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3A/4A State Semifinals: Recap

June 7, 2024
By: Gavin Smith
Content Manager, Area Scout

CRYSTAL LAKE CENTRAL VS. MORRIS

In the first matchup of the day, we took in some 3A State Semi-Finals action as Crystal Lake Central took down Morris by the score of 5-2.

Both teams put up zero runs in the first two innings, but the top of the fourth proved to be big for the Tigers as they put up four runs in the inning. It was highlighted by back-to-back, two-RBI singles from C Sean Kempf (2024) and RF Connor Gibour (2024; Ohio), giving themselves the early 4-0 cushion.

Morris would deliver a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning on a no-doubt solo home run from CF Cody DelFavero (2024; Parkland College). They would later follow with another run in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single from 1B Merek Klicker (2025), cutting the Tigers lead to only two.

Crystal Lake Central added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly from CF Andrew Welder (2024), scoring 1B Tommy Korn (2024; USMMA) who singled earlier in the game, giving themselves the 5-2 lead.

RHP Rhett Ozment (2025) threw five innings and only allowed two runs, and Korn came into the game in relief, struck out two and allowed one hit to close the game for the Tigers.

HIGHLAND VS. LEMONT

In the second 3A State Semi-Final game, we saw Lemont take on Highland. One big inning and quality pitching gave Lemont the 6-3 win.

The first two innings started out scoreless, but the Bulldogs were able to cross a run in the bottom half of the third inning. Back-to-back leadoff walks put runners on first and second, a sacrifice bunt moved the runners a base each, and a fielder’s choice scored a run to give Highland the 1-0 lead.

Lemont followed with a big three run inning, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from SS Brett Tucker (2026). 1B Nick Bernardi (2024) followed with an RBI single, scoring Tucker, and giving Lemont the 3-1 lead.

They scored one more run in the top of the fifth inning as 2B Noah Tomaras (2024; Missouri-St. Louis) reached base on a single and later scored on a sacrifice fly from RF Matt Devoy (2025), pushing their run total to four.

They added two more runs in the top of the sixth inning on a fly ball that dropped, giving them the 6-1 lead.

Highland would pick up two runs of their own in the bottom half of the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly from LF Zane Korte (2024) and an error, cutting the score to 6-3.

RHP Donovan Moleski (2025) threw two shutout innings in relief for Lemont and struck out two to help them earn the 6-3 win.

They’ll play Crystal Lake Central tomorrow at 1 pm in the 3A State Title game.

EDWARDSVILLE VS. PROVIDENCE CATHOLIC

In the first game of the 4A State Semi-Final slate, we saw Providence Catholic take down the reigning State Champions by the score of 2-1.

Providence’s offense struck first in the top of the first inning on an error from the right fielder, scoring SS Jackson Smith (2024; Bradley).

Edwardsville tacked on a run in the bottom half of the fifth inning. 1B Bryce Beyers (2024) reached base on a walk and eventually scored on an error from the second baseman, tying the game at 1-1.

The Celtics crossed a run in the top of the seventh inning as 2B Eddie Olszta (2025) reached base on a single and later scored on an RBI groundout from CF Mitch Voltz (2024), giving them the 2-1 lead and ultimately the win.

RHP Cooper Eggert (2025) shutdown the Tigers’ offense, throwing a complete game one hitter with six strikeouts and two walks.

YORK VS. CONANT

In the nightcap of day one in Joliet for the 3A/4A State Finals, it was Conant who took home the win after a pitcher’s duel throughout.

Their only run scored came in the bottom half of the sixth inning as C Jake Parpet (2024; Heartland CC) led the inning off with a walk, and 1B Isaiah Rhodes (2024) later delivered an RBI single to give them the 1-0 lead and ultimately the win.

LHP Franklin Kirchner (2025) threw a complete game shutout, only allowing two hits in the outing, while striking out seven and walking three.

RHP Ryan Sloan (2024; Wake Forest) was equally as impressive for York, throwing a complete game with one run allowed, eight strikeouts, one walk, and three hits surrendered.

Conant’s win advances them to the State Championship game for the first time in school history, and they’ll take on Providence Catholic at 7 pm.

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