By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Follow @PBRIllinois

The Illinois high school season kicks off on March 13, the first day for regular season games.

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.

Team: Cary-Grove
Preseason Rank: 19
2016 Record: 23-12
Conference: Fox Valley-Valley
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Don Sutherland
Playoff Run: Lost Regional Semifinal
2016 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 1

Top Players

 

NEWCOMER TO WATCH/X-Factor
Quinn Priester RHP. Priester is currently ranked No. 2 in the Illinois Class of 2019 and posses one of the best fastballs in the class. This summer he topped out at 89 mph and shows advanced feel for his curveball and changeup. Priester is currently uncommitted but has garnered interest from top programs around the country. 

Quinn Priester (7.26.16)

STAT RAT
8-4: Matt McCumber’s record last season on the mound. In 64.1 innings of work last year McCumber struckout 64 hitters, allowed just 19 walks and posted a 2.07 ERA.

OUTLOOK
The Trojans will have a tough task this season replacing its entire infield, which graduated. Pitching will be the teams strong point as they have Northern Illinois commit Matt McCumber and Sophomore Quinn Priester as the teams top two starters. Priester is poised for a big year for Cary-Grove as he will get his first mound action on the varsity. Priester is arguably the best sophomore arm in the state with a fastball that tops out at 89 mph to go along with advanced secondary offerings. Senior catcher Tyler Pennington will be the team leader on the field for the Trojans as he is a three year varsity starter. Look for junior SS/RHP Ryan Ignoffo to help fill the void in the infield and provide innings on the mound for the Trojans in 2017. Ignoffo has a fastball that sits in the mid 80's and a strong arm across the infield.

BOTTOM LINE 
Replacing the entire infield will be a tough task for Coach Sutherland this season, but with two premium arms at the top of the rotation and a veteran backstop, the Trojans will again compete for the Fox Valley crown in 2017.

Make sure to follow @pbrillinois on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the season.

preseason countdown