By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the top 75 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

Team: Cary-Grove
Preseason Rank: 43
2013 Record: 19-12
Conference: Fox Valley - Valley Division
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Don Sutherland
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional (Barrington)
2013 Final Rank: Not Ranked

Returning Starters: 3
Returning Pitchers: 1

TOP PLAYERS
Andrew Splitt, RHP, 2014
Dean Christakes, SS/OF, 2014 (University of Chicago)
Matt Sutherland, 2B, 2015
Wyatt Mascarella, C, 2015
Jimmy Perkins, OF/RHP, 2015
Rob Johnson, OF, 2014
Larkin Hanselman, LHP, 2015

X-FACTOR
Jimmy Perkins. Although the 5-foot-11, 155-pound Perkins played on the sophomore team last year, he features top-level speed and a strong arm from the outfield and the mound. Perkins’ speed could impact the Trojans in all facets of the game.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Wyatt Mascarella, C, 2015

STAT RAT
RHP Andrew Splitt is the only returning pitcher from last year’s club. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder posted a 3-0 record with a 2.74 ERA. He notched 30 strikeouts to 10 walks last season.

OUTLOOK
Don’t be fooled by the fact the Trojans only have three returning starters and one pitcher back from last year. Coach Don Sutherland, who’s teams are always competitive, has an extremely strong junior class coming up the ranks, and several talented seniors who saw limited action last year. The team’s strength rests in its defense, as Sutherland features good team speed and defenders all over the field. The Trojans graduated their top three pitchers, so RHP Andrew Splitt will need to step up and anchor the staff. Junior Matt Sutherland is coming off a strong sophomore campaign in which he batted .333 with an .831 OPS while playing a stellar 2B. Look for senior Dean Christakes, who’s a 6.75 runner, to make an impact this season. Juniors C Wyatt Mascarella and Jimmy Perkins are two highly ranked prospects in the 2015 class.

BOTTOM LINE
The Trojans should compete for the Fox Valley championship this season. Exactly how far they go in the playoffs will depend on how quickly their inexperienced players acclimate to varsity competition.

Season Countdown

+ Preseason Team Rankings

+ Updated Illinois 2014 Player Rankings

+ June Event Schedule

Make sure you follow @PBRillinois on Twitter for complete Illinois high school baseball coverage throughout the season.