By Bobby Narang
Despite losing several big-time, program-building players from last season’s team, Downers Grove North High School is among the best baseball teams in the area.
The Trojans (11-1 and 3-0 West Suburban Silver) opened up a three-game conference series against Proviso West, looking to gain some momentum heading into key showdowns against Downers Grove South Saturday and a three-game set early next week versus Oak Park-River Forest.
The Trojans had to reconfigure their roster and approach this season following the graduation of infielder Jude Warwick, a Michigan State recruit who batted .391 with 50 hits, 26 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases last season. Also, the Trojans had to replace Jimmy Janicki, who batted .410 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs, and ace pitcher Ben Llewellyn.
“The key to our solid start this season has been our hard-working group of selfless individuals,” Downers Grove North coach Kyle Briscoe said. “We knew coming into the season that we were going to have a different looking team with the loss of Janicki and Warwick, who have been at the top of the lineup for the last three years. We’ve emphasized the importance of ‘doing our job’, whether it’s a ground ball to the right side to move a runner over to third base or a sacrifice bunt to move the runner to second.
“It’s not three-run home run this year, as we have had in the past. It’s doing the little things right and applying pressure on the defense.”
The Trojans have picked up consistent production from several players, namely Brady Schallmoser, Emilo Gandarilla, and Ross Oros. Schallmoser is hitting .500 with 17 hits, eight RBIs, and seven stolen bases. Gandarilla is batting .455 with 15 RBIs and six stolen bases, and Oros is at .412 with 14 hits and 11 stolen bases.
“Brady, Emilo, and Ross have been huge for us,” Briscoe said. “Our starting pitchers have also been solid on the mound, providing us with a strong foundation throughout the season.”
•In other West Suburban Conference news, Glenbard West and Lyons started a key three-game West Suburban Silver Conference series Monday at Lyons. Lyons won the first of the series, 8-0.
Hinsdale Central and York entered their three-game series Monday with York winning the first game, 14-2. York, at the time of writing, has six straight victories.