High School Baseball Standouts Recognized

The Class 4A state semifinalist teams Naperville Central and Naperville North each boast five players honored for their performance. Benet and Waubonsie Valley also have four players each among those selected.

First Team Highlights

Andrew Barkley, Neuqua Valley, Senior, Outfielder: He achieved a batting average of .348. His record includes eight doubles, two triples, one home run, 21 RBIs, and 31 runs scored. Notably, Barkley had a perfect fielding percentage over 68 chances. An all-conference selection.

Gio Calandriello, Benet, Senior, Pitcher: After returning from Tommy John surgery, Calandriello marked a 5-2 record with a 2.71 ERA. He recorded one save and 45 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings. All-conference and committed to Loras College.

Lawton Close, Naperville North, Sophomore, Pitcher/Third Baseman: Close achieved a 3-2 record with one save and a 2.56 ERA, securing 46 strikeouts in 46 innings. As a batter, he averaged .309 with 11 doubles, three home runs, 22 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Named conference pitcher of the year.

Scott Gillen, Waubonsie Valley, Junior, Second Baseman: Gillen’s .353 batting average included 11 doubles, 22 RBIs, 38 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. Recognized as all-conference.

Tyler Gluting, Metea Valley, Junior, Outfielder: Gluting earned a .432 batting average with 14 doubles, eight home runs, 25 RBIs, 35 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. He was named all-conference and all-state for Class 4A. Gluting committed to Oklahoma.

Cooper Page, Naperville Central, Senior, Shortstop: Page averaged .314, hitting nine doubles, one home run, and securing 18 RBIs. He scored 36 runs and attributed as all-conference.

Michael Page, Naperville Central, Senior, Outfielder: He managed a .385 average, including 14 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 26 RBIs, 28 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. Page is committed to North Central College.

Quinn Rooney, Benet, Junior, First Baseman: Rooney hit for an average of .385 with five doubles, five triples, four home runs, 31 RBIs, and eight successful stolen bases. Committed to Notre Dame.

Max Steele, Naperville North, Senior, Pitcher/Outfielder: Steele maintained a 4-3 record and recorded 47 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings. His batting average was .375, with 12 doubles, two triples, one home run, 25 RBIs, and 29 runs scored. Committed to Benedictine.

Shane Torres, Waubonsie Valley, Junior, Catcher: Torres achieved an impressive .471 batting average paired with 11 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 35 RBIs, and 29 walks. He earned the title of conference player of the year and committed to Oakland.

Grant Umbright, Naperville Central, Senior, Pitcher/Third Baseman: Umbright went 9-1 with a 2.03 ERA, achieving 71 strikeouts over 48 1/3 innings. He also batted .324 with four home runs, four triples, 30 RBIs, 36 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Committed to John A. Logan College.

Honorable Mentions

• Jonathan Giedraitis, Benet, Senior, Pitcher
• Diego Gutierrez, Metea Valley, Junior, Third Baseman
• Max Henson, Naperville Central, Senior, Pitcher
• Parker Howland, Waubonsie Valley, Junior, Outfielder
• Cohen Jeppson, Naperville North, Junior, Pitcher
• Christian Lott, Neuqua Valley, Senior, Pitcher/First Baseman
• Decker McDonald, Naperville Central, Junior, Pitcher
• Nathan Napolitano, Waubonsie Valley, Senior, Pitcher
• Peter Pignatiello, Benet, Sophomore, Shortstop
• Sam Steele, Naperville North, Sophomore, Outfielder
• Caden Vorwick, Naperville North, Senior, Outfielder

The achievements of these players highlight their dedication and skill. Their commitments to various colleges demonstrate promising futures both academically and athletically.