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: Grant
Preseason Rank: 49
2013 Record: 17-12
Conference: North Suburban - Prairie Division
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Dave Behm
Playoff Run: Lost in first round (McHenry)
2013 Final Rank: Not Ranked

Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 4

TOP PLAYERS
Simeon Lucas, C, 2014 (Illinois State)
Ryan Noda, OF, 2014 (Cincinnati)
Tino Torres, OF/C, 2014
Will Zitkus, SS, 2014
Nick Heidenthal, INF, 2015
Eddie Kusiak, INF/P, 2015

X-FACTOR
Simeon Lucas. Over the last two seasons, the 6-foot-3 Lucas has been one of the state’s most productive hitters, so much so he is one of the highest-interest draft prospects in Illinois.

KEY PLAYER LOST
Jake Ring, OF (Missouri)

STAT RAT
Lucas batted .500 with 7 homers and 44 RBI as a junior last spring. In two seasons, Lucas has driven in 76 runs.

OUTLOOK
Two years ago, the Bulldogs shocked many when they finished third in Class 4A, earning the Fox Lake school’s first state trophy. From that history-making team they had eight starters returning last year, but they couldn’t capture the same magic and suffered a first-round exodus in the playoffs. Although they graduated several talented players from that team, including speedy OF Jake Ring, Grant has the potential to make a run this season. The core of its offense returns, headlined by left-handed hitting C Simeon Lucas, who as a sophomore led the team in several offensive categories. Lucas is one of the top draft prospects in the Midwest. Joining Lucas is three-year starting OF Ryan Noda, an athletic left-handed hitter signed at Cincinnati. Four starters in all return for the Bulldogs. The big question surrounding Grant is pitching. The lack of arms last season plagued the team. Coach Dave Behm is hoping someone will step up as the team’s No. 1. Look for junior INF/RHP Eddie Kusiak to make an impact this season. 

BOTTOM LINE
No matter how many runs Lucas and Noda drive in this season, the Bulldogs’ ultimate success rests in their pitching. Grant should win the North Suburban Prairie Division, but after that they will likely need to slug their way through the playoffs.

 

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.