Baseball: Lemont's Jake Latz, Mike Papierski Earn All-State Honors

Lemont High School's Jake Latz and Mike Papierski each have been named 2013 Class 3A All-State selections by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Each enjoyed spectacular seasons as juniors last spring while helping first-year coach Brian Storako's squad to a 23-7 record and a South Suburban Conference title.

In addition to being named as an all-state selection, Papierski was tabbed as the South Suburban Conference Player of the Year and as an IHSBCA All-North Region pick. Splitting time between third base and his natural catcher position, he batted .398 with three home runs and 24 runs batted in.

He scored a team-high 34 runs while adding nine doubles and 11 stolen bases. He struck out just nine times in 109 plate appearances while drawing 21 walks, and was second on the squad with his .533 on-base percentage.

Papierski has served a starter since his freshman year, and is a .373 career hitter with five home runs and 57 RBIs.

Latz starred on the mound and at the plate for the Indians in 2013. He ranked second on the team with his .411 batting average, and added two home runs, 21 RBIs and 25 runs scored. He stole seven bases and led the team with a .542 on-base percentage.

However, it's as a left-handed pitcher where he has made his mark. Latz went 3-1 with a save and a 1.88 ERA in 2013. In nine games covering 44 and two-thirds innings, he allowed just 31 hits and struck out 78 batters—an average of 12.2 batters struck out per seven innings.

In his two-year varsity career, Latz is 7-2 with two saves. In 89 and two-thirds innings, he has posted a 1.56 ERA and struck out 145 batters - an average of 11.3 per seven innings.

Both Papierski and Latz have committed to play college baseball at Louisiana State University, a member of the Southeastern Conference and a six-time NCAA national champion.