Preseason Power 25 Countdown: No 17. Waterford Union
March 25, 2022
The Wisconsin high school baseball season kicks off on March 29, opening day for regular season action under WIAA regulations. Over the next two weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2022 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official PBR Wisconsin Preseason Power 25 Rankings.
Perennially, we’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.
Our 2022 preseason coverage continues today.
Team: Waterford Union
Preseason Rank: 17
2021 Record: 12-9
Conference: Southern Lakes
WIAA Division: 1
Head Coach: Matt Read
ROSTER
| Name | State | School | Class | Pos | Commitment |
| Brock Malecki | WI | Waterford | 2022 | INF | |
| Dylan Questad | WI | Waterford | 2023 | RHP | Arkansas |
| Garrett Kay | WI | Waterford | 2023 | OF/RHP | |
| Tyler Lusic | WI | Waterford | 2023 | RHP | |
| Dean Buse | WI | Arrowhead | 2023 | INF | |
| Calvin Hancock | WI | Arrowhead | 2023 | C/3B | |
| Max Northrop | WI | Arrowhead | 2023 | OF/LHP | |
| Connor Harvie | WI | Waterford | 2025 | C |
RETURNING: 75% innings returned, 75% at bats returned.
+ Dylan Questad (Arkansas, 2023, State Rank:1) After a fast and furious year in 2021, Dylan Questad is rolling into 2022 with a full head of steam. Running his fastball up to as high as 96mph this offseason, and continuing to outpace the field. The Arkansas commit will lead from the front of a top heavy roster. While we’re all familiar with Questad’s athleticism, competitive nature, and high octane performances, he also carries a quality bat. Hitting .367 for the Wolverines in 2021, and looking to add more in the coming season.
‘23 RHP Dylan Questad (WI) wasn’t helped by his defense, but showed plenty of toughness on the mound.
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 13, 2021
Mostly 90-92 to both sides w/ changeup (81-82) as best secondary offering.
Athlete on the mound.
Uncommitted. @PBRWisconsin pic.twitter.com/oqYdXVhFru
+ Garrett Kay (2023) Kay, an uncommitted two-way player with dynamic athleticism looks to impact the game from both sides of the ball. He’s developed on the mound this winter, and looks the part of a staff ace if not for Questad. On the mound, Kay has worked up to 90mph this winter, and offers an athletic look with the ability to spin. From the left hand box, Kay offers another athletic look, and has shown historically that he can drive balls deep to the pull side, while holding down the outfield with quality defense.
2023 @Garrettkay3 leaves the yard to deep right for 3 RBI out of the lead-off spot for @GRBRays. Shows a fluid and connected swing with sneaky juice. @PBRWisconsin @MW_Premier #Super16 pic.twitter.com/n8uSriN0N7
— Andy Urban PBR (@PbrUrban) July 17, 2021
One of the more interesting players towards the top of the roster, is 6’3 170lb right hander Tyler Lusic. Long and projectible and working his fastball into the mid-80’s with upside. Lusic offers a three pitch mix, and will play an important role eating innings for the talented Wolverine roster. Working down the line we have Dean Buse (2023). Junior infielder with bat speed and athleticism. Buse runs a sub-7 60 yard dash and has a very well developed physical look. Additional offense coming from Buse would mean big things for Waterford, as the pitching staff will pull their end of the rope. Senior corner infielder - Brock Malecki will add some power to the middle of the lineup, as well as offer a veteran presence. Additionally, Calvin Hancock will look to produce to the offensive side of the ball, and may play a sneaky roll generating runs. Multi-sport athlete, and quarterback of the football team - Max Northrop (2023) is in the conversation as this year's x-factor player in 2022. From the left side of the plate, he generates a swing with some easy lift, and can pack a punch.
IMPACT UNDERCLASSMAN
+ Connor Harvie The 5-9, 165lb freshman backstop will gain experience with a talented, veteran lineup. In previous looks in front of PBR staff, Harvie has impressed all parties. Looking the part of a skillful ballplayer that simply lacks the physical maturity to fully shine. Harvie will be a mainstay in years to come for this team, and as his capacity develops, so will his contribution and recruiting looks.
X-FACTOR
+ Garrett Kay (2023, Uncommitted)
OUTLOOK
Waterford carries light roster depth heading into 2022, but of those on the roster, they carry a high octane talent base, with the ingredients to push to the top of the Southern Lakes, as well as make a playoff run on the back of their elite pitching staff. The biggest question marks throughout their 2021 campaign was inexperience, and an offense that would under produce. In 2022, the Wolverines seem to have answered the experience/leadership component, and the front line of their roster is as dynamic and explosive as you find throughout Wisconsin’s high school baseball scene. Under Matt Read’s 12th season for the Wolverines, you can bet on improvement to their record, and their collective performance as a team.
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