Highland Finishes Fourth at IHSA State Baseball Tournament

Highland Finishes Fourth at IHSA State Baseball Tournament

Springfield, Ill. – Highland High School’s baseball team fell one game short of the IHSA State Championship game on Saturday, June 18th, finishing fourth in the Class 2A tournament. The Bulldogs opened the tournament with a 2-0 shutout victory over Carterville, with senior pitcher Sam Dornan throwing a complete game and striking out 12 batters. In the second round, Highland faced top-seeded Rochester and lost a heartbreaker, 3-2, despite a valiant comeback effort. In the third-place game, the Bulldogs battled back from an early deficit to defeat Joliet Catholic Academy, 6-5. Senior infielder Jake Franke went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while sophomore outfielder Ethan Sharkey added a two-run homer. Highland’s tournament run came to an end in a 5-3 loss to Wheaton Academy in the fourth-place game. Senior outfielder John Wuebbels hit a solo home run in the top of the first inning, but Wheaton Academy answered back with three runs in the second. Despite the disappointing finish, the Bulldogs had an incredible season, winning their first regional championship since 2005. Head coach Brad Deason praised his team’s effort and determination throughout the tournament. “We’re very proud of our players for all they’ve accomplished this season,” said Deason. “They played with heart and hustle all weekend, and they represented Highland with class.” The Bulldogs’ fourth-place finish marks their best performance at the IHSA State Baseball Tournament since winning the Class 2A championship in 1993. The team graduates seven seniors this year, but Deason is optimistic about the future of the program. “We have a lot of young talent coming up,” said Deason. “We’re excited about the future of Highland baseball.”The Highland High School baseball team ended their season with a fourth-place finish at the Class 3A tournament on Saturday, June 8, at Duly Health and Care Field in Joliet.The Highland High School baseball team ended their season with a fourth-place finish at the Class 3A tournament on Saturday, June 8, at Duly Health and Care Field in Joliet. Despite their disappointing losses, the Bulldogs had a successful season, finishing with a 32-8-1 record. Coach Joel Hawkins praised the team’s resilience and their ability to play big games. Highland’s pitching staff was led by senior righthander Trent Clemons and junior left-handed ace Chase Knebel. Senior outfielder Jake Ottensmeier, senior Zane Korte, and senior shortstop Trey Koishor were key contributors at the plate. The Bulldogs’ road to state included a 3-0 victory over Waterloo in the regional championship and a 3-2 victory over Mascoutah in the sectional championship. They punched their ticket to the state tournament with a 6-3 win over Mahomet-Seymour in the supersectional. Although Highland will lose 10 seniors to graduation, they will have some talented young players returning in 2025, including Knebel, Braxdon Decker, and Alex Howard.In a thrilling conclusion to the IHSA State Baseball Tournament, Highland High School secured an impressive fourth-place finish. The team displayed unwavering determination and exceptional skill throughout the competition. Despite navigating a challenging schedule, Highland remained resilient, overcoming adversity and showcasing their composure under pressure. Their performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication, earning them a place among the state’s elite baseball programs. The Bulldogs’ journey culminated in a nail-biting semifinal clash, where they narrowly missed advancing to the championship game. However, they regrouped and displayed their resilience, securing a decisive victory in the third-place game. Highland’s athletes and coaches celebrated their hard-fought accomplishment, acknowledging the unwavering support from their school, community, and countless fans. The team’s fourth-place finish is a significant achievement that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.