Chicago Christian gets on a roll

Updated: May 24, 2011 7:43PM

Chicago Christian has produced a record-setting season.

The Knights, at 30-7, broke the school-record for wins (28) in a season. Shepard, Eisenhower, Evergreen Park and Illiana Christina were among the local victims.

Coach Eric Brauer isn’t really surprised at what his team has accomplished. He just hopes the Knights can add a few more wins to that total. Wednesday, they take on Prairie Central in a Reed-Custer Sectional semifinal.

“We knew we were going to have a good season with the experience we had coming back,” said Brauer, whose team finished 23-13 in 2010. “But we stayed away from setting goals.”

The Knights have been led by the Kamp brothers, senior Jeremy and junior Michael, and junior Trent Overzet. All three have played a major role on the mound and at the plate.

Jeremy Kamp is 7-1 with a 3.66 ERA. In 52 innings, he’s struck out 65. At the plate, he’s hitting .352 with 31 runs and 30 RBI.

Michael Kamp has ignited an offense that is averaging eight runs per game. The 6-foot-4 leadoff hitter is hitting .351 with 13 doubles, 15 stolen bases and 43 runs. He’s the team’s “closer,” having gone 8-0 with 1.20 ERA and four saves.

Overzet is hitting .376 with five homers and 29 RBI. He’s 8-1 with a 2.19 ERA.

“Our pitchers do a great job of throwing strikes,” Brauer said. “Pitching and defense have been our recipe for success.”

Otterson leads Rich East

While Rich Central has stolen much of the spotlight, another school in District 227 is putting together a fine season.

After knocking off Rich South on Monday, Rich East (13-9) will take on Oak Forest Wednesday in a Bremen Regional semifinal.

“I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished this season,” Rich East coach Brad Wieher said. “We were right in the thick of the conference race. We’ve put together a winning season and it’s pretty special what we’ve accomplished.”

If Rich East pitcher Matt Otterson is on the hill Wednesday as expected, Oak Forest should expect a battle.

The senior right-hander didn’t have his best stuff in a 6-3 loss Thursday to Rich Central. But it was apparent Otterson has a solid pitching arsenal, including a fastball that reaches the mid-80s (mph).

“Matt has had a good year pitching and hitting,” Wieher said. “He can be dominating.”

Jacob Wilson and Evan Jenkins also have put together outstanding seasons for Rich East.

Eisenhower seniors will be missed

After his team was eliminated Monday by Stagg, Eisenhower coach Ken McNulty praised his seniors. Most notable were Brian Dompeling and Sergio Diaz de Sandy, who have been members of the varsity for three seasons.

Gino Spizzirri, Jerry Keys and Nick Castro also had strong final seasons.

“This was a great group of seniors,” said McNulty, whose Cardinals finished 7-17. “They were great leaders.”

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