The Illinois high school baseball season kicks off on March 16, opening day for regular season action under IHSA regulations. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2020 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Illinois Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Perennially, we’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

Our 2020 preseason coverage continues today.

Team: Alton
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 14-19
Conference: Southwestern
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Scott Harper
Playoff Run: Regional Finals appearance
2019 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 4

OUTLOOK

The Redbirds will be led by their pitching and defense. LHP/1B/OF Riley Phillips (2020; Louisville commit) gives Alton a legitimate ace to lean on. The long, projectable 6-foot-4, 170-pound, southpaw has seen his velocity climb into the low-90s as of late and also has feel for a curveball with depth. On top of his pitching prowess, Phillips also swings a potent left-handed bat, leading the team last spring with a .365 average with five triples, four home runs and 33-RBI. The second-team All-SWC selection also tossed two no-hitters and struck out 67 in 34 innings pitched. 

Joining Phillips on the mound will be Drury signee RHP Wes Laaker (2020) and recent transfer from Missouri, RHP Brayden Haug (2020; Lindenwood commit). Laaker was also a second-team All-SWC selection despite being limited due to injury while Haug was 5-1 last spring in Missouri with 36 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched. Another arm that will add depth to the staff is 2020 RHP Tyler Steward. Steward went 2-1 with a 2.47 ERA in 28.3 innings pitched last spring.

Positionally look for OF Caleb Noble (2020; Loyola New Orleans commit), INF/RHP Jackson Brooks (2021), INF Dylan Lahue (2020) and the aforementioned Phillips to lead the way. The Redbirds have three quality starters to lean on this spring with a true ace, so if the offense can click they will be one to watch late this spring come playoff time. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Riley Phillips (3/16/19)

Make sure to follow @PBRIllinois on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2020 season.

Find more information on the 2020 Redbirds below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Website

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