More classes, just as much competition for small schools

Small-school baseball gets an extra playoff bracket this season, but there's still a sense of familiarity to the upcoming postseason.

As Driscoll embarks next week upon its quest for a fourth state title, this year marks the first time the Highlanders and everyone else will compete in a four-class system. In Class 2A, however, the competition remains as stiff as ever.

"We're not going to overlook anyone -- starting with the first game in the regional," said Driscoll coach Sean Bieterman, whose team was the 2006 Class A runner-up. "It looks similar to how it did two years ago. It's a lot of the same teams."

On a statewide level that means the 2A field includes powerhouses like Illinois Valley Central, Columbia and Pleasant Plains. On a local level it means a familiar group of Walther Lutheran, Holy Trinity and DuPage County contenders Driscoll and Lisle.

The Highlanders, who fell to 17-7 after Tuesday's loss to Montini, are a top seed in the Driscoll sectional. Lisle, 13-12 through Wednesday, is a second seed.

"We want some momentum before the playoffs start," said Lisle coach Pete Meyer. "I really feel like we can do something if that happens."

Driscoll boasts a pair of 5-win pitchers in Anthony Campanella and Corey Eisenmann, a talented tandem that's a key factor heading into the playoffs. Lisle, meanwhile, has one of the area's most dominant pitchers in Jon Surber, who's struck out 57 batters in 50 innings.

Both teams could be poised for a deep playoff run, including Lisle on the heels of two straight regional titles.

"We have the ability to go a long way, but we need to keep our focus," Meyer said.

The Lions open with No. 6 Timothy Christian in the Aurora Christian regional semifinals. Driscoll, which plays host to a regional and sectional, takes on the winner of a feed-in game.

Immaculate Conception, competing in Class 1A, is the fifth seed in the Westminster Christian sectional. The Knights play No. 10 North Shore Country Day in the Somonauk regional semifinals.

The Class 1A and 2A playoffs begin Tuesday. The Class 3A and 4A tournament starts May 20.

Joltin' Joe: Few players in the state are enjoying the kind of season Glenbard South's Joe Biagini is having at the plate.

The powerful senior catcher entered the week with a .513 batting average, 7 home runs, 36 RBI and an .882 slugging percentage. One of his homers slammed off the Raiders' scoreboard, another sailed over the trees beyond the left-field fence.

Every swing of his bat seems to ring with power.

"He's definitely got a Division I bat," said Glenbard South coach Mike Riley. "He just hits the ball hard every time he's at the plate."

Since earning a promotion to varsity as a sophomore, Biagini has been a constant behind the plate. He's in his third year hitting in the coveted No. 3 spot in the lineup.

"He's always been able to hit the ball," Riley said. "And he's pretty good behind the plate."

Coming together: Neuqua Valley, last year's Class AA champion, didn't quite struggle early this season, but the Wildcats definitely needed to improve.

The Wildcats fell to 6-3 after a 7-4 loss to St. Charles North on April 15, a game that featured junior ace Ian Krol's first outing on the mound.

After that game, however, everything came together. The Wildcats won their 14th straight game Tuesday with a 15-6 nonconference win over powerful Prairie Ridge.

Granted, neither team pitched their aces. But with Craig Provow, Jason David and Geoff Rowan combining for the win, the victory showed the cohesiveness building within the team as it heads toward the upcoming playoffs.

"We've definitely been playing better baseball," coach Robin Renner said.

David and Krol have been two keys to the season.

David, who's recovered remarkably well from a summer car accident, entered the week hitting .476. A grand slam and 6 RBI on Tuesday gave him 8 homers and 41 RBI.

Krol, who rarely batted as a sophomore, was hitting .579 with 3 homers and 15 RBI in 40 at-bats. He's also pitched a no-hitter and a perfect game.

Pleasant surprises are nothing new to Renner and the Wildcats. Their consistent success over the years has depended upon it.

"For us to be good, something unexpected had to happen," Renner said. "And with Jason and Ian, it's happened."