Baseball: Northwest all-area team
Domenic Biagini Hersey
Biagini wanted a chance to show what he could do after missing his junior year because of right shoulder surgery. The Western Illinois-bound outfielder led the MSL East champs in homers (7), RBI (38) and doubles (10) while hitting .351. "He's a very resilient individual," said coach Bob Huber. "That type of perseverance will serve him well as he continues his career at Western."
Cody Bobbit Palatine
Mid-Suburban League coaches have to be thankful they finally have only one more year of Bobbit. The shortstop, leadoff man and Division I prospect hit .445 with 4 homers and 23 RBI but is also adept at bunting for a hit or stealing a base (13). Also played through a stress fracture in a knuckle for most of the MSL season. "Defensively he shows great range," said coach Paul Belo. "It's fun to watch him."
Peter Bonahoom Prospect
"Boom Boom" Bonahoom had another power-packed season even though pitchers were much more careful with the junior outfielder. The Division I football prospect started hitting to all fields better and hit .436 with 8 homers, 8 doubles and 43 RBI. "He's such a clutch performer," said coach Ross Giusti. "He's the guy you want with the bat in his hands with the game on the line."
John Coen Prospect
Coen got it all going for the Prospect offense as the UIC-bound leadoff man hit a school-record .552 with 14 doubles and 28 RBI, scored 46 runs and stole 21 bases. Won 5 games with a 3.47 ERA on the mound. Also had a 23-game hitting streak. "To his own admission he didn't have a great (junior) season and was really determined this year to come back and lay it on the field," said coach Ross Giusti of the MSL East player of the year. "He did everything and more you could ask for."
Jim Cook Barrington
Cook's value to the Broncos was evident when he missed nearly eight games with a concussion. It was also clear when he was in the lineup as he could play second, shortstop or third base depending on who was pitching and he hit .353 with 17 runs and only 9 strikeouts in 89 at-bats leading off. "He was able (to move around) on a consistent basis and not make errors when he was in there," said coach Jim Hawrysko. "He did a great job all-around."
Jack Czeszewski St. Viator
Having Czeszewski back for two more years is a good starting point toward success for Viator. The sophomore leadoff man and outfielder hit .417 with 12 doubles, 5 homers and 20 RBI and stole 15 bases. "When it's all said and done he might break a ton of our records at the school," said coach Mike Manno. "He plays the game the right way and has a good instinct for the game."
Steve Danielak Hersey
Coach Bob Huber said "you get nine guys like Steve and you won't lose." Having the Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne recruit on the mound meant 17 wins the last two seasons and this year the righty was 9-5 with a 2.78 ERA and 97 strikeouts as he broke his own single-season innings record with 83. Also hit .322 with 3 HR and 21 RBI. "A fierce competitor who just battles," Huber said. "He has a great attitude and sets a great example for others with his work ethic."
Mike Farias Maine West
Farias' emergence at catcher strengthened Maine West up the middle as it won 23 games and tied for the Central Suburban North title. The junior hit .416 with 5 homers, 3 triples and a team-high 39 RBI. "He had big shoes to fill (at catcher) but his work ethic is right there with Tommy's (Ross)," said coach Joe Pederson. "You can't outwork him."
Chris Fett Hoffman Estates
For three years, coach Todd Meador knew it was a safe bet in what he would get from Fett. The senior second baseman and repeat all-area pick hit .394 with 2 homers, 5 doubles and 19 RBI, stole 13 bases and had the third-most career hits at Hoffman. "He brings a quiet confidence and work ethic that others look up to," Meador said. "Chris is the type of kid you want the ball hit to when the game is on the line or up at bat when you need the big hit."
Ed Gerdes Prospect
Gerdes turned into "Steady Eddie" as he continued to show the versatility that had him at every position but pitcher and first base in two varsity seasons. The recruit of Division III national champion Illinois Wesleyan hit .375 with 5 homers, 10 doubles and 38 RBI. "This year he started from day one and never looked back," said coach Ross Giusti. "Athletically and academically he does it on and off the field."
Kyle Gizynski Conant
Gizynski didn't look like a sophomore while hitting third all season and playing shortstop. He led Conant in hitting (.446), doubles (8), homers (3), RBI (26) and runs (18) and showed he could handle the toughest plays at the toughest position defensively. "He is a player that really knows the game," said coach Jerry Song. "Kyle is hardworking and very coachable and willing to do the little things in order to succeed."
Dan Haze Palatine
The strong-armed junior right fielder consistently demoralized pitchers who thought they were about to get out of an inning or at-bat. Haze got 16 of his 36 RBI with two outs and 20 with two strikes as he hit .393 with 8 doubles and stole 8 bases. "He had a tremendous knack for coming through in the clutch and he did it when your concentration level had to be it's highest," said coach Paul Belo. "He stayed composed and really enjoyed the pressure situations."
Kyle Kapka Prospect
Kapka's hard work helped answer any questions the Knights had behind the plate and it led to a scholarship to Division II Lewis. Kapka hit .356 with 9 doubles and 20 RBI and was solid defensively. "By far one of the most improved kids we've ever had come through our program," said coach Ross Giusti. "He made the most of his ability and he's only going to get better."
Cory Kay St. Viator
Kay took off in his junior year to emerge as one of the area's top all-around players. The catcher hit .402 with 10 doubles, 8 homers and 47 RBI. "He's been very consistent and I think he's one of the best catchers in the area," said coach Mike Manno. "He's another kid who has a knack for the game and works really hard at it. He does a nice job of calling a game and controlling it for us."
Zenon Kolakowski Fremd
Fremd's "Big Z" played some big-time "D" in center field with spectacular catches that included crashing through the fence at Elk Grove. But he also rarely "K'd" with only 6 strikeouts in 94 at-bats as he hit .394 with 10 doubles and 29 runs. "He made great catch after great catch out there for us," said coach Chris Piggott of the UIC preferred walk-on. "He'll definitely be somebody we sorely miss next year."
Jake Knauss Hersey
Versatility was the name of Knauss' game as third base was his third position in three varsity seasons after playing shortstop and first base. He also excelled as the No. 2 hitter for the Huskies at .356 with 10 doubles, 5 homers and 33 RBI. "He was one of the few players who could hit a homer or lay down a bunt," said coach Bob Huber. "He displayed one of the best baseball instincts I have ever coached."
Alex Lee Hersey
Hersey's "Lee-doff" man helped the MSL East champs get a quick jump on opponents all season. The shortstop hit .410 with 6 homers and 33 RBI and stole 12 bases but also gave teammates a great example to follow. "One of our hardest workers both at practice and in the weight room," said coach Bob Huber. "He made everyone a little better and was a great role model for our entire program."
Jay Livesay Hersey
Hersey had a lineup with no easy outs thanks to Livesay, who regularly turned the attack over to the big hitters at the top by hitting .392 with 6 doubles and .360 with runners in scoring position. A solid second baseman for the MSL East champs. "What a great teammate, what a great example and what a great person," said coach Bob Huber. "It's very satisfying as a coach to see great thinge happen to great people. Jay was the consummate teammate."
Josh Matthys Wheeling
Matthys got plenty of big hits for Wheeling and took away his share of them in center field. Even better news for the Wildcats is he still has a year to go after hitting a team-high .442 with 3 homers and 18 RBI. "Josh played almost an entire season without giving away an at bat," said coach Mike Tice. "It was an amazing season for him. He also made some incredible catches in center for us."
Ryan Nisbet Buffalo Grove
Making the move to center field turned out to be a powerful one for Buffalo Grove and Nisbet. The junior was a force in a hard-hitting lineup at .425 with 13 doubles, 7 homers and 28 RBI as the Bison made a run at the MSL East title. "Ryan moved around quite a bit and he responded wherever we put him," said coach Jeff Grybash. "At times throughout the season he carried our team with his bat."
Miles Osei Prospect
Osei didn't turn his back on the baseball team even though he could have turned his attention to battling for the quarterback job at Illinois. The fourth-year varsity outfielder hit .368 with 3 homers, 12 doubles and 25 RBI and came on late on the mound to go 3-1. "He truly made a commitment to us and I'm very proud of him," said coach Ross Giusti. "He was a joy to coach and gave you nothing but his best."
Eli Perez Leyden
This wasn't an easy year to produce big numbers with the West Suburban Gold loaded with Division I pitchers. But Perez did as he was Leyden's second-leading hitter (.356) and tied for second on the team in RBI (26) while playing solid defense. "Eli gets a tremendous jump on the ball in the outfield," said coach Gary Wolf. "He has a strong arm and a quick bat. We faced a lot of quality pitchers this year and he was always a tough out."
Ryan Ross Maine West
Maine West is losing one Ross in Tommy but gained another as his cousin Ryan took advantage of a promotion and early opportunities to make an impact. The sophomore hit .416 and provided solid defense in right field. "That kid brings tenacity to the diamond," said coach Joe Pederson. "He has that Ross work ethic where he doesn't understand what it means to take it easy on something."
Tommy Ross Maine West
The only reason Ross wasn't a unanimous winner of Maine West's "heart" award was he didn't vote for himself. Ross was a rock for four varsity seasons in center field and showed he could also produce runs with 28 RBI as he hit .407 with 17 doubles. "The kid has been the face of our program," said coach Joe Pederson. "I'd put him against any kid in the state in for character and work ethic."
Jeremy Salzman Buffalo Grove
Salzman's year was so impressive he went from unsure about playing in college to a recruit of Division III power Carthage. The senior was 5-2 with a 2.38 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 15 walks in 56 innings and hit .436 with 31 RBI and only 6 Ks in 101 at-bats. "Jeremy was our emotional leader, big game pitcher, and cleanup hitter," said coach Jeff Grybash. "He is going to be missed next year because of the person and leader that he is."
Greg Sanders Buffalo Grove
Sanders was big for the Bison with the bat and on the mound. He hit .390 with a team-high 8 homers, 9 doubles and 29 RBI and went 6-2 with 4 complete games, including a 1-0, 2-hitter at Barrington. "Greg really stepped up and came into his own on the mound and at the plate," said coach Jeff Grybash. "Without Greg's production, leadership, and passion, we are a different team."
Dan Savas Leyden
Savas got a glimpse into the future as the Illinois State-bound righty usually matched up with another Division I pitcher in the West Suburban Gold. Savas went 5-5 with a 1.64 ERA, 84 strikeouts and 18 walks in 60 innings. "He will only get better with time," said coach Gary Wolf. "When he fully develops his off-speed pitches the sky is the limit for this young man."
Julian Sipiora St. Viator
There wasn't much rest for Sipiora, who went from an all-area football season to a supersectional-bound basketball team to a regional-championship baseball team. Sipiora hit .390 with 8 homers, 10 doubles and 30 RBI and stole 11 bases and was 3-2 with a 2.26 ERA on the mound. "I've never coached a five-tool kid but he's definitely a five-tool kid," said coach Mike Manno. "He's just a special athlete."
Connor Skoczynski Maine West
Skoczynski is one of the many reasons Maine West will be looking for big things next year after the junior shortstop and repeat all-area pick helped lead the way to a second straight Central Suburban North title. Skoczynski hit .381 with 13 doubles and 6 triples, stole 17 bases and scored 47 runs. "The kid is instant offense," said coach Joe Pederson of his leadoff man. "We're fortunate to have him back for another year."
Jeremy Stawychny Leyden
Stawychny was a natural pick as Leyden's MVP as the Heartland College recruit hit .379 with 12 doubles and 27 RBI. On the mound the three-year varsity starter was 5-2 with 1 save, a 1.13 ERA and 97 strikeouts with just 15 walks in 65 innings "He was a leader for us the last few years," said coach Gary Wolf. "He will be successful at the next level since he already has a curveball and changeup at the Division 1 level."
Sean Stutzman Fremd
The junior left-hander stepped up as a solid No. 2 behind senior Clint Terry and that helped Fremd to a Mid-Suburban League title. Stutzman went 5-3 with a 3.19 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 64 innings and hit .340 with 7 doubles and 18 RBI. "He pitched well all year for us, was a solid outfielder and hit the ball real well," said coach Chris Piggott. "You knew what you were going to get out of him."
Clint Terry Fremd
Terry's last three starts said it all as he allowed only 1 run with 2 shutouts to clinch the Mid-Suburban West and MSL titles and win the regional opener for Fremd. The UIC-bound senior lefty and MSL West Player of the Year was 9-4 with a 1.86 ERA, 92 strikeouts and 30 walks in 83 innings and hit .303 with 4 homers and 19 RBI.
Andrew Van Wazer Buffalo Grove
Van Wazer is a big reason BG should be in the MSL East title hunt again next year. The junior third baseman led the team in hitting (.456) and RBI (33), had 9 doubles and 3 homers and only 10 strikeouts in 101 at-bats. "With a young infield, Andrew was a stabilizing force at third," said coach Jeff Grybash. "Andrew consistently barreled up the baseball and was a force in the middle of our lineup."
Special mention
Sean Buchholz (Barrington, Sr., P), Kevin Ciardiello (Fremd, Sr., 2B), Joe Dombek (Schaumburg, Sr. OF), Donny Duschinsky (Elk Grove, Sr., 3B-P), Thomas Kelly (Prospect, Sr., SS), Jack Landwehr (Prospect, So., 3B-P), Eric Lowe (Rolling Meadows, So., SS-P), Rob McDonnell (Barrington, Sr., P), Tony Meza (Maine West, Sr., P), Chris Polinski (Hersey, Jr., 1B), Robert Romano (St. Viator, Jr., P), Byron Skinner (Palatine, Sr., P)
Honorable mention
Joe Belmonte (Conant, Jr., C), Ryan Busse (Hersey, Sr. P), Ryan Daubenspeck (Elk Grove, Jr., C), Arnold Galindo (Maine West, Sr., 1B), Brendan King (St. Viator, Sr., P-1B), Mike Kiviranta (Hoffman Estates, Sr., P), Carlos Olavarria (Leyden, Jr., SS), Joe Perricone (Hersey, Jr. OF-P), Jack Scheffler (Barrington, Jr., SS), Paul Solka (Maine West, Jr., 3B), Sean Thompson (Hersey, Jr., C)
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<h2>Related documents</h2>
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<li><a href="/pdf/cookbaseballfront10.pdf">Northwest suburban all-area team Page 1</a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/cookbaseballteam110.pdf">Northwest suburban all-area team Page 2</a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/cookbaseballteam110.pdf">Northwest suburban all-area team Page 3</a></li>
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