Baseball: Northwest all-area team

By Dick Quagliano

Daily Herald Correspondent

George Burny St. ViatorBurny got the call against the top teams in the Lions' schedule all season and delivered each time. He battled through arm soreness all year yet still excelled. Burny was 7-3 with a 2.62 ERA while striking out 52. "George was a bulldog on the mound and had complete command of his pitches," St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. "He really began to come on last year because of his work ethic."

Andrew Breytenbach PalatineBreytenbach led the Pirates in hits and OBP, slugging percentage. His hard work showed, moving from the #8 spot in the lineup to the No. 2 spot. Breytenbach caught every inning for the Pirates this year and allowed just one passed ball. He will play at Indiana Wesleyan next year. "Drew is one of the most genuine young men I have ever coached," Palatine coach Paul Belo said. "Daily, Drew would put his leadership on display. He demanded the most of his teammates, because at the least that is what he demanded of himself."

Jake Cavaiani ProspectAs solid player and student on and off the field as you can find. A two-year starter for the Knights, Cavaiani was a key to Prospect's success batting out of the 3-hole. He hit .391, with 15 of his 43 hits going for doubles. "Jake was consistent in all phases of the game," Prospect coach Russ Giusti said. "He was a leader on this team for the past two years, and you couldn't ask for a better kid to help lead our clubhouse. Hustle, punctuality, reliability, coachability and academic success in addition to solid baseball skills is what made Jake a great baseball player."

Christian Camacho Elk GroveCamacho was force for the Grens on the mound, in the field and at the plate. He was workhouse on the mound, pitching in all the biggest games and going 9-2 with 90 strikeouts in 78 innings. He also hit .327 at the top of the lineup and anchored the defense at short. He was named MVP of the MSL East. "Christian's huge all-around efforts on the mound, offensively, and defensively were matched by very few," Elk Grove coach terry Beyna said. "He is a great all-around baseball player and competitor."

Jake Coon BarringtonMSL pitchers finally get a break after three seasons when Coon graduated after this season. Coon had tremendous power, hitting 6 homers and leading his team with 33 RBI. A terrific student as well, Coon will attend Washington University, where he will play football and possibly baseball. "Arguably one of the best defensive first basemen in the area and certainly the best we have seen here," Barrington coach Pat Wire said. "A true leader in and out of the classroom."

Nathan Cooney WheelingCooney has been a three-year starter for the Wildcats and has been a stalwart for them in the field, at the plate and on the mound. He pitched in 12 games this year with a 2.66 ERA. He batted .420 with 3 triples while he had just 4 errors in 81 chances. Nathan's two-way ability on the baseball field was instrumental in making Wheeling baseball competitive for the last three seasons," Wheeling coach Jason Wieder said. "He was also an excellent run-producer and a silky defender for us on the mound and in the field."

Dan Devereux ProspectDevereux overcame an off-season arm injury to become the leader of the Knights' staff. He was 5-1 with 46 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched while walking only 14. He also had an ERA of 1.72. "He was a huge contributor for us down the stretch," Prospect coach Russ Giusti said. "Dan is a reliable pitcher who brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the game."

Anthony Delaurentis BarringtonThe player of the year showed his versatility. He was a stalwart on the mound for the Broncos going 6-2 with a 1.83 ERA striking out 49. Delaurentis led his team with 7 homers and 30 RBI and also was huge defensively at second base. "A quite, yet confident young man," Barrington coach Pat Wire said. "He is a guy who believes in his ability and then goes out and proves it each and every day."

Matt Darling St. ViatorDarling has been a two-year starter and one of the Lions' best hitters during that span. Darling hit.333 with a slugging percentage of .513 this season while driving in 20 runs and stealing 11 bases. "Matt is a team captain and leads by example," St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. "He is overly athletic and smart at the same time. Matt brings a looseness to the team when we need it."

Ben Dickey St. ViatorA threat to steal every time he reached base, Dickey was slowed by a strained hamstring this year. He recovered in time to hit .392 with an OBP of .511 while stealing 18 bases. He stole over 50 bases as a junior and will play at Northwestern next year. "He is one of the best players we have had over a three-year span," St. Viatir coach Mike Manno said. "Ben is a fierce competitor and has great leadership qualities. Ben can change the game in 6 seconds, just by his running ability alone. He is a program changer, and will be sorely missed."

Casey Dodge BarringtonAn unsung hero for the Broncos, Dodge came up huge when his team needed it most. Dodge's .473 batting average led the team; he banged out 53 hits while being named his team's MVP on offense. "He almost didn't play this year," Barrington coach Pat Wire said. "But we sat down and had a chat and I know we are glad he decided to play, and I am certain he is as well. He had a scorching hot bat all year."

Pat Donohue ProspectHard work turned Donohue into a sought-after college player. While performing as a three-year player for the Knights, he improved his speed in the 60-yard run from 7.1 seconds to 6.6. Was one of the area leaders with 32 stolen bases and 37 runs scored while hitting .302. "Pat was a mark of consistency for the past three years," Prospect coach Russ Giusti said. "The addition of speed to his game helped him put pressure on opposing teams once he got on base." Donohue will play for Valparaiso University in the fall.

Crosley Duckmann Maine WestA four-year starter, Duckmann has been the backbone for the Warriors. He had his best season, hitting .424 with 2 homers and 23 RBI this spring. Duckmann had 3 hits in the regional final game. "Crosley played all around the infield and was always at the top of our lineup," Maine West coach Joe Pederson said. "He is a great and truly a team player and a true competitor."

Matt Fauth ConantFauth had a record-setting year for Conant this season. He set established new program standards for hits (52) and runs scored (44) while hitting .441 with 22 stolen bases. "Matt's dedication in the off-season paid off big-time as he raised his batting average over 150 points in one season," Conant coach Derek Fivelson said. "He's a model for hard work. Matt's presence in center field and at the leadoff spot was a big reason we won 20 games."

Anthony Forte ConantOne of the most feared hitters in the league, Forte was a force for the Cougars. He tied the school record for home runs with 10 and set a school record with 27 stolen bases. Has a gun for arm in right field and will play at Tulane next year. "Anthony was able to achieve the numbers he put up over the past two season despite not seeing very many good pitches to hit," Conant coach Derek Fivelson said. "His speed was one of his best assets for us. He basically had the green light all year because he was smart and read pitchers very well."

Lucas Karz ProspectKarz gave the Knights tremendous power from the cleanup spot in the batting order. Karz, who was named to the IHSCBA all-state team, will attend Presbyterian University next fall. He hit an even .500 with 5 homers and 42 RBI this spring. "Luke was a solid rock in the middle of our lineup," Prospect coach Russ Giusti said. "You could always rely on him to have 2-3 quality at-bats a game. His confidence really grew over the summer, and he also became a very vocal leader for our team."

Alex Kiszkowski SchaumburgKiszkowski was solid at short for the Saxons for two seasons. He hit .347 for Schaumburg this spring and came up with huge plays when his team needed them. "Kisz is an outstanding leader on and off the field. His knowledge of the game and his ability to execute decisions makes him a great ball player," Schaumburg coach Cal Seely said. "Kisz won our 2015 MVP award, which embodies what we want Schaumburg baseball to be - tough, determined, respectful, and successful."

Jeff Mayes Hoffman EstatesThe starting shortstop for the Hawks for the past three years, Mayes is a fierce competitor. He batted .409 with 13 doubles out of his 36 hits. Mayes, who will play at Aurora University next fall, was also Hoffman Estates' starting quarterback in the fall. "Jeff finished his career as one of the best shortstops I've ever had the chance to coach," Hoffman Estates coach Todd Meador said. "Jeff was not only exceptional with his glove and bat, but also in his leadership abilities. Some people were just born to be leaders, and he's certainly one of them."

Jack McEnroe Elk GroveAt the start of the season, McEnroe was on the bench. By the end, he was one of his team's leading hitters. McEnroe, who had a pair of 3-hit games, finished the season hitting .392 while striking out only four times all season. "Jack was our most improved player this year," Elk Grove coach Terry Beyna said. "His attention to detail, work ethic, and commitment to improving translated to big-time results for us."

Aiden Miller Christian LibertyA two year starter for the Chargers, Miller was a beast on both sides of the plate. Miller had a hit in every game he played this year and finished with a .589 batting average and a .904 slugging percentage. "Aiden was a leader on our team through his actions and play," CLA coach Jed Bennett said. "He is always cool, calm, and collected which allowed other players to play with a little more confidence themselves. He is the best blocking catcher I have ever coached and very tough behind the plate. "

Kevin Napoleon St. ViatorOnly a junior, Napoleon set a school record with wins this year with 9. Napoleon had 66 strikeouts in 64 innings while posting a 2.17 ERA. "Jack Has the ability to mix up 3 pitches at any point in the count," St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. "He works extremely hard and dedicated to helping the team and himself get better. We have high expectations for him next year."

Jake Petersen BarringtonPetersen was solid behind the plate and on the mound for the Broncos again this year. He handled his pitchers expertly behind the dish while coming on in relief in key situations. Petersen also hit .365 with 38 hits this season. "He is a lunch-pail kid," Barrington coach Pat Wire said. "He goes to work every day and works harder than most to hone his skills. He hits before practice and he hits after practice."

Mitch Pfeiffer BarringtonPfeiffer prowled center field like a big cat for the Broncos for three seasons while earning all-conference marks in each of them. His ability to run down flyballs helped his team in key moments. Pfeiffer broke the school record for stolen bases for a career while hitting .327 this season. "He was a constant threat on the basepaths," Barrington coach Pat Wire said. "He puts on pressure on defenses when he reaches base."

Mike Piotrowski ProspectThere may not have been a more feared hitter in MSL games with runners on base than Piotrowski. He drove in 37 runs in 16 MSL games while finishing the year with a .311 average to lead the Knights in every offensive category in MSL games. "Mike really grew into a solid baseball player this year," Prospect coach Russ Giusti said. "He struggled early in the season at the plate and made some significant adjustments from being a dead pull hitter into using the entire field." Piotrowski will play at Dominican University next schol year.

Brandon Post Elk GroveA key element in Elk Grove's back -to-back Mid Suburban League titles, Post was a tough out. He hit .389 with 13 doubles and 22 RBI. Post will play at Lewis University next year. "Brandon was a big=time player for us in our team's biggest moments," Elk Grove coach Terry Beyna said. "He anchored the offense and played great defensively for us all year."

Jake Riportella Maine WestRiportella batted first and set the table for the Warriors' success this season, hitting .398 with an OBP of .541. "He has anchored our outfield since we moved him from the infield as a freshman," Maine West coach Joe Pederson said. He is a high-average and on-base guy with a ton of grit. He is old school and a leader on and off the field."

Mack Rosman FremdA three-year starter, Rosman has been one of the area's top pitchers throughout that span. Was 5-3 this year with an impressive 76 strikeouts in just 47 innings pitched, with a 1.18 ERA. Rosman will play at Northwestern next year. "Mack has been solid for us throughout his career," Fremd coach Chris Piggott said. "He is a great pitcher and a superb leader."

Brenden Spillane WheelingSpillane is one of the most decorated players in Wheeling baseball history. He hit .420 despite being pitched around all season. A three-year starter, Spillane had .614 slugging percentage. Spillane, who has signed with Illinois, has drawn interest from MLM organizations. "He is an offensive powerhouse with physical size and athleticism that is unmatched in the area," Wheeling coach Jason Wieder said. "But more importantly, Bren is a quality person that is fun to be around and get to know."

Dan Sullivan St. ViatorSullivan could change the game with just one swing with his natural power from the left side. Sullivan belted a school-record 10 homers and also had 10 doubles. He had a slugging percentage of .768 while hitting .343 and led the Lions with 37 RBI. "Dan has worked extremely hard to get to be a great hitter," St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. "His future is bright for us next season and moving forward into college."

Aaron Tres St. ViatorTres, who was injured last season, was the team MVP on a talented Lions squad this year. He hit .333 with 19 RBI and anchored the team behind the plate, and he came on to pitch as well. Tres also led his soccer team downstate, playing goalkeeper. "Aaron did it all for us this year," St. Viator coach Mike Manno said. "He caught, pitched and came up with big hits all year long. He is truly a team player and competitor."

Ryan Ward Hoffman EstatesIn his second-year on the varsity, Ward became one of the most dominant pitchers in the MSL this year. He set a school record for wins, going 9-3 on the season. Ward fanned 70 with just 13 walks with a 2.13 ERA. He had 3 shutouts and also tossed a no-hitter this spring. "Our team knew that every time Ryan took the mound, he would give us a great chance for a win," Hoffman Estates coach Todd Meador said. "With his strong work ethic and mental toughness, I can't wait to see what can do in the years to come."

Matt Wary Elk GroveWary was s huge asset for the Grenadiers, both offensively and defensively. Wary hit .400 with 2 homers and 21 RBI and was a two-year starter for the Grens. "Matt was a great offensive and defensive player for us," Elk Grove coach Terry Beyna said. "He provided our team energy and put great pressure on our opponents."

Nick Zouras HerseyZouras was a tough out all year for the Huskies, hitting .349 with an OBP of .469. Zouras led Hersey with 22 RBI while also coming from behind the plate to earn a school record 10 saves over the past two years, including 6 this season. He will play at Illinois State next year. "He meant a ton to our team, and not just from an offensive perspective. We were very young on the mound and Nick did his best to bring those guys along," Hersey coach Bob Huber said. "Nick has worked extremely hard in the weight room and has really blossomed into an all-around athlete. He is a class act who was a great role model for our entire program."

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos.

George Burny St. Viator Sr. P

Andrew Breytenbach Palatine Sr. C

Jake Cavaiani Prospect Sr. SS

Christian Camacho Elk Grove Jr. P/SS

Jake Coon Barrington Sr. 1B

Nathan Cooney Wheeling Sr. SS/P

Dan Devereux Prospect Sr. P

*Anthony Delaurentis Barrington Sr. P/2B

Matt Darling St. Viator Sr. OF

Ben Dickey St. Viator Sr. OF

Casey Dodge Barrington Sr. 3B

Pat Donohue Prospect Sr. 3B

Crosley Duckmann Maine West Sr. 3B

Matt Fauth Conant Sr. OF

Anthony Forte Conant Sr. OF

Lucas Karz Prospect Sr. 1B

Alex Kiszkowski Schaumburg Sr. SS

Jeff Mayes Hoffman Estates Sr. P/SS

Jack McEnroe Elk Grove Jr. 1B

Aidan Miller Christian Liberty Jr. C

Kevin Napoleon St. Viator Jr. P

Jake Petersen Barrington Sr. C

Mitch Pfeiffer Barrington Sr. OF

Mike Piotrowski Prospect Sr. OF

Brandon Post Elk Grove Sr. OF

Jake Riportella Maine West Sr. OF

Mack Rosman Fremd Sr. P

Brendan Spillane Wheeling Sr. OF

Dan Sullivan St. Viator Jr. 1B

Aaron Tres St. Viator Sr. C

Ryan Ward Hoffman Estates Sr. P

Matt Wary Elk Grove Sr. OF

Nick Zouras Hersey Sr. C

* All-area team captain

Honorable mentionTom Austin, Fremd; Jack Bellinger, Schaumburg; Ian Bohn , Fremd; Jeremey Borgess, Leyden; Jack Coney, St. Viator; Jimmy Day, Barrington; Chuck Fleming, Elk Grove; Brett Gibson, Rolling Meadows; Ethan Hajdukovic, Fremd; Brett Harris, Hersey; Justin Hasek, Buffalo Grove; Chris Hoffman, Christian, Liberty; Luke Johnson, Barrington; Jake Jordan, Wheeling; Cole Kmet, St. Viator; Chris Macahon, Palatine; Grant Miller, Prospect; Matt Mills, Conant, Jr.; Kevin Monson, St. Viator; Nick Orlando, Palatine; Eric Outlaw, Maine West; Dan Pinderski, Fremd; Adrian Perez, Leyden; Jack Reiger, Conant; Sean Russell, Maine West; Austin Shallcross, Elk Grove; Pat Smith, Conant; Will Trossen, Hersey; Jack Vaselaney, Buffalo Grove; Jake Zyzda, Barrington

Special mentionAdam Apel, Buffalo Grove; Alexander Breytenbach, Palatine; Trey Cervantes, Buffalo Gove; Trey Compton, Prospect; Patrick Dehnert, Barrington; Brooks Gosswein, Barrington; Hector Herrera, Leyden; Kaz Higuchi, Fremd; Christian Hubbard, Wheeling; JT Kolderup, Fremd; Matt Lamm, Palatine; AJ Lorenz, Elk Grove; Jack Lunkes, Conant; Jonathan Maday, Elk Grove; Matt Nadler, Prospect; Justin Placko, Prospect; Doug Rathje, Hoffman Estates; Chris Refka, Palatine; Alex Stremel, Fremd; Joe Swanson, Maine West

Selections and capsules by Dick Quagliano