Prep Baseball Report

Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 20 New Trier



 By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Illinois high school season kicks off on March 13, the first day for regular season games.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and  across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team.

Team: New Trier
Preseason Rank: 20
2016 Record: 27-10
Conference: CSL - South
IHSA Class:
4A
Head Coach:
Mike Napoleon
Playoff Run:
Elite Eight
2016 Final Rank:
15
Returning Starters:
6
Returning Pitchers:
3


Top Players

Name State School Class Pos Commitment
Matthew Kann IL
New Trier
2017 OF/1B
Franklin and Marshall College
Kevin Donahue IL New Trier 2017 INF

Will McNulty IL New Trier 2017 INF

Eric Nicholas IL New Trier 2017 CF

Peter Schuldt IL New Trier 2017 RHP
Colby College
Jack French IL New Trier 2017 RHP

Jack Falk IL New Trier 2017 RHP
 
Anthony Calarco IL New Trier 2018 RHP/C Northwestern
Cam Redding IL New Trier 2018 C  
Brian Kerwin IL New Trier 2018 C/RHP  
Joe Bullard IL New Trier 2018 LHP
 
Patrick Jodloman IL New Trier 2019 3B/RHP
 


KEY PLAYERs LOST

Ben Brecht
, LHP, 2016 (UC Santa Barbara)
Liam O’Neil, 2B, 2016 (Florida Southern College)

X-FACTOR
Anthony Calarco RHP/C. Northwestern commit, is one of the top two-way players in the 2018 class. With the loss of Brecht, Calarco has a chance to take over the role as the ace of the staff. The switch-hitting Calarco should also hit in the middle of the order this spring.

Anthony Calarco (7.20.15)

 

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
3B/RHP Patrick Jodloman (2019). Jodloman is expected to compete for the starting third base job and a spot in the starting rotation.

STAT RAT
In 2017 the Trevians will be looking to replace Ben Brecht a 2016 graduate and UC-Santa Barbara commit. Brecht, 6-foot-8 southpaw won the Chicago Suburban League Player of the Year award last spring and was a PBR First Team All-State Selection. Brecht went 8-0 on the year with a 0.34 ERA. In 41 innings pitched he struck out 69 batters and walked 13.

OUTLOOK
The Trevians won 27 games in 2016, won the Central Suburban League Conference title, made it to the elite eight and return six position players to the lineup. Anthony Calarco and Matt Kann return and should hit in the middle of the order. Left-handed hitting Kann had a breakout year last season hitting .380, .477 on base percentage, 28 RBI and nine doubles. Catcher Dylan Horvitz has a strong arm behind the plate and provides some thump at the plate. Kevin Donahue and Will McNulty return on the infield. CF Eric Nicholas also returns after hitting .326 with 25 runs and 18 stolen bases last spring.  Despite the loss of Brecht (which can’t be understated), New Trier should have enough pitching depth to be dangerous once again this spring. Calarco has a live arm and could be in line to take over the No. 1 role this spring. Jack Falk, the 2016 closer who went 8-for-8 in save opportunities with a 0.96 ERA returns. Jack French and Peter Schuldt also return on the mound. French went 4-1 with a 1.08 ERA and Schuldt went 1-1 with one save and a 1.81 ERA. Sophomore Patrick Jodloman has a chance to make a impact on the mound in some capacity as does junior southpaw Joe Bullard.

BOTTOM LINE
If the Trevians get a few arms to step up and fill the hole left by Brecht graduating they should be in line for another deep run in the playoffs. They have a wealth of experience returning to the lineup and some young talent ready to make an impact on the mound. Look for the Trevians to once again compete for the Central Suburban League Conference title and another elite eight spot in the postseason.

Make sure to follow @pbrillinois on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the season.

preseason countdown