2026 Journal Star Baseball Team Highlights Peoria’s Finest
The 2026 Journal Star all‑area baseball team celebrates the top Peoria‑area players, led by RJ Duncheon’s historic season and a roster of standout performers.
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The 2026 Journal Star all‑area baseball team celebrates the top Peoria‑area players, led by RJ Duncheon’s historic season and a roster of standout performers.

The St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team secured a spot in the state semifinals with a 9-0 victory over Williamsville, setting up a showdown against Ottawa Marquette in Champaign.

Despite defeats in sectional semifinals, Oak Park and River Forest High School and Trinity High School reflect on season achievements and upcoming graduations.

Edwardsville’s 2-0 win over undefeated Peoria Notre Dame secured the Class 3A Normal Community Sectional title and a spot in the next round, highlighted by Anna Maxim’s two goals and a shutout by keeper Genny Burroughs.

After a three‑year stint in the St. Louis Cardinals system ended with release, former LSU standout Brayden Jobert has reinvented his approach to baseball with the Tri‑City ValleyCats, focusing on enjoyment and leveraging connections that include Will Clark and coach Barry Butera.

Denise Jilka, a longtime University of Tennessee staffer, steps into a new leadership role as executive director of basketball operations, bringing 12 years of experience in athletics and student‑athlete support.
The Evansville Thunderbolts secured their second consecutive President’s Cup, defeating the Peoria Rivermen in a hard‑fought series that highlighted a historic run for the franchise.