IHSA Diamond Notes: Week 11
June 4, 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. Today, we awarded the Week 11 Player of the Week honor to INF Anthony Couch (Marquette Academy, 2026; Spoon River). Couch played the hero for Marquette against Bishop McNamara, hitting a walk off two-run home run to send the Crusaders to the Sectional Semifinals. The Pitcher of the Week was awarded to LHP Jimmy Benson (2027; TCU), Benson turned in a masterful performance against Oak Lawn, throwing a seven inning perfect game to help St. Laurence claim their regional championship.
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
+ Harrison Dragus, RHP (Fenwick, 2026):
Dragus made one start appearance on the mound against Lakeview in the Regional Final, pitching a five-inning complete game to earn the win. He turned in a stellar performance by allowing zero walks and only one unearned run on three hits while striking out eight batters.
+ Scott Phelps, C/3B (Father McGivney, 2026):
Phelps went 5-for-7 at the plate with one walk, one double, and one run scored. He also swiped three bases and drove in two runs, both of which were go-ahead runs in crucial moments during the week.
+ Luke Martin, RHP/3B (Mt. Pulaski, 2026):
Martin excelled on both sides of the ball, helping his team by getting out of two bases-loaded jams with no runs scored in the regional championship game. At the plate, he went 2-for-5 with three walks and two runs scored while also recording three stolen bases. On the mound, he made two appearances consisting of one relief outing and one start, totaling 10 innings pitched against Ridgeview and Heyworth. He allowed no runs, seven hits, and two walks while striking out eight batters to secure victories in both games.
+ Jackson Mansker, 3B (Lincoln-Way West, 2026):
Mansker put together an excellent offensive display, going 5-for-8 at the plate with four walks, three doubles, and five runs scored. He finished the week with four RBIs and one stolen base, highlighted by a clutch, go-ahead two-run home run in the fifth inning against Homewood-Flossmoor.
+ Lukas Quiroz , C (Tinley Park, 2026):
Quiroz went 4-for-7 at the plate with one walk and four RBIs. In the regional championship game, his team was trailing Brooks 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, but he delivered a dramatic walk-off victory by roping a ball to left-center field.
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