Prep Baseball Previews: Baseball at its best in Region this season
New Boston Huron's baseball team nearly went the distance last year with a deep and talented roster.
State ranked for nearly the entire season, Huron proved it was worthy of the praise after winning 26 games, capturing the Huron League championship, and advancing to the state's Final Four.
The season ended in the state semifinals against an Orchard Lake St. Mary's team that many considered the best in the state among all divisions.
Those are the same laurels be levied at Huron this season.
Huron is the top-ranked team in Division 2 to start the season and a team that many believe is the best among the MHSAA's 629 teams. Orchard Lake St. Mary's has moved up to Division 1.
Despite losing 10 seniors, Huron seems poised to make another deep run and could be the team to win the race to the state championship this June.
Another race is on in the Monroe County Region.
Bedford's Brandon Nigh was the unanimous choice as the Region's Player of the Year last spring. Following his graduation, that competition is wide open. The top candidates are boys who made the All-Region team last season. Here is a list of those players in alphabetic order with some of their statistics from last year:
Levi Hillard, Whiteford pitcher-outfielder: Went 6-5 with a 1.97 ERA and 83 strikeouts. Also hit 400 with 22 runs.
Evan Morelock, Milan utility: Played a least one full game at every position while hitting .385 with 37 runs, 26 RBI and 32 stolen bases and was 5-0 as a pitcher.
Ethan Brickner, Bedford pitcher-first baseman: Batted .325 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 29 RBI and 33 runs. He was 6-0 on the mound with a 1.44 ERA.
Jason Himebauch, Airport pitcher-third baseman: Had a 3-3 record with a 0.78 ERA while hitting .350 with 14 RBI.
Jett Isaacs, Milan outfielder-pitcher: Tied the school record with 39 stolen bases while hitting .350 with 40 runs.
Ashton Elmer, Monroe centerfielder: As the Trojans' lead-off hitter, he batted .391 with 20 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.
Tyler Kirk, Bedford pitcher: Bedford's No. 1 pitcher compiled an 8-0 record and racked up 60 strikeouts and a 1.85 ERA.
Logan Tammerine, Whiteford infielder: The Bobcats expected him to be good as a freshman but didn't expect a .390 average with 5 homers and 33 RBI.
Cole Giesige, Whiteford pitcher: Was the winning pitcher in the Regional championship game and finished 7-1 with 96 strikeouts and a 2.12 ERA.
Noah Miller, Monroe catcher-pitcher: Hit .341 with 21 RBI and 20 runs and compiled a 2.07 ERA.
Matt Williams, New Boston Huron outfielder: Batted .370 with 43 runs with 35 stolen bases.
Previews of all the Region baseball teams follow.
AIRPORT
Coach: John VanWasshenova, eighth year.
Returning starters: Seniors Adam Goins (if), Jason Himebauch (p), Cole Lambdin (p), Brayden Moore (if); junior Shade Daniels (if).
Other players: Senior Dominic Jones (p); juniors Nathan Depew (if), Corey Ferris (if), Jordan Footlander (p), Kyle Harvell (of), Tyler Lakatos (of), Drew VanWasshenova (if); sophomores Jack Mills (of), Nolan Zajac (c), Collin Nowak (p).
Season outlook: Himebauch is a returning All-Region pitcher, but the Jets will be looking for more depth behind him. Airport has a large core of young players who will get plenty of experience this spring.
Coach’s comments: "Our goals are always high and we will work hard to continue to keep the tradition growing. ... I like the group of players we have this year. We are young but have some seniors that will need to perform well in order for us to have a successful season."
BEDFORD
Coach: Craig Trychel, 26th year.
Returning starters: Seniors Ethan Brickner (1b-p), Brendan Hammer (2b-p), Brady Pridgeon (3b-p), Chace Cinglie (ss), Noah Weiher (c), Connor Laskey (of-if), Adan Reed (of-p), Tyler Kirk (p).
Other players: Seniors Blaise Volpi (p), Zach McGraw (of); juniors Jack Nigh (if-p), Connor Gambino (c), Tommy Huss (if-of), Braden Vineyard (3b-p); sophomore Nolan Laskey (1b-p).
Season outlook: Bedford won 28 games last year but was upset by rival Monroe in the District semifinals. Six seniors graduated but a large portion of the team is back with a chip on their shoulders. The Mules should again be in the mix for the SEC title and a long playoff run.
Coach’s comments: "Very good group of players who have a lot of potential and really enjoy playing together. We need to stay healthy and play with confidence. We are really looking forward to the fight."
DUNDEE
Coach: Paul Walters, 12th year.
Returning starters: Juniors Evan Imo (c), Drew Bolster (ss-p), Matt Atkinson (1b-p), Trevor Schroeder (of); sophomore Cooper Buhl (3b-p).
Other players: Juniors Jackson Fox (c-of), Bradley Kanitz (of-p), Joey Maseman (1b); sophomores Ethan Layton (if-p), Chris LaFountain (of-p); freshmen Ryan Zanger (if-p), Joey Brink (of-c), Quinton Lephew (if-p).
Season outlook: Dundee graduated six seniors, including key starters around the field. Young players will all be given the chance to fill those roles. Until then, the team will rely on a strong pitching staff anchored by Bolster and Atkinson, and a defense led by Imo and Schroeder.
Coach’s comments: “We are a young team but I am excited about the kids and the opportunities for many younger guys to step up. ... The kids are very versatile and we will try to use our speed as much as we can on both sides of the ball.”
ERIE MASON
Coach: Gabe Medina, fifth year.
Returning starters: Seniors Bryce Diehl (cf), Blake Shipe (c).
Other players: Seniors Austin Allenbaugh (p-1b), Collin Smith (of), Sam Cousino (of), Matt Cousino (p), Emory Priest (2b), Grand Shadler (of); juniors Ben Webb (ss), Thomas Hutson (1b); sophomores Vaughn Brown (3b), Xavier Wise (ss-2b), Cole Kreger (c-2b); freshmen Karter Stubleski (2b), Collin Brooks (p-1b), Carson ElleBrock (1b), Javier Lucio (of), William Mosley (of).
Season outlook: Mason is the defending Tri-County Conference champion but returns only two players who started regularly last season. Matt Cousino and Austin Allenbaugh should anchor the rotation and Medina expects Sam Cousino's move to the outfield will strengthen the team.
Coach’s comments: "I'm looking for our underclassmen to give the effort and trust the process. That will make this team successful. ... As defending TCC league champs, it's going to take a lot of hard work from our underclassmen to develop their skills in order for this team to repeat."
FLAT ROCK
Coach: Jim Lancaster, fourth year.
Returning starters: Senior Nick Kar (c-if); juniors Joey Godfrey (p-if-of), Corey Lannon (if-of-p); sophomore Brian Booms (of).
Other players: Seniors Luke Gilleran (p-if), Cam Schneider (util); juniors Grady Baker (p-if), Drew Given (c-if), Bryce Elliott (if), Ben Elliott (if), Andrew Bryant (p-if-of); sophomore Mike Beaudrie (p-if); freshmen Michael Giroux (p-if), Adam Szalay (of-p), Anthony Hernandez (if-of).
Season outlook: Lancaster expects the Rams could face a slow start as the team's large group of underclassmen build experience and comfort. How quickly the team finds its groove will depend on the leadership from the talented, returning class.
Coach’s comments: "... as the season wears on I think we will be a force to be reckoned with as we continue to develop as a team. Our returning core will be what sets the tone for the team. We will go as far as our leadership takes us."
GIBRALTAR CARLSON
Coach: Matt Kolak, first year.
Returning players: Seniors Liam Ferguson, Robert MacAleese, Blake Gant, Zach Buch, Dylan Javor, Ryan Hays; junior John Hojnowski; sophomore Brady Robertson.
Other players: Seniors Damen Boller, Jacob Lusk, Nate Severinski; juniors Antonio Jezierski, Thomas Hamilton, McCullen Greene, Nico Reach, Avery Hunter, Tyler Collier; sophomore Jackson Zachary.
Season outlook: Kolak starts his first year coach at Carlson after five years at Jefferson. The Marauders brings back lots of experience after graduating five seniors last spring.
Coach’s comments: "The boys have to get to know me and learn my language. Baseball is baseball. I'm not here to reinvent the wheel. Let's go out there and play fundamental ball."
IDA
Coach: Jimmy McMonagle, fifth year.
Returning starters: Senior Cam Riegel (of); juniors Jaeden Gianino (of-dh), Ty Robertson (if-p).
Other players: Juniors Carter Diedrich (1b), Bradley Samples (1b-p), Gavin Borton (of), Nico Costello (c); sophomores AJ Schrader (if-of), Brendan Hall (of), Jak Koscinski (of), Noah Adkins (if-p); freshmen Dean Thomas (util), Jaxon Millican (p).
Season outlook: Ida graduated a large senior class of nine, most of whom were starters. The Blue Streak underclassmen will get a baptism by fire to build toward the future. Robertson, a returning All-LCAA pitcher, will lead the staff.
Coach's comments: "We are just going to try to get better as the year progresses. We're just young. We're playing some freshmen and a lot of sophomores, so we're going to try to learn on the fly."
JEFFERSON
Coach: Tyler Bondy, first year.
Returning players: Seniors Alec Albian (of), Lukas Ledingham (if-p), Ryan Gennoe (if-p), Gavin Gelso (ss-p), Drew Huffman (of-p).
Other players: Juniors Gavin Congioloso (if-p), Cody Byrd (if-p), Shane Johnson (util-p), Landen Moore (c), Jase Johns (util); sophomores Eli Foster (c), Matthew Thomas (of); freshman Jaxin Betts (util).
Season outlook: Bondy was part of Jefferson's state championship team in 2002 along with his assistant coaches Matt Ely and John Hedglen. He takes over a Bears team with strong returning starters but also many new faces.
Coach’s comments: "Key to our success with lower numbers is to stay healthy and get strong performances from our starting pitchers. We need to continue to improve all facets of the game each time we take the field."
MILAN
Coach: Adam Gilles, 21st year.
Returning starters: Seniors Ryder Knox (if), Jett Isaacs (of-if-p), Evan Morelock (of-if-p); juniors Connor Dessellier (of-1b-p), Cody Wikaryasz (c-p); sophomore Jaxon Morawski (if-p).
Other players: Senior Ethan Gerhardt (of); juniors Luke Gebhardt (if-of-p), Elijah Beck (of), Matt Bowman (c-1b), Tyler Hatfield (of-if-p), Mark Reddock (if-p), Gavin Kruise (if-of-p), Holden Gates (p-1b).
Season outlook: Milan went 24-6 last season and finished second in the Huron League behind New Boston Huron. Huron should be one of the top teams in the state again this year, but the Big Reds aim to be competitive with several key returning players.
Coach’s comments: "Right now we are battling some injuries but we can hang with anyone. ... Going to be a really fun year. Great group of boys and they love baseball."
MONROE
Coach: Bubba Bezeau, second year (14th overall).
Returning starters: Seniors Ashton Elmer (cf), Garrett Labeau (2b-c), Tristin Panza (of-p), Braden Setzler (ss-of), Caleb Winkelman (1b-p); juniors Noah Miller (c-p), Kellen Roberts (p-util), Ryan Sieler (3b-p), Owen Yount (ss-p).
Other players: Seniors Zach Lambert (of), Blake Lambert (2b); juniors Drake Leach (2b), Drew Leach (p-of), Braden Pearce (3b-p), Drew Scznsny (1b); sophomore Breylon Richard (p-1b).
Season outlook: Bezeau took over as head coach late last season and Monroe improved under his watch, including a win over a strong Bedford team in the District. With a large and experienced returning group and a full season under Bezeau, the Trojans have plenty of optimism.
Coach's comment: "We just have to get the to gel. For us to be successful, we have to have good leadership and play as a team, not individuals. If we don't do what's asked, we won't be anybody."
NEW BOSTON HURON
Coach: Phil Yancey, seventh year.
Returning starters: Seniors Cole Grunwald (ss), Jayden Morse (2b), Matthew Williams (cf), Shane Mitchell (of), Bryce Smith (if); juniors Rory Callahan (dh/of), Lucas Coll (p), Gavin Moczydlowski (p); sophomore Micah Smith (3b).
Other players: Senior Isaac Smith (of); juniors Xavier Elliott (p), Wyatt Marentette (c/1b), Ashton Warren (of); sophomores Conner Grant (c); Jacob Handyside (c/1b).
Season outlook: Yancey is bullish about the chance to repeat last year's success with a number of returning starters and high-ceiling athletes.
Coach’s comments: "Our pitching staff must stay healthy, that is key to our success this year. Hitting has to be constant. Should be a good season with most of our starters returning."
SMCC
Coach: Zach Parran, second year.
Returning starters: Senior Ethan Barno (c), Brent Spaulding (p), Josh Theisen (1b), Andrew Pope (cf), Caleb Shrewsbury (2b); junior Tommy Rogoff (of-p); sophomores Nolan Moore (3b-p), Jaden Paquette (ss-p), Drew Bylow (of-p).
Other players: Juniors Aiden Burrous (of), Calvin Bradley (of-p), Nick Gaynier (of), Robert Colyer (if), Braden Puckett (if), Michael Domka (util).
Season outlook: Two years ago, SMCC had a very senior-heavy team that lost its season to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Falcons have been building from the ground up since but have showed quick progress. The pitching depth behind ace Spaulding is a concern, but Parran said there are promising arms on the roster.
Coach's comments: "We are good enough to beat any team, but since we're still so young, we have to bring it every day or else we could lose every game. We're very scrappy and we're in every game."
SUMMERFIELD
Coach: Reid Olmstead, first year.
Returning starters: Junior Bryce Kalb (c-if-p); sophomores Tyrus LaRocca (2b-ss), Jacob Wadsworth (p-cf), Logan Keane (2b-ss-p), Keegan Sieler (if-of-p).
Other players: Juniors James Gobbel (lf-2b), Joshua Whaley (if), Conner Whitt (if-of), Matthew Pitney (of); sophomores Zack Stambaugh (of), Aiden Lewis (of); freshmen Tyler Dafoe (if-p), Brenden Myshock (1b), Derek Hamilton (if), Hayden Noland (cf-p).
Season outlook: Summerfield returns five starters but also has a huge influx of underclassmen who will need to find their place. There are no seniors on the roster. First-year coach Reid Olmstead is a 2015 Summerfield graduate and was an assistant last year.
Coach’s comments: "We have a lot of new young players who will play a significant role for us this spring. ... I'm expecting some of the younger guys to step up and have big seasons for us."
WHITEFORD
Coach: Terry Pant, 11th year.
Returning players: Seniors Cole Crouch (1b-p), Cole Giesige (of-p), Levi Hillard (of-p), Isaiah Joerin (2b), Carter Ruehle (of-c), Cooper Ruehle (2b-of); juniors Luke Rasor (c), Shea Ruddy (util); sophomores Ryin Ruddy (of), Logan Tammerine (ss).
Other players: Junior Jake Giesige (1b-c); freshman Nate Stevens (3b).
Season outlook: Whiteford advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and returns an experienced group ready to build off of that success.
Coach’s comments: "Looking forward to seeing how these guys progress throughout the season. We have a strong and deep pitching staff and a good defense around them. If our offense can keep getting better I think we can have a very successful season."
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Prep Baseball Previews: Baseball at its best in Region this season
