Steve Reaven – Page 11

Nick Verden can switch-pitch. He hasn’t unveiled it for Lake Zurich but knows it ‘gets into hitters’ heads.’

April 13, 2026 at 8:01 a.m.

As impressive as Lake Zurich junior pitcher Nick Verden has been in his first varsity season, opposing hitters haven't seen everything from him yet.

Mundelein senior Ryan Wolverton has arrived. He proves to everyone, including himself, ‘I belong here.’

April 10, 2026 at 6:59 a.m.

Fitting the mold as Mundelein's cleanup hitter, Ryan Wolverton had three hits in the season opener and has barely slowed down.

Already a great outfielder, Zion-Benton’s Brayden Duran is ‘playing out of his mind.’ He has more in mind yet.

April 9, 2026 at 9:07 a.m.

Zion-Benton junior Brayden Duran is not only a track-everything-down outfielder but also a highly productive middle-of-the-order hitter and a respected voice.

Steve Reaven’s high school baseball rankings and player of the week for Lake County

April 6, 2026 at 8:46 a.m.

Lake Zurich and Highland Park leap into the top 10 behind defending Class 4A state champion Libertyville.

Grayslake Central watches Beckham Stone hit. And learns. ‘I always get excited when he steps into the box.’

April 6, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

There has never been any doubt that Grayslake Central's Beckham Stone can hit. But the senior first baseman continues to get better.

Chicago Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg’s grandson Owen Koehnemann aims to play ‘the right way’ in Lake Forest debut

April 2, 2026 at 8:26 a.m.

Owen Koehnemann, who learned valuable baseball lessons from Ryne Sandberg, is Lake Forest's starting second baseman as a sophomore.

Emerson Larson’s control ‘wasn’t good.’ Now Carmel’s 6-foot-6 pitcher is intimidating for a different reason.

March 30, 2026 at 6:38 a.m.

Emerson Larson, whose reputation for wildness followed him to high school, has harnessed his mechanics to become Carmel's ace.

Introducing the 2025-26 News-Sun Boys Basketball All-Area Team

March 27, 2026 at 9:47 a.m.

Three players each from Grant, Grayslake Central, Wauconda and Waukegan are among the selections.

Eyeing ‘Duke and UConn,’ Warren’s Jaxson Davis is the 2025-26 News-Sun Boys Basketball Player of the Year

March 27, 2026 at 7:49 a.m.

Warren junior guard Jaxson Davis, who is the player of the year for the third time, is one of the top-rated juniors in the country.

Warren’s Peyton Balanag doesn’t lack velocity. But he baffles hitters too. ‘It’s really funny watching them.’

March 26, 2026 at 7:57 a.m.

Right-hander Peyton Balanag throws a knuckleball that he learned from his father, Terry, who also pitched for Warren.

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