By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 31, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 23, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Throughout the month of March we will be counting down our Preseason Power 25 Team Rankings leading up to the No. 1 team right before opening day.

CLICK HERE for complete Preseason Power 25.

No. 22 Jefferson

2014 Record: 28-3
WIAA Classification: 2
Conference: Fox Valley North
Head Coach: Greg Fetherston
2014 Playoff Run: Division 2 State Champions

TOP PLAYERS

Nick Schrader, SS, 2015 (Western Illinois)
Dylan Ott, 2B, 2015 (UW-Oshkosh)
Jared Nelson, C, 2015 (South Mountain CC)

X-FACTOR

A lack of pitching will be the biggest hurdle for the reigning Division 2 champs. The Eagles aren’t returning any of their 2014 pitching and will have to completely re-bolster their staff.

UP AND COMING

Chris Dekrey is a sophomore right-handed pitcher who could be asked to eat some varsity innings in 2015. We’ve seen DeKrey as a freshman sitting in the upper 70’s with a sinking changeup and should be improved upon that as a sophomore.

OUTLOOK

The Eagles make the Power 25 coming off of a Division 2 state title but Coach Fetherston will have to reload nearly the entire squad. Jefferson only returns a few position players and no pitching. The Eagle defense should look strong up the middle with Western Illinois commit Nick Schrader and UW-Oshkosh commit Dylan Ott as the double play combo. Both are strong defensive assets and if Fetherston can find a couple arms to keep the ball on the grass they should be amongst the top of the Rock Valley North. C Jared Nelson, the only other senior returning with significant playing time, will be tasked to manage the new staff as well as being a big contributor with the bat.

If you are a high school coach and have yet to send in your Preseason Questionnaire please fill one out HERE.

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