Prep Baseball Report

Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 25 De Pere



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.

No. 25 De Pere

2014 Record: 16-10
WIAA Classification: 1
Conference:
Fox River Classic
Head Coach:
Bob Van Rens
2014 Playoff Run:
Regional Opener

Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 5

TOP PLAYERS

Connor Rutherford, OF/LHP, 2015 (Lewis)
Emmett Kulick, CF, 2015 (Upper Iowa)
Ben Reynolds, 3B, 2015 (St. Norberts)
Carson Jacques, SS, 2016
Tyler Rouze, LHP, 2016
Evan Heim, 1B, 2015

X-FACTOR

Conner Rutherford – The Redbirds will go as far as Rutherford can lead them. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound two way threat is going to be asked to contribute big both on the mound and with his bat.

OUTLOOK

The Redbirds snuck into our Preseason Power 25 due to the core of returners they will have in 2015. De Pere was bounced early from the playoffs in 2015 but bring back a wealth of experience both on the mound and at the plate. De Pere will be led by Lewis commit, LHP/OF Connor Rutherford. Last season Rutherford posted a 4-2 record on the mound and hit over .450. Part of being a top team in the state is having the talent that can play at the next level and another factor for De Pere’s top 25 ranking is that three of their top seniors will be moving to play at the college level.

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