4A State Finals

Lake Central---LC comes into the state championship as the No. 1 team in the state at 31-1. They are led on the mound by two of the top arms in the state in seniors Jimmy McNamara and Taylor Lehnert, both 
of whom are committed to play at Central Michigan this upcoming fall. The lefty McNamara will show a mid-80's fastball with good movement, along with a plus breaking ball. He?s been able to keep most hitters off balance all season and pile up the strikeouts. If McNamara gets in trouble, LC will bring in their second ace, RHP Lehnert. Lehnert will show a heavy fastball that sits in the upper 80?s and even touch 
the low 90?s on many pitches. Lehnert came into the semi-state game against Zionsville and absolutely shut down their hitters, striking out eight in less than 5 innings of work. Offensively they are led by 
Nick Kellams (2013), Ryan Burvan (2013), and Chase Fieldhouse (2012). Lake Central has gotten passed five of the top pitchers in the state; Scott Jerge, Jordan MinchTanner Tully, Chad Whitmer, and Parker Dunshee, and is looking to do so again against Roncalli's Colin Hawk.The first two are committed to Valpo and Purdue respectively. While, the other three are easily three of the top junior arms in the state. If LC is able to get passed Hawk, LC will have made one of the most impressive runs to a state title as we've seen in years. In order for LC to win the state championship they will need to continue to get plus pitching from their two aces, and be able to out hit the Roncalli offense.

Roncalli---Roncalli comes into the state championship at 23-8-1. They had a rough stretch earlier this season losing consecutive games, however found their groove late in the season making a run in the 
Marion County tournament and winning the championship in early May at Victory Field. They have not let up since, and have made a surprising run to the state championship game. They are led on the mound by Cincinnati commit Colin Hawk (2012). Hawk has been able to pitch in every tournament game this year due to convenient scheduling and blow out wins by the Rebels. Hawk will sit consistently in the low 80's, topping out around 85. His breaking ball has become a great out pitch, as he has learned to command it well. Offensively they are led by Hawk, Aaron Schnell (2014), Nick Wright (2012), Joe Ardizzone (2012), and Jordan Reeser (2012). If Hawk gets into trouble, look for senior Chase Steinbrunner to take the mound for the Rebels. Roncalli relies on what every coach wishes it could rely on. The Rebels out execute teams. They are one of the better teams in the state with Wright behind the plate and Simpkins up the middle it makes the middle of their field really strong. Offensively, the Rebels will sacrifice their body and get hit, bunt guys over, and execute in game situations. They are an unselfish lineup that is led by seniors. If Hawk and Ardizone get a chance to drive in runs Roncalli will make this is a much better game than anticipated. Remember, the last two years, the most talented team did not win. The team that executed won in both cases it was Ft. Wane Carroll.