PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kyle Antos, sr., Kenosha Indian Trail: The catcher and Bradley recruit hit .369 last year with 28 runs and was walked 20 times. “Kyle is a complete player with natural leadership skills and the ability to excel in whatever he does,” Hawks coach Michael Schmidt said. “He is poised to have a monstrous season.” Mitchell Buban, sr., Kenosha Tremper: Buban, who will play at UW-Milwaukee, hit .247 and scored 17 runs last year. “Mitchell is the perfect mix of athleticism, baseball prowess and leadership,” Trojans coach John Matera said. “He has a high baseball IQ, leads by example and understands the intricacies of the game.” Zach Clayton, sr., Oconomowoc: An Oregon State recruit, the infielder made all-area second team last season. He hit .422 at the plate and also pitched (1.56 earned run average) for the Raccoons. Ben Dragani, sr., Catholic Memorial: The left-handed pitcher opened the season Wednesday by throwing five perfect innings and he also hit a two-run homer. The Michigan recruit is a possible pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft according to Crusaders coach Tim Gotzler. Nick Elsen, sr., Indian Trail: The future Kent State player, who made all-area honorable mention last year, is a pitcher and centerfielder. He hit .396 last year with 38 RBI and four homers. “Nick is an all-around athlete with the physical skills to be an incredible player in all facets of the game,” Schmidt said. “Big things are in store for him.” Garrett Gilbert, sr., Westosha Central: The all-area honorable mention catcher will play at Creighton. He hit .398 as a junior to go with 25 RBI, five home runs, nine doubles and three triples. “Garrett is a special player that doesn’t come around that often,” Falcons coach Jacob Morman said. “He has a tremendous knowledge and feel for the game, a terrific work ethic and a desire to be great that few players have.” Troy Hickey, sr., Wilmot: Hickey, who will play at Oklahoma State, made all-Southern Lakes Conference second team as a left-handed pitcher last season thanks to a 0.54 ERA. He received honorable mention as a sophomore outfielder. Ryan Hoerter, sr., Indian Trail: After going 8-0 with a 1.17 ERA last season, the Auburn recruit made all-area honorable mention. “There is no one else I would rather have on the mound than him,” Schmidt said. “Additionally, he can swing the bat and play solid defense.” Jeff Holtz, jr., Arrowhead: The Indiana recruit made all-state second team as a catcher after hitting .462 with 40 RBI. “Jeff has some of the quickest hands I’ve ever seen,” Warhawks coach Nick Brengosz said. “His swing is explosive. … The ball truly jumps off of his bat.” Jacob Lindemann, sr., Burlington: The all-state secondteam pitcher and Wichita State recruit was 10-1 last year with a 0.81 ERA. But he had Tommy John surgery in August and continues to rehab the injury, according to Demons coach Scott Staude. Lindemann hopes to contribute as a designated hitter or at first base. Gunner Peterson, jr., Wilmot: The outfielder/pitcher, who will play at Illinois State, has come on strong according to Panthers coach Josh Pye. “Gunner is going to have a big year with the stick and cover some ground for us in the outfield with his above-average speed,” he said. Antonio Valadez, sr., Milwaukee Riverside: The reigning City Conference player of the year will play at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa. “Everyone wants Antonio on the mound when it counts the most,” Tigers coach Matt Turner said. “His stuff is very good, but his competitiveness and work ethic are what will take him to the next level.”