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: Benet Academy
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 10-22
Conference: East Suburban Catholic
IHSA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Scott Lawler
2019 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Pitchers: 8

OUTLOOK

For a program that’s experienced a great deal of success in the past, the Redwings didn’t achieve what they had hoped for in 2019. Head coach Scott Lawler is retaking the reins of this talented crop of returning players, who are ready to turn around a 10-win season. Even without former ESCC All-Conference honoree Aaron Staehely (Iowa Western CC), this Redwings squad is deep all over. Still stapled to shortstop is Connor Hincks, a Virginia commit, and a top-20 player in the state’s senior class. He looked even better at the start of February, after earning an invite to PBR’s illustrious Super 60 showcase. He’ll be the team’s offensive rudder yet again in 2020, all while playing a smooth and reliable shortstop. Senior catcher Ben Wright is an athletic presence behind the dish who could slot in as a middle-of-the-order bat for the Redwings this spring. 

An impressive collection of right-handed arms should provide experience and security for the Redwings’ staff. Senior Jared Novak (Bradley commit) and junior Jack Rodi (Creighton) are both top-100 prospects in their respective classes. Josh Conrad and Nick Bafia are expected to play an important role, too.

Benet’s depth and experience could help quickly wash away the bad taste left behind from the disappointing 2019 season.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Connor Hincks (2/2/20)

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

Find more information on the 2020 Redwings below:

+ Team Website
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE