The postseason is here, and teams in Northwest Indiana are aiming for state titles, including Crown Point, Chesterton, Andrean, and Kouts.
Duneland Athletic Conference Performance
The Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC) has claimed the Class 4A state title in the past two seasons, with Lake Central in 2024 and Valparaiso in 2025. Can DAC achieve a three-peat?
Crown Point (24-5, 11-3) is ranked third in the state coaches poll. Coach Steve Strayer noted the team’s strong start before a midseason slump but is hopeful they will peak during the postseason.
Key players include senior Sean Dunlap hitting .471 with nine home runs, senior Caden Matusak batting .422, and junior Connor Gaines batting .412. Senior pitcher Logan Johnston boasts a 1.25 ERA.
Chesterton’s Achievements
Chesterton (22-6, 12-2) won its first conference title since 2017. Coach John Bogner emphasizes trust and teamwork as they stand strong for the tournament.
Standout players Rob Czarniecki, batting .495, and Troy Barrett, pitching 10-0 with a 0.48 ERA, lead the Trojans.
Valparaiso and Lake Central
Valparaiso (20-7, 11-3) eyes another title with influential players DJ Malloy and Trent Gill leading the charge this season.
Lake Central (21-8, 9-5) recently claimed a state title and will open against No. 9 Munster. Key players Brayden Walls and Jacob Forystek provide strong offensive support.
Andrean and Kouts Pursuits
Andrean’s Hall of Famer Dave Pishkur returned, and his team, ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, seeks a record 10th state title.
Kouts (25-1, 7-0) is firing on all cylinders, securing significant conference titles and maintaining a strong roster, including top players like Billy Miller and Landon Garrett.
Portage’s Dark Horse Potential
Portage (14-14, 5-9) aims for its first sectional title since 2013. The team’s seniors are determined to finish their high school careers on a high note, guided by Coach Shane Prance.
State Highlights
Munster’s Nate Southwell leads with 45 RBIs, while Michael Stevens of Morton ranks fourth in batting average. Intense competition continues across the state with notable mentions like River Forest’s Walter Jaime.
Ten Promising Players
- Cayden Adley, Munster: Strong batting with 34 runs and nine stolen bases.
- Nick DeBlock, Illiana Christian: Batting .325 with 20 RBIs.
- Connor Gaines, Crown Point: Batting .412, contributing significantly.
- Landon Garrett, Kouts: Multi-talented with .418 batting and pitching abilities.
- Ethan Glassman, Chesterton: Key contributor with .397 batting.
- Joel Gomez, Bishop Noll: Speedy with 16 stolen bases.
- Clint Lemmons, Morgan Township: Impressive 35 stolen bases.
- Grant McFarden, Valparaiso: Solid batting with 19 runs scored.
- Camden Mikulich, Lowell: .455 batting, excellent ERA.
- Brayden Walls, Lake Central: Batting .449, a Ball State recruit.
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