City Lights Public League notebook, No. 56/Final Public League baseball rankings
News and notes from around the Public League.
Time to wrap up the Public League baseball season. Here are the final rankings, with final records and initial rankings for the season (through April 2). Thanks for following along all spring.
1. Kenwood 27-5 (2)
Public League Player of the Year Khamaree Thomas, Public League Coach of the Year Romey Bracey and the Thunderbird brothers — Kevari, Kevin Jr. and K’Vion — helped the Broncos to a breakthrough season that included the program’s first Public League title and the Jackie Robinson South championship.
2. Lane 23-13 (1)
Led by Public League Pitcher of the Year Josh Katz, the Champions shared the Jackie Robinson North title with Von Steuben. They dropped a 4-3, eight-inning decision to Kenwood in the city semifinals and won a Class 4A regional.
3. Von Steuben 24-8 (3)
Eddie Letamendi and Mike Cott were Jackie Robinson North Player and Coach of the Year respectively for the Panthers.
4. Lindblom 14-14 (6)
Dynamic junior shortstop Andrew Crenshaw set the tone for the Eagles, who had the deepest IHSA playoff run by a Public League team. Lindblom won a Class 3A regional and the first sectional title in program history, reaching the Elite Eight.
5. Payton 13-18 (NR)
Young Grizzlies played their best ball in the Public League playoffs, beating Hancock, Brooks, Taft and Simeon to reach their first city final. A team to watch in 2024.
6. Simeon 18-14 (4)
Wolverines tied for third in Jackie Robinson South and won a Class 3A regional. They’ll have a new coach next season with Dennis Butler stepping down and moving to Atlanta with his son, Louisville recruit Trey.
7. Ogden 14-15 (9)
Owls won a Class 2A regional and showed they can compete against the big schools, finishing fourth in their first season in the Jackie Robinson North.
8. Brooks 14-13 (5)
Eagles finished second in the Jackie Robinson South and lost to Lindblom in the 3A regional finals.
9. Jones 18-13-1 (7)
Eagles tied Simeon for third in Jackie Robinson South.
10. Taft 14-16-1 (NR)
Eagles reached the Public League quarterfinals before losing to Payton.
Honorable mention, in alphabetical order: Lincoln Park, Morgan Park, Solorio, Young.