Steve Reaven

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Antioch’s Kylie Pfleeger, left, chats with teammate Brooke White

At bat, Antioch’s Kylie Pfleeger says, ‘I’m actually really excited.’ Why? Brooke White soon provides answer.

May 30, 2026 at 9:25 a.m.

Freshman Brooke White hits two home runs, including a walk-off three-run shot, to lead Antioch past Vernon Hills in a Class 3A sectional final.

Warren’s Cristian Paredes (4) reacts after hitting a double during a Class 4A Palatine Regional semifinal against Wheeling on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Warren won 10-0. (Brian O’Mahoney / News-Sun)

Surprised? Warren catcher Cristian Paredes is unproven no longer. He puts his imprint on a playoff win too.

May 27, 2026 at 8:21 p.m.

Catcher Cristian Paredes has been one of the keys to the success of Warren's pitchers, and he made that clear in the first inning of a Class 4A regional semifinal.

Steve Reaven’s 3 storylines and 10 players to watch in Lake County high school baseball in the postseason

May 26, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

As Libertyville takes its shot at a repeat, Warren and Highland Park are among the teams looming in the sectional.

Freshman Brooke Gossett delivers again for Vernon Hills. This time, in a regional final. ‘I’m pretty proud.’

May 23, 2026 at 3:50 p.m.

Freshman pitcher Brooke Gossett gets out of a jam in the seventh inning as Vernon Hills edges Lakes 4-2 to win a Class 3A regional title.

Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Thome, a Nazareth assistant, with his son Landon Thome, a Nazareth senior

Nazareth’s Landon Thome, son of Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Thome, plays ‘under microscope.’ Scouts see a gem.

May 23, 2026 at 8:47 a.m.

Nazareth's Landon Thome, who is batting .531 with 28 extra-base hits and 47 stolen bases, is No. 39 in MLB.com's rankings of 2026 draft prospects.

Steve Reaven’s high school baseball rankings, difference-makers and player of the week for Lake County

May 19, 2026 at 11:11 a.m.

Lake Forest rises to No. 1, while Lakes, Wauconda, Mundelein and Lake Zurich move up.

Charlie Quick quickly becomes a leader for first-place Lake Forest. ‘He’s the heart and soul of the team.’

May 19, 2026 at 11:47 a.m.

When Charlie Quick's Lake Forest teammates chose him to be a captain, he didn't decide to become a leader all of a sudden. He had that role in mind already.

Libertyville tight end Brock Williams commits to Texas on Pat McAfee’s show

May 15, 2026 at 12:14 p.m.

Libertyville's Brock Williams, a tight end ranked 79th overall in the 2027 class in the 247Sports composite ratings, picked Texas over Georgia and Ohio State.

Devin Ratajczyk takes care of business as Vernon Hills’ shortstop, ‘a big job’ for a team that’s winning again

May 15, 2026 at 7:18 a.m.

A prospective business major, Devin Ratajczyk has taken advantage of his opportunity to be the starting shortstop for Vernon Hills.

At UIC, Stevenson’s Rocco Pagliocca can start anew. But he won’t forget challenges that ‘made me who I am.’

May 11, 2026 at 10:21 a.m.

Stevenson's Rocco Pagliocca, whose father, Jeff, is the general manager of the Chicago Sky, has overcome health issues over the past two years.

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