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Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Alex Toth puts ‘discouraging times,' including demotion, behind him. Then he helps put Lake Zurich in front.
Roller coaster season is just beginning, but Lake Zurich's Alex Toth has already experienced an up-and-down ride this spring. The sophomore third baseman knew he had to stay the course after starting the season 0-for-30 and being demoted to the junior varsity team. 'It wasn't the best feeling,' Toth said. 'There were for sure some discouraging times, but I really never told myself that I wasn't good. I always kept it positive and tried to battle my way through. 'Now look where we're at. I'm out here doing my job, and it feels good.' Since Toth was brought back to the varsity team this month, his job has revolved mostly around playing good defense and supplying a little offense at the bottom of the order. But he provided more than a little during the eighth-seeded Bears' 9-4 win against ninth-seeded Warren in the Class 4A Fremd Regional semifinals in Palatine on Thursday. Batting ninth, Toth drove in three runs, including two on a single up the middle to spark a game-changing six-run fourth inning for Lake Zurich (24-11), which will play top-seeded Fremd (27-4-1) in the regional championship game at 11 a.m. Saturday. His clutch hit wiped away the Blue Devils' 2-0 lead and gave his teammates a jolt of momentum. 'That was a huge at-bat,' Lake Zurich senior outfielder Cash Kaczmarek said. 'It got us right back in the game. It's not normal for a sophomore to come up this big in a playoff game.' Toth doubled his RBI total for the season with that hit off Warren junior starter Braylan McCarthy. 'I wanted to focus on the game not being too big — just do my job, get on base,' he said. 'I was thinking just to have a good at-bat and get to the next batter — provide what I can for the seniors. 'Rounding first after that hit, I was almost a little relieved, but it felt great.' Toth tacked on another run in the fifth with a sacrifice fly to center field off Warren sophomore reliever Mason Palmer, driving in senior shortstop Dylan Fogelsong, who led off the inning with a single. 'I had faced him (Palmer) before in a conference game, so I knew what he had, and I again just had to do a job,' Toth said. Kaczmarek, a Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit who went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and three RBIs against the Blue Devils (20-15), understands what Toth has gone through this season. 'It's definitely been a mental battle for him, and I've been there and done that,' Kaczmarek said. 'It's tough being younger on varsity seeing great pitching. But every day, his at-bats get better, and it showed here.' The Bears' six-run inning was all that senior right-hander Josh Marzec needed. He allowed one earned run on three hits and struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings to improve to 7-2 as Lake Zurich won for the 11th time in 13 games. Toth's contributions haven't been overlooked. 'He's gotten mentally tougher and matured over the year,' Lake Zurich coach Mike Manno said. 'Anybody who starts 0-for-30, that can really weigh on you. He's just gone with the process of working hard. I always say the kids that work hard, good things happen for them. I think that's where he's at at this point. He didn't look like a sophomore today.' Toth, who gives some of the credit to his travel coach, Anthony Drago, has often been a middle-of-the-order hitter in the past. He has noticed pitchers are approaching him differently at the bottom of the order. 'You're not going to see much off-speed there, so it's being ready for the fastball,' Toth said. 'I've honestly liked hitting in the nine spot. It's motivation for me, too, because they'll say I'm an easy out. I'm making sure I'm a tough out.'
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Starting at quarterback. Hitting first home run. Lockport's Brendan Mecher checks off another box. ‘It was unreal.'
From a fall spent playing quarterback and wide receiver for Lockport's football team to this spring as an infielder in baseball, junior Brendan Mecher has experienced many exciting moments playing sports this school year for the Porters. The one that happened Friday night will go at — or at least near — the top of his list. He hit the first home run of his high school career. 'It was unreal,' Mecher said. 'There are only a certain amount of things that give you that type of feeling and that's one of them. It was a great feeling.' Mecher contributed to a dominant performance for host Lockport, which earned an 8-3 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way East at Flink Field. Nick Moerman also homered, going 2-for-2 with two runs for the Porters (20-9, 9-5). Milwaukee School of Engineering recruit Bryce Flood and Caden Russell each provided a two-run single. Trace Schaaf threw a complete game for the Porters, striking out six and allowing three earned runs on four hits and five walks to pick up the victory on the mound. 'At the end there, I was just trying to throw some strikes,' Schaaf said. 'I trust my defense and I know they're going to make plays behind me.' Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit MJ Schley had an RBI and a run for Lincoln-Way East (21-9, 10-4). Rocco Triolo added an RBI, while Charlie Cosich and Cooper Johnson each singled and scored. Mecher, meanwhile, mashed his home run to center field on the first pitch of the bottom of the fourth inning, giving the Porters a 7-2 lead. 'I was thinking if I got a fastball I'd be ready for it and jump on it and that's what I got,' he said. 'I got under it a little bit, but I think the wind helped me on that one.' The wind was certainly howling — and dirty, as a dust storm rolled through during the game, making for some unusual conditions as any pop-up became an adventure. Mecher dealt with a couple of those from his spot at second base. 'It was kind of weird, but there's nothing we're not ready to play in,' Mecher said. 'It doesn't really affect us but it was a little tricky and a little weird.' Mecher, though, feels ready for anything. In the fall, he started the season as a receiver and the backup quarterback, but he took over as the starting quarterback after an injury. 'There are a lot of mental things that go into playing quarterback and I think it helps me be prepared for any type of situation that's thrown at me athletic-wise,' Mecher said. 'I think it really builds strong tools to use throughout my athletic career.' Lockport coach Scott Malinowski certainly agreed with that assessment. 'We love the multisport athletes and especially football, and especially a quarterback who's used to the spotlight and high-pressure situations and big games,' Malinowski said. 'Brendan's definitely used to big situations. 'We have seven multisport guys, and we really think they are bringing a lot to our team this year.' At the same time, Schaaf pushed through a long outing to finish the complete game, ending it at exactly 100 pitches. Lockport pitching coach Ralph Mispagel had faith in Schaaf to close things out after he gave up a run in the seventh. 'I asked him there in the seventh inning if he could get us two more outs, and with the look in his eye, there was no way he was coming out of the game,' Mispagel said. Schaaf displayed his toughness, an attribute that is also evident when you watch Mecher. Mecher has seen the benefits of being a multisport athlete. 'I'm always busy and it creates good habits,' he said. 'I'm always looking to create new, better habits that can help me improve myself.'
Chicago Tribune
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Bri Lopez is a different hitter this season. ‘Her swing is so powerful.' She makes Grant stronger too.
Grant's Bri Lopez has been around long enough for opponents to think they know what she can do. But the senior right fielder has changed her approach at the plate in her fourth season as a starter for the Bulldogs. Coach Chris Van Alstine said Lopez is taking advantage of her strength, and he jokingly called her 'Quadzilla.' 'Bri is doing things different this year,' Van Alstine said. 'She picked a lane. She was a slap hitter, but she invested her time and became a solid power hitter. She's not slapping anymore. 'Her swing is so powerful, compact and quick. She does a great job driving the inside ball. She's a strong athlete in a small frame.' Lopez, a Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit, is one reason the Bulldogs (14-8-1, 5-2) have already topped their 12-win total from last season and are in second place in the Northern Lake County Conference. She's batting a robust .452 with a 1.191 OPS, six doubles, a triple, three homers and 20 RBIs. 'I would say this has been one of my best years offensively,' Lopez said. 'A lot of that is from the confidence that I built within myself. I put in a lot of hard work in the offseason during my spare time, going to the cages with my dad and hitting a lot.' Lopez, who hit a double and scored three runs during Grant's 17-2 conference win over Round Lake on Thursday, stands out in right field too. 'I remember seeing Bri play in fifth or sixth grade, so it's funny how time goes by so fast,' Van Alstine said. 'She's playing her best softball right now. She's played great the last three years, but she's really hitting the ball well and plays great in the outfield. 'She gets to the foul line so fast, makes so many plays in foul territory because of her speed and quickness. She's a complete player.' Grant senior third baseman Taylor Glover said Lopez plays with the right mindset. 'She is a good player because she gives her best, even when she's not feeling her best, and is always humble about how she plays,' Glover said. Just as important, Lopez is also a good teammate, according to Grant junior pitcher Haley Lloyd. 'Bri is always cheering us on and always has our back,' Lloyd said. 'She's very dedicated to the team.' Lopez said her teammates are very important to her. 'Softball gave me a second family, a sisterhood, and brought me so many of my friends,' she said. 'I don't think I would be the person I am today without it. I've made so many connections. It helped mold my personality.' Lopez said her two brothers have made a difference too. Her older brother, Michael, is a former Grant student-athlete, and her 10-year-old brother, Jacob, helps her stay positive. 'Jacob has taught me to never take life too seriously,' Lopez said. 'He's always cheering me on, even after a bad game, and he's always having fun during the game. He's my biggest cheerleader. He's always the first one to run up to me and give me a hug and say he's proud of me.' Lopez, who said she has a 4.6 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, likes to encourage other people too. She does volunteer work, including for Feed My Starving Children. 'I like meeting new people, building connections and lending a helping hand for those in need,' Lopez said. 'I love putting a smile on someone's face.' Working together has benefited the Bulldogs, too, according to Lopez. 'All of us are contributing in our own different way to help the team win,' she said. 'I think we have the potential to go far if we put all three aspects of the game together.' 'Quadzilla' is doing her part.
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Lake Zurich's Cash Kaczmarek steps into the box knowing a hit is likely. ‘Stepping away' is likely a reason.
Lake Zurich's Cash Kaczmarek is learning less is more sometimes. The senior outfielder has never played better, and the timing is notable. 'I ended junior year pretty well, and I didn't do as much baseball-wise in the offseason,' Kaczmarek said. 'I think that helped.' Kaczmarek, a Wisconsin-Oshkosh baseball commit, decided to play basketball this past season. He didn't play the sport during his junior year so he could give more attention to baseball, but returning to the court at Lake Zurich boys basketball coach Terry Coughlin's invitation turned out to be a win-win. 'Coach asked if I wanted to go to some open gyms in the fall, and I realized how fun it was,' Kaczmarek said. New baseball coach Mike Manno voiced his support, and Kaczmarek became the Bears' sixth man. 'Junior year, baseball was everything,' Kaczmarek said. 'This year, I couldn't lift as much because of basketball, and stepping away from baseball like that was something that I needed. I worked on my mental approach a lot.' Manno's arrival also pushed him. 'Two months ago, I really didn't know where I stood,' Kaczmarek said. 'There was some stress and uncertainty, which was good. First impressions are huge for me. I felt like I had to fully reprove myself. It was kind of like being a freshman again.' Not that he's playing like one. Kaczmarek, who began the season batting cleanup but has moved into the No. 2 hole, is on a tear at the plate for the Bears (11-6, 4-2). Including Lake Zurich's 5-3 nonconference win against Deerfield on Wednesday, he has hit .583 with a 1.810 OPS, four home runs, 14 RBIs and 14 runs scored in the past seven games. 'I'm just going up there wanting to hit it right back at the pitcher and thinking that I'm better than him,' he said. Kaczmarek, who hit two home runs all of last season, went 4-for-4 with a homer and five RBIs during Lake Zurich's 17-9 nonconference win against Normal West on Saturday. His home run during the Bears' 4-3 North Suburban Conference win against Lake Forest on Tuesday was his third in as many games and couldn't have been more clutch, coming in the top of the seventh inning of a tie game. 'He's always been a hitter at heart, and when he gets hot like he is right now, there's no stopping him,' Lake Zurich senior pitcher Josh Marzec said. 'It looks like he's adjusting really well to pitches and he's hitting beach balls. 'What's also great about him is that he's a great teammate and leader who holds everyone to the same standard.' Manno didn't know what to expect from Kaczmarek but quickly came to believe he would make a big impact this season. 'He's been easy to coach from day one, and you could tell, even early in workouts, that he carries himself the right way,' Manno said. 'There's a grit about him that is infectious for the rest of the team.' Kaczmarek also knows how to deal with the failure that is inevitable in baseball. 'I've gotten better at not dwelling on negatives, and I think a lot of that is being a year older,' he said. 'I try to not think about mistakes too much and move on to the next game or the next pitch.' As the Bears prepare for their next game, they have won five in a row. 'The heart of our lineup is heating up, and we're starting to feed off each other,' Kaczmarek said. 'I'm enjoying this season a lot, and I just want to enjoy my last time playing high school baseball.'
Chicago Tribune
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Lake Zurich shortstop Kelly Selzer, a backspot in cheerleading, makes sure teammates ‘have each other's backs'
Lake Zurich's Kelly Selzer has learned a few things during her years as a cheerleader. The senior shortstop is leaning on that experience as she tries to push the Bears forward this season. 'I would watch football coaches screaming in the faces of a player, going really hard on them, and then after that, I would see their teammate go up to them and pat them on the back,' Selzer said. 'I saw teammates help each other and have each other's backs even when things are going wrong. 'Being in sports growing up, it definitely shaped me and caused me to be the athlete I am today.' Selzer, a Wisconsin-Oshkosh softball commit who is a three-year varsity starter, has been a backspot in cheerleading for all four years at Lake Zurich. 'The backspot is a person in the back who sees the trick develop, makes sure everything is in place and calls the stunts,' she said. 'That has allowed me to look at the big picture and trust my teammates.' For Selzer, it's all about the team. 'Cheerleading has taught me how to be a leader and bring your team together,' she said. 'It's not just about yourself but also the people around you.' Selzer has certainly earned the trust of the people around her. She's hitting .370 and has an .896 fielding percentage, helping the Bears (7-9-1, 4-1) compete in the North Suburban Conference this season. 'Kelly has always been very consistent for this program,' Lake Zurich coach Nicole Pieper said. 'We've moved her around in the batting order, but she's been able to produce. Kelly can play anywhere and has a lot of talent defensively.' Selzer, who also has a background in gymnastics and intends to study athletic training in college, said she has more confidence on the field this season. 'I have much better range,' she said. 'I take that risk and go for the ball more now. I'm also more aggressive swinging at the first pitch and not getting down in the count.' Pieper pointed out Selzer does much more for the Bears. 'Kelly is also our biggest leader on the team, both by example and vocally,' Pieper said. 'For a coach, it's great to have her on our team, especially for our underclassmen.' Lake Zurich sophomore middle infielder Kendall Hull, who is batting .516, appreciates having Selzer on her side. 'Kelly is a very talented player because of her hustle and energy,' Hull said. 'She's always making crazy plays in the field and getting clutch hits when we need them. 'She's been a role model for me in the infield, helping improve my game. She is always willing to help others if they need it and is giving 110% to the team every day.' Lake Zurich senior center fielder Isabella Vodicka, who is batting .446, has known Selzer for several years and agrees with Hull. 'I've always admired how Kelly interacted with people around her,' Vodicka said. 'Her teammates gravitate toward her because she's relatable, is grounded and always gives 100%.' Pieper has watched Selzer develop into that player. Pieper said she has known Selzer since she was 12. 'I've seen a lot of growth in her as a person, with her leadership the biggest thing,' Pieper said. 'She's a very supportive teammate.'
