By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director 

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we counted down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. Over the next week or so we will take a look at the teams that were on the bubble:

Team: Niles Notre Dame
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2015 Record: 24-13
Conference: ESCC
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Nelson Gord
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Championship
2015 Final Rank: Not Ranked
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 6

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Sam Ferri, C, 2016 (Arizona State)
Matt Segovia, 3B/LF/C, 2016 (Dominican University)
Tim Simon, CF/RHP/SS, 2016 (Dayton Football)
Ranko Stevanovic, CIF/OF, 2016
Scott Kutschke, LHP, 2016
David Wendel, INF, 2016
Nick Stefanowicz, RHP, 2016 (Rockhurst)
Max Rimac, LHP, 2017
Jackson Kaplowitz, SS/3B, 2018
Kevin Garcia, 1B/C/RHP, 2018
Paul Bergstrom,  LHP/OF, 2018

X-FACTOR
C/RHP Sam Ferri. The Arizona State commit is one of the top-ranked 2016 prospects in the state.  The two-way threat is one of the best catch and throw backstops in the state and on the mound can run his fastball up to 90 mph.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Paul Bergstrom. Sophomore left-hander fills up the strike zone with his three-pitch repertoire.

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

SEASON COUNTDOWN

+ Preseason Top 25 Team Countdown Previews 

+ Updated Illinois 2016 Rankings

+ Complete Illinois High School Schedules