LHS baseball headed to State

Photo provided by George Mickelson

The 2016 LHS boys baseball team prior to a game

Madison Landon, Staff Writer

The LHS baseball team is headed to the state tournament after winning the region championship on Saturday, May 21. The Pats hope to cap off a great season with a championship next weekend behind the likes of seniors Nolan Burchill, Griffin Lockwood-Powell and Isaac Rubendall.

On Sat. morning, LHS defeated Harrisburg 2-0, setting up a matchup between the winner of WHS vs. BV for the region championship and a bid to the four team state tournament. Rubendall started on the mound and did not give the Tigers many scoring opportunities in his six shutout innings before junior Cayden Veland came in and closed the victory for the Patriots.

Later Sat. in a convincing 3-0 win over crosstown rival WHS, University of Minnesota commit Nolan Burchill pitched a no-hitter to send his team to state. Several players, including junior second baseman George Mickelson, Isaac Rubendall and Griffin Lockwood-Powell also had big performances at the plate to put some runs on the board.

LHS who has only lost one game over the course of the season to Brookings, looks to claim their second state championship in three years. If the Pats can claim the title, it will also help put LHS in position for its third straight KELO Cup, given to the best athletic programs in the state.

All-Region picks were announced this week, as well. Five Patriots earned honors, including Isaac Rubendall and Nolan Burchill for pitching, and Griffin Lockwood-Powell, Matt Graham and Alex Glanzer for hitting.

Come support the Patriots as they play Pierre in the first game of the state tournament next Saturday, May 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Stadium. If they win, they will play the winner of Brookings vs. RHS that night at 7:00 p.m.