Scouting Fox Valley baseball
The high school baseball started this week. Here’s a look at what to expect in the Fox Valley.
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Rich Swann, 3rd season (9th overall at ACC — 2002-2007).
Last season’s record: 11-19 overall, 3-11 in the Chicago Catholic League (5th place).
Top returning players: Brodie Curry, jr., P/OF; Nick Czerak, soph., SS; Aidan Crisci, soph., OF; Raul Gomez, sr., C; Matthew Guzauskas, soph., P; Cayden Lohrey, sr., P.
Key newcomers: Andrew Nugent, sr., 2B; Grant Bohr, jr., OF/P; Tyler Davis, jr., P/1B; Colin Renteria, sr., OF; Luke Janosek, soph., C/Util; Marcos Pena, soph., C/Util; Luke Torrence, fresh., P/3B.
Worth noting: Curry returns as the Chargers’ top all-around player after hitting .381 with 2 home runs, 7 doubles, and 26 RBI last season, while also recording 3 saves on the mound with 36 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched. Gomez (.351, 3 doubles, 12 RBI), Czerak (.250, 3 doubles), and Crisci (.268, 5 doubles, 20 stolen bases) should add punch to the lineup, while Guzauskas (3 wins, 27 strikeouts in 20 IP) and Lohrey (3 wins, 55 strikeouts in 44 IP) figure to be starting pitchers for the Chargers. “There will be position battles all over the field, with several returners and newcomers looking to find a place on the field,” said Swann. The key to the season will be the definition and acceptance of roles amongst the players, both returning and newcomers.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Andy Zorger, 17th season.
Last season’s record: 14-14 overall, 6-6 in the Chicagoland Christian.
Top returning players: Kaleb Elwood, sr., C/P; Jack Burns, sr., SS/P; Owen Niedzwiecki, jr., CF/P; Asa Johnson, jr., P; Zach Zappia, jr., IF/P/OF.
Key newcomers: Nolan Robertson, jr., P/1B/C; Noah Hensley, jr., IF/P; Cristian Huerta, jr., OF; Preston Morel, soph., IF/OF.
Worth noting: Niedzwiecki (.345, 4 doubles, 12 RBI, 24 runs scored, 5-1 record, 2.43 ERA, 31 2/3 IP), Northwestern-St. Paul commit Burns (.333, 6 triples, 18 RBI), and Wisconsin-Platteville commit Elwood (.310, 4 doubles, 16 RBI) return after batting above .300 last season. Niedzwiecki and Johnson (2-1, 4.14 ERA, 22 IP) figure to be at the top of the Eagles’ rotation. “We will need quality innings from several junior pitchers,” said Zorger, who guided the Eagles to the Class 1A state title in 2018 as well as a 3rd-place 2A finish in 2019. “Defensively, we should be very strong, especially up the middle, and our lineup looks to be very solid,” said Zorger. “I anticipate that we will be in the top half of our conference and contend for a 1A regional championship.”
Bartlett
Coach: Alexander Coan, first season.
Last season’s record: 24-11 overall, 15-3 in the Upstate Eight — 1st place.
Top returning players: Alex Bihun, sr., C; Vince Kamarat, sr., 1B; Austin Daubenmire, sr., OF; Brandon Pelz, jr., P/IF; Josh Colaizzi, jr., OF/IF/P; Gio Scivitarro, jr., IF/P; Vince Yario, jr., P/Utility).
Key newcomers: Dillon Frost, jr., OF/P.
Season outlook: The Hawks are junior-heavy from top to bottom, led by Upstate Eight Conference Player of the Year Colaizzi, who batted .435 with 47 hits, 40 runs scored, 5 home runs, 10 doubles, 30 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. Colaizzi also served as the Hawks’ closer last season, recording 4 saves and a 2.06 ERA, with 33 strikeouts in 17 innings. “We’re looking forward to having guys take that next step to replace the innings and leadership turnover (140 innings on the mound),” said Coan. “We stacked our nonconference schedule with some incredible programs and look forward to competing against them.”
Batavia
Coach: Alex Beckmann, ninth season.
Last season’s record: 12-22 overall, 9-11 in the DuKane — 6th place.
Top returning players: Gavin Rosengren, sr., P; Connar Temple, sr., P; Daren Barnes, sr., IF; Brandon Oke, soph., C; Keegan Harp, sr., OF.
Key newcomers: Ryan Rodriguez, soph., C/IF; Liam Darre, jr., IF/P; Michael Vander Luitgaren, soph., IF/OF.
Season outlook: Pitching should be a strength for the Bulldogs, led by Rosengren (Eastern Illinois) and Temple (Northern Illinois). Senior returners Jake Mysliwiec and Luke Stevenson also pitched significant innings last season, while newcomers Danny Strong, Max Kouzes, and Hayden Peterson will lend support. Offensively, Oke, Barnes, Harp, and first baseman Payton Wolff figure to lead the way. “We are replacing a large senior class from last season, and look for some younger players to step into key roles,” said Beckmann, who guided the Bulldogs to the 4A sectional finals two years ago.
Burlington Central
Coach: Kyle Nelson, 20th season.
Last season’s record: 25-10 overall, 14-4 in the Fox Valley — 2nd place.
Top returning players: Chase Powrozek, sr., P/OF; Jake Johnson, sr., C; Gavin Bramer, sr., OF/P; Connor Finn, sr., IF; Zane Pollock, sr., IF
Key newcomers: Nico Sherry, soph., P/C/1B; Wagner Viebrock, soph., IF; David Hinz, soph., OF; Thomas Koertgen, soph., OF; Daniel Koertgen, soph., P; Liam Schultz, soph., C/3B/DH; Bennek Braden, soph., OF; Sam Maglares, jr., P/IF.
Season outlook: The Rockets enjoyed a successful season last spring, finishing a game behind Fox Valley Conference leader Huntley before repeating as Class 3A regional champions. Burlington added a 5-0 sectional semifinal win over Benet before dropping a heartbreaking, 1-0, 12-inning decision to Sycamore in the sectional finals. Powrozek (UW-Parkside) figures to anchor the pitching staff, supported by Bramer (Eastern Connecticut State). Johnson (Missouri Southern) returns for his third season behind the plate, while Pollock (Chatham University) mans the infield. “We are a young, athletic group that needs to replace a lot of innings and at-bats,” said Nelson, who has guided the Rockets to a 391-193 record.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Kyle Williams, first season.
Last season’s record: 22-15 overall, 9-9 in the Fox Valley — 6th place.
Top returning players: Ricky Barnes, sr., IF; Charlie Taczy, sr., P/IF; Hayden Dieschbourg, sr., OF; Jacob Duvall, sr., OF/P; Luca Vivaldelli, sr., P/IF; Preston Walsh, sr., P/OF; Keenan Krysh, sr., C/P; Peyton Seaburg, sr., P/IF; Brock Iverson, sr., 1B/OF.
Key newcomers: Dylan Dumele, jr., P/1B/OF; Oskar Freund, jr., IF; Canyon McKinney, jr., IF; Andrew McGee, jr., P/IF; Lance Moore, jr., OF; Landon Moore, jr., OF.
Season outlook: Beginning his first season as the Trojans’ head coach, Williams inherits a strong group of seniors, who helped lead Cary-Grove to its second straight 20-win campaign and second consecutive Class 3A regional title last season. The senior group includes Dieschbourg (.333, 35 hits, 9 doubles, 17 RBI, 14 stolen bases), Taczy (.339, 38 hits, 10 doubles, 27 RBI, 25 runs scored), Barnes (.345), Duvall (4 home runs, 4 triples, 23 RBI), Krysh (37 hits), Iverson (3 home runs, 8 doubles), and Vivaldelli (1.41 ERA). Looking to contend for the FVC title, the Trojans hope to receive support from a promising junior class.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Brian Bogda, 18th season.
Last season’s record: 21-14 overall, 8-10 in the Fox Valley — 8th place.
Top returning players: Tony Amici, jr., C; Liam Sullivan, sr., OF; Xander Shevchenko, sr., OF; Brady Diaz, sr., 1B/P; Christian Alther, sr., 2B; Mark Pachla, sr., P; Yandel Ramirez, sr., IF/P; Jack Melhuish, sr., P; Carson Trivellini, soph., SS/P.
Key newcomers: Devin DeLoach, jr., P; Nick Stowasser, soph., OF/P; Michael Silvius, soph., IF/P; Jack Kos, jr., 1B; Dane Chock, jr., 1B/P; Nolan Dabrowski, jr., Utility.
Season outlook: The Gators return a solid nucleus, led by Sullivan (Loras College), Shevchenko (Elmhurst), Alther (Arizona Christian), Ramirez (McHenry County), Pachla, Amici, Diaz, Melhuish, and Trivellini. Last season, Crystal Lake South captured its third consecutive Class 3A regional title before losing to Deerfield in the sectional semifinals. “We have a lot of returners in the lineup as well as on the mound,” said Bogda, who guided the Gators to the 4A state title in 2017 and a 4th-place 3A finish in 2022. “We will need to stay focused, trust the process, and pay attention to details to be successful in the tough FVC.”
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Andrew Zimmer, first season.
Last season’s record: 4-32 overall, 0-18 in the Fox Valley — 10th place.
Top returning players: Jared Russell, sr., IF/P; Hayden DeMarsh, sr., IF/P; Jacob Toms, sr., IF; Logan Gutierrez, sr., OF/IF/P; Landon Richards, sr., P/OF; Kyle Pierce, jr., OF; Ryan Pierce, jr., OF; Jake Gillette, jr., C/P/IF.
Key newcomers: Ryan Helfinstine, soph., P/C/IF; Ikey Grzynkowicz, soph., OF; Max Backaus, soph., P/IF; Nathan Bushy, jr., P/IF.
Season outlook: Zimmer takes the helm for the Chargers, who are searching for their first Class 4A regional title since 2013. For now, they’re looking forward to improving. “We had some good commitment from our guys during our offseason workouts,” said the coach. “We have a lot of returning starters from last year, which will help us. Our returners have seen the high-leverage arms across the Fox Valley and know how competitive this conference is. We need to have a lot of discipline and do the small things right for us to battle in the FVC.” Competition from within should aid the program. “That’s what makes kids better,” said the coach.
Elgin
Coach: Joel Gamino, second season.
Last season’s record: 2-23 overall, 2-16 in the Upstate Eight — 9th place.
Top returning players: Ryan Steckbeck, jr., OF/P; Briar Dekarske, sr., IF/OF; Jacob Rufino, soph., OF; Juan Carlos Betancourt, sr., C; Ivan Magdaleno, soph., C/P/IF; Hugo Gasca, sr., P/SS.
Key newcomers: Saul Ibarra, soph., IF/OF; Raul Ramirez, soph., IF/OF; Anthony Gasca, fresh,, IF/OF.
Season outlook: The Maroons look to improve upon last year’s 2-win campaign with another young group, paced by senior catcher Betancourt (11 RBI), senior infielder/outfielder Dekarske (.375, .512 on-base percentage), junior outfielder Steckbeck (.375), and sophomore outfielder Jacob Rufino (.476 on-base percentage). They will also rely on Magdaleno, Taylor, Gasca, Ibarra, Ramirez for youthful energy.
Geneva
Coach: Brad Wendell, ninth season.
Last season’s record: 22-10-1 overall, 12-8-1 in the DuKane — 3rd place.
Top returning players: Miles Dibble, sr., OF/IF/P; Nick Price, sr., IF/OF; Ethan Gronberg, sr., 1B; Michael Toole, sr., DH/C/1B; Blake Kopec, jr., P.
Key newcomers: Aidan Hall, jr., OF; Joshua Frieders, jr., OF; Mason Bruesch, soph., OF; Noah Hallahan, soph., OF; Nelson Wendell, soph., IF; Tate Beran, soph., IF; Ryan Kastor, jr., 3B/1B/P; Alex Abraham, soph., C.
Season outlook: After graduating 17 seniors last season, the Vikings will certainly have a new look in 2025. “To say we are inexperienced and young might be an understatement,” said Wendell. “We return just four part-time starters from last season. We are hoping to reload with a quality senior core and a group of young, athletic up-and-comers wanting to make an impact.” Last spring, Geneva finished with its best record since 2016. Dibble (.250, 11 2/3 IP), Price (.294), Toole (.295, 9 doubles, 11 walks), Kopec (18 IP), and Gronberg will have expanded roles. Wendell and Beran are multi-sport athletes competing for middle infield spots. Seniors Owen Miller and Sophia Broderick will also receive pitching opportunities. “This season presents a great opportunity for new players to step up and make an impact,” said the coach. “Competing in the rugged DuKane Conference, we are sure to face our share of adversity. How well we navigate those challenges and come together as a team, with so many new pieces, will be a key factor in our success.”
Hampshire
Coach: Frank Simoncelli, eighth season.
Last season’s record: 24-11 overall, 10-8 in the Fox Valley — 4th place.
Top returning players: Calen Scheider, sr., P/IF; Anthony Karbowski, sr., P/1B; Wilson Wemhoff, sr., P/RF; Ari Fivelson, sr., CF; Eric Jackson, sr., P/LF; Nate Wians, sr., P; Jack Perrone, sr., P/3B; Nathan Kolder, sr., C; Evan Wurtz, sr., P/OF; Ethan Doonan, sr., C/1B; Lucas Mazur, sr., LF; Jackson Wigstone, sr., 1B/P; Carter Jones, sr., 1B/DH.
Key newcomers: Cole Harkin, jr., SS/2B/P; Shane Pfeiffer, jr., SS//2B/P; Joseph Rodriguez, jr., 3B/1B/OF/P; Christopher Whetstone, Jr., jr., OF; Dixon Murdock, sr., 1B/P; Nicholas Lueders, jr., P/OF.
Season outlook: Pitching should be a strong suit for the Whip-Purs, who return lefty Karbowski (2-3, 1.93 ERA, 29 IP, 36 strikeouts) and right-handers Scheider (8-1, 1.26 ERA, 49 2/3 IP, 66 strikeouts), Wemhoff (4-2, 3.28 ERA, 27 2/3 IP, 38 strikeouts), Jackson (2 saves, 12 1/3 IP, 10 strikeouts), and Wians (2-0, 1.85 ERA, 11 1/3 IP, 10 strikeouts). Offensively, the Whip-Purs figure to be led by Scheider (.339, 25 stolen bases), Karbowski (.333, 4 home runs, 37 RBI), Wemhoff (.418, 2 home runs, 42 RBI), Fivelson (.394, 1 home run, 22 RBI), and Perrone (.281, 11 RBI). “Our strength will be our experienced pitching and overall team defense,” said Simoncelli, who guided the team to a Class 4A regional title last spring. “I believe we can compete with anyone.” Fivelson (Bradley), Scheider (Bradley), and Karbowski (Louisville) are D1 commits. Hampshire, which opened the season with a 13-2 win over Westminster Christian on March 18, heads to Tennessee next week to play in the USA Baseball Challenge. The annual Strikeout Cancer Game will be held May 23.
Harvest Christian
Coach: Cory Deshazer, second season.
Last season’s record: 18-10 overall, 10-0 in the Northeastern — 1st place.
Top returning players: Benjamin Mitchell, sr., C/P; Obed Lopez, sr., P/3B; Eddie Figueroa, sr., IF; Caleb Boldog, sr., OF/P; Kyle Ziebell, jr., SS; Cael Blaudow, jr., P/OF.
Key newcomers: Ryan St. Louis, soph., Utility.
Season outlook: DeShazer’s first season as head coach was a success, as the Lions cruised to their 12th straight Northeastern Conference title with an unblemished 10-0 mark on the way to their eighth straight Class 1A regional championship. Harvest Christian’s postseason run ended with a 1-0 loss to eventual state champion Ottawa Marquette in the Class 1A sectional finals. The Lions return Benjamin Mitchell (.438, .515 on-base percentage, 3 home runs, 34 RBI, 35 hits), Ziebell (17 stolen bases, 7 doubles), mound ace Lopez, and pitcher Blaudow (3.71 ERA). “We feel we can beat most teams in the area regardless of level,” said DeShazer. Harvest Christian opens with Hampshire, Bartlett, and Jacobs before heading to Florida for the annual spring break trip. Senior starter Cade Adrian will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery. Mitchell (Lakeland), Lopez (Lakeland), Boldog (Judson), and Figueroa (Dominican) will play in college next year.
Huntley
Coach: Andy Jakubowski, 18th season at Huntley (24th season overall).
Last season’s record: 29-8-1 overall, 14-4 in the Fox Valley — 1st place.
Top returning players: AJ Putty, sr., P/1B/3B; Ryan Dabe, sr., OF; TJ Jakubowski, sr., SS/2B; Drew Borkowski, jr., P/OF/Utility; Travis Dudycha, jr., P/1B; Josh Rudnick, jr., P; Brady Klepfer, jr., P/Utility; Eric Suarez, sr., P/OF; Mason Leske, sr., P; Dylan Visvadra, sr., P/INF; Alex Behles, sr., 1B.
Key newcomers: Cayden Haugh, sr., OF; Andrew Diversey, sr., C/1B; David Juarez, sr., C; Jack Ezell, sr., 2B; Ben Anton, jr., P; Leo Bianchin, jr., P; Carter Dees, jr., P; Aiden Eickelman, jr., Utility; Diego Herrera, jr., P; Ian Kelly, jr., OF; Brody Peters, jr., 2B; Gavin Rettberg, jr., P/OF; Owen Borkowski, soph., P/2B; Sean Dabe, soph., P/Utility; Ashton Jones, soph., C/OF.
Season outlook: The Red Raiders return 11 players from last year’s squad that captured their eighth consecutive Class 4A regional title before losing to McHenry in the sectional championship. The list includes Illinois-bound Putty (4-0, 1.62 ERA, 21 1/3 IP, .419, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 49 hits), Bradley commit Jakubowski (.345, 39 hits, 8 doubles, 18 RBI), and Parkland commit Ryan Dabe (.423, 52 hits, 11 doubles, 18 RBI, 33 runs scored). “We have an athletic group that will put pressure on opposing defenses,” said the coach. On the mound, Huntley returns 158 2/3 innings, 21 wins and 7 saves from last season. The rotation should center around juniors Borkowski (6-1, 46 IP, 2.74 ERA), Rudnick (4-0, 26 1/3 IP, 2.92 ERA), Klepfer, and Dudycha, as well as seniors Putty, Leske, and Visvadra. Huntley shoots for its eighth straight FVC titles.
Jacobs
Coach: Jamie Murray, 14th season.
Last season’s record: 22-13 overall, 9-9 in the Fox Valley — 7th place.
Top returning players: Braden Behrens, sr., P; Kyle Wayda, sr., P; Spencer Drummond, sr., P/C; Gavin Grummer, sr., Utility; Aiden Stumpf, sr., P/Utility; Ethan Faith, sr., P; Andrew Deegan, jr., SS; Cooper Gulgren, jr., P/Utility; Ryan Tucker, soph., P/Utility.
Key newcomers: George Donze, jr., P; Aaden Colon, soph., P/1B; Jowell Colon, soph., P/Utility; Jace Koth, soph., OF/P; Andrew Robertson, jr., OF/P; Luke Flaskcamp, soph., C.
Season outlook: The Golden Eagles appear to be well-armed heading into the 2025 campaign. “Our strength will be our pitching staff,” said Murray. “We return eight players with varsity innings. In addition, this group is close and enjoys competing and getting better every day.” Last season, Jacobs saw its Class 4A regional title streak snapped at 2 following a 12-3 loss to Barrington in the regional finals. “This is a fun group to be around,” said the coach.
Kaneland
Coach: Brian Aversa, 19th season.
Last season’s record: 20-12 overall, 9-5 in the Interstate Eight — 3rd place.
Top returning players: Tom Thill, sr., 2B; Preston Popovich, sr., SS/3B/P; Dylan Borysiewicz, sr., 1B; Evan Ross, sr., P.
Key newcomers: Nate Campbell, sr., C; Antonio Villanueva, sr., OF/P.
Season outlook: Thill, a 3-year starter, anchors the infield for the Knights, who are looking for their first Class 3A regional title since 2022. Aversa has guided Kaneland to 20-win seasons in 6 of the last 7 years. Right-handers Popovich, Ross, and southpaw Villanueva figure to lead the pitching staff. “We will be competitive and look to get a lot of new faces the experience they need,” said the coach. “We are a young team with some veteran returners that round out a solid group. Our trip down south (April 1-3 in Florida) will answer some questions, and we hope to hit the ground running when we return home.”
Larkin
Coach: Niko Morado, sixth season.
Last season’s record: 12-17 overall, 8-10 in the Upstate Eight — 7th place.
Top returning players: Miguel Saavedra, sr., C/1B; Aden Mora, jr., P/SS.
Key newcomers: Antonio Ventura, soph., OF/P; Phoenix Rivera, jr., 3B/P; Jameson Cunningham, fresh., C/IF.
Season outlook: After graduating a group of seniors that included Carter Novelli, Moises Acosta, Peyton Wemken, Logan Leaver, and Mikey Hernandez, the Royals will field a younger team this season primarily dependent on juniors and 3 seniors. “We are looking to challenge the team with some tough nonconference games early in the season to prepare for conference and postseason play,” said Morado. “We will lean on senior leadership from 4-year varsity catcher Saavedra (.958 fielding percentage).” Mora posted a .476 on-base percentage with a .436 slugging percentage as a sophomore last spring.
Marmion
Coach: Aaron Nieckula, third season.
Last season’s record: 14-14 overall, 10-4 in the Chicago Catholic White — 3rd place.
Top returning players: Jack Hughes, sr., P/1B/OF; Kevin Schultz, sr., SS/2B; Nathan Bostrand, sr., SS/2B; Adam Ozsvath, sr., OF; Ronan O’Connor, sr., 3B/2B; Emmit Collins, jr., C/1B; Ethan Flores, sr., C/3B.
Key newcomers: Charlie Zebig, jr., SS/2B; Patrick Spencer, jr., P/1B; Matt Tulley, jr., OF.
Season outlook: The Cadets got their season started on a positive note, edging Waubonsie Valley, 8-7, on March 18. Hughes, a lanky, 6-foot-4 left-hander, saw plenty of time on the mound last season and figures to anchor the staff in 2025. Schultz, Bostrand, and Ozsvath add experience in the middle of the diamond defensively, while Flores sees time behind the plate. Marmion, off its best season since 2017, hopes to carry that momentum into this spring.
South Elgin
Coach: Jim Kating, 19th season.
Last season’s record: 14-14-1 overall, 11-7 in the Upstate Eight — 5th place.
Top returning players: Justin Pold, sr., 2B/P; Connor Lund, sr., CF/P; Jacob Robertson, jr., 1B/P; Colin Tuftedal, sr., OF/P; Aiden Bernau, sr., SS/P.
Key newcomers: Zach Barkho, jr., P/3B/SS; Kyle Iott, soph., P/OF; Nathan Kmiec, sr., P.
Season outlook: Heading into postseason play with a 12-13 record last season, the Storm played their best ball, knocking off Bartlett (12-3) and capturing their first Class 4A regional title since 2017 against Batavia (5-0) before giving top-seeded St. Charles North a scare in a 3-2, extra-inning loss. South Elgin welcomes back several key members of last year’s squad, including Pold (.371, 36 hits, 25 RBI, 30 runs scored), Lund (.305, 25 hits, 27 runs scored, 27 stolen bases), Robertson (.359, 23 hits), Tuftedal (.355, 22 hits), and Bernau (1-1, 3.09 ERA, 31 2/3 IP, 37 strikeouts). “We are hoping to compete for a top spot in the UEC and try to advance in the postseason,” said Kating, who will retire from the program (20 years) following the season.
St. Charles East
Coach: Derek Sutor, second season.
Last season’s record: 14-14 overall, 11-10 in the DuKane — 4th place.
Top returning players: Joey Arend, sr., P/OF; Matt Steinberg, sr., P/1B; Nathan Beers, sr., P; James Feigleson, jr., SS; Antonio Perez, jr., 2B; Nathan Moline, jr., 3B/OF/P; Dylan McCabe, soph., 1B.
Key newcomers: Gavin Fuscone, jr., OF/P; Andrew Evans, soph., 3B.
Season outlook: The Saints’ strength starts on the mound, where southpaw Xavier commit Arend (1.93 ERA, .302, 2 home runs, 16 RBI) leads the way. “Joey should be the anchor of our team, both offensively and on the mound,” said Sutor. “He can change the game with swing of the bat and can cause chaos on the basepaths. Last season, he was limited by an ankle injury, and he seems to be on a mission with something to prove.” Steinberg, a Manhattan commit, has a chance to be a breakout pitcher, while North Central commit Beers was called up to varsity late last season. Feigleson (.303, 20 hits, 12 RBI), a starter in 2024, moved from third base to his natural shortstop position midway through last season. “He has been getting some interest from schools like Dartmouth, Columbia, and MIT. Moline saw time at 3B, 2B, LF, RF, and on the mound last spring. “He has the opportunity to lock down third base, as he has a quick glove and strong arm,” said the coach. McCabe was named MVP of the IHSBCA Summer Tournament, hitting .533 with 6 RBI for the champion Saints.
St. Charles North
Coach: Todd Genke, 20th season.
Last season’s record: 28-5-1 overall, 19-2 in the DuKane — 1st place.
Top returning players: Keaton Reinke, jr., OF/P; Ty Heimbuch, sr., C/P/IF; Mason Netcel, jr., IF; Matt Ritchie, soph., P/IF; Chase Ferguson, jr., 1B/P; Reed Raczka, jr., OF/P; Emerson Miller, jr., P; Ben Auer, jr., OF/P; Charlie Major, jr., C/IF/P.
Key newcomers: Nolan Macholz, jr., IF; Cam Chickerneo, jr., OF; Julian Harmon, jr., P/OF; Josh Kobylinski, jr., C/IF/P; Jacob Jalove, jr., P/IF; Langdon Straub, jr., C; Dane Zanders, jr., P/IF; Jackson Dillon, jr., P; Nick Caccia, jr., P; Matt Kelly, sr., IF; Henry Grimm, sr., OF.
Season outlook: Graduating 16 seniors from last year’s Class 4A regional championship team, the North Stars return just 4 players with varsity experience, including North Central commit Heimbuch, whose versatility will find him behind the plate, in the infield, and as a closer on the mound, and outfielder Reinke. “Keaton will be one of our top three arms on the mound,” said Genke. Ritchie, a varsity call-up last season as a freshman, has huge upside on the mound when not playing third base. “Despite our youth, we have a versatile team with many quality juniors that are hungry for their opportunity to continue our winning tradition,” said the coach. The North Stars will rely on their strong pitching staff, a solid core of versatile athletes on defense, and a capable offense. Reinke, Ritchie, and Miller should occupy the top 3 spots in the rotation. “Despite our youth, gaining playoff experience from the last several years, while making deep postseason runs, will be major factors for our success in 2025,” added Genke.
St. Edward
Coach: Darius Lugo, third season.
Last season’s record: 13-20 overall, 3-11 in the Chicagoland Christian — 7th place.
Top returning players: Joe DuSell, sr., P/1B/OF; Nicholas Lombardo, sr., P/1B/3B; Anthony Freeman, sr., IF/P; Michael Cones, sr., P/Utility.
Season outlook: DuSell, a University of Cincinnati commit, returns for his senior campaign as St. Edward’s true leader. Last season, DuSell put up monster numbers that included hitting .505 with 47 hits, including 8 home runs, 10 doubles, 5 triples, 28 RBI, 36 runs scored, and a .605 on-base percentage, while also posting a 4.03 ERA on the mound. Lombardo (6 doubles) and Cones (.317) add experience for the Green Wave, who captured their first Class 1A regional title since 2009 a year ago before losing a 6-4 sectional semifinal decision to Harvest Christian.
Streamwood
Coach: Dan Jennings, fifth season.
Last season’s record: 16-17 overall, 10-8 in the Upstate Eight — 6th place.
Top returning players: Austin Paskewic, sr., C/3B; Riley Nosek, sr., P; Josh Zamora, jr., P.
Key newcomers: Conner Flynn, soph., 3B/P; Adam Rojas, soph., 1B/P; George Villalpando, soph., 2B/SS.
Season outlook: Following back-to-back, 20-win seasons, the Sabres hovered near the .500 mark last season before their 16-17 finish. Paskewic, who batted .380 with 9 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, and 25 RBI, is an Aurora University commit. “Austin will be a force for us on the mound, behind the plate, and swinging the bat,” said Jennings. Zamora and Nosek return with 33 and 20 innings pitched, respectively, last season. “We will be young,” said the coach. “We will have many sophomores and even a freshman in key roles. We also have strong senior and junior leadership and production.”
West Aurora
Coach: John Reeves, 18th season.
Last season’s record: 12-18 overall, 3-12 in the SPC West — 6th place.
Top returning players: Mason Atkins, jr., CF; Elijah Campos, sr., SS; Eliseo Liscano, sr., C/2B; Cooper Matheny, sr., P/SS; Jake Niedzwiedz, sr., P/IF; Nick Weisse, sr., OF; Logan Weaver, sr., P; Zach Toma, jr., P.
Key newcomers: Henry Hinkle, jr., 3B/P; Will Gray, jr., P; Chase Ferreiro, jr., P/1B; Jeremiah Juarez, jr., P/3B.
Season outlook: Looking to build upon last year’s trip to the Class 4A regional championship game (lost 2-1 decision to host Neuqua Valley), the Blackhawks return 3 mound starters in Niedzwiedz, Toma, and Matheny, as well as reliever Weaver. They will be supported by a strong group of juniors, headed by Gray, Ferreiro, Hinkle, and Juarez. Also returning from last year’s lineup are outfielders Atkins and Chase Yusi, and infielders Camps and Liscano. After 5 years in the Southwest Prairie, West Aurora hopes to contend in the Upstate Eight this spring.
Westminster Christian
Coach: Micah Bohyer.
Last season’s record: 14-10-1 overall, 7-2 in the Northeastern — 2nd place.
Top returning players: Seth Bohyer, sr., 3B/OF; Zach Gurley, sr., P/1B/OF; Anthony Braoudakis, sr., P/1B/3B; Elijah Geu, sr., IF/P; Brian Powers, jr., IF/OF; Ethan Nagler, jr., P; Luke Bartolome, jr., P/1B/OF.
Key newcomers: Elias Vaagen, soph., CF/P/Utility; Liam Nash, soph., P/RF/3B; Miles Meurer, soph., 3B/OF.
Season outlook: The Warriors return several seniors, including Seth Bohyer, Gurley, and Braoudakis, from a team that won 14 games last season and advanced to the Class 1A regional championship game before losing to Harvest Christian.