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: Marian Catholic
Preseason Rank: 69
2013 Record: 23-15
Conference: East Suburban Catholic
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Phil Wail
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Final (Lockport)
2013 Final Rank: Not Ranked

Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Pat Schmidt, 1B, 2014
Michael Bainbridge, 3B/OF, 2014 (Heartland CC)
Danny Janowski, LHP, 2014 (South Suburban CC)
Chris Baker, OF, 2014
Luiscarlo Avila, SS, 2014
Lavezz Middleton, OF/INF, 2015

X-FACTOR
Michael Bainbridge. The 6-foot left-handed hitter can play multiple positions and is an offensive threat. As a junior, the Heartland CC recruit tallied 35 hits and 23 RBI.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Danny Janowski, LHP/DH. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder is a transfer from T.F. South. Janowski sat out his junior year, but as a sophomore, he was a ranked prospect, one who featured a mid-80s fastball. Janowski should make an immediate impact on the mound.

KEY PLAYER LOST
Brad Bohlen, 3B (Northern Kentucky)
David Calderon, RHP/INF, 2014 (transferred to Lincoln-Way North)

STAT RAT
1B Pat Schmidt, a three-year starter, hit .438 with 13 RBI, 12 runs and 3 homers in 12 games last year before breaking his hand.

OUTLOOK
Two short years ago, the Spartans claimed the school’s first state championship in 3A. They have since moved back up to 4A. While this year’s edition lacks the same ability as the state-championship squad, Marian Catholic should once again win its share of games. Coach Phil Wail returns four starters and plenty of team speed. Look for left-handed hitting SS Luiscarlo Avila (.456 BA, 8 doubles, 11 RBI in 18 games) and left-handed hitting OF Chris Baker to have breakout seasons. Last year’s ace RHP/INF David Calderon transferred to Lincoln-Way North, which is a big blow, but T.F. South transfer Danny Janowski should help fill that void. Still, pitching depth is a concern for the Spartans, especially in the tough East Suburban Catholic Conference.

BOTTOM LINE
Don’t expect Marian Catholic to be playing in Joliet come June again, especially in the rugged 4A regional/sectional it is seeded. Wins in the East Suburban Catholic will be equally hard to come by, but the Spartans have the talent to play the role of spoiler, both in league and in the postseason.

Season Countdown

+ Preseason Team Rankings

+ Updated Illinois 2014 Player Rankings

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