Fox Valley all-area team

Posted June 10, 2010 11:00 pm

By Jerry Fitzpatrick

Ben Albano Jacobs

This senior left fielder overcame a December knee procedure to post one of the finest seasons in IHSA history. Albano set an early tone with home runs in Jacobs' first two games and went on to hit 16 homers, breaking the previous Fox Valley-area record of 15 and tying him for 17th place in IHSA history for a single season. He drove in 67 runs, the 15th-highest single-season total on record. The right-handed hitter won the area batting crown with an average of .533 (64-for-120). He hit 11 doubles, 2 triples and scored 44 runs. "His work ethic is unquestioned," former Jacobs coach Eric Sanders said. "He was successful partly because of his willingness to focus on his weaknesses and correct them. For a young man, that's generally not very common and says a lot about him." Albano will play next season for Luther College.

Drew Buddle South Elgin

A pitcher, a three-year varsity starter at shortstop and a repeat all-area selection, this senior led the Storm to a school-record 20 wins and their first regional title. Buddle was brilliant on the mound during the playoffs. He won two regional games in relief, and an unearned run made him the tough-luck loser in a sectional semifinal after he threw 31/3 scoreless innings. "He was a leader who brought energy, focus and competitiveness to the game, which was definitely on display for the last three games." Storm coach Jim Kating said. Buddle finished the year 5-4 with 41 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.03 in 411/3 innings. At the plate, he hit .340 (33-for-97) with 10 doubles, 18 walks and 19 RBI.

Eric Chandler Cary-Grove

A two-time all-area selection in baseball and football, this all-around athlete helped the Trojans win a share of their third straight title in the Fox Valley Conference and their second straight regional. The senior catcher/left fielder hit .350 (41-for-117) with 11 doubles and 3 home runs. He scored 30 runs, drove in 22, took 12 walks and stole 8 bases. "After a slow start he came on in all categories, but one that's not listed is leader. He was a tremendous leader for this team," Cary-Grove coach Don Sutherland said. Chandler will play football and baseball at Augustana.

Ryan DeChant Hampshire

This senior improved on a junior season when he hit .359 by leading the Whip-Purs in batting average (.392), hits (36) and runs scored (25), and he tied for the team lead in RBI (23). The third baseman also drew 23 walks and led all Hampshire regulars with an on-base percentage of .598. "He was our best hitter last year," Hampshire coach Steve Ream, "but he was probably a better hitter this year because he saw a lot of off-speed and breaking pitches in the cleanup spot. He hit a lot of line drives."

Mike Diebold Streamwood

A four-year varsity starter, this Trinity Christian University recruit remained a productive force at the plate despite a sore elbow that limited his ability to pitch most of the season. As a designated hitter and first baseman, Diebold hit .403 (48-for-119) with 9 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs and 36 RBI. "After being on varsity for four years, pitchers weren't going to fool him a lot because the game slowed down for him," Sabres coach Steve Diversey said. "He's going to be greatly missed."

Kevin Elder Westminster Christian

This sophomore pitched in all 7 games during the Warriors' run to the Class 1A state title and was the winning pitcher in the championship game in Joliet. Able to confuse hitters with overhead or sidearm pitching angles, his electric stuff resulted in 158 strikeouts in 912/3 innings with 37 walks. He finished 11-4 with an ERA of 1.57. "He's a beast," Warriors coach Jeff Moeller said. "When he's 100 percent he's just tough. He wants the ball and wants to dominate." Also a talented hitter, Elder batted .330 (36-for-109) with 7 doubles, 3 triples, 5 home runs, 24 walks, 40 RBI and 34 runs scored.

Nick Hahn Burlington Central

A repeat all-area selection, this junior was a double threat on the mound and at the plate after working hard in the weight room to improve his core strength. He went 11-2 with an ERA of 2.07, struck out 62 and walked 25 in 81 innings to up his two-year record to 22-3. A third baseman when he didn't pitch, Hahn hit .371 (46-for-124) with 11 doubles, 2 triples and 9 home runs. He scored 38 runs, drove in 47 and struck out only 7 times in 135 plate appearances. "Every year someone steps up offensively and Nick was that guy this year," Rockets coach Kyle Nelson said.

Scott Harm Larkin

This senior was the most productive offensive force for the Royals. In 111 at-bats, Harm led Larkin in batting average (.414), hits (46), RBI (30), doubles (12) and triples (4). He also hit 2 home runs and scored 23 runs. "Scottie was our most consistent player all year and was our team leader," Larkin coach Matt Esterino said. "He is what every coach wants in a player - great work ethic, talent, selfless, leadership and the desire to get better." Harm will take his talents to Elgin Community College next season.

David Hoebbel St. Edward

A four-year varsity performer, the center fielder did not make an error in his senior season. At the plate, the team captain led the Green Wave with a batting average of .444 (40-for-90). He hit 15 doubles, 5 home runs, drove in 31 runs and scored 26 times. "He showed great maturity and development as each year went by," St. Edward coach Gene Belmonte said. "He was by far our most consistent performer all year long offensively and defensively." Hoebbel plans to attend UIC, where he will attempt to join the baseball team as a walk-on.

Blake Hunter Streamwood

When Streamwood's top pitcher came up with a sore elbow, this junior stepped into the rotation and excelled. Hunter finished 8-1 in 9 starts with a 4.64 ERA. He struck out 60 hitters in 601/3 innings and threw 6 complete games. "Blake was a huge surprise," Streamwood coach Steve Diversey said. "I'd like to get behind the plate and catch him once because his ball really moves." In limited at-bats, Hunter hit .282 (7-for-35) with 3 doubles and a home run.

Austin Jarvis Burlington Central

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team had a season for the ages. The senior hit .526 (61-for-116), and his 76 RBI are the second most in a single season in IHSA history. Jarvis hit 15 home runs, the second highest total in area history and tied for 27th most on the state's all-time list for a single season. He led the area in triples (8) and doubles (17) and finished with an otherworldly slugging percentage of 1.198. "He was outstanding in all facets of the game," Rockets coach Kyle Nelson said. "Every time he stepped on the field he was the best player out there." Jarvis threw out 10 of 13 would-be base stealers and picked off 11 runners. No team attempted a steal against him after April 29. He will play next season for Elgin Community College.

Chris Klein Huntley

Heading into the state finals this weekend, the senior center fielder/pitcher leads his team in batting average (.433), hits (55) and home runs (8). He also has 12 doubles, a triple, 36 RBI and 40 runs scored. In 16 appearances on the mound, the right-hander is 6-4 with an ERA of 2.01 and 57 strikeouts in 552/3 innings. Klein also has 4 saves, the latest of which he notched against Wheaton North to close out a Class 4A supersectional victory that sent that the Red Raiders to the state finals for the first time in school history. "He really became a complete player this year offensively, defensively and on the mound," Huntley coach Andy Jakubowski said. "He is definitely a competitor. He's the heart and soul or our team." Klein will play at St. Xavier University next season.

Sam Klein Burlington Central

This junior was invaluable as a leadoff hitter and mound stopper for a team that finished 32-3 and won a regional title. Klein hit .328 (47-for-119) with 5 doubles, a triple, 2 home runs and 22 RBI. He drew 9 walks, was hit by 9 pitches, had an on-base percentage of .482, stole 10 bases in 11 attempts and scored 51 runs. "He was our table setter this year," Central coach Kyle Nelson said. "He gets on base, hits with power to all fields, plays good center field and third base for us and he really stepped up pitching-wise. On the mound, Klein went 9-0 with and ERA OF 2.39 and a WHIP of 1.14. He struck out 57 and walked 21 in 582/3 innings.

Alex Macaulay Crystal Lake South

This senior helped the Gators to a 21-win season by hitting .419 (49-for-117) with 10 doubles, 5 home runs and a single-season school record 5 triples. The left fielder started all 36 games, walked 17 times, scored 40 runs, drove in 28 and stole 9 bases in 11 attempts. "What I like most about Alex is his versatility in the batting order," CL South coach Brian Bogda said. "We moved him around a lot this year from leadoff to No. 2 to the No. 5 spot because he is smart and talented enough to handle those different roles." Also a defensive back, Macaulay will play football at Georgia Western University next fall.

Joe McGannon Westminster Christian

This team co-captain helped lead Westminster Christian to the Class 1A state title. The senior cleanup hitter led the Warriors in home runs (9) and RBI (53). He hit .417 (48-for-115) with 13 doubles and 2 triples, drew 20 walks and scored 47 runs. "Joe was just a workhorse," Westminster Christian coach Jeff Moeller said. "He led us in the off-season and brought that same intensity when the season started. He was a threat every time up to the plate." McGannon will play at Beloit College next season.

John Menken South Elgin

Also an all-area quarterback, this junior led South Elgin's first regional championship team in batting average (.403, 34-for-81) doubles (11), home runs (3) and RBI (28). He struck out only 5 times, stole 14 bases in 18 attempts and played defensively in center field, right field and at third base. "He's a tremendous athlete who can do a lot of things," South Elgin coach Jim Kating said. "He brought a different dimension we've never had with power, speed and the versatility to play several positions."

Greg Partyka Bartlett

A repeat all-area selection, this senior was a steadying force for the Hawks in the heart of the order after recovering from an off-season foot injury. Committed to Bradley University, the all-Upstate Eight performer led Bartlett in batting average (.454), hits (44), home runs (9), RBI (38), runs (29), walks (19), on-base percentage (.551) and slugging (.804). Partyka also hit 9 doubles. "He lived up to all the expectations," Bartlett coach Russ Lorenz said. "Some guys struggled around him, but he performed day in, day out."

Nate Pearson Streamwood

A near-unanimous all-Upstate Eight selection, this speedy shortstop was the area's runaway leader with 41 steals in 42 attempts. He hit .331 (41-for-127) with 14 doubles, 2 triples and 3 home runs and drew 16 walks. The junior scored 42 runs and drove in 29. "When Nate was on base doing his thing, it was a whole lot easier to win," Sabres coach Steve Diversey said. "He pretty much was the go-factor for us."

Ryan Perez Westminster Christian

This sophomore, best known for his ability to pitch with his right or left arm, pitched in all 7 postseason games for the Class 1A state champions. Perez returned from an early season back injury to go 10-0 with a 1.38 ERA in 13 starts (16 appearances). He struck out 90 hitters in 582/3 innings and walked only 21. "He got healthy, got more confidence and got more dominant," Westminster Christian coach Jeff Moeller said. "He's a competitor." Perez tied state finals records with 2 home runs and 7 RBI in the state title game victory. Overall, he hit .363 (33-for-91) with 3 doubles, 3 home runs and 24 RBI.

Phil Pupillo Huntley

The son of an umpire and an umpire himself, Pupillo understands the game and was called "a coach on the field" by Huntley coach Andy Jakubowski. Heading into the state finals, the senior catcher is hitting .362 (42-for-116) with 7 doubles, 4 home runs and a team-best 42 RBI. "He has a tremendous work ethic," Jakubowski said. "He's a passionate player who loves the game and its shows in his play. He'll be very successful at the next level on and off the field with his preparation and determination." Pupillo will play for John A. Logan Community College next season.

Tanner Scott Burlington Central

In his second varsity senior, this sophomore used his mighty bat to smack 9 home runs. His two-year total of 19 career homers are already the second most in school history. Hitting second in the order, he batted .473 (53-for-112) with 11 doubles, 23 walks, 45 RBI and 55 runs scored. Scott slugged .813. "He has tremendous power and he's hit from Day 1 of his freshman year," Central coach Kyle Nelson said. "He hits home runs in bunches. When he gets hot it's exciting to watch."

Nick Spagnola Dundee-Crown

This junior developed into an offensive force for the Chargers in his second varsity season. Spagnola started every game at third base and hit .370 (44-for-119) with team highs in runs (34) triples (4) and RBI (30), and he tied for the team lead with 5 home runs. He also hit 5 doubles, stole 10 bases and slugged .605. "Nick hit in the middle of the order, and he had a couple of stretches where he was just on fire and carried us offensively, especially in the middle part of the season," Dundee-Crown coach Jon Sawyer said.

Chris Waylock Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove's talented shortstop hit a team-best .360 (45-for-125) with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 19 RBI, 36 runs scored and 20 steals in 24 attempts. A repeat all-area selection, Waylock drew 20 walks and struck out only 4 times. He belted a 2-run home run to lead the Trojans to a 3-1 victory over McHenry in a regional title game. "He's as skilled as anyone I've seen in the conference in my 23 years as a head coach," Cary-Grove's Don Sutherland said. "Great arm, great hands, great speed and no one worked harder in the off-season." Waylock will play for junior college power Iowa Western next season.

Kevin Weber Cary-Grove

This junior stepped in to fill the pitching void left by the graduation of the team's top two starters and was a major reason the Trojans won a share of their third straight title in the Fox Valley Conference. Weber finished 9-0 with an ERA of 2.23 and struck out 82 in 66 innings. "From pitch No. 1 he pitched well and tough and did a tremendous job on the mound," Trojans coach Don Sutherland said. "He has good strikeout numbers because he works locations and has a good mental framework to succeed." In only 20 at-bats, Weber had 4 doubles among his 7 hits (.350).

Brandon Weingartner Westminster Christian

This team co-captain led the Class 1A state champions with a .483 batting average (57-for-118). He belted 10 doubles, a triple and 3 home runs, drove in 25 and scored 45 times. In two state finals games in Joliet, Weingartner went 3-for-7 with 3 walks and scored 6 runs. "Brandon set the tone for us at leadoff," Warriors coach Jeff Moeller said. "He put everyone else at ease when he got up there and hit the ball and showed it could be done." The senior will play next season at Wisconsin Lutheran.

Billy Wright Crystal Lake South

This third baseman reaped the rewards for an off-season of intense preparation. "I would come to school on weekends and evenings and see him hitting in the cages, working to get better," Gators coach Brian Bogda said of the all-Fox Valley Conference pick. "He is the type of person you want in your program." The senior broke CL South single-season records for hits (54), runs (40) and RBI (32) and led his team with a .470 average in 115 at-bats. Wright hit 10 doubles, 2 triples and 5 home runs, stole 15 bases in 18 attempts and slugged .722. He made only 4 errors at the hot corner in 36 games. He hit a walk-off grand slam to beat Jacobs in a regional semifinal.

Honorable mention

Bartlett - Mike Tomsovic (P, Sr.)

Burlington Central - Nolan Anderson (OF, Sr.), Ray Hunnicutt (OF, So.), Zack Romando (SS, Sr.)

Cary Grove - Stu Gaulke (3B, Sr.), Michael Vilardo (2B, Jr.)

Crystal Lake South - Mike Benson (P, Sr.), Chris Hauser (IF, Jr.), Robbie Lemke (IF, Jr.)

Dundee-Crown - Scott Nowicke (RF, Jr.), Jake Romano (CF, So.)

Elgin - Javier Cardenas (2B, Jr.)

Hampshire - Ryan Burke (P, Sr.)

Huntley - Jeremy Ahillen (P, Sr.), Tom Crohan (1B, Sr.), Andre Sopena (2B, Sr.), Matt Szytz (SS, Sr.)

Jacobs - Josh Kranz (OF, Sr.)

Larkin - Lee Jackson (2B, Jr.)

St. Edward - Jordan Torres (OF, Sr.)

South Elgin - Kyle Kinyon (C, Sr.), Jake Toppel (2B, Sr.)

Streamwood - Josh Harris (P/1B, Sr.), Dylan Noncek (LF, Sr.)

Westminster Christian - Frank Oliver (C, Jr.)

Captains Honor Roll

1996 - Jeff Childs (Crystal Lake South)

1997 -Brian Smith (Larkin)

1998 -Matt Krabbe (Larkin)

1999 -Jason Richardson (Larkin)

2000 - Ryan McKenna (Larkin)

2001 -Jason McMillan (Dundee-Crown) and Dan Sheldon (Burlington Central)

2002 -Trevor Huisnga (Bartlett)

2003 - Alex Turk (Burlington Central)

2004 - Doug Sanders (St. Edward)

2005 - Chris Ritchie (Burlington Central) and Chris Schultz (Elgin)

2006 - Kevin Steinhaus (Dundee-Crown)

2007 - Brad Porto (Burlington Central) and Elliot Soto (Dundee-Crown)

2008 - Ben Palmer (Westminster Christian) and T.J. Swank (Prairie Ridge)

2009 - Brian Brauer (Streamwood) and Craig Lipp (Huntley)

2010 - Ben Albano (Jacobs) and Austin Jarvis (Burlington Central)

<h1>More Coverage</h1>

<h2>Related documents</h2>

<li><a href="/pdf/foxbaseballfront10.pdf">Fox Valley all-area team Page 1</a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/foxbaseballteam110.pdf">Fox Valley all-area team Page 2</a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/foxbaseballteam210.pdf">Fox Valley all-area team Page 3</a></li>

</ul>

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