Libertyville, Highland Park and Grant move up as Lakes and Grayslake North enter the rankings.
TOP 10
With records through Wednesday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Libertyville 5-2-1 (2)
The Wildcats came up one run short of a perfect 4-0 trip to Arizona.
2. Highland Park 8-2 (10)
Led by Luke Weber, the Giants returned from Florida with a 3.08 ERA, a 1.102 WHIP and a .934 fielding percentage.
3. Stevenson 5-5 (1)
Frank Costabile leads the Patriots’ offensive charge, batting .345 with four extra-base hits, six RBIs, 12 runs scored and six stolen bases.
4. Grayslake Central 4-1 (3)
The Rams, who went 3-1 during their trip to Florida, have four home runs — just three fewer than they had all of last season.
5. Mundelein 5-2 (4)
A stable of junior pitchers, including Dylan Trahan, help the Mustangs overcome some early season injuries.
6. Grant 5-1 (9)
Connor Mirocha and Adrian Medina, batting in the fourth and fifth spots, seem to be in the middle of every big rally by the Bulldogs.
7. Lake Forest 2-2 (5)
Luca Royer is hitting .556, pacing a robust offense that scored 34 runs in the Scouts’ first four games.
8. Lake Zurich 4-4 (7)
Ryan Kondrad, who is hitting .679, and Owen Strahl have combined for seven home runs and 18 RBIs for the Bears.
9. Lakes 5-1 (NR)
The Eagles are getting it done at the plate and on the mound. They’re batting .358 and have a 2.08 ERA.
10. Grayslake North 4-3 (NR)
The Knights returned from Florida with four starters batting .450 or better.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Stevenson junior pitcher Yuni Hamideh went 1-0 with a 0.46 ERA while striking out 19 and walking just four in his first three starts.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.