TOP AREA TEAMS
1. LYONS
The Lions (27-13-1) are on quite a roll, having accomplished in a 13-month window: 2011 Class 4A state championship, 2012 state runner-up, and 2012 IHSBCA summer state title. Sun-Times first-team All-Area RHP/3B Keith Lehmann leads a team that features plenty of speed and depth.
2. LINCOLN-WAY NORTH
The Phoenix has arguably the most talented roster in the state, especially since Creighton-bound RHP/3B Kevin Smith (8-1, 1.45 ERA) transferred from St. Laurence. Pitching is especially strong, led by Smith, SIU-Edwardsville-bound RHP Mike Miller (9-1, 1.26 ERA) and sophomore LHP Kyle Ostrowski (Purdue commit). In all, eight starters return from last year’s 33-6 club.
3. JOLIET CATHOLIC
The Hilltoppers (29-8-1) are the favorites to win the Class 3A state championship, which would be their fourth state trophy in six years. They took runner-up in the summer, and welcome back first-team All-Area infielder Chris Tschida (.495 BA, 52 hits, 33 RBI), super sophomore Nick Dalesandro (Purdue) and C Alex Voitek (Holy Cross). Seniors Cal Placher, Sam Couch and Matt Testa provide depth on the mound.
4. MOUNT CARMEL
Oregon-bound SS Jerry Houston (.404 BA, 16 doubles, 31 RBI, 40 runs), a four-year starter, headlines the offense, along with DH/C Tom Hayes (.429 BA, 39 RBI), INF Justin Gonzalez and OF/RHP Jason Gasser. The Caravan (33-6), which opened 2012 with a 23-game win streak, has plenty of pitching options, led by Kansas-bound LHP Jeremy Kravetz.
5. ST. LAURENCE
Despite losing Kevin Smith to transfer, the Vikings (30-7) are loaded on the mound. Junior RHP/ INF Mike Kornacker (5-1, 2.90 ERA; .407 BA, 28 RBI), is a Purdue recruit who is a true two-way standout. Hard-throwing senior RHP/3B Zach Lewis (8-2, 1.12 ERA) also has shutdown stuff. Junior OF/ RHP/SS Brad Wood (4-1, 1.38 ERA; .471 BA, 22 SB), junior RHP Alex Hitney and senior RHP Kyle Estand (3-1) also return.
6. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redhawks (27-13) have the across-the-board talent and depth to make a run at their third state crown since 2006. Minnesota-bound RHP Cody Campbell (4-3), senior Butler-bound LHP/1B Jeff Schank (7-1) and senior RHP/OF Jim Nashert (5-1; .375 BA) lead the way on mound, while Creightonbound SS Nick Lopez anchors the defense.
7. SIMEON
The defending Public League champions feature experienced, high-level talent all over the diamond. Vanderbilt-bound 2B Ronell Coleman and Eastern Illinois-bound SS Marshawn Taylor comprise the state’s best defensive double-play combination. Louisville-bound OF Corey Ray (.439 BA, 5 HR, 35 RBI) and junior OF/ LHP Darius Day (Arizona) are highlevel national prospects. Robert Fletcher, an Alcorn State-bound 3B, and C/RHP Elbert Dunigan (Alcorn State) also return for Simeon (31-8).
8. ST. RITA
The Mustangs (24-13) should score plenty of runs behind a deep and talented offense, led by senior OF Anthony Ray (John A. Logan JC), senior OF Connor McLain, junior SS/RHP Jake Shepski (Notre Dame) and junior C Nate Soria. Junior LHP Mike Costanzo (Austin Peay) anchors a thin staff.
9. PLAINFIELD NORTH
The Tigers (33-5) are again primed for another stellar campaign, as they return seven starters and six pitchers from last year’s 33-win club. Senior RHP Brendan Miller (11-0, 0.85 ERA), an SIU-Edwardsville commit, anchors the staff, while senior C Zack Trusk, senior INF Zack Zyburt and senior SS Kurt Palandech power the offense.
10. NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats (30-8) have plenty of depth on the mound, led by Creighton-bound RHP/OF David Gerber (7-0, 0.90 ERA), senior RHP Cody Coll (Western Kentucky), senior RHP Jon Vlk (Illinois Wesleyan) and senior LHP Danny Mokrzycki (St. Cloud State). Senior OF Jeff Evak (Purdue) leads the offense.