HERALD-NEWS ALL-AREA BASEBALL TEAM

FIRST TEAM

MITCH BOE

JCA, Sr., SS

Highlights: All-East Suburban Catholic ... hit .390 and scored 45 runs while driving in 20 from leadoff spot ... had nine doubles, seven triples and a .477 on-base percentage ... excellent defensive shortstop ... will play at Iowa ... coach Jared Voss: “Mitch was voted the ESCC Offensive Player of the Year.”

CONNOR BRANDON

JCA, Sr., OF

Highlights: All-East Suburban Catholic ... hit .404 with 12 doubles, six triples and two home runs among 42 hits ... drove in 28 runs, scored 27 and had a .692 slugging percentage ... will play at Concordia University ... solid right fielder with a strong arm ... coach Jared Voss: “This was a breakout season for Connor.”

NICK DALESANDRO

JCA, Sr., C/P

Highlights: 33rd round draft pick of Detroit Tigers ... will play at Purdue ... All-East Suburban Catholic ... hit .388 with seven doubles, three triples, two homers and 31 RBIs ... scored 32 runs .... went 3-0 on the mound with a 0.89 ERA and one save ... struck out 55 in 39 innings ... coach Jared Voss: “Put Nick anywhere, and you can say he is the best player on the field.”

DREW DEMEMBRUM

Plainfield East, Jr., OF/P

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... hit .438 with nine doubles, a triple, four homers, 32 RBIs, a .657 slugging percentage and 1.131 OPS ... scored 28 runs ... went 5-3 with a 5.08 ERA ... struck out 45 ... offers from Georgetown and Saint Xavier, among others ... coach Adam O’Reel: “Drew is an outstanding athlete who has been with the varsity since freshman year. He led us in almost all offensive categories and was a starting pitcher in conference games.”

DRAKE FELLOWS

JCA, Jr., P

Highlights: East Suburban Catholic Conference Pitcher of the Year ... committed to Vanderbilt ... went 9-1 with one save and a 0.58 ERA ... allowed 44 hits and 11 walks in 73 innings while striking out 98 ... starter on JCA basketball team that made huge strides the last two seasons ... coach Jared Voss: “Drake did a great job all year. He dominates.”

JOSH GARNER

Plainfield North, Jr., OF

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... hit .419 with .489 on-base percentage and .590 slugging percentage for a 1.079 OPS ... had 14 doubles and two homers ... drove in 34 runs and scored 25 ... coach John Darlington: “Josh continued to get big hit after big hit for us during the playoffs. He will be a great player next season.”

CODY GROSSE

Joliet West, Sr., SS

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... hit 485 with 12 doubles, four triples and scored 40 runs ... posted a .557 on-base percentage and struck out six times all year ... stole 26 bases ... outstanding defensively ... will play at Chicago State ... coach John Karczewski: “Cody had another great year. He was tough to keep off the base paths and was one of the best leadoff men around.”

BRAD LITTLETON

Coal City, Jr., P/IF

Highlights: All-Interstate Eight ... finished 9-0 with a 1.07 ERA ... struck out 108 and walked 12 ... finished season with 40 consecutive scoreless innings ... hit .340 with five doubles, five homers and 28 RBIs ... committed to Indiana ... coach Jerry McDowell: “Brad deserves any awards he gets. He has worked hard to get where he is today.”

MIKE MADEJ

Providence, Jr., 2B

Highlights: Starting second baseman on Celtics’ consecutive Class 4A state championship teams ... led team in hitting with .421 mark .. had 12 doubles, five triples and two home runs among 56 hits ... scored 45 runs and drove in 31 ... All-Catholic League Blue ... coach Mark Smith: “Mike is our best player and our catalyst. A three-year varsity player, he was our MVP this season.”

AUSTIN MORALIS

Lockport, Sr., P

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... helped pitch Porters to conference championship ... went 5-1 with 2.70 ERA ... struck out 71 in 462⁄3 innings ... coach Andy Satunas: “Austin was called upon to pitch against some of the toughest opponents this year, and he had great performances. He has the ability to put away opponents.”

SHANE RITTER

Plainfield South, Sr., P

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... finished 5-3 with a 0.69 ERA ... allowed 33 hits and walked 20 while striking out 99 in 61 innings ... state qualifier in 3-point shooting in basketball ... committed to Iowa ... Hawkeyes coaches are impressed with his “swing-and-miss slider,” and as Cougars coach Phil Bodine noted, “Shane has a better-than-average high school curve.”

CRISTIAN SANCHEZ

Minooka, Sr., OF/P

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... hit 500 with eight doubles, two triples, three homers, 25 RBIs and 29 runs scored ... sported a 1.288 OPS and struck out seven times all season ... finished 5-1 on the mound with a 1.34 ERA ... will play at Georgetown ... coach Jeff Petrovic: “Cristian is one of the top three hitters I have coached in 20 years. He has all the tools. It is rare that you can see a player other than a pitcher dominate a baseball game, and Cristian is able to do that.”

STEVE SKOLARZ

Lincoln-Way West, Sr., P

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Red ... finished 8-1 with a 0.29 ERA ... in 49 innings, allowed 17 hits and 13 walks while striking out 86 ... is in the process of visiting some Division I schools ... coach Jake Zajc: “Steve was our top pitcher. Teams hit .103 against him.”

KYLE STREPEK

Plainfield North, Sr., P/OF

Highlights: Went 9-0 with 1.58 ERA ... struck out 94 while allowing 49 hits and 29 walks in 702⁄3 innings ... hit .361 with seven doubles ... drove in 27 runs .... center fielder when not on the mound ... coach John Darlington: “Kyle was the heart and soul of our team. He pitched in all our big games and was undefeated. His desire to win was unmatched.”

ROBERT TALARICO

Joliet West, Sr., P/OF

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... went 6-1 with a 0.77 ERA ... allowed 40 hits and 16 walks while striking out 70 in 632⁄3 innings ... will pitch at Lewis ... coach John Karczewski: “Robert battled even when he didn’t have his best stuff.” ... Tigers teammate Cody Grosse: “He has a good offspeed pitch, his velocity is up there, he’s left-handed, and his delivery is a little different.”

BRYAN VAN DUSER

Plainfield North, Sr., 2B

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... hit .408 with .470 on-base percentage and .577 slugging percentage for a 1.047 OPS ... had 18 doubles, one homer, drove in 30 runs and scored 39 ... hit by pitch more times (10) than he struck out (9) ... coach John Darlington: “Bryan was a great leader on and off the field. He is a gym rat in terms of baseball.”

BRENT VILLASENOR

Providence, Sr., P

Highlights: Finished 9-3 with a 2.09 ERA ... pitched two-hit shutout against Oak Park-River Forest in Providence’s 1-0 state semifinal win ... In 66 1/3 innings, allowed 58 hits and 20 walks while striking out 35 ... coach Mark Smith: “Brent has been on the varsity since his sophomore year. He was our No. 1 pitcher this year and led us in wins.”

NICK WISZ

Lemont, Sr., 1B

Highlights: All-South Suburban Blue ... hit .510 with 18 doubles, one triple and four homers among his 52 hits ... drove in 34 runs and scored 36 ... posted an .854 slugging percentage and 1.399 OPS ... stole eight bases ... coach Brian Storako: “Nick really swung the bat well this season. He had a lot of big hits. Almost half his hits were for extra bases.”

SECOND TEAM

COLE BELLAIR

Lockport, Sr., P

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... helped pitch Porters to championship in tough conference ... went 5-2 with 2.53 ERA ... struck out 55 and walked 12 in 44 1/3 innings ... coach Andy Satunas: “Cole averaged nine strikeouts per game while facing some of the best teams in the area.”

DANNY BRANDON

Plainfield Central, Sr., CF

Highlights: Hit .354 with .420 on-base percentage and .525 slugging percentage ... had eight doubles, three homers, 15 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and scored 30 runs ... excellent defensive center fielder ... coach John Rosner: “Danny led us in slugging percentage and stolen bases. He had several game-tying or game-winning hits throughout the year.”

D.J. BUDDE

Coal City, Sr., C

Highlights: All-Interstate Eight ... .hit .410 with eight doubles, two triples, a homer and 27 RBIs ... stole 20 bases and scored 40 runs ... struck out three times all season ... committed to Trinity University ... coach Jerry McDowell: Of all the numbers DJ put up, it is the leadership and constant hustle that stand out. He is a great role model.”

MATT BUNETTA

Plainfield Central, Jr., C

Highlights: Hit .386 with eight doubles, one triple and 18 RBIs ... had .449 on-base percentage and .485 slugging percentage ... excellent throwing catcher ... coach John Rosner: “Matt rarely faced an attempted stolen base because of his reputation. When he did, he threw runners out at an incredibly high rate.”

MASON DRANSFELDT

Reed-Custer, Sr., SS

Highlights: All-Interstate Eight ... team MVP ... hit 406 with nine doubles, three triples, two homers and 19 RBIs ... stole 22 bases ... coach Jerry Cougill: “Mason’s outstanding senior season is the culmination of three years of working hard at this game. He has a lot of talent, and it was great to see him put it all together this season.”

EASTON FRISBY

Plainfield South, Sr., P

Highlights: Stepped up to join Shane Ritter in giving the Cougars a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation ... went 6-2 with a 1.45 ERA ... allowed 34 hits and 23 walks while striking out 38 in 53 innings.

BRENT HEADRICK

Reed-Custer, Jr., P

Highlights: Finished 8-3 with a 1.43 ERA ... allowed 55 hits and 15 walks while striking out 84 in 68 1/3 innings ... All-Interstate Eight ... was team MVP as a sophomore ... coach Jerry Cougill: “Brent had another outstanding year. He has been our No. 1 guy from the first day and pitches his best in big games.”

JUSTIN HUNNIFORD

Providence, Sr., 1B/P

Highlights: All-Catholic League Blue ... hit .349 with six doubles and a triple ... drove in 25 runs ... went 6-1 on the mound with 0.78 ERA in 36 innings ... key member of two straight state championship teams in baseball and one last fall in football ... coach Mark Smith: “The best word to describe Justin is he is a winner. He is a great leader and athlete and is leaving quite a legacy.”

ZACH JAROSZ

Plainfield North, Sr., SS

Highlights: Leadoff man hit .366 with .444 on-base percentage ... had 49 hits and scored 48 runs ... drove in 17 runs ... coach John Darlington: “Zach is a great player who came ready to play every day. He is a tremendous defensive player.”

JOSH KRUEGER

Romeoville, Sr., OF/P

Highlights: Three-time All-Southwest Prairie selection ... hit .402 with 10 doubles, two homers and 20 stolen bases ... will play at Judson.

HAYDEN LACZYNSKI

Minooka, Fr., SS

Highlights: Hit .375 with four doubles, one homer, 13 RBIs and 20 runs scored ... struck out seven times and made only seven errors at shortstop ... coach Jeff Petrovic: “The addition of Hayden to our team really was a game changer. He allowed us to strengthen our infield and allowed [Cristian] Sanchez to strengthen our outfield by going to center field. He quickly assumed our leadoff role and did a great job of getting on base and using aggressive baserunning to create runs.”

MIKE McGEE

Plainfield East, Sr., C

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... hit .365 with 10 doubles, one homer and 11 RBIs ... had .475 on-base percentage ... will play at NCAA Division I Oakland in Michigan, the Bengals’ first-ever Division I baseball recruit.

GRIFFIN McGUIRE

Joliet West, Sr., 3B/DH

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... hit .347 with a .439 on-base percentage ... had eight doubles, one triple, two homers, 25 RBIs and scored 21 runs ... coach John Karczewski: “Griff was our biggest run producer. He was our 3-hitter and a team leader.”

JEREMY QUADE

Lockport, Sr., OF

Highlights: Hit .351 with seven doubles, two triples and one homer ... stole 11 bases and scored 24 runs ... coach Andy Satunas: “Jeremy was a senior leader. He did a great job setting the table for us and was a very solid defensive centerfielder.”

MIGUEL RUIZ

Minooka, Sr., P

Highlights: Finished 9-3 with a 2.03 ERA ... struck out 59 and walked 35 in 79 innings ... coach Jeff Petrovic: “Miguel was our No. 1 pitcher. He pitched against all the toughest opponents and in big games. He is really determined and a tough kid. He stepped up huge by going from our preseason No. 3 to our No.1. This guy has tons of heart and guts.”

KC SIMONICH

JCA, So.., OF/1B

Highlights: All-East Suburban Catholic ... .hit .342 batting largely in the 3-hole ... had seven doubles, three triples, two homers and team-leading 37 RBIs ... scored 30 runs.

MATT WAZNIS

Providence, Jr., OF

Highlights: All-Catholic League Blue ... hit .367 with five doubles and three triples ... led team with 32 RBIs ... scored 26 runs ... coach Mark Smith: “Matt is one of the best contact hitters in the area. He struck out eight times in more than 120 at-bats. He will be a mainstay in the middle of our lineup again next year.”

ALEX ZLOMIE

Wilmington, Sr., P/SS

Highlights: All-Interstate Eight ... hit .368 with five doubles, three triples and four home runs among 28 hits ... had a .500 on-base percentage and .671 slugging percentage for a 1.171 OPS ... drove in 29 runs and scored 23 ... went 2-3 on the mound with a 0.90 ERA ... struck out 59 in 39 innings.

THIRD TEAM

GARRETT ACTON

Lemont, Jr., P/1B

Highlights: All-South Suburban Blue ... hit .373 with 11 doubles, two homers and 20 RBIs ... had .427 on-base percentage and .578 slugging percentage for 1.005 OPS ... struck out six times all season ... finished 3-4 on the mound with a 3.62 ERA ... struck out 39 in 40 2/3 innings ... beat Drake Fellows and JCA, 2-1, in nine innings in regional final.

TYLER BORDNER

Morris, Sr., C

Highlights: All-Northern Illinois Big 12 East ... hit .330 with 13 doubles, a triple, a homer and 24 RBIs ... will play for Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ... coach Todd Kein: “We knew what we were going to get offensively from Tyler. He did a great job behind the plate, and there was no disagreement at the all-conference meeting who was the best catcher in the conference.”

MATT BOTTCHER

Romeoville, Jr., SS

Highlights: Hit .372 with eight doubles ... Committed to Illinois-Chicago.

COLLIN BRAUER

Lincoln-Way Central, Sr., P/INF

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Red as a pitcher ... went 1-2 with a 0.65 ERA ... will play at College of DuPage as an infielder and pitcher ... season featured key relief outings against Bradley, Lincoln-Way North and Providence ... coach Scot Gardner: “Collin started the season in more of a short relief/closer role and at the end became a reliable starter.”

BRANDON CALLENDER

Plainfield Central, So., P/1B/3B

Highlights: Went 5-2 with 2.21 ERA ... struck out 40 and walked 15 in 53 2/3 innings ... hit .321 with .419 on-base percentage ... drove in 14 runs ... coach John Rosner: “Brandon was our ace on the mound, and if not for some bad luck, would have finished 8-2.”

JAKE CARLSEN

Providence, Sr, P

Highlights: Finished 6-2 with a 2.55 ERA ... allowed 62 hits and 24 walks while striking out 47 in 66 innings ... coach Mark Smith: “Jake was our most improved player this year.”

TOM CHESHARECK

Morris, Sr., OF

Highlights: All-Northern Illinois Big 12 East ... hit .356 with eight doubles, two triples, two homers and 27 RBIs ... will play at Illinois State ... Coach Todd Kein: “Tom really became a complete hitter this year. He went outside his comfort zone and used the whole field, and his average speaks to that. The biggest thing to me is that he struck out 27 times last year, and this year, in 101 at-bats, he struck out six times.”

TREVOR DALLIO

Lincoln-Way West, Jr., P

Highlights: All-SouhtWest Suburban Red ... Finished 8-1 to back up Steve Skolarz at the top of the Warriors’ rotation.

KENICHI HAYNIE

Lincoln-Way East, Sr., 1B/DH

Highlights: Hit .360 with a .461 on-base percentage and .512 slugging percentage ... had 10 doubles, a homer and 15 RBIs ,,, sported a .979 fielding percentage .. struck out only eight times.

MATT JASKOWIAK

Bolingbrook, Sr., 3B/P

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... hit .467 with five doubles ... finished 2-2 on the mound with 3.52 ERA ... recorded 40 strikeouts.

MARCO MELGOZA

Plainfield South, Sr., 3B

Highlights: All-Southwest Prairie ... hit .320 with seven doubles and four home runs ... drove in 30 runs and scored 25 ... struck out four times all year ... had .423 on-base percentage and .505 slugging mark.

MATT MONAHAN

Lincoln-Way West, Jr., 1B

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Red ... hit .384 with three homers and 30 RBIs ... had .439 on-base percentage and .527 slugging percentage ... scored 35 runs.

DEMARCO MONG

Bolingbrook, Sr., OF

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Blue ... hit .381 with seven doubles, three triples and five homers ... drove in 20 runs.

CODY NIEWINSKI

Morris, Sr., P

Highlights: All-Northern Illinois Big 12 East ... finished 8-4 with 2.37 ERA ... in 79 2/3 innings, struck out 83 and walked 23 ... will play at Northern Ohio ... Coach Todd Kein: “Cody was one of our most consistent players. He was 15-5 in his varsity career with a 2.37 ERA both seasons. He is in total control and command on the mound and puts a coach at ease.”

CHRIS PECK

Dwight, Sr. SS/P

Highlights: All-Sangamon Valley Conference ... team MVP ... will play at North Central ... hit .417 with 10 doubles and three triples ... drove in 24 runs and scored 36 ... sported .587 on-base percentage and .607 slugging percentage for 1.194 OPS ... three-year starter ... coach Justin Stevenson: “Chris’ leadership on and off the field helped guide the Trojans to their first 20-win season in 13 years.”

TRAVIS SCHOONOVER

Reed-Custer, Jr., OF

Highlights: Two-time All-Interstate Eight ... team Gold Glove winner ... hit 389 with nine doubles, a triple, two homers, 26 RBIs and 14 stolen bases ... coach Jerry Cougill: “Travis continues to impress. He has a lot of untapped potential.”

RYAN SUBLETTE

Lemont, So., P

Highlights: All-South Suburban Blue ... went 4-2 with a 1.66 ERA ... In 46 1/3 innings, allowed 40 hits and 33 walks while striking out 63.

RYAN TISHKA

Lincoln-Way Central, Sr., P

Highlights: All-SouthWest Suburban Red .... team MVP ... finished 4-3 with a 2.14 ERA ... struck out 46 and walked 15 in 49 innings ... will pitch at Concordia-Chicago ... coach Scott Gardner: “Ryan became our No. 1 pitcher when he beat St. Laurence and Providence in consecutive starts.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Coal City: Joey Quinn, Sr., OF/P; Jared Skubic, Jr., P/IF

Dwight: Connor Gantzert, Jr., INF; Ryan Gaston, Sr., INF/P; Owen Pulver, Sr., P

Gardner-South Wilmington: Connor Hays, So., INF; Scott Horrie, Jr, C; Kody Kellogg, Sr., P; Kyle Robison, Sr., INF

JCA: Mike Dow, Sr., P; Danny Ehrsam, Sr., P

Joliet Central: Luke DeBenedetti, Jr., SS; Bryan Smith, Sr., OF; Christian Smith, Sr., OF

Joliet West: Nick Marconi, Sr., P

Lincoln-Way Central: Cam Post, So., C

Lincoln-Way East: Mitch Matuszewski, Sr., INF/OF; Jake Pomykalski, So., 1B/P

Lincoln-Way West: Andrew Clavenna, Sr., P; Tyler Dallio, Jr., OF/DH; Ryan Hastings, Jr., 3B; Adam Knerr, Jr., SS; Ben Zordani, Jr., OF

Minooka: Jake Null, Sr., 2B: Tayler Paulsen, Sr., OF; Jon Vesper, Sr., 1B

Morris: Matt Walker, Jr., P

Plainfield Central: Austin Blazevic, Sr., 3B/P

Plainfield East: Mitch Koran, Jr., P

Plainfield North: Jake Dunham, Jr., C; Matt Vanek, Sr., P

Plainfield South: Gabe Wair, Jr., C

Providence: Jackson Dvorak, Jr., INF/DH; Jackson Stulas, Jr., SS

Reed-Custer: Ed Wilkins, Jr., C

Seneca: Matt Houchin, Sr., C; C.J. Pasdertz, Sr., 2B; Lars Pihl, Sr., 1B; Michael Rhodes, Jr., OF

Wilmington: Austin Headrick, Sr., INF/OF; RJ Van Duyne, So., 1B/P