1. Mundelein (29-6): The Mustangs are back with several key players, including Wichita State recruit Ryan Geraghty (9-1, 1.19 ERA, 110 strikeouts) after finishing second in Class 4A last season. rice field. Valparaiso newcomer Bennett Musser (5-1, 1.79 ERA) would be the number one starter for virtually any other team in the area. Shortstop Michael Farina (. 406) will start the offense from his spot in the leadoff, while catcher Dan He Connery and first baseman Chris Karas will both head to Wisconsin for his Oshkosh.

2. Stevenson (26-11): The Patriots have six third-year internationals. Leading the way is Eastern Illinois recruit Joe Richardson, pitcher/infielder (.389). Chris Iannuzzi is also a top starting pitcher, and JR Nelson (OH) and Colin Schmidtke are top middlefielders. Michael Belbot (Illinois-Chicago) plays the featured bullpen role and hits in the middle of the orders. Matthew Bressler has regained his full strength after his shoulder separation cut the 2022 season short.

3. Libertyville (27-10): The Wildcats have a good mix of veterans and young talent. With Michael Scarpelli (Worcester), Justin Bennes and Graham Goodman playing key roles in the pitching plan, Josh Holst is poised to make a breakthrough. Outfielder Theo Schmidt will provide pop in the middle of the lineup, and catcher Quinn Shambaugh and leading hitter Cole Lockwood could make big strides forward after making their national team debuts last year.

4. Grayslake Central (30-8): With 30 games, conference titles and regional titles in the past two years, the Rams have a slew of returning players with a third straight title in the works. Together, the trio of Will Schfrider (9-1, 0.85 ERA), Chris Rogers (Lindenwood) and Colin Cornit pitched over 200 innings. Rodgers is one of four returning hitters to hit .

5. Warren (21-14): The Blue Devils need to start with 17 senior members, many of whom have extensive national team experience. The star of this group is Arizona State recruit Adam Behrens, who plays first base when he’s not pitching. Thomas Biadman (Wisconsin-Eau Claire) is his second high-level pitching option and also plays in left field. The lineup also includes shortstop Adam Shilts (.379, 22 RBI) and center Charlie Badgley (.311, 31 runs scored).

6. Carmel (17-13): Butler newcomer Adam Galdoni will continue his strong pitching performance from late last season while also looking to hit in the middle of the Corsair order. All the staff are on good terms with Rhett Wolf, who is in his third season as a starting catcher. Shortstop James Schott, who batted .347 last year, second baseman Juan Ledesma, and middle fielder are also strengths.

7. Vernon Hills (18-15): The Cougars are looking to build on the 2022 season, which includes their first Central Suburban North title since 2015 and their first regional championship since 2015. Center fielder Dylan Sherwin ( .378) stands out for its two-way play, with Carroll recruiting Dylan Eklotte (3.00 ERA) as a top starter. Also expected are shortstop Will Shurt (Carroll) and outfielder Jack Prista.

8. Highland Park (17-14): Starting pitching is the Giants’ strength, with 2022 Central Suburban North Pitcher of the Year Luke Webber (IL) headlining. Michael Pasquesi and Danny Greenberg should also feature in his second season with the national team. David Finfer is a skillful defensive shortstop, and outfielders Dylan Liu and Jake Valliant are both batting .300 and hitting in the middle of the batting order.

9. Lake Zurich (12-13-1): The top-heavy North Suburban Conference may affect the Bears’ record, but they have enough talent to compete with anyone. It starts with Jonathan Freeka (Illinois-Chicago). Will Crawford looks to be finally behind Foley in the rotation, and third baseman Ryan Konrad could appear as a starter in his second season.

10. Grays Lake North (14-17-1): New coach Eric Lopez could bring back as many as seven starters, inheriting a team that finished third in the Northern Lake County Conference. Shortstop Jacob Donoghue and outfielder Ethan Feldman highlight the Knights lineup as the top three hitters, while returning catcher Mitchell Hughes is an enviable man dealing with a staff with at least four future collegiate pitchers. Some of them include starters Wyatt Ziekan, Casey Staber (Carthage), Cayden Harman (Concordia) and closer Jack Carpan (Rock Valley).

Charlie Badgley, Warren, Sr., outfielder. Adam Behrens, Warren, Sr., Pitcher/First Baseman. Michael Farina, Mandelin, Sr., shortstop. Ethan Feldman, Grayslake North, Jr., outfielder. Jonathan Freeka, Lake Zurich, Jr., shortstop. Lucas Foley, Lake Zurich, Sr., Pitcher/Outfielder. Adam Galdoni, Carmel, Sr., pitcher/first baseman. Ryan Geraghty, Mundelein, Sr., pitcher. Jack Garvasi, Grayslake Central, senior, outfielder. Josh Holst, Libertyville, Sophomore, Pitcher/First Baseman. Spencer Kennaman, Lakes, Jr., pitcher/first baseman. Bennett Musser, Mundelein, Sr., Pitcher. JR Nelson, Stevenson, Sr., Shortstop. Joe Richardson, Stevenson, Sr., pitcher/first baseman. Chris Rogers, Grayslake Central, Sr., Pitcher. Gianni Royer, Lake Forest, Sr., Outfielder. Quinn Shambow, Libertyville, Sophomore, Catcher. Will Schfrider, Grayslake Central, Sr., Pitcher. TJ Schuyler, Antioch, Sr., Catcher. Dylan Sherwin, Vernon Hills, Sr., Outfielder. Anthony Solis, Wakigan, Sr., Pitcher. Henry Stried, Zion Benton, Sr., pitcher. Jake Swanson, Grant, Sr., Pitcher/Outfielder. Zach Threde, Wawkonda, Sr., Pitcher/Third Baseman. Luke Weber, Highland Park, Jr., pitcher.

Steve Reven is a freelance reporter for News-Sun.