Jefferson Baseball

Van Scoyoc no-hits Prairie

Spencer Van Scoyoc watched younger brother Connor throw a gem in Jefferson's opening-round win over Mount Vernon in the Bob Vrbicek Metro Baseball Tournament on Monday.

Connor, a freshman, tossed a five-hit shutout as the J-Hawks advanced with a 5-0 win.

That left Spencer with a tough act to follow in Monday evening's semifinal match-up with a highly regarded Prairie team. The Hawks rolled to a 15-0 win over Washington in their first-round game.

Not only did Spencer Van Scoyoc follow up his brother's effort, he bettered it. The junior left-hander tossed a no-hitter, striking out eight as Jefferson advanced to the title game for the second straight year with an 10-0, five-inning win at Washington.

The J-Hawks will once again meet Kennedy for the tournament title. The Cougars advanced with wins over Xavier and Marion. Kennedy defeated Jefferson on the 2014 final.

To say there is a little competition in the Van Scoyoc household would be an understatement.

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Stekl transfers from Marion to Jefferson

Caleb Stekl has transferred from Marion High School to Jefferson and will be eligible for the entire baseball season with the J-Hawks this year.

Stekl, a strong defensive catcher, hit .222 for Marion in 27 games last year as a sophomore and compiled an 0-2 record and 2.63 ERA in three appearances on the mound. He missed part of the season with an injury.

Stekl received honorable mention on the Wamac Conference all-star baseball team.

"Caleb is enrolled at Jefferson and will be eligible for the 2015 baseball season," Jefferson athletic director Chris Deam confirmed Sunday.

Stekl has moved into the Jefferson school district, according to sources. He has been attending the pitcher/catcher workouts with the J-Hawks.

Van Scoyoc commits to Arizona State

Cedar Rapids Jefferson junior Spencer Van Scoyoc has accepted a scholarship offer to play baseball at Arizona State, a family member confirmed Sunday.

The Gazette broke the story in Sunday's paper.

Van Scoyoc, a left-handed outfielder and pitcher, hit .400 for the J-Hawks last season with six home runs, three triples, 19 doubles and 38 RBIs. He compiled a 2-1 record and 1.93 ERA as a pitcher, with 40 strikeouts in 25.1 innings.

Arizona State has talked to Van Scoyoc about being a two-way player who would play in the field and pitch.

Van Scoyoc was named second team all-state last season in Class 4A by the Iowa Newspaper Association. He helped Jefferson finish with a 24-15 record.

Daniels named captain of all-state team

Kennedy High School junior Zach Daniels has been named the captain of the Class 4A all-state baseball team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Daniels had a sensational year for the Cougars as a pitcher, hitter and second baseman as Kennedy reached the state tournament.

Sammy Lizarraga of Kennedy and Spencer Van Scoyoc of Jefferson joined Daniels on the IHSBCA All-State Super Team, which is selected regardless of a school's class as 4A, 3A, 2A or 1A.

Manny Jeffery of Linn-Mar made the Class 4A second team.

Bryce Grimm of Xavier was named first team all-state in Class 3A.