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: Appleton North
Preseason Rank: 7
2015 Record: 19-8
Conference: Fox Valley Association
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: David Eagan
Playoff Run: Regional Champions
2015 Final Rank: 12
 

TOP PLAYERS

 

KEY PLAYERS LOST
Alex Henwood, SS (Nebraska)
Connor Wollersheim, LHP (Kent State)

X-FACTOR
Gonzaga commit Taylor Borchers will be counted on, on the mound and at the plate for the Lightning. Borchers went 5-1 with a 2.03 ERA and also batted .370 last season.

STAT RAT
14-1: Combined record of returning starters Taylor Borchers, Josh Gonzales, and Mitchell Eady.

OUTLOOK
Pitching will be key to the Lightning’s success this season as they return a senior deep staff that combined to go 14-1 last year. FVA First Team All-Conference selection Taylor Borchers went 5-1 on the mound and batted .370 last year, and will again be a leader for the Lighting. Junior OF Carl Valk had a big season as a sophomore hitting .310 and was named second team all-conference. The Lightning have the depth and experience to compete for a Fox Valley Association title and make a deep run in the playoffs.

 

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