Sun-Times high school news and notes

Updated: February 16, 2012 6:40PM

Elder ineligible

Kevin Elder won’t be in a high school baseball uniform this spring after the IHSA upheld its ruling that he’s ineligible to play at Burlington Central on Monday.

Elder, a standout right-handed pitcher who committed to Arizona last summer, created a stir in late December when he transferred from Westminster Christian to Burlington Central for the second semester of his senior year. “We know in our heart we didn’t do anything wrong,” said Jim Elder, Kevin’s father. “We weren’t recruited. We only moved for economic and financial reasons because we couldn’t afford the tuition and the housing we were in. The IHSA unfortunately doesn’t see it the way we do, but there isn’t anything we’re going to do about that.”

Point producers

North Chicago is the No. 1 scoring team in the state, averaging 82.5 points per game, just ahead of Proviso East, according to the Massey computer rankings. The Warhawks’ Illinois State-bound Aaron Simpson is averaging 24.8 points. The Warhawks play Morgan Park on Sunday at Gordon Tech.

Three-sport smarts

St. Patrick senior Charlie Labuz is a finalist for a National Merit honor. A three-sport athlete at the school, Labuz advanced through the program based on his excellent academic standing as well as his involvement in extracurricular activities. He ran cross-country in the fall and qualified for the state meet. He plays basketball in the winter for the Shamrocks. “It’s amazing because it’s national,” said Labuz, who hasn’t made his college choice public. “This is the greatest recognition I’ve received. I have to thank all my teachers who have taught me, but especially my parents, brothers and sisters. They have inspired me so much with their example.”

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