Article - High School Sports Scene

By BUTCH HARMON

It took awhile, but the snow and cold of winter finally gave way to the boys of spring, and area high school baseball teams finally made it onto the diamond. A big season of baseball is underway, with area teams trying to replicate the feat that Bay City Western and Beal City accomplished last year and make it to the state championship game. Bay City Western won the Division 1 state title, while Beal City was runner-up in Division 4.

Following is a look at the state of baseball at the high school level this spring.

DIVISION 1

Top teams in the state: Brother Rice, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Lake Orion

Brother Rice has a team stocked full of some of the best players in the state. Senior pitcher Matt Ruppenthal is one of the premier pitchers in the state and is headed to Vanderbilt University, while junior pitcher Josh Smith is the top junior in the state and has committed to the University of Kentucky. Senior first baseman Ty Kiafoulis is a University of Michigan commitment.

Top area teams: Rockford, Midland, Grand Ledge, Bay City Western, East Lansing, Midland Dow

Rockford reached the state quarterfinals before falling to eventual state champion Western. Rockford returns a slew of talented players this year and could be hoisting the trophy this June. Midland has a number of talented performers, led by Tanner Gross. Grand Ledge went 29-6 last year and returns a deep and talented senior class, led by Nathan Langenfeld, Keefer Johnson, and Nick Karmada. Dow has a solid team, and with the addition of talented pitching transfer Evan Marquardt, has the potential for a deep tournament run.

Top area players: Matt DiLeo, Rockford; Zach Francisco, East Lansing; Seth Freed, Bay City Western; Tanner Gross, Midland; Tyler Gulick, East Lansing; Keefer Johnson, Grand Ledge; Nick Karmada, Grand Ledge; Reid Kelley, Rockford; Nathan Langenfeld, Grand Ledge; Evan Marquardt, Midland Dow; Matthew Pearsall, St. Johns; Alex Sova, Midland Dow; Adam Turner, Holt; Kory Young, Rockford

DIVISION 2

Top teams in the state: Grand Rapids Christian, St. Mary’s Preparatory, Milan

Grand Rapids Christian has won the last two Division 2 state titles and has a team capable of making it three in a row. St. Mary’s is a perennial baseball power that is led by senior catcher Will Salter, who has committed to Michigan State University.

Top area teams: Haslett, Portland, DeWitt, John Glenn, Mt. Pleasant, Swan Valley, Alma, Charlotte

Haslett reached the state quarterfinals last year and returns a load of experience. DeWitt returns plenty of talented players from a squad that went 24-9 last year. Senior John-Michael Moody hit .427 last year and leads a balanced offense. Few teams can match the one-two pitching punch of Portland’s Tanner Allison and Andrew Click, who both have fastballs that touch 90mph. Mt. Pleasant is always among the top area teams, and that is no different this spring. Senior Aaron Leasher went 8-1 last year with a 1.12 ERA and is also a threat at the plate. Robert Banks is another talented batter who returns for the Oilers, who went 28-9 last year. Swan Valley has a solid squad this spring. Ben Finzel is a dangerous hitter who leads a productive offense that includes Zach Mendoza.

Top area players: Tanner Allison, Portland; Auston Brandt, Portland; Andrew Click, Portland; Ben Finzel, Swan Valley; Antonio Jacobs, John Glenn; Dillon Kleinhege, Haslett; Aaron Leasher, Mt. Pleasant; Tyler Minnick, Alma; John-Michael Moody, DeWitt; AJ Rubio, Goodrich; Caleb Somerville, Bullock Creek

DIVISION 3

Top teams in the state: Bishop Foley Catholic, Hackett Catholic Central, St. Mary Catholic Central

Bishop Foley has dominated Division 3 baseball, having won the last three state titles. It is again the team to beat, while Hackett and St. Mary also have solid teams.

Top area teams: Bath, Lansing Catholic, Clare, Meridian, Ithaca, Pewamo-Westphalia

Bath returns one of the top pitchers in mid Michigan, senior Ryan Orr, along with Chris Gubry, who earned all-conference honors last season. Lansing Catholic went 30-3 a year ago. The Cougars return some key players from that squad, including all-state infielder Austin Krause and sophomore pitcher Riley Creamer. Clare went 24-5 last year and reached the state quarterfinals. The Pioneers return plenty of talented pitchers, including Charlie Bugbee, Logan Emery, and Colton Punches, who went a combined 15-1 last year. Ithaca suffered some heavy graduation losses but returns senior Logan Hessbrook, who is one of the premier players in the area. Last year, he hit .379 and went 8-1 on the mound with a 0.83 ERA.

Top area players: Drew Bergstrom, Pewamo-Westphalia; Charlie Bugbee, Clare; Logan Hessbrook, Ithaca; Austin Krause, Lansing Catholic; Ryan Orr, Bath; Colton Punches, Clare

DIVISION 4

Top teams in the state: Glen Lake, Muskegon Catholic, Lake Michigan Catholic

Glen Lake has a number of talented players back from a team that made a deep tournament run last year, led by junior first baseman Austin Onziana and catcher Trevor Apsey. Muskegon Catholic has a team loaded with young talent, like junior pitcher Nick Holt and junior outfielder Zack Winzer.

Top area teams: Beal City, New Lothrop, Breckenridge, Merrill, Sacred Heart Academy, Coleman

Beal City has been a familiar face at the Division 4 state finals, and that is likely to continue this year. Ty Rollin is a returning all-state player who leads a high-powered offense. New Lothrop has a solid squad capable of a deep playoff run. It has a deep and potent batting order and strong pitching. Breckenridge has a strong nucleus back, led by hard-hitting Derek Moulton and Wade SanMiguel, who is the ace of the pitching staff. Merrill suffered some heavy graduation losses but, with ace pitcher Hunter DeBeau back on the mound, is capable of a deep tournament run. Coleman has a solid squad this spring, with an offense paced by Matt Warner and pitcher Lars Murray.

Top area players: Hunter DeBeau, Merrill; Lane Levine, Sacred Heart Academy; Derek Moulton, Breckenridge; Josh Parks, Lansing Christian; Ty Rollin, Beal City; Wade SanMiguel, Breckenridge; Jacob Schmidt, Fowler; Grant Steinborn, New Lothrop; Josh Stephens, Fulton

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Some states allow their high school football programs to have workouts in the latter part of the school year, similar to a collegiate spring football format. Several southern states currently have such programs. Some states, like Ohio, are considering it.

Spring football basically gives schools options to have practices toward the end of a school year going into the summer.

Currently, there doesn’t appear to be a major push toward such a proposal in Michigan. There are some coaches, however, who don’t think it’s a bad idea.

“I don’t know of anyone in our association who views spring football as a remote possibility in Michigan, given the current policies of the MHSAA,” said Larry Merx, executive director of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.

“That’s not something that that we’ve been approached at all for,” said Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA media and content coordinator. “I don’t really necessarily know the reason for it. I think a lot of our football coaches are involved in track. I don’t know if that’s the reason. There hasn’t been a push for that.”

Carson City-Crystal football coach Devin Pringle opposes spring football. “Kids are pulled in enough directions already,” he said. “It would interfere with spring sports. I would rather see a dead month in the summer so families can vacation and kids can recharge. I would be in favor of less ‘on time,’ not more.”

Ithaca football coach and athletic director Terry Hessbrook agrees. “I would be opposed to something like this happening here in Michigan. I feel that the spring sport teams would suffer a great deal. Our players need to have some time off. Most of our players are not college football players. We are a small school, and we need our athletes to participate in other sports.”

Chad Klopf of Coleman favors spring football, but he has some mixed thoughts.

“On one hand, I’m a football coach; of course I want as many chances as I can to work with my football players,” he said. “On the other hand, I coach at a small school and wouldn’t want to jeopardize the chances of any of the spring sports from missing out on my athlete because he is so focused on spring football, gets hurt during spring football, or just doesn’t go out for a team because of the chance for spring football.

“What do I think a small spring football session could do for me? No. 1, it would allow me to see 100 percent who is committed for the fall. Small-school football has so many ups and downs when it comes to putting a roster together. This would make a more mandatory time period that the coaches could see who they have to count on in the fall. Second, it would give the players a good sense of where they stand leading into the summer. Have they put the work in as much as the guy next to them? Do they need to focus more on their off-season conditioning? Is coach right that I’m not ready for varsity yet?

“Third, for me personally, being a softball coach as well, I don’t have a lot of connection to my football team in the spring. So, if I could have a short session with them in the spring, we could benefit greatly.”

Clark Huntey, Morley Stanwood coach and athletic director, doesn’t like the idea. “There’s no way the smaller schools could participate in a spring football camp/practice,” he said. “ I will not pull kids out of baseball or track to run a spring football camp/practice, and I’m not going to interfere with their spring sport season they are participating in. Kids get pulled in too many directions already – let them play a sport in a season without interference from other sports.”

Marty James, Central Montcalm football coach, feels there’s merit to spring football. “In my 20-plus years of coaching high school football, I have been told numerous times by coaches at all levels of college football that kids who live in Michigan are not on a level playing field when it comes to gaining the attention of college coaches,” he said. “Coaches do most of their recruiting during the spring and at summer camps, and college coaches have the luxury in the spring of hitting the road to see recruits in action.

“Most lower level colleges do not have the resources to send coaches to watch games in the fall, and they are also wrapped up in their own season. Therefore, a coach can see a recruit ‘in-action’ in spring ball. . .something they can’t even do at summer camps.”

But James acknowledged that spring football in Michigan is a long shot right now.

“I guess it is going to take a lawsuit, like the one that it took to get the volleyball season changed, in order for the MHSAA to look at it,” he said.

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A new proposal for determining the state’s 256 football playoff teams will be presented to the MHSAA’s representative council at its May meeting with no clear indication so far whether it will pass. But it does appear that the system that has been approved by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and the MHSAA football committee will get a serious look from the representative council, which approved the current system in 1998.

The new proposal will emphasize strength of schedule rather than guarantee that all teams with six wins in a nine-game schedule or five in an eight-game schedule will get into the five-week playoff system. Its supporters say that it is time to stop rewarding schools looking for six wins as a guarantee to make the postseason and instead reward those that play tough schedules.

There would still be 32 teams in eight different divisions in the playoffs, but several changes from the current format are proposed:

•Playoff divisions currently are determined on selection Sunday. After the 256 teams have been determined, they are divided into eight divisions depending on school enrollment. The new setup would divide the approximately 600 schools that play 11-man football into eight divisions prior to the start of the season.

•Six wins in nine games or five wins in eight gets a team in the playoffs currently. Seven wins would be the new automatic qualifier.

•Additional qualifiers outside of the automatic ones get in now based on playoff points by adding a Class A team, then a Class B team, then a Class C team, etc. The proposed format would use playoff points and fill additional spots until each division gets 32 teams.

•Points for wins are now based on the Classes A, B, C, and D, which the MHSFC says is an outdated system and grants the same number of points for defeating a Class B team with almost 1,000 students as it does for defeating one with under 500 students. The new way bases points on the eight divisions, with 88 for Division 1, 80 for Division 2, and so on down to 32 points for Division 8.

•Currently, a team gets more points for each win by an opponent it defeats and less for each victory by an opponent the team lost to. The new format would give a team points for all of its opponents’ wins, regardless of whether or not the team beat that opponent.

•The new system would have a bonus-point multiplier depending on the enrollment size of its opponent.

Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA media and content coordinator, noted that a similar proposal to change the format, endorsed by the football committee, has previously come up to the representative council.

“I’m sure this will have a lot of conversation,” he said. “The people on the council are very familiar with this topic. It’s been discussed for awhile. There’s football people involved with the council.”

“The proposal we’re talking about got there last year, but the council said it would like another year of data,” Kimmerly said. “When the coaches association came to us, we took what they wanted to do and matched it up with data from the previous season.

“Some areas of the state like this proposal. Some areas, like the U.P. do not. Our council has people from all over the state. It could be an interesting vote.”

Area football coaches have differing viewpoints on the matter.

Ithaca athletic director Terry Hessbrook, whose team has won four straight state titles and is 56-0 the last four seasons, said “I do feel that the playoff system needs to be revamped to make sure that it is working for everyone. However, I am not 100 percent sure that this proposal will help everyone. This proposal does allow for more freedom in your scheduling. [However,] I think that we are really just transferring the difficulty of finding games from the ‘better’ teams to the teams that struggle.”

“I proposed a format that allowed 80 percent of schools into the playoffs,” said Devin Pringle, coach at Carson City-Crystal.

Pringle’s proposal calls for an eight-game schedule. In the ninth week, the state would divide schools into five-team districts based on geography and records. No. 1 and No. 4 would play each other for the right to move on, as would No. 2 and No. 3. “The 5-seed plays a 5-seed from another district but does not advance with a win,” Pringle said. “All schools play at least nine games. No one is afraid to schedule power teams. It’s the same number of weeks as we currently have. Jack Roberts responded to me that he was not in favor of my proposal.”

While Pringle said the proposed new system would encourage teams to schedule and play foes that are traditional powers, he sees some drawbacks.

“Many schools are locked in a conference where they have little control on ‘quality wins’,” he said. “This system would only favor the traditional ‘power’ teams, who people do not want to schedule. This system would cut down on the number of schools who get to experience playoff football for the first time.”

Chad Klopf of Coleman High School said that there’s always a need to tweak the system. “There was a season a few back where under the past proposal, Coleman would have made the playoffs with four wins, so I can see how it could help,” he said. “However, they say the 6-and-in method was causing schools to drive all over to find games and even breaking up conferences. I see that as an excuse.

“There is more than one sports team at those schools, and making the playoffs in football isn’t what is causing conferences to break up. As for searching for games, I would gladly play closer to home, but we are a conference of six teams and have more games to search for. This has nothing to do with finding a sixth win, but everything to do with filling a schedule. If conferences were breaking up because competition was too tough, now smaller conferences like ours will start to break up because they might be too weak.

“No system is perfect. But if a team with four wins gets in front of a team with six wins, regardless of strength of schedule, that’s a shame.”

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Girls’ Lacrosse Preview

DIVISION 1

Teams to watch statewide: Rockford, Birmingham United, Ann Arbor Pioneer

Top local teams: Rockford, Waverly

Preview: Rockford defeated Birmingham United in last season’s state title game, and Rockford coach Mike Emery expects his team to again challenge for the top spot. “We have good skills, top to bottom, on our roster,” he said.

Top local players: Kyleigh Egnatuk, Rockford; Megan Darema, Rockford; Abby Neeley, Waverly

State final prediction: Birmingham United gets its revenge with a win over Rockford in the title game.

DIVISION 2

Teams to watch statewide: East Grand Rapids, Ladywood

Top local teams: Okemos, Williamston-Haslett, East Lansing

Preview: East Grand Rapids defeated Ladywood in last year’s final. “We have a strong senior nucleus coming back that bring a lot of experience. They will also be key in mentoring our younger players,” said Ladywood coach Kris Sanders. “All facets of our game will be important to our success (offense, defense, and our transition game). We also have first time juniors and sophomores who will contribute to our team in key roles.”

Top local players: Taylor Merony, East Lansing; Laura McKee, Holt

State final prediction: Ladywood will take the title over East Grand Rapids.

Boys’ Lacrosse Preview

DIVISION 1

Teams to watch statewide: Detroit Catholic Central, Brother Rice, Forest Hills Eastern-Northern

Top local teams: Holt, Rockford

Preview: Brother Rice won its ninth straight title last year with a 14-10 win over Forest Hills Eastern-Northern in the final.

Top local players: Connor Butch, Holt; Cade Butch, Holt; Jack Flanagan, Midland Dow

State final prediction: Brother Rice will make it a perfect 10 with another state title.

DIVISION 2

Teams to watch statewide: Forest Hills Central, Cranbrook Kingswood, Detroit Country Day

Top local teams: Haslett, Okemos

Preview: Cranbrook Kingswood beat Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central for the title last year.

“Finding players who will put the ball in the back of the net and having some new players accelerate their learning and become, not survivors, but thrivers, on the gamefield,” is the key to success this season, said East Lansing coach Mark Foster.

Top local players: Grant Borgan, East Lansing; TQ Hoban, East Lansing

State finals prediction: Detroit Country Day wins the title over Cranbrook Kingswood.

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By BUTCH HARMON

A familiar name is on the bench this season for the Ithaca Yellowjackets softball team.

Long-time Ithaca baseball coach Dar Peska has taken over as head coach this year, after spending the past 20 years at Alma.

Peska had a successful stint at Alma, as he guided the Panthers to five conference championships, to four conference runner-up finishes, to two district titles, and through a 21-inning district game that was the longest in state history. Alma also won two regional titles and made a state semifinal appearance, where it was defeated by the eventual state champion.

Peska has 378 total wins and returns to Ithaca, where he coached baseball for 25 years.

Peska takes over an Ithaca team that last year had an overall record of 17-13, was 6-8 in conference play, and won the district title. The Yellowjackets have suffered some key losses, as Cassie and Kali Densmore have graduated and Blaire Showers now runs track.

Some key players are back, though. Senior Jamie Gose is at third base. Brooklyn Dolloff and Courtney Cooley head up the outfield. Sophomores Kylee Chaffin and Liz Bentley return to pace the pitching staff and also to play in the infield. Paige Shaw is back behind the plate at catcher. The team has also been boosted by a pair of transfers, with senior Mikayla Barrows catching and playing third base and Kerrigan Akin at second base. MacKenzie Thompson, Madison Pung, and Jordan Town are in the mix at first base.

“We are very young, but I expect to be in the top three and have a chance for first with the right breaks,” Peska said.

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Last year was a big one for area softball teams. A pair of area teams finished second in the state, as Bay City Western was runner-up in Division 1 and Swan Valley was runner-up in Division 2. This year, the area is again loaded with outstanding softball teams and players. Following is a look at the softball scene.

DIVISION 1

Top teams in the state: Mattawan, Romeo, Canton

Mattawan is the gold standard when it comes to Division 1 softball in the state and is the team to beat once again this year. It won the title in 2013 and 2011 and finished second in the state in 2012.

Top area teams: Bay City Western, Holt, St. Johns

Bay City Western reached the state title game last June and has plenty of talent returning from a team that went 37-3. Hannah Leppek is one of the premier pitchers in the state. She returns along with a number of other veterans, including all-state outfielder KayLynn Carpenter and all-state shortstop Meredith Rousse. Holt captured the CAAC Red last year and returns plenty of talent from that squad. Courtney Masseau is a returning all-state player for the Rams, while junior Lindsay Reed is a talented second baseman. St. Johns returns a talented core of players and is poised for a big season. Claire Whitford is a talented middle infielder, while junior Kayleigh Smith will be one of the leaders of the pitching staff and an outfielder.

Top area players: Lauren Bachert, Grand Ledge; Hannah Leppek, Bay City Western; Courtney Masseau, Holt; Meredith Rousse, Bay City Western; Kayleigh Smith, St. Johns; Claire Whitford, St. Johns; Lacy Tolfree, Heritage

Division 2

Top teams in the state: Tecumseh, Wayland Union, Lakeshore

Tecumseh captured last year’s state title and has been one of the premier teams in the state for several years, having also won the title in 2007 and 2008.

Top area teams: Swan Valley, Bullock Creek, Portland, Garber, John Glenn, Mt. Pleasant, Eaton Rapids

Swan Valley has advanced to the Division 2 state title game the past two years. Enough talent returns for it to make another trip to the final. The Vikings have a dominating pitcher in senior Courtney Reinhold and a potent offense led by all-state second baseman Sarah Addy, who hit .500 last season. Rival Bullock Creek also returns a loaded roster, including an all-state pitcher of its own in April Mehl. All-state catcher Maison Kalina leads a potent offense that also includes Ellie Juengel and Shelby Bailey. Portland is primed for a big season after turning in a 27-4 mark last year. All-state pitcher Allie Grys, all-state second baseman Madison Adams, and all-state outfielder Mary Brooks return. Garber looks to continue its improvement this year. The Dukes return a number of key players, led by Paige Wolbert who hit .478 last year. John Glenn has one of the premier hitters in the state in Emily Reed, who hit 15 home runs last year along with 47 RBI and a .521 batting average. Mt. Pleasant returns a number of veterans, and if the pitching staff rounds into form, the Oilers can have a big season. Eaton Rapids turned in a 36-3 record last year and will again be a force. All-state first baseman Bailey Baker returns to lead the way for the Greyhounds.

Top area players: Madison Adams, Portland; Sarah Addy, Swan Valley; Allie Grys, Portland; Maison Kalina, Bullock Creek; April Mehl, Bullock Creek; Emily Reed, John Glenn; Courtney Reinhold, Swan Valley; Paige Wolbert, Garber

Division 3

Top teams in the state: Unionville-Sebewaing, Bronson, Dundee

Unionville-Sebewaing fell in nine innings to Dundee in last year’s state title game. The Patriots are again one of the premier teams in the state, led by junior pitching ace Erica Treiber. Dundee also returns a number of solid players, while Bronson has a solid squad out of southwest Michigan.

Top area teams: Shepherd, Valley Lutheran, Reese, Farwell, Meridian, Hemlock

Shepherd has a well-balanced squad this year, with solid pitching from sophomore Hailey Buckley and junior Charlie Bryant. The offense is also dangerous, led by Maddie Moeggenborg and Bryant. Valley Lutheran is strong in the circle with pitcher Sydney Little, while Gabby Neuman leads a potent offense. Hemlock has a solid team with a number of veterans back. Eryn Lee gives the Huskies a strong pitcher, while Aubrey Alfano and Shelby Lisik lead the offense.

Top area players: Charlie Bryant, Shepherd; Eryn Lee, Hemlock; Maddie Moeggenborg, Shepherd; Sydney Little, Valley Lutheran; Kaylie Rhynard, Shepherd

Division 4

Top teams in the state: Kalamazoo Christian, Ubly, Rogers City

Defending state champion Kalamazoo Christian is the team to beat again in Division 4. The Comets have a deep team with strong hitting and defense.

Top area teams: Sacred Heart Academy, Coleman, Fowler, Portland St. Patrick Catholic

Let by hit machine Sara Hansen, Sacred Heart can score runs in bunches. Lexie Methner and Lauren Sabuda are also strong with the bats, while Methner will also help lead the pitching staff. Coleman also has a strong hitting team this year. Carley Starnes leads the offense with help from players like Miranda Coty and Summer Liphard. Fowler returns a number of key players, as it looks to challenge in the CMAC. Kelsie Feldpausch returns to anchor the infield, while Kara Schafer is a standout catcher. Portland St. Patrick Catholic went 32-7 last year and has plenty of talent back from that squad. Junior Brittni Wilcox is a returning all-state pitcher, while Danielle Simon is a talented outfielder, and Riley Smith returns at catcher.

Top area players: Kelsie Feldpausch, Fowler; Sara Hansen, Sacred Heart Academy; Lexie Methner, Sacred Heart Academy; Carley Starnes, Coleman; Brittni Wilcox, Portland St. Patrick Catholic

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DIVISION 1

Teams to watch statewide: Lakeview, Plymouth, Detroit Catholic Central

Top local teams: Grand Ledge, Rockford, Swartz Creek

Preview: Lakeview is the defending state champion. “Our goal is to qualify for the Division 1 state finals this year and finish in the top seven, said coach Tony Evans. “We’re not as deep as we have been the last couple of years when we were state runners-up in 2012 and state champions last season. Our top 4 players will have to play well, and we need our five and six players to make steady improvements throughout the season.”

Grand Ledge didn’t lose any seniors and could make some noise with an improved short game.

Top local players: A.J. Varekois, Rockford; Jack Weller, Swartz Creek; Josh Arbour, Grand Ledge; Cam Conley, Grand Ledge; Zack Dowling, Holt; Ross Lazar, Okemos

State finals prediction: Plymouth will defeat Lakeview in the finals.

DIVISION 2

Teams to watch statewide: Grand Rapids Christian, Marshall, Cranbrook Kingswood

Top local teams: DeWitt, East Lansing

Preview: Grand Rapids Christian is the defending state champion.

“At this point, I would say Haslett and DeWitt are two contenders to make it to the state finals this season,” said Ionia coach Will Tabot.

Top local players: Owen Beyer, DeWitt; Jason Brandt, Mason; Joe Croom, East Lansing; Marc Varlesi, Haslett

State finals prediction: Cranbrook Kingswood will defeat Grand Rapids Christian for the title.

DIVISION 3

Teams to watch statewide: Lumen Christi Catholic, Hanover-Horton, Lansing Catholic

Top local teams: Alma, Lansing Catholic, Nouvel Catholic Central

Preview: “Alma, Almont should be good again in our division. Not sure about the rest, they are mostly private schools,” said Chippewa Hills coach Steve Darnell.

Jay Green, who shot a 30 in mid-April, will help Alma to be a contender.

“I expect my team to compete for another Division 3 state championship in 2014,” said Lansing Catholic coach Charlie Furney. “We lost our No. 1 player [Jacob Johnson – Oakland University] from last year’s state championship team but have players No. 2 through No. 8 returning. The key for success will be everyone improving their stroke averages to cover for the loss of Jacob Johnson.”

Nouvel Catholic Central has moved to Division 3. “We have very high hopes,” said coach Tim Drumhiller. “We finished runner up at states last year in Division 4 and lost only one player.”

Ithaca could be a dark horse. It boasts Kyle Greer and Kaeden Greer, who averaged 43s last season. First-year coach Josh Rayburn looks for his team to make deep run into the postseason.

Top local players: Jay Green, Alma; Brent Marshall, Lansing Catholic; Jagger Richard, Laingsburg

State finals prediction: Lansing Catholic reigns supreme over Hanover-Horton for the title.

DIVISION 4

Teams to watch statewide: Hackett Catholic Central, Suttons Bay

Top local teams: Fowler, New Lothrop

Preview: “I’m not real familiar with the grade levels of other players at the state level, and I know a few of the top players from last year’s state finals graduated,” said Fowler coach Dan Bengel. “I believe Austin Feldpausch [of Fowler] will be among the top.”

Top local players: Austin Feldpausch, Fowler; Nick Ludka, Nouvel Catholic Central; Brody Schiller, Nouvel Catholic Central

State finals prediction: Hackett Catholic Central barely holds back Nouvel Catholic Central for the state title.

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By BUTCH HARMON

When it comes to Division 4 baseball, few teams in the state can match the success of the Beal City Aggies.

For four of the last five years, the Aggies have reached the final four in the state tournament. Last year, Beal City reached the state championship game, where it dropped a 3-2 decision in eight innings to University Liggett School. The Aggies turned in a 35-3 overall record last spring.

While they lost some key players off that team, like first-team all-state pick Ryan Marshal, Corey Yuncker, and Joe Rau, the team has a number of key players back. Senior Ty Rollin is a returning first-team all-state player. He is joined by a number of other key seniors, including Kevin Bleise, Kurt Gross, Nick Hoogerhyde, Hayden Huber, Carson Salisbury, Ryan Tilmann, and Nick Ward. Junior Luke Farrell and sophomores Tucker Gross and Chase Rollin are also playing key roles this year.

“We have good team chemistry this year,” said coach Brad Antcliff. “The key for us is to slow the game down and play it one pitch at a time.”

Success is nothing new for the this year’s senior class, as they have played in three state championship games, two in football and one in baseball.

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By BUTCH HARMON

It took awhile to get outside because of the lingering winter conditions, but area tennis teams are now on the courts and in the middle of another challenging season of girls’ tennis. Following is a look at how the tennis action is playing out this spring.

DIVISION 1

Top teams statewide: Grosse Pointe South, Clarkston, Bloomfield Hills

Grosse Pointe South is looking to reclaim the title it won in 2012. It returns plenty of talent, led by senior Brooke Willard. Clarkston has a loaded singles lineup, led by senior Lexi Baylis, who was runnerup at No. 1 singles last year, and sophomore Isabella Spindler, who was runnerup at No. 2 singles.

Top area teams: Midland Dow, Heritage, Rockford

Dow finished 10th in the state last season, and with plenty of talent back this year, it’s primed for another big season. It has a solid singles lineup that includes players like Christina Auyeung, Caroline Szabo, Afua Ofori-Darko, and Elaina Parillo. The Chargers also have a solid cast of doubles players, led by the No. 1 team of Kamryn Matthews and Nicole Dobrzelewski. Heritage also has a solid team that features excellent singles players and depth in the doubles.

Top area players: Christina Auyeung, Midland Dow; J’Lynn Corder, Carman-Ainsworth; Kamryn Matthews, Midland Dow; Caroline Szabo, Midland Dow

DIVISION 2

Top teams in the state: Birmingham Seaholm, Marian, Forest Hills Northern

Either Seaholm or Marian has won three of the last four Division 2 state titles, with Marian winning last year. Seaholm returns plenty of talent this season, led by senior Labina Petrovska, while Marian also has plenty of talent back, led by senior Lauren Dietz, who finished second in the state last year at No. 2 singles.

Top area teams: East Lansing, Fenton, Mason, Okemos

Okemos has a number of talented tennis players returning this year from a team that placed fifth at the Division 2 finals last season. Junior Emily Struble won the state title at No. 2 singles last year. Junior Catherine Wingrove was an outstanding doubles player who moves to singles this year, while sophomore Kylie Wilkinson is another solid singles player who returns. Mason senior Abby Perkins has been one of the premier players at No. 1 singles the past several years. Last year, she reached the state semifinals. Sam Perkins, Abby’s younger sister, also returns for the Bulldogs. East Lansing returns a number of talented players from a team that placed second in the league last year, led by seniors Sarah Brainard and Emily Volovsek.

Top area players: Madison Ballard, Fenton; Sarah Brainard, East Lansing; Abby Perkins, Mason; Emily Struble, Okemos; Emily Volovsek, East Lansing, Catherine Wingrove, Okemos

DIVISION 3

Top teams in the state: Cranbrook Kingswood, Detroit Country Day, Allegan, Forest Hills Eastern

Cranbrook Kingswood has won the last three Division 3 state titles and are loaded for another title run this year. Senior Alexandria Najarian won the No. 1 singles title last year and is poised to repeat this year. Also returning is sophomore Anna Short, who won the state title at No. 2 singles. Allegan returns junior standout Livia Christam, while Forest Hills Eastern is paced by junior standout Madeline Bissett.

Top area teams: Haslett, Williamston

Haslett placed in the top ten at last year’s state meet, and with a number of talented players returning, the Vikings will again have a solid squad. Senior Shea Donahue made it to the state semifinals at No. 2 singles and returns to pace this year’s squad. Sophomore Hannah Vogelsang is back after reaching the state quarterfinals at No. 3 singles last year. Williamston finished sixth at the Division 4 state meet last year and makes the jump to Division 3 this season. The Hornets have a number of talented players back, led by the No. 1 doubles team of seniors Delaney Nikolai and Caitlyn Chick.

Top area players: Caitlyn Chick, Williamston; Sara Daavetilla, Williamston; Shea Donahue, Haslett; Delaney Nikolai, Williamston; Ashleigh Reinbold, Charlotte; Hannah Vogelsang, Haslett

DIVISION 4

Top teams in the state: Grosse Ile, Father Gabriel Richard, Traverse City St. Francis

Grosse Ile returns junior standout Brianna Riley and is looking to knock two-time defending state champion Academy of the Sacred Heart from the top spot. Gabriel Richard is led by senior Colleen O’Brien, who took second in the state at No. 1 singles. Sophomore Amanda Bandrowski is a returning state semifinalist at No. 1 singles for Traverse City St. Francis.

Top area teams: Frankenmuth, Hemlock, Lansing Catholic, Portland, Nouvel Catholic Central

Lansing Catholic placed seventh at the state meet last season. The Cougars have several talented players back, led by junior Calla Ramont, who reached the quarterfinals at No. 1 singles last year. Mary Curtiss is back at No. 1 singles for Nouvel. Hemlock returns a number of key players, including Jane Malott at No. 1 singles and Abbey Stemple at No. 1 doubles. Portland finished in the top ten at the state meet last year. The Raiders welcome back several veterans and will again have a squad capable of a lofty finish at the state finals.

Top area players: Katie Blake, Portland; Mary Curtiss, Nouvel Catholic Central; Jane Malott, Hemlock; Calla Ramont, Lansing Catholic; Abbey Stemple, Hemock

Back

By BUTCH HARMON

High school girls’ soccer around the state of Michigan continues to get better each year. This year, the soccer scene both around the state and locally is as strong as ever. Outstanding teams and players abound this spring.

Following is a look at the state of girls’ soccer.

DIVISION 1

Top teams in the state: Northville, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, Forest Hills Central, Caledonia, Grandville, East Kentwood

Troy won last year’s Division 1 state title but was hit hard by graduation. Northville and Rochester Hills Stoney Creek have the strongest programs in Metro Detroit and have what it takes to make a run to the state finals. From the west side of the state, Grandville has plenty of talent returning from a team that made a dazzling tournament run last year and reached the title game. Forest Hills Central, East Kentwood, and Caledonia will also be battling it out to reach the finals from the west side.

Top area teams: Rockford, Okemos, Midland, Grand Blanc, Heritage

Rockford has reloaded this spring and will again be a major factor in the rugged O-K Red Conference, arguably the strongest conference in the state for girls’ soccer. With the return of senior all-stater Kristelle Yewah, Okemos is again the premier Division 1 team in mid Michigan. Yewah scored 20 goals and added 10 assists last year. Midland has a solid team this year, with a balanced offense led by Marle Bringard, Aleisha Jones, and Alecia Traver. Heritage is a solid team out of the Saginaw Valley League that has dangerous offensive performers in Madison Tweddle and Carlee Coughlin.

Top area players: Erin Doster, Okemos; Sophia Guzman, Grand Ledge; Tara Lierman, Holt; Mackenzie Murphy, Fenton; Stacie Skinker, Holt; Maya Piper, Midland Dow; Kristelle Yewah, Okemos; Ashton Miller, Okemos

DIVISION 2

Top teams in the state: Marian, Gull Lake, Ladywood

Gull Lake rode a strong defense all the way to a state title last spring, and with plenty of key players returning, it will be tough to dislodge from the top spot. Marian finished runner-up last year and has made the final four out of the past five years, so a rematch in the state final could be in the cards this year.

Top area teams: Haslett, Mason, DeWitt, Bay City Western, John Glenn, Mt. Pleasant

With plenty of talent returning, Haslett is primed for a big season. Senior Lydia Roberts is a returning all-state player who scored 18 goals and added 12 assists last year. Caity Colonnese and Mary Clare are two other returning all-state players who helped to lead the Vikings to the regional final last spring. Mason returns plenty of talent as well. Junior Erica Bartlett is a returning all-stater, as is junior Brooke Beaune, who helped lead the Bulldogs to the regional final. DeWitt returns one of the premier offensive players in the area in all-stater Natalie Knauf, who scored 15 goals and added nine assists last year. The Panthers also welcome back all-conference players Brianna Bishop and Abbey Maurer along with Courtney Wood and Quinn Hanses. Bay City Western looks to have one of its best teams in years. The Warriors have a potent offense led by Jennifer Hacker and a solid defense led by Kelsey Haag and Jessica Hacker.

Top area players: Erica Bartlett, Mason; Caity Colonnese, Haslett; Amy Gordon, East Lansing; Natalie Knauf, DeWitt; Emily Reinicke, Eaton Rapids; Lydia Roberts, Haslett; Sierra Sisco, Charlotte

DIVISION 3

Top teams in the state: Grand Rapids South Christian, Flint Powers, Hudsonville Unity Christian.

Unity Christian and Flint Powers have dominated D3 for the last decade. Up until last year either Unity or Powers had won the title the previous 10 years with Unity winning seven out of nine. Grand Rapids Christian broke the string last year when it defeated Pontiac Notre Dame Prep for the title. This year Unity and Powers have loaded squads so a return to norm is in the cards.

Top area teams: Flint Powers, Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Bay City Western, Williamston, Essexville-Garber, Freeland.

Powers returns as much talent as any team in the state. On defense, goalkeeper Heather Rolls is a dominating keeper who has committed to Georgetown. Senior Morgan McKerchie, headed to Michigan State after this year, keys a high-powered offense that includes the likes of returning all-stater Kennedy Clothier and Gabriela Guerra. Senior midfielder Allyson Haran is headed to Wake Forest next year and is another premier player. Frankenmuth has an outstanding team this year. Senior Kristin Kueffner is a returning all-state player while Claire Carter is a stellar goalkeeper. Layne Davis leads the offense. Freeland has a solid squad led by junior forward Taryn Taugher and midfielder Kelsey Ropp. Birch Run also has a high-powered offense. Jyllian Coggins is a returning all-stater who can score goals in bunches along with junior forward Cheyenne Enderle.

Top area players: Jyllian Coggins, Birch Run; Amanda Dimmer, Williamston, Allyson Haran, Flint Powers; Kristin Kueffner, Frankenmuth; Morgan McKerchie, Flint Powers; Ally Milam, Williamston; Jordan Newman, Lake Fenton; Heather Rolls, Flint Powers; Taryn Taugher, Freeland.

DIVISION 4

Top teams in the state: Grandville Calvin Christian, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Clarkston Everest Collegiate, Muskegon Western Michigan Christian.

The big question in Division 4 is if anyone can stop the stranglehold that Calvin Christian and Our Lady of the Lakes have had in the state finals. Calvin has defeated Lakes in the Division 4 state finals the last three years and both teams look solid again this year.

Top area teams: Bath, Lansing Christian, Saginaw Nouvel.

Bath returns plenty of talent from a squad that turned in a solid season last year. Senior Renee Paape is a returning all-state player who scored 12 goals last year. The Bees also have a solid defender in Morgan Romel. Lansing Christian reached the state semifinals last year and returns plenty of talent led by all-state defender Mikayla Terry. The Pilgrims also received a huge boost with the return of two-time, all-stater Kristy Gomez who missed all of last year with an injury. Saginaw Nouvel fell to Lansing Christian in the regional finals last year. Nouvel returns plenty of talent this season led by all-state goalkeeper Ali Boucier and all-state forwards Allie Kendall.

Top area players: Ali Boucier, Saginaw Nouvel; Justine Darr, Laingsburg; Kristy Gomez, Lansing Christian; Allie Kendall, Saginaw Nouvel; Renee Paape, Bath; Mikayla Terry, Lansing Christian.

Back

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