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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: Okemos Wolves

OKEMOS - Could this be a year to remember at Okemos?

With eight returning starters, including the top-ranked player in Michigan, expectations are higher than ever in the baseball program at Okemos.

“I do not like to make predictions about the season or individual players, but I will say that if we get timely hitting, Okemos High School baseball will be fun to watch this upcoming season,” related head coach Raul Presas, who has led the Wolves to a 64-23 record since taking over after the retirement of long-time mentor Phil Magsig (503 wins at Okemos) in 2020.

Caleb Bonemer is a big reason why Okemos games will be on the radar of MLB scouts this spring. The third-ranked 2024 shortstop in the nation, a Virginia commit, is back to lead an experienced team that finished 23-6 last season, losing to Battle Creek Lakeview in the regional quarterfinals.

“I like that this is a veteran group led by Caleb,” Presas said. “I also like that we have solid  underclassmen that will be pushing last year’s returning starters for playing time.”

Presas points to a trio of seniors expected to aid Bonemer in providing leadership this coming campaign. Nikolas Greborunis, the 21st-rated 2024 outfielder in Michigan, is back and joined by twin brothers Colin and Brennan Walton. The 6-5 230-pounders both pitch, with Brennan also playing third base and Colin first base.

Ray Smith, a 6-8 223-pounder, is the fifth-ranked sophomore left-handed pitcher in the state and also brings experience to the 2024 team that will be without all-conference pitcher Colby Degan.

Leadoff hitter Andrew Golde and fellow .300 hitter Beckett Hansen-Kotke are others from last year’s team lost to graduation.

“Pitching and defense will be team strengths, but we need to replace the offensive production lost with the graduation of Golde and Hansen-Kotke,” Presas pointed out.

Freshman Jame Poletes is a newcomer that Presas is also counting on to continue to build on what the head coach has brought to the program.

“Since taking over the program in 2020, we have worked to instill three key drivers at all three levels: commitment, accountability and respect,” explained Presas. “I am an old-school baseball mind that focuses on the fundamentals of the game. I am savvy enough to know that in order to fully maximize program talents, modern-day baseball minds are needed to blend in with an old-school approach.  

“As a program, we practice like we play, work to prepare the young men for life beyond their high school playing days.

“As coaches, one of our primary responsibilities is to keep kids in the program. If we do a good job of keeping them engaged in the program, newcomers will see it and want to be part of the baseball experience at Okemos High School.”

Presas points to three vital things happening if this is to be a special season at Okemos, which has never won a state baseball title, with the best finish ever a state semifinal appearance in 1997.

“Timely hitting along with continued outstanding pitching and defense will be the keys this year,” Presas concluded.

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