Niles West Sports Roundup: Baseball Continues Hot Streak

Baseball: Niles West (18-3, 4-0 conference) hasn’t faced the traditional Central Suburban League (CSL) South powers of Glenbrook South or New Trier yet. But with each victory, the Wolves are proving that they too are conference championship contenders.

The Wolves reeled off three more victories last week, including another CSL South win over Evanston.

Kevin Ross led the Niles West offense by going 3-for-4 at the plate with a two-run homer and three runs scored in the Wolves’ 9-7 win over Niles North on April 25. The Wolves edged Evanston 3-2, as winning pitcher Jason Meger (4-0) struck out five batters and Kenny Blanchard was 2-for-3 with an RBI at the plate on April 29.

Nick Wheeler completed Niles West’s undefeated week with a complete game and victory over Deerfield on April 30. Ryan Olen was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI to lead Niles West in the 7-4 win.

Boys Volleyball: Niles West (12-11, 1-3 conference) split two CSL South games last week, defeating Evanston 25-15, 25-16, but falling to Glenbrook South, 25-14, 25-23.

Arben Cuca had 11 kills in the victory over Evanston on April 27 and Patrick O’Connor dished out 19 assists.

Softball: The Wolves crushed Waukegan 14-1, behind Payton Genis’ complete-game pitching performance. Genis had seven strikeouts and Lexi Leftakes went 3-for-3 with two RBIs for the Wolves. Lauren Papucci also had three RBIs in the April 28 victory.

Boys track: After capturing the 4x100 and 4x200 relays as state championships last season, Niles West’s boys sprinters are starting to recapture some of their magic.

Although they have been dealing with injuries throughout most of the season, the Wolves won the 4x200 relay (1 minute, 30.92 seconds) at the Glenbard West Invite on April 30. Neal Omar took first place in the 800-meter (1:55.63) to Niles West’s only other win at the meet.

The team’s 35 points were good enough for eighth place overall.

Girls Track: Kellion Gordon continued her domination in the sprint events, taking first place in the 100-meter (12.72) at the New Trier Invitational on April 30. Gordon took second in the 200-meter, only .24 behind Homewood-Flossmoor’s Abie Ehimwenman. Gordon was the only event winner for Niles West on the day, but the Wolves accumulated 30 points, putting them in ninth place.

Sophomore Sydney Hellwig took second in the 100-meter hurdles (16.78)

Boys Gymnastics: Niles West finished in fifth place in the CSL this season. The Wolves were 3-3 in conference and finished with a score of 125.75 at the CSL conference meet to end the regular season.

SCOREBOARD WATCHING

Boys Water Polo:

Evanston 12, Niles West 4 on April 28

Tennis:

New Trier 7, Niles West 0 on April 26