Preview: First-Time Winner Guaranteed
June 15, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Reigning MHSAA champions Hartland and Jackson Lumen Christi will return to Michigan State University's McLane Stadium this weekend hoping to enjoy another celebration on the final weekend of the 2015-16 school year.
But nine of 16 contenders at this season's Semifinals are seeking their first MHSAA title in baseball, and three are hoping to play in a championship game for the first time. It's guaranteed the Division 4 champion will be a first-time winner, as none of the four contenders have claimed an MHSAA title before.
See below for a schedule of this weekend’s games, plus glances at all 16 teams that will take the field beginning Thursday.
Semifinals – Thursday
Division 1
Traverse City West vs. Warren DeLaSalle, 2:30 p.m.
Saline vs. Hartland, 5 p.m.
Division 2
Holland Christian vs. DeWitt, 9 a.m.
Linden vs. Dearborn Divine Child, 11:30 a.m.
Semifinals – Friday
Division 3
New Lothrop vs. Jackson Lumen Christi, 2:30 p.m.
Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett vs. Scottville Mason County Central, 5 p.m.
Division 4
Centreville vs. Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 9 a.m.
Gaylord St. Mary vs. Portland St. Patrick, 11:30 a.m.
Finals – Saturday
Division 1: 11:30 a.m.
Division 2: 9 a.m.
Division 3: 5 p.m.
Division 4: 2:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $8 per round and include admission to softball and girls soccer games those days also at MSU’s Old College Field. Radio broadcasts of all games can be heard online at MHSAAnetwork.com. All games will be streamed live online at MHSAA.TV and viewable on subscription basis. Click to order tickets in advance and for a parking map.
All statistics below are through Regionals. (Click for links to brackets and scores.)
Division 1
HARTLAND
Record/rank: 36-5-1, No. 10
Coach: Brian Morrison, 15th season (397-158-4)
League finish: Second in Kensington Lakes Activities Association West
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2015.
Players to watch: John Baker, sr. 1B/P (.405, 4 HR, 43 RBI; 10-1, 0.83 ERA, 105 K pitching); Hunter DeLanoy, jr. 2B (.403, 26 RBI, 38 R); Nathan Lohmeier, sr. P (8-0, 0.54 ERA, 96 K pitching).
Outlook: Hartland is already eight wins better than the team that won last season’s championship. Baker – who has signed with Ball State University – starred in throwing 10 innings of one-run ball in the Final against Portage Northern, and seven hitters from last season’s lineup are back this weekend. The Eagles have given up only seven runs total in five postseason games during this run.
SALINE
Record/rank: 34-6, No. 2
Coach: Scott Theisen, 24th season (636-239-8)
League finish: First in Southeastern Conference Red
Championship history: Four runner-up finishes (most recent 2010).
Players to watch: Josh Nelson, sr. P (10-0, 0.63 ERA, 67 K pitching); Jake Finkbeiner, jr. 3B (.409, 4 HR, 38 RBI); Cole Daniels, soph. P/1B (.424, 29 RBI; 8-1, 1.55 ERA, 45 K pitching).
Outlook: Saline has won at least 30 games four of the six seasons since its most recent trip to an MHSAA championship game, and is back in the Semifinals for the first time since 2012. The Hornets have scored 49 runs over five tournament games the last three weeks, and all nine in the lineup hit at least .333 – with Ryan Foley (.412) adding a third over .400.
TRAVERSE CITY WEST
Record/rank: 41-2, No. 9
Coach: Matt Bocian, eighth season
League finish: First in the Big North Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Nick Brzezinski, sr. CF (.504, 14 2B, 8 3B, 52 RBI, 67 R, 16 SB); Alex Strickland, sr. C (.496, 10 2B, 73 RBI); Jake Newhouse, sr. 3B/C/P (.417, 39 RBI; 5-0, 0.56 ERA pitching).
Outlook: West has built on its first Regional title with this trip to the Semifinals, eliminating No. 3 Bay City Western, No. 4 Rockford and honorable mention Saginaw Heritage during the tournament run. A roster loaded with nine seniors boasts a one-two pitching combination of Keegan Kenny (10-1, 1.40 ERA) and sophomore Ryan Hayes (10-0, 0.64 ERA) and a 2.01 team ERA.
WARREN DELASALLE
Record/rank: 26-13, unranked
Coach: Matt Cook, sixth season (122-101-3)
League finish: Fourth in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), runner-up 2012.
Players to watch: Rob Zurawski, sr. 3B/OF (.389, 11 2B, 30 RBI); Mac Graybill, soph. C/IF (.344); Easton Sikorski, soph. P/IF (7-2, 1.84 ERA pitching).
Outlook: The Pilots have won 10 of their last 11 with victories over honorable mention Grosse Pointe North and Division 2 No. 10 Detroit Country Day during the streak after emerging from the always-tough Catholic League Central. DeLaSalle went a combined 4-5 against Division 1 No. 1 Birmingham Brother Rice and Division 2 No. 2 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s during the regular season. These are the most wins under Cook, who led a team with a sub-.500 record to the Division 1 Final in his second season, 2012.
Division 2
DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD
Record/rank: 26-15, unranked
Coach: Tony DeMare, 17th season (453-199)
League finish: Third in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Five MHSAA titles (most recent 2010).
Players to watch: Frankie Lucska, sr. 2B (.384, 17 2B, 37 RBI); Nick Gurney, jr. P/OF (.357, 22 RBI; 6-1, 1.55 ERA, 53 K pitching); Torey DeMare, sr. 1B (.328, 20 2B, 34 RBI).
Outlook: Divine Child is riding a 10-game winning streak and beat No. 10 Detroit Country Day in the Quarterfinal to advance. The Falcons prepared against the treacherous Catholic League Central, earning wins against ranked Brother Rice, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Division 1 semifinalist Warren DeLaSalle. Senior left fielder Danny Blade (.315) made the all-state second team last season and leads off, and junior Daniel Bullard (6-2, 1.45 ERA) provides another proven arm.
DEWITT
Record/rank: 30-9-1, honorable mention
Coach: Alan Shankel, seventh season (164-80-2)
League finish: Second in Capital Area Activities Conference Red
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 1993), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Michael Stygles, jr. OF/P (.508, 12 2B, 4 HR, 45 RBI; 1.26 ERA, 37 K pitching); Donovan Tarn, sr. 3B/P (.429, 13 2B, 5 HR, 39 RBI; 2.30 ERA, 79 K pitching); Will Nagel, jr. SS/P (.354, 14 2B, 6 HR, 45 RBI; 2.33 ERA 33 K pitching).
Outlook: DeWitt won its third straight Regional title and will return to the Semifinals after reaching in 2014 but missing last season. The Panthers’ 30 wins are their most under Shankel and came with nine sophomores but only three seniors on the roster. DeWitt picked things up quickly this spring, splitting with No. 6 Haslett midway through and taking a win over No. 10 Marshall before the postseason began. Sophomores Mark Connelly (.366), Nolan Knauf (.417) and Josh Robinson (.408) fill out the top six in the lineup along with Stygles, Tarn and Nagel.
HOLLAND CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 34-6, No. 3
Coach: Jim Caserta, third season (78-24)
League finish: First in Ottawa-Kent Conference Green
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Mike Mokma, sr. P/1B (.441, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 15 HBP); Brandon Riemersma, sr. CF (.319, 34 R); David Williams, sr. C (.354, 6 HR, 32 RBI).
Outlook: Holland Christian is making its first Semifinal appearance after winning its second Regional title ever, and with an all-state catcher and arguably the best pitcher in Michigan. Although his stats on the mound were unavailable, Mokma has thrown multiple perfect games (the second one shortened) this season and will play collegiately at MSU. Holland Christian beat honorable mentions Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills and Ada Forest Hills Eastern along the tournament path.
LINDEN
Record/rank: 28-9-1, No. 5
Coach: Steve Buerkel, sixth season (140-73-1)
League finish: First in Flint Metro League
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2004.
Players to watch: Chris Kitch, sr. 1B (.336); Kevin Bates, sr. SS (.316, 11 SB); Jack Shore, jr. P (12-1, 0.31 ERA, 111 K pitching).
Outlook: Linden is making its second run to the Semifinals ever after winning its fourth straight District title. The Eagles entered the postseason having lost six of their last nine (and closing with Division 1 semifinalist Hartland), but have given up only one run in five tournament games, outscoring those opponents by a combined 18-1. Junior center fielder Ryker Rivera adds another spark to the lineup hitting .319 with 23 stolen bases.
Division 3
GROSSE POINTE WOODS UNIVERSITY LIGGETT
Record/rank: 29-4, No. 1
Coach: Dan Cimini, 13th season (355-79)
League finish: First in Michigan Independent Athletic Conference Blue
Championship history: Four MHSAA titles (most recent 2014), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: William Morrison, soph. CF (.400, 12 2B, 51 RBI, 12 SB); Connor McCarron, jr. SS (.505, 17 2B, 64 R, 21 SB); Sean Fannon, sr. OF (.351, 15 2B, 27 RBI); Matthew Gushee, sr. P/OF (.325, 12 2B, 31 RBI; 9-1, 0.74 ERA, 83 K pitching).
Outlook: All four players mentioned above earned all-state recognition last season as the team won the sixth of what are now seven straight District titles – and the Knights also won Division 3 in 2014 and Division 4 in 2013. Liggett opened this season 23-1 and edged No. 6 Madison Heights Bishop Foley during the Regional; it also owns victories over Division 2 No. 10 Detroit Country Day and Warren DeLaSalle.
JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI
Record/rank: 25-13, honorable mention
Coach: Phil Clifford, sixth season (133-85-1)
League finish: Tied for first in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2015).
Players to watch: Zach Mehelich, sr. P/IF; John Fleming, sr. C/F; Connor Mogle, jr. C/OF. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: The reigning champ eliminated No. 5 Schoolcraft, No. 7 Parchment and honorable mention Bronson on the way to MSU and during a current nine-game winning streak. Mehelich was an all-stater last season and Fleming the winning pitcher with a shutout in the MHSAA Final. Those two were joined by Mogle in the starting lineup for that championship game.
NEW LOTHROP
Record/rank: 40-3, No. 4
Coach: Benjamin Almasy, first season (40-3)
League finish: First in Genesee Area Conference Blue
Championship history: Division 4 champion 2014.
Players to watch: Cam Pope, sr. P (.485, 58 R, 13 2B, 44 RBI; 12-2, 0.42 ERA, 121 K pitching); Quentin Taylor, sr. CF (.575, 63 R, 16 2B, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 20 SB); Zac Besant, soph. C/P (.422, 11 2B, 39 RBI; 10-0, 0.89 ERA 68 K pitching).
Outlook: New Lothrop exited during the Regional a year ago but is back in the Semifinals under Almasy, who also has coached at Mount Morris, Flint Southwestern and Flint Hamady. The Hornets trailed 5-0 in the seventh inning of their Quarterfinal before rallying for a 6-5 win over Standish-Sterling. Six regulars bat at least .400; in addition to the three mentioned above, sophomore second baseman Nic Johnson comes in at .467, freshman right fielder Nathaniel Lane at .440 and senior shortstop Steve Garza at .417.
SCOTTVILLE MASON COUNTY CENTRAL
Record/rank: 28-8, unranked
Coach: Don Thomas, 10th season (216-144)
League finish: Second in West Michigan Conference.
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Blake Bladzik, sr. CF (.452, 51 RBI, 12 SB); Mitchell Lange, sr. SS (.451, 20 SB, 39 RBI); Spencer Knizacky, sr. C (.447, 51 R, 25 RBI, 25 SB).
Outlook: Mason County Central will play in its first Semifinal after winning its first Regional since 1998. A strong group of seniors fill the middle of the lineup and the top two pitching spots – Trevor Carrier (9-1, 1.92 ERA) and Nolan Asiala (9-1, 2.63 ERA) have seen most of the innings. Junior designated hitter Austin Tyndall (.451) and junior left fielder Cody Soberalski (.444) give the team two more big hitters as they try to add to a 15-game victory streak.
Division 4
CENTREVILLE
Record/rank: 28-3, No. 1
Coach: Mike Webster, fifth season (105-49-1)
League finish: First in Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph Conference East
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2015.
Players to watch: Coletin Gascho, jr. P/3B (.388, 13 SB, 37 R; 12-0, 0.99, 60 K pitching); Jalen Brown, sr. 1B (.424, 30 RBI); Michael Kool, sr. P/3B (.295, 25 R; 11-1, 0.52 ERA, 106 K pitching).
Outlook: The reigning runner-up did its work to get back to MSU with wins over No. 2 Kalamazoo Hackett and No. 5 St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic during the earlier rounds and a nine-inning nail-biter against Concord in the Quarterfinal. Kool was the Semifinal winning pitcher a year ago; seven of the team’s top eight hitters from the 2015 championship game are back in the lineup.
GAYLORD ST. MARY
Record/rank: 31-5, No. 8
Coach: Matt Nowicki, 12th season (186-152)
League finish: First in Ski Valley Conference
Championship history: Class D runner-up 1988 and 1989.
Players to watch: Adam Nowicki, sr. SS; Nicholas Torsky, jr. P/IF; Drew Long, soph. P/2B. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: St. Mary is on its longest run since those runner-up finishes at the end of the 1980s, and with only four seniors on the roster. The Snowbirds got past No. 9 Norway in the Quarterfinal and have won 16 straight. The six runs scored Tuesday were their fewest of the tournament; St. Mary had scored 10 or more in eight straight games.
PORTLAND ST. PATRICK
Record/rank: 33-7, unranked
Coach: Bryan Scheurer, 12th season (279-101)
League finish: Second in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Three MHSAA runner-up finishes (most recent 1993).
Players to watch: Travis Moyer, sr. P/3B (.372, 32 RBI; 13-2, 0.60 ERA, 111 K pitching); Brendan Schrauben, jr. C (.425, 7 HR, 50 R, 42 RBI); Garrett Pline, sr. CF (.362, 30 RBI, 22 SB).
Outlook: Portland St. Patrick made its first Semifinals since 2010 with a Quarterfinal win over No. 3-ranked and reigning champion Muskegon Catholic Central, and also beat Fowler 1-0 to open the postseason after losing to the eventual CMAC champ Eagles twice during the regular season. Moyer leads a solid pitching staff that has given up only eight runs over five playoff games and paced the Shamrocks to a school record for wins.
STERLING HEIGHTS PARKWAY CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 21-11-1, unranked
Coach: Rich Koch, sixth season (101-60-1)
League finish: Second in Michigan Independent Athletic Conference Red
Championship history: Division 4 runner-up 2009
Players to watch: Riley McManus, sr. P/1B/3B; Andrew Manier, sr. P/1B/OF; Pierce Banks, sr. P/SS. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: Parkway prepared for the tournament against a number of bigger schools during the regular season and has outscored its playoff opponents by a combined 49-5 over five games. The team’s top six hitters in the lineup are all seniors, and McManus was an all-stater in 2015 when the team won its second of three straight District titles.
PHOTO: A Traverse City West batter takes a swing during Tuesday's win over Rockford in their Division 1 Quarterfinal. (Click to see more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
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.)