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Ninth-ranked Heritage Christian jumped out to an early lead scoring six runs through the first two innings and never looked back in an 11-3 victory over unranked Cass in the Class 2A state championship game at Victory Field.

It was the first baseball state championship for Heritage Christian (25-6) which also captured its third IHSAA crown of this school year (2A football, 2A girls basketball). The game was also a rematch of last November's 2A football championship game also won by Heritage Christian, 17-14.

The Eagles had plenty of offense in their first baseball championship game scoring three in the first inning, three more in the second, fourth in the fourth and one in the sixth.

Pitcher Joe Perrott (5-1) picked up the win pitching 5 1/3 innings and striking out seven. He also led the team offensively going 3-for-4 with a run scored and two batted in on his fourth inning double that made it 8-1. Jeremy Sherrill and Sterling Harpst also knocked in two runs a piece going 2-for-4 at the plate.

Cass (20-9) got on the board in the bottom of the second when Keith Lee took a bases loaded walk that plated David Diedrick but the Kings couldn't push any more across in the inning and also left the bases loaded in their next at-bat. Cass added a pair of runs in the seventh as Brody Edgerly's bases-loaded single cut the lead to 11-3. Edgerly finished 2-for-4 in the game.

Heritage Christian was coached by Dan Ambrose, now in his 17th year. Cass was coached by 30th year leader Greg Marschand who also serves as school athletic director. Like Heritage, Cass was also making its first appearance in the state finals.

KEITH LEE NAMED MENTAL ATTITUDE AWARD WINNER
Keith Lee of Cass High School was recognized by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee as this year's recipient of the L.V. Phillips Mental Attitude Award in Class 2A baseball.

The award is presented annually to an outstanding senior participant who has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability. The award is named in honor of the late L.V. Phillips, who served as the second commissioner of the IHSAA from 1945-1962.

Lee has been a starter for the King's varsity baseball team for the past three years, and was starting left fielder at today's game. He was named Second Team All-Loganland as a sophomore, First Team All-Loganland as a junior and senior, and was on the Pharos-Tribune All-Star team as a junior and senior. Keith also played football and basketball for Cass.

Keith finished his high school career 13th in his class of 129 students, scored an impressive 1400 on his SAT, and carried a 3.42 GPA. He was a member of SADD, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, and Letterman's Club. Lee will attend Ball State University in the fall to study Physical Therapy.

He is the son of Troy and Margaret Lee of Walton.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the corporate partner of the IHSAA, presented a $1,000 scholarship to Cass High School in the name of Keith Lee.