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: West De Pere
Preseason Rank: 20
2016 Record: 18-10
Conference: Bay
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Joe Rukamp
Playoff Run: Sectional Finalist
2016 Final Rank: NR
 

TOP PLAYERS

X- Factor

Winona State commit Kyle Kosobucki was the second leading hitter on the team and top pitcher for the Phantoms in 2016. He was named First Team All-Conference after hitting .368 and posting a 4-1 record with a 1.14 ERA.

Stat Rat

2010: The last year the Phantoms made it to Appleton. Last year they came up one game short of a trip to state falling to Kimberly in the Sectional Championship. With most of the team coming back this year they should have a good chance to make a deep run in the playoffs in 2017.

Outlook

The Phantoms have won the last two Bay Conference titles and look to make it a three peat in 2017. They are poised for another big year as seniors Kyle Kosobucki and Matt McNabb return. McNabb was the team's leading hitter after posting a .435 average, he is currently one of the top uncommitted seniors in the state. After Kosobucki look for senior RHP Cole Nelson who went 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA and junior Jordan Strick is poised for a breakout year after making strides on the mound this winter.

Related Content