Next-level talent, improving programs: What you need to know as lacrosse season begins
BATTLE CREEK - With boys lacrosse growing throughout the state, the Battle Creek area is trying to keep pace with just three teams competing in the sport at the Michigan High School Athletic Association level. With next-level talent throughout the rosters on the city teams in past seasons, and again this year, there continues to be a lot to be excited about regarding lacrosse in the area.
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Fans of high school lacrosse will find out how the season will play out with key dates coming up, including the All-City tourney on April 26 and regionals starting May 16. The MHSAA state tournament is set for the week of June 6-8.
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Here’s a closer look at the city lacrosse teams for 2024:
Lakeview
Coach: Jerry Haadsma (2nd season)
2023 record: 12-8
Top returners: Luke Schuemann, sr.; Dieter Bloch, sr.; Ayden Graves, sr.
Outlook: Although Lakeview has fewer numbers than in past years, the Spartans have a strong group of returners to lead the way, including seniors Luke Schuemann, Dieter Bloch and Ayden Graves. Schuemann was named all-state a year ago as a midfielder and made the All-City team as the Spartans' leading scorer and will play at the next level at Albion College. Bloch was All-City as well and Lakeview's leading faceoff specialist and is headed to Davenport University. Graves is also going to Davenport after earning all-state honors a year ago and All-City as a key defender for the Spartans.
"Although we’re focusing a lot on skill development, we also want to play against the best. We have a tough non-conference schedule and some highly-skilled teams in conference, but it’s important to our staff, players, and school to compete at the highest level possible," Haadsma said.
Pennfield
Coach: Jack Boyd (2nd season)
2023 record: 0-12
Top returners: Kyle Nuyen, jr.; Connor Bowden, sr.; Thomas Kurtz, sr.; Andrew Hudson, sr.; Blake Jinks, so.; Tyler Howard, jr.; Madison Cole, sr.
Outlook: Jack Boyd stepped in during midseason last year to be the head coach for Pennfield and is looking to gain some momentum for a young program going forward. Boyd, a former Pennfield lacrosse player, is hoping to build a Panthers team that was winless a year ago and has only won once in the last three years combined. Pennfield will depend on senior returners, including Connor Bowden, Thomas Kurtz, Andrew Hudson and Madison Cole. The Panthers also bring back some experience in juniors Kyle Nuyen and Tyler Howard as well as sophomore Blake Jinks.
"This is a young team of about 65% freshmen and sophomores, however we have an experienced upperclass that bring great skill and leadership. It is fun to be a younger coach, because I played with the senior class my senior year along with our assistant, so it’s cool to be able to give back to them and coach them vs. being there teammate years ago. We may not have the most numbers or the most experience, but we will have the most heart," Boyd said.
Harper Creek
Coach: Devin Higgins (2nd season)
2023 record: 5-10
Top returners: Ethan Kline, sr.; Luke Ramos, sr.; Brady Vette, sr.; Cole Rzepka, sr.; Brenden Poindexter, sr.; Trace Clark, sr.
Outlook: Harper Creek has an experienced roster looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued sub-.500 season from a year ago. The Beavers have six seniors who have already committed to play at the next level and were part of an All-City tourney championship team two years ago. Leading that group is senior Trace Clark, who earned All-City honors, as well as senior midfielder Ethan Kline, who was among the leaders in goals and assists last year, along with senior Brady Vette, who had 19 goals as a junior. The Beaver defense will be led by senior Cole Rzepka and Brenden Poindexter. And Harper Creek will get a boost from senior Luke Ramos, who missed a good portion of last year with injuries.
"Harper Creek will look to put its name back on top in its All-City rivalries. Harper Creek returns almost all of its starters from last year and has added several talented and athletic freshmen, who look to produce early," Higgins said.
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek-area boys lacrosse teams to watch for 2024 season
