Lake Central’s Thuftedal Shines in Sectional Victory

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May 28, 2026
High School Sports Sports

Lake Central’s senior first baseman, Tyler Thuftedal, is experiencing success at the plate at a crucial time. After a slow start, Thuftedal feels he’s now performing at his best. ‘I didn’t start off well,’ he admitted. ‘But recently, I’ve been more confident and contributing significantly.’

During the Class 4A Crown Point Sectional opener against Munster, Thuftedal shone. In his playoff debut, the future Calumet College player went 2-for-2, hitting two doubles, earning an RBI, and scoring once in a 13-3, five-inning win. Remarkably, Thuftedal was intentionally walked with runners on second and third in the fifth inning. ‘I was surprised,’ he said. ‘Considering the year I’ve had, it was unexpected. But I’ve found my rhythm.’

Tyler Thuftedal at first base — Lake Central’s Tyler Thuftedal takes a lead at first base during the Class 4A Crown Point Sectional. (Mandy Coppinger / Post-Tribune)

Sophomore designated hitter Jacob Forystek also had an impressive game, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, three runs, and two stolen bases. The team, with a 22-8 record, now looks ahead to facing Morton in the sectional semifinal.

Batting seventh, Thuftedal improved his batting average to .215. Entering the game, he had hit three doubles for the season. Lake Central coach Mike Swartzentruber explained, ‘He’s a senior who struggled throughout the year until recently. We brought in a sophomore for some games, and Tyler handled that well. Suddenly, his performance improved.’

We don’t have a magic button to press to start trying. Mentally, something clicked for him recently. In the last few games, he’s been outstanding, contributing crucial hits. If your lower lineup produces like that, you’re in good shape.

Last season, Thuftedal wasn’t in top form, going 2-for-7 and missing significant time due to a back issue. This year, sharing his position with Hunter Segal sparked his determination. ‘I wanted to play every day, and that motivated me. I became more aggressive, focusing on swinging the bat without reservation.’

Junior catcher Brayden Walls, committed to Ball State, noted, ‘Tyler’s bat has come alive recently. It’s fantastic to see.’

Brayden Walls after his home run — Lake Central’s Brayden Walls celebrates a home run against Munster. (Mandy Coppinger / Post-Tribune)

Munster (23-7), who tied for the Northwest Crossroads Conference title, started strong with a three-run first inning. Lake Central, however, responded with five runs in the third, highlighted by junior Connor Friesema’s two-run single and Thuftedal’s RBI double. In the fifth, Lake Central’s powerful eight-run surge, including Walls’ three-run homer, sealed their victory.

Sophomore left-hander Owen Kopercinski recovered after the first inning, retiring ten batters consecutively. He allowed a walk in the fifth but managed a strikeout to end the game. Kopercinski had a commendable performance, allowing just one run in a previous loss to Munster earlier in the month.

Coach Swartzentruber praised Kopercinski, ‘Even as a sophomore, his mentality suited this game. I knew he could handle the pressure.’

Lake Central continues to build momentum, and Thuftedal relished their win. ‘This was incredible,’ he said. ‘That was the most enjoyable game of the season, and it was fantastic to be a part of it.’