October 29, 2019 

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU 

Isaiah Katz has continued to improve throughout high school, and ScoutU Owner/Milwaukee Area Scout Jason Lauren believes his best is still yet to come. St. Cloud State University will be the home for Katz’s college career after the 2020 right-handed pitcher recently committed to the Huskies. 

St. Cloud State, an NCAA Division II program in Minnesota, has reached the national tournament each of the last five seasons while averaging 42 wins. Head coach Pat Dolan has been at the helm for 12 years and racked up 478 victories. 

Katz brings a three-pitch mix to SCSU, featuring an 85 mph fastball, diving changeup and solid slider. He dominated hitters as a junior, totaling 44 strikeouts in just 23 2/3 innings. Katz also posted a 1.10 ERA for Fall Creek High School in Eau Claire, Wis.

“Being able to compete at the next level is a dream come true,” Katz said. “I am beyond excited for the years of competing to come.” 

Lauren knew Katz had a high ceiling with his 6-foot-1 build. 

“He’s already touching 85 mph on the mound and he’s only 165 pounds,” Lauren said. “Once he fills out his frame, he has the potential to hit 90 in college. Along with his very good velocity, his changeup is lethal, having late movement and being able to throw it down and in or down and away. 

“Going into the recruiting process, St. Cloud State was a school Isaiah was very interested in, so I’m glad he has the opportunity to play at such an excellent baseball program. SCSU started showing interest in February and quickly rose to the top of his list. Isaiah was a pleasure to work with for his recruiting, and I’m sure he’ll have great success at St. Cloud State.” 

Katz had about 20 colleges call him — along with plenty more emails and texts — since becoming a ScoutU prospect. He had other visits set up with different programs, but canceled them once St. Cloud State made its offer. 

“The coaching staff, as well as the players, made me feel at home as soon as I stepped on campus,” Katz said. 

Katz felt comfortable at the Midwestern school where he can earn his college degree and continue playing the sport that he loves. ScoutU understands that prospects are looking for different things in their college searches, and it’s about finding a school that’s perfect for each individual. 

“ScoutU, along with recruiting adviser Jason Lauren, helped me get my name out to hundreds of coaches, evaluate, and decide a college that best fit me,” Katz said.