Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 13 Lincoln-Way East
March 18, 2020
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: Lincoln-Way East
Preseason Rank: 13
2019 Record: 26-6
Conference: Southwest Suburban
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Eric Brauer
Playoff Run: Regional finals appearance
2019 Final Rank: 13
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Pitchers: 5
TOP PLAYERS
NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POSITION | COMMITMENT |
TJ Devries | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | SS | - |
Davey Fitzpatrick | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | 3B | Lewis University |
Cael Geijer | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | OF | - |
Daniel Hiemer | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2021 | LHP | - |
Landen Looper | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2021 | RHP | Louisville |
Ryan McCoy | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | C | Wabash Valley JC |
Nicholas Mergenthaler | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | OF | - |
Matthew Michaels | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2021 | 1B | |
Alec Murray | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | 2B | - |
Anthony Panzella | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2021 | RHP/3B | |
Max Polad | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2021 | 3B | |
Alex Stanwich | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2022 | OF | Tennessee |
Cade Turner | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2020 | RHP | Illinois-Springfield |
KEY PLAYERS LOST
NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POSITION | COMMITMENT |
Zack Jurgens | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2019 | 3B | - |
Cole Kirschsieper | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2019 | LHP | Illinois |
Ethan Lambrigger | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2019 | RHP | Kirkwood CC |
Ryan Ritter | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2019 | SS | John A. Logan JC |
Joseph Selvaggio | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2019 | OF | Rend Lake JC |
Matt Watson | IL | Lincoln-Way East | 2019 | 2B | - |
NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Very few prospects, if any, possess the type of tool-set Alex Stanwich does, especially at his age. Stanwich, only a sophomore, already committed to Tennessee, has elite-level tools across the board. Stanwich burst onto the national scene at the Future Games last summer when he broke the exit velocity record (106 mph) as one of the youngest participants in the event. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound talent took things to another level at the recent Underclass Invitational. He came out of the gates running a 6.58 in the 60-yard dash and followed that up with the loudest round of BP on the day. To top it off, he showcased athletic actions in the outfield and premium arm strength, touching 95 mph on his throws home. If that is not enough, Stanwich’s arm strength also plays on the mound. We have seen the talented two-way prospect sit comfortably at 86-87 mph, touching 88, with feel for three pitches and the ability to hold his velocity. Stanwich’s impressive tool-set, combined with his ability to put it all together in games, makes him one of the top prospects in the country.
With that said, when it comes to this spring, Stanwich is in line to start in center field as well as help on the mound. If all goes according to plan, Stanwich could be a powerful run-producer in the middle of the Griffins order and give them a high-quality arm that they will be searching for this spring. This talented sophomore should be a name to know over his next three years of high school.
Alex Stanwich (2.16.20)
X-FACTOR
Landen Looper, RHP, 2021: With the graduation of Cole Kirschsieper, one of the most reliable and productive high school aces in recent years, the Griffins have a huge hole to fill at the top of the rotation. Looper has arguably the most experience of anyone else on staff despite being only a junior. The Louisville commit had an up-and-down 2019 but what he does in 2020 could play a huge role in the success of the Griffins.
Looper, listed at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, has long been a projectable right-handed pitcher with a loose, easy arm action with feel for his arsenal. When at his best, we have seen Looper create angle to a mid-80s fastball that is complemented by a 12/6 curveball with depth and late bite. If Looper can emerge as a reliable, ace-like arm, the Griffins will be as tough as anyone in the Southwest Suburban and potentially the state, for that matter.
OUTLOOK
Losing the high-end talent of Kirschsieper and Ryan Ritter, as well as a handful of other starters, would cripple most programs. Luckily for Lincoln-Way East, they’re able to consistently reload and infuse their program with up-and-coming talent. The 2020 squad will look a whole lot different than the 26-win 2019 club, but that does not mean they will be any less talented. The aforementioned Stanwich has the ability to make an immediate impact at the varsity level, in all phases of the game. Looper could potentially be ready to become a lead arm on the staff, along with a host of others who will be fighting for the same role. Senior Cade Turner (Illinois-Springfield) has transitioned from catcher to pitcher and continues to make big strides on the mound. 3B/RHP Davey Fitzpatrick (2020; Lewis) has a physical right-handed bat, easy arm and mid-80s fastball. A trio of juniors who will compete for quality innings this spring are RHP/3B Anthony Panzella, LHP Danny Hiemer, and OF/RHP Joey Boland.
Offensively, the Griffins should be deep up and down the lineup despite only returning two starters. One of those starters, C/INF Ryan McCoy (2020; Wabash Valley JC) is a dangerous left-handed bat who should slot in the middle of the order and be one of the top run-producers. Alongside McCoy will be fellow senior OF Cael Geijer. Geijer, still uncommitted, brings speed, a knack for the barrel, and sneaky pop from the right-side of the plate. With the injury of Nick Mergenthaler, senior Dan DeCero should start in left field, rounding out the outfield alongside Stanwich and Geijer. Senior TJ DeVries was in line to take over the shortstop duties from the graduated Ritter but will be moving to second base due to injury. DeVries is a steady defender who controls the barrel at the plate. DeVries injury opens the door for sophomore Randy Seymour to handle shortstop. Seymour has a long, projectable 6-foot-1, 145-pound frame, is a natural defender with fluid actions and is comfortable playing on the move.
A couple of junior bats who will be competing for spots are 3B Max Polad, 1B Matthew Michaels as well as the aforementioned Panzella and Boland. Looper should also have a chance to swing the bat as well this spring.
BOTTOM LINE
The Griffins arguably look deeper, on paper, than they did last season – but they are inexperienced, leaving them early season questions to answer. By the time playoffs roll around, do not be surprised if they are peaking at the right time, playing like a club no one will want to square off against with the season on the line. Losing the likes of Kirschsieper and Ritter will dent any club but keep an eye on Coach Brauer’s squad when the real fun starts, in the postseason.
Make sure to follow @PBRIllinois on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2020 season.
Find more information on the 2020 Griffins below:
+ Full Schedule
+ Team Website
+ Team Twitter
PBR ILLINOIS PRESEASON POWER 25
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 1 Edwardsville 3/31/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 2 St. Charles North 3/30/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 3 St. Rita 3/27/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 4 De La Salle 3/26/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 5 Warren 3/25/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 6 Providence Catholic 3/24/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 7 Mount Carmel 3/23/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 8 Normal University 3/23/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 9 Brother Rice 3/20/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 10 Huntley 3/20/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 12 St. Laurence 3/19/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 11 Montini Catholic 3/19/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 13 Lincoln-Way East 3/18/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 14 Crystal Lake South 3/18/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 15 Joliet Catholic 3/17/20
- WI Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 16 Coal City 3/16/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 17 Libertyville 3/12/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 20 Lockport 3/11/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 21 Prairie Ridge 3/11/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 18 Normal West 3/11/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 19 Marist 3/11/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 22 Neuqua Valley 3/10/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 23 Oak Park-River Forest 3/10/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 25 Minooka 3/10/20
- IL Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 24 Glenwood 3/10/20