The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 28, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 20, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

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. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Catholic Memorial
Preseason Rank: 17
2016 Record: 16-12
Conference: Little Ten
WIAA Division: 2
Head Coach: Tim Gotzler
Playoff Run: Regional Champion
2016 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 5
 

TOP PLAYERS

X- Factor

RHP/SS Jonathan Dominguez. Dominguez is one of the top uncommitted seniors in the state. This past fall at the Milwaukee Senior Games Dominguez flashed electric stuff from the right side. His fastball sat 86-87 mph with running action and featured a curveball with 10-4 shape and late breaking action with swing and miss potential at 76-79 mph. Last season Dominguez pitched 17.1 innings and struggled with command walking 22 and hitting eight. If he can show the premium stuff he flashed this fall it will be a big help for an already deep Crusader pitching staff that features Michigan commit Ben Dragani and fellow senior Andrew Stekiel.

Stat Rat

0: The number of state tournament appearances by Catholic Memorial. With a deep and experienced pitching staff combined with the tough Division 1 schedule the Crusaders play, 2017 could be the year they make it to Appleton.

Outlook

2017 will see the WIAA implement new pitch count rules. With as much talent as the Crusaders have on the staff, command will be the key to their success this year. Last season in 185.1 innings pitched the staff allowed 197 hits and walked 149 hitters. All three senior pitchers have above average stuff, but will have to show better command in 2017. If they show the ability to throw strikes they can carry the Crusaders deep into the Division 2 playoffs. When Dragani is not on the mound he will contribute at the plate where he hit .413 last year. Junior catcher Jacob Kaiser posted a .395 batting average as a junior with an on base percentage over .500.

Related Content