New Trier
1. The Trevians will have a tough time finding innings for a deep pool of pitchers that includes Walker McKinven, Will Hebard, Trey Frahler and junior Dillon Napoleon, the coach’s son. Second baseman and captain Mac Murphy will be a steadying influence on the field.
Lyons
2. The Lions’ infield will be solid with the return of seniors Luke Gacek (shortstop) and Mark Hochberg (second base). Newcomers Ed Viliunas (catcher), Alex Georges and Jack Easley (outfielders) figure to help continue the Lions’ success.
St. Rita
3. The Mustangs have reloaded for another title chase. Catcher Julio Godinez returns to handle such hard throwers as junior Jason Kafka, Chris Chojnowski and 6-8 Matt Conrath–a trio that appears to be the makings of a powerhouse pitching staff.
Minooka
4. The Indians may start the season somewhat slowly as they experiment at several positions, but watch out when they lock in to a lineup that is set. Outfielders Brian Shriner and Tim Ghilain and pitcher Tim Norman will contribute to Minooka’s fortunes.
Grayslake Central
5. The Rams, best of the Fox Valley Conference contenders, revolve around the senior power trio of pitchers Gerry Martinez and Steve Kuligowski and catcher Pat Garvey. They’ll be backed by the soft hands of junior shortstop Matt Schmidt as the sectional champs build up for another postseason run.
Also keep an eye on: Benet, Mt. Carmel, Downers Grove South, Plainfield South, Lockport.
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PLAYER CL SCHOOL POS
Kyle Ayers Sr. Oswego P-1B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Pitcher hit 91 on radar gun. Collected 47 RBIs in
2006 to snap school mark.
Elliot Armstrong Sr. Harlan SS-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Athlete will try to provide spark for perennial
city contenders.
Andrew Biela Sr. Palatine OF-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Strong arm serves him well patrolling outfield or
from mound.
Tony Bucciferro Jr. Minooka P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Ace of staff returns after 13-0 season. Right-hander
posted 0.75 ERA.
Pete Cappetta Sr. Montini SS-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Future Illini won 7 for Broncos with 10 HRs and
.842 slugging percentage.
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Nick Chmielewski Sr. Sandburg P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Right-hander consistently in low 90s. Head for
Champaign next season.
Chris Chojnowski Sr. St. Rita P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Strong-armed right-hander is consistently in
upper 80s. Won 8 last year.
Kevin Crane Sr. Crete-Monee 3B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Warrior delivers lot of power in small
(5-foot-9, 190 pound) package.
Casey Crosby Sr. Kaneland P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Left-hander has heat and attention of pro scouts.
Also head to Illinois.
Mick Doyle Sr. Benet SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Four-year starter sets tone with slick fielding.
Headed to Notre Dame.
Paul Duncan Sr. New Trier P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Left-hander was 8-0 for Trevians in 2006. Will play
at Eastern Kentucky.
Rob Elliott Sr. Neuqua Valley SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Bradley signee sets table for the Wildcats
(.468 at leadoff).
Sean Estand Sr. St. Rita 3B-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Hit six HRs in Mustangs’ 8-game playoff run last
summer.
Grant Fillipitch Sr. Lyons P-3B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Butler recruit surprised last year with 6 wins and
.375 average.
Matt Foley Sr. St. Laurence P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Lefty headed for big things after 9-1 mark and
1.71 ERA for Vikings.
Sam Franklin Sr. New Trier CF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Three-year starter scored 37 runs, knocked in 24
and stole 19 bases.
Dain Hall Sr. Barrington SS-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Multi-sport athlete uses numerous skills to make
plays for Broncos.
Dan Hilbert Sr. Plainfield South SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Set seasonal school records for HRs (13)
and hits (53).
Mike Kaczmarek Sr. Andrew P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Will lead Thunderbolts on mound (7 wins, 86 Ks)
and plate (.420, 37 RBIs).
Kyle Kaminska Sr. Naperville Central P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Posted 10-1 record and threw semifinal shutout
for state champs.
Braden Kapetyn Jr. Illiana Christian SS-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Carries on family tradition for Vikings. Hit .500
with 52 RBIs in 2006.
Steve Kuligowski Sr. Grayslake Central P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Lefty won six for Rams in 2006. Speedster
(6.9 in 60) will also patrol center.
Chris Lashmet Sr. New Trier 3B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Big (6-foot-5, 220 pound) bopper will provide
power for loaded Trevians.
Kevin Lee Sr. Richards C-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Catcher nailed 50 percent of base stealers in
2006. Future Iowa Hawkeye.
Tony Manville Sr. Mt. Carmel P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Powerful Iowa signee will be counted on for wins
and offense for Caravan.
Gerry Martinez Sr. Grayslake Central P-1B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Right-hander will be brought along slowly after
shoulder surgery.
Cameron McConnell Sr. Deerfield C
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Ranks with top defensive backstops in Illinois.
Headed to Notre Dame.
T.J. McFarland Sr. Stagg P
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DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Big (6-foot-3, 185) lefty can complement fastball
with an array of pitches.
T.J. McManus Sr. Glenbrook South 1B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Hit robust .460 with 48 RBIs for Titans to earn
CSL South player of year.
Casey McMurray Sr. Lyons OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Returning first-team All-Stater chose Illinois
over Jacksonville.
Grant Monroe Sr. Schaumburg P-1B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: With injury-marred season behind him, Duke recruit
is ready to roll.
Tyler Newsome Sr. Marist P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Strong all-around game for RedHawks. Hit .411
with 33 RBIs.
Mike Recchia Sr. Shepard P-3B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Righty has 14 wins, 157 K’s in 128 2/3 innings
and 15 HRs in 3-year career.
Jimmy Risi Jr. Highland Park OF-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: On target to rewrite Giants’ record book.
Hit .458 last season.
Nate Roberts Sr. Richmond-Burton OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Game-changing power included 11 HRs and 41 RBIs
in 2006.
Bryan Roberts Jr. Benet C-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Will be relied upon to provide power and
strong defense.
Rich Ruff Sr. Notre Dame C-P-SS-3B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Quick release makes baserunners think twice
about stealing.
Marvin Sanchez Sr. Clemente SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Slick-fielding infielder will lead hopes to end
Lane’s hold on city title.
Casey Savatski Sr. Driscoll P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Went 13-0 for Class A runner-up. Hit .400
season ago.
Scott Sexton Sr. Oak Lawn SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Four-year varsity starter powers Trojans
offense. Signed with Oakland.
Jordan Sivertsen Jr. Carmel OF-P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Comes off big soph year that featured 10 HRs.
Strong on mound too.
Elliott Soto Sr. Dundee-Crown SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Creighton recruit blessed with one of
Chicagoland’s best gloves.
Brian Stroud Sr. Providence P
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Nine wins, 8 complete games, 0.81 ERA says
it all.
Kevin Tokarski Sr. DG North SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Drives opposing defenses crazy with speed and
bat (.476 average).
Ian Tompkins Sr. Loyola C
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Big (6-3, 185 pounds) and big-time backstop
will attend Kentucky.
Andrew Trepel Sr. Minooka SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Moves from second base after breakout
season. Hit .375.
Brett VanAsdlen Sr. Minooka C-1B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Big backstop (6-4, 240 pounds) will fill void
at first for Indians.
Austin Wright Jr. Conant P-OF
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Strong-armed left-hander struck out 75 in 48
innings for Cougars.
Phil Wunderlich Sr. Downers South 3B
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Line-drive hitter and defensive anchor at third. Tony Zych Jr. St. Rita P-SS
DAVE SURICO’S QUICK HIT: Major talent has scouts and schools buzzing
about his bat and pitching.
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