The 2016 Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Baseball Team

Zach Colangelo,

Wheaton North

The senior pitcher and outfielder, a three-year varsity member, earned the respect of the entire DuPage Valley Conference by being named its Player of the Year. Colangelo led the Falcons in most offensive and pitching categories, including his .377 batting average. He won 5 games and struck out 61 while posting a 1.86 ERA. "He was just a great overall player for us," coach Dan Schoessling said.

Connor Cook,

Lake Park

Ten varsity wins on the mound, including six this senior season, places Cook in elite program history. He struck out 91 with a 2.18 ERA while providing invaluable offense from the leadoff spot. Cook, a former shortstop who played outfield this year, batted .355 and drove in 16 runs. "He was in the middle of everything for us," coach Dan Colucci said. "He was our best athlete and also our most driven player."

Terrence Cribbs,

Hinsdale South

For two years Cribbs was the Hornets' top hitter from the cleanup spot in the order. With gap-to-gap power, it was near impossible to get a fastball by the senior second baseman who also developed into a rock-solid defensive player. Cribbs batted .394 with 10 doubles and drove in 28 runs. "Everyone knew they couldn't let Terrence beat them at the plate," coach Paul Hoel said. "They knew it, but he still kept getting big hits for us."

Joe Donovan,

Westmont

In his third varsity season as a junior, Donovan has shattered several Westmont season and all-time records. The catcher and Michigan recruit set a record with a .523 batting average and .964 slugging percentage. Donovan's 10 homers matched his record from last year. He drove in 44 runs and was perfect in 38 steal attempts. "When he didn't get on base, it made you wonder what was wrong," coach D.J. Cocks said.

Zach Duffy,

Hinsdale South

With eye-popping numbers, Duffy definitely earned his selection as player of the year in the West Suburban Gold. The senior center fielder was a speedster who stole 38 bases in 39 attempts, and he also flashed plenty of pop with his bat. Duffy hit .402, including .442 with runners in scoring position. He scored 43 runs and drove in 29. "Zach changed the game with the way he played," coach Paul Hoel said.

Colin Fowich,

Lake Park

Promoted to varsity as a freshman, Fowich became the first player in program history to be part of three regional title runs. The senior settled in this season as a shortstop and closer on the mound, but he also previously played second, third and the outfield. Fowich hit .382 with 16 extra-base hits and 32 RBI and saved three games. "He's always been confident out there, and it's worked for him," coach Dan Colucci said.

James Gargano,

Neuqua Valley

With the Wildcats in need of a spark in the leadoff spot heading into the season, along came Gargano. The junior shortstop had 52 hits, including 16 doubles and 4 homers while batting .356 with a .977 OPS. Thanks in part to his 11 stolen bases, Gargano scored 41 runs and he drove in 20. "The way he carries himself is tremendous," coach Robin Renner said. "When James was on base, we usually won games."

Anthony Greco,

Metea Valley

Bolstered by increased strength and a much improved approach at the plate, Greco's power numbers and run-producing ability stood with anyone in the area. The senior designated hitter's .386 batting average and .822 slugging percentage helped him to a 1.309 OPS. Greco launched 8 home runs and drove in 47 runs while scoring 37. "His run production was critical for us," coach Craig Tomczak said.

Liam Heath,

Naperville Central

As the Redhawks staged a late-season surge to claim a share of the DuPage Valley Conference title, Heath led the charge. The senior pitcher started the campaign as a shutdown reliever while healing from a mild injury, but he soon transformed into an ace starting pitcher. Heath went 7-0 with 55 strikeouts, a 0.88 ERA and 2 saves. "As a starter or reliever, Liam pitched in huge moments for us," coach Mike Stock said.

Foster Heise,

St. Francis

The team's most improved player as a junior, Heise accomplished the same feat in an explosive senior season. The first baseman posted staggering power numbers despite playing through injuries for much of the season. Heise batted .473 with a .806 slugging percentage. He had 19 extra-base hits, including 5 homers while driving in 41 runs. "He's just always working to get better," coach Nick Hall said.

Zack Jones,

Downers Grove South

Committed to play at the University of Illinois, Jones was named pitcher of the year in the West Suburban Gold. Jones finishes in the program's top three in all-time ERA, and his 1.32 ERA this senior year puts him fourth in program history. Jones had 7 wins and struck out 63 against 12 walks. "Zack was a bulldog," coach Darren Orel said. "He was very consistent and almost always had good command."

Conner Lovely,

Metea Valley

Lovely showed the ability to excel at leadoff or in the three spot, but the Mustangs were at their best when the senior shortstop settled into the two hole. Lovely was a model of consistency while batting .482. He had 17 doubles, drove in 26 runs and scored 33. Lovely took advantage once he got on base, notching 24 steals. "He just had an all-around great season for us," coach Craig Tomczak said. "He did it all."

Richard Masciopinto,

Glenbard East

A former Freshman B player, sophomore bench player and junior varsity player, Masciopinto makes a strong case for being the area's most improved player. The senior played catcher and third base, and solidified the No. 2 spot in the order after moving up from the seven hole. Masciopinto hit .405 with a 1.052 OPS, driving in 31 runs. "He's one of the hardest workers I've ever seen," coach Joel Pelland said.

Jason Neville,

Waubonsie Valley

Bolstered by an unbeaten record, a no-hitter against Metea Valley and two 1-hitters, Neville earned his selection as the DuPage Valley Conference's pitcher of the year. The senior won 15 games in his two years on varsity, including a 9-0 record this season. Neville had a 1.32 ERA and struck out 72 in 63 innings. "Once he got to the varsity level, everything kind of clicked for him," coach Bryan Acevedo said.

Dan Oriente,

Downers Grove South

The Louisville recruit put up massive season and varsity numbers as one of the state's elite hitters. For the second straight year Oriente hit over .500, batting .506 this season. With a .788 slugging percentage, he posted a 1.421 OPS. The senior outfielder, who moved from catcher, drove in 33 runs, scored 37 and stole 25 bases. "Danny was a true pleasure to coach," coach Darren Orel said. "He has a tremendous work ethic."

Matt Pizur,

Willowbrook

A three-pitch repertoire, highlighted by an upper-80 mph fastball, created a potent combination on the mound for the three-year starter. The senior pitcher transferred a great winter into a strong spring as Pizur developed into an ace for the Warriors. He won five games and struck out 61 with a 1.38 ERA. "He matured into his body and I think he really surprised some people this season," coach Vic Wisner said.

Kevin Ringlein,

Neuqua Valley

After struggling through injuries as a junior, Ringlein put together the best offensive season the Wildcats have seen in years. At the same time the senior also vastly improved his defensive play in the outfield. Ringlein batted .398 with 51 hits, including 17 doubles. He had 25 RBI and scored 28 runs. "Most teams tried pitching around him," coach Robin Renner said. "Virtually every time he hit the ball, he hit it hard."

Michael Sebby,

Glenbard East

The 2016 Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Baseball Captain will continue playing at Illinois State. The senior pitcher and outfielder led the area with a 0.78 ERA and in wins at 11-0. Sebby struck out 95 in 72 innings. He dominated at the plate as well, batting .431 with 8 home runs, 33 RBI and a 1.407 OPS. "What makes him special is his desire to be the best and his ability to be coached," coach Joel Pelland said.

Alex Tassos,

Benet

If you had to pick one area player to come up with a clutch late-game hit, Tassos would be a good choice. The two-year starter continued his surge from late last season, moving up to the two or three spot in the lineup while shifting between third base, first base and second base. The senior hit .406 with a 1.127 OPS, 4 home runs and 26 RBI. "For two seasons he's been Mr. Clutch for us," coach Scott Lawler said.

Brett Whelton,

St. Francis

A McNeese State recruit, Whelton's three-year varsity numbers rival the state's top sluggers. The senior also proved to be a top-notch defensive catcher. Whelton led DuPage County with a .532 batting average. A .853 slugging percentage spawned from 24 extra-base hits, including 4 homers. He drove in 46 runs. "Game in and game out, he was one of the best catchers in the state," coach Nick Hall said.

Honorable mention

Jimmy Allen (Timothy Christian, so., P-SS); Christian Barczi (Naperville North, sr., C); Frank Basic (Hinsdale South, sr., P); Ryan Eiermann (Naperville Central, jr. P-OF); Jackson Fischer (Westmont, sr., P); Connor Gurnik (Naperville Central, jr., SS); Zach Heck (Glenbard North, jr., C); Tim Lilly (St. Francis, sr., 3B); Nick Malik (Montini, jr., C); Tim Marks (Glenbard South, sr. OF); Ty McCulloch (Downers Grove South, sr., P-1B); Jim McDonald (Lake Park, sr., P-2B); Nick Price (Waubonsie Valley, sr., C); Matt Riecker (York, sr., P-1B); Noah Ritchie (Wheaton Academy, sr., 3B); Jake Rosley (Montini, sr., P); Ryan Schefske (Glenbard East, sr., SS-P); Kevin Spencer (Glenbard West, jr., C); Matt Vass (Metea Valley, jr., P); Cam Zunkel

(Willowbrook, sr. P-SS).

DuPage County All-Area baseball captains

1989 - Erin Dwyer, Glenbard North

1990 - Clint Jensen, Naperville Central

1991 - Mark Odzga, Waubonsie Valley

1992 - Brett Lauvrick, Naperville Central

1993 - Justin Pierro, Benet

1994 - Jerry Hairston, Naperville North

1995 - Jody Gerut, Willowbrook

1996 - Scott Schmid, York

1997 - Russ Bayer, Naperville North

1998 - Russ Bayer, Naperville North

1999 - Craig Lechowicz, Downers Grove South

2000 - Mike Kelly, Waubonsie Valley

2001 - Dan Walsh, Neuqua Valley

2002 - Sam Shorts, Glenbard East

2003 - Kyle O'Brien, Glenbard East

2004 - Mike Bowden, Waubonsie Valley

2005 - Mike Bowden, Waubonsie Valley

2006 - Connor Powers, Benet

2007 - Pete Cappetta, Montini

2008 - Bryan Roberts, Benet

2009 - Jack DeAno, Wheaton North

2010 - Shane Conlan, Naperville Central

2011 - Matt Wivinis, Downers Grove South

2012 - Mariano Long, Naperville North

2013 - Christian Taugner, Lake Park

2014 - Anthony Santos, York

2015 - Charlie Donovan, Westmont

2016 - Michael Sebby, Glenbard East