Michael Osipoff

1 week ago | bnd.com | Michael Osipoff

Illiana Christian baseball player Spencer Bandstra might not be flashy. The junior pitcher/outfielder might not be physically imposing, and he might not be boisterous. But Illiana Christian coach Dale Meyer certainly understands Bandstra’s understated importance. "He's ‘Steady Eddie,'" Meyer said. "He goes about his business like a professional. He's quiet, consistent. He's had an older brother to look up to to set the mold and great parents that have set the mold for him.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

Illiana Christian baseball player Spencer Bandstra might not be flashy. The junior pitcher/outfielder might not be physically imposing, and he might not be boisterous. But Illiana Christian coach Dale Meyer certainly understands Bandstra’s understated importance. “He’s ‘Steady Eddie,’” Meyer said. “He goes about his business like a professional. He’s quiet, consistent. He’s had an older brother to look up to to set the mold and great parents that have set the mold for him.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

Munster senior outfielder Mason Jarrett doesn’t take too kindly to losing. That’s not limited to baseball. It also applies to more than video games, card games and board games. It extends into areas not typically associated with keeping score. “My competitive nature has always been there, since I was a little kid,” Jarrett said.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Michael Osipoff

Boone Grove senior Madison Kaufman is primarily a third baseman. Although she proudly wears the label of “utility player,” Trinity Christian recruited her mostly to play third. But for the Wolves this season, Kaufman holds down the catcher position. “She has a college scholarship, and she’s going as a third baseman, but yet she is doing nothing but catching for me because I need it,” Boone Grove coach Ron Saunders said. “She’s willing to do that for the team.

2 weeks ago | bnd.com | Michael Osipoff

Illiana Christian senior third baseman Lauren Sherwood didn't hesitate. An influential senior class graduated last year, and 13 freshmen are among the 21 players on the roster this season. That presents a challenge for any program, but particularly for a successful one, so Sherwood understood what she had to do. "I really just want to develop into a leader for the team, especially being one of four seniors on the team," she said. "We all want to lead. We want to communicate.