By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

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: Homewood-Flossmoor
Preseason Rank: 22
2016 Record: 12-18
Conference: Southwest Suburban
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Todd Sippel
Playoff Run: NA
2016 Final Rank: Not Ranked
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS

X-FACTOR
RHP Tylon Ross. The junior right-handed pitcher made a big jump in velocity this fall and parlayed that into a commitment to Purdue. Ross, ranked No. 10 in Illinois, sits in the upper 80’s with his fastball, has feel for the strike zone and a three-pitch repertoire. If Ross can pitch to his potential the Vikings will be dangerous in the postseason.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
LHP/OF Kyle Salley. The junior should add depth on the mound and at the plate this spring for the Vikings. Salley, who filled out his frame over the winter has seen an uptick in his fastball velocity. Offensively, the left/left athlete profiles as a leadoff type, as he controls the barrel and runs a sub 7.0 60. He also has an above-average arm from the outfield.

Kyle Salley (2.19.17)

KEY PLAYERS LOST
Bryce Gray, C, 2016 (Notre Dame)
Malik Coupet, SS, 2016 (Knox College)
Korry Howell, 2B, 2016 (Kirkwood CC)
Percy Walters, 3B, 2016 (Morehouse College)

OUTLOOK
The Vikings had a disappointing 2016 season but have a lot of talent coming through the ranks ready to make impact at the varsity level in 2017. Junior OF Zaid Walker, a Michigan State commit, is one of the few returning position players. He is one of the toolsiest prospects in the 2018 class and should be in line for a break out season. The Vikings should be solid up the middle of the infield with 2B Nick McAlister, a South Suburban JC commit, and senior SS Justin Correll. Junior LHP/OF Kyle Salley has all the tools to make an impact on the mound and as a position player. Salley is a fluid athlete who is a tough out at the plate and has a lot of pitch-ability on the mound. Tre Hondras is a physically advanced freshman who has a chance to start in the outfield and adds another talented young hitter to the lineup. On the mound, the Vikings have a couple of top end arms and plenty of depth. RHP A.J. Schlaffer, a South Suburban JC recruit, is slated to be the No. 1 with junior RHP Tylon Ross, a Purdue recruit, right behind him. Salley and Carter Schultz are two left-handed arms that will be in the mix and get plenty of innings. Schultz, an uncommitted senior, is a crafty southpaw who was a reliever last year. Senior A.J. Schlaffer has a sophomore brother, Tyler, who will begin the season at the sophomore level but has the talent to make an impact on varsity at some point this year. Tyler has an advanced three-pitch mix and a fastball in the mid 80’s.

BOTTOM LINE
The Vikings are in line for a bounce back year and if everything comes together they will be an extremely dangerous team come late spring. Schlaffer and Ross are a solid 1-2 and Salley has the capability of matching up well with any other No. 3 around. It wouldn’t be shocking if Homewood-Flossmoor contends in the loaded Southwest Suburban conference this spring.

preseason countdown

Follow @PBRIllinois