By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Follow @PBRIllinois

The Illinois high school season kicks off on March 13, the first day for regular season games.

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.

Team: McHenry
Preseason Rank: 18
2016 Record: 22-15
Conference: Fox Valley
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Brian Rockweiler
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Championship
2016 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 6

Top Players

 

X-FACTOR
Bobby Miller RHP/1B. Louisville commit, is the top two way player in the state. Last season Miller posted a 5-2 record with a 1.98 ERA striking out 76 in 55 innings pitched. At the plate Miller has easy left-handed power, last season he hit eight home runs and drove in 21. He will receive a lot of draft interest this spring on the mound where his fastball reaches as high as 93 mph.

Bobby Miller (2.5.17)

 

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
RHP Joe Kaminski (2019). Kaminski will see action on the mound this spring for the Warriors as a sophomore. Recently at the McHenry Preseason I.D. Showcase he sat 80-82 mph with his fastball.

STAT RAT
70%: The percentage of innings from last year the Warriors return. Juniors Dylan Honkala and Ian Grubich will be called on more often this year, both have shown improvement on the mound at PBR events this winter.

OUTLOOK 
With the new pitching rules implemented pitching depth will be key for teams this spring and McHenry is very deep on the mound. Seniors and Division I commits Bobby Miller and Michael Lasiewicz will headline a deep pitching staff that also features juniors Dylan Honkala and Ian Grubich. Miller, a four-year varsity starter, will be the focal point of the Warriors team this year as he will be the ace of the staff and hit in the three hole. Junior Owen Patzin has been the starting shortstop since his freshman year and will lock down the infield along with fellow junior Nick Finley. There will be a lot of buzz around the Warriors this year as Miller will be receiving draft interest though out the season. One weak spot for the team will be finding a starting catcher to work with the experienced pitching staff. Look for McHenry to compete at the top of the highly competitive Fox Valley Conference in 2017.

BOTTOM LINE 
The Warriors pitching staff and experience in the infield will carry them this season. The pitching staff alone could set them apart in the hotly contested Fox Valley Conference in 2017. Bobby Miller could be a player of the year candidate for his two way abilities.

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

preseason countdown