Chase Lockwood shares a similar journey with his fellow seniors from Libertyville, having played a key role in defending their Class 4A state title. While his peers celebrate, Lockwood has already taken a leap into his next chapter. Just one day after the state championship on June 13, he settled into his dorm at Illinois...
A selection of standout high school baseball players from Naperville has recently been highlighted, showcasing impressive performances. Five athletes each from Class 4A state semifinalists Naperville Central and Naperville North, along with four players each from Benet and Waubonsie Valley, have earned recognition. First Team Selections Andrew Barkley, Neuqua Valley, Senior, Outfielder: Achieved a .348...
Grant Umbright, a senior at Naperville Central, exudes calmness on the baseball field, providing reassurance to his teammates. This quality shines when he pitches, plays third base, bats, or runs the bases. Grant is just amazing, said Jermaine Kenady, a junior outfielder at Naperville Central. We believe in Grant. He gives us the courage to...
Andrean junior third baseman Chase Nelson reflected on the challenges faced by his team. Following a tornado on June 11 that caused damage to the school and team’s field, Nelson recognized that the ramifications extended beyond the result of the Class 3A state championship. “It’s been really sad,” he stated. “But we grew closer as...
Emerson Burke, a forward from Naperville Central, had a remarkable final high school soccer season. Heading to Michigan as an early graduate, Burke impressed by setting a single-season school record for goals. Her performance led the Redhawks to their first state championship appearance since 1995. Fremd senior forward Sami Serpico remarked on Burke’s skill after...
Avery Miller, a talented pitcher for Naperville Central, sought to enhance her physical and fundamental strength as she geared up for her junior year. ‘I hit the gym more,’ Miller explained. ‘I did last year, but I decided to do it more this year.’ Miller committed to a rigorous routine, aiming to go to the...
Naperville Central senior Jackson Persin stood out in his baseball team’s final game. His uniform was notably stained, a reflection of the hard work and perseverance he and his teammates exhibited throughout a demanding season. Their journey ended with an 11-2 loss to Mount Carmel in the Class 4A third-place game. Despite two tough losses...
Ben Finney, a sophomore at Kouts, displays remarkable versatility on the baseball field. While he typically plays center field in travel ball, the team has opted to use senior Jesse Overholt in that position for the Mustangs. Despite this, coach Jason Dorshorst praises Finney for his skills as one of the top-ranked shortstops in the...
Libertyville’s Carson Holmes, a senior outfielder, was not seen as an obvious hero for the Class 4A state championship game on Saturday. Despite a batting average of .500 in seven postseason games the previous year, Holmes had been hitless in his last ten at-bats with six strikeouts. In the top of the eighth inning at...
Mount Carmel’s playoff journey marked a significant achievement, reaching state playoffs for the first time in 11 years. Senior catcher Mario Medina played a crucial role, displaying leadership behind the plate. Not known for many words, Medina’s presence kept the Caravan focused. To him, returning to state meant everything. “It was a big game and...