District baseball preview

CARDINAL MOONEY

Coach: Al Franceschelli, sixth year.

2011 record: 13-7.

Returning Lettermen: Nick Buffa (IF-SR.), Jordan Burkey (P-SR.), Dan Dandrea (IF-SR.), Pat Markovich (OF-SR.), Frank Rondinelli (OF-SR.), Brandon Sklenar (IF-SR.), AJ Thomas (IF-SR.), Drew Delsignore (C-JR.).

Other contributors: Kane Durkin (P-JR.), Dom Dundee (OF-JR.), Drew Beck (IF-SO.), Harrison Wagner (OF-SO.), Denver Martin (OF-SO.), Doug Caputo (P-JR.), Mike Stash (C-JR.).

Outlook: The Cardinals lose a pair of Division I players, but have plenty of returning senior starters.

HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN

Coach: Shawn Sommers, second year.

2011 record: 2-4

Returning Lettermen: Eric Sodegren (2B-SR.), Daniel Bancroft (P-1B-SR.), Christian Stryffler (C-SR.), Kyle Burgess (OF-JR.), Brandon Crawford (OF-JR.), Sam Flynn (OF-JR.).

Other contributors: Joel Sirota (P-SS-FR.), Phil Bell (P-SS-FR.), Christian Sommers (C-3B-FR.).

Outlook: Pitching and defesne will be key in program’s second year.

MAPLEWOOD

Coach: Mark Trevelline-12th year

2011 record: 9-11.

Returning Lettermen: Matt Splitler (SS), Tracey Peterson (OF).

Other contributors: Austin Bunsetter (P-OF), Nat Splitler (P-IF).

Outlook: Young team with only three upperclassmen.

MATHEWS

Coach: Dan Kennedy, ninth year.

2011 record: 10-5.

Returning Lettermen: Jeremy Fumerola (OF-SR.), Brandon Cretor (P-IF-SR.), Tyler Halavick (3B-C-SR.), Zach Motts (SS-SR.), Brad Watson (P-C-OF-SR.), Nate Homan (P-1B-JR.), Andy Morgan (P-C-JR.), Aaron Suchanek (OF-JR.), Jeremy Forsythe (P-OF-SO.).

Other contributors: Zach Youngs (OF-JR.), Alex Bagaglia (3B-P-SO.), Dom Ditommaso (2B-P-SO.), Matt Harries (OF-SO.).

Outlook: The Mustangs aim for their fourth-straight NAC title. Pitching and defense are the strong suits.

URSULINE

Coach: Sean Durkin, 15th year.

2011 record: 14-8.

Returning Lettermen: Paul Pegues (OF-SR.), John McGeary (IF-P-SR.), Ralph Naples (IF-SR.), Ryan Strollo (IF-SR.), Anthony Rohan (OF-JR.), Sam Donko (IF-P-JR.), Harrison Finelli (P-IF-JR.), Matt Lacko (C-JR.), Vince Boerio (OF-JR.), Steve Balas (OF-JR.).

Other contributors: Tannor Berry (OF-SO.), Nick Revak (IF-P-SO.), Dion Felger (IF-P-SO.), Michael Montalbona (IF-SO.), Zach Scheetz (C-SO.), Joel Hake (IF-P-SR.).

Outlook: Seven starters returning, including a pair of strong pitchers. Should have deep lineup and will be solid defensively. Need to develop pitching depth.

WARREN JFK

Coach: Don Lee, 18th year.

2011 record: N/A.

Returning Lettermen: Vince Infante (SR.), Brendan Cox (SR.), James Coates (SR.), Marco Macalli (SR.), Joey Canann (SR.), Mike Ledenko (SR.), John Hilty (JR.), Alec Rossi (JR.), Mike Ledenko (JR.), Chandler Diles (SO.).

Other contributors: Dante Munno (FR.), Anthony Ledenko (FR.), Preston Caparanis (FR.), Dustin Hajnosz (FR.), Luke Keck (FR.), Anthony Marzullo (FR.).

Outlook: Team is speedy in the field and on the basepaths. Ten returning lettermen return.

WEST BRANCH

Coach: Walt DeShields and Shawn Alazaus, second season.

2011 record: 11-7.

Returning Lettermen: Matt Unkefer (P-IF-OF-SR.), Brendan Wells (OF-JR.), Jake Mull (P-IF-OF-SR.), Beau Taylor (P-3B-JR.), Cody Hinkle (1B-SR.), Josh Fuson (P-OF-SR.), Jacob Clayton (P-SS-SO.), Jeff Vizzuso (P-SO.).

Other contributors: Zach Ruggles (C-JR.), Ryan Adams (C-OF-SO.), Nate Coy (P-OF-FR.), Kip DeShields (P-1B-FR.), Jake Smith (C-FR.), Chipper Tuel (P-OF-FR.).

Outlook: The Warriors came on strong to finish the season in 2011 and hop to carry that momentum with a strong veteran class full of good hitters.

Staff report