2019 Future Games Preview - Team Michigan

Donavan Canterberry SS / RHP / Wyandotte, MI / 2022

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Canterberry: This spring as an incoming freshman I made my high school varsity baseball team and started every game. I played shortstop and center field and pitched. At the end of the season, I was awarded most valuable player and all-league.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Canterberry: It is a great honor to be chosen to play for Team Michigan in the Future Games.  It has been my goal to participate in the Future Games for the last few years..

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Canterberry: My expectations for the event are to play with the best players in Michigan and get some great exposure to college recruiters

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Canterberry: Preseason All-State Showcase.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Canterberry: Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, Duke, Clemson

Owen Carapellotti C / 3B / U of D Jesuit, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Carapellotti: The summer season has been very successful for me so far. I’ve hit two home runs and I am hitting around .330 on the year. I have also been pretty solid behind the dish, blocking lots of balls and throwing guys out..

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Carapellotti: Being on Team Michigan was a goal of mine all year and I’m glad I achieved it. I’m excited to see how I compete against other high-caliber players..

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Carapellotti: I think it’s going to be one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in baseball. Everyone there is big, fast, strong and super athletic. Pitching will be dominant and it should be a fun experience.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Carapellotti: I attended the Preseason All-State event, the Top Prospect Games, Junior Future Games, and a few other showcases before those..

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Carapellotti: I have talked a little bit to Michigan, Michigan State and Hillsdale and I’m considering everywhere right now. I just want to play baseball and right now it doesn’t matter where to me.

Kane Elmy RHP / 3B / Plymouth, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Elmy: During the spring season I played for Plymouth High School and I was a starting pitcher in KLAA division games and also started at third base. This summer I’m playing for MC9 17U and I have been very successful in my starts every weekend.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Elmy: Being selected to play for Team Michigan is a great opportunity to show off my craft in front of many college coaches. I’m super excited and very humbled to be able to represent Team Michigan in the Future Games this year.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?Elmy: My expectations for the Future Games are to pitch against a very good Ohio team in an exciting atmosphere, to showcase all my pitches and pitch to my strengths with confidence and give my best effort.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Elmy: I have participated in the 2017 Freshman Showcase, Future 50, PBR Junior Future Games and also the 2018 Michigan Future Game Trials.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Elmy: Officially I haven’t directly been in contact with college coaches but I’m interested in the Big Ten, midwest schools, and schools down south.

Carson Fischer RHP / 3B / Hudsonville, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Fischer: Spring season went very well and I pitched very well also. Our team got bounced early in our district by a very good Byron Center team. So far this summer I have pitched very well playing at the 17U level.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Fischer: It is a great honor and opportunity to represent Team Michigan. With all the great players in Michigan and across the country it will be a great experience.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?Fischer: My expectations are that PBR showcases me as a pitcher in front of college coaches which they have done a great job before but I really want to be able to get my name out there.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?Fischer: I have participated in the 2017 Western Michigan Showcase which allowed me to participate in the 2017 Junior Future Games at Grand Park. I’ve also attended the 2017 Fall Future Games Trials, 2018 Future Games Trials, and the 2019 Future Games Trials.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Fischer: I have not heard from any coaches but I do want to attend a university with a great Sport Management program. Some schools I am interested in attending are Coastal Carolina University, East Tennessee State University, East Carolina University, University of Tennessee Martin, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Webster. Carolina University, Charleston Southern University,

Gavin Ganun SS / OF / Blissfield, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Ganun: The spring baseball season went well with my team winning districts and myself winning second-team all-state honors. This summer I have competed at the WWBA and other big tournaments and have performed well.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Ganun: I am excited to compete once again for Team Michigan not only to show what I can do, but to also show what kind of players Michigan can produce.

PBR: As a participant last year, what was the experience like at the Future Games?
Ganun: The experience at the Future Games last year was unreal and just something that everyone has to try and do. It was a great way to get yourself exposed and to play against other great players.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Ganun: I have high expectations due to being there last year and seeing how amazing it was.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Ganun: I participated in the Preseason All-State Showcase and the Top Prospect Games at Eastern Michigan.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Ganun: I have heard from Xavier, Ohio University, Michigan and Marshall.

Korbin Griffin LHP / OF / Gull Lake, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Griffin: My spring season was a little short. I got a wrist injury three weeks into the season and wasn’t able to come back until the very end of it. It was a little disappointing but I’m just glad I was 100 percent for summer ball. This summer I’ve been playing for Tri State Arsenal. We’ve been going down south to play in tournaments for the most part of summer.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Griffin: I’m truly blessed to be selected for Michigan’s Future Games team. A lot of great players from the state come out of these games and I’m grateful to be apart of that.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Griffin: I expect for our team to just come together and create good team chemistry. I know a lot of these players already know each other from past events, so it should be fun to come together and play in one big event.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Griffin: I’ve participated in multiple PBR events in the past. I’ve played in the Top Prospect Games twice now and some other local showcases in the past three years. They’re a good way to update your stats and see how you’re progressing.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Griffin: I’ve been talking to a lot of colleges for a while now and I think all of them have their own personal and unique qualities. As of right now, I’m open to hear what any college would have to say. If I can see if that college has good player and coach chemistry, and can develop me into the best player I can be, those are the only things that really matter to me.

Zack Horky C / RHP / Blissfield, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Horky: Spring ball went very well. Our team lost to the State Champions (Homer) in Regionals 3-2. I caught all season and earned first-team all-league, county and region as well as second-team All-State.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Horky: I am excited to go out to the Future Games and compete with the best baseball players in the country as well as play in front of every major college.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Horky: Last year I got to watch the Future Games so my expectations are very high and I am confident they will be true.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Horky: I attended the Preseason All-State as well as the Top Prospect Games. Both these events got me a lot of exposure.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?Horky: I have heard from Michigan, Toledo and Ohio University. I would love the chance to visit my hometown team Michigan one day.

Logan Hugo OF / OF / Essexville Garber, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Hugo: My spring season went well with my team making it to the quarterfinals of the Michigan High School Baseball Tournament. Being my second year on the team, I brought more of a leadership role as a sophomore which I believe really translated in our success. My summer season has also been off to a good start. With playing up from my age group, I get a lot of experience against older and more experienced players.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Hugo: I am super excited and honored to be selected to play for Team Michigan at the Future Games. I have been striving for this goal to get the invite because I knew this is where I need to be.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Hugo: I have talked to some players that attend the event in previous years and all they talk about is how special it is. I expect it to be a great experience and a lot of fun.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Hugo: I have participated in our team event that PBR puts on for our organization the last two years while also attending the Future Games Trials last year.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Hugo: I am interested in any and every college that gives me the opportunity to play the game I love. I have heard from schools such as Michigan State, Wright State and Eastern Michigan to name a few.

Stephen Kwapis 3B / 2B / Hackett Catholic Prep, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Kwapis: I had a very solid spring season leading my varsity baseball team in home runs, triples, and doubles while batting over .400. At the end of the season I was named all-conference first team, all-district and honorable mention to the Kalamazoo area Dream Team. This summer I am playing for Arsenal Baseball 16U and having a great season playing against very tough competition in elite-level tournaments.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Kwapis: I am extremely honored and excited to be selected for Team Michigan. At the beginning of the season I set a goal to be selected to Team Michigan and I am very happy to see my hard work to achieve my goal. I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent Team Michigan, showcase my skills, and enjoy the experience.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Kwapis: I have very high expectations for this event and anticipate having a great baseball experience. I am looking forward to competing against talented players from other states, as well as showcasing my skills in front of college scouts which will hopefully help me achieve my goal of playing college baseball.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Kwapis: I have participated in five PBR events prior to the Future Games including: two Top Prospect Games, the HBF Maroons Scout Day, the Pre-Season All-State event, and a Freshman Showcase.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Kwapis: I have heard from the University of Michigan and have attended camps at Notre Dame, Michigan and Michigan State. I would definitely consider attending all three of these universities, as well as any university that would help develop me and challenge me both academically and athletically.

Trey Lipsey OF / 2B / Birmingham Groves, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.Lipsey: I played center field and second base for Birmingham Groves High School hitting 369 for the season. I attended baseball camps at Ohio State, West Virginia and Michigan during the spring and summer and have kept them updated on my progress. This summer I played at USA Baseball's East National Championship in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Perfect Game's WWBA tourney in Lake Pointe, Ga.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Lipsey: The Future Games is an opportunity to play against the best kids in the country.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?Lipsey: The Future Games is baseball's biggest recruiting event of the year and it is an honor to be a part of. Hopefully I will perform well, find the right college and justify PBR's decision to be invited to the tournament.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Lipsey: Since 12 years old I have done five or six PBR events. Aaron Wilson recommended doing PBR early to get familiar with the process and to track my development. This advice allowed me to identify weaknesses and work on them.

Sam Lisiak C / 1B / Grand Rapids Christian, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Lisiak: Overall my team had a good high school season. We finished 24-10 with a conference record of 15-3. We ended up making it to the district semifinals and we ended up losing to East Grand Rapids. I was voted team captain as a sophomore and earned All-Conference and All-District. The summer so far has been off to a good start. We played in the MPL at Grand Park then we went to Toledo and then to Prasco Park in Cincinnati and finish up in Georgia in the PBR National Championship.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Lisiak: I am very honored and blessed to be part of Team Michigan. This has been a big goal of mine to achieve ever since I started doing PBR showcases and now being able to go to this event will be a dream come true.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?Lisiak: My expectations for this event are very high. I am looking forward to competing against all the top talent that the country has to offer. Along with that, I am looking forward to having the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of many different scouts and coaches

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Lisiak: Maroons Scout Day, Preseason All-State Showcase, the Top Prospect Games.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Lisiak: Currently, I have not heard from any schools although I have been sending emails out. Schools I am looking at attending would be Xavier, Northwestern, Butler, Ole Miss, TCU, Duke and Wake Forest.

John Locker RHP / OF / Brother Rice, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Locker: This spring I played for Brother Rice and I’d say I definitely progressed from freshman year making improvements from my weak spots. This summer I had a blast and definitely still learned a lot. We played some good competition in both the spring and summer.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Locker: Being a part of Team Michigan is an honor to represent my own state and also play against some great competition. This is definitely gonna be a memory I’ll never forget.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Locker: My expectations for this event is for it to be run very well which I’d say every time I’ve been to a PBR event it’s been great. I’m hoping to show all my talent that I have.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Locker: I participated in the Preseason All-State event this year and I’ve done a couple other through the years.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Locker: North Carolina, Wake Forest, Louisiana State, Michigan, Alabama.

Zach MacDonald OF / RHP / Portage Central, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
MacDonald: I made the varsity team at Portage Central High School and started every game of the season in CF. I went around in the batting order, but I hit in the second slot for the majority of the season. I helped our very talented team out a lot in regards to pitching, hitting, and in center field. I have played every game in CF for Detroit Arsenal, my travel team. I started off the season with two home runs in my first game and I have stayed hot since. I bat lead off and help contribute to the lineup not only with skill but with leadership.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
MacDonald: I am very excited to be a part of Team Michigan. I love playing against good competition and performing in clutch situations, so the intensity of this event is perfect for me. I am overjoyed that I was selected to be a part of the team.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
MacDonald: I expect this to be a very competitive and fun event, and I can’t wait for July 31st to come around, I am very thrilled to begin this event.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
MacDonald: I have participated in four total PBR events in Michigan...with the most recent one being the Top Prospect Games on June 25th at Eastern Michigan University.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
MacDonald: I have messaged with a few colleges including Northwestern, Yale, Harvard amd Michigan State. My dream is to play in the Big Ten....so I would love to play for Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, and many more.

Brandon Mann 1B / OF / Country Day, MI / 2022

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Mann: This spring I was honored to be the only freshman selected for the varsity baseball team at Detroit Country Day and earned a starting position at first base. Although we did not reach our team goal of winning a state championship, I believe I had a successful individual spring season. I ended the season with a .371 batting average with 9 extra base hits, 20 RBIs, 2 home runs, while scoring 15 runs. This summer I’m continuing to play well, including several successful pitching outings.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Mann: I’m honored to have been selected as a member of Team Michigan. This is a great opportunity to represent Michigan and to play in front of college and pro scouts as I prepare for the next chapter in my baseball career.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Mann: My expectations for this event are to improve on my individual statistics and have a productive offensive showing in games to help Team Michigan win. I look forward to playing with and against some of the top high school talent across the country.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Mann: I have participated in PBR events since I was in seventh grade. I was a member of the championship Michigan Junior Futures team in 2017. I am excited to represent Team Michigan in the 2019 Future Games.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Mann: I have heard from several schools in the Big 10, ACC and AAC. I am considering schools in those conferences as well as others and look forward to finding a program that is the best fit for me.

Xander Morris RHP / OF / Portage Northern , MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Morris: This spring I played for Portage Northern High School and we won states for Division 1. My pitching record was 10-0 and I had an amazing time. This summer I took some time off to rest and I subbed one tournament for Complete Baseball and one league game with the Maroons .

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Morris: My thoughts on being part of Team Michigan are that I feel honored and I am very excited to get the opportunity to come play with other very talented players

PBR: As a participant last year, what was the experience like at the Future Games?
Morris: Last year the experience was like no other. It was the best exposure to colleges I could’ve had and I had an amazing time

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Morris: My expectations are to have a good time while playing the sport I love and hopefully get some more exposure and get my name out to some more colleges

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Morris: I went to PBR Midwest and also PBR All-State last year prior to Future Games and also went to PBR Midwest Select with my high school team.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Morris: I have heard from Michigan and also Xavier but my options are wide open for where I want to go. I just have a love for the game and want to play after high school.

JT Sokolove SS / 2B / Hudsonville, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Sokolova: High school ball with Hudsonville in the spring was fun but a quick run when we lost in Pre-Districts. Hudsonville is a very competitive baseball school with usually 80-95 kids trying out for three teams on a yearly basis. Being a returning varsity middle infielder as a sophomore and playing SS is an honor for the continued program’s strength year after year. I play in a very baseball-rich environment in the OK Red Conference. Summer ball for Diamonds Baseball out of Grand Rapids, we have played in five very competitive 17U tournaments and have made deep runs in all of them. Our team has gelled for the last two seasons with strong development , and a team that wants to be together and compete game in and out. I have hit at the top of the lineup the last two seasons. I like to get our lineup as many looks at the pitcher as possible being a tough at-bat all the time. I love playing SS, and also don’t mind if people sleep on me because of my size. I consider myself to be a grinder and love playing the game, but love to train just as much.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Sokolova: Being a part of Team Michigan is very exciting because you get to show your talent off to the rest of the country as well as the others on your team. Most of the guys on the team you will know because you have either played against them in the past or followed them because of their passion for baseball. The opportunity to be able to team up with them and hopefully put it all together and compete is very exciting.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Sokolova: I expect there to be many people at this event that all have the same goal, to get better and show everyone what they got to bring to the table. I also expect there to be a lot of competition between other states at the event and hopefully some bragging rights - all in fun - on the line.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Sokolova: I have gone to a handful of  PBR events including the Diamonds Sports Training Day Showcase day for a couple of years now. I was also at the Top Prospect Games recently at Eastern Michigan.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Sokolova: I have heard from several MAC schools, Xavier, and other smaller Division I and II schools within the midwest. I’m looking to study Exercise Science or Kinesiology depending on the schools that offer the program. I’m looking for a program to help develop me into a man as much as they are looking to make me a better baseball player.

Braden Stanton RHP / 3B / Gull Lake, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Stanton: This summer I have been playing for the Kalamazoo Maroons 16U and I have done a really good job pitching for them.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Stanton: I am very happy to be attending the PBR Future Games this year..

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Stanton: My expectations are to show off my throwing skills and to locate all of my pitches in this event.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Stanton: The PBR event that I have been to is the Top Prospect Games at Eastern Michigan.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?Stanton: I have not heard from any colleges, but I am considering CMU or Eastern Michigan, or high Juco baseball schools.

Ryan Szczepaniak RHP / OF / Woodhaven, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Szczepaniak: During the past high school season I had some success on the mound going 9-0 with a 1.16 ERA. Summer baseball has been a lot of fun playing against great competition and playing alongside a lot of solid players.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Szczepaniak: I’m very excited to be apart of Team Michigan. I believe this is a great opportunity for me to not only better myself, but to get to know and play with some solid players from around Michigan.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Szczepaniak: I’m expecting to have a good time. It’s going to be fun being able to showcase my skills and playing in front of a lot of scouts. I’m really just expecting to have some fun and play some quality baseball.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Szczepaniak: I have participated in the CMU Showcase last summer, the 2019 Preseason All-State, and the 2019 Top Prospect Games. .

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Szczepaniak: I haven’t really talked to any schools so far. Some colleges have been out to see me play but the recruiting process hasn’t really started for me.

Isaac Toole LHP / OF / Rockford, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Toole: I had a great spring. My high school team, the Rockford Rams, made it to the State Championship game. It was awesome to be one of the many players to contribute to the great run. This summer I have been playing with GR Diamonds Hoover Prospects 16U. We have competed in mainly 17U tournaments to face the best competition possible. A highlight of the summer was when my 16U team won the Championship in the 17U, U of M Pastime Tournament.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Toole: It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top players in the state and to be able to have the opportunity to represent PBR and the state of Michigan. I can’t wait to play with the top athletes in the state and showcase my skills in front of hundreds of coaches from around the country.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Toole: I am excited to pitch in front of all the coaches and I hope my hard work and dedication will help further and also lead to new interest from college coaches/programs.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Toole: I have been to many events throughout the years beginning with the Future 50, and later the Junior Futures Games, Top Prospect Games, Preseason All-State, and many Scout Day showcases.

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Toole: I have had early interest from schools in the Big 10, MAC, Big East and Missouri Valley Conference. I am looking forward to finding the right school to continue my baseball and academic career.

Blaise Wilcenski RHP / 1B / Brother Rice, MI / 2021

PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Wilcenski: This was my second year playing varsity at Brother Rice High School as a pitcher and first baseman. We made a  run to the state semifinals this past season and during the regional game against Oxford I hit my all-time high of 87 mph. For travel I play for the 17U Little Caesars team coached by Atanas Ilitch and John Raymond. I played first base, third base, pitched, and batted third or fourth. As a team we won the Arsenal Classic in Detroit and I also topped at 87mph when I pitched in the quarterfinal game.

PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Michigan for the Future Games?
Wilcenski: I am honored and humbled to have been selected to be on a team that represents Michigan with teammates that play high-caliber baseball.

PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Wilcenski: My expectations are being able to showcase my skills in a highly-competitive environment. I am excited to face some of the best batters in the country.

PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Wilcenski: Jan. 27, 2019 - Eastern Michigan Winter Future Game Trials. Feb. 9, 2019 - Scout Day Little Caesars Baseball. June 21, 2019 - Michigan Future Game Trials (at MSU).

PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Wilcenski: I have contacted the University of Michigan and the University of Toledo. My schools of choice are Texas Christian University, University of Michigan, University of Tennessee, University of Texas, Vanderbilt University and others.