Baseball: Lake County all-area team
Jake Breitenreiter MundeleinDespite a slow start offensively, Breitenreiter started off fast and stayed fast on defense. He started at shortstop for the Mustangs all season and boasted a .958 fielding percentage. He also turned 18 double plays. Offensively, Breitenreiter has a .373 batting average, but lately, that has been higher. "He started out slow," Mundelein coach Todd Parola said. "He's been batting close to .450 for the second half of the season in the nine-spot."
Ben Cornelius Lake ZurichIn his first season on varsity, Cornelius, just a sophomore, left no doubt that he belonged. Cornelius went 5-1 on the mound with a save. He got wins over top teams such as Carmel and Palatine. "Ben dominated some very talented teams in his first season on the varsity team," Lake Zurich coach Tom Reagan said. "He was also a major contributor on offense." Cornelius had a 1.53 earned run average and rolled up 44 strikeouts in 37 innings. On offense, he led the team with a .394 on-base percentage.
Ryan Davila WarrenGiving up only 3 earned runs over the entire regular season, Davila ranks as one of the best pitchers in Warren history. "He was our MVP," Warren coach Clint Smothers said. "His numbers on the mound were amazing and he has the numbers to be an all-state player in Illinois. Ryan led this team on and off the field the entire year." Davila went 7-2 with 55 strikeouts in 60⅓ innings. He allowed just 15 walks and had an ERA of 1.04. Offensively, Davila had a .330 batting average with 37 hits and 13 doubles in 112 at-bats. Davila will be playing next year at Heartland Community College.
Ben Fitzgerald Grayslake CentralFitzgerald is likely going to have some pretty good options coming out of high school. The junior outfielder is already getting looks from some Division I schools, and some of the Ivy League schools are among the most interested considering he scored a 33 on the ACT. Fitzgerald, who was invited to participate in the prestigious area code game tryouts this summer, led Grayslake Central in nearly every offensive category. He had a .367 batting average, with 4 home runs, 6 doubles and 38 total hits. He also drove in 28 runs. "Fitz was an offensive threat each and every game," Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said. "Towards the end of the season, teams were not giving him much to hit, yet he still made his presence known. He also saved many runs defensively in centerfield. He's an impact player on both sides of the ball."
Riley Gowens LibertyvilleJust as impressive as his 7-1 record on the mound was Gowens' poise. He is just a sophomore. "He had incredible composure all year in pressure situations in leading our team to a second-place finish in the (NSC Lake) as our No. 1 pitcher," Libertyville coach Sean Ferrell said. "Riley is an incredible kid with a work ethic and toughness that separates him from others." In 44⅔ innings pitched, Gowens rolled up 61 strikeouts and had just 23 walks. He finished with a 1.25 ERA.
Jake Grobelny WaucondaAfter being slowed by an injury as a junior, Grobelny rebounded for a strong senior season at shortstop. "He turned in a great senior season," Wauconda coach Bill Sliker said. "He completes our double-play combination. He is a leader on and off the field. His work ethic and knowledge of the game makes other players better." Grobelny, a three-year varsity player, finished with a .417 batting average. He had 8 doubles and drove in 29 runs. On the mound, he went 4-1. He will play baseball at South Alabama next year.
Cooper Johnson CarmelHere's some high praise for Johnson: "I've been a part of Lake County baseball since the early 1980s, and Cooper is one of the best defensive catchers this area has ever seen," said Carmel coach Bill Taylor, a longtime assistant at Carmel before taking over as head coach this year. "His ability to handle pitches and shut down the running game was a major reason for the turn-around by our pitching staff." Johnson, who will be playing at Mississippi next year, had 6 pickoffs and a 44 percent caught stealing percentage. Offensively, he hit .372 with 3 home runs and 24 RBI.
Ben Kimpler LibertyvilleA shoulder injury limited Kimpler's time on the mound, where he would have been Libertyville's ace. But Kimpler found other ways to contribute. Kimpler played in right field and was still a force offensively. He finished with a .356 batting average with 31 hits, including 9 doubles, a triple and an eye-popping 7 home runs. Kimpler also drove in 26 runs. "He absolutely took over games at times this year offensively," Libertyville coach Sean Ferrell said. "He really seized the opportunity to lead us. Being a three-sport athlete (also football and basketball) makes his offensive numbers even more impressive over kids who often focus on one sport only." Kimpler will be playing football at Miami (Ohio) next fall.
Bobby Krebs Grayslake NorthAs a leadoff hitter, Krebs often did his job. He helped Grayslake North get off to a good start. The Knights probably wished he could have led off every inning. "Bobby was the catalyst for our offense," Grayslake North coach Brett Hill said. "He was the hitter we wanted in the box in tough situations. He drove in a team-high 23 runs and also scored 24 runs." Krebs, a senior outfielder, had a .369 batting average with 12 doubles and 2 triples.
Sam LaMotte WarrenAs a freshman, LaMotte was on the 'B' team at Warren. Fast forward to his senior year, and LaMotte was a key player in the Blue Devils' pitching rotation. "That shows that determination and hard work does pay off," Warren coach Clint Smothers said. "We are so proud of how Sam battled all year for us. You knew at any point you could hand the ball to him and he would compete and always throw strikes." LaMotte was 6-4 with a save. He had 28 strikeouts in 48⅓ innings. He allowed just 6 walks all season. He will be playing at Grinnell next season.
Bryan Libby GrantTo say Libby was a winner on the mound this season is a bit of an understatement. He helped account for more than half of Grant's 25 total wins by going 10-1 and picking up 3 saves. "He has been our guy on the mound all year," Grant coach Dave Behm said of Libby, who will be playing at College of Lake County next season. "Even more impressive is that he picked up a win in every game of the regional (against Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South and McHenry)." Libby finished the season with an impressive 1.33 ERA.
Patrick Loeffler StevensonLoeffler gave the Patriots a little bit of everything this season. "Patrick was a steady leader and consistent in the middle of the lineup for us all year," Stevenson coach Pat Block said of his senior third baseman and No. 3 hitter. "He hit for average and for power and helped us win the NSC Lake Division championship." Loeffler finished with a .367 batting average with 5 home runs, 4 triples, 7 doubles and 24 RBI. He will be playing at Indiana University next year.
Dan Marks LibertyvilleMarks hit the mark with his hitting this season, so much so that Libertyville coach Sean Ferrell had to make a lineup adjustment to account for it. "He was undoubtedly our leading hitter all year and mid-season we moved him to the 3-spot in our lineup," Ferrell said. "He continued to lead our team offensively. He's an extremely tough out." The junior centerfielder finished with a .398 batting average with 39 hits in 98 at-bats. He also had 9 doubles and a home run. His 32 RBI led the team. He also finished second on the team with 11 stolen bases.
Austin Marsiglio AntiochThe hard work paid off for Marsiglio. Just one year ago, Marsiglio finished his junior season with a .259 batting average. Fast forward to this season, and through an off-season filled with a lot of diligent hard work, and Marsiglio's numbers are much different. The senior outfielder finished this season with a .405 batting average and was the engine behind the Antioch offense. "He worked very hard this off-season," Antioch coach Chris Malec said. "He ignited our offense all year." Marsiglio also scored 28 runs and had 9 stolen bases.
Matt Mason GrantThis probably isn't a coincidence. Grant has won at least 25 games in each of the last three seasons, and has won the NSC Prairie Division title the first two years and a regional title this year. Each of the last three seasons, Mason has been up on varsity. "His three years on varsity have been arguably the best three-year span in the history of the program," Grant coach Dave Behm said. "Matt has been a huge part of our program the last three years and is the captain of our team and program." Mason, a senior shortstop and second baseman, finished with a .280 batting average with 30 hits, including 5 doubles and 3 triples. He also had 21 stolen bases.
Will Michalski MundeleinA big reason Mundelein advanced to the state finals is that its pitching staff had a No. 2 pitcher like Michalski, who is talented enough to get the assignments of a No. 1. Michalski pitched a gem in leading the Mustangs to a supersectional win against Huntley. Michalski rang up 8 strikeouts and allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks in that game. On the season, Michalski is 8-2 with a save. He's got a 1.95 ERA with 64 strikeouts. "Will is just a competitor," Mundelein coach Todd Parola said. "He is a kid who always wants the ball. He's had some big victories with the (supersectional) obviously being one of them. He has three strong pitches. His fastball keeps people off balance and he spots his change-up well."
Ben Milewski LakesMilewski played musical chairs in the Lakes lineup and flourished in every spot he landed. "He hit in each of the top four spots in our lineup at some point this year," Lakes coach Ray Gialo said. "He's been a do-it-all." Milewski finished with a .370 batting average and drove in 14 runs. Defensively, the senior also was versatile and effective. At shortstop, Milewski had just 3 errors. On the mound, he rolled up 55 strikeouts in 41⅓ innings. He also had 3 saves. His 5 career saves is the most for a career in Lakes history.
Brendan Murphy MundeleinAs a sophomore on varsity last year, Murphy put his head down and did his job. This year, he was more comfortable being more deeply involved in the team dynamics. "Brendan clearly showed his leadership this year as both a hitter and as the No. 1 pitcher," Mundelein coach Todd Parola said. "This is his second year on varsity and even though he is only a junior, he has demonstrated a 'take charge' role both on and off the field." Murphy had a .438 batting average and led the team with 29 RBI. On the mound, Murphy boasted a 1.13 ERA and had 89 strikeouts. He went 10-2 with a save.
Sam Nozicka Grayslake CentralSometimes, Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen would have to send Nozicka home. Like when it was snowing and Nozicka showed up to the field on an off day to get some extra work in. Whalen worried that his Division I senior catcher might end up working himself too hard, and insisted that Nozicka get the proper amount of downtime, too. "Sam is one of the hardest workers I've ever coached," Whalen said. "He was a game-changer who made others around him better. He's exceptional behind the plate in all facets of the position: receiving, blocking and throwing." Nozicka, a three-year starter and four-year varsity player who will be playing at Memphis next year, had a .320 batting average and drove in 21 runs while keeping opponents' run games in check all season.
James Pendley GrantWhenever Grant needed a big play, Pendley seemed to be in just the right place to deliver. Especially on offense. The senior infielder and outfielder hit in the No. 3 spot for the Bulldogs the last two seasons. Two of his best moments this year came in state tournament games in which Grant was either tied with the other team or trailing. Big hits by Pendley helped the Bulldogs win games against Crystal Lake South and McHenry. "He has been a force in the middle of our lineup and probably is the best right-handed hitter Grant has had in over a decade," Grant coach Dave Behm said. "He possesses a ton of power but has such great bat control that he rarely gets out without hitting the ball hard somewhere. Every time he came up with runners on it felt like we scored runs. He had the ability to do whatever the situation called for." Pendley finished with a .402 batting average with 47 hits, including 9 doubles and 3 home runs. He also drove in 33 runs. He will play at Wisconsin-Stout next year.
Eddie Pietschmann CarmelPietschmann's jack-of-all-trades performance this season caught the attention of the East Suburban Catholic Conference. In leading the Corsairs to the league title, Pietschmann, a junior outfielder and pitcher, finished third in the ESCC player of the year voting. He finished with a .380 batting average, drove in 23 runs with 2 home runs and rolled up 16 stolen bases. On the mound, he went 3-1 with a 1.29 ERA. "He has the ability to both hit and pitch," Carmel coach Bill Taylor said. "He finished near the top of our team in every major hitting category and was at his best with runners in scoring position."
Trevor Sefcik WaucondaJust a junior, Sefcik found a voice by often wearing his emotions on his sleeve. "He's a player who plays with some emotion," Wauconda coach Bill Sliker said. "He became a leader on a team filled with seniors. He understands what it takes to get better as a player and as a team. He makes players around him better." Sefcik was one of Wauconda's leading hitters all season with a .414 batting average. The pitcher and third baseman rolled up 10 doubles, 4 home runs and drove in 36 runs. He also went 2-0 on the mound.
Colin Shrader WaucondaAlthough he wasn't getting a stipend, Shrader practically served as another coach on the staff. "He was the captain of our infield as a three-year varsity player," Wauconda coach Bill Sliker said of his senior second baseman. "He gets players into the right position. He has really become a coach on the field." Shrader, who will play baseball at Mount Mercy College, was Wauconda's most valuable player after hitting .352 and driving in 27 runs. He also had 13 doubles and 3 home runs. "He has hit for power and average," Sliker said. "He is a complete player."
Justin Stark StevensonStark was Stevenson's ace and went 6-2 on the mound. "He was a steady workhorse," Stevenson coach Pat Block said. "He pitched against great competition and was a guy who thrived in big games." Stark had a 1.56 ERA. He pitched in the sectional championship game against Lake Forest and also helped the Patriots win the North Suburban Conference Lake Division title.
Matt Svanson Lake ZurichAlready committed to Lehigh, Svanson certainly looked like Division I material on the mound. The junior pitcher took on Lake Zurich's toughest opponents. "Matt was a force on the mound all season," Lake Zurich coach Tom Reagan said. "His command and efficiency was off the charts against top-notch competition throughout the North Suburban Lake Division." Svanson posted a 1.53 ERA through 45⅔ innings. He also was 1-for-1 in save opportunities.
Max Swiatek LakesThe vocal leader of the team, Swiatek not only talked the talk, he walked the walk, leading Lakes in hitting all season. "Max is a leader for our team both vocally and by the way he plays the game, which is 100 percent at all times," Lakes coach Ray Gialo said. "He has been a consistent performer from start to finish." The senior second baseman had 29 RBI, third-most in a season by a Lakes player. He also finished with a .406 batting average and 28 runs scored.
All-area roster
Player School Yr. Pos.
Jake Breitenreiter Mundelein Sr. IF
Ben Cornelius Lake Zurich Soph. P
Ryan Davila Warren Sr. P
Ben Fitzgerald Grayslake Central Jr. OF
Riley Gowens Libertyville Soph. P
Jake Grobelny Wauconda Sr. P/IF
Cooper Johnson Carmel Sr. C
Ben Kimpler Libertyville Sr. P/OF
Bobby Krebs Grayslake North Sr. OF
Sam LaMotte Warren Sr. P
Bryan Libby Grant Sr. P
Patrick Loeffler Stevenson Sr. IF
Dan Marks Libertyville Jr. OF
Austin Marsiglio Antioch Sr. OF
Matt Mason Grant Sr. IF
Will Michalski Mundelein Jr. P
Ben Milewski Lakes Sr. P/IF
Brendan Murphy* Mundelein Jr. P/IF
Sam Nozicka Grayslake Central Sr. C
James Pendley Grant Sr. IF/OF
Eddie Pietschmann Carmel Jr. P/OF
Trevor Sefcik Wauconda Jr. P/IF
Colin Shrader Wauconda Sr. IF
Justin Stark Stevenson Sr. P
Matt Svanson Lake Zurich Jr. P
Max Swiatek Lakes Sr. IF
* All-area team captain
Honorable mentionGrayslake Central IF Kyle Allen, Jr.; Wauconda P Drake Berman, Sr.; Carmel P Chris Baumann, Sr.; Libertyville P/IF Tim Calamari, Sr.; Grayslake North C Alex Carrillo, Sr.; Lakes P/IF Jack Christensen, Jr.; Carmel IF Matt Collins, Sr.; Grayslake North IF Jake DaMore, Sr.; Round Lake P Spencer Daniels, Sr.; Stevenson C Christian Dutler, Sr.; Warren OF Tanner Dyer, Jr.; Vernon Hills P/IF Tom Earhart, Sr.; Carmel OF Austin Ehren, Soph.; Lakes C Tommy Jones, Jr.; Grant IF Ben Kusiak, Jr.; Stevenson OF Henry Marchese, Jr.; Wauconda IF Brian McFarlin, Sr.; Vernon Hills IF Connor McNamara, Sr.; Lakes OF Stephen Mogged, Jr.; Mundelein P/OF Jeff Morton, Soph.; Libertyville OF Brian Murphy, Sr.; Carmel P Griffin Norton, Sr.; Lakes P Tim Ohlwein, Sr.; Grayslake Central P/OF Sam Ruhlmann, Sr.; Lake Zurich P Nick Sanders, Sr.; Carmel P/OF Joe Santoro, Sr.; Grayslake North P Pat Schaefer, Jr.; Grayslake Central P Justin Shepley, Jr.; Lake Zurich OF Tyler Snep, Fr.; Wauconda P Korey Soetaert, Jr.; Grant C Ethan Unger, Sr.; Wauconda C Luke Weller, Sr.
Profiles and selection by Patricia Babcock McGraw