Future IU baseball teammates Hogan Denny, Griffin Tobias star in 4A state championship

Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star

INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday night at Victory Field, two of the top players in the state locked in a fierce battle for the IHSAA baseball Class 4A state championship.

Lake Central star pitcher Griffin Tobias and the Indians came out on top, besting Mooresville and its star catcher/pitcher Hogan Denny 2-1 in 12 innings. The extra-innings battle is the longest championship game in state history.

If the play of Tobias and his future battery mate is any indication, IU baseball will be in good hands for years to come.

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Lake Central's Griffin Tobias (1) throws a pitch during the IHSAA high school baseball Class 4A state final as the Lake Central Indians vs Mooresville Pioneers, Jun 15, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; at Victory Field.
Lake Central's Griffin Tobias (1) throws a pitch during the IHSAA high school baseball Class 4A state final as the Lake Central Indians vs Mooresville Pioneers, Jun 15, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; at Victory Field.

"It was awesome," Tobias said. "Every time he stepped in the box I gave him a head nod; he gave me one back. And then he was on the mound, he gave me a head nod, I'd give one back.

"It's just a fun competitive environment between us."

Tobias' team got the last laugh by winning the state title. But Denny won the individual matchup between the two. Denny's lone hit came off Tobias in the third inning. With Denny on the mound, Tobias went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. Tobias did tag starter Brendin Oliver for a double and came around to score in the bottom of the third. Denny finished 1-for-4 against Tobias.

"That's my buddy," said Denny, Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year. "I'm definitely looking forward to finally to being on this team next time we play. He's really talented. He didn't have a ton of command, but he just battled. He gave them a heck of a game. He gave them a chance to win, which they ended up doing.

"He's a great. After playing against him, I'm just excited to finally play with him."

Mooresville's Hogan Denny (2) at bat during the IHSAA high school baseball Class 4A state final as the Lake Central Indians vs Mooresville Pioneers, Jun 15, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; at Victory Field.
Mooresville's Hogan Denny (2) at bat during the IHSAA high school baseball Class 4A state final as the Lake Central Indians vs Mooresville Pioneers, Jun 15, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; at Victory Field.

Tobias finished his senior season with a 7-2 record, a 0.95 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 66⅓ innings. The right-hander's days with a bat in his hands are likely over but he produced for the Lake Central offense, finishing with a .307 batting average and 18 RBIs.

Denny had a dominant two-way season. The future IU backstop finished with a .480 batting average, 10 home runs and 24 stolen bases. On the mound, Denny went 2-1 with 11 saves, a 0.71 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 49 innings.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IU baseball recruits Hogan Denny, Griffin Tobias star in 4A state final

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