Top High School Baseball Players Selected from Naperville Area Schools

Several standout high school baseball players from Naperville Central, Naperville North, Benet Academy, and Waubonsie Valley have been recognized for their impressive performances this season. Each school has players who made it to the first team selection, highlighting their exceptional achievements on and off the field.

First Team Selections

Andrew Barkley, a senior outfielder from Neuqua Valley, displayed remarkable skill with a batting average of .348. He collected eight doubles, two triples, one home run, 21 RBIs, and scored 31 runs. His perfect fielding percentage in 68 chances earned him all-conference honors.

Gio Calandriello, a senior pitcher from Benet, successfully returned from Tommy John surgery. He recorded a 5-2 win-loss record with a commendable 2.71 ERA, one save, and 45 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. He is committed to Loras and has secured all-conference recognition.

Lawton Close, a Naperville North sophomore, showed versatility as a pitcher and third baseman. He achieved a 3-2 record with one save, a 2.56 ERA, and 46 strikeouts in 46 innings. Additionally, he batted .309, with 11 doubles, three home runs, 22 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Close was named conference pitcher of the year.

Scott Gillen, a Waubonsie Valley junior, excelled as a second baseman with a batting average of .353. Gillen contributed 11 doubles, 22 RBIs, 38 runs scored, and stole 22 bases. His all-conference selection reflects his solid performance.

Tyler Gluting, a junior outfielder from Metea Valley, boasted an impressive .432 batting average. He recorded 14 doubles, eight home runs, 25 RBIs, 35 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. His achievements have earned him all-conference and Class 4A all-state honors, with a commitment to Oklahoma.

Cooper Page, a Naperville Central senior, made significant contributions as a shortstop. Page batted .314 with nine doubles, one home run, 18 RBIs, and 36 runs scored, securing all-conference recognition.

Michael Page, another Naperville Central senior, excelled as an outfielder with a .385 batting average. He added 14 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 26 RBIs, 28 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. Page is committed to North Central College and has been recognized with all-conference honors.

Quinn Rooney also made his mark as Benet’s junior first baseman. He achieved a .385 batting average, recording five doubles, five triples, four home runs, 31 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in eight attempts. Rooney’s commitment to Notre Dame is a testament to his prowess on the field and his all-conference status.

Max Steele, a Naperville North senior, showed dual talent as a pitcher and outfielder. He held a 4-3 record with 47 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings and batted .375, contributing 12 doubles, two triples, one home run, 25 RBIs, and 29 runs scored. Steele is committed to Benedictine and has received all-conference recognition.

Shane Torres, a Waubonsie Valley junior catcher, demonstrated exceptional abilities with a .471 batting average. Torres amassed 11 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 35 RBIs, and 29 walks, earning the conference player of the year title. Torres is committed to Oakland.

Grant Umbright, a Naperville Central senior, was effective as a pitcher and third baseman with a 9-1 record and a 2.03 ERA. Umbright struck out 71 batters in 48 1/3 innings and batted .324, with four home runs, four triples, 30 RBIs, 36 runs scored, and five stolen bases. He is committed to John A. Logan and received all-conference recognition.

Honorable Mentions

Several players earned honorable mention for their commendable performances this season:

• Jonathan Giedraitis, Benet senior, pitcher
• Diego Gutierrez, Metea Valley junior, third baseman
• Max Henson, Naperville Central senior, pitcher
• Parker Howland, Waubonsie Valley junior, outfielder
• Cohen Jeppson, Naperville North junior, pitcher
• Christian Lott, Neuqua Valley senior, pitcher/first baseman
• Decker McDonald, Naperville Central junior, pitcher
• Nathan Napolitano, Waubonsie Valley senior, pitcher
• Peter Pignatiello, Benet sophomore, shortstop
• Sam Steele, Naperville North sophomore, outfielder
• Caden Vorwick, Naperville North senior, outfielder

Reporter Matt Le Cren contributed to covering these selections.