2011 PREP BASEBALL TEAM CAPSULES

2011 PREP BASEBALL TEAM CAPSULES

Below are the baseball team capsules for high schools in the www.northoaklandsports.com coverage area. If you wish to have your school’s information posted here, please submit all pertinent information to results@northoaklandsports.com or contact senior editor Dan Stickradt at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Avondale

HEAD COACH: Tommy Kurcewski, 10^th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 18-14, 7-7 OAA Red Division (fifth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 regional semifinals to Clarkston (9-8).

KEY RETURNEES: Brian Portelli, sr. OF-P (second-team all-state; first-team all-county; fourth-year starter hit school record .562 last season with 44 runs and 41 RBI). Tyler Drabek, sr. P-INF (fourth-year starter); Matt Andrus, jr. INF-P (all-league and all-district); Mitch Robinson, jr. C (all-district; third-year starter hit .336 with 35 runs last season); A.J. Susick, jr. P-1B (top pitcher with 5-5 record last year);Dylan Ahern, jr. INF-P; Joe Davison, jr. OF (injured for a lot of last season); Sam Trella, sr. OF

OTHER RETURNEES: Nolan Presley, sr. OF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Spencer Smith, soph. C-3B.

KEY LOSSES: Joel Peters, RP.

NOTABLES: Avondale has won four districts in a row since moving up to Division 1 for the postseason and came only a couple of runs away from reaching the Sweet 16 last season; this team has a deep lineup and some quality hurlers on the mound and is capable of being not only one of the top teams in the talent-laden OAA-Red, but a another local squad that can make a long push through the state tournament.

SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Oakland Christian

HEAD COACH: Brad Pyke, first season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 2-22, 0-14 MIAC Blue Division

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 4 district semifinals to Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest.

KEY RETURNEES: Luke Combs, jr. P-INF (all-league); Ben Lashar, sr. P-INF; Chris Gouls, jr. 2B-C; Timothy Pontzer, sr. OF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jake Vandervent, jr. OF.

KEY LOSSES: None.

NOTABLES: The Lancers have been down the past two years and recorded just two wins last spring; with a new coaching staff and improved numbers with 18 players, this squad hopes to just show significant improvement over the next couple of months and build for the future; there are several sophomores and freshmen on the roster, plus six seniors to give leadership as Oakland tries to right the ship in a tough Division 4 conference; watch for several underclassmen to log a lot of innings this season.

SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Christian Academy

HEAD COACH:

LAST SEASON’S RECORD:

STATE TOURNAMENT:

KEY RETURNEES:

KET NEWCOMERS:

KEY LOSSES:

NOTABLES:

SCHOOL: Clarkston

HEAD COACH: Phil Price, 13^th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-9, 9-5 OAA Red Division (second).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 regional finals to Rochester Adams; district champions.

KEY RETURNEES: Chase Toth, sr. OF (Michigan State); Matt Rodgers, sr. P (second-team all-state); Vince Siwicki, sr. P; Jake Sims, sr. INF; Jassiel Gonzales, sr. INF; Andrew Fairse, sr. P; Justin Baetz, sr. OF; Dylan Peck, jr. C.

KEY LOSSES: Tyler Scarlett, OF; Chris Mocerino, SS.

NOTABLES: Clarkston put it all together late last season and made a run to the Sweet 16 in Division 1, the fourth time in 10 seasons the Wolves have reached that point; like many in its league, Clarkston has the overall talent, depth and pitching to win a league title and more this season; Rodgers is one of the area’s best pitching prospects and Toth is a Division I caliber outfielder, but the Wolves have far more than just two stars; there are plenty of quality players on a deep roster of 21 players, 13 which played varsity innings last season.

SCHOOL: Clarkston Springfield Christian

HEAD COACH:

LAST SEASON’S RECORD:

STATE TOURNAMENT:

KEY REURNEES:

KET NEWCOMERS:

KEY LOSSES:

NOTABLES:

SCHOOL: Lake Orion

HEAD COACH: Andy Schramek, 13^th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 19-12, 8-5 OAA Red Division (third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 district opener to Oxford (5-4).

KEY RETURNEES: Zack Zott, sr. P-OF; Bret Wyss, sr. SS; Cole Schaenzer, sr. OF-P; Dalton Oveson, jr. P-OF.

OTHER RETURNEES: Cody Campbell, soph. OF-P; Connor Hopkins, sr. INF; Austin Voydanoff, sr.INF; Jacob Gardner, jr. P-INF; Roman Kuster, soph. C-P.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Adam Yee, jr. OF; Shane Stockwell, jr. INF; Justin Denemy, jr. C; Nick Deeg, soph. INF-P; Nick Vogelmier, soph. INF-P; Derek DeLaura, jr. INF-P.

KEY LOSSES: Vinnie Booker, Phil Serzo, Nick Truscott, Aidan Murdock, John Williamson, Mike Nelson, Chris Poirier.

NOTABLES: Injuries, inconsistency and chemistry issues hurt the Dragons last season after the team opened as the top-ranked squad in Oakland County; with one of the state’s best coaching staffs and talent and depth at every position, the Dragons are primed to contend in the rugged OAA Red Division and to make a run in the postseason; the OAA-Red is loaded with talent this season, with Auburn Hills Avondale, Rochester, Clarkston and Troy Athens all fielding teams that could win the conference, while Rochester Adams and newcomer Oxford still have some talented players; could Lake Orion emerge from the heap and make its first trip to Battle Creek since winning the D-1 state title in 2007? If the Dragons can put it together, there’s no reason to think this team isn’t capable of playing on the final weekend of the season.

SCHOOL: Lake Orion Baptist

HEAD COACH: Bill Welby, ninth season (115-50).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-6, 5-1 FBAC (tied-first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in MACS state semifinals to Temperance Stateline Christian (13-0).

KEY RETURNEES: Conner Welby, sr. C-P-INF (.435, 27 RBI, League MVP last season; two-time all-league); James Noruk, jr. SS-P (3.96 BA, all-league); Elijah Cone, jr. OF (all-league); Jason Noruk, fr. P-1B (.403 BA, 27  RBI; No. 1 pitcher); Mark Dewar, fr. C-1B-P.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nathan Shefcyk, sr. OF; Jacob Noruk, fr. 3B; Micah Bryson, fr. 2B; Andrew Schwartz, fr. OF.

KEY LOSSES: Chris Hojnacki, P-INF; Matt Cameron, P-INF; Brad Watterworth, P-OF (transferred to Lake Orion and not playing baseball); Ben Case, soph. INF (not playing); Evan Hojnacki, jr. INF (not playing).

NOTABLES: Without a state title, the Lions have reached the state semifinals of the MACS state tournament the past seven years, including five state runner-up showings from 2005-2009; this year Lake Orion Baptist faces a rebuilding campaign, as two players graduated, one transferred and two others elected not to return, leaving the team with only 11 players and several freshmen and eighth graders who will rotate between varsity and the junior high squad.

SCHOOL: Oxford

HEAD COACH: Mark Willis, third season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 21-12-1, 10-6 FML (third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 regional semifinals to Rochester Adams; district champions.

KEY RETURNEES: Keith Paslean, sr. P-1b (3.91 BA, .505 OBP, .990 Field Pct.; 1.64 ERA); Kyle Hartwick, jr. C (.960 fielding pct behind plate); John Pesta, sr. INF (.375 BA); Matt Economou, jr. OF (.507 slugging pct.)

OTHER RETURNEES: Clayton Spiker, sr. P-SS; Nick Balch, sr. P-OF; Mike Zitny, Jr. P-INF; Michael Kitchner, jr. P-OF (currently injured).

KEY NEWCOMERS: Colin McGeen, soph. CF; Ryan Kitching, soph. 2B; Shawn Donaldson, soph. SS-3B; Vincent Griffith, soph. INF-OF; Nate Brubaker, soph. U; Mark Hazelwood, jr. P.

KEY LOSSES: Graduated eight players.

NOTABLES: The Wildcats left the Flint Metro League after 27 seasons and enter the OAA Red Division, one of the state’s top baseball conferences which has more depth than last season; Oxford was 5-1 against teams from that league last year, including upsetting Lake Orion in the district opener; team saw a 15-win improvement in 2010 after winning only six games In 2009, but must replace eight players and several regulars from last year’s lineup; if the sophomore class can plug in some holes and this team matures, then there’s no telling how the Wildcats will fare in their new digs.

SCHOOL: Rochester

HEAD COACH: Eric Magiera, second season (17-18).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 17-18, 3-11 OAA Red (eighth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 regional semifinals to Rochester Adams; district champions.

KEY RETURNEES: Nick Bradley, sr. P-INF (Foruth-year starter; signed wth Western Michigan); Mike Kmiec, sr. OF; Billy Klotz, sr. OF; Trevor Elliott, sr. P-INF; Nick Reed, sr. C.

OTHER RETURNEES: Chris Saber, sr. P-INF (missed last season due to injury); Ryan Burke, sr. OF; Doug Boehm, sr. INF; Justin Bommarito, jr. C-INF; Evan Surinck, jr. INF-P; John Michelon, jr. P-INF; Mike Klotz, jr. INF-P.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Miles Dale, soph. OF-P.

KEY LOSSES: Mike Rau, INF-P (Rochester College); Jimmy Kingsley, P-INF.

NOTABLES: The Falcons were a mixed bag last season, starting quick, fading in the middle before a late-season push; Rochester won its first district title since 1998 last June and reached the regional semifinals; the Falcons do have several key players back and are one of many OAA-Red teams that are entertaining thoughts of challenging for a league title and a lengthy tournament run.

SCHOOL: Rochester Adams

HEAD COACH: Jeff Hall.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 27-10, 12-2 OAA Red Division (first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 state quarterfinals to Macomb L’Anse Creuse North (3-2); district and regional champions.

KEY RETURNEES: Matt Nestor, sr. P-INF (10-0, 2.10 ERA, 1.97 BA against, committed to western Michigan); Ian Mercer, sr. 2B-SS (league MVP in hockey; al-league in baseball); Matt Williams, sr. OF; Sean Beyer, jr. P-3B-OF (4-3 on mound); Alex Borglin, jr. OF-2B;

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tony Annese, jr. OF-P (transfer from Hartland; has not played since freshman year); Andrew McBride, soph. P-INF.

KEY LOSSES: Nick Druzinski, SS (Toledo, all-state); Ryan Strum, P (Adrian College); Kyle Casadei, 3B (Kalamazoo College); Mike Johnson OF; Frank Guidice, 1B; Pete Bahner, C.

NOTABLES: Jeff Hall replaces alum Chuck VanRobays this season after serving as an assist the past several years; while the Highlanders do have one of the area’s best pitchers in Matt Nestor, they must replace eight key players, four that are now playing in college; the pressure falls on returning players expanding their roles and newcomers filling in the gaps; can Adams maintain its grip atop the powerful diamond, or will another team come in and snatch the crown away?

SCHOOL: Rochester Stoney Creek

HEAD COACH: Clint Rodger, ninth season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 15-16, 8-6 OAA-North Division (fourth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 district semifinals to Romeo.

KEY RETURNEES: Mike McKinley, sr. P-INF (fourth-year starter); Trent Drumheller, sr. P-OF-INF; Ben Yax, sr. P-SS; Jake Miller, sr. INF-OF (led team in batting average); Niko Gonzalez, jr. C (third-year starter; Zak Northrup, jr. P-INF-OF; Mike DeFrancis, jr. P-OF.

OTHER RETURNEES: Joe Stephen, sr. 1B (playing football at D-III Mt. Union).

KEY NEWCOMERS: Joe Cox, sr. P-C-INF.

KEY LOSSES: Jake Davis, P-OF (playing at Kalamazoo Valley CC)

NOTABLES: The Cougars have a solid batting lineup that will keep them in games, but must find some more consistent pitching if they are to stay in the upper echelon of the league; expect this team to score in bunches; the Cougars are also in a tough district once again with the likes of Lake Orion, Rochester Adams and Oxford and are still seeking that elusive first district title.

SCHOOL: Rochester Hills Christian

HEAD COACH: Mark Harrison, third season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-14, 1-5 FBAC (tied-third); only played half varsity, half junior-varsity schedule.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in MACS opener.

KEY RETURNEES: Kyle Vandenburgh, sr. OF; Jon Armitage, soph. C-P; Jesse Montgomery, fr. 2B; Michael Migliore, fr. LF; Brandon Rodriguez, fr. OF-INF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dan Bermeister, jr. OF (home schooled last year); Misael Hernandez, fr. SS-P; Jon Becker, sr. P-OF (out last season).

KEY LOSSES: None.

NOTABLES: Last season the Eagles had no seniors and just one junior, competing with mostly sophomores, freshmen and eighth graders; this year with most of those players back, along with some transfers, players returning to the diamond after a couple-year hiatus and a strong freshman class should help RHC turn the tables; the Eagles only have two seniors and one junior, but do have a few underclassmen that play on some federation teams that will help the program grow.

SCHOOL: Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest

HEAD COACH: Mario Borocci, fifth season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 18-10, 11-5 MIAC Blue Division (tied-third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 4 district finals to Marine City Cardinal Mooney.

KEY RETURNEES: Eric Mischley, sr. P-OF; Luke McCatty, sr. P-INF; Chad Cook, jr. P-INF; Travis Kersten, jr. C.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Novak, soph. INF-P; Ian Wellhousen, soph.P-1B; Matt Mischley, soph. 3B-P; Joshua Morrison, soph. OF.

KEY LOSSES: Graduated seven players, including all-league outfielder Stephen Miskovich.

NOTABLES: The Crusaders’ Achilles heel last season was fielding, as errors were costly in many of the team’s losses; with plenty of quality pitchers, a solid sophomore class and two of the better players in the MIAC in Mischley and McCatty, this team could be a sleeper pick in the league, where Grosse Pointe Woods University-Liggett is tabbed as the favorite; this season’s hopes depends heavily on if Northwest can shore up its fielding and throwing woes and be a more consistent team.

SCHOOL: Troy

HEAD COACH: Jim Ellis, first season (career varsity record, 101-89-1).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 12-19, 4-10 OAA Red Division (seventh).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 district opener to Troy Athens.

KEY PLAYERS: Nick Krajewski, sr. P-SS; Peter Gebara, sr. 1B-P; Brandon Wallis, sr. P-INF; Mitch Williams, sr. P-INF; John Wassel, jr. 3B (led team in average last season).

KEY NEWCOMER: Dan Essian, sr. C (transfer).

OTHER PLAYERS: Mike Bishop, sr.; Ambrose DiGiovani, sr.; Jesse Dubay, jr.; Nick Guitar, jr.; Tyler Horne, sr.; Adam Johnson, sr.; Luke McCloskey, jr.; Chris Michael, jr.; Sean O’Brien, sr.; Matt Oppenlander, jr.; Tyler Smith, jr.; Derek Verbruggen, jr.

NOTABLES: The Colts are the league’s biggest question mark, with a new coaching staff as Ellis, a longtime coach at Berkley and Ferndale, takes over for Frank DiVito; Troy, which reached the state semifinals in 2008, does have 10 seniors and eight juniors on the roster and several players that did play substantial innings at the varsity level, so perhaps this squad can squeeze out a few upsets in a league that is loaded with talent.

SCHOOL: Troy Athens

HEAD COACH: Mike Morris, seventh season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 15-16, 5-9 OAA North Division

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Division 1 district finals to Rochester.

KEY RETURNEES: Tommy Eng, jr. SS-P (one of state’s better juniors); Ira Land, sr. 2B-P (third-year starter); David Mandziara, sr. CF; Jacob Barger, sr. C; Alex Harrison, sr. P-OF (third-year starter); Travis Kassak, sr. OF; Sam Koelzer, sr. 1B-P-OF.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Chris Harris, sr. DH-1B.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Hayato Ando, soph. P-3B (foreign exchange student from Japan); Anthony Carrillo, sr. OF-P (transfer from California and a high-level prospect).

KEY LOSSES: Alex Riopelle, Mike Mackinnon.

NOTABLES: With seven starters back, two high-level transfers, one of the state’s better juniors and one deep pitching staff and there’s no reason to doubt that this could be the Red Hawks’ best team in many years; numerous players on the staff can pitch and with both transfers bringing lively arms to the rotation, Morris calls this the deepest pitching staff he’s seen in seven years at the helm; Athens can also hit the ball, giving them the tools to make a lengthy run in the postseason.

SCHOOL: Troy Bethany Christian

HEAD COACH: Mark Nowak, third season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 13-6, 5-1 FBAC (tied-first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in MACS state semifinals to Davison Faith Baptist (2-1).

KEY RETURNEES: Travis Woodham, sr. SS-P (all-league; league MVP in soccer and basketball); Tyler Parsons, jr. C (all-league); Luke Combs, jr. P-INF (all-league); Noah Francis, soph. 3B-P (all-league); Ryan Woodham, soph. 2B; Bret Hayhurst, soph. CF; Landon Cathers, soph. OF; Mike Brewer, sr. OF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Devin Goff, fr. 1B-OF.

KEY LOSSES: None.

NOTABLES: The Bruins won just one game in 2009, but turned the tables quickly last season and not only shared its first conference crown since 2000, but also reached the state semifinals of the MACS tournament; the Bruins only lost one regular and have its pitching staff intact, which bodes well as they will play a much tougher schedule, including some Class A, Class B and Class C schools this spring; the Bruins should also be a contender to win their first MACS state title since 2000.

SCHOOL: Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Clarkston Everest Collegiate Unified

HEAD COACH: Greg Avis.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 12-18, seventh in CHSL.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in division 4 district semifinals to Marine City Cardinal Mooney.

KEY RETURNEES: Austin Karbowski, sr. C-P-OF (fourth-year starter; Jared Ritch, sr. C-OF (fourth-year starter); Ben Kotz, jr. SS (third-year starter).

OTHER RETURNEES: Joey Rexford, sr. OF-INF; Andy Rexford, sr. OF/INF; Colt Moran, soph. 3B; Marc Thomas, sr. P-OF; Mitch Lesceski, soph. C-OF; Cameron Seldon, sr. OF; Jacob Murawa, sr. OF; Tyler Rogewrs, sr. P-OF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Eric Suran, soph. INF; Spencer Howell, fr. OF.

KEY LOSSES: None.

NOTABLES: The bad news for the Lakers is that they went through a rebuilding campaign last season; the good news is that season is in the past and a bulk of the starters and key reserves are back this season, including a pair of fourth-year starters; could this team compete in the rugged CHSL? It all depends on how far this unit has matured and if it can play with more consistency.

Tags: baseball, featured, prep baseball, prep baseball team capsules, team capsules

Category: Auburn Hills Avondale, Auburn Hills Christian Acadamy, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, Clarkston, Clarkston Everest Catholic, Clarkston Springfield Christian, High School, High School (M-Z), Lake Orion, Lake Orion Baptist, Lake Orion Shalom Baptist, Oxford, Prep Wraps, Rochester, Rochester Adams, Rochester Hills Christian, Rochester Hills Lutheran NW, Rochester Stoney Creek, Stats / Area Leaders, Troy, Troy Athens, Troy Bethany Christian, Troy Christian Leadership Acadamy, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes