High school softball state tournament preview
By David Cook
The high school softball state tournament gets into full swing during June with regional and state final action. Following is a look at some of the top teams this spring in softball by division and district.
DIVISION 1
Top teams in the state: Hudsonville, New Baltimore Anchor Bay, Saline, Northville, Traverse City Central
Top area teams: Grand Ledge, Lowell, Rockford, Midland
Local districts to watch:
Midland District
Teams: Bay City Western, Midland, Midland Dow, Mt. Pleasant
Team to beat: Midland
Top contender: Midland Dow
Scouting report: Midland comes in as the favorite having won the Saginaw Valley North title. The Chemics are led by junior Emily Wendt who was named the conference MVP. Wendt was joined on the all-conference first team by first baseman Zoie Halliwill, outfielder Alayna Prany and pitcher Syd Rhoton. Dow enters the tournament over the .500 mark. The Chargers are led by first-team, all-conference players Ella Stoney (infield), Karis Galus (infield) and Marley Hughes (outfield). Mt. Pleasant is a dangerous squad as well led by first-team, all-conference players Kharman Loya (second base), Chloe Gillespie (catcher) and Alexi Borodychuk (outfield).
Lansing Waverly District
Teams: East Lansing, Grand Ledge, Lansing Eastern, Lansing Waverly, Okemos
Team to beat: Grand Ledge
Top contender: Waverly
Scouting report: The Comets are the big favorites in this district having won 25 games this season. Ranked among the honorable-mention in the state, Grand Ledge has defeated most of the top teams in the Lansing area and have notched some impressive non-league wins. The Comets are led by senior centerfielder Jade Queen who is a Central Michigan University commit. Amelia Bernard is another highly productive hitter while Tomia Geter provides strong pitching in the circle for a team capable of a long state tournament run.
Mason District
Teams: Mason, Battle Creek Central, Battle Creek Lakeview, Holt, Jackson
Team to beat: Mason
Top contender: Battle Creek Lakeview, Holt
Scouting report: This is setting up as a wide-open district where Mason, Holt and Battle Creek Lakeview will be battling it out for the top spot. Both Mason and Holt have notched some impressive wins this spring while Lakeview is one of the top teams out of the Battle Creek area.
Swartz Creek District
Teams: Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Flushing, Saginaw Heritage, Swartz Creek
Team to beat: Heritage
Top contenders: Swartz Creek
Scouting report: Heritage has hovered around the .500 mark this spring playing in the rugged Saginaw Valley North. The Hawks are led by first-team, all-conference players Bella Robinson (catcher) and pitcher Aleasia Alvarez. Look for the rugged schedule the Hawks played this season to pay off with a district title and this team is capable of a surprise at the regional as well.
Greenville District
Teams: Forest Hills Central, Grand Rapids Northview, Greenville, Lowell, Rockford
Team to beat: Lowell
Top contenders: Greenville, Rockford
Scouting report: Lowell is ranked among the honorable-mention in the state and comes in as the team to beat in what should be a highly-competitive district. Pitching is a strong point for the Red Arrows who are led by ace Ava Schulz in the circle. Katelyn Glupker leads the way for a potent Lowell offense. Greenville also boasts a solid offense with hitters like Gianna Lahr and Alexa Hyler leading the way. Lahr has blasted five home runs this season while Hyler is hitting .446 with 35 RBI. Rockford comes in after having survived a grueling season in the rugged Ottawa-Kent Red Conference. The Rams also can hit the ball with authority with players like Bri Borgman and Bella Korf among the hitting standouts this season.
DIVISION 2
Top teams in the state: Stevensville-Lakeshore, Coldwater, Paw Paw, Clio, Carlton Airport
Top area teams: Clio, Frankenmuth, Swan Valley, Essexville-Garber, Owosso, DeWitt, Clare, Shepherd, Eaton Rapids
Swan Valley District
Teams: Bay City Central, Bay City John Glenn, Essexville-Garber, Freeland, Swan Valley
Teams to beat: Swan Valley, Essexville-Garber
Scouting report: This district boils down to Swan Valley and Essexville-Garber, two teams ranked in the top ten in the state. The two teams also split there two meetings this season with Garber winning 15-14 and Swan Valley winning 10-5. Swan Valley is ranked seventh in the state while Garber is ranked ninth. Swan Valley is led by senior shortstop Izzy Coffel who is one of the most productive hitters in the state. Coffel is batting .566 with 12 homes runs and 48 RBI. Garber counters with a deep and talented group of hitters led by Ava Wagner who is hitting .402 with 12 homes runs and 34 RBI. Ella Kokaly is hitting .520 with 33 stolen bases while Sadi Lapan is hitting .326 with nine home runs, Shayler McIntyre is hitting .391 with eight home runs and 46 RBI and freshman Brynlee McIntyre is hitting .424 with eight home runs and 32 RBI.
Owosso District
Teams: Corunna, DeWitt, Haslett, Owosso, St. Johns
Team to beat: DeWitt
Top contender: Owosso
Scouting report: Look for DeWitt and Owosso to slug it out for the district title at Owosso. DeWitt is a veteran team that is poised for a big sendoff. Seniors like Ruby Puck, Madeline Torrent and Caroline Chumbley have been mainstays for the Panthers for the past four years. The veterans have helped DeWitt turn in a 22-8 record heading into post-season play. Owosso has plenty of talent on its roster as well. Audri Hrncharik is hitting .517 with 31 runs scored. Ady Freeman is putting up massive numbers at the plate with a .525 batting average along with nine home runs and 45 RBI. Bella Harris and Danica Dwyer are both hitting over .400. This district may come down to whoever pitches best.
Big Rapids District
Teams: Alma, Big Rapids, Bullock Creek, Chippewa Hills, Shepherd
Team to beat: Shepherd
Top contenders: Bullock Creek
Scouting report: The Bluejays of Shepherd come into the district with a 20-10 record. Junior Elise McDonald leads the way for the team both at the plate and in the pitching circle. McDonald is a steady source of power as she has belted nine home runs this season. Lexi Smith is another talented hitter who brings good speed to the bases. Lillian Loonsfoot and Leela Engelhardt are some more dangerous bats in the order. Lylah Curtiss provides the tea with more solid pitching. Bullock Creek is a young team that has been making steady progress this season. The Lancers have been around the .500 mark all season and are capable of coming away with the title.
Gladwin District
Teams: Cadillac, Clare, Gladwin, Ogema Heights
Team to beat: Clare
Top contender: Ogema Heights
Scouting report: Co-champions of the Jack Pine Conference, Clare comes into the tournament with 20 wins and a well-balanced team. The Pioneers are led by senior Kyley Wyman who is not only an ace of the pitching staff, but a power hitter in the lineup. Lena Renner is another talented pitcher and big bat in the lineup. The Pioneers have a strong senior core and plenty of balance up and down the lineup. Ogema Heights has won 17 games this season and is the prime contender.
Ionia District
Teams: Charlotte, Ionia, Lakewood-Lake Odessa, Portland
Team to beat: Ionia
Top contender: Portland
Scouting report: Ionia can score runs in bunches led by Adah Drown, Allison Shaw and Ava Bowen. The key for the Bulldogs will be pitching and defense. Portland has experienced some solid wins this season including splitting doubleheaders with Ionia and DeWitt and is capable of coming away with the district title.
Parma Western District
Teams: Eaton Rapids, Jackson Northwest, Michigan Center, Parma Western, Williamston
Team to beat: Eaton Rapids
Top contender: Williamston
Scouting report: Eaton Rapids notched 20 wins this season and is poised for a strong state tournament run. Champions of the CAAC White, the Greyhounds are led by power hitters Kallie Ordiway and Madaelen Putnam. Ordiway has cracked five home runs this season while Putnam is hitting .424 with 33 RBI. Ordiway also provides the team with solid pitching. Williamston is a solid team that has split doubleheaders with DeWitt and Mason this season and is capable to winning the district. Shea O’Neil, Anabelle Wortman and Mackenzie O’Brien have been among the team leaders for the Hornets.
Clio District
Teams: Birch Run, Clio, Flint Kearsley, Flint Powers, Frankenmuth
Team to beat: Clio
Top contender: Frankenmuth
Scouting report: One of the strongest districts in the state, the Clio district features the host Mustangs who are ranked fourth in the state in Division 2 and Frankenmuth which is ranked sixth. Clio is led by standout junior pitcher Addie Taylor who is a Wayne State University commit and senior Ashlyn Lafreniere who is an Alma College recruit. Frankenmuth is paced by senior pitcher Chloe Compau. A Central Michigan University recruit, Compau is one of the top pitchers in the state and is also a force at the plate with nine home runs this season.
Grant District
Teams: Cedar Springs, Fremont, Grant, Howard City Tri-County, Sparta
Team to beat: Grant
Top contender: Sparta
Scouting report: Grant is the team to beat in this district with Sparta and Fremont close behind and capable of taking home the trophy.
DIVISION 3
Top teams in the state: Evart, Brooklyn Columbia Central, Ravenna, Grass Lake, Morley-Stanwood
Top area teams: Evart, Morley-Stanwood, Lansing Catholic, Laingsburg, Ithaca, Hemlock, New Lothrop
Laingsburg District
Teams: Bath, Laingsburg, Lansing Catholic, Perry, Pewamo-Westphalia
Team to beat: Laingsburg
Top contenders: Lansing Catholic
Scouting report: Ranked eighth in the state, Laingsburg is positioned for a deep state tournament run. Laingsburg features an explosive offense led by Bella Latuszek and Savvy Stirm along with Makenna Johnston and Skylar Stiff. Peyton Stahr has been providing the team with quality pitching. Lansing Catholic is ranked right behind in ninth place in the state rankings. With Grand Valley State recruits Avery and her twin sister Taylor Dunneback leading the way, the Cougars captured the Greater Lansing Softball Classic for the second straight year. Zoey Gruber provides the Cougars with outstanding pitching.
Ithaca District
Teams: Bay City All Saints, Ithaca, Hemlock, Saginaw Valley Lutheran
Team to beat: Ithaca
Top contenders: All Saints, Hemlock
Scouting report: Ithaca is riding plenty of momentum heading into the state tournament with a 21-9 overall record. The Yellowjackets are led by pitching ace Maeli Akin who is also a force at the plate. Ithaca is also getting contributions at the plate from Kenslee Martyn, Emma Janes and Mady Smith. Hemlock split a pair of games with Ithaca this season and comes in with a 19-9 record. The Huskies are led by Lyndsey Lyscas who is hitting .372 with four home runs and 34 RBI. Bay City All Saints has a 27-8 record and is another prime contender for the district title.
Belding District
Teams: Belding, Stanton-Central Montcalm, Lakeview, Morley-Stanwood, Saranac
Team to beat: Morley-Stanwood
Top contenders: Belding, Central Montcalm
Scouting report: Ranked fifth in the state, Morley-Stanwood is the team to beat at the Belding district. The Mohawks are led in the pitching department by Taylor Schuberg and Laney Bongard while Saige Ososki, Matty Kozuch, Sarah Groendyke and Lexi Martin are among the leaders on offense. Champions of the Ottawa-Kent Silver Conference, Belding brings a 17-6 record into the tournament and will be a strong contender. Sophomore Olivia Ingles is a standout pitcher and hitter while Amara German is also a potent force at the plate.
Leroy-Pine River District
Teams: Evart, Leroy-Pine River, Mason County Eastern, Manistee, Reed City
Team to beat: Evart
Top contenders: Pine River
Scouting report: Ranked number one in the state, Evart is the big favorite at the district. The Wildcats have a 34-0 record and are led by standout senior Kyrah Gray who is an all-state pitcher who also hits over .500. First baseman Mattisen Tiedt is a two-time, all-state player that leads the offense along with senior outfielder Jillian Decker. Pine River is 20-4 and is a strong challenger.
Montrose District
Teams: Chesaning, Durand, Montrose, New Lothrop, Ovid-Elsie
Team to beat: New Lothrop
Top contender: Chesaning
Scouting report: New Lothrop brings a 19-5 record into the tournament and is the team to beat at the Montrose district. Chesaning and Durand look to be the top contenders.
Beaverton District
Teams: Beaverton, Farwell, Harrison, Sanford-Meridian
Team to beat: Sanford-Meridian
Top contender: Harrison
Scouting report: Sanford-Meridian is the big favorite in this district having swept the other three squads during the season.
DIVISION 4
Top teams in the state: Mendon, Hillman, Unionville-Sebewaing, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, Bellaire
Top area teams: Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, St. Louis, Fowler, Dansville, St. Charles, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Beal City
Coleman District
Teams: Breckenridge, Coleman, Merrill, St. Louis
Team to beat: St. Louis
Top contenders: Breckenridge, Coleman
Scouting report: St. Louis is ranked sixth in the state and is turning in a standout season. The Sharks have a 28-5 record and feature a blend of strong pitching with an explosive offense. Paige Luneack is the ace of the pitching staff and has recorded over 200 strikeouts to go along with a 1.21 ERA. Luneack is also a standout at the plate with a .584 batting average to go along with seven home runs and 48 RBI. Emma Pavlik is another standout hitter with a .400 batting average along with seven homers and 26 RBI. Ellie Katt is hitting .388 with 17 doubles while Madilyn Devine is hitting .325 with 36 runs scored and 24 stolen bases.
Beal City District
Teams: Beal City, Blanchard Montabella, Mt. Peasant Sacred Heart, Vestaburg
Team to beat: Sacred Heart
Top contender: Beal City
Scouting report: A pair of top-ten teams reside in this district. Sacred Heart is ranked fourth in the state and has a 25-4 record. The Irish are led by senior pitcher Mairin Wheaton. Maddie Anderson and Savannah Jones are among the seniors leading the offense. Beal City has a 22-10 record and is ranked seventh in the state. The Aggies have a deep and talented group of hitters led by Emma Block who is hitting .500 with five home runs and 31 RBI. Arryana Brown is hitting .533 with 28 RBI while Dakota Dodak is hitting .458 with 34 runs scored and Lauren Gross is hitting .407 with 36 RBI.
St. Charles District
Teams: Genesee, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, St. Charles, Vassar
Teams to beat: Michigan Lutheran Seminary, St. Charles
Scouting report: This district is a two-team battle between Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS) and St. Charles who have both won over 20 games this season. MLS (22-10) is led by senior Charli Alcorn who is hitting .576 with six home runs and 45 RBI. Freshman Brookly Tanner is also having a huge season with a .489 batting average along with 43 RBI, 15 doubles and seven triples. St. Charles (21-5) is led by Abrielle Dinninger who is hitting a robust .705 with 32 RBI and 16 doubles. Ella Mose is close behind with a .696 average along with 36 runs scored and 34 RBI while Ally Dinninger is hitting .577 and Lily Genske is hitting .500.
Fulton-Middleton District
Teams: Carson City-Crystal, Fulton-Middleton, Fowler, Portland St. Patrick
Team to beat: Fowler
Top contender: Fulton
Scouting report: Led by one of the premier softball players in the state in University of Maryland recruit Saige Miller, the Eagles will be tough to stop and may be setting up a deep state tournament run. Selena Stump is a standout pitcher and talented hitter while Addison Spicer is another talented senior hitter. Rachel Wirth and Kerigan Pung are also key contributors. Fulton-Middleton is led by Kerrigan Ryan who is a major force at bat and the ace of the pitching staff. Ellie Drummond is also a standout hitter and another talented pitcher.
Maple Valley District
Teams: Bellevue, Dansville, Potterville
Team to beat: Dansville
Scouting report: Dansville has fashioned a 24-5 record this season and is the overwhelming favorite at this district. The Aggies are led by junior standout Laci Neal who is hitting .553 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI. Junior Ryker Graf is hitting .528 with seven home runs and 36 RBI while sophomore Katie Hamel is hitting .398 with 34 RBI.