Lehmann-led Lyons opens season on top
Behind two-way star, 2012 runner-up has pieces in place to capture state title
Keith Lehmann has been there, done that and then some. In fact, the Lyons senior two-way standout is one of the more decorated high school players in recent memory, though one would never detect it by his stature, speech and overall unassuming attitude.
The 6-1, 170-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman is a quiet competitor, a leader by action and the ultimate winner.
“He’s got quiet confidence and composure,” Lyons coach George Ushela said. “He doesn’t have that flaring intensity, but he’s intense. He just likes to play baseball. He is true to himself. He doesn’t overswing, he doesn’t overthrow. He likes challenges. The bigger the game the better.”
Lehmann has played in his share of big games — and has usually come out on top. Since he began his varsity career as a sophomore, the Lions have enjoyed a staggering run of success. In a 13-month span, Lyons was the 2011 state champion, 2012 state runner-up (lost a 4-3 heartbreaker to Oak Park) and 2012 IHSBCA summer state champ.
But the Lions aren’t the SunTimes’ preseason No. 1 team simply because of their past feats. They have talent. They have depth. They have athleticism throughout the lineup. And, of course, they have Lehmann.
“As always, we have solid hitting up and down the lineup,” said Lehmann, who is signed at Michigan. “We have a well-rounded team. I think that’s why we have so much success. We play the game the right way. We pick each other up. The main thing is team chemistry. We’re a selfless team. We play for each other.”
Lehmann earned Sun-Times first-team All-Area honors last spring after he posted a 10-2 record with a 0.86 ERA and 83 strikeouts to 16 walks in 80 innings pitched. He also served as the team’s offensive catalyst, finishing with seven home runs, 13 doubles and 37 RBI while batting .343.
Aside from Lehmann, the Lions possess one of the fastest teams in the state. Senior shortstop Stewart Nelson (signed at Evansville) and senior left-handed hitting outfielder Mike Lorenz (St. Joseph’s College) are both top-level athletes. Lorenz earned MVP honors of the IHSBCA summer state tournament.
Junior second baseman Sam Cybulski, junior outfielder/lefthanded pitcher Max Larson, senior left-handed pitcher/first baseman Tom Prescott, senior infielder/ right-handed pitcher Zach Carlson and junior outfielder Josh Kuntz all have excellent speed.
On the mound, Ushela has a healthy mix of right-handers and left-handers to choose from. Senior left-hander Alex Vannucci (3-1, 1.86 ERA), Prescott, Larson, Carlson and several others will vie for innings.
“We have a pretty good talent pool, but there are teams who down the lineup have more Division- I players,” said Ushela, who has guided teams to two state championships, four summer state championships, and second- and fourthplace finishes since taking over the program in 2001.
“The one thing we have is competitiveness within the team. They’re all pushing each other.”