Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No. 6 Milton

KEY PLAYERS LOST:

+ RHP Evan Jackson (2021; McHenry County JC)
+ INF Charlie Terrill (2021)
+ C Luke Hessenauer (2021)
+ C Garrett Daskam (2021)
+ Ian Lilla (2021)
+ Mason Havens (2021)

X-FACTOR:

SS Gavin Kilen (2022; Louisville): The top prospect in Wisconsin’s senior class, Kilen has garnered some serious draft buzz over the last calendar year or so, including a standout performance at the Super 60 National Showcase a few months ago. Kilen didn’t play high school ball last season, but he’s back and ready to roll for his first taste of WIAA action since his freshman year. Kilen immediately slots into this 22-win team from a year ago and makes them much better, adding a top-tier offensive producer while providing elite defensive value at shortstop. Expect Kilen to put up ridiculously impressive numbers throughout the spring and, in turn, compete for our Player of the Year award. 

UNDERCLASSMAN TO WATCH:

Physical sophomore OF/RHP Broden Jackson (@Redhawkbasebal, 2024) uses his strength and 6-foot-2 build to leverage high-end exit speeds in BP, and he reached an 87 mph from the mound as well.#SouthernWIOpen | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/1gp8kH3Mt7

— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) October 17, 2021

OF/RHP Broden Jackson (2024): Jackson had success last season for Milton as a freshman on both sides of the ball, earning second team all-conference honors in his first season at the varsity level. He led Milton on the mound with a 6-1 record and contributed offensively as well, batting .290 - an impressive mark for a first year. Jackson, who’s built at an ultra-physical 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, has a loud skill-set with tools across the board that have proven success at the high school level. Jackson building off last spring and taking that next step will be huge for the Redhawks in 2022. 

STAT RAT: 

C Alec Campbell (@Redhawkbasebal, 2022; @PBR_Uncommitted) has tacked on roughly 20 pounds of muscle since our last look, now standing at 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. Flashed above-average power to the pull-side with seven balls going that way at 90+ mph. #WestMilwaukeeID pic.twitter.com/Fads9NWqZN

— PBR Wisconsin (@PBRWisconsin) February 21, 2021

1.355: Senior C Alec Campbell’s (2022; Winona State) OPS last season. Campbell scorched the baseball all season long and was a huge reason why Milton enjoyed so much success last spring, finishing the year with a .476 batting average and five home runs. There’s plenty of power attached to Campbell’s right-handed stroke and him slotted right in the middle of this lineup gives the Redhawks one of the better offensive units in the state. 

OUTLOOK: 

Last year was a pretty successful year for head coach Kris Agnew’s team as they went 22-6 and 13-1 in conference play, winning the Badger South by four games. This year, in a brand new conference, they are expected to do the same as they return a large chunk of key guys from last years squad, who will be joined by a potential POTY candidate. 

Offensively, Milton is returning roughly half of their at-bats from last year led by reigning conference POTY, the aforementioned Campbell. Classmate of Campbell, INF Jack Campion (2022) will be a part everyday lineup. After having a very successful season last year, where he was a first team all conference selection while hitting .389, Campion is expected to hit towards the top of the order for this Redhawk squad. Then adding in aforementioned names like Kilen and Jackson expected to be to be starters as well, this lineup looks like one of the best top to bottom in the state. 

On the mound the Redhawks return a bulk of their innings from last year, Campion, Jackson, and Mitchell Birkhimer are set to anchor down this Redhawk staff. Last year both Campion and Birkhimer logged a 3-1 record, looking to build off of that success going into their senior season. With Jackson getting significant experience as only a freshman, the Redhawks are bringing back a deep veteran rotation that will give them a chance to win each time they step on the hill. Out of the ‘pen, there are some names with not much varsity experience, if any at all and some names we just don’t much about. Adlai Smith (2022), Braden Bastian, Andrew Maenner, and Kade Deormeau are penciled to throw in some capacity this year. Even without the experience that this bullpen has, coach Agnew has trust in this relatively young group of relievers to shut the door deep into games. 

BOTTOM LINE: 

This Milton team enjoyed a lot of success last season, winning the Badger South handily. Then ultimately losing to a talented Janesville Craig squad in the sectional semi-final. This year, with many returners, and the addition of a potential POTY winner. This Redhawk squad has the talent and the experience to win their new conference and make a deep run in the WIAA playoffs.  

Make sure to follow @PBRWisconsin on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2022 season.

Find more information on the 2022 Redhawks below:

+ Team Website
+ Team Schedule
+ Team Twitter

PRESEASON POWER 25 COUNTDOWN