Photo credit: Stephen Bender

The third biggest sports story at Hillcrest Academy from the last year recognizes a sizzling hot summer for the Raven baseball team. Hillcrest put together a 21-5 season, their most wins since 2009. They scored their first Southeast Iowa Superconference North Division title in 14 seasons, going unbeaten at 12-0. The Ravens were also champions of Class 1A District 10. Hillcrest finished in the top 10 of Class 1A in nine different categories. The Raven pitching staff was among the best in fewest walks issued, WHIP, earned runs allowed, hits allowed and team ERA. The Hillcrest offense was among the 1A leaders in total homers, fewest strikeouts, slugging percentage and OBP. Individually, Luke Schrock was in the top 10 of 1A in WHIP, fewest walks issued and overall record. Grant Bender was among the best in homers and RBI. Seth Ours reached the top 10 in ERA, WHIP, fewest walks and overall record. Liam Schrock was in the top 10 of 1A in home runs and runners caught stealing.

The entire Raven lineup earned All-Southeast Iowa Superconference honors including five unanimous first-teamers. Luke Schrock, who was also named Superconference Player of the Year, Grant Bender, Jace Rempel, Ours and Liam Schrock. Rowan Miller was a first team pick, Josiah Beachy made second team and Phoenix Anderson and Mason Bender were named honorable mention All-Conference. Five Ravens, Luke Schrock, Rempel, Ours, Grant Bender and Liam Schrock were named to All-District teams.

The Ravens also made their mark on the school record books with players reaching career or single season top 10 status in 24 different categories. Luke Schrock reached that level in 11 stats including career batting average, RBI, runs scored, triples, doubles, hits, at bats and most games played. Single season marks included pitching strikeouts and doubles. Rempel is in the career top 10 for RBI and doubles. He broke the school record for ERA in a single season. Grant Bender is listed among the best all-time for career triples and single season triples, homers and RBI. Liam Schrock reached five season top 10s including triples, homers, walks, stolen bases and runs. Ours is there for ERA and runs scored. Raven manager Danny Hershberger was also named Superconference Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

Our top ten Hillcrest countdown continues Thursday with our second biggest story from the last school year which highlights a Raven freshman at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.