Prep Baseball Report

Heilenbach, Cresta commit, and other news



Illinois State University strikes again with another top-level commitment, this time landing Lyons Township RHP Steven Heilenbach. Ranked No. 13 in the Class of 2012, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Heilenbach is one of the premier arms in the state. At the Prep Baseball Report Top Prospect Showcase in June, Heilenbach was lights out, showing an 86-88 mph fastball and command of three pitches. Heilenbach helped Lyons Township win the Class 4A state championship after he went 5-0 on the mound and served as the team?s starting second baseman.

Illinois State also landed Galesburg catcher Chad Johnson, who?s one of the best catchers in the class, in the same day. Heilenbach and Johnson join Elk Grove OF Jack Czeszewski, who?s ranked No. 16 in the class, in its 2012 recruiting class.

Joey Cresta, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound RHP from Plainfield North HS, has committed to Notre Dame. At the Prep Baseball Report Preseason All-State Showcase in February, Cresta impressed with his 85-87 mph fastball. Cresta joins Marist LHP Mike Hearne and Maine South OF Kyle Richardson in Notre Dame?s 2012 recruiting class in Illinois.

Charlie Gould, a Class of 2011 catcher from Lake Forest HS, has committed to William and Mary. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Gould possesses powerful right-handed swing and a strong arm behind the plate.

John DeVito, a Class of 2011 catcher from Mundelein HS, has committed to Eastern Illinois University

Paul Warble, a Class of 2011 LHP from Conant HS, has committed to Oakton CC.