Preview: Finals Weekend at McLane Stadium Offers Historic Guarantee
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 11, 2025
Nearly one-third of the field at this weekend’s MHSAA Baseball Semifinals & Finals – five of 16 teams – are hoping to play in their first championship game Saturday.
Two are guaranteed to do so.
Two of Thursday’s Semifinal matchups at McLane Stadium feature faceoffs of first-time hopefuls, and either Mason or Standish-Sterling in Division 2 and Marine City or Olivet in Division 3 will earn that long-awaited debut on the final day of the 2024-25 MHSAA sports year.
There will be no repeat champions this time around. But last season’s Division 4 runner-up Norway is back for another attempt at a first title. Bay City Western also is a making a repeat trip, advancing again to the Division 1 Semifinals.
This weekend's schedule is as follows:
Division 1 – Friday
Hartland vs. Grosse Pointe South – 9 a.m.
Macomb Dakota vs. Bay City Western – 11:30 a.m.
Division 2 – Thursday
Mason vs. Standish-Sterling – 2:30 p.m.
Ada Forest Hills Eastern vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary's – 5 p.m.
Division 3 – Thursday
Traverse City St. Francis vs. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett – 9 a.m.
Marine City vs. Olivet – 11:30 a.m.
Division 4 – Friday
Portland St. Patrick vs. Norway – 2:30 p.m.
Plymouth Christian Academy vs. Petersburg-Summerfield – 5 p.m.
FINALS – Saturday
Division 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Division 2 – 11:30 a.m.
Division 3 – 9 a.m.
Division 4 – 5 p.m.
Tickets cost $11 and may be purchased online only at GoFan. One ticket is good for all baseball, softball and girls soccer games at MSU’s Old College Field that day. All Semifinals and Finals will be broadcast and available with subscription from MHSAA.tv.
Below is a glance at all 16 teams taking the field:
Division 1
BAY CITY WESTERN
Record/rank: 36-7, No. 2
Coach: Tim McDonald, 33rd season (903-287-11)
League finish: First in Saginaw Valley League
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2014 and 2013.
Players to watch: Jack Sequin, sr. P/IF (.385, 41 RBI, 6-2 pitching, 1.20 ERA, 80 K/52 1/3 IP); Luke LaCourse, sr. P/IF (8-2, 1.19 ERA, 118 K/65 IP); Mikey Deluca, sr. IF (.411, 37 R, 15 SB).
Outlook: Western is making a second-straight trip to the Semifinals and with five starters – including both pitchers – who played at McLane last season. LaCourse made the all-state Dream Team as the only junior and Deluca was a Division 1 second-team selection last spring, and Brayden Simmon (8-1, 1.25 ERA, .327) is another returning pitcher for a staff that will bring a combined 1.34 ERA to East Lansing. The Warriors advanced by defeating No. 4 Hudsonville and have given up a combined six runs over six postseason games.
GROSSE POINTE SOUTH
Record/rank: 35-8, No. 15
Coach: Dan Griesbaum, 42nd season (952-531-4)
League finish: Tied for first in Macomb Area Conference White
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2018 and 2001, runner-up 2014.
Players to watch: Henry Domzalski, sr. OF (.388, 50 R, 15 2B, 31 SB, 19 SB); Jack Danielewicz, jr. P/OF (6-1, 0.51 ERA, 67 K/68 IP); Andrew Dilodovico, sr. C/IF/P (.398, 14 2B).
Outlook: This will be South’s first Semifinals trip since that most recent championship season of 2018, and both titles came under Griesbaum, who ranks fifth all-time in MHSAA history for baseball coaching victories. Dilodovico made the all-state second team last season and catches a deep staff that also includes sophomore Charlie Michelotti (7-0, 1.58 ERA), senior Griffen Szatkiewski (8-0, 2.50) and junior Dane Lezotte (5-0, 2.09). Lezotte also is the leading hitter at .402 for an offense that’s batting .345 as a whole this spring.
HARTLAND
Record/rank: 26-15-1, unranked
Coach: Brad Guenther, sixth season (119-58-4)
League finish: First in KLAA West
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2015.
Players to watch: Michael Zielinski, sr. OF/P (.371, 36 R, 15 SB, 8-1 pitching, 1.31 ERA, 85 K/53 1/3 IP); Roman Forcia, sr. IF/P (.404, 19 R, 1.33 ERA); Bobby Griffon, sr. SS/P (.346, 24 R, 25 RBI, 13 SB).
Outlook: Hartland emerged from a KLAA West that also included No. 8 Howell, No. 12 Novi and No. 14 Brighton, plus 2024 Division 1 champion Northville, and the Eagles also downed No. 18 Livonia Franklin during the league playoffs. Novi won Division 1 in 2023, and Hartland will attempt to give the league a third-straight title winner by finishing a tournament run that’s included four-straight one-run wins. Senior Ty Kraut (8-2, 1.97 ERA) and junior Michael Bernardi (4-3, 2.21) are two more reliable throwers who have seen significant action this spring.
MACOMB DAKOTA
Record/rank: 35-6-1, No. 1
Coach: Angelo Plouffe, third season (92-29-2)
League finish: First in Macomb Area Conference Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Luke DeMasse, sr. IF/P (.351, 12 SB, 7-0 pitching, 0.36 ERA, 75 K/57 2/3 IP); Evan Morrison, sr. C/IF (.420, 13 2B, 32 RBI); Braylon Ryan, sr. IF/OF (.415, 37 R, 11 2B, 3-0 pitching, 1.72 ERA).
Outlook: Dakota has won District titles all three years under Plouffe and will make its second Semifinals trip over those three seasons after also advancing in 2023. There are plenty of standouts to feature, with Ryan Petrovich (8-0, 0.85 ERA, 78 K/49 1/3 IP) and James Nuechterlein (8-0, 0.32 ERA) also heavy contributors to a staff with a combined 1.57 ERA. Catcher Evan Kavalick (.314) made the all-state second team last season, and senior Jadon Ford (.384, 34 R, 18 SB) is among several more big bats. Brother Rice has outscored its five tournament opponents by a combined 34-3 with wins over No. 6 Warren De La Salle Collegiate and No. 10 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice along the way.
Division 2
ADA FOREST HILLS EASTERN
Record/rank: 40-1, No. 1
Coach: Ian Hearn, 10th season (272-86)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference White
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2022
Players to watch: James Dempsey, sr. C (.456, 14 2B, 43 RBI, 10 SB); Brendan Thompson, sr. SS (.391, 39 R, 12 2B, 37 RBI, 12 SB); Ben Fausey, jr. 2B (.372, 45 R, 12 2B, 35 RBI, 16 SB).
Outlook: Forest Hills Eastern also is returning to the Semifinals for the second time in three years, with its only loss this spring during a season-opening split with Sparta. The Hawks have defeated No. 13 East Grand Rapids and No. 15 Coopersville during this run. Thompson and senior Max Ferrick (7-0, 1.89 ERA, .306, 10 2B) made the all-state second team last season, and juniors Kenric Penkevich (.385, 15 SB) and Collin Ybarra (.373) and senior Manel Conners (.350, 33 R, 21 SB, 7-0 pitching, 1.56 ERA) also are top contributors to a lineup hitting .340 with 10 players with double-digit steals. Junior Colton Brinks (8-0, 0.52 ERA), senor Landen Lindley (10-1, 1.59) and junior Cam Pallo (2.18) also give the team plenty of options on the mound.
MASON
Record/rank: 31-6, No. 10
Coach: Kohl Tyrrell, seventh season (128-65-2)
League finish: Tied for first in Capital Area Activities Conference Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Colton McCaleb, jr. IF/P (.396, 35 R, 10 2B, 40 RBI, 8-1 pitching, 0.91 ERA, 92 K/61 2/3 IP); Ryan Myers, jr. IF/P (.342, 30 SB, 4-0 pitching, 1.12 ERA); Maddox Armour, sr. IF/OF/P (.341, 37 R, 29 SB, 4-3 pitching).
Outlook: This will be Mason’s first trip to the Semifinals, coming off its first Regional title in this sport. The Bulldogs advanced in part with a 6-1 Regional Final win over No. 7 Williamston, the other co-champ from the CAAC Red, and got past Chelsea in 10 innings in the Quarterfinal. While Myers is expected to get the start in the Semifinal, five pitchers total have at least three wins this season including also junior Alex Engel (8-0, 1.27 ERA). Five regulars are hitting at least .340 including as well juniors Joey Schild (.365, 34 R, 28 RBI, 18 SB) and Travis Davis (.346).
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
Record/rank: 26-12, No. 6
Coach: Nick Di Ponio, eighth season (176-115)
League finish: Second in Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Luke Crighton, jr. SS/3B/P (.415, 44 R, 13 SB, 5-3 pitching, 1.54 ERA, 69 K/45 1/3 IP); Paul Toovalian, sr. P (5-2, 1.36 ERA, 85 K/51 2/3 IP); Hudson Brzustewicz, jr. SS/P (.400, 12 2B, 50 RBI).
Outlook: Di Ponio returned as head coach last season after previously leading St. Mary’s to Division 2 runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2009, and the Eaglets are back in Division 2 this season after playing in Division 1 the last three. They too emerged from a powerful league that included De La Salle and Brother Rice, both ranked in Division 1, and among postseason wins were a 3-0 victory over No. 8 Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and 6-1 downing of No. 11 Dearborn Divine Child. Juniors Drew Tribul (.339, 10 2B, 41 RBI) and Nate Bauman (.361) and senior Wyatt Borbi (.352, 11 2B) also bolster the top of the lineup.
STANDISH-STERLING
Record/rank: 36-5-2, No. 2
Coach: Ryan Raymond, ninth season (241-74-5)
League finish: First in Jack Pine Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ben Briggs, jr. OF (.395, 57 R, 37 SB); Preston Kann, jr. P/SS (.365, 35 R, 32 RBI, 11-0 pitching, 0.36 ERA, 98 K/57 2/3 IP); Sam Briggs, sr. P/OF (.477, 38 R, 12 2B, 45 RBI, 21 SB, 9-2 pitching, 1.36 ERA, 82 K/56 1/3 IP).
Outlook: Raymond is bringing Standish-Sterling to the Semifinals for the third time in four seasons, this time after getting past No. 9 Petoskey and No. 12 Fruitport on Saturday. The Panthers are averaging more than eight runs per game and hitting a combined .348, with seniors Trace Collins (.366, 47 R, 30 RBI, 17 SB) and Brock Bartlett (.363, 30 R, 31 RBI, 24 SB) and juniors Rylee Blanchard (.351) and Carson Koin (.346, 31 RBI) among others also putting up big numbers. Sam Briggs made the all-state first team as an outfielder last season. Bartlett and Koin also are a combined 5-0 in the mound.
Division 3
GROSSE POINTE WOODS UNIVERSITY LIGGETT
Record/rank: 23-12-2, No. 6
Coach: Jay Ricci, second season (40-29-2)
League finish: Tied for third in CHSL AA
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), four runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Andrew Johnson, sr. C (.366, 28 RBI); Deagan Barr, jr. 2B (.317, 28 R, 15 SB); Jackson Fetter, sr. 1B/P (4-3, 2.33 ERA, 58 K/36 IP, 10 2B).
Outlook: Liggett has won Regional titles both seasons under Ricci, last year in Division 2 before moving back into Division 3 this spring. The Knights have navigated a playoff path that’s included wins over No. 3 Jackson Lumen Christi and No. 4 Detroit Edison, and the regular-season schedule was filled primarily with Division 1 and 2 opponents. Fetter is expected to start the Semifinal, but five pitchers total have won games including also seniors Edwin Narva (6-0, 2.10 ERA) and Mack Phillips (4-3, 2.16, 64 K/45 1/3 IP).
MARINE CITY
Record/rank: 25-10, unranked
Coach: Ryan Felax, third season (66-27)
League finish: First in MAC Gold
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Paul Muscat, sr. SS/P (.393, 30 R, 36 RBI, 25 SB); Daniel VandeVyver, sr. OF/P (.365, 36 R, 10 SB, 7-4 pitching, 2.59 ERA, 63 K/70 1/3 IP); Cooper Letson, sr. C/P (.455, 10 2B, 39 R, 43 RBI, 6-1 pitching, 0.49 ERA, 52 K/43 1/3 IP).
Outlook: Marine City also has advanced after claiming its first Regional title, reaching MSU in part thanks to tournament wins over No. 11 Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, No. 8 Lansing Catholic and No. 16 Algonac. Total, the Mariners have won 16 of their last 19 games. Freshman Tucker Volkman (4-0, 1.58 ERA) also has been among key arms for a team that otherwise is senior-heavy with 10 total.
OLIVET
Record/rank: 22-6, No. 17
Coach: Mike Whitely, first season (12-1)
League finish: Third in CAAC White
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Trip Burkett, jr. IF/P; Lalo Aguirre, sr. IF/P; Jack Masters, jr. IF/OF/P. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: Olivet is making its first trip to the Semifinals after winning its second Regional title over the last three seasons. The Eagles did so by upending the last two Division 3 champions over their last two games, No. 10-ranked and reigning champion Watervliet in the Quarterfinal and 2023 title winner Bridgman in the Regional Final. Aguirre made the all-state first team last season as an infielder, and Burkett made the second team as a pitcher.
TRAVERSE CITY ST. FRANCIS
Record/rank: 29-8-1, No. 14
Coach: Tom Passinault, 11th season (292-91)
League finish: Does not play in a conference.
Championship history: Class D champion 1990, Division 3 runners-up in 2017 and 2021.
Players to watch: Sam Wildfong, jr. P/C (.366, 31 RBI, 17 SB, 6-3 pitching, 1.06 ERA, 88 K/59 2/3 IP); Matthew Kane, jr. 1B (.417, 29 R, 36 RBI, 13 SB); Charlie Olivier, sr. OF/P (.350, 27 RBI).
Outlook: St. Francis is back at the Semifinals for the second time in five seasons, this time on a seven-game winning streak after losing four straight over a tough three-day stretch in mid-May. Along the way, the Gladiators downed No. 13 Negaunee for a Regional title. Kane is a returning all-state first-team selection. Wildfong will start the Semifinal but the pitching staff is augmented by junior Tyler Endres (8-1, 1.17 ERA, 65 K/48 IP) and sophomore Lanse Vos (4-2, 1.19, 51 K/47 IP). Passinault formerly served as head football coach at Grand Rapids Catholic Central from 1993-2006 and Traverse City Central from 2007-15.
Division 4
NORWAY
Record/rank: 28-4-1, No. 9
Coach: Tony Adams, 11th season (200-86-4)
League finish: First in Skyline Central Conference
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2024.
Players to watch: Cameron Varda, jr. OF/P (.568, 52 R, 32 RBI, 40 SB); Cole Baij, sr. IF/P (12-2, 1.11 ERA, 130 K/63 IP, .307, 15 SB); Landon Amundson, sr. IF/P (.505, 41 R, 42 RBI, 23 SB); Owen Baij, jr. IF/P (.524, 38 R, 15 2B, 48 RBI, 39 SB, 6-1 pitching, 0.53 ERA, 73 K/40 IP).
Outlook: Six starters are back from the team that made its first Semifinals run and made last season’s final day. Cole Baij, Varda and Amundson all made the all-state first team, and Owen Baij made the second team. The Knights’ only losses this season were a pair to Division 2 Escanaba and one apiece to No. 4 Plymouth Christian Academy and Bonduel of Wisconsin. Four of the team’s six postseason wins ended early because of run differential, and for the entire spring Norway is averaging 10 runs per game. The team’s 183 stolen bases (in 195 attempts) ranks 11th in MHSAA history.
PETERSBURG SUMMERFIELD
Record/rank: 21-10, unranked
Coach: Reid Olmstead, fourth season (49-57-2)
League finish: Third in Tri-County Conference
Championship history: Division 4 champion 2019.
Players to watch: Jude Flowers, soph. P/IF (5-2, 1.59 ERA, 59 K/48 1/3 IP, .270, 41 R, 39 SB); Reece Kalb, jr. P/IF (8-5, 1.36 ERA, 88 K/67 IP, .286, 30 RBI, 13 SB); Tyler Dafoe, sr. IF (.347, 27 R, 29 SB).
Outlook: Summerfield is returning to the Semifinals after winning all of its postseason games by at least five runs, the closest a 5-0 Quarterfinal victory over No. 10 Decatur. The 10-2 District Final win over Britton Deerfield avenged a regular-season sweep. Summerfield finished only 12-17 a year ago but has won 11 straight games to get to championship weekend. Dafoe at shortstop and Brendan Myshock (.302) at first base are the team’s only seniors, and junior Russell LaRocca has been another top hitter at .333 with 26 runs scored and 27 stolen bases.
PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Record/rank: 28-7, No. 4
Coach: Eero Perkola, second season (50-19)
League finish: First in Michigan Independent Athletic Conference
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2023.
Players to watch: Cooper Weaver, sr. 3B (.379, 32 R, 28 RBI, 12 SB); Dylan Beasley, jr. UTY (.374, 39 R, 15 2B, 34 RBI, 16 SB); Michael Fernandez, jr. SS/P (.353, 11 2B, 34 RBI, 9-1 pitching, 0.78 ERA, 85 K/53 2/3 IP).
Outlook: Perkola took over following Plymouth Christian’s run to the Finals in 2023 and has the Eagles back two seasons later with a group that should return several contributors next spring. PCA downed No. 8 Royal Oak Shrine in the Regional Final and No. 15 Marine City Cardinal Mooney in the Quarterfinal, and has won 20 of its last 21 games. Senior Micah Lavigne (.344, 34 R, 32 RBI, 11 SB, 5-0 pitching) made the all-state second team last season and is among several more contributors; others include sophomores Carter Dattilio (.419, 33 R, 23 RBI) and Justin Shollack (.370, 14 SB) and junior Luke Janigan (.360, 41 R, 24 SB, 5-2 pitching).
PORTLAND ST. PATRICK
Record/rank: 32-1, No. 1
Coach: Bryan Scheurer, 20th season (475-150)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Division 4 champion 2017, four runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Jerryd Scheurer, soph. SS/P (7-0, 0.22 ERA); Brady Leonard, jr. P/CF (11-0, 0.89 ERA, 90 K/55 1/3 IP); Charlie Thelen, jr. C/IF. (Hitting statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: The Shamrocks’ lone defeat this season came to No. 2 Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart – and St. Patrick avenged it with a 5-4, 12-inning Regional Final victory. The Shamrocks also have defeated No. 11 Fowler, No. 6 Fulton, Dansville and No. 18 Maple City Glen Lake during the postseason. Jerryd Scheurer made the all-state first team, and Thelen made the second team last season. Senior Brayden Simon (6-0, 0.48 ERA, 70 K/44 IP) and sophomore Sean Fedewa (4-0, 0.00 ERA) give St. Patrick two more high-performing arms. Simon is one of only four seniors on the roster.
PHOTO Macomb Dakota’s Braylon Ryan (2) drives a pitch during his team’s 4-0 Division 1 Quarterfinal win over Lake Orion. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)
Preview: Fantastic Finals Trips Await for 16 Title Contenders
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 10, 2026
Frequent visitors to Michigan State’s McLane Stadium for MHSAA Baseball Finals weekend know how special the experience can be. And we have a pair of those joining us over the next three days in reigning Division 3 champion Traverse City St. Francis and annual contender Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.
But we’ll also hopefully deliver some breathtaking moments to several communities for the first time – or first time in a long time.
Two teams will play in Semifinals this weekend for the first time, and a handful more for the first time in at least a decade. Six more teams are hoping to play in a championship game Saturday for the first time.
Ten of this weekend’s 16 semifinalists are seeking their first Finals championship in this sport – and three of the six teams that have won in the past are seeking their first title in at least 20 years.
This weekend's schedule is as follows:
Division 1 – Friday
Detroit Catholic Central vs. Mattawan - 2:30 p.m.
Rochester Adams vs. Brownstown Woodhaven - 5 p.m.
Division 2 – Thursday
Vicksburg vs. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills - 9 a.m.
Orchard Lake St. Mary's vs. Dearborn Divine Child - 11:30 a.m.
Division 3 – Thursday
Detroit Edison vs. Kalamazoo Christian - 2:30 p.m.
Traverse City St. Francis vs. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest - 5 p.m.
Division 4 – Friday
Royal Oak Shrine Catholic vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart - 9 a.m.
Marcellus vs. Painesdale Jeffers - 11:30 a.m.
FINALS – Saturday
Division 1 – 5 p.m.
Division 2 – 9 a.m.
Division 3 – 11:30 a.m.
Division 4 – 2:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $11 and may be purchased online only at GoFan. One ticket is good for all baseball, softball and girls soccer games at MSU’s Old College Field that day. All Semifinals and Finals will be broadcast and available with subscription from MHSAA.tv.
Below is a glance at all 16 teams taking the field:
Division 1
BROWNSTOWN WOODHAVEN
Record/rank: 34-5-1, No. 3
Coach: Corey Farner, 12th season (338-90-3)
League finish: First in Downriver League
Championship history: Division 1 runner-up 2018 and 2023.
Players to watch: Cameron Thorning, jr. C (.446, 13 2B, 52 RBI); Lucas Farner, jr. IF/P (.426, 55 R, 32 RBI, 20 SB, 4-1 pitching, 0.97 ERA); Dante Perry, sr. OF (.429, 47 R, 30 SB); Tristan Spencer, soph. 1B/P (.346, 10 2B, 36 RBI, 8-1 pitching, 0.98 ERA, 70 K/50 IP).
Outlook: After falling a win short of the Semifinals last season, Woodhaven is back thanks in part to defeating No. 1 Brother Rice in Saturday’s Regional Final and also league rival No. 19 Allen Park earlier in the tournament. Woodhaven with one more victory also can tie its winningest season (2019) during Farner’s highly-successful run leading the program. Senior Keden Newsted is another ace for the Warriors entering this weekend 8-1 with a 1.53 ERA, and junior Amauri Gutierrez is 4-0 with a 2.69 ERA and a pair of saves. Junior Aaron Scott (.393) can be counted on for a boost at the bottom of the lineup.
DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Record/rank: 27-12, No. 6
Coach: Ryan Rogowski, sixth season (138-96)
League finish: Fourth in Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 1999), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Bennett Thompson, sr. 2B/C (.380, 27 R, 10 2B); Dylan Fairchild, sr. SS/P (.333, 32 R, 12 2B, 8 HR, 33 RBI); Andrew Mahoney, sr. P (8-1, 1.32 ERA, 81 K/53 IP); Micky Laser, sr. P/3B (8-0, 1.98 ERA).
Outlook: Detroit Catholic Central is making its first Semifinal appearance since 2004 and has defeated No. 16 Novi and No. 20 Dexter along the way after navigating a league that included top-ranked Brother Rice and Division 2 No. 1 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. The Shamrocks have won 12 of their last 14 games. Seven regulars total are hitting at least .300, with sophomore Luke Fairchild (.357, 25 R, 16 SB) and seniors Tommy Maxwell (.357) and Owen Geisler (.351) all among the leaders right behind Thompson.
MATTAWAN
Record/rank: 29-8, No. 8
Coach: Brett Vaughn, 13th season (29-8)
League finish: First in Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Patrick Dougherty, sr. OF (.431, 46 R, 25 SB); Nolan Jominy, sr. SS (.379, 40 R, 16 2B, 30 RBI, 18 SB); John Pelak, jr. OF (.372, 10 2B); Kaden Jominy, sr. P.
Outlook: Although seeking its first championship, Mattawan was at the Semifinals in 2023 and made the Regional Finals last spring before falling short. The Wildcats haven’t given up more than a run in any of six playoff games this spring, including their 3-1 Quarterfinal victory over No. 18 Byron Center, and total they’ve won 11 of their last 12 games. Seven seniors start, including as well outfielder/pitcher Liam Walsh (.367, 28 RBI), and Kaden Jominy will play next at Cornell. Junior Coleton Strong is another big bat in the middle of the lineup, hitting .336 with a team-high 36 RBI.
ROCHESTER ADAMS
Record/rank: 28-8, No. 4
Coach: Andrew Lamkin, 13th season (277-160-3)
League finish: First in Oakland Activities Association Red
Championship history: Class A runner-up 1995 and 1996.
Players to watch: Andrew Wozniak, sr. SS (.327, 31 R, 17 SB); Matt Toeppner, sr. OF/IF (.556): Brady Lindstrom, jr. P/IF (7-0, 1.46 ERA); Koltyn Watters, soph. OF (.398, 45 R, 11 2B, 30 RBI, 38 SB).
Outlook: Adams will play in its first Semifinal since the repeat run to the Class A championship game in 1996. Lamkin actually is in his second tenure running the program, having led the Highlanders from 1994-2003, returned as an assistant in 2011 and taken it back over in 2024. Toeppner, a Michigan State recruit, has been back only three weeks after hand surgery but also has scored 13 runs and stolen nine bases over 11 games. He and Watters both made the all-state first team last season. Adams topped No. 7 Oxford in the Quarterfinal, and a 3-2 win over No. 2 Romeo in the Regional Semifinal was one of three one-run victories this playoffs.
Division 2
DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD
Record/rank: 29-6, No. 7
Coach: Jeremy Shay, fourth season (91-49)
League finish: First in Catholic High School League AA
Championship history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2010).
Players to watch: Andrew Ryan, sr. SS/P (.389, 52 R, 28 SB, 5-2 pitching, 2.25 ERA); Dallas Terski, sr. 1B/3B (.370, 34 RBI, 21 SB); Liam Gibbons, sr. P (6-1, 1.01 ERA, 62 K/48 1/3 IP); Kole Boike, soph. CF (.346, 35 R, 30 RBI).
Outlook: Divine Child has taken steps every season under Shay, finishing 15-20 his first season but then adding a District title in 2024, a league championship last spring and now a Regional Finals win and trip to the Semifinals after defeating No. 8 Williamston to advance. Seniors Ian Hall (6-1) and Mason Cubr (5-1) also have seen plenty of starts on the mound and provide the Falcons with more options this weekend. Junior Adam Garcia (.368, 27 RBI) is among five more regulars hitting at least .300. Shay played on Divine Child’s 2008 and 2010 Division 2 championship teams before starring at Bowling Green as well.
GRAND RAPIDS KENOWA HILLS
Record/rank: 35-2, No. 5
Coach: Todd VandenHeuvel, first season (35-2)
League finish: First in River Cities Alliance
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Will Fussman, jr. CF (.411, 48 R, 44 SB); Mason Peebles, sr. C/P (.423, 41 R, 14 2B, 8 3B, 56 RBI, 28 SB); Jack Stoddard, jr. 3B/P (.408, 41 RBI, 8-1 pitching, 1.97 ERA); Andrew Lake, sr. P (9-0, 0.40 ERA, 62 K/53 IP).
Outlook: Kenowa Hills is making its first Semifinals trip since 2015, continuing a tournament run that has seen wins against No. 11 East Grand Rapids, No. 20 Escanaba and No. 6 Standish-Sterling over the last three rounds. The Knights have won 19 straight games and have a solid set of impressive arms leading the staff this weekend with senior Keegan Garvin (9-0, 1.80 ERA) set to start the Semifinal. Senior shortstop Brennan Gustinis (.395, 50 R, 10 2B, 12 SB) is another dangerous bat in the leadoff spot. VandenHeuvel previously coached at Mona Shores, winning 217 games from 1995-2001.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
Record/rank: 32-5, No. 1
Coach: Nick Di Ponio, ninth season (234-134)
League finish: First in CHSL Central
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Luke Crighton, sr. CF/SS/P (.457, 55 R, 39 RBI, 20 SB, 9-0 pitching, 1.21 ERA, 75 K/52 IP); Andrew Tribul, sr. C/IF (.376, 43 R, 45 RBI, 18 SB); Hudson Brzustewicz, sr. SS/P (.491, 56 R, 12 2B, 34 RBI, 6-1 pitching, 1.64 ERA, 52 K/34 IP); Derick Conrad, sr. C/IF (.427, 47 RBI).
Outlook: St. Mary’s has won 25 straight games and emerged from the same CHSL Central as Division 1 finalist Detroit Catholic Central, thanks in part to playoff wins over No. 4 Richmond and No. 10 Saginaw Swan Valley. Brzustewicz and Crighton were all-state first-teamers last season and are both the team’s leading hitters and top arms from a staff that has seen eight pitchers throw at least 17 innings and win two or more games this spring. Di Ponio led the Eaglets to Division 2 runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2009 during his first tenure with the program (2005-10) and three straight Regional titles since taking it back over in 2024. Senior outfielder Zach Essig (.357) also bolsters the middle of the lineup.
VICKSBURG
Record/rank: 30-7, No. 14
Coach: Brian Deal, 28th season (487-366-4)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Graham Kubiak, jr. IF/P (.405, 37 R, 41 RBI, 25 SB, 3-2 pitching, 1.80 ERA); Mitchell Beyer, sr. IF (.426, 46 R, 17 2B, 44 RBI, 24 SB); Maddox Rosalin, sr. IF/P (.431, 15 2B, 39 RBI, 10 SB, 9-0 pitching, 0.72 ERA); Maguire Bowles, jr. OF (.450, 59 R, 13 2B, 32 RBI, 34 SB).
Outlook: Vicksburg also is returning to the Semifinals for the first time since 2015 and has put together its winningest season during Deal’s nearly three decades leading the program. A 3-0 Regional Semifinal win over No.18 Niles followed up a regular-season split between the two, and the Bulldogs also avenged an early loss to Paw Paw in the District opener and an 11-run loss to Coldwater with a 12-1 Quarterfinal victory. Three more regulars are hitting at least .300, led by junior Spencer Spicer (.338, 31 R), and sophomore Caden Chisolm (7-0, 2.28 ERA) gives Vicksburg another ace as eight pitchers total have made at least one start.
Division 3
DETROIT EDISON
Record/rank: 23-8, No. 4
Coach: Mark Brown, 10th season (210-104)
League finish: First in Charter School Conference
Championship history: Division 3 runner-up 2022.
Players to watch: Jamir Campbell, sr. P/SS (.408, 30 R, 26 SB, 6-1 pitching, 1.50 ERA, 60 K/55 IP); Elijah Hines, fr. OF (.357, 16 SB); David Hemphill III, sr. P/OF (.353, 8-2 pitching, 1.75 ERA, 72 K/71 IP); JonTae Wright, sr. IF (.393, 39 RBI, 13 SB).
Outlook: Edison is back at the Semifinals for the second time in three seasons (and third over the last five) after just missing a year ago, thanks to a 7-6 Quarterfinal win over No. 5 Jackson Lumen Christi. Campbell and Wright made the all-state first team last season and lead a lineup that has scored at least seven runs in 16 games. Junior Melvin Tennyson has been another key player in several ways, going 4-2 with a 1.85 ERA and hitting .318 with 19 stolen bases while leading off and playing center field. The Pioneers’ starting nine are a combined 116 for 128 on stolen-base attempts.
KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 25-8, unranked
Coach: Russ Meyer, first season (25-8)
League finish: First in Southwest Athletic Conference Valley
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Jake Bonnema, jr. 2B (.437, 41 R, 34 SB); James Annen, jr. P/1B/OF (.370, 32 R, 5-2 pitching); Crosby Croel, jr. P/1B/3B (.411, 31 R, 13 2B, 35 RBI, 13 SB, 2-1 pitching); Jackson Herder, sr. P/OF (5-1, 2.33 ERA, .280).
Outlook: Kalamazoo Christian’s first trip to the Semifinals since 2014 will be the result of a dominating run for the unranked Comets, who have outscored their six postseason opponents by a combined score of 71-6. Meyer may be in his first season as the varsity coach but has been an assistant at Christian and K-Central and was promoted after a decade as the Comets’ junior varsity coach. Herder and third baseman Logan Bittle (.286, 4-1 pitching, 2.79 ERA) are the only seniors. Sophomore catcher Jace Rarick is another top run producer hitting .337 with 13 doubles and 31 RBI.
ROCHESTER HILLS LUTHERAN NORTHWEST
Record/rank: 28-6, No. 16
Coach: Russ Kouba, second season (53-14)
League finish: Second in Michigan Independent Athletic Conference
Championship history: Division 4 champion 2004.
Players to watch: Jacob Kouba, sr. P/1B/OF (.455, 46 R, 14 2B, 41 RBI, 23 SB, 10-2 pitching, 1.06 ERA, 94 K/59 2/3 IP); Brennan Goebbel, jr. OF (.516, 44 R, 12 2B, 41 RBI, 40 SB); Nick Oberdier, sr. P/1B/3B (.344, 46 RBI, 4-2 pitching, 2.07 ERA, 64 K/44 IP); Landon Lindhurst, jr. OF/1B (.360, 17 SB).
Outlook: Lutheran Northwest earned its first trip to the Semifinals since 2006, a strong next step after also winning a District title in Russ Kouba’s first season leading the program. This lineup has only three senior starters, but they’re major contributors with pitcher/shortstop Ethan Wilks (.291, 15 SB, 6-1 pitching, 2.17 ERA, 52 K/38 2/3 IP) joining Jacob Kouba and Oberdier noted above. Sophomore catcher Josiah Kouba (.367) is among younger players who have stepped into prominent roles, and junior Rudy Hauss is a catalyst at the top of the order hitting .302 with 44 runs scored and 25 stolen bases.
TRAVERSE CITY ST. FRANCIS
Record/rank: 32-5, No. 1
Coach: Tom Passinault, 13th season (326-96)
League finish: Does not play in a conference.
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2025), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Lanse Vos, jr. 1B/P (.438, 34 R, 7 3B, 32 RBI, 12 SB, 6-0 pitching, 1.50 ERA, 65 K/46 2/3 IP); Sam Wildfong, sr. C/P (.526, 41 R, 15 2B, 62 RBI, 14 SB, 5-1 pitching, 2.59 ERA, 69 K/43 1/3 IP); Tyler Thompson, sr. SS (.382, 51 R, 11 SB, 7-1 pitching, 1.63 ERA); Tyler Endres, sr. P/1B (.353, 9-2 pitching, 1.38 ERA, 82 K/50 2/3 IP).
Outlook: The Gladiators are pursuing a repeat with Wildfong a returning all-state first-teamer and Thompson a returning second-teamer, and total seven starters and both pitchers back from last year’s championship game. The team is anchored by eight seniors – including as well Braxton Lesinski (.326, 35 R, 36 RBI) – but sophomore Colton Peterson (.340, 41 R, 24 SB) and freshman John St. Peter (.340, 38 R, 19 SB) are also among top hitters. Endres got the pitching win and Vos closed last season’s Final after Wildfong threw a complete game in the Semifinal.
Division 4
PAINESDALE JEFFERS
Record/rank: 15-8, unranked
Coach: Joe Romano, first season (15-8)
League finish: Fourth in Western Peninsula Athletic Conference
Championship history: Has not played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Blake Heltunen, soph. 3B/P (.458, 22 SB); Brogan Turner, sr. P/CF (.424, 26 R, 31 RBI, 11 SB, 4-0 pitching, 1.66 ERA); Carson L’Esperance, fr. SS (.372); Pierce Johnson, jr. C (.326, 24 R, 17 SB, 3-1 pitching).
Outlook: Jeffers is making its first trip to the Semifinals as a talented group of athletes who have had success in other sports have brought it to the diamond as well. The Jets advanced with a 15-9 Quarterfinal win over No. 15 Norway and have scored 10 or more runs in all five of their postseason games. There are only three senior starters, but they bat among the top four – although Jeffers will play this weekend without a fourth senior, pitching ace Cameron Anderson (5-1, 1.99 ERA), a cross country Finals champion in the fall who was injured last weekend. Romano coached the Jets girls basketball team to a Class D runner-up finish in 1994.
MARCELLUS
Record/rank: 21-11, unranked
Coach: Christian Hutson, 11th season (143-138)
League finish: Second in Southwest 10 Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Seth Barrera, sr. IF/P (.392, 39 R, 14 2B, 16 SB, 6-4 pitching, 2.60 ERA, 67 K/59 1/3 IP); Eli Torres, sr. IF/P/C (.367, 31 RBI, 2-0 pitching); Abram Coffey, jr. IF/P (.684, 4-0 pitching, 1.31 ERA); Cale Hackenberg, jr. IF/P/C (.584, 44 R, 13 2B, 44 RBI, 19 SB, 7-3 pitching, 2.25 ERA, 114 K/53 IP).
Outlook: Marcellus also is making its first trip to the Semifinals, thanks to a 9-6 Quarterfinal win over No. 4 Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep and a pair of one-run Regional wins. Coffey made the all-state second team last season but has played only the last month after recovering for an injury – but he returned just in time to bolster a strong lineup that includes just two seniors. Hutson, who also coaches the girls basketball team, was a standout at Decatur and is the grandson of former softball coach Ron Swartz, who led Marcellus to a Class D title in 1986.
MOUNT PLEASANT SACRED HEART
Record/rank: 36-4, No. 2
Coach: Earl Hartman, 43rd season (944-423)
League finish: First in Mid-State Activities Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 1996), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Noah Zeien, sr. 3B/P (.460, 66 R, 45 SB, 3-0 pitching, 0.54 ERA); Hank MacDonald, jr. C/1B (.442, 14 2B, 67 RBI); Brady Davis, sr. 1B/P (.536, 51 R, 14 2B, 48 RBI, 23 SB, 12-2 pitching, 0.52 ERA, 103 K/54 1/3 IP); Nate Siler, jr. SS/P (.457, 11 2B, 51 RBI, 13-1 pitching, 0.80 ERA, 134 K/70 1/3 IP).
Outlook: Sacred Heart has defeated No. 7 Fowler, No. 5 Fulton, No. 3 Beal City and No. 1 Portland St. Patrick during this first Semifinal trip since 1997, and Saturday’s 4-2 Quarterfinal win over the Shamrocks avenged a regular-season loss. Siler made the all-state first team last season and with Davis gives the Irish a powerful 1-2 punch on the mound. Senior center fielder Teegan Duffy (.422, 64 R, 37 RBI, 20 SB) is another big bat at the top of the lineup and has a team-high five triples as well.
ROYAL OAK SHRINE CATHOLIC
Record/rank: 26-8, No. 11
Coach: Dan Noble, 16th season (335-165-3)
League finish: Second in CHSL Intersectional
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up in 2003.
Players to watch: Nate Alba, sr. P/IF/OF (.286, 31 R, 31 RBI, 11-2 pitching, 1.40 ERA, 170 K/84 2/3 IP); Caydin Barbato, sr. P/IF (.444, 50 R, 21 SB); Luke Robinson, fr. P/1B/OF (.385, 35 R, 31 RBI, 21 SB, 3-1 pitching, 2.71 ERA); Sean Murphy, sr. P/C/UTY (.468, 40 R, 17 2B, 43 RBI, 17 SB, 7-3 pitching, 2.62 ERA, 85 K/58 2/3 IP).
Outlook: Shrine won its second Regional championship in four seasons over the weekend, and didn’t give up a run over its first four postseason games until edging Allen Park Cabrini 11-10 in the Quarterfinal. The Knights bounced back from a brief four-game skid midseason to win their last nine, and they’ll bring plenty of pitching to MSU including as well junior Owen Bellows (5-1, 2.91 ERA). Senior Blake Archibald (.333) is another solid bat at the top of a lineup that’s hitting .305 overall this spring.
PHOTO (Top) Traverse City’s St. Francis’ Matthew Kane (25) and Colton Peterson celebrate a moment during a Semifinal win in 2025.