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Division 2 Team Of The Week: 5th Edition - Lake Fenton

LINDEN - Four shutouts in a five-win week has Lake Fenton 17-3 on the season and recipients of recognition as the Prep Baseball Division 2 Team of the Week.

“We are an older team, and entering the season we believed we could make some noise once we got consistent baseball games in, but unfortunately we had a brutal early April with weather that knocked many games out,” explained head coach Jacob Kirk. “What has stood out to me is their resiliency, and how well they stick to their process in game prep, fundamentals, and adjustments whether in practice or in games. They enjoy the grind of taking care of the little things.”

This past week there were 15-0, 11-0 and 15-0 wins over Brandon and a 9-4 triumph over Clio in league games to go along with a 7-0 victory over Grand Blanc and a 13-9 loss to Powers Catholic.

Clay Cook threw a five-hit shutout against Grand Blanc while Carsen Lewis and Carson Haddad both had two-hit blankings of Brandon.

Sophomore Camden Fray was 8-11 on the week with four doubles, a triple, six runs scored, three walks and seven RBIs while Carson Nerreter was 9-16 with seven RBIs and six runs.

Fray is hitting .537 on the season with 23 RBIs and 22 runs, pounding out 10 doubles and four triples. JJ Lavallier is batting .508 with 13 extra-base hits, 34 RBIs, 22 runs and 11 steals. Cook, a Calvin commit, is hitting .475 with 35 runs, 15 walks and 13 steals while Sam Shumaker is carrying a .414 average with 14 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

On the mound, Lewis, an Adrian football commit, has not allowed an earned run in 31 innings, with 26 Ks and a 4-0 record. Haddad, a Mott CC recruit, has also yet to give up an earned run in 26 frames, permitting just 11 hits and three walks with 29 strikeouts and a 5-0 record.

Senior Ethan Verhelst, a Siena Heights commit, and freshman Charlie Rubey have stood out behind the plate according to Kirk.

“I will say I am not surprised what we have done because of the character and work ethic of the kids on this team and in their dedication to their craft of baseball,” explained Kirk, whose squad is ranked 10th in the state in Division II. “What has exceeded my expectations is how well they have bonded as a collective unit. It is a joy to be around them. They have genuine joy to be around one another and it allows them to play loose.”

The Blue Devils locked up the Flint Metro League Stars Division championship with 6-1 and 12-0 wins over Corunna on Monday to move to 13-1 in league play. A crossover game with Stripes Division champion Flushing is next week for the league title.

“Being able to stick to their process is the key to continued success,” Kirk noted. “We talk a lot about it being the only thing we can control, and not getting result oriented. They have bought into that mindset, and are able to play a free and loose, a style of baseball that has them confident and in control.”

While winning has been enjoyable, there is more meaning to it all according to the Lake Fenton head coach.

“We have dedicated our season to our assistant coach, coach Alexander, who in early December was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer,” Kirk said. “We wear the purple ribbon on our hats, jerseys and helmets to support him. He is doing well in his battle right now, and he is still very much a part of our team’s journey, watching our games online or from the press box. Our boys love him and rally around him!”

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