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 few weeks 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: Oak Forest
Preseason Rank: 21
2016 Record: 28-7
Conference: South Suburban
IHSA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Ron Czarnecki
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Final
2016 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 3

TOP PLAYERS

X-FACTOR
Senior RHP's Mike Edwards and Jake Jones. Both have No. 1 type of stuff at the high school level and should give the Bengals a solid one-two punch come playoff time. Oak Forest will rely on these two experienced arms to shut down opposing offenses and hopefully carry them throughout the playoffs.

Mike Edwards (6.16.16)

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
LHP Connor Oliver (2019). Oliver is a talented sophomore southpaw with a high upside. He has a good chance to enter the mix this spring and provide quality depth to the pitching staff. If so, the Bengals will have some of the best pitching depth in the South Suburban conference.

KEY PLAYERS LOST
OF Ryan Newton (Aurora University)
C Troy Hagadus

OUTLOOK
When looking at Oak Forest, it is pretty clear, two senior starting pitcher will lead the way and set the tone for the season. Mike Edwards, a Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit and Jake Jones, a Murray State recruit, both have ace type stuff. They both pitch in the mid 80’s with the ability to climb into the upper 80’s and feature above-average secondary offerings. Trevor Hausherr and Connor Oliver should provide needed depth behind Edwards and Jones. Hausherr is a junior right-handed arm that Coach Czarnecki expects to eat up some innings this year. Oliver is a sophomore southpaw with upside. This fall we saw Oliver sit 80-82 mph, touching 84 with the makings of an above-average breaking ball. Offensively, the Bengals will be led three-year returning starting SS Tyler Suchy. Suchy, is committed to play football and baseball at Robert Morris. An interesting piece to the offensive lineup to keep an eye on this spring could be sophomore catcher Brian Miller as Coach Czarnecki expects him to work his way into the fold. Flores, Edwards and Jones will also be counted on to contribute with the bat.

BOTTOM LINE 
The Bengals have two experienced senior horses to lead the way. If Edwards and Jones pitch like aces they could be one of four teams left standing in Joliet for Class 3A.

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

preseason countdown