Follow on Twitter- @PrepBaseballM
Follow on Instagram- @pbrmichigan

With 2023 now in the past, PBR Michigan is eagerly anticipating bringing the state the best high school coverage that can be found anywhere in 2024. Starting in February, we began releasing team previews for squads across the state. Ahead, we will have Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings coming your way.

To view the full list of 2024 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2024 Team Preview, click here.

Interested in attending a PBR Michigan event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2024 Spring Team Preview: Mattawan Wildcats

MATTAWAN - The first two seasons as head coach of Mattawan have been memorable for Brett Vaughn.

There was a Final 8 appearance in 2022 and a Final 4 showing last year, with the Wildcats losing to eventual state champion Novi 4-1 in 10 innings in the state semifinals.

“The last two seasons have been the most successful seasons we have had here,” noted Vaughn, whose squad finished 26-12-1 a year ago.

So what has brought on such success in a program that has never won a state title?

“We are heavy on fundamentals and outworking our opponents,” explained Vaughn, who previously coached at Milford, Lakeview (St. Clair Shores) and Cros-Lex. “As with most teams, we work really hard on executing the small things and playing the mental game.”

A trio of standouts are back this season bringing high expectations for the Wildcats.

Brendan Garza and Kaden Jominy will lead the way on the mound with Connor Walsh back to play shortstop.

Garza, the ninth-rated senior right-handed pitcher in Michigan  who gave up one run on two hits in eight innings in the state semis against Novi, was 8-2 with a 1.44 ERA and 1.074 WHIP, allowing just 35 hits in 68 innings while fanning 97. At the plate the Ball State signee, who drove in the lone run for the Wildcats at state, batted .319, drove in 30 and scored 26 runs.

Jominy, the third-ranked sophomore RHP in the state and 103rd in the nation, was 3-1 as a freshman, striking out 54 in 38 innings. The Michigan commit, whose only defeat came in the state semifinals, had a 2.026 ERA.

Walsh, an Eastern Michigan recruit ranked 12th among senior shortstops in the state, carried a .367 average last year with 44 hits and 34 runs scored, fanning just seven times in 143 plate appearances.

Centerfielder Jaxon Engels adds speed and power to the top of the lineup giving Mattawan another piece to the puzzle. Ian Bouche came on strong as the 2023 season went on and is back to provide power and depth to the lineup.

A trio of seniors is also expected to play prominent roles this year in pitchers Myles Tomlinson and Josh Dejong along with first baseman Dan Barnas.

“We have to replace a good amount of power in first baseman Aiden Warn (Kalamazoo Valley), who led the team in home runs with four and extra-base hits with 15,” Vaughn said. “Cole Garza and Connor Cole will also be big holes to fill at second base and left field, respectively. We also lost Braedan Yager in right field and catcher Colin O’Reilly leaving big shoes to fill.”

There are three juniors that Vaughn is hoping will help the cause in outfielder Brody Houseman, catcher Tyson Stratton and infielder Troy Scarff.

“I am excited for this group,” Vaughn said about what he likes about this year’s Wildcats. “They are a tight group with strong leadership capability. They listen really well and hold each other accountable.

“Fundamentals and execution will be the key. Our pitching staff will be strong so we just have to play defense behind them and execute in situations.”

A big challenge awaits in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference.

“We should compete for the league this season, but this conference is one of the toughest from top to bottom,” Vaughn noted. “We look to build on our strong seasons the last two years and take the next step as a program.”

Recent Articles