset and commitment to hard work and high standards,” Rice said. “Our kids embrace hard work and have strong team chemistry. I expect them to compete, work hard, and capitalize on opportunities.”
WHEELING
Coach: Jason Wieder (12th season)
Last year's record: 10-22, 4-12 (5th)
Top returning players: Grant Scheuerman, CF, Sr.; Zach Neukirch, P/1B, Jr.; Tyler Zangara, C, Jr.; Dylan Baloun, P/3B, Jr. Collin Fitzgerald, P/RF; Jr.; Evan Fischer, 2B, Jr.; Brandon Marchetti, LF, Soph.; Reid Gerjerts, SS, Soph.; Henry Snarski, OF, Sr.; Jack Murphy, 2B/C, Jr.
Key newcomers: Micheal Mats, OF, Jr.; James Lawson, OF, Soph.; Luke Papaioannou, P, Soph.; Evan Watanuki, C, Soph.; Jose Rivera, P/3B; Fr.; Owen Zalewski, 1B, Fr.
Worth noting: With 8 returning starters, the Wildcats look to be a tough out this season. Leading the way are 4-year starter Scheurman and 3-year starters Neukrich and Zangara. The Wildcats, who have just two seniors on the team, will have veteran pitching in Neukrich, who fanned 44 last season, Baloun and Fitzgerald. “We are a very young team, but we have a lot of varsity game experience,” Wieder said. “I’m hopeful that last year’s experience will show this year with a lot more competitive at-bats and confidence at the plate.”
MID-SUBURBAN WEST
BARRINGTON
Coach: Pat Wire (12th season)
Last year's record: 22-14-1, 11-5 (2nd, Regional champions)
Top returning players: Julian Ashley-Friedman, MI, Sr.; Peter Ensign, C, Sr.; Zack Ostergaard, 2B, Jr.; Tommy Abbatemarco, OF, Jr.; Jackson Cavaliero MI, Sr.; Logan Glantz,1B/DH, Sr.; Jacob Dorn, P/OF, Sr.; Mike Audino, P/INF, Sr.; Caid Heick, P/OF, Sr.; Collin Kane, P/3B, Sr.; Hunter Gaul, P/Inf, Sr.; James Vondrak, P/1B, Sr.; Jack Swarbick, 1B, Sr.; Brady Spencer. Inf, Sr.; Jack Costello, C, Sr.
Key newcomers: Ryan Costello, C, Jr.; Brandon Fryer, 2B/3B, Jr.; Dylan Ignacek, P, Jr.; Trevor Naughten P/C, Jr.; Brennan O’Donnell, OF, Jr.; Declan Trainor, P/1b, Jr.; Connor Raia, P/OF, Jr.; Will Renshaw, P, Jr.; Austiin Sparr, OF, Jr.; Alec Stewart, P/1B, Jr.; Joey Tomczak, OF, Jr.; Jackson Roberts. Inf/P, Soph; Jack Postma, P/1B, Fr.; Kayden Schumaker, P/OF, Fr.
Worth noting: Barrington finds themselves in a unique position this year with no major returnees on the bump. But that does not seem to bother Wire, who will have as many as 15 players who can pitch on his roster. “We will be inexperienced on the mound for the first time but believe we will have excellent depth,” Wire said. “Last year is over, this year is now. We know the MSL schedule will be a difficult road, and we look forward to the challenge it presents.” Ashley-Friedman, who is committed to the Naval Academy, and Ensign, who will be behind the dish, will be the main factors for the Broncos this season.
CONANT
Coach: Derek Fivelson (12th season)
Last year's record: 31-8, 12-4 (1st MSL West, MSL Champions, 2nd in state)
Top returning players: Franklin Kirchner, P, Sr.; Jacob Szpiganowicz, C, Jr,; Arjun Patel, OF, Jr.; Nick Santos, P, Sr.; Luis Avila, 3B, Jr.; Connor Kehoe, P, Sr.; Richard Pena, OF, Sr.; Alex Martinez, P/1B, Jr.
Key newcomers: Martin Garcia, UT, Sr.; Nick Bradley, P, Sr.; Andrew Lipka, Inf, Jr.; Max Tutt, OF/Inf, Jr.; Om Patel, P, Sr.; Mason Hopkins, P, Jr.; Christian Bartnicki, OF, Jr.; Colton Thomas, OF/C, Jr.; Kakero Fujino, P/SS, Soph.; Ryan Dempsey, P, Jr.; Evan Kirk, Inf, Jr.; Alex Denna, C, Jr.; Will Peterhansen, P, Jr.
Worth noting: The Cougars are coming off the best year and highest finish in program history. And although graduation hit them hard, there are still many solid pieces in place to make another run. Kirchner, who is committed to Wisconsin-Whitewater, is coming off a 10-1 season and will be the ace of the staff. Kehoe is committed to Benedictine, and will also be a key on the mound. Szpiganowicz, Patel and Martinez also saw plenty of action and will be key contributors on offense. “We graduated a once in a career class,” Fivelson said. “I would never expect the results to be recreated, but I do expect the culture, competitiveness and work ethic those guys left behind to continue. The returning guys that played in the state championship game got invaluable experience in pressure situations and tight games and my hope is that carries over to 2025.”
FREMD
Coach: Chris Piggott (23rd season)
Last year's record: 13-18, 8-8 (5th )
Top returning players: Dennis Bond, OF/1B, Sr.; Cooper Nelson, SS, Sr.; Vinny Panzino, OF, Sr.; Will Graba, P/3B, Jr.; Will Klimas, 3B, Sr.; Caleb Yoon, C, Sr.; Deven Vettickal, OF/P, Sr.; Chase Nelson, 2B/OF, Jr.; Tyler Schader, OF, Sr.; Brayden Miller, P, Sr.; Johhny O’Brien, OF, Jr.; Jack Crihfield, P, Sr.; Myles Minier, P, So.
Key newcomers: Luke Philipp, MIF, Jr.; Cole Seidel, OF/P, Jr.; Will Souliotis, MIF, Jr.;Robby Seifert, P, So.; Declan Gallicho, OF/P, Jr.; Stahti Regopoulos, 1B, Jr.; Alex Schaele, 3B, Jr.; Charlie Kalitowski, C, Jr.; Kyle Halvadia, 1B/P, Jr.
Worth noting: Fremd will look to be near the top of the conference, but the Vikings will need to hit in order to do that. Fremd boasts solid pitching in Crihfield, who is committed to Florida Southern, Minier and Graba while Miller, Vettickal, Seidel, Seifert and Halvadia will boost their depth. The Vikings will also be strong up the middle with UW-Parkside commit Cooper Nelson at short, his brother Chase at 2B. Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit Schader is in left and Northwestern football commit O’Brien in center. “I expect us to be much improved this year,” Piggott said. “Last year we were very inexperienced. We have a lot of guys returning that got significant playing time last year. We will have very good pitching and defense. Our team speed is excellent. If we can hit, we will have some success. Our schedule is tough, and I expect that this will prepare us well for the post season.”
HOFFMAN ESTATES
Coach: Andrew Wulbecker (4th season)
Last year's record: 9-24, 0-14 (6th)
Top returning players: Adrian Bello P/OF, Sr.; Alex Wisely, OF, Jr.; Colin Karecki, C, Sr.; Derek Conjardi, P/OF, Jr.; Jack Conway, P/OF, Sr.; Luis Tobella, SS, Jr.; Tommy Krautstrunk, P/3B, Sr.; Ty Pearson, P/3B; Tyler Dillon, P/OF, Jr.
Key newcomers: Mason Walker, 1B, Fr.; Niko Belesiotis, 2B, Soph.; TJ Bond, P/OF, Fr.
Worth noting: The Hawks have a very nice mix of veteran players. They will mesh quite nicely with a talented trio of underclassmen and bring Hoffman success. “The Hawks will look to the upperclassmen to carry most of the load offensively early on while the younger newcomers get their feet under them at the varsity level,” Wulbecker said. “The pitching staff as always will need to throw strikes and pitch to contact as the varsity roster as well as other levels in our program are running a little light this season due to numbers. Baseball knowledge and positive team atmosphere is at an all-time high.”
PALATINE
Coach: Brent Carroll (1st year)
Last year's record: 14-19, 10-6 (3rd)
Top returning players: Jack Houser, P/OF, Sr.; Nick Lathouris, P/C, Sr.; Carter Monroe, P/SS, Sr.; Peter Mulhern, P/3B, Sr.; Dave Oddo, P/Inf, Sr.; Toby Peterson, P/OF, Sr.; Joe Riley, 2B/OF, Sr.; Ian Sherman, P/1B, Sr.; Jett Greiwe, P/F, Jr.; Ben Ratajczak, C, Jr.; Maddux Heilman, C/Inf, Soph.
Key newcomers: Adrian Santamaria, OF, Sr.; Cooper Houston, OF, Jr.
Worth noting: Brent Carroll begins a new era of baseball at Palatine after the retirement of Paul Belo. Carroll, who was the pitching coach previously at Palatine, has a solid rotation in Kentucky commit Peterson, Wisconsin-Parkside commit Mulhern, Benedictine commit Sherman and Oddo. That quartet accounted for 132.2 of 239 innings last season. Wisconsin-Oshkosh committ Monroe, who has been the starting shortstop for all four seasons, will also be a key factor. “We have a number of returning starters with varsity experience and are fortunate to add some competitive pieces from students that moved into our district,” Carroll said. “We possess depth and as a result, the lineup will vary each game. Our team speed is a tremendous asset. If we can minimize giving up 90 feet and maximize the 90 feet we take from our opponents, we will compete for the MSL.”
SCHAUMBURG
Coach: Kevin Garvey (1st year)
Last year's record: 18-12, 6-7 (5th )
Top returning players: Garrick Gelarden, P, Sr; Jake Huffman, P, Sr.; Matthew Jannusch, P/1B, Sr.; Ed Riddle, P/1B, Sr.; Alex Spung, P/3B, Sr.; Matt Williams, P/OF, Sr.; Xavier Segarra-Davilla, P/F, Sr.; Josiah Ahn, P/OF, Jr.; Nathan Barnitz, P/OF, Jr.; Nate Chwastek, Inf, Jr.; Kile Gouge, P/OF, Jr.; Shawn Kim. P/UT, Jr.; Dylan Rowley, 3B, Jr.; Tyler Specjer, C, Jr.; Hayden Adamowicz, P/OF, Soph.
Key newcomers: Jose Melchor, P/Inf, Soph.; Jayden Williams, C, Soph.; Samir Sierra, P/UT, Soph.
Worth noting: Garvey takes over the reins this season. He will inherit one of the area’s top sophomore pitchers in Adamaowicz, who had a perfect game and a no-hitter last season. With graduation taking its toll on the top end of the pitching staff, Garvey will need to find others to fill in the innings. “We have a very young but talented team this year,” Garvey said. “Our success will largely depend on how quickly our younger players adjust to the varsity level and how well our seniors lead the way. Their leadership will be key in teaching the team how to work hard, compete, and handle challenges throughout the season.”
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
St. Viator
Coach: Terry Beyna (3rd year)
Last year's record: 18-16, 7-5 (5th)
Top returning players: Brandon Thomsen, C, Jr.; Brock Harer, Inf., Sr.; JR Clary, P, Sr.; Frank Clary, P, Jr.; Zach Mascola, DH, Sr.; Mike Zawilenski, OF, Sr.
Key newcomers: Jonathan Tschanz, P/Inf., Jr.; Tommy Beyna, OF/1B, Jr.; Brayden Hynek, 1B, Sr.; Lincoln Sernel, OF, Jr.; Jacob Oberwise. P/1B, Jr.
Worth noting: Led by Thomsen, who is ranked as one of the top catching prospects in the state, the Lions will be running on a battery this year. JR and Frank Clary will lead a deep bullpen while Harrer, who is committed to Winona State, will be a key both offensively and defensively. “Our pitching should keep us in games,” Beyna said. “Our returning arms combined with our newcomers should give us some nice depth on the mound. We have more competition at every position and on the mound than we did a year ago. I expect this competition to improve our overall team. We need to find ways to generate more runs than we did in 2024.”
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
MAINE EAST
Coach: Ron Clark
Last year's record: 7-21, 3-12 (5th )
Top returning players: Adolfo Lopez, P/3B, Sr.; Edgar Berge, P/OF, Jr.; Andrew Merza, P/SS, Jr.; Ethan Robles, OF, Jr.; Jackson Slamowitz, C, Jr.; Rafiel Windham, 3B/OF, Jr.
Key newcomers: Kam Thompson, OF, Jr.; Keon Lapez, P/3B/1B, Soph.; Giovanni Rizza, 2B, Jr.; Tyler Windham, OF, Soph.
Worth noting: The Blue Demons are young and led by Lewis University commit Lopez. But if Maine East can grow up quickly, they can be a force to reckoned with. “I expect this team to be a fundamentally sound team that plays the game the right way,” Clark said. “Our pitching should be strong and I'm optimistic that we will have a good year offensively as a team. This is an experienced group and it's important for us to get off to a good start.”
MAINE WEST
Coach: Mike Randazzo (9th season)
Last year's record: 13-12, 7-7 (4th )
Top returning players: Julian Delao, 1B/P, Sr.; Konrad Dudzik, 3B/P, Sr.; Ethan Talbert, P, Sr.; Jimmy Kulesza, SS/P, Sr.; Joey Bruno, OF, Sr.
Key newcomers: Dominic Parcelli, P, Sr.; Frankie LoBello, INF, Sr.; Isael Villalobos, INF, Soph.; Jake Mensching, P, Sr.; Jimmy Bober, 1B, Sr.; Joe Narvaez, P, Sr.; Perish Smith, OF, Sr.; Lando Sebo, OF, Jr.; Ryan Duffy, P/3B, Soph.; Tim Wiley, OF, Sr.
Worth noting: With a solid nucleus of five seniors, the Warriors feel they will be the favorites to win the CSL North. Delao, who was all-conference last season, Concordia commit Dudzik, along with Talbert, Kulesza and Bruno make up that group and will be paired with a talented group of newcomers. “Our new players will gain more experience as we move through season,” Randazzo said. “We need to limit walks, errors, and injuries.”
CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH
Maine South
Coach: Brian Lorenz (8th season)
Last year's record: 12-24. 7-9 (5th)
Top returning players: Constantine Coines, CF, Sr.; Alex Babich, OF, Sr.; Eric Fugate. P/1B, Sr.; Jack Etchason, P/OF/Inf, Sr.; Cole Mutchler, P, Sr.; Ben Barsuk, P, Sr.; Jake Zabratanski. P, Sr.; Connor Griffin, P, Jr.; Jack Ginaikos, P, Jr.; Nick Conway, P, Jr.; Sam Higgins, P, Jr.; Peter Corthinos, C, Jr.; Luka Stojakovic, C, Jr.; Evan Adamczewski 1B/ OF, Soph.; Alex Vale, SS, So.
Key newcomers: Nate Cera, P/Inf, Jr.; Russell Hengels, P, Soph.; Arjun Sreenivasan, OF/Inf, Jr.; David Grot, P/Inf, Jr.
Worth noting: The Hawks could be back flying high this season with 6 position players, 4 starting pitchers and 5 bullpen arms returning. Coines, who is committed to Lewis University, Babich, who is a College of Wooster commit, and Furgate, a Cathage commit, lead the way offensively. Griffin, who was all-conference as a sophomore last year, keys the pitching staff. “I have high expectations this year,” Lorenz said. “We have a lot of pitching depth which is going to help with our conference schedule. A lot of our returners saw significant time last year in a variety of positions whether that be on the mound or at the plate. A lot of sophomores and freshmen saw significant action which should play a part in how we handle certain situations and competition this year.”
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC
SCHAUMBURG CHRISTIAN
Coach: Wes Dixon (13th season)
Last year's record: 2-16, 0-8
Top returning players: James Carey /Inf, Jr.; Cooper Smith, P/Inf, Soph.; Jhomie Coleman, OF, Soph.; Jake Vandermeir, C/P, Jr.; Takefumi Onishi, P/Inf, Jr.; Vander Harris, P/UT, Soph.; Noah Jordan, P/1B, Soph.; Calvin Leonhardt, P/OF, Soph.; Ethan Broyles, 3B/1B, Jr.; Brandon Flowers, OF, Jr.
Key newcomers: Conner Flowers, OF, Fr.; Nathan Cunat, OF, Fr.
Worth noting: Even without a senior on the team, the Conquerors feel they can improve on last year’s mark and climb into the middle of the Northeastern Athletic Conference. “We are young,” Dixon said. “We don’t have a senior on the team. But these guys are all dedicated. They are all baseball players and not playing for recreation.”
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
LEYDEN
Coach: Ruairi O'Connor (6th season)
Last year's record: 10-22, 6-12 (5th)
Top returning players: Maddox Jasinski, P/CF, Sr.; Hassan Khrawish, C/P/Inf, Sr.; Jonathan Rosas, P/2B, Sr.; Elias Carrillo, P/Inf, Dr.; Sammy Calderon, Inf, Jr; Jacob Ganir, Inf/OF, Jr.
Key newcomers: Angel Gutierrez, UT, Jr.; Luis Zapata, C, Jr.; Julian Martinez, UT, Jr.
Worth noting: The Eagles returned four starters from last season and are looking to build on them. They are hoping to improve on their fifth-place finish in the WSC Gold. “Our goal is to be a .500 team,” O’Connor said. “We will need to throw more strikes and make less errors.”