Previewing district tournaments for Cheboygan area baseball teams

It’s that time of year again – district baseball time.

And, like most seasons, there’s going to be some potentially exciting tournaments for the Cheboygan area teams.

With tournament action beginning soon, let’s look at what’s on tap for Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway and Pellston.

CHEBOYGAN (Division 2)

District: 34

Host: Gaylord

Opponent: Ogemaw Heights (Semifinal; Saturday, June 3, 1 p.m.)

Other Semifinal: Petoskey at Gaylord (Saturday, 11 a.m.)

Outlook: After a slow start to the spring, the Chiefs really picked it up during the latter portion of the campaign and have built some momentum going into the postseason. But, like the districts they’ve played in the past, this one will be extremely difficult to win. While the district won’t feature Escanaba – the team they defeated to win their first district in almost 10 years last June – the Chiefs still have to take on an Ogemaw Heights team that’s solid. And even if the Chiefs get through that semifinal, either host Gaylord or Petoskey will be waiting in the final.

Key Players: If Cheboygan wants a district repeat, I think four players must be at their best. First, senior ace Jacob Jankoviak will need to come up with a big outing on the mound, likely in the semifinal against the Falcons. If the Chiefs advance, then it might be up to sophomore Sean Postula to fuel them past either the Northmen or the Blue Devils. Hitting-wise, I think junior Dylan Balazovic and senior Eli Couture will need to deliver. Arguably the two best offensive players for the Chiefs, they’ll both be pivotal if Cheboygan wants to have any chance at a trophy.

INLAND LAKES (Division 4)

District: 100

Host: Harbor Light

Opponent: Alanson (Semifinal; Saturday, June 3, 12 p.m.)

Other Semifinal: Harbor Light vs. Burt Lake Northern Michigan Christian Academy (10 a.m.)

Outlook: Currently ranked No. 1 in Division 4 in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association state rankings, the Bulldogs will no doubt be the overwhelming favorite in this district. Head coach Josh Vieau and the Bulldogs are hungry to go on a long postseason journey they hope ends in East Lansing. If there’s one thing Vieau and the Bulldogs will be doing, it'll be taking every opponent they face seriously. With a win over Alanson, the Bulldogs could potentially face a tricky Harbor Light team. Strange things happen in the postseason, but you really have to like the Bulldogs’ chances to win a second straight district crown.

Key Players: They’re perhaps the best 1-2 pitching duo in Division 4. Junior Connor Wallace and senior Kaden Hansel have been lights out all spring for the Bulldogs, and both will be absolutely pivotal if they want to make a deep run. If Wallace and Hansel are at their best, it’s going to be awfully tough for anybody to stop the Bulldogs. Another key player will be junior Grant Blumke, a powerful hitter. When Blumke’s bashing the ball, the Bulldogs are tough to beat, but they also have a plethora of other options to get the offense going as well.

MACKINAW CITY (Division 4)

District: 99

Host: Rudyard

Opponent: Pickford/Brimley (Semifinal; Friday, June 2, 10 a.m.)

Other Semifinal: Pellston at Rudyard (12 p.m.)

Outlook: It’s been quite a campaign for the Comets, who surpassed 25 wins under head coach Elijah May. With a solid combination of pitching and hitting, the Comets did well in the Northern Lakes Conference and knocked off some tough non-conference opponents as well. This won’t be an easy district for the Comets, but I believe they’re more than capable of winning it. With a victory over Brimley or Pickford, the Comets would face an always-strong Rudyard or Pellston in the championship. Under head coach Billy Mitchell, the Bulldogs have been so tough over the years, and I expect that to be the case again this Friday. If the Comets prevail in the semifinal, they’re getting a dangerous opponent no matter who they face.

Key Players: After not playing last year due to a knee injury, senior Lars Huffman has returned in a monster way for the Comets, leading them both on the mound and at the plate. As terrific as Huffman’s been as a pitcher, he’s been equally as good as one of the team’s most dangerous offensive players. Right behind him is junior Nick Vieau, a quality hitter who’s also had a nice season at catcher. Along with those two, junior pitcher Sabastian Pierce, Mackinaw City’s No. 2, will be pivotal on the mound if the Comets want to win a trophy.

ONAWAY (Division 4)

District: 103

Host: Hillman

Opponent: Posen (Semifinal; Saturday, June 3, 12 p.m.)

Other Semifinal: Atlanta vs. Hillman/Rogers City (10 a.m.)

Outlook: This might be the trickiest of the districts to figure out. After a poor start to the campaign, the Cardinals turned it around and became one of the better teams in the Ski Valley. But if there’s one thing about this type of district over the years, it’s that anybody’s capable of pulling it off. The Cardinals have done it before, the Hurons have done it before, and the host Tigers always seem to be dangerous. Heck, even semifinal opponent Posen could be a threat if they’re able to build some momentum early. If the Cardinals advance, the Hurons or Tigers stand in their way of a championship.

Key Players: In these tournaments, it’s always important to have a good pitcher to make your team a threat. I think when it comes to the Cardinals, junior Cole Selke is one of those arms. If the Cardinals do advance to the final, Selke will likely be the one to lead them there. When it comes to both offense and defense, I think junior Austin Veal is as versatile as they come. Junior Jackson Chaskey, another solid bat, could provide the Cardinals with offense as well.

PELLSTON (Division 4)

District: 99

Host: Rudyard

Opponent: Rudyard (Semifinal; Friday, June 2, 12 p.m.)

Other Semifinal: Mackinaw City vs. Pickford/Brimley (10 a.m.)

Outlook: It’s been mostly a spring of struggles for first-year head coach Matt Zulski and his Hornets, but at the same time, it’s a new season when districts arrive. With improved play in recent weeks, the Hornets hope to deliver a district shocker, just like they did two years ago when they upset Inland Lakes. Taking down Rudyard won’t be an easy task for the Hornets, but if the pitching is there, they'll have a chance. Offensively, the Hornets will look to manufacture runs against the Bulldogs, but Rudyard always seems to have strong pitching. If the Hornets pull the upset, they could face Mackinaw City in the final.

Key Players: When I mentioned pitching earlier, I was specifically talking about senior Zack Moyer, one of the best arms in the area. When he’s in a groove, Moyer can shut down top-notch opponents. As for offense, seniors Garrett Cameron and Aiden Klungle have led the way as arguably the Hornets’ two best hitters and will need to be that way if they want to top Rudyard. If Moyer is dealing, and Cameron, Klungle and others are delivering quality at-bats, the Hornets can reach the final. But when you’re playing Rudyard, you have to be strong in every single facet to win.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Previewing district tournaments for Cheboygan area baseball teams