The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 29, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 21, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

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. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Janesville Craig
Preseason Rank: 2
2015 Record: 29-1
Conference: Big Eight
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Victor Herbst
Playoff Run: State Champions
2015 Final Rank: 1
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 4

TOP PLAYERS

 

X-FACTOR
A big factor for the reigning champs is going to be whether or not their talented youth can fill the voids left by some everyday seniors. Sophomores, C Jacob Campbell and 2B Noah Berghammer saw limited varsity experience last season but are two of the top sophomores in the state. Both with very high ceilings and the potential to out perform their predecessors McCauley Cox and Nick Blomgren, altough a tall order. The Cougars junior and sophomore classes will be a big factor this year and may have better talent than the seniors lost, but ultimately comes down to performance on the field. 

KEY PLAYER LOST
Nick Blomgren, C (High Point)
McCauley Cox, INF (Illinois-Springfield)
JT Smithback, OF
Alex Marro, RHP (McHenry County College)
Kevin Brandt, INF

OUTLOOK
2015 will be a tough act to follow for the Cougars, as they went 29-1 and won the Division 1 state title. They lose four of their top five hitters from a season ago, but they have the young talent to fill in the holes nicely. Defensively up the middle Jack Blomgren and Noah Berghammer will provide one of the best young middle infield combos in the state. Sophomore catcher Jacob Campbell only appeared in 14 games last year but figures to get the bulk of the catching duties this season, Campbell has impressed this winter in workouts in front of the PBR staff with a big strong arm and bat and who physically look the part of departed senior Nick Blomgren. Chase Nyborg will look to duplicate last year’s success where he went 7-0 with a 1.60 ERA heading into the state tournament. Despite being a young team the Cougars have lots of varsity and playoff experience to help them find their way in 2016. Look for Nick Cramer and Evan Spry to get more innings on the mound this season, as they try and fill the void left by Alex Marro.

If you are a high school coach and have yet to send in your Preseason Questionnaire please fill one out HERE.