Chicago Defender, May 1

Harlan trounces Morgan Park
by Larry Gross, Chicago Defender
May 1, 2006

After a tough loss in their showdown with Lane Tech, Harlan bounced right back by rolling to a 15-0 win over Morgan Park Saturday.

"The loss to Lane was really a disappointment for us, but our kids were able bounce right back,' Harlan head coach Kenny Fullman told the Defender.

"Since Lane had beat us in the city title game last season, we were looking for a better result. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to play them again."

In the win over Morgan Park, the Falcons got an outstanding pitching performance from starter James Shell, who had a complete game with six strikeouts. Sterling McKinney and Tony Ryan each had three hits for the Falcons.

Lane Tech's win over Harlan moved them to the top of the Jackie Robinson Conference with a 5-0 record. Harlan dropped into a tie with Clemente at 4-1.

Clemente, meanwhile, continued to roll with a 7-4 win over Hyde Park. Oscar Sanchez led the way for Clemente with a complete game effort on the mound.
The Wildcats have won eight straight games.

In another Public League matchup, Kenwood edged Curie, 4-0 behind the shutout pitching of Anthony Sparks, who had 10 strikeouts.

In a Catholic League showdown, St. Rita avenged an earlier loss to DeLaSalle with a 14-3 win over the Meteors.

In Public League baseball action Tuesday, Clemente travels to Von Steuben; Lane entertains Northside Prep; Harlan hosts Hyde Park; and Simeon tangles with Foreman.

Also, Robeson takes on Crane; King goes to bat against Marshall; and Tilden battles Wells.

Chicago Sun Times, Apr 30 (no longer active)

Rolling Meadows 9, Lane Tech 4
Rolling Meadows (14-9): WP Nick Silva

Chicago Sun Times, Apr 28 (no longer active)

Lane 7, Harlan 4
Lane (10-10, 5-0): Adam Nieves RBI

News-Star, Apr 26

Indians remain unbeaten in league play
BY ROB VALENTIN
SPORTS EDITOR

According to Lane Tech head coach Jeff Szukala, 15 Major League scouts were at last weeks game against Whitney Young to watch Dolphins pitcher Jamal Hollis.

Hollis hit 94 miles per hour on the radar gun but it was the Indians that turned some heads as they knocked Hollis around for seven runs in a 12-5 victory that kept Lane (9-10, 4-0) unbeaten in the Jackie Robinson League.

Scott Doebler earned the win while J.P. Palazan entered the game in relief. Willie Davila led the offense with two hits but it was Lane's 7-8-9 hitters that were most impressive as they accounted for seven of the Indians 12 runs.

"Our patience at the plate really paid off," Szukala said. "I told them this is an opportunity for you to shine. (The scouts are) here for him so you be the guy that turns on a fastball or goes 3-for-4."

Lane added a 9-2 win over Simeon behind another solid relief performance from Palazan. He faced 10 batters and struck out eight while Joshua Colon had two runs scored and two RBI. Sam Graebe and Davila also added a home run each.

The Indians traveled to Schaumburg and had a very scary moment when Davila tried to make a diving catch. Davila's head hit the ground hard and he was knocked unconscious, but the injury doesn't appear to be serious and Davila is expected to play later this week.

Lane trailed 5-1 heading into the seventh but Szukala tried to lift the team's spirits.

"When we break for the inning we say 'hits on three,' " Szukala said. "This time we said 'Willie on three.' We came out and got three straight base hits."

Lane pulled within 5-3 and had a pair of runners in scoring position before the Saxons ended the game with a strikeout.

The Indians face Mather and Harlan this week in conference action.

Chicago Defender, Apr 26

Rain dampens Public League schedule
by Defender Staff Report
April 26, 2006

A way was finally found to slow down the red-hot Harlan baseball team. Have it rain.

Tuesday, the Falcons' scheduled game with Morgan Park was called off because of wet grounds. The game will be made up Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the rainout gave Harlan head coach Kenny Fullman and his squad a chance to prepare his team for Thursday's Public League Jackie Robinson Conference showdown with Lane Tech. The game will be a rematch of last season's Public League championship game at U.S. Cellular Field won by Lane Tech.

"We're expecting an outstanding game with Lane Tech," Harlan head coach Kenny Fullman told the Defender. "It's a game both teams have been really looking forward to. Hopefully, it will live up to its expectations."

Both Lane Tech and Harlan are 4-0 in the Jackie Robinson Conference.

Harlan comes into game on a roll with 17 straight wins.

"We're hoping to continue to play well and Lane Tech will definitely be a big test for us," Fullman added.

Also postponed because of the weather Tuesday was the Hyde Park-Kenwood game. The game will be played today at Kenwood.

In other high school baseball action today, North Lawndale will take on Providence St. Mel in a Chicago Prep Conference contest in Garfield Park.

Chicago Defender, Apr 24

Red-hot Harlan rolls past Simeon
by Larry Gross, Chicago Defender
April 24, 2006

There appears to be no stopping Harlan. The Falcons rolled to their 17th straight victory with a 20-13 win over Simeon Saturday in a Jackie Robinson Conference showdown.

Harlan is now 4-0 in the conference overall.

The Falcons dominated, once again, with their bats. Shortstop Antoine Shaw went 5-for-5, including a three-run homer. All told, he had 4 RBIs and added two stolen bases.

Kenny Fullman and Jimmele Ridley also homered for the Falcons.

Head coach Kenny Fullman, left, has led the Harlan baseball team to 17 straight wins. Defender/Worsom Robinson

"At the beginning of the season, we knew hitting the ball would be one of the big strengths of our team and that has been the case for us all season," Harlan head coach Kenny Fullman told the Defender. "We are definitely playing some pretty good baseball right now."

The loss was the second of the weekend for Simeon. Lane Tech defeated the Wolverines 9-2 Friday.

"We're a very young team," Simeon head coach Leroy Franklin told the Defender. "We're learning, but we're also struggling as we learn."

Lane Tech's Josh Colon had two key RBI for the Indians in their victory over Simeon.

The win improved Lane Tech to 9-9 overall and 4-0 in the conference.

In other Public League baseball action, Clemente won its fourth straight with a 12-1 victory over Foreman.

Wildcat Marvin Sanchez led the way by going 3-for-5 with four RBI.
Also, Hyde Park (12-5, 2-1) earned a 7-5 victory over Schurz.

Stephen Hamilton led the Thunderbirds with a homer and three RBI while Cornelius Wyatt had a homer and two RBI. Hyde Park lefthander Carnel Blackmon had 14 strikeouts and picked up his second win of the season.

In non-conference action, North Lawndale defeated Manley, 14-8. Derrick White got the job done on the mound and at the plate for North Lawndale, striking out 15 and also blasting a key triple.

In Public League action Tuesday, Clemente will host Schurz, Harlan entertains Morgan Park, Mather travels to Hyde Park, Lane Tech faces Von Steuben and Kenwood travels to Simeon.

Also, Robeson tangles with Marshall, Bogan takes on King and Crane meets Wells.

Chicago Sports, Apr 22 (no longer active)

Lane Tech 9, Simeon 2: Josh Colon went 2-for-3 with 2 runs to lead Lane Tech (9-9). J.P. Palazon (3-1) pitched 3 innings for 8Ks.

Chicago Sun Times, Apr 22 (no longer active)

Lane 9, Simeon 2
Lane (9-9, 4-0 Jackie Robinson): WP J.P. Palazon (3-1); Josh Colon 2 R

Chicago Tribune

April 18, 2006
Whitney Young at Lane Tech
CPL Jackie Robinson (Super) Conference

Young 002 210 0--5
Lane 030 540 x--12
WP--Scott Doebler (2-2), 4 IP, 4 Ks; S--J.P. Palazon (1). LP--Jamaal Hollis (0-3), 3 1/3 IP, 4 Ks, 7 BBs
Starting lineups (in batting order):
Whitney Young (7-8, 1-1): James Coleman, RF, jr.; Brett Strickland, CF, sr.; Julian Kenner, C, so.; Jamaal Hollis, P, sr.; Elliott Greenhill, DH/Joe Frahm, 2B, so.; , jr.; Jack Hermle, 1B, sr.; Jason Kamin, 3B, sr.; Norman Thomas, LF, jr; Sam Clement, SS, jr.
Lane Tech (8-9, 3-0): Joshua Colon, SS, jr.; Daniel Serrano, RF, jr.; William Davila, CF, sr.; Samuel Graebe, 3B, jr; Adam Nieves, 1B, jr.; Thomas McGurn, Dh, sr./Scott Doebler, P, jr.; Adam Kubes, jr., 2B; Jonathon Quiles, C, jr.; David Pena, LF, sr.

Game notes
Scouts were crammed behind the backstop to clock righthander Hollis. He didn't disappoint with a fastball that topped at 94 on some guns and was consistently in the low 90s in the first inning. He hit 90 several times in the second inning and threw in the mid- to high 80s in the third. Hollis said he will sign soon with Miami (Ohio) after committing last fall, but will turn pro if he is drafted in the first five rounds. The senior walked the bases full in the second and fourth. Hollis hit a towering homer in the fifth off Doebler that hit the running track towards left center. … The Dolphins battled back from a 3-0 deficit. … Lane intentionally walked Hollis to get to DH Greenhill, who responded by lacing a two-out, two-run double down the left field line in the third. Strickland doubled in the lead run in the fourth … Young junior Sam Clement had two hits, including a double, from the nine hole. He was nailed at home on a 9-3-2 putout in the third … Dolphins head to Lincoln for a tournament this weekend where they'll face Andrew and Oak Forest. … Davila, who went 2-for-4 and knocked in the final two Lane runs, pumped up his teammates with a ground single to right after the first two batters struck out in the first. … A Lane Tech player in the dugout yelled "He's hittable! Let's go!" … Colon's two-out, bases-loaded single to right plated two and got the Indians going. Pena scored the third run of the inning when Whitney Young made a play on Colon going to second after a play at the plate. Pena dashed home without a play for a 3-0 lead. Down 4-3, the defending Public League champs broke open the game in the fourth. Nieves doubled in the last two runs of the inning with two out. … Palazon struck out six in three innings of one-hit relief. Bottom hitters Quiles and Pena each went 1-for-1 with two walks and three runs (junior Brian Wasilk was the courtesy runner for catcher Quiles).

Quotes
Young's Jamaal Hollis: (On pitching performance) "It's a little bit of overthrowing. I'm not blaming the mound, but it was kind of tough. It's not really stable; there's a lot of dirt moving around. You can't really get your footing down. This is the most (scouts) at a game (this year). But I've seen them scattered throughout the previous games. "
Young coach Chris Cassidy: "We took the lead. It was nice that our guys were working hard and doing what they needed to do. But we've gone back and forth with a lot of good teams and we haven't been finishing them off."
Lane's Joshua Colon: "When you face a kid like that you just want to be patient at the plate. We knew he could throw hard. We knew that if we waited for our pitch we could make plays and make things happen. When they went ahead that was kind of a momentum shifter, but we knew there was a lot more game left. We weren't that worried at that point. We knew if we all stuck together we'd be able to pull out the game. They made some careless mistakes and we took advantage of it. In a game like that you've got to stay on 'em -- got to keep the hits coming, keep the runs coming."
Lane's J.P. Palazon: "I felt like I had to do really good this game, because I had to redeem myself (after a lost start to Maine West April 12). I had location of my fastball (today). Everything started to click and I got into a little rhythm.
(On relief appearance) "Whatever gets us a win; I just want to pitch."
Lane coach Jeff Szukala: "We'd seen him (Hollis) the last two years. Our approach at the plate was we're going to take pitches. We're going to run his pitch count up. Some of the pitching we've seen, I told the kids, the kid from Elk Grove, the kid from Mount Carmel, they're phenomenal. They're upper '80s. But they're in the strike zone consistently. If you take pitches, you'll get a count in your favor. Yeah he struck out the first two hitters, but then we get the base hit and now we're alive. We're like 'OK, he's not Superman.' The confidence spread amongst the team."

Chicago Sun Times, April 19 (no longer active)

Lane 12, Young 5
Lane (8-9, 3-0 Jackie Robinson): WP Scott Doebler (2-2) 4 IP, 3 R, 4 K

Journal, April 14

Maine West Hits Early, Often In 15-1 Victory
By ANDY COLE

Journal Reporter

Maine West's game at New Trier was cut a bit short Tuesday, postponed due to darkness with the Warriors trailing 16-7 after six innings.

Wednesday's game with Lane Tech was short, as well, but you won't hear any of the Warriors complaining about it.

Kyle O'Toole threw a two-hitter, and Maine West needed just one pitch in its half of the first to get a lead it would never lose in a 15-1, slaughter-rule pounding of the defending City League champion Indians. Tyler Ladendorf, Dan Gutierrez and Mike Santa Maria had three hits each for the Warriors (7-3).

"We just came out swinging," Maine West coach Chris Addante said. "We wanted to be aggressive with the bats today and that's what we did. We got guys on base and moved them along, and once a couple of guys did that for us it started to snowball."

West right fielder Andrew Rosset made a diving catch on a shot by Daniel Serrano for the first out of the game, and O'Toole went on to retire the first five hitters he faced. In the bottom of the first, leadoff hitter Ladendorf put the first pitch he saw from Lane Tech's J.P. Palazon well over the fence in right-center. Mike Lankford followed that with a double. Ryan Johann pinch-ran for Lankford and later scored on a one-out single by Todd Feingold.

The Warriors scored seven runs in the second inning. Santa Maria led off the inning with a base hit before scoring on a single by Ladendorf, and also finished the scoring in the inning when his double brought home Gutierrez and Rosset to make it a 9-0 game. In between, West took advantage of two Lane Tech (7-7) errors and strung together three two-out singles off the bats of Ryan Willett, Gutierrez and Rosset.

Addante was just as happy with his team's defensive effort as he was with the offensive outburst.

"We've been putting an emphasis on laying out to make the big play defensively," Addante said. "That's what Andrew did on that play. Santa Maria did that when he turned a huge double play for us. We've focused on putting the effort in at practice so those kind of plays become routine during a game.

"It seemed like everybody hit the ball well, and hopefully this is a game that we can use as a confidence-builder. We want to be able to carry this momentum into next week."

Lane Tech, which had more errors (three) than hits, got on the board in the third inning. David Pena reached on an error and scored when Adam Kubes singled. O'Toole allowed baserunners in every inning but the first, but did not give up an earned run in the game. He struck out four and walked five.

"Kyle's got a tendency to get real stiff if he's sitting for too long," Addante said of the long waits for O'Toole while Maine West batted around. "Because of that, it took him awhile each inning to kind of re-establish the strike zone. Once he got loose, though, he did a very nice job."

Maine West tacked on six runs in the bottom of the fourth, and inning that began with singles by Willett and Gutierrez. After a groundout, the next six Warriors reached base. Ladendorf's double scored Peter Pappas. Run-scoring hits followed for Lankford and Steve Moss.

Santa Maria finished 3-for-3 with two runs and three RBI. Ladendorf had three runs and four RBI to go with his hits and Lankford scored and drove in a run. Willet (two runs) contributed two hits to West's 17-hit attack. Rosset also singled and scored, Johann scored three runs and Pappas crossed the plate twice.

The Warriors were scheduled to host Waukegan today and go to Maine South Monday. Central Suburban League North play then starts with a Tuesday trip to Highland Park.

Lane Freshmen defeat Maine West!

The score was Lane 5 - Maine West 4. Henry Schumal (4) pitched all 7 innings; Steven Lozada had a triple and Anthony Nunez had a single in the 7th to get an RBI and score the winning run.

Pioneer Press, April 13 (no longer active)

ND had a good start against Lane. Pitcher Bob Flood retired the Indians in order in both of the first two innings. Then, in the bottom of the second inning, the Dons went to work on Lane hurler Scott Doebler. ND tagged the junior left-hander for four runs as Indians committed two infield errors and Jack Cascio ripped a two-run single.

"We always stress that there are three phases of the game." Lane skipper Jeff Szukala said. "Pitching, defense and hitting. We have been struggling at the plate lately, so we've got to make up for it in the other two areas.

"But after going down six straight in the first two innings, we had some defensive lapses as well. This is a young team and we are still trying to answer some questions."

Notre Dame picked up another run in the third inning as Mort Hart led off with a double and later scored on a hit by Nate Pierce. Lane finally got on the board in the fourth inning when Dan Serrano led off with a triple and later scored on a ground out to make it 5-1.

Chicago Defender, April 13

Whitney Young tops Public League baseball poll
by Larry Gross, Chicago Defender
April 13, 2006

Despite an anemic 2-6 start for the season, Whitney Young is the number one team in the weekly Public League baseball poll.

"We've played some really tough games," Dolphin head coach Chris Cassidy told the Defender. "We just seem to have one bad inning in each game and we just can't find a way to overcome it."

Whitney Young has dropped one-run decisions to Catholic League powerhouses Mt. Carmel, DeLaSalle, Brother Rice and Barrington, an always-tough suburban team.

"We've been playing some of the best teams in the area. However, playing against those kinds of teams will be a big benefit for us in the Public League," Cassidy said.

Taking second in the weekly poll is Lane Tech while Harlan is picked third, Clemente fourth and Von Steuben fifth.

Rounding out the top 10 are Simeon sixth, Northside Prep seventh, Foreman eighth, Lake View ninth and Hyde Park 10th.

Harlan is the hottest team in the Public League. Head coach Kenny Fullman's squad improved their record to 13-1 with wins this week over Prosser and North Lawndale. The Falcons blasted Prosser 18-3 before rolling past North Lawndale, 15-0.

"We're just playing some outstanding baseball at the moment," Fullman told the Defender.

"We're hitting the ball real well and we're playing good, solid defense. Hopefully, we can continue to keep it up."

In the victory over North Lawndale, Antoine Shaw and Brandon Lenore each blasted homers while Corrion Brown pitched five shutout innings to earn his third win of the season without a loss.

In other action this past week, Simeon split a doubleheader with Curie. In the first game, the Condors pulled out a 7-5 win while in the nightcap, the Wolverines rolled to a 17-1 win.

Steve Florence, Bryant Orange and Dion Pouncil each had two hits apiece in Simeon's second game win. The Wolverines are now 7-2 for the season.
----

Saturday, the 10th annual Simeon Classic takes place at Washington Park with the Wolverines hosting an all day tournament.

Along with Simeon, other teams in the tournament will be Hyde Park, Lake View, Westinghouse, Morgan Park and Hales Franciscan.

Action gets underway at 10:30 a.m. with three five-inning games slated.

On Diamond 17, Westinghouse will battle Simeon. On Diamond 16, Morgan Park takes on Lake View and on Diamond One Hales Franciscan takes on Hyde Park.

"This is a great chance for teams to continue playing baseball during Spring Break," Simeon bead coach Leroy Franklin told the Defender.

Evanston Review, April 13 (no longer active)

High school results, Chicago Sun Times, RedStreak, April 12/13 link no longer working

Lane Tech 14, Steinmetz 0 Lane Tech (7-6): WP Tom McGurn CG, 11 K; Sam Graebe 3-for-3, 2 RBI

LANE CONTINUES TO WIN AT HOME!!!
Jay Quiles, April 11

The Indians continued their winning ways at home yesterday defeating the Evanston Township WildKits 7-1, thanks in large part to the pitching performance of Junior starting pitcher Bryan Platt who went a strong 6 innings with only four hits allowed and six strikeouts. Assisting Platt on the offensive side were Senior DH Tommy McGurn (3-3, RBI, R), and Junior Catcher Jay Quiles (2-3, 2 RBI). In today's game Senior Pitcher Tommy McGurn went 5 innings of scoreless baseball in a 12-0 defeat of the Steinmetz Silver Streaks. The stars on the offensive side of the ball today were longballers Adam Kubes (HR) and Willy Davila (HR). Other notables were Sam Graebe, who was missing a homerun to complete the cycle today (3-3, 3B, 2B, 2 RBI), Josh Colon (1-1, 2B, 2 RBI) , and Adam Nieves ( 1-3, 2 RBI). This win puts the Indians over 500. (7-6, 1-0) You Stay Classy Lane Tech!!!

Chicago Sun-Times, April 11 (no longer active)

Lane 7, Evanston 1
Lane (6-6): WP Brian Platt (2-2) 6 IP, 6 K, 4 H; Tom McGurn 3-for-3, RBI, R; Jay Quiles 2-for-3, 2 RBI

High school rankings
April 10, 2006

SPRING RANKINGS (Preseason rank in parentheses)

BASEBALL By Daryl Van Schouwen

1. Lyons 9-2 (2): Key sweep of Oak Park

2. Benet 8-3 (3): Won Flyers Classic

3. Carmel 9-1 (4): Lost to Benet in title game

4. Minooka 8-3 (5): Beat preseason No. 1 Sandburg

5. St. Rita 10-1 (6): A big 'n' bad mound presence

6. Joliet Catholic 9-0 (11): Tony the 'Topper beats Providence

7. Hinsdale Central 11-0 (NR): Special K: Nick Kurash

8. Lockport 10-2 (NR): Defending champ throws some leather

9. Mount Carmel 11-2 (7): Lenell McGee can do it all

10. Sandburg 4-5 (1)
Four athletic-code forfeits

Others: Naperville Central, Stevenson, Elk Grove, Notre Dame, Nazareth, Andrew, Loyola, Oak Park, Glenbard West, Lane Tech

Pioneer Press, April 5 (no longer active)

Lane Tech

The Indians started the week slow, losing to Morton and De La Salle, but finished with a bang by defeating neighborhood rivals Gordon Tech and Von Steuben.

Lane lost to Morton 2-0 Tuesday, March 28. The Indians managed only two hits and struck out nine times against Morton ace Izzy Martinez.

The Indians fell to De La Salle 8-4 Wednesday, March 29 before turning their week around with a 15-1 win over Gordon last Friday.

Adam Kubes led Lane to the "Battle of the Bridge" victory with a grand slam, while Kenan Bektasevic went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. Junior pitcher J.P. Palazan (1-0) allowed one run in four innings for the victory.

The Indians finished the week strong, defeating Von Steuben 6-5 in its conference opener.

Winning pitcher Scott Doebler allowed one run in six innings of work. Adam Nieves had an RBI double at the plate.

High School results, Sun Times, April 5 (no longer active)

Lane 19, Hyde Park 4
Lane (5-4, 2-0 Jackie Robinson): WP J.P. Palazon (2-0) 5 IP, 7 K

Chicago Defender, April 3

Hyde Park blanks Mather
by Larry Gross, Chicago Defender
April 3, 2006

Hyde Park is off to a winning start in Public League baseball Jackie Robinson Conference play. Led by a strong pitching performance from senior lefthander Carnel Blackmon, the Thunderbirds defeated Mather, 3-0, Saturday.

"It was another outstanding pitching performance by Carnel," Hyde Park head coach Ernest Radcliff told the Defender. "He was simply dominating on the mound again."

Blackmon allowed just two hits and struck out eight in the game that was cut short to just five innings because of the weather.

The Harlan hitters had their bats swinging in mid-season form in a 12-2 victory over Foreman in Public League Jackie Robinson Conference play. Defender/Worsom Robinson

In addition to Blackmon's pitching, Hyde Park also got two RBI and two stolen bases from Kenneth Ingram. Also adding a RBI for the Thunderbirds was Richard Moore.

Hyde Park is now 4-3 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

"It was good win to begin play in the Jackie Robinson Conference," Radcliff said.

In another Jackie Robinson Conference clash, Harlan rolled to a 12-2 victory over Foreman. Ronnie Chester picked up his second win of the season for the Falcons with five strong innings on the mound while shortstop Antoine Shaw went 4-for-4 with a homer and double.

"I'm really pleased with the way we played," Harlan head coach Kenny Fullman told the Defender. "We were able hit the ball like I knew we would."

Harlan is now 7-1 on the season.

"We're playing in the Jackie Robinson Conference, which is the best conference in the Public League," Fullman said. "We know we have to come ready to play every game."

Also in the conference, Simeon blasted Kenwood, 11-3.

Johnny Dorsey, Dionte Price and Deon Pouncil each had two hits for the Wolverines.

"We were able to come up come key base hits at some key times," Simeon head coach Leroy Frankln told the Defender. "We're starting to come around and as the weather gets a little warmer, I think we'll be able to hit the ball even better."

In other Public League action, Marshall edged King, 9-8, as Christian Moody banged out four hits and stole three bases.

In addition, Clemente blasted Schurz, 13-0; Lane Tech edged Von Steuben, 6-5; Crane edged Robeson, 9-8; Curie rolled to a 22-5 victory over Westinghouse in a Josh Gibson Conference early season showdown; and CVS toppled Dunbar, 15-8.

Among the featured Public League games Tuesday will find Whitney Young hosting Mather, Harlan traveling to Clemente, Hyde Park at home against Lane Tech, Hubbard busing to Washington and Brooks entertaining Curie.

Also, Kenwood tests Northside Prep, Lake View travels to Von Steuben and Schruz battles Foreman.

Lane Tech 6, Von Steuben 5

INDIANS TAKE TWO
Jay Quiles
April 1, 2006 - Lane Tech

The Indians put an exclamation point on the end of this week, winning their last two games versus the Gordon Tech Rams (15-1) and the Von Steuben Panthers (6-5).

The win against Gordon was recorded by junior starter JP Palazon giving up only 1 run in 4 innings of work. The Indians scored in the bottom of the first and never looked back thanks to the efforts of Adam Kubes (1-2, HR, 4 RBI) and Kenan Bektasevic (2-2, HR 2 RBI).

Next on the menu was the Conference opener this afternoon versus Von Steuben. In a tough fought game the Indians came out victorious with a 6-5 win. The win was recorded by Scott Doebler who in 6 innings only allowed one run. On the offensive side Doebler was assisted by an RBI double in the second off the bat of Adam Nieves, and an RBI double off the bat of Sam Graebe in the bottom of the third.

The next game for the Tech is Tuesday April 4th at Schamburg Flyers Stadium against Elk Grove High School.

SunTime High School Scores April 1 (no longer active)

Lane 15, Gordon Tech 1
No.16 Lane (3-4): WP J.P. Palazon (1-0) 3 IP; Adam Kubes 1-for-2, grand slam

Daily Southtown, March 31 (page changed)

St. Laurence 6, Lane Tech 3

Glenn Fischer (2-for-3) and Brian Staatz both knocked in two runs for host St. Laurence (4-2) in the six-inning nonconference contest. Matt Foley (2-0) gave up two earned runs in five innings for the Vikings. He also surrendered three hits and struck out seven.

Daily Southtown, March 30

De La Salle 8, Lane Tech 4

Steve DiSanto (2 RBI) and Mike Owarcz (2-for-4, RBI) led De La Salle (3-4) to the nonconference triumph at IIT.

Chicago Defender, March 30

Lane Tech looking to repeat in Public League
by Larry Gross, Chicago Defender
March 30, 2006

After winning the Public League title and reaching the IHSA state sectional championship game last season, Lane Tech is looking for even more success in 2006.

"We feel we can do even better than last season " Lane Tech head coach Jeff Szukala told the Defender. "We have only one senior returning from last season's team, but we feel the players who do have coming back gained some valuable experience in getting plenty of playing time last season.

"We feel we once again have the team that can compete for the Public League championship and also in the state playoffs."

Gone from last season's team, which finished 28-7, defeating Harlan in the city title game before losing to Mt. Carmel in the IHSA Super Sectional title game, is star pitcher and hitter, Couri Benz, and slugging third baseman Eric Benesevic.

"Both Couri and Eric were outstanding players for us, but they have graduated and we have to count on the players we have," Szukala said.

Leading the returnees is junior shortstop Josh Colon, senior third baseman Sam Graebe along with Junior outfielders Dan Serrano and William Davila.

Brian Platt and Kevin Johnson will handle most of the pitching duties for the Indians.

"Pitching and defense are always the keys in baseball,' Szukala said. "We expect those two areas to be the strength of our team."

In a non-conference game Tuesday, Lane Tech dropped a 2-0 decision to Morton. Izzy Martinez led Morton to victory by pitching six shutout innings.

Martinez is now 3-0 for the season. Mike Opalecky's had the game-winning RBI for Morton.

The scheduled game Wednesday between Hales Franciscan and Harlan was postponed because of cool weather. No make up date was announced.

In Public League action today, Hyde Park will travel to Englewood.

The Thunderbirds have struggled somewhat in the early going of the season, but head coach Ernie Radcliff isn't ready to push the panic button for his squad.

"The first part of the season is like spring training for us," Radcliff told the Defender. "We've been trying some different lineups and working on some different things. Our focus right now is on the Public League season."

The regular Public League season will begin Saturday with a full slate of conference games.

Daily Southtown, March 28 (page changed)

No. 5 Mount Carmel 3, Lane Tech 1

John Morsovillo's two-run double in the bottom of the sixth inning propelled Mount Carmel (5-0) to the nonconference home victory. Tom Zelasko (2-0) pitched six innings for the Caravan, surrendering just one hit and striking out eight.

Daily Southtown, March 23 (page changed)

Lane Tech 6, St. Ignatius 2

Nico Gomez went 2-for-3 as St. Ignatius (1-2) lost the nonconference game at Illinois-Chicago.

Booster/Lake View, March 23 (no longer active)

Lane Tech baseball starts season with big win over St. Ignatius
BY MIKE LANSU
CONTRIBUTOR

Lane Tech enters the 2006 baseball season with lofty expectations after being the class of the city last year. The Indians finished 28-7 last season, won the city playoffs, the regional championship and were two games away from the Elite Eight. But that was last year, and the Indians know if they want to have the same success this year they need to get off to a fast start.

Lane did just that. The Indians defeated regional rival St. Ignatius 6-2 Wednesday, March 22 at UIC.

"We played real well, especially considering it was the first time we were outside," Lane head coach Jeff Szukala said. "The score didn't indicate how well we played. To play that well against a quality opponent is a big step forward for us."

The Indians jumped out to a 4-0 lead and were never threatened. Lane pounded out 11 hits, including five with two strikes.

Leadoff man Danny Serrano was 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored. Joshua Colon was 3-for-4 with a run and a RBI, while Willie Davila added two hits.

"They really hit the ball well," Szukala said. "Especially considering we haven't seen any live pitchers this year."

While Lane's offense played well, it was the pitching that dazzled. The Indians threw four pitchers, including starter Bryan Platt. Platt threw three innings to earn the win before Jeremiah Torres, J.P. Palazan and Brian Wasilk closed the door.

Bad weather forced the cancellation of two games last week, one against Niles West and another against Brother Rice.

The Indians believe that even though they only start one senior they have a chance to reach the state finals.

"Our slogan this season is 'Are you satisfied?,'" Szukala said. "We want a seat at the table. Because once you reach the state championship anything can happen."

Lane (1-0) hopes to continue its winning ways this afternoon at De La Salle and Friday versus Gordon before the conference opener Saturday against Von Steuben.

Pioneer Press, March 22

Indians ready to take the next step
BY ROB VALENTIN
SPORTS EDITOR

Lane Tech had a fantastic season last year, winning the city championship and advancing to the sectional championship.

That may sound like a hard act to follow but this year's team feels like they can do even better.

"Our expectations for this season are to get to the state tournament," pitcher/shortstop Joshua Colon said. "We want to open people's eyes in state. (Last year) was a big boost for us. We tried to get over the hump. Now, we've got so much confidence and feel we can beat anyone."

"It's always hard to repeat your success," Indians' head coach Jeff Szukala said. "We have a bulls-eye on our back now. But we're going to have four quality starters and three quality relievers. I've never had seven arms before."

Junior Bryan Platt is expected to be the ace of the staff. Other key pitchers include seniors Thomas McGurn and Kevin Johnson, juniors Brian Waslik, Scott Doebler, J.P. Palazan and Adam Nieves.

"We lost a good group of seniors but we have a lot of juniors who have to step up," Platt said. "A lot of (this year's) juniors played last year. My goal is to lead the staff and just do my best."

"I'm really excited about the staff that we have this year," Colon said. "We have a lot of people who know how to pitch and not just throw. I think our pitching will carry us in the state tournament."

Lane will have to replace a few key components of last year's team. Couri Benz was the ace of a squad that went 11-1 in the Public League's Jackie Robinson Conference. Enes Bektasevic was a four-year starter at catcher. Jason Alamo was a big time outfielder/pitcher and Eric Velez was also solid in the outfield.

Szukala is confident in his team even though it looks like the Indians will start 8 juniors in the field. But many of those juniors saw plenty of field time last year as four sophomores started regularly.

Big things will be expected from senior William Davila and junior Daniel Serrano in the outfield and junior Sam Graebe at third. Kenan Bektasevic and Jonathan Quilles will battle for time at catcher.

The Indians' conference also got a lot bigger. Lake View, Von Steuben, Mather, Foreman, Schurz and Hyde Park were added to the Public League's Superconference. It may water down the league a bit, but Szukala expects to see all these new teams gunning for the Indians.

"We're going to see everybody's No. 1 (pitcher)," Szukala said. "When we play all these teams it will be their city championship. They want to beat Lane."

In the end, the conference and city championship will probably come down to the usual suspects: Lane, Harlan, Simeon and Clemente. While the players want a city title, their eyes are focused on getting to the state finals.

"We want to come together and make our goal of getting to the state tournament," Colon said.

Team unity and hard work has been something Szukala has always preached but this squad has been very good at getting along with each other and working hard in the offseason.

"It's been very easy motivating these guys," Szukala said "I don't have to get after them. We have self-motivated athletes."

The Indians will continue to play all their big games on the road since the field in back of Lane Tech has only gotten worse since last year. And Szukala isn't optimistic about improvements anytime soon.

"We're still on the same glass, rock and cinder field," Szukala said. "When they tell me I have to play all my games on the road and when I see the construction trucks coming in, I'll believe it then. The kids keep asking me if we'll get a new field. I told them when they come back for the alumni game in 2011, then they'll probably be playing on a new field."

The Indians have never shied away from playing the state's best teams and this year is no different. Lane scheduled state runner-up Mt. Carmel, Elite Eight qualifier Schaumburg, as well as Notre Dame, Morton, De La Salle, Evanston and Maine South in their nonconference schedule.

"If we want to be on par with the St. Rita's, Mount Carmel's, Schaumburg's and Oak Park's you need to see 85 (mph) on the paint every game," Szukala said. "I could sit and fatten up and go 20-2 but (this way) when the weather breaks there won't be any surprises."

While the early season schedule won't be easy, the Indians certainly want to start on the right track.

"Early on we have to really show what we're all about," Platt said. "All the suburbs think they can throw their No. 5 pitcher at us and we have to show that's not true."

"Early on you just want to get off to a good start and not get in a hole," Colon said.

There is one wrinkle in the schedule for Lane this year. The city championship is traditionally held at either Wrigley Field or U.S. Cellular Field, but neither venue is available at the time the city championship is normally held.

So teams who lose in the state playoffs will enter the Public League playoffs - just like in football - and the city title game is targeted for June 12 at Wrigley Field.

Weather permitting, Lane Tech will play a ton of games this week as they face Gordon Tech, St. Ignatius, Brother Rice and Cristo Rey. The Indians also have a scheduled double header at Niles West on Saturday.