Cedar Grove‑Belgium’s junior standout Ira Hilbelink has become the talk of Wisconsin baseball after a breakout season that culminated in a historic performance at the D3 state final. The 2026 Lakeshore Elite Baseball Player of the Year not only helped his squad capture its first-ever state championship, but he also set a new state record for most triples in a single game, a feat that has reverberated through the high school sports community.
A Record‑Breaking Performance
In the championship game against Marathon, Hilbelink smashed three triples, a milestone that rewrote the D3 record books. At the plate he finished the season with 36 RBIs while batting close to .600, launching six home runs and scoring 53 runs. On the mound he posted a sub‑2.00 earned run average, striking out 82 batters across 49 innings, underscoring his dual-threat capabilities.
Recruitment Ripples Across the Midwest
Before sealing his verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota, Hilbelink attracted interest from several NCAA Division I programs eager to add a player of his caliber to their rosters. The junior still has one more high school season to showcase his talents, but the early commitment signals a promising future at the collegiate level and has already sparked discussions about his potential impact in the Big Ten.
A Team Built for Success
The 2026 Lakeshore Elite Baseball Team, assembled from schools across Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties, blends a diverse set of talents. The roster features a mix of pitchers, infielders, catchers, outfielders and utility/DH players, each selected for their ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. This depth has been a key factor in the team’s dominance throughout the season.
Honorable Mentions and Future Outlook
Among the players receiving honorable mention are standouts from Plymouth, Cedar Grove‑Belgium, New Holstein, Valders, Roncalli, Kiel, Random Lake, Manitowoc Lutheran, Sheboygan Falls, Kohler/Christian, Oostburg, Elkhart Lake‑Glenbeulah, Mishicot, Reedsville, Sheboygan South and Manitowoc Lincoln. Their contributions highlight the rich talent pool in the region and suggest that the upcoming season will continue to feature fierce competition. As Hilbelink prepares for his senior year, the community eagerly anticipates how his leadership will shape the next chapter of Cedar Grove‑Belgium baseball.