Who's No. 1? Top 6 high school baseball teams around Peoria in 2024

High school baseball games began this week across Illinois. Postseason play starts for small schools on May 13, leading into the state finals on May 31-June 1 at Dozer Park in Peoria. The big-school playoffs start May 20 and culminate June 7-8 with the state finals at Joliet's Duly Health & Care Field.

Here are the top six Peoria-area baseball teams for the 2024 high school season, split by small and large schools. Last season's record in parentheses

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SMALL SCHOOLS

1. Brimfield/Elmwood (23-10-1)

A new era of Indians baseball will take the field in 2024. Brimfield athletics director Kevin Kreiter is the new baseball coach, replacing Brandon Porter, who won three sectionals in his 10 years at the helm. Kreiter has some big-time talent back for this Class 2A squad. All-stater Landon Binder is a key returnee along with Kyle Binder, Brady Johnson, Drew Kieser, Connor Johnson, Kaeden Schatsiek and Camden Blodgett. Brimfield/Elmwood got a big test out of the gate, defeating Olympia 13-5 in the opener on March 11.

2. Peoria Notre Dame (10-18)

The Irish, who lost in a Class 3A regional semifinal last season, are making their debut in Class 2A, looking to win a regional for the first time since a 2014 Class 3A one. However, coach Jon Lowry has a lot to replace with the graduation of all-Big 12 Conference players in Korry Sevier, Tyson Clinghan, Brock Carver and Ryan Ringenberg. This means junior Lawson Alwan (first team) and senior Dominic Kouri (honorable mention), who are both all-Big 12 players. PND opens its home slate with a doubleheader against Heyworth on March 16.

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3. Illinois Valley Central (17-12)

The Class 2A Grey Ghosts may have graduated five seniors now playing college baseball, but the cupboard is far from bare for coach Josh Hofer. Seniors outfielder/pitcher Mason Marchand (Spoon River), infield/pitcher Griffin Irvin (Spoon River) and infielder/pitcher Christian Witte (Monmouth) along with junior infielder Cole Yates (Heartland) will be key cogs to the IVC lineup. Fully expect to see little to no rainouts at the Ghost Yard, which has newly installed turf. IVC got a huge test playing at East Peoria, losing a 9-5 game on March 12.

LARGE SCHOOLS

1. Washington (23-13)

The reigning Mid-Illini Conference champions have arguably the best 1-2 arms in the area. Senior right-hander Braden Vanderheydt and junior right-hander Gavin Lawrence give coach Kyle Wisher two staff aces. He'll also rely on Garret Cox to pitch, while Tyler Humphrey is a wall behind the plate. Keep an eye on Anson Zaiser, who will give the Panthers another good bat. Wisher will miss the leadership from since-graduated Lucas Price, Jake Stewart and Keegan Isbell. Washington plays at the PBR Kickoff Classic on March 15.

2. East Peoria (23-13)

East Peoria has tons of returning talent including four all-Mid-Illini Conference players back in Ethan Krutke (first team), Curt Sosnowski (first team), Owen Hidden (first team) and Landen Hidden (second team). That just scratches the surface for coach Matt Plummer. He also has two other names to watch in sophomores RJ Duncheon and Auggie Lohnes. The Raiders are trying to get a second Class 3A regional title since 2021. East Peoria opened its season March 12 with a 9-5 win over IVC. Circle the date for April 22 and 24 for the EP-Washington series.

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3. Morton (24-12)

Morton comes in as third Class 3A team in the rankings, but could easily be in either the top two spots. Coach Jesse Crawford doesn't have the benefit of rolling out now-graduated Tate Roley, who was the 2023 Journal Star player of the year. Crawford, though, will have some good arms back in senior Tanner Spangler, junior Ryan Schaffnit and Spencer Timm. Also in the mix for the Potters is A.J. Davis, Owen Adams, Brandon Sieben and Nolan Reiman. Morton opens its season by facing Normal Community on March 20.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA baseball preview: Who are the top 6 Peoria-area teams for 2024?