For his playoff debut Wednesday night, freshman point guard Luke Baumann displayed the same attitude that he has had all season long for Aurora Christian.
He didn’t let the moment be too big. And he delivered.
“Honestly, I’m playing with house money,” Baumann said. “I’ve got nothing to lose. No one expects much from me. I just trust in the work I’ve put in without caring what other people think of me.
“I go out there and play with confidence. I knew I had to.”
Baumann made an impact early and often, scoring 12 points to go with a game-high 13 rebounds for the host Eagles in a 52-47 win over Erie-Prophetstown in a Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional semifinal.
Preston Morel paced a balanced attack for Aurora Christian (21-7) with 13 points. Joe DeCort added 11. Evan Steimle led Erie-Prophetstown (14-11) with a game-high 17 points.
Aurora Christian’s Luke Baumann (15) celebrates with Jalen Callaway (34) against Erie-Prophetstown during a Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
The way Baumann has acclimated himself to varsity basketball was no surprise to Aurora Christian coach Dan Beebe, whose team plays Byron (24-6) at 7 p.m. Friday for the regional title.
“He’s what I would consider a freshman veteran,” Beebe said of Baumann. “Not a lot fazes him. “That’s a lot for a freshman, to be the quarterback of a basketball team that has 21 wins.
“But he’s handled it perfectly.”
Baumann knows that other players — such as his brother Jacob, a senior guard — have received far more attention this season. It hasn’t stopped him from doing his thing.
Aurora Christian’s Luke Baumann (15) snags a rebound against Erie-Prophetstown during a Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
“I like this opportunity,” Luke said. “It really means a lot to see the work finally showing and getting a little bit of credit. I am enjoying this season. I hope we keep it going and make it to Champaign.”
The Baumann brothers started talking about the possibility of joining forces when Jacob was a sophomore. Now, it’s a reality.
“You dream to play with your brother,” Jacob said. “In the backcourt, we’re always on the same page. It’s a lot of fun to play with each other and encourage each other. It’s been a blast.”
Having the resource of his older brother at his disposal is something Luke doesn’t take for granted.
Aurora Christian’s Luke Baumann (15) reacts after a basket against Erie-Prophetstown during a Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
“It gives me the security of knowing he’s in the backcourt with me to break the press with me,” Luke said. “I ask him questions about what I can do better for the team, what I can do to help him out, to be the best teammate I can but also be the best person I can with everyone on the team.”
Luke Baumann actually hit a pull-up from the wing to get the Eagles on the board.
In the second quarter, he hit a 3-pointer that created a 20-15 lead, and his driving layup sparked a 7-0 run to end the first half. It resulted in a 27-18 lead for Aurora Christian.
What really stood out was his prowess on the boards. The 5-foot-10 Baumann is now the team’s leading rebounder with Northern Illinois football commit Asa Johnson out with a knee injury.
“I knew that he could do a lot of things,” Beebe said. “But that’s a new one for me, being the leading rebounder as a 5-10 point guard.”
Aurora Christian’s Luke Baumann (15) listens to coach Dan Beebe in timeout during a Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
Luke pointed out his inspiration comes from Purdue’s Braden Smith, another smaller point guard.
“It’s all about heart,” Luke said. “You have to have heart to rebound.
“I’ve idolized the game of Braden Smith. He plays his heart out. He’s not the tallest player, but he’ll crash and box out most importantly.”
Aurora Christian suffered another injury Wednesday night, this one to Zach Zappia in the second half. But Beebe noted the Eagles will be ready to go Friday night.
“It’s amazing for my brother to get his first playoff win,” Jacob Baumann said. “But also to keep going, survive and advance.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.