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3A State Finals: Recap

June 8, 2024
By: Tyler Defibaugh
Area Scout & Content

Lemont vs. Crystal Lake Central

Crystal Lake Central defeated Lemont 3-2 to capture the 3A State Title on Saturday afternoon. RHP John Gariepy (2025) gave the Tigers a strong start on the mound, and 3B Rhett Ozment (2025) came through time and time again on offense. Gariepy turned in a final line of: 5.2 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K; while Ozment finished the day 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and an RBI.

Lemont surged out to an early 2-0 lead through the first four innings of play. Cannon Madej (2026) singled to begin the inning before coming around to score on a passed ball in the top of the third inning. Nick Berardi (2024) would then add onto the Lemont lead with an RBI single, scoring Brett Tucker (2026), who reached earlier via an error.

But in the bottom of the fifth, The Tigers would storm back to tie the game. After a walk, and two hit-by-pitches, the bases were loaded for James Dreher (2025) who delivered a big two RBI single into left field to tie the game at two.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Tommy Korn (2024; USMMA) would single to begin the inning, bringing up 3B Rhett Ozment (2025), who would deliver the game-winning hit; smacking a triple to the right-centerfield gap to give the Tigers the 3-2 lead heading into the final frame. RHP Tommy Korn would slam the door for the Tigers, clinching the State Title for Crystal Lake Central.

Third Place Game

Morris took down Highland by a score of 1-0 in the 3A 3rd Place Game Saturday morning. INF AJ Zweeres (2024) got to play hero in his final high school baseball, swatting a triple and scoring on a throwing error on the same play in the bottom of the eighth inning.

LHP Cody DelFavero (2024; Parkland JC) was stellar from start to finish in his final high school start, improving to a perfect 14-0 record on the mound for the 2024 season. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, before squandering the only hit he would allow the entire game. He notched the complete game win, tossing eight scoreless, allowing just one hit, and punching out five while only throwing 84 pitches.

For Highland, RHP Trent Clemons (2024; Rockhurst) had a strong outing on the mound in his own right. The senior pitched seven innings, allowing no runs on three hits and one walk, while punching out six in his final high school start.

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