By Mike Penn 
Michigan Director of Scouting

Here is a look at three teams who have struggled to find good weather to play in this season. But just because the weather is bad doesn’t mean we can’t highlight them.

 

Newaygo

Head Coach Jeff Milbourne lost five key seniors from last years team.  The finished the 2012 campaign with a 22-16 record.  This year they will join the CSAA conference.

According to Coach Milbourne, “This season depends on how quickly our young guys can adjust to the speed of the game.”

They do, however, return senior RHP Asa Bays, senior OF/LHP Hunter Nederer.  Bays must be the team
 leader for Newaygo.  The side-winder offers a different look to hitters and should be called upon to pitch some big games.  Hunter Niederer pitched a bit last year, and his innings are sure to increase this season, but he expected to play lots of positions. 

Some underclassmen to keep an eye on are junior Andrew Middleton (OF/RHP) and sophomore Matthew Milbourne (SS).  Both played on varsity last season and gained valuable experience.

 

Spring Lake

Spring Lake is looking to improve on their 16-11 season in 2012.  Head coach Jeff Lindsey returns five starters to his lineup but only one returning pitcher. 

The Houts brothers, Codey and Kyle, will be the mainstays in the lineup for coach Lindsey. Codey, a senior catcher, has committed to Olivet Nazarene while brother Kyle is only a junior on the verge of having a big year.

Other players to watch for Spring Lake will be sophomore Kyle Zietlow and junior Dillon Groover.  Groover, a 6-foot RHP, threw a one-hitter last year and sits in the low-80’s.  Zietlow is intriguing and one to follow. Only a sophomore he still needs time to mature. 

Mona Shores

Mona Shores comes into 2013 with high hopes and goals to contend for a OK Black conference title.  In 2012, they finished the season 17-15 and 5-5 in the conference but with a senior laden roster they expect to compete well. 

Seniors Kyle Lawson, Steven Pelfrense, and transfer Collin Adams have all signed with Muskegon Community College.  Last season Lawson, a shortstop, hit 3.94 and carried a 1.87 ERA on the mound.   Pelfrense also was a key contributor on the mound with a 2.01 ERA overall. 

Others to watch out for are fellow senior Joe Kostrzewa and underclassmen Chase Baker (2015) and Collin Rabach (2015).