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Top 10 Stories of 2025: No. 6 Libertyville Captures First Title in Program History

December 24, 2025
Kai Formella
IL/WI Content Writer

Libertyville capped off an incredible season by riding a 10-game unbeaten streak to the 4A State Finals, where they captured the first State title in program history. The Wildcats were powered by an overwhelming amount of talent on the mound, a key factor in their magical championship run.

The Wildcat pitching staff allowed just two runs across three Regional games, highlighted by LHP Joshua Holst (2025; Air Force) holding a complete game shutout for a 1-0 walk-off win against Prospect in the Regional Finals. Libertyville carried that momentum all the way to the State Semifinals, where they edged a tough Normal Community squad 2-1 in extra innings to advance to the Championship. There, the Wildcats defeated a strong McHenry team 4-1, once again riding a complete game performance from Holst.

Holst provided a major impact as a two-way for the Wildcats throughout the year, slashing .361/.432/.640 with five home runs and 43 RBIs across 108 at-bats. On the mound, he served as Libertyville’s workhorse, leading the team with 73.1 innings pitched while compiling a perfect 13-0 record, a 1.33 ERA, and 118 strikeouts. Other notable senior arms who added significant value on the mound included RHP Charlie Gretz (2025; St. Norbert College), RHP Zachary Seiler (2025; Uncommitted), and RHP Aaron Fry (2025; Uncommitted), all of whom played major roles in the bullpen and as spot starters.

Adding to the list of talent on the mound is a group of notable returners in: RHP Chase Lockwood (2026; Illinois State), RHP Brady Buenik (2027; Tennessee), and LHP Nico Harper (2026; Olivet Nazarene), all of whom bring valuable experience and are set to take on larger roles this spring.

Libertyville also featured a potent offense that had no problem putting up runs throughout the year. The Wildcats were led by 2025 Prep Baseball Illinois Player of the Year C Quinn Schambow, who showcased some of the top defensive tools at the prep level while also leading the offense in multiple statistical categories. He posted a .449/.534/.746 slash line with three home runs and 47 RBIs in 118 at-bats, striking out just nine times all season. Also contributing significantly on offense were SS Cole Lockwood (2025; Valparaiso), 3B Carson Holmes (2026; Uncommitted), C Ryan Wilberding (2027; Marshall), and MIF Trevor Wallace (2026; Ripon College), all of whom batted above .300 in starting roles.

The Wildcats have plenty to be excited about for next season as a solid portion of this group is set to return this year and take on more impactful roles in the spring. They also feature multiple players like INF/RHP Madden Cotts (2027; Bradley), 3B/RHP Aksel McKnight (2027; Uncommitted), INF Matthew Hara (2027; Uncommitted), and C Weston Wyzukovicz (2028; Uncommitted) who are set to play a bigger part in Libertyville’s success this season.

To read more about the 4A State Champs, click HERE.

Below you’ll find our game story on the Wildcats’ victory in June:

4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The 4A State Finals took place Saturday evening between McHenry and Libertyville, with Libertyville claiming their first ever State Championship for baseball by defeating McHenry 4-1. 

LHP Josh Holst (2025; Air Force) was a do-it-all player for the Wildcats, tossing a complete game allowing just one run on two hits and one walk, while striking out eight. He also drove in three runs at the plate, finishing the game 1-for-2 with a walk and three RBI.

Holst got the game's scoring started in the bottom of the first when he hit an RBI groundout, scoring SS Cole Lockwood (2025; Valparaiso) who tripled to begin the inning.

The Wildcats would add another run in the bottom of the third when LF Carson Holmes (2026) ripped a line drive RBI single into centerfield to score CF Mason Strader (2025) who singled to begin the inning.

The Warriors of McHenry would draw within one run in the top of the fourth when SS Kyle Maness (2025) would hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring 2B Landon Clements (2027), who was hit by a pitch to start the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Holst would drive in two more runs with a hard single back up the middle scoring Cole Lockwood and Nick Farmakis (courtesy runner for Quinn Schambow), bringing the score to 4-1.

Holst would continue to cruise through the final two innings and clinch the title for the Wildcats. 

With the win, the Wildcats finish 2025 with a record of 36-4. With the loss, the Warriors finish with a record of 36-5-1.

THIRD PLACE GAME

Normal Community defeated Brother Rice 7-2 on Saturday afternoon to earn third place within the state's 4A Classification. The Ironmen' pitching staff surrended just three hits in the game en route to the victory. RHPs Jonah Roper (2025; Rock Valley JC) and Landyn Corbin (2026) combined to allow two runs and one walk, while punching out eight in the contest. 

The Ironmen got on the board first in the top of the first when Gavin Swartz (2026; Indiana) hit an RBI single, scoring Kyle Beaty (2025). Brother Rice would answer right back in the bottom of the first when Brady Cunningham (2027) would hit an RBI groundout to score Gavin Triezenberg (2025; Arizona). 

In the top of the third, Normal Community would score four runs in the inning. Kyle Beaty, Brady Burkhart (2025), and Jacob Engel (2026) all had RBI in the inning to bring the score to 5-1 entering the bottom half of the third.

Brother Rice would add a run in the bottom of the fourth off an RBI double from Nolan Ramoley (2026; Kentucky).

The Ironmen would expand their lead in the top of the seventh, scoring two runs in the frame. Kyle Beaty stayed hot with an RBI single, and Holden Baldwin (2026) hit an RBI double to bring the score to 7-2 entering the bottom half of the seventh inning. The scoring would end there as the Ironmen were able to seal the deal in the bottom of the seventh.

Normal Community finishes the 2025 season with a record of 37-5, and the loss moves Brother Rice's 2025 record to 37-5.

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