Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 16 Ashwaubenon

March 21, 2016

The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 29, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 21, 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: Ashwaubenon
Preseason Rank: 16
2015 Record: 15-11
Conference: Fox River Classic
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Adam Kilp
Playoff Run: Regional Champions
2015 Final Rank: Not Ranked
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 5

TOP PLAYERS

Name	State	School	Class	Pos	Commitment
Turner Wittig	WI	Ashwaubenon	2016	RHP/INF
Zak Imig	WI	Ashwaubenon	2016	C
Will Ark	WI	Ashwaubenon	2016	RHP
Mitch Powers	WI	Ashwaubenon	2016	RHP

X-FACTOR
Senior Turner Wittig is the Jaguars top returner in 2016. Wittig is an all-state honorable mention after his 2015 season where he hit.425 and went 6-4 on the mound with a 2.10 ERA. Wittig is a big reason Ashwaubenon will be chased in the Fox River Classic.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Ashwaubenon is fairly senior heavy in 2016 which is one of the reason they pose a serious threat in the FRC. But keep an eye on some juniors contributing for the Jaguars this year as well. Coach Kilp is high on Jim Callahan and Brock Koski to help carry the lineup along. Both saw minimal action on varsity last year but should be everyday guys in 2016. Pitching is not a concern for the Jaguars in 2016 with four seniors who have pitched at the varsity level for three years, but another junior that could step in when needed is LHP Cade Curtis. Curtis is a low 80's southpaw with a good 12/6 curveball to go with it.

OUTLOOK
The strength of the 2016 Jaguars is the experience returning to the diamond for Coach Kilp. Ashwaubenon is loaded with senior arms including their returning all-state honorable mention Turner Wittig. Pitching will clearly be their strength and the offense will be tasked to jst score enough for their talented arms. When it comes playoff time, pitching is king and this should be a huge advantage to the Jaguars deep and talented staff.

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