IHSA Diamond Notes: Week 10
May 28, 2026
Each week, IHSA coaches around the state submit to us their nominations for the Prep Baseball Illinois Player of the Week and Prep Baseball Illinois Pitcher of the Week honors. Yesterday, we awarded the Week 10 Player & Pitcher of the Week honor to RHP/INF RJ Duncheon (East Peoria, 2026; Illinois State). In two starts, Duncheon tossed a five-inning no-hitter and then a scoreless three and a third innings of work, totaling 16 strikeouts. At the plate, he went 7-for-11 with three home runs, seven RBIs, one double, six walks, and five runs scored.
There were a number of other impressive performances that were in the mix for the award and deserve recognition. Here’s a look at some of the most notable.
DIAMOND NOTES
+ Logan Hickman, SS/RHP (Alton, 2026):
John A Logan commit. Hickman hit 5-for-13 on the week with three home runs, one double, and two walks. He totaled six RBIs and five runs scored. On the mound against Collinsville, he threw four innings, allowed four hits and three walks while striking out eight batters.
+ Kyle LaRose, CF (St. Charles East, 2027):
Uncommitted. LaRose went 8-for-16 at the plate with three doubles, one home run, and two walks. He drove in seven runs, scored five times, and stole one base, highlighted by a home run and five RBIs in an 11-2 win against ranked Geneva.
+ Owen Novak, RHP (Lincoln-Way Central, 2026):
Illinois Wesleyan commit. Novak delivered a dominant performance on the mound, pitching six innings. He earned the win while allowing no earned runs and only two hits and one walk, finishing his outing with 15 strikeouts.
+ Grant Reed, C/RHP (Father McGivney, 2028):
Reed made one start appearance on the mound against Staunton, throwing six innings. He was excellent, allowing no runs on just three hits and one walk while striking out 10 batters.
+ Liam Schultz, C (Burlington Central, 2027):
Uncommitted. Schultz showcased impressive power throughout the week, hitting leadoff home runs against both Coal City and Nazareth. He also delivered a clutch, walk-off three-run home run in a victory against Rochester.
RELATED CONTENT