The Wisconsin high school season kicks off on March 29, the first day for regular season games. Most teams will begin practicing on March 21, 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: 18
2015 Record: 14-16
Conference: Southern Lakes
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Josh Pye
Playoff Run: Sectional Final
2015 Final Rank: NR

TOP PLAYERS

 

X-FACTOR
Junior LHP Troy Hickey didn’t see ace-type numbers on the mound for the Panthers last season, but clearly has ace-type stuff and will be counted on to lead the staff this year. Hickey is currently ranked No. 5 in the Wisconsin class of 2017 and is committed to Oklahoma State. Hickey brings some deception to the mound working slightly across his body and hides the ball well. This offseason Hickey sat 85-87 mph with his fastball and features a three pitch arsenal with swing and miss potential.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Last season Gunner Peterson started as a freshman for the Panthers, and it proved to pay dividends for Coach Pye, hitting .343. This year his brother Tanner Peterson could earn a call up to the varsity in his freshman campaign as well. Tanner shares a similar profile to older brother Gunner with a fluid left handed swing that shows a knack for the barrel and could contribute in the outfield right away if he is called up this year.  

OUTLOOK
Despite finishing last season at 14-16 WIlmot made the Union Grove Sectional Final, before losing to Indian Trail. The Panthers are a young and talented team, with some of the top underclassmen in Wisconsin in LHP Troy Hickey who made a jump this offseason and committed to Oklahoma State. Sophomore outfielder Gunner Peterson hit .343 in his freshman campaign and is poised for a breakout season in 2016.  The Panthers will have to look for more depth on the mound behind Hickey as they graduated a lot of innings from last year. The Panthers have the talent and now the experience to compete for the Southern Lakes title in 2016.

If you are a high school coach and have yet to send in your Preseason Questionnaire please fill one out HERE.