IHSA Diamond Notes: Week 6
April 24, 2024
Each week, IHSA coaches around the state submit to us their nominations for the PBR Illinois Player of the Week and PBR Illinois Pitcher of the Week honors. Yesterday, we awarded the Week 6 Player of the Week honor to OF Kam Yearsley (Yorkville, 2024; John A. Logan) and the Pitcher of the Week honor to RHP Louie Sisto (St. Rita, 2024; South Suburban). Yearsley finished the week 12-for-20 with four home runs, one triple, three doubles, 20 RBIs, 11 runs scored and three walks. Sisto had an impressive performance against then No. 2 St. Laurence, firing a complete game shutout, and leading the Mustangs to the 1-0 win.
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.
WEEK 6 DIAMOND NOTES
Ryan Gustaitis, LF/DH, Waubonsie Valley, 2024
Uncommitted. Gustaitis had an impressive week, going 8-for-12 with a double, four RBIs, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, three walks and two hit-by-pitches. In their 7-3 win over Metea Valley, Gustaitis went a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.
Season Stats: Currently hitting .522 with an OBP of .641.
Tommy Kramkowski, RHP/SS, Belleville East, 2025
Uncommitted. It was an all-around impressive week for Kramkowski who threw a complete game on the mound in their win over Alton, striking out 10, walking none, allowing five hits and one run. He also went 3-for-4 with an RBI at the plate. On the week he went 7-for-15 with one home run, two RBIs, three runs scored and two walks.
Season Stats: Kramkowski has 36 strikeouts to only four walks, and he’s posted a 1.68 ERA with a WHIP of 0.88. At the plate he’s slashing .329/.372/.425.
George DiCanio, RF, Lake Zurich, 2025
Uncommitted. In Lake Zurich’s 9-8 win over Warren Township, DiCanio came up big in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Bears were down two runs in the bottom of the ninth, and with two outs, they drew two walks. DiCanio came up to the plate with two on and two outs. Down 0-2 in the count, he blasted a three-run home run to walk it off for the Bears, giving them the 9-8 win over their rival Warren.
Kaden Wasniewski, DH/RHP, McHenry, 2027
Wasniewski has continued to find success at the varsity level this season. On the week, he went 6-for-9 with a home run, two doubles, eight RBIs, three runs scored and three walks. In their 12-9 win over Dundee-Crown, the Warriors were down by two in the sixth inning. Wasniewski came to the plate with two on and two out and delivered a base hit to tie the game. He came onto the mound in the game with the bases loaded and struck out the batter to get them out of the jam. He earned the win on the mound in that game, throwing 2.1 innings with five strikeouts, one walk and two hits allowed.
Season Stats: 9-for-18 (.500) with two home runs, three doubles and 11 RBIs.
Cody Rakoncay, 1B, Grayslake North, 2024
Uncommitted. Rakoncay has continued to swing a hot bat for Grayslake North in the middle of their lineup. The Knights went 3-1 with wins over Grant (9-8 & 22-4) and Crystal Lake South (13-10). Rakoncay went 11-for-16 with two doubles, two home runs, two walks, twelve RBIs, and ten runs scored.
Season Stats: .522/.617/.783/1.399 OPS with two home runs and 24 RBIs.
Johnny Liesen, 3B, Reavis, 2026
The Rams went 3-1 last week with wins over Richards (4-0 & 8-3) and Bremen (4-0), and Liesen was a big reason why. The sophomore went 7-for-14 with three doubles, three home runs, two walks, seven RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base to make for a strong, well-rounded offensive performance last week.
Alex Sullivan, RHP, Lutheran, 2026
Sullivan helped lead the Crusaders to a 5-0 win over Cornerstone Christian last week. He tossed a complete game shutout, allowing five hits, two walks, and recording eight punchouts.
Deon Harrington, 2B, Alton, 2025
Uncommitted. Harrington swung the bat well for the Redbirds this past week going 4-for-9 with two doubles, two walks, an RBI, and a run scored. In their win over Belleville East (7-5) he went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.
NORMAL UNIVERSITY
The Pioneers went 3-1 on the week with wins over Williamsville (11-0), Bloomington Central Catholic (8-2) and Lincoln (12-1). Below were some of their top performers from the week:
Devan Tupper, RHP/OF, Normal University, 2024
Eastern Illinois commit. Tupper had an impressive week, going 5-for-9 at the plate with one home run, one triple, one double, two RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base. He also had two appearances on the mound and struck out seven, walked none, allowed no runs and three hits throughout the week. He started on the mound in their 12-1 win over Lincoln and tossed 3.2 innings with six strikeouts, no runs or walks allowed, and he only gave up three hits.
Season Stats: On the season, Tupper is hitting .356, and on the mound, he’s 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA.
Cameron Clifton, RHP, Normal University, 2024
Illinois Central JC commit. Clifton earned the start on the mound in the Pioneers’ 11-0 win over Williamsville. He threw a complete game (5 IP) with 10 strikeouts, four walks and two hits allowed.
Season Stats: On the season, Clifton is 4-0 with two saves, 38 strikeouts, 12 walks and a 1.95 ERA.