10 to Remember: Winter 2012-13
April 4, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
This winter in Michigan will be remembered by some as lasting seemingly forever. But at least we had plenty to enjoy over the five weeks from the end of February through March.
Below are 10 stories from this winter's Finals that we're likely to recall for years to come. They aren't necessarily the 10 most exciting moments, but rather 10 stories of particular significance covering every sport the MHSAA sponsors during this mostly-indoor season.
A few that just missed the list: Livonia Stevenson winning that hockey town's first hockey title, St. Ignace's first perfect girls basketball finish, Flint Beecher's last-second success in the Class C Boys Basketball Final, East Grand Rapids' four-point win in Division 3 swimming and diving and the emergence of Troy's Christina Shabet as the MHSAA's top gymnast.
There are plenty of others we could mention as well. Feel free to post about them after checking out our 10.
Saline Seniors Leave Mark
One of the most impressive swimming and diving classes in MHSAA history finished its high school career March 9 in Holland the same way it began four seasons ago. Saline won its fourth-straight Lower Peninsula Division 1 championship anchored by seniors David Boland, Josh Ehrman, Michael Bundas and Adam Whitener, who combined hold four Division 1 Finals individual and two relay records. Ehrman finished his prep career with the all-class/division records in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke, and those four hold the all-class/division record in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:30.01 – good also for third in the national record book. Click to read more.
Fowlerville’s Coon Finishes with 4
Only 16 others had accomplished what Fowlerville’s Adam Coon achieved to finish his MHSAA wrestling career. And none had done so wrestling at the heaviest weights. On March 2 at The Palace of Auburn Hills, Coon became the 17th athlete to win four MHSAA wrestling individual titles by picking up his second at 285 pounds after also winning two at 215. He finished his career with a record of 211-3 and won 194 straight matches dating to his freshman season. Click to read more.
Comets Shine for 6th Consecutive Gymnastics Win
Despite graduating the Division 1 all-around champion (again) and facing a talented Canton team (again), Grand Ledge won the team title again – for the sixth-straight time, the longest streak in MHSAA gymnastics history. On March 8 at Canton High School, the Comets scored 149.350 points – fifth-most in MHSAA Finals history. What are the chances for seven in a row? They’ll have a strong start: junior Presley Allison won the Division 2 all-around title the next day, and freshman Rachel Hogan won the Division 1 floor competition. Click to read more.
Hudson Completes Drive for 5
The Tigers won three of the final four matches to edge Hesperia 32-24 in the Division 4 Team Wrestling Final on Feb. 23 at Kellogg Arena and earn their fifth-straight MHSAA title – tying the 2002-06 Davison teams for the longest such streak since the Team Finals began in 1988. Hudson was loaded with 11 Individual Finals qualifiers, including three who went on to win their weights the following weekend. Click to read more.
This Time, It’s Romulus’ Turn
Romulus advanced to Boys Basketball Finals weekend at Breslin Center for the fourth time in six seasons, and on March 23 left with its first MHSAA championship since 1986. The Eagles had just fallen short a number of times during the recent run, but controlled from the tip in downing Detroit Southeastern 61-49 to claim the Class A title. Romulus finished this season 27-1. Click to read more.
Grand Haven Wins Repeat Class A Final
Only a few things about Grand Haven were the same this season as in 2011-12, including one significant advantage – 6-foot-5 center Abby Cole. After putting up 23 points, 19 rebounds and 12 blocks in a Semifinal win over Westland John Glenn, she tallied 11 points, seven rebounds and eight blocks in a 60-54 overtime win over Grosse Pointe South on March 16 at the Breslin Center to give the Buccaneers two straight Class A title wins – both over the Blue Devils. Click to read more.
Puck Stops Here as Brighton Marches On
The Bulldogs claimed their second-straight Division 1 hockey championship March 9 at Compuware Arena with what has become a characteristic defensive stand, this time in a 2-1 win over 10-time champ Detroit Catholic Central. Brighton goalie James Milletics stopped 37 of 38 shots against him, and his team finished a 12-game winning streak during which it gave up only 12 goals total. Click to read more.
No Stopping Carlson’s Cheer Dynasty
All four MHSAA cheer champions March 2-3 at the Grand Rapids DeltaPlex were repeat winners from 2012, but Carlson faced an intriguing set of circumstances. Although coach Danielle Jokela basically had served as a co-coach with Christine Wilson through four titles over the previous five seasons, this was her first time leading the team solo with Wilson now coaching Brighton. And the Marauders pulled out a third-straight title despite losing all-stater Annie Hajec to an injury during the Regional the weekend before. Click to read more.
Trojans Skiers Second No Longer
Traverse City Central’s girls skiing team had finished MHSAA runner-up five straight seasons before hoisting its first championship trophy since 2005 on Feb. 25 at Boyne Mountain. The Trojans finished with 81 points, 11 better than runner-up Walled Lake Central. Shannon Weaver was the individual runner-up in both the slalom and giant slalom to lead the effort. Click to read more.
Vandercook Lake Wins Battle of Bowling Powers
After facing each other and splitting the last two Division 4 titles, it seemed fate that Vandercook Lake and Sandusky should meet again in the 10th year of the MHSAA tournament on March 1 at Sunnybrook Golf and Bowl. The teams were separated by only six pins with three frames to roll before Vandercook Lake pulled away for a 1,322-1,166 win. The Jayhawks' Malloree Ambs won the individual title the next day. Click to read more.
Preview: Pair of Reigning Champs Return, 14 More Seeking to End Season Celebrating
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 10, 2026
Two reigning champions are returning to MHSAA Softball Finals weekend beginning Thursday at Michigan State's Secchia Stadium, and one of them is hoping for a double-repeat performance after finishing 2025 on top.
Grass Lake in Division 3 and Mendon in Division 4 are seeking to extend their reigns. And for the second-straight season, the Hornets will play Hillman in a Semifinal, this time ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the final coaches association poll.
Hillman also is one of nine teams traveling to East Lansing this weekend seeking a first Final championship.
This weekend's schedule is as follows:
Division 1 – Thursday
Macomb Dakota vs. Grand Haven, 10 a.m.
Walled Lake Northern vs. Northville, 12:30 p.m.
Division 2 – Thursday
Stevensville Lakeshore vs. Armada, 3 p.m.
Ogemaw Heights vs. Farmington Hills Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
Division 3 – Friday
Evart vs. Grass Lake, 10 a.m.
Ravenna vs. New Lothrop, 12:30 p.m.
Division 4 – Friday
Hilman vs. Mendon, 3 p.m.
Brown City vs. Fowler, 5:30 p.m.
FINALS – Saturday
Division 1 – 10 a.m.
Division 2 – 12:30 p.m.
Division 3 – 3 p.m.
Division 4 – 5:30 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 (with statistics through Regional Finals):
Division 1
GRAND HAVEN
Record/rank: 33-7-1, No. 6
Coach: John Hall, 10th season (222-125-3)
League finish: Tied for second in Ottawa-Kent Conference Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Bella Korf, sr. C/IF (.444, 50 R, 16 2B, 10 HR, 41 RBI); Lorelei Chciuk, sr. P/IF (.371, 35 RBI, 18-5 pitching, 0.93 ERA, 340 K/157 1/3 IP); Bri Borgman, sr. IF/P (.487, 40 R, 14 2B, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 14-2 pitching, 2.23 ERA, 136 K/88 IP); MaKenna VandenBrink, jr. OF (.400, 36 R, 20 SB).
Outlook: A group of eight seniors – including seven who start – have brought Grand Haven to the Semifinals for the first time, and memorably with wins over top-ranked Hudsonville in the Regional Final (after the Eagles won two of their three games during the regular season) and No. 5 Traverse City Central in the Quarterfinal. A Regional Semifinal win over Rockford also avenged a late loss. Chciuk and Borgman made the all-state first team last season and are catalysts to the effort, but several more are making big contributions including sophomore Ryley Jeltema (.360) and senior Natalie Waite (.293, 32 R, 16 SB).
MACOMB DAKOTA
Record/rank: 31-12, unranked
Coach: Shelby Weeks, third season (83-32)
League finish: Second in Macomb Area Conference Red
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2017, runner-up 2016 and 2022.
Players to watch: Nadeline Tcruz, fr. OF (.416, 64 R, 14 2B, 35 SB); Maddie Kruk, jr. OF (.423, 44 R, 14 2B, 35 RBI): Kiley Phelan, sr. IF (.524, 38 RBI); Nola Mae Tcruz, jr. IF (.423, 34 R, 30 RBI, 21 SB).
Outlook: Dakota finished second in the MAC Red to No. 2 New Baltimore Anchor Bay but defeated the Tars in their District Final and continued on to their first Semifinals since that 2022 runner-up season. Phelan made the all-state first team last spring and tops a team list that has 10 hitters batting .333 or better. Brooke Cahill (10-5, 2.56 ERA) and Alivia Reardon (13-3, 3.12) have shared the majority of pitching duties, and senior Chloe Dunn (.395, 43 RBI) and freshman Ella Goike (.383, 40 R, 43 RBI, 36 SB) are also among the biggest contributors offensively.
NORTHVILLE
Record/rank: 35-4-1, No. 4
Coach: Scott DeBoer, ninth season (235-110-6)
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association West
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Jocelyn Burns, soph. C (.450, 46 RBI); Kennedi Adams, jr. CF (.411, 32 R, 10 2B, 23 SB); Mary Gugala, sr. P (.321, 27-2 pitching, 1.04 ERA, 285 K/180 2/3 IP); Kendall Heron, sr. SS (.407, 12 SB).
Outlook: Northville’s first Regional title since 2012 has turned into its first trip to the Semifinals, as the Mustangs got past No. 9 Salem in their District Semifinal and Saline in their Regional championship game while allowing a total of four runs over five postseason contests. The Salem and Saline wins avenged regular-season losses, and the other two came against No. 2 Anchor Bay and No. 8 Grand Blanc with the tie against No. 6 Grand Haven. A total of 10 hitters are batting .300 or higher, with senior Alyssa Spencer (.353), freshman Mia Petrovski (.343) and junior Olivia Smith (.329) next highest on the list.
WALLED LAKE NORTHERN
Record/rank: 37-3, No. 7
Coach: Kristen Woodard, 15th season (376-150-4)
League finish: First in Lakes Valley Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Makenna Kresbaugh, jr. CF (.433, 49 R, 65 RBI); Lyla Turmell, sr. P (.561, 54 R, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 26-2 pitching, 0.95 ERA, 228 K/155 1/3 IP); Shaela Byrnes, jr. 2B (.477, 35 R, 34 RBI); Aubrey Kresbaugh, soph. SS (.436, 49 R).
Outlook: Northern has seemed on the cusp of making this first trip to the Semifinals, winning Regional titles as well last spring, in 2022 and 2017. Turmell made the all-state first team last season, and Makenna Kresbaugh and Byrnes earned honorable mentions. They with junior catcher Anna Doyle (.327, 33 R) give the team a talented group up the middle. Junior Olivia Frellick (.324, 34 RBI) and freshman Alex Dziak (.329) also bolster the lineup. Northern’s postseason run has included a pair of wins over honorable mentions Livonia Stevenson and league rival White Lake Lakeland.
Division 2
ARMADA
Record/rank: 35-8, honorable mention
Coach: Rob Girvin, fourth season (97-54)
League finish: First in Blue Water Area Conference
Championship history: Class C runner-up 1979
Players to watch: Helena Fettue, jr. SS (.427, 37 R, 19 SB); Grace Girvin, soph. 1B/P/C (.384, 50 R, 34 RBI, 19 SB, 10-2 pitching, 2.08 ERA); Lilyana Piconke, soph. OF (.447, 59 R, 56 RBI, 31 SB); Megan Cox, fr. P/1B (.362, 31 RBI, 15-2 pitching, 1.60 ERA, 174 K/109 1/3 IP).
Outlook: Armada is making its first trip back to the Semifinals since 2010 after opening the tournament with a win over league rival and reigning champ Richmond, adding victories over honorable mentions St. Clair and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s along the way, and then also downing No. 6 Frankenmuth in their Quarterfinal. Cox, Grace Girvin and Taylor Capozzo (9-4, 3.25 ERA) have split starts in the circle, and Capozzo also bats fourth and entered the week hitting .377 with 36 runs scored and 56 driven in. Sophomore Justine Lint (.336, 31 RBI) also has been a top run producer.
FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY
Record/rank: 20-17, unranked
Co-coaches: Alec Lesko & Sara McGavin, fifth seasons (146-39)
League finish: Fifth in Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Division 1 champion 2016, runner-up 2002.
Players to watch: Taylor Selimi, jr. 3B (.404, 36 R, 35 RBI); Sophia Chaput, sr. CF (.509, 48 R, 31 SB); Maeve Weiss, fr. C (.323, 30 RBI); Anna McGavin, jr. P/OF (.286, 30 R, 17-10 pitching, 2.53 ERA, 277 K/170 1/3 IP).
Outlook: After eight seasons away, Lesko and McGavin returned to lead the program again this school year have brought Mercy to the Division 2 Semifinals after years playing among the elite in Division 1. The Marlins made the Division 1 Semifinals most recently in 2024 and 2021, and advanced to this weekend with a Quarterfinal win over No. 5 Carleton Airport, and have made this surge with only two senior starters but seven underclassmen on the roster.
OGEMAW HEIGHTS
Record/rank: 28-9, unranked
Coach: Ryan Nicholson, first season (28-9)
League finish: Second in Jack Pine Conference
Championship history: Class B runner-up 1982.
Players to watch: Kylee England, soph. P (.481, 16 2B, 38 RBI, 18-8 pitching); Aubrey Evans, jr. SS (.500, 54 R, 14 HR, 72 RBI); Averie Weiler, soph. 2B (.422, 39 R, 30 RBI); Addison Wenkel, fr. CF (.453, 62 R, 44 SB).
Outlook: Nicholson took over the program this year after five as an assistant coach and has brought Ogemaw Heights to the Semifinals for the first time since 1982 (and with its first Regional title since 1994). The Falcons have scored double-digit runs in 18 games, and all nine starters were hitting at least .328 entering the week. Sophomore Mackenzie Benjamin (.387, 44 R, 40 RBI) and junior Laila Ireland (.383) are two more big bats on the 11-player roster that has only two seniors.
STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE
Record/rank: 34-4, No. 1
Coach: Denny Dock, 37th season (1,171-268-2)
League finish: First in Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Lily Dustin, sr. 1B/P (.566, 28 2B, 58 RBI, 13-1 pitching, 2.32 ERA); Shaunna Roberts, fr. 3B (.504, 17 2B, 45 RBI); Adelle Prosser, fr. C (.468, 15 2B, 44 RBI); Ashley Ramirez, jr. P (17-3, 1.68 ERA, 191 K/125 IP, .324).
Outlook: The winningest coach in MHSAA softball history (at 1,359-361-2 and counting over a total of 47 seasons) is bringing his top-ranked team back to MSU for the first time since the 2022 championship season – and Lakeshore might be making a few more trips over the next few years. The Lancers start their lone senior, Dustin, and she bats fourth, but the three hitters in front of her are all freshmen and part of a group of five total on the roster. Sophomore Payten Strefling (.430, 45 RBI), freshman Madi Ettinger (.417) and junior Belle Forrester (.404) also are among the top hitters for a lineup that carries a .408 average.
Division 3
EVART
Record/rank: 42-0, No. 1
Coach: Shaun Gray, third season (109-9)
League finish: First in Highland Conference
Championship history: Division 3 champion 2024, runner-up 2022.
Players to watch: Kyrah Gray, sr. P (.600, 83 R, 26 2B, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 29-0 pitching, 0.84 ERA, 345 K/175 1/3 IP); Mattisen Tiedt, sr. 1B (.616, 60 R, 20 2B, 12 HR, 78 RBI, 7-0 pitching, 1.91 ERA); Keira Elder, sr. C (.417, 50 R, 41 RBI); Jillian Decker, sr. SS (.463, 48 R, 18 2B, 42 RBI).
Outlook: After falling in its District opener last year to eventual Division 3 runner-up Clare, Evart has not lost again – while playing a schedule that’s included a nice collection of ranked and larger opponents. The Wildcats have won 18 games by shutout, with Kyrah Gray a returning all-state first teamer writing her name all over the record book again offensively and in the circle. Tiedt also made the all-state first team last season and is posting huge numbers, and sophomore Quyncee Gray (.471, 46 R, 36 RBI) is adding plenty of pop to the middle of the lineup.
GRASS LAKE
Record/rank: 35-5, No. 4
Coach: Roger Cook, 25th season (625-225)
League finish: Second in Cascades Conference
Championship history: Division 3 champion 2025.
Players to watch: Morgan Conrad, sr. P/1B (.378, 24-1 pitching, 2.04 ERA, 144 K/127 IP); Leilah Smith, sr. 2B (.395, 38 R, 48 RBI); Makenzie Hilberer, jr. SS (.480, 53 R, 50 RBI, 16 SB); Lily McVicker, fr. CF (.509, 64 R, 24 SB).
Outlook: Grass Lake is returning to MSU with five starters from last season’s championship game win, including all-state first-teamers Conrad, Smith and Hilberer. The Warriors finished second in the Cascades to No. 2 Brooklyn Columbia Central but then defeated the Golden Eagles in a District Semifinal, and Grass Lake also downed No. 6 Clinton in its Regional Final and honorable mention Ottawa Lake Whiteford on Tuesday. Sophomore third baseman Kennedy Collins (.446, 39 R, 45 RBI) and senior left fielder Addalynn Hensen (.395, 38 R) also started a year ago and rank among the team’s top hitters.
NEW LOTHROP
Record/rank: 33-10, unranked
Coach: Chad Henige, first season (33-10)
League finish: First in Mid-Michigan Activities Conference
Championship history: Class C champion 1982, runner-up 1978.
Players to watch: Mallory Heroux, sr. P (.477, 19 2B, 52 RBI, 27-4 pitching, 0.62 ERA, 308 K/170 1/3 IP); Savannah Knieper, soph. 2B (.403, 34 R, 41 RBI); Leigha Eagan, fr. 3B (.368, 38 R); Alexandra Knieper, sr. C/3B (.427).
Outlook: New Lothrop is making its first Semifinal appearance since its championship season after avenging last year’s Regional loss with a 3-2, 10-inning Quarterfinal victory over honorable mention Millington. Heroux earned an all-state honorable mention last spring and tops a team hitting leaderboard that also includes freshmen Sydney Knieper (.358, 54 R, 49 SB) and Raegan Heroux (.357, 31 RBI) among main run producers. Henige took over the program after previously serving as junior high coach and then varsity assistant over the last nine seasons.
RAVENNA
Record/rank: 38-1, No. 3
Coach: Dave Sherman, 10th season (246-83)
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference Rivers
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Riley Homoly, sr. 2B (.417, 51 R, 47 RBI, 21 SB); Emily Postema, sr. C (.588, 70 R, 14 3B, 71 RBI, 43 SB); Natalie Rosel, jr. P (.555, 75 R, 53 RBI, 43 SB, 24-0 pitching, 0.60 ERA, 240 K/129 1/3 IP); Reese Herremans, jr. SS (.454, 66 R, 20 2B, 56 RBI, 20 SB).
Outlook: Ravenna is continuing to move closer to a possible first championship, with this repeat trip to MSU the team’s third in four seasons and following up last year’s one-run loss in the Semifinals. A 6-0 win over No. 5 Morley Stanwood in the Regional Final was a defining moment and avenged the team’s only defeat this spring. The Bulldogs opened the postseason with four straight shutouts, and Rosel earned an all-state honorable mention last season as did Postema and Homoly. Junior third baseman Sydney Morrissey (.438, 40 R, 39 RBI) also is among dangerous bats for a team that’s averaging 12 runs per game.
Division 4
BROWN CITY
Record/rank: 25-11, No. 9
Coach: Scott Parr, fifth season (88-81)
League finish: First in Big Thumb Conference Black
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Sydnee Mabee, jr. SS (.441, 51 R, 28 SB); Maddie Hohne, sr. P (.467, 36 R, 30 RBI, 17-7 pitching, 3.38 ERA, 199 K/145. IP); Sami Hayes, soph. UTY/P (.409, 30 R, 7-3 pitching); Chloe Hayes, sr. CF (.393, 41 R).
Outlook: Brown City has been building to this first trip to the Semifinals, with four straight District and three consecutive league championships under Parr and now a first Regional title and Quarterfinal victory. The stunner came in the Regional Semifinal as the Green Hornets guaranteed an end to No. 3 Unionville-Sebewaing’s six-season streak of making Division 3 Finals with a 10-8 win. Senior Linzee Mathews (.393, 31 R), junior Alaina Roberts (.376, 36 R and 38 RBI) and senior Callie Morse (.349) also bolster the lineup.
FOWLER
Record/rank: 28-8, No. 8
Coach: Brian Miller, first season (28-8)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Saige Miller, sr. SS (.594, 70 R, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 23 SB); Selena Stump, sr. P/OF (.492, 48 R, 37 RBI, 20 SB, 17-4 pitching, 3.51 ERA, 107 K/123 1/3 IP); Kerigan Pung, jr. C (.461, 32 R, 30 RBI); Addison Spicer, sr. 3B (.504, 37 R, 17 2B, 57 RBI).
Outlook: The Eagles are back at the Semifinals for the first time since 2014, building on a postseason run that’s included wins over No. 5 Bellaire, No. 6 St. Louis and No. 7 Beal City. Maryland recruit Miller is capping an all-state career; she made the first team last season, while Stump earned an honorable mention. Senior Rachel Wirth (.456, 44 R) and freshman Bristol Miller (,423, 43 R, 36 RBI) also bolster an offense averaging nearly 11 runs per game. Brian Miller took over the program after previously serving as an assistant at Fowler and Pewamo-Westphalia.
HILLMAN
Record/rank: 33-9, No. 2
Coach: Jason Weiland, third season (105-21)
League finish: First in North Star League Little Dipper
Championship history: Class D runner-up 1996.
Players to watch: Aubrey Weiland, jr. SS (.411, 60 R, 33 RBI); Gretchen Weiland, sr. P (.560, 58 R, 56 RBI, 19-5 pitching, 2.15 ERA, 214 K/107 2/3 IP); Abigail Oswald, fr. P/2B (.431, 59 R, 34 RBI, 21 SB, 9-4 pitching); Madelyn Oswald, jr. C (.567, 59 R, 20 2B, 65 RBI, 27 SB).
Outlook: Six starters including ace pitcher Gretchen Weiland are back from last season’s Semifinal lineup, and she made the all-state first team last year while Aubrey Weiland earned an honorable mention. Juniors Rylee Lis (.384, 43 R, 43 RBI) and Brook Linseman (.387) and sophomore Peyton Szlag also started last season, and Gretchen Weiland and Peyton Banks are the only seniors on this roster. The Tigers won a District two weeks ago that also included No. 10 (tie) Johannesburg-Lewiston and honorable mention Rogers City.
MENDON
Record/rank: 30-3, No. 1
Co-coaches: Steve Butler & Mike Smith, ninth seasons
League finish: First in Southern Central Athletic Association
Championship history: Division 4 championship 2025, runner-up 2023, Class D runner-up 1992.
Players to watch: Cienna Nightingale, sr. C/1B (.622, 68 RBI, 22 SB); Jadyn Samson, sr. SS/P (.640, 77 R, 18 2B, 30 RBI, 33 SB, 8-2 pitching); Rowan Allen, sr. P/SS (.638, 63 R, 42 SB, 18-1 pitching, 2.47 ERA, 161 K/96 IP); Taya Bingaman, sr. CF (.641, 58 R, 18 2B, 60 RBI, 29 SB).
Outlook: Mendon returns just four players from last season’s championship game lineup – but all four are hitting over .600 and the group includes top pitcher Allen, who gave up a combined two earned runs during last season’s Semifinal and Final. Samson, Nightingale and Allen all made the all-state first team last season as well. Freshman Sabrina Monroy (.383, 30 R, 30 RBI) is another major contributor on the offensive side. The losses came twice to Division 3 Bronson and once to Division 2 Three Rivers, and this tournament run has included a Regional Final win over No. 10 (tie) Gobles.
PHOTO Grass Lake’s Leilah Smith (5) is introduced before the start of last season’s Division 3 Final at Secchia Stadium.