By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

At 23-1, No. 15 Champaign Central has been one of the season’s biggest surprises – especially considering the Maroons start only one senior. Part of the team’s success stems from its consistent production up and down the lineup.

Case in point: Nick Brunson.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior shortstop enjoyed a memorable week, one that cemented his name in the IHSA record book.

Over a stretch of four games, Brunson delivered nine consecutive hits, placing him fourth in Illinois high school baseball history. The state record is 13. Making his feat that much more impressive was most of his hits came against cross-town rival Champaign Centennial in a two-game series sweep last week.

On Tuesday, Brunson went 3-for-3 with an RBI in a 3-1 victory. He followed it up on Thursday with a 4-for-4 day that included two runs scored and one RBI in an 8-4 victory. On Saturday, he opened the game with another hit before his streak finally ended with a line-out to centerfield. His streak began with a single in his last at-bat against Normal West.

For the week, Brunson finished 10-for-12 with four runs, three RBI and three stolen bases. Not bad for a team’s No. 7 hitter.

“He was locked in for sure,” said Champaign Central coach John Staab. “He squared every ball he hit. His putouts were a fly ball and a line drive (to end the hit streak) to centerfield.”

As of Monday, Brunson is hitting .364 while playing a rock-solid defensive shortstop. Brunson and sophomore second baseman Jacob Snider anchor a top-flight middle infield.

“Nick is a tireless worker and is very fundamentally sound,” Staab said. “He has been fun to coach.”

The Porsche Exchange salutes Brunson’s hard work and success.

CLICK HERE for past Porsche Exchange Players of the Week winners.