Last spring, the OPRF and Fenwick baseball teams were anticipating a rematch in the IHSA Class 4A Fenwick Regional final. Problem was, neither team got there as both were eliminated in their first playoff games: the Huskies by St. Ignatius, and the Friars by Whitney Young.
That disappointment has triggered a hunger within both programs. With each returning plenty of players, both OPRF and Fenwick have reason for optimism.
“We are very excited about this team,” said OPRF coach Kevin Campbell, entering his fourth season. “After our first day on the field, it was apparent that this team is here to work.”
“We enter the season with a mix of experienced returners and promising newcomers,” said Fenwick coach Kyle Kmiecik, in his third year. “There is a strong core ready to step up and continue the team’s tradition of excellence.”
Here are previews of OPRF and Fenwick respectively:
OPRF
LAST SEASON: 22-14 (8-7 in West Suburban Silver)
TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: Peter Ferren (SR), OF/P (New York University commit); Brady Green (SR), INF (Bucknell University); George Holland (SR), 1B; Timmy Leark (SR), OF (Maryville University); Ethan Moore (SR), INF (University of Tennessee); Johnny Nelson (JR), INF/P; Kendall Wallace (SR), OF (Milwaukee Area Tech Community College).
TOP NEWCOMERS: Cam Barnes, P (JR); Adam Dominowski, P (JR); Owyn Edwards, P (JR); Zach Goldberg, INF/OF (JR); Xavier Martin, P (SO); Ian Moore, INF (FR).
STRENGTHS/CONCERNS: “The junior class brings a lot of athleticism and depth on the mound,” Campbell said. “Offense and defense should be the strengths of the team; the pitching staff seems to be very deep, just lacks a lot of experience at the varsity level.”
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS: The Huskies open the season with the Warrior Spring Classic, March 24, versus Thompson (AL) in Tennessee. OPRF plays six games in four days at three Tennessee schools: Blackman and Riverdale High Schools and Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. Also, for the second consecutive year, the East Avenue Showdown with Fenwick will be held at Triton College on May 2.
KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL SEASON: “The message this year is focus on us and win the day,” Campbell said. “The rest will fall into place.”
Fenwick
LAST SEASON: 23-9 (Chicago Catholic League White champions with 12-2 record)
TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: SR Andrew Henderson, P; SR Luke Hickey, P; SR Ryan Lazewski, 2B (2024 CCL White All-Conference: .430 batting average, 32 RBI); SO Josh Morgan, OF; SR Matt Purta, P; SR Diego Tafolla, INF/P (Carthage College commit); SR Bryan Tunison, C/UTL (University of Wisconsin-Stout).
Fenwick senior Luke Hickey warms up in the bullpen during baseball practice, March 13. (Courtesy Carol Dunning) 
Fenwick senior Ryan Lazewski, who made the Catholic League White All-Conference team last year, fields a ground ball during baseball practice, March 13. (Courtesy Carol Dunning) 
Fenwick sophomore Josh Morgan connects during baseball practice, March 13. (Courtesy Carol Dunning)
TOP NEWCOMERS: SO Ethan Gonzalez, C/1B/OF; SO Jeremy Munoz, C/1B; SO JJ Obaldo, SS.
STRENGTHS/CONCERNS: “Ryan’s leadership will be vital in the field and at the plate,” Kmiecik said. “Luke Hickey, a 2023 All-Conference pitcher and first baseman, brings both versatility and experience, while Matt Purta steps into the number one starting pitcher role after posting a 5-0 record with 23 strikeouts last year. Josh Morgan is ranked #2 nationally among Prep Baseball’s Class of 2027. He adds excitement to the roster with his elite speed, fielding, hitting, and baserunning.”
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS: Fenwick gets a chance to avenge last year’s regional semifinal loss when Whitney Young visits the Priory in River Forest on April 12. The Friars also have neighborhood non-conference games at Riverside-Brookfield, April 23, and against OPRF at Triton, May 2.