Baseball: Northwest all-area team

Sam Beutler Fremd

The only Fremd returning starter this year, Beutler, who is a junior, continued his assault at the plate. He hit 4 home runs and banged out 7 doubles and had a slugging percentage of .534 and led the team in both RBI with 24 and runs scored with 25. He had huge hits in both of Fremd’s playoff wins. Beutler, who also plays quarterback, played both right and left field. “He’s a big strong kid and very athletically gifted,” Piggott said. “If he ever just concentrated on baseball, I think he would be a great player. He has a lot of potential.”

Ethan Bloom Hoffman Estates

Bloom, who is a junior, pitched and hit his way to help the Hawks stun second-seeded Batavia in the regionals. Bloom sizzled at the plate with his .386 average and 6 home runs. He had 20 RBI, and a slugging percentage of .670. “Ethan is one of the purest hitters our school has ever seen,” Hoffman Estates coach Todd Meador said. “He also brings a great attitude and work ethic to the field each time he puts the uniform on.” Bloom also threw 39 innings for the Hawks, compiling a 4-4 record with 1 save.

David Camacho Elk Grove

The ace of the Grenadiers staff, Camacho pitched in 19 of the Grenadiers’ 35 games. Camacho was outstanding all season, compiling an 8-2 record with 3 saves. He had an impressive of ERA .098. His fastball, curve and changeup kept batters off balance all year. Comacho, who will play at Rockford College next year, compiled 56 strikeouts in 86 innings pitched with opposing teams hitting under .200 against him. “Every time he went out there, he dominated,” Elk Grove coach Terry Beyna said. “He mixed up his pitches and got ahead of guys. He was the guy we counted on all season long.”

A.J. Compton Prospect

Compton was a reserve on the 2011 state final team as a sophomore and scored a key run in the supersectional vs. Glenbrook North that season. From there, the Elmhurst College-bound Compton has grown into one of coach Ross Giusti’s top players. “A.J. grew into a leadership role and was our leader on offense in many categories,” Giusti said. “He plays the game the way it should be played, and was a good example for all of our younger players this year.” Compton was impressive with his .490 slugging percentage, scoring 21 runs while driving in 25 runs.

Matt Dennis Rolling Meadows

The Mid-Suburban East player of the year and the winning pitcher in the MSL title game is headed to a collegiate future at Bradley. Dennis came up big when the Mustangs needed him this spring. “He just worked hard in everything he did,” Rolling Meadows coach Jim Lindeman said. “Whether it was on the mound, in the field or at the plate, he was fiercely competitive.” Dennis struck out 98 this year in 68.2 innings pitched and had an ERA of 1.83 while compiling a record of 8-1. He finished 7-0 in the MSL. Dennis also played third base, first base and the outfield for the Mustangs, hitting .273 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI with a slugging percentage of .505.

Luc Dimaso Elk Grove

The scrappy Dimaso led his team in hitting with a .375 average while hitting in the two-spot for most of the season. Dimaso, who will play at Carthage next year, had 45 hits which tied for tops in the area. He also scored 26 runs and drove in 20. He finished with 3 home runs and a slugging percentage of .525. “Luc has really learned the game,” Elk Grove coach Terry Beyna said. “He has been a major part of our offense. He runs well and plays good defense with a strong arm.”

Mike DiViesti Buffalo Grove

The Bison backstop has been a force for the past two seasons. DiViesti, who has signed to play at Butler next year, led Buffalo Grove to the regional title game with his .355 batting average, 2 homers, a .414 on base percentage and a .461 slugging percentage. “Mike has truly been a leader on this team,” Buffalo Grove coach Jeff Grybash said. “He has tremendous talent and was instrumental in helping our pitchers all season. And he helped solidify our lineup with his bat in the four-hole.”

Mike Dolan Rolling Meadows

Led the Mustangs in every offensive category while handling the Rolling Meadows’ pitching staff that compiled a 3.09 ERA. “Mike just doesn’t get enough credit for all he does for us,” Rolling Meadows coach Jim Lindeman said. “He really is an unsung player. He is terrific defensively and strong with his bat.” Dolan, who will play at Rollins University next year, hit .408 with 5 home runs and 33 RBI. He had 40 hits on the season, including 10 double and 2 triples and had and a .704 slugging percentage.

Jon Escobar Fremd

After beginning the season in the bullpen, Escobar convinced coach Chris Piggott to let him start. Escobar was solid there, beating St. Viator 1-0 in the regionals and losing to Libertyville 2-1 in the sectionals despite giving up just 2 hits. “He is one of the toughest competitors I ever coached,” Piggot said. “He finds a way to get the job done.” Escobar, who was 3-1 on the season with 2 saves, allowed just 2 earned runs all year in 33 innings pitched, striking out 47. He also hit .275 while walking 15 times and being hit by a pitch a school-record 15 times.

Michael Fan Schaumburg

While the Saxons played the least amount games this year (22) in nearly 30 years due the weather, Fan, who is a junior, made the most of every plate appearance he had. Batting cleanup, Fan led Schaumburg in 12 offensive categories including batting average, where he hit .410, along with slugging percentage (.590) and on-base percentage (.465). His defense at first base was sold as well. “Michael showed great leadership for us all year,” Schaumburg coach Cal Seeley said. “And we look forward to having him back next year.”

Andrew Ferrante St. Viator

Nobody was hotter than Ferrante, who hit over .700 in the final two weeks of the season including a walk-off hit against Notre Dame. Ferrante, who finished the season with a .382 average, finished with 39 hits, including 10 doubles, 2 triples and a home run. He also scored 28 times and was a stalwart on defense, making just 2 errors at second base. “Andrew knows the strike zone very well,” St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. “He works real hard and leads by example.”

Greg Grana Palatine

Grana caught nearly every pitched thrown by a Pirates pitcher this season. “He absolutely refused to allow me to give him a rest,” Palatine coach Paul Belo said. “Greg is one of the best leaders I have ever coached. He has a strong baseball acumen and can change the outcome of a game with his arm alone.” This season Grana displayed the ability to deliver in the clutch, hitting .410 with runners in scoring position and delivering 24 RBI. Grana, who will play baseball next season at North Park next year, hit .321 while leading the team with 35 hits.

Matt Isola Fremd

After a slow start, Isola heated up in the second half of the season. Batting in the leadoff spot, where he led the team with 104 at-bats, Isola had an on base percentage of .408. He had 12 doubles, a triple and a home run while finishing with an average of .317. A cat on the prowl in center field, Isola robbed quite a few MSL batters this season with stunning catches. “He is a multisport athlete that just loves to compete,” Fremd coach Chris Piggott said. “He plays a solid center and runs the bases well.”

Austin Jetel Fremd

A junior, Jetel sparkled this year, leading the Vikings in hitting with a .404 average and an even more impressive .586 slugging percentage. He also knocked in 22 runs while leading the team with 13 doubles. “He really stepped up for us this year,” Fremd coach Chris Piggott said. “He picks the ball better than any first baseman we have had. He is quick for his size, too.” Jetel showed that speed in the regionals when he stole home for the only run in the game in his team’s win against St. Viator.

Jarrod Juskiewicz Palatine

A two-year starter at short, Juskiewicz answered the call for the Pirates on the mound this year as well. After not throwing an inning as junior, he posted a 2.26 ERA over 49.2 innings and delivered a shutout performance against a higher-seeded Deerfield team in the regional semifinals. ”Jarrod is one of the most mentally tough competitors I have ever coached,” Palatine coach Paul Belo said. “Daily, Jarrod brought an intensity that was admired by his teammates and coaches alike.” Juskiewicz, who will go on to play baseball at Illinois Wesleyan next year, also hit .327 with 22 RBI and 11 doubles and 5 home runs.

Ryan Lidge Barrington

The player of the year in the MSL West is headed to Notre Dame next year and could be a top draft selection in the upcoming MLB free agent draft. He has all the tools behind the plate, where baserunners feared him. Lidge even picked a runner off second base with his deadly arm this spring. “He is just a tremendous player and leader for us,” Barrington coach Pat Wire said of the two-year starter. “It will be fun to watch him after high school.” Lidge belted 8 home runs and hit .381 while driving in an area-best 38 runs. And with a slugging percentage of .711 it was no wonder he was walked 25 times.

Mike Maize Elk Grove

One of the area’s top athletes, Maize also excelled in football and wrestling. He was another key to the Grens’ offense, and his 2-run homer in the top of the seventh beat Rolling Meadows 2-1. “He is an absolute pleasure to coach,” Elk Grove coach Terry Beyna said. “He got big hits at clutch times. He is the kind of kid that would never back down. You could never tell he was struggling.” He hit .350 while hitting 2 home runs to go with 10 doubles and 18 RBI. A leader on and off the field, he patrolled centerfield like policeman on a beat.

Patrick Martin St. Viator

Martin went from the No. 4 starter a year ago to the ace in the staff this season this spring. He pitched in 15 games fanning 72 in just 67 innings. “He was a bulldog on the mound for us,” St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. “He has great stuff and can throw four pitches for strikes.” Martin, who will attend Heartland College next year, finished just 5-4 with 1 save. But his 4 losses were by a total of 5 combined runs and came to regional champs Fremd and Wheaton North, along with ESCC conference co-champs Carmel and Benet.

Dave Milligan Hersey

Milligan was the lone returning starter from the Huskies’ 2012 conference championship team, and he played like champion once again. A leader on and off the field, Milligan will attend Notre Dame next year. “Dave is an exceptional individual who always demonstrates a do whatever it takes attitude,” Hersey coach Bob Huber said. “He is a great role model for everyone in our entire program.” Milligan hit .327 for the Huskies with 11 doubles and a home run while driving in 19 runs. He also had 7 stolen bases and a slugging percentage of .462.

Scott Nelson Barrington

Nelson came into his own on the mound this year after throwing just one pitch as junior. “He worked really hard during the summer playing Legion ball,” Barrington coach Pat Wire said. “And all the things he learned then, carried over into this season.” In nearly 70 innings pitched, he compiled a 2.02 ERA while going 9-2 with 2 saves for the MSL West champion Broncos. He also fanned 46. Nelson, who will attend Washington University, also played center field for the Broncos and hit .375 while driving in 27 runs.

Mitch Pfeiffer Barrington

This sophomore got the Broncos rolling. The ideal leadoff hitter, Pfeiffer led the team with a .402 batting average and stole an area-best 25 bases. “This is where it all starts for us,” Barrington coach Pat Wire said. “As a freshman playing on the sophomore team, he did the same thing. And he has taken it to another level playing varsity ball.” Pfeiffer also showed his speed, hitting 3 triples. Despite not having a home run this season, his slugging percentage was still .518.

Roy Pettingill St. Viator

The big-slugging Pettingill led the Lions in hitting with a .437 average, raising his average by nearly 100 points from the previous season. “He can flat out hit,” St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. “Roy spent the off-season working hard on his hitting, and it showed.” Pettingill, who struck out nine times in 36 games, banged out 45 hits, which tied for tops in the area. Pettingill, who will play at Webster University next season, also had 12 doubles and 22 RBI with a slugging percentage of .641.

Brenden Spillane Wheeling

Spillane, a sophomore, has tremendous upside — as demonstrated by the offers he already has from Illinois State, Illinois and Louisville. He has earned the respect of opposing coaches as well, being walked intentionally with the bases loaded in the seventh inning in a 2-run game. “Bren has taken ownership for this program and is the face and future of Wheeling baseball,” Wheeling coach Jason Wieder said. “He is the best player I have ever coached and is an incredible kid as well. He has unlimited potential.” Spillane hit 2 home runs, had 28 RBI and a .388 batting average. He also hit school record 3 triples, was walked 15 times, 7 of which were intentional, and was 14-for-15 on stolen bases. He also pitched in relief for the Wildcats, striking out 6 in 5 innings pitched.

Mickey Wazorick Rolling Meadows

Moving Wazorick from third base to shortstop this season helped shore up the Mustangs’ defense, and he continued to be a positive in the batter’s box, hitting .362 with 2 homers and 8 doubles while knocking in 26 runs. On many staffs, Wazorick, who will play at Harper College next year, would have been a No. 1 starter. He was impressive with his 2.48 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched. “Mickey did everything we asked of him,” Rolling Meadows coach Jim Lindeman said. “And when he was on the mound, he never wanted to come out.”

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos.

Sam Beutler Fremd Jr. OF

Ethan Bloom Hoffman Estates Jr. 3B/P

David Camacho Elk Grove Sr. P

A.J. Compton Prospect Sr. SS/P

Matt Dennis Rolling Meadows Sr. P/OF

Luc Dimaso Elk Grove Sr. RF

Mike DiViesti Buffalo Grove Sr. C

Mike Dolan Rolling Meadows Sr. C

Jon Escobar Fremd Sr. P

Michael Fan Schaumburg Jr. 1B

Andrew Ferrante St. Viator Sr. 2B

Greg Grana Palatine Sr. C

Matt Isola Fremd Sr. CF

Austin Jetel Fremd Jr. 1B

Jarrod Juskiewicz Palatine Sr. SS/P

*Ryan Lidge Barrington Sr. C

Mike Maize Elk Grove Sr. CF

Patrick Martin St. Viator Sr. P

Dave Milligan Hersey Sr. IF

Scott Nelson Barrington Sr. P/OF

Roy Pettingill St. Viator Sr. DH/1B

Mitch Pfeiffer Barrignton Soph. OF

Brenden Spillane Wheeling Soph. SS/P

Mickey Wazorick Rolling Meadows Sr. P/SS

* Captain

Honorable mention

Mike Anciulis (Elk Grove, Sr., 1B ), Bubba Bendewald (Wheeling, Sr., P), Nate Cooney (Wheeling, So., 2B), Nolan Gavin (Palatine, Jr.), Dan Glad (Christian Liberty, Sr., P/OF), Dan Hendrickson (Rolling Meadows, Sr. OF), Aaron Karr (Christian Liberty, Sr., SS), Gunnar Kay, (St. Viator, Sr., P), Dylan Lidge (Barrington, Sr., SS), Charlie Meyer (St. Viator, Sr., SS), Mack Rosman (Fremd, So., P), Ivan Nevez (Leyden, Sr., P), Alex Niecikowski (Rolling Meadows, Jr., SS/2B), Patrick O’Malley (Elk Grove, Sr., OF), Tim Polak (Fremd, Sr., 3B), Ryan Schumi (Buffalo Grove, Sr., CF), Greg Steiner (St. Viator, Sr. P), Wyatt Trautwein (Barrington, Jr. P), Jimmy Ward (Hoffman Estates, Sr., P-OF), Mike Woods (Elk Grove, Sr., 1B/P)

Special mention

Johnny Assimakopoulos (Elk Grove, Jr., C), Dan Hendricks (Rolling Meadows, Sr., DH), Jack Holden (Schaumburg, Jr., OF), Zack Hommowun (Hoffman Estates, Sr., CF), Marcus Middlebrook (Fremd, Jr., 2B), Jack Milas (Rolling Meadows, Sr., P), Patrick O’Malley (Elk Grove, Sr., SS), Luke Potnick (Buffalo Grove, Sr. 3B/P), Nick Ricciardi (Wheeling, Sr., C), Ryan Rodgers (Hersey, Sr., OF), Joe Rossi, (St. Viator, Sr., OF), Brad Schwind (Schaumburg, Jr., P), Joey Sciaccotta (Barrington, Jr., 2B), Andrew Stark (Fremd, Jr., OF), Mike Szopinski (Leyden, Sr., SS/2B)

Selections and profiles by Dick Quagliano