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: Geneva
Preseason Rank: 62
2013 Record: 20-16
Conference: Upstate 8
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Matt Hahn
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Final
2013 Final Rank: Not Ranked

Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Nick Derr, SS, 2016 (Florida State)
Jack Wassel, OF/MIF, 2016
Ben Chally, 3B, 2014
Max Novak, RHP, 2014
Nate Montgomery, C, 2015
Garrett Davis, LHP, 2015
Matt Guenther, OF, 2014 (Aurora University)

X-FACTOR
Nick Derr. The 6-foot, 178-pound Derr is one of the top sophomore prospects in the country. Already verbally committed to Florida State, Derr has game-changing speed, evidenced by his 6.63 60 he ran at the PBR Underclass Invitational in January, breaking the event record. He also possesses a top-level bat. Despite being only a sophomore, he has the potential to be one of the most exciting offensive prospects in the state.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Jack Wassel. At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, the left-handed hitting Wassel is another top-level 2016 prospect in the state and has the ability to be an impact player this year.

KEY PLAYERS LOST
Andy Honiotes, RHP (Miami)
Jordan Touro, RHP (South Alabama)

OUTLOOK
The Vikings are loaded with high-level young talent, which bodes well for the future. Their present outlook, however, is still bright if their underclassmen perform up to their abilities. Relying on underclassmen isn’t typically a recipe for success, but Derr and Wassel are high-ceiling prospects who have competed on the national level. The Vikings possess good team speed and athleticism. Pitching depth may be a concern, as the team graduated two Division I pitchers. Senior RHP Max Novak, who showed an 85-88 mph fastball this offseason, will be relied on to anchor the staff, along with junior LHP Garrett Davis.

BOTTOM LINE
The Vikings may be a year away from being a premier team, but their young talent should yield plenty of wins this season. At the minimum, they will be a fun team to watch.

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.