For the second consecutive year, Top Tier captured USA Baseball’s Labor Day Cup championship at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. Playing against some of the nation’s top 18U teams, Top Tier went 4-1 in the tournament, capped by a 3-0 victory over the CBC O’s in the championship game on Sept. 5.
Senior right-hander Mark Chemello from Lincoln-Way East HS pitched a one-hit masterpiece in the championship game. Using a low-to-mid-80s fastball with late sink and command of three pitches, Chemello handcuffed CBC, which had previously defeated Top Tier, 3-1, in extra innings during pool play.
“Mark was outstanding,” said Top Tier director and head coach Todd Fine. “CBC has a lot of high D-I players, and Mark handled them. It is an honor to win the Labor Day Cup again. What an incredible experience for the boys. Each and every player contributed to the championship. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Top Tier opened the tournament with a 6-2 victory over the Carolina Stars. Grayslake Central right-hander Mark Ash pitched superbly to earn the win. After stumbling against CBC in pool play, Top Tier rebounded to defeat the NCBA Golden Spikes, 5-3, and Team Carolina, 3-1.
Helping lead Top Tier to its repeat championship were: Prospect RHP/3B Jack Landwehr, Elk Grove OF Jack Czeszewski, Providence INF/RHP Ryan Koziol, Rolling Meadows MIF Eric Lowe, Stevenson SS Adam Walton, Grayslake Central RHP Mark Ash, Huntley 3B/OF Bryce Only, Glenbrook North C Brad Margolin, St. Rita OF Anthony Ray, Highland Park LHP Jake Rubin, Munster RHP Scott Jerge, Stevenson OF Max Golembo, Lincoln-Way East RHP Mark Chemello, Oak Lawn RHP Mike Yacko, Lake Forest OF Matt Lawrence, Glenbrook North RHP Peter Resnick, Concord RHP Seth Huxford, and St. Viator RHP Chris Myjak.
To learn more, visit www.usabaseball.com
Jack Landwehr, committed to Illinois State
Mark Ash
Coaches: Fine, Koziol and Kenny
Max Golembo
Coach Kenny, Matt Lawrence and Adam Walton
Bryce Only
Dog pile after the win
Anthony "X" Ray and Brad Margolin
**Pictures Courtesy of Scott Margolin