Steve Reaven

As Libertyville takes its shot at a repeat, Warren and Highland Park are among the teams looming in the sectional. State title defense begins

Warren junior catcher Cristian Paredes embraces everything about his position, aches and pains and all.

Freshman Brooke White hits two home runs, including a walk-off three-run shot, to lead Antioch past Vernon Hills in a Class 3A sectional final.

Libertyville's Carson Holmes has been through the grind. As one of the top returnees for the , the senior left fielder has a perspective that's valuable for less experienced teammates.

As a first-time starter this season, Warren sophomore first baseman Oliver Rojewski knew he was going to face challenges.

Libertyville junior right-hander Kaden Butt's fifth varsity start was his most significant one by far.

Playing for the junior varsity team last year, Braden Tolzien could only watch and cheer as Libertyville won the Class 4A state championship.

For all Libertyville senior outfielder Carson Holmes' past success, he may not have looked like an obvious candidate for heroics in the Class 4A state championship game on Saturday.

In age, Chase Lockwood is no different from the other seniors who were part of Libertyville's With high school in their rearview mirrors, new chapters in their lives beckoned.

Four players each from Grayslake Central, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Class 4A state champion Libertyville, Mundelein, Warren and Wauconda are among the selections.