Preseason Team Countdown: No. 40 Moline
March 10, 2015
By Sean Duncan
Executive Director
Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:
Team: Moline
Preseason Rank: 40
2014 Record: 23-12
Conference: Western Big 6
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Craig Schimmel
Playoff Run: Lost in Sectional Final to Edwardsville
2014 Final Rank: Not Ranked
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 6
TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Brett Newberg, LHP/1B, 2015 (Austin Peay)
Mitch Owens, INF/RHP, 2016
Andy Brill, OF, 2015 (Creighton)
Austin Fancher, RHP, 2015 (Parkland College)
Anfernee Crompton, INF/OF, 2016
Kyle Kirschenmann, SS, 2016
Matt Trouten, RHP, 2015
Cam Fowler, LHP, 2016
Landon Fuller, 2015
Andy Wilczynski, 2015
X-FACTOR
Brett Newberg. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Austin Peay recruit is a true two-way standout. The left-hander has been racking up wins since his sophomore year, and will be counted on to be the team’s ace this season. Offensively, Newberg possesses right-handed power and will be needed to once again be a run-producer.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Kyle Kirschemann. The 5-foot-9, 165-pounder is a switch-hitting middle infielder who runs well (7.13 60).
KEY PLAYER LOST
OF Braden Mosley (Southern Illinois)
OUTLOOK
Moline returns six starters and six pitchers from last year’s club that finished in a three-way tie for the Western Big 6 championship. The Maroons have good depth on the mound, headlined by LHP Brett Newberg, a mid-80s left-hander who throws three pitches for strikes. RHP Austin Fancher, Mitch Owens, Matt Trouten and Cam Fowler should also log innings. Offensively, Owens and Newberg provide middle-of-the-lineup thunder. Owens, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound junior, has been an impact performer since his freshman year. Andy Brill and Anfrernee Crompton should also be significant run producers.
BOTTOM LINE
Moline should be the favorites to win the Western Big 6, though it will face stern competition from Galesburg.
Preseason Countdown
+ Top 50 Preseason Countdown Rankings
+ Updated Illinois 2015 Rankings
