It would be a mistake for players on the Driscoll baseball team to allow their minds to drift ahead to the Class A finals June 8-9 in Springfield.
Sure, the Highlanders have been to the Elite Eight the last two seasons and, at 25-2, must be be considered one of the top teams in their class. But, as Driscoll coach Rod Molek knows, anything can happen in tournament play.
”We have a tough regional,” said Molek. ”Experience may be a factor, but who has the pitching and whose bats are hot is the real key.”
Driscoll, ranked No. 7 in the Tribune Top 10, has excellent pitching in starters John Mika (6-0), Mike Vavrek (5-0) and John Bongiorno (5-1). The Highlanders also have power at the plate in Mike Kamienski, Lou Leon, Joe Coglianese and Mike Burzawa.
Last season, Driscoll lost to Harrisburg in a state semifinal game. Harrisburg lost the title game to Belleville Althoff.
This season, Driscoll has Elmwood Park, Montini and Ridgewood in its regional. Teams such as Aurora Central Catholic and Westmont could be part of the Aurora Central sectional.