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: Nazareth Academy
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 29-9
Conference: East Suburban Catholic
IHSA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Lee Milano
Playoff Run: Lost in the 4A Sectional Championship
2019 Final Rank: 17
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 4 

OUTLOOK

The loss of LHP Michael Prosecky (2019; Louisville) to graduation will be a big hit for the Roadrunners, but they have young talent who gained varsity experience last spring ready to take the next step. A couple in particular are 2021s RHP Wylder Guido and INF/RHP Ryan Smith. Guido was the No. 2 arm last year and he had earned the win in victories over loaded Marist and Joliet Catholic squads. He also held Brother Rice to one run in four innings in their Sectional Semifinals win last spring. As for Smith, he’s a talented two-way prospect with all-around athleticism and a live arm that has been up to 87 mph on the mound. 

Left/left senior outfielder, Teddy Olander, is a four-year varsity player committed to Hendrix College, and he should handle the leadership role this spring. Another position player who will bring three years of varsity experience is C Breven Reifsteck (2020; North Central College commit). Reifsteck runs a sub-7.00 in the 60 and is a sound defensive catcher who swings a simple, right-handed bat. Some other seniors who will provide needed depth will be OF Billy Brown and 2B Andrew Ortiz. A young talented infielder who could break the varsity roster this spring is 2022 INF Tristan Head.

If Guido can take over the lead role on the mound and Olander set the table offensively, the Roadrunners will be tough to beat once again.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Ryan Smith (8/25/19)

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

Find more information on the 2020 Roadrunners below:
+ Full Schedule
+ Team Website
+ Team Twitter

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