Michael Osipoff

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

The trip has been worth the wait for Lake Central’s Tegan Tripp. The junior first baseman is a Division I recruit, having announced her commitment to Virginia Tech in December. But this is Tripp’s first full varsity season in a tradition-rich program that has made no secret about its aspirations to win a state title. “I worked really hard to get here, trying to get to this point, and now I’m trying to do everything I can to stay here and finish it off this year with the team,” she said.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

In Highland’s chase for history, senior pitcher Caden VanderMeyden is ready to shoulder the burden. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has managed to mostly move past the discomfort in his throwing shoulder that was especially bothersome earlier this season. He said he also “tweaked” his left shoulder while batting. But VanderMeyden has remained focused on the Trojans’ mission to win their first sectional title since 2000. “We’re just all excited to make history,” he said.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

Hanover Central junior catcher Sienna Stilley was in an unfamiliar spot. Instead of batting third, the Jacksonville State commit was the Wildcats’ leadoff hitter in the first round of the Class 3A Lowell Sectional on Tuesday. “Today’s the first day I ever led off in my entire life,” Stilley said. “I was a little nervous, but nothing obviously changes. You’re still going up there to swing the bat. But it’s a different look because you’re starting off the game.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

There’s no real sibling rivalry between Hobart’s Connor and Brandon Stafford. The brothers are two years apart — Connor is a senior, and Brandon is a sophomore — but work together well, particularly in the middle infield. Connor Stafford is the second baseman when he’s not pitching, and Brandon Stafford is the shortstop. “They’re awesome dudes,” first-year Hobart coach Bobby Wineland said. “Their brotherly love, it’s awesome.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

Illiana Christian, Hanover Central and Kankakee Valley move up, Ally Compton resets a Munster record, and Griffith’s Morgan Von Ogden is the player of the week. TOP 10With records through Thursday and previous rankings in parentheses. 1. Lake Central 26-3 (1)Appalachian State recruit Taylor Schafer goes 5-for-5 with a double, a homer and six RBIs in the Duneland Athletic Conference champion’s win against Valparaiso on Tuesday. 2.