By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

Rockford Christian senior Jake Kellerman, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound power hitting designated hitter/first baseman launched two home runs in the Class 2A State Title game last Saturday, leading the Royal Lions to their first state championship in school history with a 6-2 win over Williamsville.

Kellerman said, “We’ve always had the talent, but we brought it together this year. The camaraderie of our team was unbelievable. I never thought I’d hit two home runs in the championship game my senior year. I was just trying to the ball hard somewhere”.

The four-year starter launched a solo shot to left to lead off the second inning, giving Rockford Christian an early 1-0 lead. One inning later in the third, Kellerman’s three-run blast to deep left put the Royal Lions up 5-0, notching his fourth RBI off the day. Kellerman finished the day 2-for-3 with the two homers, and the easy choice for the MVP of the state championship game.

“Kellerman has been doing this for four years for us, he’s always hit for power”, said coach Mike McClellan about his senior leader. “He showed his maturity down the stretch when he was struggling a bit at the plate. He didn’t press and today it paid off”.

Kellerman entered the state tournament hitting .347 on the year with 13 doubles, four home runs, and a team-leading 43 RBI from his cleanup spot in the order. Rockford Christian finished the year an impressive 36-6, becoming the first high school in the Rockford area to capture a state championship in baseball.

For his efforts, Kellerman has been named the Porsche Exchange Player of the Week for the week of June 1-June 8.

The Porsche Exchange salutes Kellerman's hard work and success.

CLICK HERE to view the complete list of past Porsche Exchange Players of the Week.