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: Oconomowoc
Preseason Rank: 5
2016 Record: 18-10
Conference: Little Ten
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Arno Kirchenwitz
Playoff Run: Sectional Finals
2016 Final Rank: NR
 

TOP PLAYERS

X-FACTOR

Uber athlete Zach Clayton will be going for the Wisconsin Little Ten All-Conference triple crown. Clayton already wrapped up the first team award this year in football and basketball and with a repeat performance of last season should get it again in baseball. The Oregon State commit will lead the offense and take a big role on the mound as well. His two-way abilities could arguable be the best in the state and obviously a huge factor in the Racoon success.

STAT RAT

Oconomowoc returns 15 of their 18 wins on the mound in the trio of Jonah Landowski (7-3), Zach Clayton (6-3) and Jackson Brown (2-1). Expect the three to improve on their 2016 numbers and lead the Racoons to a 20 win season and potential deep run in the playoffs.

OUTLOOK

The Racoons are primed for a big year in 2017. Although they stumbled a bit down the stretch in 2016, Oconomowoc has all the pieces to make a big run this year. They return nearly all of last year's pitching and a big portion of the offense. They include a solid mix of senior and junior talent that will play at the next level and already have varsity success. Last season's sectional run gives them a taste of playoff experience, but the Racoons are looking for the whole bite in 2017. Offensively, C Sean Meyer returns from a first team all-conference season to pair up with Clayton in the midddle of the lineup. Look for junior Stevie Didderich to also help out behind the plate and on the infield when Clayton and Brown pitch. Senior outfielders Landowski, Alex Pierce and Alec Esenther all return to a formidable Racoon lineup as well. Look for Oconomowoc to sit atop the Little Ten and be a serious threat come playoff time.

Related Content