Baseball: Lake County all-area team

Antonio Brown Vernon HillsA three-year starter as a junior, Brown is getting some high praise from his head coach. "Tony is the best junior leader that we have ever had in our program," said Vernon Hills coach Jay Czarnecki, the only baseball coach in school history. "The biggest thing Tony brings to the table is leadership. He was the heart and soul of our team. Not only was he great on the field, but his work ethic rubbed off on several of our other young kids. The day before our regional final game, I had to work a normal work day so we couldn't start practice until 3 p.m. I went out on my lunch break at 12:30 p.m to find Tony leading a practice with a handful of other kids. That group stayed at the field and worked prior to our practice and then we practiced from 3 p.m to 6 p.m. After practice, Tony asked to stay and take additional ground balls and pop-ups. As the other infielders saw this, we had about seven other kids also want to stay. I finally had to kick them off the field at7:15 p.m. This is the work ethic that Tony brings to the table." Brown was named the most valuable offensive player at Vernon Hills with 27 hits and a .307 batting average as lead-off hitter. He also had 28 stolen bases. On defense, Brown played shortstop for the Cougars.

Austin Delgado AntiochA situational player last year, Delgado completely shifted his role on the team this year. "Austin put in a ton of work in the offseason and it showed," Antioch coach Chris Malec said. "He came on strong early in the season not only earning a spot in the outfield but he also worked his way into our pitching rotation. His hard work has also drawn some looks from college scouts as he continued to get better every game." Delgado, who drove in the winning runs that propeled Antioch to a dramatic sectional championship victory, had 22 hits in 67 at-bats. He also drove in 24 runs and had a .328 batting average. As a pitcher, Delgado went 6-1 with a 1.82 earned run average.

Noah DeLuga Lake ZurichDeLuga was one of the toughest pitchers in the North Suburban Conference, making his 3-3 record very deceiving. "Those three losses came to Lake Forest, Libertyville and Mundelein," Lake Zurich coach Rick Erickson said. "And our offense scored a total of 1 run in those three games combined. Noah has excellent command of his pitches and excellent stuff on the mound. The North Suburban Conference is one of the toughest in the state, which makes Noah's earned run average (2.38) and his strikeout total (74) even more impressive. He was completely dominant all season long."

Jason Donohue Grayslake NorthJust a sophomore, Donohue showed tremendous discipline at the plate, drawing five more walks on the season than strikeouts. "Jason hit leadoff all year and was the catalyst for our offense," Grayslake North coach Brett Hill said. "He also started every game for us at shortstop." One of Donohue's best efforts of the season came against Grant when he went 4-for-4 at the plate with 2 home runs, including a grand slam. He was also on base five times in that game. On the season, Donohue had 37 hits and finished with a .359 batting average. He scored 36 runs.

Austin Ehren CarmelWhenever Carmel coach Bill Taylor needs to provide a visual to his players about what he's looking for in a good outfielder, he simply needs to pull Ehren's highlight video. "His range in the outfield has made him a human highlight reel in the field," Taylor said of Ehren, the Corsairs' centerfielder. "Austin is the leader of our team. He excels in every facet of the game. He hits for avearge and power but also leads our team in on-base percentage and stolen bases." A four-year starter for Carmel, Ehren put up some of the best numbers of his career this season. He finished with a .407 batting average with 3 home runs. He also had 20 stolen bases.

Colin Fields LibertyvilleA big reason Libertyville won the North Suburban Conference and advanced to the sectional championship is the 1-2 punch on the mound of Lake County player of the year and Illinois recruit Riley Gowens and Fields, also a Division I recruit. Fields, who will pitch at Valparaiso next year, gave Libertyville another ace-quality pitcher at the No. 2 slot. He went 7-3 on the season while maintaining an anemic 1.05 earned run average. He gave up 25 hits over 46 2/3 innings and rang up 51 strikeouts to just 8 walks. "Colin had a great year. He was considered our 1B starter because he has been our second ace for the second year in a row," Libertyville coach Matt Thompson said. "He will be very successful at Valparaiso."

Riley Gowens LibertyvilleGowens worked on his control over the off-season and it showed this spring. The Libertyville senior certainly controlled nearly every game he pitched from start to finish. The numbers don't lie. Gowens, who will be pitching next year at the University of Illinois, went 9-1 on the mound, losing only to Mundelein. In that game against Mundelein, he gave up the only 2 earned runs of his season. "Other than that, he had games that yielded high strikeouts (87 total) and low walks (11 total)," Libertyville coach Matt Thompson said. "Riley had an unbelieveable season. He set a school record for earned run average for a season at 0.298." Before getting hurt early in the playoffs, Gowens pitched 47 innings and gave up only 16 hits and 3 runs, including those 2 earned against Mundelein. Gowens is the 2018 Daily Herald Lake County player of the year.

Matt Grubb LakesVoted the player of the year in the Northern Lake County Conference, Grubb had some big moments this season, including two victories over league-leader Grayslake Central as a starting pitcher. "Matt recently said that this high school team of 2018 was the most fun team he has ever been on," Lakes coach Bob Holst said. "I personally agree and know that he was a big contributor to that chemistry and team character. We had fun and played some really great baseball at times." Grubb, a three-year varsity letterman, batted third in the order for the Eagles and played in the middle infield when not pitching. As a pitcher, he went 5-3 while 53 strikeouts over 43 2/3 innings. He will play baseball at Benedictine University next year.

Jake Harmon WaucondaOpposing pitchers knew they were in for a battle when Harmon came up to the plate. "As a hitter, Jake became a very tough out while hitting in the cleanup spot," Wauconda coach Bill Sliker said. "He led our team in RBI and home runs and seemed to come up with the big hit when the team needed it. He also became one of our team's top pitchers this year, pitching in all of our conference series. He has been a consistent player all season at the plate, in the field and on the mound." Harmon, a senior who played first base when not pitching, finished with a .359 batting average with 8 doubles and 4 home runs. He also drove in 30 runs. On the mound, he registered 3 wins on the season.

Tim Jean LibertyvilleJean was the anchor of Libertyville's dangerous lineup, batting third and providing consistency in the order. Jean finished with a .418 batting avearge and had an on-base percentage of .528. In 98 at-bats, he had 41 hits. "Tim consistently takes good swings and hits the ball to all fields," Libertyville coach Matt Thompson said. "Tim also plays a very solid third base. He is able to take away the bunting game and has great hands." Jean had 9 doubles, 2 triples and 5 home runs. He also drove in 34 runs. Jean will play at Heartland Community College next year.

Mikey Kocen WarrenNot bad for a sophomore. Kocen won offensive most valuable player at Warren, defensive most valuable player at Warren, and the team's overall most valauble player. "He had an unbelievable year as a sophomore," Warren coach Clint Smothers said. "I can't tell you how proud I am of this kid. He is like a throw-back player and takes care of business everyday. I can't wait to coach this kid for two more years." Kocen, the Blue Devils' second baseman, hit .371 on the season while rolling up 10 doubles. He also drove in 30 runs and scored 31 runs himself.

Reece Lawler WarrenThe Sky is the limit for Lawler, another up-and-coming star in Warren's talented sophomore class. "He had a great sophomore season. What a great kid, and at points in the season, his stuff was electric," Warren coach Clint Smothers said. "I feel he will get better and better." Lawler went 6-2 on the mound this season. Over 39 innings, he rang up 60 strikeouts and finished with a 1.94 earned run average.

Chase Maifield GrantMaifield was a gamer in the playoffs for Grant. "At times, he looked like you could not get him out at the plate," Grant coach Dave Behm said of Maifield. "This was never more evident than his 6-for-7 performance in the IHSA playoffs that included 5 RBI. Chase was huge for the Bulldogs this year at the plate...and on the hill." Maifield, a lefty, went 3-0 as a pitcher and had 3 saves. On offense, he had a .411 batting average with 4 home runs and 33 RBI. He will play baseball next year at Augustana University.

Nick Malmberg GrantOpposing hitters knew their odds weren't great against Malmberg. "He had a great year striking out more than one hitter per inning," Grant coach Dave Behm said of Malmberg. "Nick took the ball in every important game for the Bulldogs this spring." Malmberg, a senior left-hander, had more than 60 strikeouts over 63 innings. He finished with an 8-3 record. Malmberg will pitch next year at Aurora University.

Coby Moe Grayslake CentralA varsity player since his freshman year, Moe, now a junior, let his experience show with savvy, reliable appearances on the mound. "Coby competes and gives us a chance every time he's on the mound," Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said. "He's getting several looks from Division I schools." Over 44 innings, Moe registered 55 strikeouts. He also had just 9 walks and a 1.9 earned run average while finishing with a 6-1 record.

Ryan Patel MundeleinPatel did a little bit of everything for the Mustangs. "He was a good team leader," Mundelein coach Randy Lerner said of Patel. "He produced as a hitter, defender and as a pitcher." Patel maintained a .378 batting average while driving in 24 runs and scoring 30 runs. As a pitcher, he was 5-for-5 on save opportunities while finishing with a 1.17 earned run average. He also rolled up 21 strikeouts.

John Petty AntiochAs Antioch's lead-off hitter, Petty was a great jumpstart to the offense. "John was great offensively all year," Antioch coach Chris Malec said. "He's been a spark to our offense." Petty had a team-leading 43 hits in 111 at-bats, including 8 doubles and 2 triples. He also drove in 22 runs and stole 14 bases. Defensively, Petty was just as reliable at second base. "He was rock solid for us defensively all year."

Nic Presutti Grayslake CentralWith Presutti in the lineup, Grayslake Central had a well-fed offense. "He was the table-setter for the Rams' offense," Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said. "Our offense goes as Nic goes. He is extremely patient at the plate with power. He's one of the hardest workers on the team." Presutti, a junior outfielder who has been on the varsity since his freshman year, had 35 hits in 79 at-bats for a .434 batting average. He had 8 doubles and 2 triples and knocked in 21 runs.

Steven Sanchez MundeleinAt 6-foot-8, 230 pounds, Sanchez was an intimating presence on the mound. Add in the fact that he is also a left-hander, and he gave opposing hitters plenty to think about. Sanchez, who is a University of Arkansas recruit, went 5-2 for Mundelein and finished with a 2.27 earned run average. He rolled up 61 strikeouts over 37 innings. "He was a big contributor on offense and with his pitching," Mundelein coach Randy Lerner said. Sanchez also hit in the meat of the lineup and had a .375 batting average. He had 3 home runs and drove in 34 runs.

Max Snowden Grayslake CentralConsistency was the name of the game for Snowden this season. The senior outfielder finished with the best batting average on the team with a .439, but was even more effective than that for more than half of the team's games. "He was hitting .500 halfway through the season," Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said of Snowden. "He was our most consistent player. He also runs a 6.6 60. He's a two-way threat both offensively and defensively." Snowden had 36 hits in 82 at-bats, including 10 doubles, 2 triples and a home run. He also drove in 26 runs. He will play baseball next year at the University of Dubuque.

Jay Ward CarmelThe East Suburban Conference is a brutally competitive conference in baseball and Ward didn't shy away from that challenge. "If you are going into battle, Jay is the type of kid that you want by your side," Carmel coach Bill Taylor said. "The true test of a pitcher is how well you pitch agaisnt the top teams and Jay has answered the bell for us against the best teams on our schedule. He also shuts down the running game with a nasty pickoff move that leads the team with 11 pickoffs." Ward went 5-2 on the mound with 2 saves. In 43 1/3 innings Ward had a 0.962 earned run average, giving up just 30 hits and 21 walks while striking out 44 batters.

Ben Wiegman CarmelJust a sophomore, Wiegman is already showing "mound maturity." "He is a power pitcher with great command and he has a mound presence that is well beyond his years," Carmel coach Bill Taylor said. "His ability to get ahead of hitters has been a large part of his dominance. He has really excelled on the mound this season." Wiegman is now sixth all-time at Carmel with a first-pitch strike percentage of 67 percent. He went 6-2 on the mound this season with a 0.978 earned run average. Over 50 innings, he rolled up 54 strikeouts while allowing just 26 hits and 15 walks.

Colin Wieska AntiochThe W in Wieska stood for Wins in the postseason for Antioch. Wieska pitched the Sequoits to two playoff victories. "He handled those duties while getting on base at a .440 clip," Antioch coach Chris Malec said of Wieska. "He's a two-way threat." Wieska had 22 hits in 73 at-bats for a .301 batting average. He had 7 doubles and a home run and rolled up 11 stolen bases. As a pitcher, he went 4-1 with an impressive 1.02 earned run avearge.

All-area roster

Antonio Brown Vernon Hills SS Jr.

Austin Delgado Antioch P/OF Sr.

Noah DeLuga Lake Zurich P Soph.

Jason Donohue Grayslake North IF Soph.

Austin Ehren Carmel OF Sr.

Colin Fields Libertyville P Sr.

*Riley Gowens Libertyville P Sr.

Matt Grubb Lakes P Sr.

Jake Harmon Wauconda P/IF Sr.

Tim Jean Libertyville IF Sr.

Mikey Kocen Warren IF Soph.

Reece Lawler Warren P Soph.

Chase Maifield Grant P/IF Sr.

Nick Malmberg Grant P Sr.

Coby Moe Grayslake Central P Jr.

Ryan Patel Mundelein P/IF Sr.

John Petty Antioch IF Sr.

Nic Presutti Grayslake Central OF Jr.

Steven Sanchez Mundelein P/IF Sr.

Max Snowden Grayslake Central OF Sr.

Jay Ward Carmel Catholic P Sr.

Ben Wiegman Carmel Catholic P/IF Soph.

Colin Wieska Antioch P Sr.

* - All-area team captain

Honorable mentionIF Danny Ahn, Sr., Warren; C/IF Michael Behrendt, Sr., Lakes; P Ben Cornelius, Sr., Lake Zurich; OF Tony Crews, Jr., Grayslake Central; OF Patrick Day, Sr., Antioch; C Austin DeLao, Sr., Grayslake North; P/IF Charlety Dir, Sr., Carmel Catholic; P Eddie Erickson, Sr., Grayslake North; IF Jimmy Friel, Sr., Grant; P/IF Lukas Galdoni, Jr., Carmel Catholic; IF Joe Glassey, Jr., Lakes; P Brock Glavey, Sr., Wauconda; P John Hanscom, Soph., Mundelein; P/IF Evan Hill, Sr., Warren; P Wyatt Hill, Jr., Round Lake; IF Jack Housinger, Sr., Stevenson; OF Andrew Keaskowski, Sr., Grayslake North; IF/OF Andrew Kim, Jr., Libertyville; P/OF Riley Kocen, Sr., Warren; IF/P Henry Kusiak, Jr., Grant; P Matt Langevin, Sr., Warren; OF Nick Lovitsch, Jr., Grayslake North; P/IF Nate Marshall, Sr., Grayslake North; P/IF Logan Mueller, Jr., Lakes; IF Tony Neuman, Sr., Grayslake Central; IF Kevin O'Brien, Jr., Grayslake Central; C Luke Plunkett, Sr., Libertyville; C Nate Rentas, Soph., Warren; P Dan Richardson, Sr., Libertyville; IF Tommy Rigali, Sr., Libertyville; C Mason Schaller, Sr., Mundelein; IF Danny Sperling, Sr., Wauconda; IF Clay Stoffel, Sr., Grayslake Central; C Benton Troehler, Sr., Grayslake Central; OF/C Nolan Unger, Sr., Grant

Selections and profiles by Patricia Babcock McGraw