Pioneer Press broke down the Hersey baseball team at the start of the 2016 season:
Hersey
Coach: Bob Huber
Top Returners: Sr. SS Brett Harris, Sr. 3B Paul Tokar
Newcomers: So. OF Owen Goldsberry, So. 2B Cade O’Neal, Jr. C Tyler Haffey
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2015 Record: 11-21 (7-9 Mid-Suburban East), lost to Palatine in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal
Season outlook: The Huskies figure to be one of the more intriguing teams in the Mid-Suburban East. They return a handful of players who saw significant innings on the mound last season, and that experience should be a big factor. Don’t be surprised if they turn the corner and improve upon last year’s record.
Storyline to watch: How far will pitching and defense carry Hersey? Seniors Brett Harris and Paul Tokar are excellent and experienced on the left side of the infield, but the Huskies will start a junior catcher and sophomores at second base and center field. How well (and how quickly) the younger players gel with the older ones will determine the Huskies’ fate.
They said it: “We took it on the chin a little bit at times last season, but I’m confident because we have a lot of pitching depth at every level this year,” coach Bob Huber said. “I’m not saying we’re gonna win the division, but we should be in the hunt.”
Tim Froehlig is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter: @TFroehlig