Published on June 10, 2026 2:23 pm
Last Updated on June 11, 2026 6:25 am
North Clay High School is headed to the Class 1A State Baseball Tournament Friday. First row, left to right, Ty Worthey, Noah Kincaid, Colin Schnepper, Brodie Adair, Cooper Lewis, Will Ballard and Chase Bangert. Second row, left to right, Assistant Coach Adam Cox, Chad Hosselton, Trenton Ingram, Trevan Sidwell, Cody Zimdars, Carder Walden, Ben Czyzewski, Ian Jones, Cayden Craig, Jack Compton and Head Coach John Frech. Not pictured is Talon Hemphill.
BY MILLIE LANGE
For the second time, Coach John Frech and his North Clay High School baseball team are headed to the State Tournament.
Back in 2021-22, the Cardinals finished with a 33-6 record and captured the Class 1A State Tournament championship.
Now, the Cardinals are ready for a try at another State championship. This Friday, the Cardinals will meet Granville Putnam County at 1 p.m. in the second game of the day in Class 1A at Champaign’s Illini Field on the University of Illinois campus.
Fans are advised that the admission price will be $15 cash or $11 digital. The opener will feature Tremont against Jacksonville Routt at 10 a.m.
Coach Frech talked about his team who enters the contest with a 35-4 record.
“This has been a special group all season long,” said Coach Frech. “Our biggest strength is that we play complete baseball. We’ve received outstanding pitching throughout the year, and our defense has been consistent behind our pitchers.
“Offensively, we’ve been able to put pressure on opponents from top to bottom in the lineup. We have players who can hit for average, players who can drive the ball into the gaps, and players who can manufacture runs when needed.
“What makes this team unique is their chemistry, work ethic, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win. They’ve bought into their roles and play for each other every day.”
Members of the team include Chase Bangert, Noah Kincaid, Trevan Sidwell, Ty Worthey, Will Ballard, Cody Zimdars, Jack Compton, Ben Czyzewski, Cooper Lewis, Ian Jones, Chad Hosselton, Colin Schnapper, Brodie Adair, Trenton Ingram, Cayden Craig, Talon Hemphill and Carder Walden.
Compton leads the team with a .462 average. He had 54 hits, scored 52 runs and 40 RBI. Ian Jones is hitting at a .441 clip with 56 hits, 30 runs scored and 45 RBI. Adair has a .438 average with seven hits in 16 at-bats, 10 RBI and scored 37 runs. Walden is at .429 with 51 hits and 39 RBI, scoring 34 runs. Lewis has hit .386 with 42 runs scored, 34 hits and 29 RBI. Craig has hit .364 with 44 hits, 37 runs scored and 48 RBI. Zimdars is hitting at a 330 clip with 37 hits, scoring 41 runs and 35 RBI. Ingram hit .363 with 37 hits and 30 RBI. Sidwell is at .305 with 29 hits and 28 RBI. Ballard is at .361 with 13 hits, 29 runs scored and 14 RBI.
Leading in pitching is Compton with a 9-1 record, 0.69 ERA and 77 strikeouts with only nine walks. Jones also has a 9-1 record with a 1.92 ERA and 66 strikeouts. He’s given up only 10 walks. Sidwell is at 7-1 with 46 strikeouts, a 2.04 ERA and 20 walks. Zimdars is 4-0 with a 0.56 ERA and 48 strikeouts with only seven walks.
“Our pitching staff has been the backbone of our success,” said Frech. “They’ve consistently thrown strikes, competed in tough situations, and given us a chance to win every game.
“Behind the plate, our catchers do an excellent job managing games, working with the pitching staff, and controlling the running game while also contributing offensively.”
Coach Frech commented on his infielders, outfielders and team leaders.
“Our infield has been very reliable defensively and has provided a lot of offensive production. They make routine plays, turn key double plays, and have come through with big hits throughout the season.
“Our outfielders cover a lot of ground defensively and have been a major part of our offense. Their speed and athleticism help us in multiple ways.
“Team leaders. What stands out most is that every player has embraced their role. Whether they’re a starter or coming off the bench, they’ve all contributed to getting us to this point.
“This season has been a tremendous journey. Our players have worked incredibly hard from day one, and they’ve overcome challenges along the way. Every successful season has adversity, and this team has responded well whenever they’ve been tested.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth, both individually and as a team. The players have developed confidence, resilience, and trust in one another.
“Reaching the State Tournament is a reflection of their commitment, dedication, and the support we’ve received from our school, families, and community. Regardless of what happens next, I’m extremely proud of what this team has accomplished, but we’re excited for the opportunity that’s still ahead of us.”
Coach Frech talked about his goals for State and how to accomplish those goals.
“Our goal is simple — we want to compete for a State championship. To accomplish that, we need to continue doing the things that got us here. We have to throw strikes, play solid defense, execute offensively, and stay focused one game at a time.
“The teams at the state level are all talented, so attention to detail becomes even more important. We want our players to enjoy the experience, represent our school and community with pride, and leave everything they have on the field.”
Sunday, June 14, a celebration will be held on the square in Louisville for the North Clay baseball team and their accomplishments from 5 to 7 p.m.
Food/drinks will be available, food trucks, face painting, activities for the kids and a special recognition ceremony for the coaches and players.