The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 28, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 20, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

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. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Wilmot
Preseason Rank: 19
2016 Record: 13-14
Conference: Southern Lakes
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Josh Pye
Playoff Run: Regional Champion
2016 Final Rank: NR
 

TOP PLAYERS

X- Factor

Illinois State commit Gunner Peterson is currently ranked No. 10 in the PBR Wisconsin Class of 2018 rankings. Peterson hit .378 with three homeruns and a team high 24 RBIs last season for the Panthers and has added more strength to his frame since the summer. Peterson also pitched at the Milwaukee Preseason I.D. Showcase last month and sat 83-84 topping out at 86 mph with his fastball and featured a curveball with depth at 68-71 mph. Peterson will be another weapon for the Panthers on the mound that brings back its entire staff from last season.

Stat Rat

2014: The last season Wilmot made the trip to Appleton. With some of the high end talent the Panthers have they have the chance to beat any team in the state when Troy Hickey is on the mound and throwing strikes. With the Peterson brothers in the middle of the lineup the Panthers have the talent to make it back to Appleton in 2017.

Outlook

The Panthers will be a team to watch in the Southern Lakes conference this year as they have one of the more talented rosters in the state. They bring back a lot from last year’s team that upset No. 1 Indian Trail in the Regional Championship. Offense wont be an issue for the Panthers as they return their top three hitters in Josh Schattner (.397), Gunner Peterson (.378), and Tanner Peterson (.361). The entire pitching staff also returns lead by Oklahoma State commit Troy Hickey who posted a 3-2 record with a .54 ERA. If the Panthers pitching staff can throw strikes this year they will be near the top of the Southern Lakes standings. Last season pitchers walked 119 batters in just over 164 innings. Throwing strikes and keeping pitch counts down will be key to success in 2017.

Related Content