Warriors counted on Katz

Updated: July 12, 2011 2:14PM

There was no challenge that Jesse Katz was afraid to take on.

The Deerfield High School senior provided a stabilizing force on the pitching staff, finishing 5-5 with an ERA of 3.90. He was first on the Warriors in strikeouts (40) and second in total innings (52).

“Jesse chewed up innings, and he always wanted the ball,” said Warriors coach Kevin Marsh. “Jesse did his job, and he did it very well.”

On his best days, Katz featured a wicked curveball.

“When his offspeed stuff was working, Jesse was very effective,” Marsh said. “We knew he had to pitch backward (curveball to set up fastball). That was his style, and that’s who he is.”

Katz, who was 4-1 in CSL play, will take these talents to the University of Illinois-Springfield next year. He was recruited to pitch at this Division II school.

The other horse on the mound was senior lefty Mark Blakey. He sported a sparkling ERA of 2.16 during a 4-4 season. In 55 innings of work, Blakey allowed 50 hits and 23 walks while striking out 34.

“Mark threw against some of the more challenging opponents, and he gave us a great chance to win,” Marsh said.

The best examples: a 2-1 win over New Trier and a 3-2 victory over Stevenson in an IHSA Class 4A regional semifinal.

Opponents had a difficult time squaring up any of Blakey’s deliveries.

“Mark had an abundance of movement in his pitches, whether it was his fastball, changeup or curveball,” the coach said. “His pitchers were never straight. Coaches would tell me, ‘he’s very tough to hit.’”

Blakey will attend the Indiana University next year. Marsh has informed the Hoosiers that Blakey is interested in joining the team.

“I’ve been in contact with the Indiana staff,” Marsh said. “I’ve told them, ‘I have a young man who could help you.’”

Pitcher Zach Dickstein (3-4, 4.82) will continue his career at Ithaca College next year.

Pure gold: The Warriors will have a difficult time replacing shortstop Andrew Goldstick. The senior made all the plays in the field, and he led the club in several hitting categories: average (.364), hits (39), runs scored (30) and doubles (12).

“Andrew made some incredible plays at shortstop,” Marsh emphasized. “There were some really bad conditions weather-wise, but Andrew always found a way to make the plays.”

Goldstick energized the lineup with his bat.

“He was always a tough out,” Marsh said. “He made opposing pitchers work to get him out.”

Looking ahead: The Warriors are off to a fast start in the Summer League. Marsh believes the 2012 group was inspired by the strong finish of the ’11 club.

“The excitement of getting to the regional final was a springboard for us,” Marsh said. “They realize the time is now (summer) for us to reach the next level.”

Leading the charge in 2012 will be outfielder Brad Holway. As a junior, the left-handed Holway hit .250 with five homers and 27 RBI.

“He’s a guy that we’ll rely heavily on,” Marsh said. “We think he’ll be able to put together a great season.”

The other top returners will be Ryan Adkins (P/C/OF), Zack Berman (C), Ben Browdy (P/INF), Landon Cohen (P/INF), Kevin Egan (INF), Aiden Epstein (P), Max Mazzetta (P), Shane Mulhern (P/INF), Eric Schwartz (OF) and Jack Silberman (P).

Deerfield’s sophomores finished 19-6. Both freshmen teams had winning records. The A team went 19-5. The B team wound up 15-4.

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