Preview: Familiar Contenders, New Home
June 11, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
This weekend, for the first time, the MHSAA Softball Semifinals and Finals will be played at Michigan State University’s Secchia Stadium.
But although the tournament’s new stage might be unfamiliar to most, many of the 16 finalists should feel at home playing in championship-deciding games.
Reigning Division 4 winner Kalamazoo Christian is back for more, as are 2013 Division 1 runner-up Bay City Western and Division 3 runner-up Unionville-Sebewaing. Clinton, Gladstone and Livonia Ladywood all played in MHSAA championship games in 2012.
For the first time as well, Semifinal play will begin Thursday and continue Friday with all four Finals on Saturday. Below is this weekend's schedule, followed by a look at each contender.
Semifinals – Thursday
Division 1
Portage Central (41-3) vs. Utica Ford (30-8) - 10 a.m.
Romeo (31-7) vs. Bay City Western (39-3) - Noon
Division 2
Wayland (42-1) vs. Livonia Ladywood (28-13) - 3 p.m.
Croswell-Lexington (30-1) vs. Stevensville Lakeshore (33-9) - 5 p.m.
Semifinals – Friday
Division 3
Gladstone (28-2) vs. Coloma (34-9) - 10 a.m.
Unionville-Sebewaing (39-0) vs. Clinton (34-4) - Noon
Division 4
Vestaburg (27-8) vs. Kalamazoo Christian (27-16) - 3 p.m.
Fowler (26-6) vs. Rogers City (32-6) - 5 p.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 $7 per round or $15 for an all-tournament ticket that includes admission to baseball games. 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.
All statistics below are through at least the regular season, with most through teams' Regionals or Quarterfinals. (Click for links to brackets and scores.)
Division 1
BAY CITY WESTERN
Record/rank: 39-3, No. 4
Coach: Rick Garlinghouse, 10th season (324-77-3)
League finish: First in Saginaw Valley Association North
Championship history: Division 1 runner-up 2013.
Players to watch: Hannah Leppek, jr. P (32-1, 0.70 ERA, 290 K, .507 16 2B, 13 HR, 58 RBI); Meredith Rousse, jr. SS (.549, 61 R, 12 2B, 46 RBI), Kaylynn Carpenter, jr. CF (.508, 51 R, 10 2B, 49 RBI), Blair Miller, jr. LF (.441, 41 R, 25 RBI).
Outlook: Bay City Western is back in the Semifinals for the third time in four seasons and after its first championship game appearance a year ago – it fell just shy of the MHSAA title, losing 2-1 to Mattawan after leading through five innings. The Warriors graduated only three players after 2013, with Leppek a returning all-stater and Rousse and Carpenter honorable mentions last season. Western has won 20 of its last 21 games, with its only losses this season to honorable mention Clarkston, Division 2 No. 6 Bullock Creek and Division 3 No. 7 Sanford Meridian.
PORTAGE CENTRAL
Record/rank: 41-3, No. 3
Coach: Tom Hamilton, first season of second tenure (75-7)
League finish: First in Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference East
Championship history: Class A champion 1977, runner-up 1975.
Players to watch: Lea Foerster, sr. OF; Gina Verduczo, sr. P (Stats not submitted.).
Outlook: Portage Central eliminated reigning Division 1 champ Mattawan (9-2) during the District tournament and is in the Semifinals for the first time since 2009. Its only losses were early to Mattawan, then to Division 2 No. 1 Wayland and Division 2 No. 4 Stevensville Lakeshore – although Central beat Lakeshore in the other five games the teams played against each other this spring. Foerster and Verduczo were all-staters last season. Hamilton formerly coached the team in 2010 and also coached Portage Northern to championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
ROMEO
Record/rank: 31-7, No. 2
Coach: Dave McIntyre, fifth season (138-37)
League finish: First in Macomb Area Conference Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Taylor Weaver, sr. P (24-1, 0.60 ERA, 261 K, .469); Danielle Szajna jr. 1B (.440, 23 R, 23 RBI); Kayla Noch, jr. C (.430, 14 2B, 27 RBI); Morgan Gardner, soph. SS (.463, 32 R, 32 RBI, 16 2B).
Outlook: After falling by just a run to eventual champion Mattawan in last season’s Semifinal, Romeo has stormed back to Finals weekend with wins over No. 1 Canton, No. 6 Lake Orion and No. 9 Fenton during the tournament. Weaver and Szajna were all-staters last season and Gardner was an honorable mention, and total the top six hitters from that Semifinal lineup are the same as what should take the field this weekend – including centerfielder Geordin Craun at the top and third baseman Erin Barg in the six spot.
UTICA FORD
Record/rank: 30-8, honorable mention
Coach: Matthew Joseph, fourth season (86-42)
League finish: Third in MAC Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Gabby Schefka, sr. C; Alex Sorgi, jr. CF/P; Nikki Sorgi, fr. P/IF (Stats not submitted.).
Outlook: Utica Ford is making its first Semifinal appearance after making its first Quarterfinal just a season ago. Schefka and Alex Sorgi earned all-state and honorable mention, respectively, in 2013 and have keyed the team’s taking the next step – they and Nikki Sorgi also fill the top three spots in the lineup. Ford has increased its win total every season since Joseph took over the program.
Division 2
CROSWELL-LEXINGTON
Record/rank: 30-1, No. 9
Coach: Bob Young, eighth season (196-70)
League finish: First in Blue Water Area Conference
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Megan Guitar, jr. P (21-1, 1.77 ERA, 179 K, .392, 4 HR, 41 RBI); Kylee Barrett, sr. SS (.446, 8 HR, 37 RBI); Rebecca Oden, fr. OF (.392).
Outlook: Croswell-Lexington’s lone loss was late to Utica, and it stormed back by outscoring two District opponents by a combined 31-6 and then edging Frankenmuth and No. 8 Saginaw Swan Valley to win its first Regional championship. The Pioneers have been on the verge, however, with this their fifth straight season with at least 30 wins and fourth in five seasons winning their District. All nine starting hitters are batting at least .330.
LIVONIA LADYWOOD
Record/rank: 28-13, No. 7
Coach: Scott Combs, seventh season (236-53)
League finish: Second in Detroit Catholic High School League Central
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2012, runner-up 2009.
Players to watch: Haley Lawrence, sr. SS (.420, 46 R, 18 2B, 39 RBI); Erika Selakowski, soph. 2B (.410, 41 R, 21 2B, 57 RBI); Hallea Garcia, sr. 1B (.415, 40 R, 22 2B, 8 HR, 58 RBI); Christina Meyer, jr. OF (.402, 55 R, 31 RBI, 10 3B, 48 SB); Rozlyn Price, soph. P (240-8, 2.60 ERA, 235 K).
Outlook: Ladywood is making this a regular trip, heading to the Semifinals for the fourth straight season and fifth in six years. Lawrence is a returning all-stater and Selakowski earned an honorable mention last season, and they are big bats in a lineup that earned valuable experience during last season’s run. So did Price, who also earned all-state honorable mention after pitching the Blazers into the Semifinals as only a freshman.
STEVENSVILLE LAKESHORE
Record/rank: 33-9, No. 4
Coach: Denny Dock, 25th season (834-168-1)
League finish: Second in Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference West
Championship history: Six MHSAA titles (most recent 2011), one runner-up finish.
Players to watch: Haley Thibeault, sr. P/IF (26-6, 1.09 ERA, 210 K, .471, 14 2B, 10 HR, 57 RBI); Julia Carpenter, soph. CF (.413, 22 SB);. Alex Forsythe, sr. SS (.375, 52 RBI).
Outlook: Lakeshore has won five Regional titles in six seasons and is back in the Semifinals for the first time since winning back-to-back Division 2 titles in 2010 and 2011. The Lancers returned by avenging last season’s Quarterfinal loss to Tecumseh, the eventual champion last spring. Thibeault was an all-state second baseman a year ago but has taken over the majority of pitching duties in addition to leading the team in hitting.
WAYLAND
Record/rank: 42-1, No. 1
Coach: Cheri Ritz, 19th season (636-129)
League finish: First in O-K Gold
Championship history: Division 2 champion 2006.
Players to watch: Sam Merren, sr. OF (.500, 12 2B, 37 SB, 48 RBI); Mallory Teunissen, jr. P (34-1, 1.09 ERA, 252 K, .313); Sierra Mutschler, sr. SS (.523, 16 2B, 11 HR, 83 RBI); Britt McLain, sr. C (.432, 22 SB, 36 RBI).
Outlook: Wayland is back in the Semifinals for the second time in three seasons with an all-state pitcher in Teunissen – but also a talented lineup averaging 12 runs per game. Merren, Mutschler and McLain all also were all-staters a year ago, and they are only three of seven regulars hitting .400 or higher. Mutschler’s RBI qualify as fourth-most for one season in MHSAA history. The Wildcats have won 39 straight games since falling to Hudsonville Unity Christian in their only loss, and have given up only five runs during the tournament including a 7-0 shutout of Unity Christian in the Quarterfinal.
Division 3
CLINTON
Record/rank: 34-4, honorable mention
Coach: Kim Phillip, second season (65-10)
League finish: First in Tri-County Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (2011 and 2012), one runner-up finish.
Players to watch: Ashleigh Donahey, soph. DH/DP (.500, 55 R, 18 SB, 35 RBI); Kristin Forest, sr. 3B (.477, 52 R, 12 HR, 16 2B, 67 RBI); Elizabeth Barkel, sr. 1B (.454, 36 R, 33 RBI, 12 SB); Megan Burton, soph. P (21-3, 1.34 ERA, 120 K).
Outlook: After missing the Semifinals last season, Clinton is back for the fifth time in six seasons and first time under Philip, who formerly coached Saline and was the assistant at Clinton before taking over the program a year ago. The Redskins are especially strong on the base paths, with 94 stolen bases in 102 attempts entering the week. Only an honorable mention in the final coaches poll, Clinton earned an 8-0 win over No. 10 Napoleon in the Regional Final to highlight this run.
COLOMA
Record/rank: 34-9, honorable mention
Coach: Wendy Goodline, 15th season (389-158-1)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference West
Championship history: Has never appeared in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Makenzie Moody, sr. C (.381, 6 HR, 40 RBI); Jenna Faultersack, jr. SS (.418, 56 R, 10 2B, 22 SB); Emily Najacht, sr. P (25-7, 0.97 ERA, 266 K, .378, 39 RBI).
Outlook: Coloma is making its second Semifinal appearance in three seasons after winning its third straight District title and playing in Division 2 last season; the Comets beat No. 8 Springport 6-2 in Tuesday’s Quarterfinal to return. Coloma prepared by facing many of the best from the Kalamazoo area during the regular season, earning a win over Division 4 Semifinalist Kalamazoo Christian and falling to Portage Central, Stevensville Lakeshore and out-of-area Lake Orion among larger ranked opponents. Faultersack was a Division 2 all-stater last season, and Najacht earned an honorable mention.
GLADSTONE
Record/rank: 28-2, No. 3
Coach: Ashley Hughes, first season (28-2)
League finish: Does not play in a league.
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2009), one runner-up finish.
Players to watch: Jess Beaudry, sr. 1B (.353, 20 RBI); Tinner Sharon, sr. P/3B (.458, 12 SB, 18-1 pitching, 0.92 ERA, 160 K); Lexi Hongisto, jr. SS (.532, 31 RBI, 13 SB).
Outlook: Gladstone has played in the MHSAA Final three of the last 10 years, also finishing runner-up in 2012 and champion in 2004, and won its 12th straight Regional last week. First-year coach Hughes was part of a Quarterfinals team as a player in 2003 and took over this spring after three seasons as an assistant. The Braves have given up only three runs during the tournament, and not more than one in any game. Beaudry was an all-state selection last season.
UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING
Record/rank: 39-0, No. 1
Coach: Steve Bohn, third season (116-9)
League finish: First in Greater Thumb Conference West
Championship history: Three championships (most recent 2009 in Division 4), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Stephanie Neuman, sr. 2B (.513, 14 2B, 6 HR, 39 RBI); Breanna Dinsmoore, jr. C (.404, 35 RBI); Erica Treiber, jr. P/1B (.514, 14 2B, 7 HR, 49 RBI, 17-0, 0.07 ERA, 173 K); Allison Hoppe, sr. CF (.417, 22 RBI, 11 2B).
Outlook: USA is making its ninth straight trip to the MHSAA Semfinals after finishing runner-up a year ago. That ERA for Treiber is not a typo – she’d given up only one earned run in 98 innings entering the week, and again teams with sophomore Nicole Bauer (19-0, 0.50 ERA) for an impressive 1-2 pitching punch. Adding in the 10-1 win over No. 9 Reese in the Quarterfinal, USA has beaten its tournament opponents by a combined score of 53-2. Neuman, Dinsmoore and Treiber all are returning all-staters.
Division 4
FOWLER
Record/rank: 26-6, unranked
Coach: Kat Schmitt, fourth season (career record N/A)
League finish: Second in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Tori Wirth, jr. SS; Sydney Feldpausch, jr. P (Stats not submitted.).
Outlook: Fowler is making its first trip to the Semifinals since 1997 after winning its first Regional title since 2002. The Eagles took on their share of larger schools in preparation for the tournament, with wins over Lansing Everett and Eastern, Lake Odessa Lakewood, Owosso and Haslett among others – and the playoff run included a 5-1 Quarterfinal win over No. 7 Westland Huron Valley Lutheran. Wirth earned an all-state honorable mention as a sophomore.
KALAMAZOO CHRISTIAN
Record/rank: 27-16, No. 8
Coach: Terry Reynolds, first season (27-16)
League finish: First in Kalamazoo Valley Association
Championship history: Seven championships (most recent 2013), two runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Tori Sides, sr. CF (.521, 54 R, 24 SB); Rebekah VanDam, sr. P (18-10, 2.94 ERA, 183 K, .366, 34 RBI); Morgan Locker, sr. SS (.368, 11 2B, 47 R, 34 RBI); Kara Gjeltema, soph. C (.523, 13 2B, 10 HR, 62 RBI).
Outlook: Kalamazoo Christian’s record might seem a little off for a reigning champion returning to the Semifinals, but it also took regular-season cuts against a number of larger opponents including Division 1 or 2 ranked Portage Central, Stevensville Lakeshore and Portland and honorable mention Parchment. Former Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Hackett coach Reynolds took over the program this spring and inherited a number of standouts from last season’s run including returning all-stater Sides.
ROGERS CITY
Record/rank: 32-6, No. 4
Coach: Karl Grambau, 12th season (303-128)
League finish: Second in North Star League
Championship history: Two runner-up finishes (most recent 2004).
Players to watch: Sarah Meredith, soph. C (.536, 14 HR, 62 RBI); Logan Fleming, jr. 3B (.545, 15 2B, 8 HR, 45 RBI); Morgan Hall, sr. 1B (.529, 11 2B, 34 RBI); Courtney Streich, sr. SS (.441, 10 2B, 36 RBI).
Outlook: Rogers City is making its second straight trip to the Semifinals with an experienced lineup that makes it hard to pick who should stand out most. In addition to those mentioned above, junior second baseman Alexa Quaine is hitting .515 with 14 doubles and 39 RBI and also is 14-2 pitching with a 1.88 ERA. Centerfielder Cassie Brege (.362, 25 RBI) joined Meredith and Fleming among all-staters last season, when Streich received an honorable mention. Senior Nikki Radke (16-4) returns as the team’s leading winner in the circle. Rogers City beat No. 3 Posen and No. 10 Rapid River during this run and reigning champion Kalamazoo Christian during the regular season.
VESTABURG
Record/rank: 30-8, No. 6
Coach: Dan Rons, 10th season (258-97)
League finish: First in Mid-State Activities Conference.
Championship history: Class D runner-up 1980.
Player to watch: Jannelle Rons, sr. P (20-2, 1.46 ERA, 143 K, .557, 62 R, 16 2B, 14 3B, 11 HR, 85 RBI); Shana Fisk, sr. 2B (.379, 52 R, 28 SB); Karigan Gates, sr. C (.487, 37 R, 46 RBI, 13 2B).
Outlook: Vestaburg made its first Quarterfinal appearance Tuesday since 2007 and is back in the Semifinals for the first time since 1986. The Wolverines defeated an impressive field to return, including No. 9 Coleman, No. 5 North Muskegon and then No. 2 Ubly on Tuesday. Jannelle Rons was an all-state pitcher last season and is one of seven seniors.
PHOTO: Kalamazoo Christian’s Rebekah VanDam connects with a pitch during last season’s Finals weekend in Battle Creek. Her team is the reigning Division 4 champion.
Preview: Softball's End-of-Season Celebration Could Include 1st-Time Champs
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
June 14, 2023
The final weekend of this softball season could feature at least a few first-time championships celebrations.
Of 16 teams playing at Michigan State's Secchia Stadium this weekend, 10 are seeking their first Finals title and eight have never reached the championship game.
Of the remaining six teams, only two have won Finals this century.
Those two, however, are regulars Unionville-Sebewaing and Richmond, which both rank among the top 10 all-time in softball title game appearances.
Division 1 – Thursday
Grand Blanc vs. Brownstown Woodhaven, 3 p.m.
Hartland vs. Lake Orion, 5:30 p.m.
Division 2 – Thursday
Vicksburg vs. Richmond, 10 a.m.
Gaylord vs. Dearborn Divine Child, 12:30 p.m.
Division 3 – Friday
Standish-Sterling vs. Ravenna, 3 p.m.
Laingsburg vs. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 5:30 p.m.
Division 4 – Friday
Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart vs. Unionville-Sebewaing, 10 a.m.
Johannesburg-Lewiston vs. Mendon, 12:30 p.m.
FINALS – Saturday
Division 1 – 12:30 p.m.
Division 2 – 10 a.m.
Division 3 – 5:30 p.m.
Division 4 – 3 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, with free audio broadcasts on the MHSAA Network.
Below is a glance at all 16 teams taking the field (with statistics through Regional Finals):
Division 1
BROWNSTOWN WOODHAVEN
Record/rank: 34-4, No. 10 (tied)
Coach: Ken Kroll, second season (69-10)
League finish: Tied for first in Downriver League
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ella Thomas, sr. 2B (.431, 47 R, 13 2B, 30 RBI); Ariel Krueger, soph. SS (.467, 58 R, 18 2B, 36 RBI); Grace Usher, jr. P/OF (.409, 36 RBI, 17-3 pitching, 1.46 ERA, 155 K/124 1/3 IP); Grace Walker, jr. 3B (.548, 43 R, 10 2B, 36 RBI).
Outlook: After winning a District title last season – Kroll’s first leading the program – Woodhaven has taken an even more sizable step in advancing to its first Semifinal. Along the way, the Warriors defeated honorable mention Temperance Bedford and No. 9 Saline – and a regular-season split with No. 3 Allen Park was a good indicator this was possible. Seven regulars are hitting at least .400, with freshman Mia Taylor (.436, 41 R), senior Lindsay Marlewitz (.428, 34 RBI) and junior Brooke Taylor (.406, 34 R) also among top contributors. Sophomore Danielle Couture has split pitching with Usher and entered the week 14-1 with a 1.40 ERA.
GRAND BLANC
Record/rank: 35-4-1, No. 6
Coach: Jami Neubecker, seventh season (152-61-3)
League finish: First in Saginaw Valley League
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Sydney Long, sr. P (20-1 pitching, 0.85 ERA, 272 K/131 2/3 IP, .474, 13 2B, 40 RBI); Carson Kuhlmann, sr. C (.466, 50 R, 12 2B, 36 RBI, 14 SB); Katelyn DeWitt, jr. 3B (.603, 60 R, 18 2B, 15 HR, 77 RBI); Kayla Blumenschein, fr. 2B (.420, 11 2B, 32 RBI).
Outlook: Grand Blanc has won four straight league and two consecutive District titles, with the Regional championship the program’s first since 2006. The Bobcats defeated honorable mention DeWitt and No. 7 Jenison on their way to MSU. Long made the all-state first team last season, and Kuhlmann earned honorable mention. They have plenty of help; notably, Katelyn DeWitt is set to reach the MHSAA record book for single-season doubles, homers and RBI, and juniors Audrey Kranz (.389, 36 R, 29 RBI) and Jaclyn Garvey (.378, 50 R, 17 SB) also bolster the top six in the lineup.
HARTLAND
Record/rank: 33-4-1, No. 5
Coach: Taylor Wagner, fifth season (115-24-2)
League finish: First in Kensington Lakes Activities Association West and overall
Championship history: Class A champion 1996, Division 1 runner-up 2018.
Players to watch: Kate McIntyre, jr. 1B (.457, 37 R, 11 2B, 40 RBI); Sadie Malik, soph. C (.350); Kylie Swierkos, sr. P (.359, 13 2B, 20-1 pitching, 0.81 ERA, 241 K/155 2/3 IP); Abby Gardner, sr. OF (.342, 30 R, 11 2B).
Outlook: Hartland has won two District, three league and two Regional titles in four seasons under Wagner, not counting canceled 2020, and advanced this time thanks in part to a Regional Final win over No. 4 Farmington Hills Mercy. The losses were pretty impressive too, including one each to top-ranked Dakota and Division 2 top-ranked Gaylord. All four of the team's seniors start, including also Faith DeLanoy at third base and Riley Phillips at second.
LAKE ORION
Record/rank: 33-6, honorable mention
Coach: Joe Woityra, 14th season (371-115-2)
League finish: Second in Oakland Activities Association Red
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final
Players to watch: Rylee Limberger, soph. P (.333, 20-4 pitching, 1.07 ERA, 156 K/131 1/3 IP); Sydney Bell, jr. 2B (.488, 49 R, 10 2B, 31 SB); Jada Lopez, soph. P (.465, 30 RBI, 9-2 pitching, 2.30 ERA); Anna Gardner, jr. 3B (.491, 41 R, 16 2B, 45 RBI).
Outlook: Lake Orion had previously won two Regional titles, but has followed its third with its first trip to the Semifinals. The Dragons scored double-digit runs their first three playoff games and then upset top-ranked Macomb Dakota 2-1 in the Regional Final before posting their third shutout of the tournament against Utica Ford. Senior Avery Case (.371) earned an all-state honorable mention last season, and the future is bright as there is only one senior starter anticipated this weekend. Sophomore Addy Dukus (.454, 11 2B) and juniors Ellie Britt (.448, 11 2B, 34 RBI), Maddie Eckert (.431, 42 R) and Alexis Hazen (.420) all are key contributors as well to a .418 team batting average.
Division 2
DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD
Record/rank: 28-7, unranked
Coach: Regina Dunn, eighth season (128-84)
League finish: Second in Detroit Catholic League Central
Championship history: Class B champion 1975, Division 2 runner-up 1998.
Players to watch: Savina Olada, sr. 3B/OF; Avery Schellenberger, sr. SS; Alexis Hansen, soph. OF; Jessica Nelson, soph. P/3B/1B. (Statistics not submitted.)
Outlook: Divine Child was last at the Semifinals in 2018, and this time advanced with four double-digit shutout wins and then an 11-3 victory over honorable mention Trenton in the Quarterfinal. The Falcons finished second in the Catholic League Central only to Division 1 No. 4 Farmington Hills Mercy, which it challenged well in three losses. Three more defeats came to Division 2 top-ranked Gaylord and two ranked Division 1 teams. Sophomore Katherine Modrzewjewski and senior Isabella DePaulis also are top contributors.
GAYLORD
Record/rank: 37-2, No. 1
Coach: Tony Vaden, first season (37-2)
League finish: First in Big North Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Alexis Kozlowski, sr. 3B/1B (.587, 60 R, 23 2B, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 23 SB); Aubrey Jones, soph. P/SS (.482, 54 R, 15 2B, 17 HR, 60 RBI, 10-1 pitching, 1.07 ERA, 83 K/58 2/3 IP); Jayden Jones, jr. P/SS (.429, 37 R, 34 RBI, 9-1 pitching, 0.29 ERA); Taylor Moeggenberg, jr. C (.517, 12 2B, 9 HR, 44 RBI).
Outlook: The majority of this team also brought Gaylord to the Semifinals in 2021 as freshmen and sophomores, and the Blue Devils have played many of the state’s best on the way back with losses only to Division 1 top-ranked Macomb Dakota and No. 5 Hartland. Of the team’s 37 wins, 24 have been shutouts; junior Avery Parker (11-0, 1.70 ERA) and senior Abby Radulski (6-0, 0.00) join the Jones sisters on a dominating staff. Kozlowski has signed with Ferris State, Jayden Jones has committed to Virginia Tech and Aubrey Jones has multiple major Division I offers already, and a number of teammates also are committed to college programs. Juniors Braleigh Miller (.445, 47 R, 24 SB), Parker (.439, 45 R, 14 2B, 30 RBI), Hali Lenartowicz (.426, 33 R) and Alexis Shepherd (.417, 55 R, 18 2B, 34 RBI – committed to Toledo) help fill out a lineup that’s been almost unstoppable. Kozlowski and Jayden Jones made the all-state first team last season, and Moeggenberg earned an honorable mention.
RICHMOND
Record/rank: 29-9, honorable mention
Coach: Howard Stuart, 45th season (1,128-329)
League finish: Third in Blue Water Area Conference
Championship history: Two MHSAA titles (most recent 2021), four runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Liz Shuboy, jr. IF (.370, 39 RBI), Piper Clark, sr. IF/P (.600, 61 R, 15 2B, 53 RBI, 20 SB), Katie Shuboy, soph. P/IF (16-4 pitching, 1.60 ERA, 179 K/114 IP); Ashley Stafford, soph. C/IF (.480, 30 R, 45 RBI)
Outlook: Richmond has won three straight Regional titles and has returned to the Semifinals this time in Division 2 after missing in Division 3 a year ago. The Blue Devils advanced with a Quarterfinal win over No. 9 Frankenmuth after previous tournament victories over honorable mentions St. Clair and Detroit Country Day, and after they finished third in the powerful BWAC to Divison 3 No. 2 Algonac and No. 3 Almont. Clark, the lone senior, and Katie Shuboy made the all-state first team in Division 3 last season. Freshman Emma Bambrick (.356, 12 2B) is another promising hitter.
VICKSBURG
Record/rank: 40-3-1, No. 6
Coach: Paul Gephart, 10th season (296-94)
League finish: First in Wolverine Conference
Championship history: Division 2 runner-up 2016.
Players to watch: Brooklyn Ringler, jr. OF (.484, 75 R, 13 2B, 59 RBI); Peyton Smith, jr. 2B (.500, 58 R, 19 2B, 58 RBI); Maddison Diekman, jr. SS (.535, 81 R, 10 2B, 38 RBI, 28 SB); Delaney Monroe, jr. 3B (.474, 66 R, 12 2B, 16 HR, 76 RBI).
Outlook: The 2016 run started a collection of titles that have included three league, five District and now a second Regional championship over the last seven seasons. Pitcher Kennedy Davis is the only senior slated to start the Semifinal, and she entered the week 17-0 with a 2.58 ERA while splitting pitching duties with junior Audrie Dugan (18-2, 2.89). Ringler earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is joined in the lineup by additional .400 hitters sophomore Ella Luegge (.427, 61 R, 37 RBI, 27 SB) and freshman Kayla Chisholm (.420, 43 R, 43 RBI).
Division 3
LAINGSBURG
Record/rank: 36-6, No. 7
Coach: Jeff Cheadle, 18th season (406-217)
League finish: First in Central Michigan Athletic Conference
Championship history: Class D champion 1978.
Players to watch: Ashley Bila, jr. SS (.518, 74 R, 10 2B, 25 RBI, 42 SB); Haley Konieczny, sr. OF (.400, 49 R, 38 RBI); Addyson Buchin, soph. P (.390, 14 2B, 46 RBI, 34-5 pitching, 1.36 ERA, 248 K/206 1/3 IP); Savanna Stirm, fr. 1B (.434, 36 R, 42 RBI).
Outlook: Laingsburg’s Regional title was its first since 1978, and the Wolfpack had been on the verge entering this spring with seven District titles over the last 10 seasons before winning a third-straight earlier this month. Cheadle is approaching 900 wins total after previously coaching nearly two decades at Lansing Everett, and he has only two seniors on the roster but six freshmen including four who start. Bella Latuszek is among them, hitting .393, with 43 runs, 11 doubles and 53 RBI, and freshman Harper Strouse (.346, 37 R, 35 RBI) and junior Ella Merrell (.337, 40 R) provide pop at the bottom of the order.
OTTAWA LAKE WHITEFORD
Record/rank: 36-4, honorable mention
Coach: Matt VanBrandt, fourth season (106-14)
League finish: First in Tri-County Conference
Championship history: Three MHSAA titles (most recent 1987), four runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Shaylin Alexander, jr. IF/C (.462, 49 R, 17 SB); Unity Nelson, jr. P/2B (.337, 32 RBI, 21-0 pitching, 0.43 ERA, 277 K/131 2/3 IP); Alyssa VanBrandt, sr. SS (.629, 60 R, 10 3B, 35 SB); Patrina Marsh, sr. OF (.394, 43 R, 10 2B, 31 RBI).
Outlook: Last season's Division 4 runner-up is back but in Division 3, returning all-state first teamers Nelson and Alyssa VanBrandt among six starters from last season's championship game hitting lineup. Juniors Kaydence Sheldon (.392, 38 RBI) and Karlei Conard (.337, 10 2B, 33 RBI) are two more, along with Alexander and Marsh, and Conard also entered the week 14-4 with a 2.44 ERA and 104 strikeouts over 77 1/3 innings pitched. Whiteford advanced this time with a Quarterfinal win over No. 2 Algonac and also defeated honorable mention Clinton and No. 8 Grass Lake on the way to East Lansing.
RAVENNA
Record/rank: 36-5, honorable mention
Coach: Dave Sherman, seventh season
League finish: First in West Michigan Conference Rivers
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Emma Gillard, sr. P/SS (.619, 83 R, 12 2B, 10 3B, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 51 SB, 15-2 pitching, 1.41 ERA, 99 K/84 1/3 IP); Addison Gillard, soph. P/1B (.491, 46 R, 15 2B, 48 RBI, 23 SB, 14-3 pitching, 1.25 ERA, 110 K/83 2/3 IP); Emma Herremans, soph 3B (.657, 63 R, 21 2B, 8 3B, 70 RBI, 28 SB); Kara Postema, sr. C/CF (.491, 64 R, 10 2B, 54 RBI, 31 SB).
Outlook: Ravenna is returning to the Semifinals for the first time since 2005 driven by a lineup that’s put up incredible numbers this spring – the Bulldogs’ 485 runs rank fourth all-time, their 102 doubles entering the week were tied for seventh, their 393 RBI ranked third and their 244 stolen bases were fourth in MHSAA history. Ravenna put up a combined 20 runs over its last two wins against No. 4 Buchanan and No. 6 Grandville Calvin Christian. Freshmen Emily Postema (.434, 58 R, 33 SB) and Riley Homoly (.352, 40 R, 43 RBI, 21 SB) and junior Kendra Denhof (.413, 39 R, 38 RBI) also are major contributors. Herremans made the all-state first team last season.
STANDISH-STERLNG
Record/rank: 36-7, No. 10
Coach: Rich Sullivan, ninth season (188-129-1)
League finish: First in Tri-Valley Conference Blue
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Lexi Mielke, sr. IF (.562, 70 R, 31 2B, 58 RBI, 24 SB); Keeley Peace, fr. IF (.434, 64 R, 12 2B, 49 SB); Macey Fegan, sr. OF (.454, 44 R, 19 2B, 60 RBI); Devri Jennings, sr. P (25-2 pitching, 1.49 ERA, 236 K/173 1/3 IP, 36 RBI)
Outlook: After reaching the Semifinals in 2019 for the first time, Standish-Sterling is making its third appearance in four seasons (not counting canceled 2020). The Panthers have navigated one of the toughest paths to MSU with playoff wins over top-ranked Evart, No. 5 Gladstone and honorable mentions Clare and Kingsley along the way. Fegan made the all-state first team last season, and Mielke earned honorable mention and entered the week ranked second on the record book single-season doubles list. They and Jennings are the only seniors; freshman Jaylynn Yenna (.365, 17 2B, 38 RBI) and sophomore Sami Kopasz (.394) are among other top contributors.
Division 4
JOHANNESBURG-LEWISTON
Record/rank: 30-3-1, honorable mention
Coach: Kim Marlatt, eighth season (130-51-1)
League finish: First in Ski Valley Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Gloria House, sr. CF (.426, 48 R, 22 SB); Jocelyn Tobias, sr. 3B (.469, 39 R, 32 RBI, 27 SB); Jayden Marlatt, jr. P (.663, 74 R, 18 2B, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 22 SB, 18-1 pitching, 1.40 ERA, 220 K/110 IP); Reagan Sides, jr. C (.516, 50 R, 21 2B, 47 RBI, 18 SB).
Outlook: Johannesburg-Lewiston will play its first Semifinal since 1981, continuing a run that’s included wins over honorable mention Indian River Inland Lakes and No. 5 Hillman. The Cardinals also are coming off a third-straight league title. Jayden Marlatt made the all-state first team last season and is one of four junior starters bolstering two seniors who also provide experience at the top of the lineup. Junior Cassie Tallman (.415, 36 R, 40 RBI, 25 SB) is another challenge for opponents at the plate and on the base paths, and sophomore Chloe Ferguson has thrown valuable innings in the circle as well with an 11-1 record and 2.16 ERA heading into this week.
MENDON
Record/rank: 34-5, No. 2
Co-coaches: Steve Butler & Mike Smith, sixth seasons (133-39)
League finish: First in Southwest 10 Conference
Championship history: Class D runner-up 1992.
Players to watch: Lauren Schabes, sr. P/LF (.487, 58 R, 40 RBI, 27 SB, 15-1 pitching, 1.12 ERA, 177 K/99 2/3 IP); Mattea Bingaman, fr. CF (.433, 29 R, 35 RBI, 14 SB); Jadyn Samson, fr. SS (.434, 58 R, 31 RBI, 46 SB); Kaidee Gonser, soph. C (.406, 34 R, 12 2B, 52 RBI).
Outlook: This is another underclassmen-dominated team having championship-caliber success, as Mendon has just two seniors and no juniors but 11 sophomores and freshmen. Schabes earned an all-state honorable mention last season as the team won its second of now three-straight District titles. This playoff run has included wins over No. 7 Three Oaks River Valley and honorable mention Fowler, and the Hornets made a statement early with wins over No. 4 Holton, No. 5 Hillman and honorable mention Inland Lakes at Holton’s Tournament on April 15. Rowan Allen (.419, 49 R, 24 SB) is another talented hitter and entered the week 12-3 with a 1.64 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 85 innings in the circle.
MOUNT PLEASANT SACRED HEART
Record/rank: 33-9, honorable mention
Coach: Josh Wheaton, sixth season (115-61)
League finish: First in Mid-State Activities Conference
Championship history: Has never played in an MHSAA Final.
Players to watch: Ellery Garver, soph. SS (.620, 49 R, 15 2B, 62 RBI); Kallie Smith, soph. 1B (.462, 47 R, 13 2B, 40 RBI); Savannah Jones, fr. P/3B (.352, 37 RBI, 15-4 pitching, 2.65 ERA, 106 K/103 IP); Mairin Wheaton, fr. P/3B (.498, 43 R, 12 3B, 32 RBI, 16-4 pitching, 3.26 ERA, 185 K/126 1/3 IP).
Outlook: Sacred Heart is making a second-straight Semifinal appearance but also enjoying an underclassmen-driven surge with only two seniors and two juniors, and a pair of freshman pitchers helping to set the pace. Making that even more impressive is the Irish haven’t given up a run over five postseason games, including Tuesday’s Quarterfinal win over Lake Leelanau St. Mary. Garver earned an all-state honorable mention last season and is the leading hitter for a lineup with four regulars over .400 – Eliza Pieratt joins Garver, Wheaton and Smith at .405 with 10 doubles and 29 RBI heading into this week.
UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING
Record/rank: 31-10, No. 1
Coach: Marc Reinhardt, first season (31-10)
League finish: First in Greater Thumb Conference West
Championship history: Eight MHSAA titles (most recent 2022), three runner-up finishes.
Players to watch: Gabriella Crumm, jr. C (.420, 45 R, 10 2B, 30 RBI); Olivia Jubar, sr. 1B (.486, 55 R, 10 2B, 40 RBI); Rylie Betson, jr. P/3B (.427, 50 R, 13 2B, 34 RBI); Jenna Gremel, jr. LF (.396, 43 R, 32 RBI).
Outlook: With a fourth-straight championship, USA would tie the Harper Woods Regina teams of 2004-07 for second on the consecutive titles list. Seven starters are back from last season’s championship game, with Jubar and Crumm all-state first teamers last year and Gremel earning an honorable mention. USA has mostly cruised through the postseason with four wins by a combined score of 34-6, but saw its share of strong competition this spring with seven losses to teams showing in the final Division 1, 2 or 3 rankings. Sophomore Natalie DeGroat (.411, 32 R, 34 RBI), senior Hanna Wood (.400, 32 R, 32 RBI) and junior Ella Neumann (.380, 47 R, 10 2B) are among others putting up big numbers.
PHOTO Vicksburg’s Peyton Smith connects with a pitch during her team’s 6-3 District Semifinal win over Otsego. (Photo by Gary Shook.)