Deneke Commits to South Alabama

Centerville -- Indian Hills sophomore Adam Deneke, who has starred at both the plate and on the mound this spring, has verbally committed to continue his career at the University of South Alabama, an NCAA Division I school that plays in the Sunbelt Conference.

Deneke's sophomore campaign at IHCC is off to a strong start.  He entered the week hitting .297 with four doubles, a triple and a homer while driving in 16 runs.  He has been even better as a pitcher, sporting a miniscule 0.39 ERA in five games (four starts), which is the lowest ERA in NJCAA Division I. He has won three of his first four decisions this spring.  In 23 innings, the righthander from Pierre, South Dakota had allowed only one earned run while striking out 23. 

"Adam has come a long way as a player in his time at Indian Hills," said IHCC coach Cam Walker, "especially on the mound."  He has an aggressive approach that you would hope all your players would have.  We are happy with the opportunity he has created for himself and wish him the best of luck after he graduates next month."

Sporting a 3.5 grade points average, Deneke will obtain his associate of arts degree in May.  This summer he will head to Massachusetts to play for the Brockton Rox of the Future's Collegiate Baseball League.

Deneke had a successful freshman season for the Falcons, garnering second-team all-region honors as the everyday rightfielder.  He hit .313 with 15 doubles and 24 RBIs.  He had a 1-1 record with a 2.53 ERA in limited time on the mound, throwing 10 innings in six games.

South Alabama assistant coach Bob Keller last week saw a glimpse of what USA hopes Deneke will do when he gets to the Mobile, Ala. school in the fall.  Deneke touched 93 on the radar gun while throwing five shutout innings in an IHCC win against Southwestern CC.

A member of the Sunbelt Conference, South Alabama is off to a 24-10 start this year and is 7-5 in conference play.