Illinois High School Baseball Finals: A Recap of the 2026 State Championships
Four Illinois high school baseball programs etched their names into the state record books this weekend, each securing a championship in a different class during tournaments held in Champaign and Joliet.
The Tremont Turks, representing the small town of Tremont, captured their first-ever Class 1A title by routing Granville‑Putnam County 10‑0, a performance highlighted by Hunter Smith’s dual contribution at the plate and on the mound.
In Class 2A, St. Joseph‑Ogden surged past Elgin Harvest‑Westminster 15‑1, with Bryson Houchins delivering a 3‑for‑3 outing that included a home run and three RBIs, underscoring the team’s offensive firepower.
Class 3A saw Chicago St. Rita endure an eight‑inning thriller before Vinny Stubitsch’s sacrifice fly in the final frame sealed a 12‑11 victory over Troy Triad, marking the school’s inaugural state championship.
Libertyville capped a perfect run of four consecutive championship appearances by defending its Class 4A crown, outlasting Park Ridge Maine South 7‑6 after Jack Cenar’s clutch scoring runs in the sixth and eighth innings, a feat made possible after the title game was moved up to avoid inclement weather.
The championships were not only defined by final scores but also by dramatic comebacks, rain delays, and historic performances that will be remembered across the state’s baseball community.
The Illinois High School Association, which organized the events, praised the student‑athletes for their resilience and sportsmanship, noting that the tournaments highlighted the growing competitiveness of high school baseball in Illinois.