Neuqua Valley has seven college commits in its senior class, while Naperville Central reloads after losing its entire starting lineup.
BENET
The Redwings (17-14) have two returning all-conference selections, senior third baseman Marc Iozzo (Miami of Ohio) and senior catcher Jeremy DeWilkins. Each hit .449 last season. Senior pitcher Lucas Lawler (Evansville) and senior outfielder Brandon Cerocke (Illinois Wesleyan) are healthy after injury-plagued seasons in 2023. Also back are senior first baseman Joe Coffey (Baldwin Wallace), senior outfielder Charlie Kane and junior pitcher Jake Rifenburg.
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (14-20) have plenty of open spots after 13 players graduated. Senior catcher Daniel Bastidas (Heartland) and senior outfielder Jeremy Wrona (San Mateo) were both all-conference selections last season, batting .404 and .370, respectively. Two other seniors, shortstop Kyle Bucher and pitcher/infielder Liam Wagner, return. Senior Owen Myket (Wheaton), who can pitch, catch and play outfield, is the top newcomer.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redhawks (21-10) had 14 seniors, including the entire starting lineup, on the team that won the DuPage Valley Conference title last season. But the cupboard isn’t exactly bare. Junior pitcher/first baseman Chase Reeder (Illinois State) and senior infielder Jacob Gervase (Wisconsin-Platteville) got some playing time, while junior catcher Aiden Clark succeeds three-time Naperville Sun Player of the Year Colin Barczi behind the plate.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies (15-12-1) bring back their top three starting pitchers: seniors Jackson Prentice (McHenry County) and Zak Sumser and sophomore Max Steele. They will also lead the offense along with junior catcher Zach Bava (Illinois State) and senior outfielder Scott Walker. Senior first baseman Will Richards (Benedictine) will be joined in the infield by junior Matt Sonnenschein and freshman Brady Marino.
NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats (16-15-1) had their streak of regional championships snapped at seven last season but return 16 seniors. Among them are seven college commits: pitchers Dan Cercello (Houston), Will Zalabak (Roosevelt), Peter Pipikios (North Park) and Alex Voegele (Dominican), outfielders Paul Feret (Purdue-Northwest) and Matt Knapczyk (Parkland), and shortstop Andrew Gould (Maryville). Coach James Thornton foresees good things if they all stay healthy.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors (13-19-1) struggled defensively last season. A better performance in that area, combined with an upgraded offense and pitching staff, has coach Bryan Acevedo optimistic. Senior outfielder Ben Ford (Illinois Wesleyan) and third baseman/DH Hiroshy Wong, one of three players who started as sophomores last season, will lead the way. Junior outfielder Josh Hung and senior catcher Ryan Gustaitis are other top bats.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
