Whitehall returns many of its top players from a 2023 team that finished second in the West Michigan Conference Lakes, so the Vikings’ hopes are high under first-year head coach Kyle McGrew.
“Tony Sigmon always says that a goal should always be to put trophies in trophy cases, and I couldn’t agree more,” McGrew said, referencing the Vikings’ accomplished football coach.
All-league performers Onnyka Dempsey and Hailey Carnes will be tough to replace, but Whitehall brings back top pitcher Megan LeaTrea, power-hitting Evelyn Darke and a strong core of veteran players behind them, so there’s plenty to build on.
Returning starters Kierra Hyrns, Annabel Kevwitch, Harper Leon, Taylor Ottinger and Lianne Fagan will also be big parts of Whitehall’s offensive attack; Leon was an all-league performer as an outfielder. Hyrns is capable at catcher or in the outfield, as is Kevwitch. Ottinger and Fagan will man the infield.
Senior Natalie Manzo is in line for a bigger role, with McGrew noting her potential as a hitter. Fellow senior Alison Schaeffer returns to the varsity after taking time off last season, and Whitehall is excited about the prospect of some varsity newcomers as well. Bella Fogus, a strong athlete, will be full-time on varsity after making her debut a season ago and could affect the game in a variety of ways, and Breanna Eskew is also set for a strong junior season. Sophomore Janie Fagan is the lone underclassman on the roster and has displayed hitting ability and raw talent.
“She is a player that has the tools, now it’s our job to hone them and get her to reach her potential,” McGrew said of the younger Fagan.
Whitehall will learn quickly how good it can be, opening WMC Lakes play against Oakridge. The Eagles dominated the conference last season and mercy-ruled Whitehall out of the postseason last spring to boot. A strong performance in that doubleheader would do a lot for the Vikes’ confidence.
“The first goal is to get better every day and minimize mistakes,” McGrew said. “If we force teams to make 21 plays by putting the ball in play and have a sound defense with very few mistakes, we have the potential for a great year. That being said, that is every team’s goal and easier said than done.”
Montague preview
If Montague can adequately replace two key pieces of its lineup this year, a good 2024 could be the result.
It won’t be easy; top pitcher Natalie Kellogg and outfielder Kiara Mikkelsen, both now playing college sports, departed after last season, and a pair of would-be senior starters are not projected to return. However, the Wildcats do have some veteran players to lean on in their quest to account for those absences.
Three seniors will lead the way - Kennedy Johnson, Chloe Boutell and Abby Thommen. Thommen is back after a year away from Montague, and her return will be a big boost as she takes up a spot in the outfield. Johnson, the team’s shortstop and captain, projects as the team’s centerpiece on offense and defense. Boutell, the catcher last season, may move around the diamond more this year after suffering off-season injuries. Junior Hayden Boutell, a two-year starter at second base, will be a factor in Montague’s search for a new top pitcher and may also see time in the outfield.
Also back is sophomore Reagan Cederquist, who starred last year as a freshman, hitting cleanup and playing left field and pitcher. Cederquist should slide into the top spot in the rotation, with Thommen and Hayden Boutell also likely to see time in the circle. Kayden Johnson, a sophomore, and freshman Kennedy Knapp will vie for time there too; Johnson came up during the season in 2023 and her bat should be a big factor for Montague.
Junior Greta Auch is new to the varsity this year but isn’t looking to play like it. Coach Randall Mikkelsen said no Wildcat put in more work in the offseason than Auch, and she should push her way into the lineup regularly.
The Wildcats, like everyone else, begin the season looking up at Oakridge in the conference standings. The Eagles were unbeaten in the league last year and only graduated one starter. Mikkelsen said his team believes it can be in that conversation for the top spot, though.
“How the new young players rise, along with how our untested pitchers perform, go a long way in determining how we fare on the season,” Mikkelsen said.
Montague will take on larger schools in non-league matchups, including battles with Forest Hills Eastern and West Ottawa as well as a trip to the Mona Shores Invitational. Whitehall and Fremont join Oakridge as clear-your-schedule matchups in WMC Lakes action.
