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Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Lonely Larry on December 1, 2025, 11:37 pm

What's happened?

It seems like its been weeks since posts torched HS coaches, debated the Cheetahs, or fought over the DuKane...

This board quiet period stinks... somebody throw a bucket of gas on these embers!

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Dukane on December 2, 2025, 11:20 pm, in reply to "Geez... are we on 3G?"

Dukane all the way! Let’s see everyone’s updated rankings list

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Skipper on December 4, 2025, 5:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Who are the top players from each Dukane team?

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Spoolinsky on December 5, 2025, 2:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

I know you are being sarcastic, but here you go for some of the best in DuKane (By class alphabetically):

I'm sure I'm missing some so feel free to add.

Seniors
Becca Chaney – Wheaton South – St.
Lauren Kozlovsky – Glenbard North – Sr.
Avery Miller – Glenbard North – Sr.
Hannah O’Neil – Lake Park – Sr.
Sophia Ptak – West Chicago – Sr.
Hayden Sujack – St. Charles East – Sr.
Makayla Van Dinther – St. Charles East – Sr.
Gia Whelan – Glenbard North – Sr.
Hannah Wulf – St. Charles East – Sr.
Abby Zawadszki – St. Charles North – Sr.

Juniors
Clair Bolda – Glenbard East – Junior
Lilly Carver – Glenbard East – Junior
Gianna Furlano – Lake Park – Junior
Ella Heimbuch – St. Charles North - Junior
Moriah Herr – Wheaton North – Junior
Julanna Kouba – St. Charles North – Junior
Faith Maleski – St. Charles North – Junior

Sophomores
Lily Bobor – Wheaton North – Sophomore
Clara Lyons – Geneva – Sophomore

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Error on December 7, 2025, 8:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

West Chicago and Glenbard East are not in DuKane.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Spoolinsky on December 7, 2025, 2:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Oh no. You went and did it, didn’t you? You listed names…

(Hangs head in despair.)

Might as well now go and draft your daughter’s tweet…

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized as amongst the best players in the DuKane Conference by Spoolinsky. #hardwork #neverrest #winordie #elitevelo #protein #pushups #godblessamerica #proverbs18:2”

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Ham Sandwich on December 5, 2025, 10:37 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

The top players in DuKane graduated leaving very few exceptional athletes.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Ham Sammy on December 8, 2025, 9:55 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Incorrect.

There was one (1) elite player at the senior year level in DuKane last year. She's now playing for Northwestern.

There's not one other 2025 senior who was any better than what the incoming senior class will be in 2026.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by homework on December 8, 2025, 12:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Besides SCE catcher name another committed D1 "position" player in the DuKane 2026 class?

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Dream on December 8, 2025, 7:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Those days of Being a junior and getting that D1 offer is over. Colleges are looking at transfer portal, NAIA, than Seniors. It’s tough. Yeah yeah yeah. I get juniors are signing but they are on the bottom of the barrel

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Deeam on December 9, 2025, 4:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

I get it. The transfer portal is like signing a free agent in the NFL. You are filling a deficiency on your team with some experience, except in college sports a particular player situation might be a one season of eligibility left to play collegiately.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @finish your homework on December 8, 2025, 2:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

St Charles East has two SEC commits.
Lake Park pitcher is UIC committed.

That's three D1s, at least.

What was last year? NW and....?

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @finish on December 8, 2025, 3:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Pitchers aren't position players and either way the LP pitcher is a 2027. I believe the only other D1 2026 commit is the Lake Park 3B, making the correct answer 2.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @ hit the books on December 8, 2025, 4:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Wheaton North also has a player who committed to a D1 school on the East Coast.

She plays in the outfield, so I guess that counts for this analysis?

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @jonework on December 8, 2025, 3:59 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Pray tell the logic on excluding pitchers from an evaluation of conference talent?

Let’s eliminate right fielders and left handed hitters while we’re at it!

More D1 commits in DuKane than last year, so the original post is just wrong.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Even Steven on December 9, 2025, 1:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

I think its actually even on D1s, however one of the original posters eluded to 2025 players not being as athletic as any 2026. This is probably where the pitchers aren't position players came into the conversation.

2025
NU SS
Brown SS
UIC SS
Loyola OF
Northern Colorado C

2026
USC C
ISU 3B
George Washington OF
USC P
South Dakota P

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Even Steven on December 11, 2025, 8:06 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

There is one more SCN pitcher that was committed to Ole Miss and recently de-comitted, probably safe to say she'll end up D1 somewhere. The 2026s are definitely stacked on pitching. The 2025s had the athletes. Now watch out for the 2027s in that conference!

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by No Brainer on December 10, 2025, 7:07 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Knowing who those 2025s were and how athletic all 5 of them were, the statement way above "There's not one other 2025 senior who was any better than what the incoming senior class will be in 2026." just sounds really uninformed.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by WHAT IS GOING ON? on December 11, 2025, 8:56 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Can someone explain what in the world this debate is about?

I thought it started on the competitiveness of the DuKane Conference this year.

Then it moved into a comparison of which class is better (25s or 26s).

Then it split into debates over whether we are assessing player athleticism or talent and whether you can include pitchers in the analysis.

This is stupid. And dumb.

Let’s see how the year plays out, and then you can debate which year was better for the conference. I’d suggest the “mark to beat” is at least getting to a Super Sectional (StCE in 2025) or winning one (no one in 2025).

If you want to get into ranking players, there is no better method than looking at which schools and conferences they are going to - not bullcrap rating services, stupid Alister/ODM tests, or any of us daddy scouts.

College coaches make mistakes, but by and large a kid goes to Oklahoma for good reason - “XYZTripleDirectionalStateTech” for the same!

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @WHAT IS GOING ON on December 12, 2025, 10:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Wow, you must be a South Pole elf.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by MIFs on December 9, 2025, 8:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

I will take the middle infielders most of the time. Most SS can play OF and corner IF. Few OF can play SS.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Even Steven on December 9, 2025, 4:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Nice job on that list.

The original comment was about "top players", 2025 v 2026.

It may be even on total number of commits, but I'm seeing one Power 4 in 2025 and two or three in 2026 (not sure if ISU is Illinois or Iowa).

2 SEC > 1 B1G

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Jonework on December 9, 2025, 1:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Definition: A position player is a softball player who plays a defensive position other than pitcher, such as an infielder, outfielder, or catcher

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Silliness on December 9, 2025, 1:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

This guys list is missing the 2 best players on Wheaton North.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @homework on December 8, 2025, 2:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Well, that’s not too hard…

A StCE pitcher is also committed… to the same school as the catcher. #duh

Unless pitcher is no longer a “position”?

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Skipper on December 5, 2025, 8:40 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Might be easiest to start by listing the three worst players on each team, just to narrow down the options. Let's go through each school and list by first and last name.

LOL.

Come on - do we really need to do this? If you're so curious, just look at the all-conference list from last year.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @@Skipper on December 5, 2025, 9:03 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Skipper's setting us up so he can mention his kid's name.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Hitting science on December 2, 2025, 5:32 pm, in reply to "Geez... are we on 3G?"

My turn!!

Google AI says the ideal launch angle is 45°

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Lonely Larry on December 2, 2025, 7:49 am, in reply to "Geez... are we on 3G?"

Oh Oh .. I'll start.

Bandits are a pitching-only program. Everyone has better position players than they do.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Cheetahs on December 2, 2025, 1:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Does STCE High recruit in all sports or do they only recruit for wrestling and softball?

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Recruiting on December 4, 2025, 1:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Go get that bag, kids!

LOL

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Saints on December 3, 2025, 8:21 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

It sure ain't football - god, they suck at that

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Enjoy the loneliness! on December 2, 2025, 7:44 am, in reply to "Geez... are we on 3G?"

SHHHH!! Everyone needs a break from softball, including the crazies.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Caymol on December 2, 2025, 6:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

I heard impact Midwest is looking for some players again. The up and coming team in the Midwest!! Lookout Bandits

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Softball About Dead on December 3, 2025, 8:30 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Got my 2nd daughter coming thru the softball world now. Sure seems to me softball has changed. Number of team seem very low. Girls are switching to Soccer and LaCrosse. Softball has gotten too expensive. It’s just a matter of time before you see change in softball.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by dead man walking on December 3, 2025, 11:55 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

This was being said 10 years ago, as well. Sounds like you have been in it long enough to notice things have changed. Definitely from pre-covid to post, there has been a huge shift. portal, NIL and roster limitations. The real answer is that it has changed and will continue to. But don't lose sight of the sport being more popular than ever before in terms of ratings, marketability and TV exposure. Don't lose sight of the sport drawing more revenue than ever before. What you see in the Chicagoland area is not indicative of the rest of the country either. Just a few extras to nibble on while you stress.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Slapping on December 3, 2025, 5:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

That slapper was out of the box every time!! I complained to about it every time. But that umpire refused to call it.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Also on December 4, 2025, 9:18 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Slapping is going away. LOL. Meanwhile, every college team has 3-4 slappers on their roster.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Coach on December 4, 2025, 10:26 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

The only way slapping is going away is if they change the length of the bases. I don't see that happening.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Coach on December 4, 2025, 11:56 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

The softball community is weird about speed. It's one of the most exciting aspects of our game. Yet we're constantly whining about slappers being out of the box, and runners leaving early.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Chicken Head on December 5, 2025, 12:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

So how early can runners leave before the umpires should call it?
How far out-of-the-box should they be before the umpire enforces the rule?

Asking on behalf of those who follow the rules.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @chicken on December 6, 2025, 7:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

How about practice slap defense, instead of crying every slap.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Chicken Head on December 7, 2025, 11:00 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

So how early can the runners leave before the umpire calls it?
How far out-of-the-box need the batter be before the umpire calls it?

We will work on slapper D soon, but these questions remain and your lack of a response to the simple questions will lose you the debate.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Chances Are on December 8, 2025, 9:49 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Chances are you spent more time on this site waiting for a response than you did working on slap defense.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Chicken Head on December 8, 2025, 9:47 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

1. Understanding the differences in styles of leadoffs. Statistically, the track style gets called out more often than the traditional style. The umpires is seeing movement, which doesn't mean the runner has left the bag, (queue the
daddy-pires yelling from the parking lot. Oh, did you get a good view of that from 1/4 mile away after eight beers?)

2. As far as batter's box, outside of the box is fine, if there is indeed a box. If there isn't a box, you have no idea. It becomes outside of the imaginary box.

Just like the pitching rules. When people complain about the pitcher doing this, or the pitcher doing that, just hit the damn ball.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Chicken Head on December 9, 2025, 10:14 am, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

So your answer is: (personal insult - personal insult - personal insult) runners can leave whenever they wish
-AND-
(Personal insult - personal insult) the batters box doesn’t matter.

You lost the debate via knockout.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @ChickenHead on December 9, 2025, 1:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Actually, both of your questions were answer. I could care less if you got your little feelings hurt. Cowboy up next time.

BTW, you made zero points.

Keep whining, from the outfield. Try bringing something to eat with your Busch Light. Then maybe your mouth will be full, and we don't have to hear your whining.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Actually on December 7, 2025, 4:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Off the bag before the ball leaves a pitcher's hand.

You should really know the rule, before you cry to the umps. But, it's typical when you can't stop em.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by SlapHappy on December 7, 2025, 3:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

Only out of the box if they are already on 1st base when they make contact.
Don't forget to yell she left early on every steal.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Coach on December 8, 2025, 12:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

The slapping rule changes based on the level / organization, but having a runner on first has nothing to do with it.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by @Coach on December 8, 2025, 11:59 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

The slapping rules change for organizations? Huh.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Coach on December 9, 2025, 2:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

NCAA has one rule, NFHS has another. They are not the same.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Let's keep playing on December 9, 2025, 7:18 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

My daughter plays right field. How much playtime is too much playing time? She's always out there. I don't want to wear her down

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by G Whiz on December 6, 2025, 5:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

You just won that debate with two questions. Do not expect a response.

Re: Geez... are we on 3G?

Posted by Coach on December 4, 2025, 1:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Geez... are we on 3G?"

I agree, base distance and speed is the one that that seperates us from baseball and make our game so much more enjoyable to watch. Baseball is slow and does not have the excitement.

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