where to find your
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — There is no shortage of experience back for the Willmar baseball team. And if those veterans can take another step, the Cardinals should be in for another competitive season in the Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA.
2024 at Klemmetson Field in Willmar.
Willmar is coming off a 2024 season where it finished 7-7 in the CLC and 14-10 overall.
“We are returning eight players (who) got significant playing time last season and a
vs. Alexandria, Tuesday, April 8 vs. Rocori, Thursday, April 10 vs. Southwest Christian, Saturday, April 12 vs. St. Cloud, Tuesday, April 15 at Brainerd, Thursday, April 17 vs. Fergus Falls (DH), Tuesday, April 22 at Detroit Lakes, Thursday, April 24 at St. Cloud, Friday, April 25 vs. Sartell, Tuesday, April 29 at Sauk Rapids, Thursday, May 1 at Rocori, Thursday, May 8 at Cotter (DH), Saturday, May 10 at Alexandria, Tuesday, May 13 at Mankato East, Friday, May 16 at Hutchinson Tri, Saturday, May 17 vs. Becker, Tuesday, May 20 at Little Falls, Thursday, May 22
Willmar sophomore Reese Christianson fires a pitch in a Central Lakes
handful (who) have now seen two seasons of varsity baseball in the CLC,” Cardinals head coach Tom DeBoer said. “This experience should help our team be prepared to compete throughout our season.”
Impact seniors back for Willmar are Conlan Carlson (INF), Braeden Fagerlie (Utility), Blake Reiman (OF/P) and Connor Smith (INF/P), a 2024 All-Area Honorable Mention.
Carlson batted .294 last season. Fagerlie hit .250 with five doubles and two home runs. Reiman, who returns after suffering a season-ending hand injury last spring, batted .250. Smith hit .312 and had a 2-0
record with a 3.05 earned-run average on the mound.
“Braeden and Connor both had nice junior seasons last year,” DeBoer said. “They both have put in a lot of work this off-season and I am excited to see what they can do this year.”
Also back as starters for the Cardinals are juniors Reese Christianson (OF/P), Jordan Ellingson (SS/P) and Tyler Madsen (C/INF/P).
Christianson held a 1-1 record with a 3.15 ERA in 13-1/3 innings pitched. Ellingson batted .243 and posted a 2-2 record with a
Willmar
the ball in during a Central Lakes Conference game against Alexandria on Thursday, April 18, 2024
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune Willmar junior second baseman Connor Smith, 3, gets the force out at second as Detroit Lakes' Connor Beswick goes for the slide during a first-round game in the Section 8AAA playoffs on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Klemmetson Field in Willmar.
NLS, coming off a 16-8 season, must confront a difficult Wright County Conference schedule
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
SPICER — The New London-Spicer baseball team will look to once again navigate a tough Wright County Conference and Section 3AA schedule.
NLS, coming off a 10-4 conference and 16-8 overall record, graduated a talented class of athletes. Yet, it still returns a solid core of starters for the new season.
“Our conference is absolutely loaded with pitching talent and holds the defending state champs (the Rockford Rockets),” Wildcats co-head coaches Kyle Lieser and Eric Terres said. “The conference is incredibly well-coached and there isn’t a game on the schedule that you can look past.”
at NYA (DH), Monday, April 7 vs. HLWW, Thursday, April 10 at WM, Monday, April 14 vs. Paynesville, Thursday, April 17 at GSL, Monday, April 21 at Minnewaska, Tuesday, April 22 vs. Litchfield (DH), Thursday, April 24 vs. Morris/CA, Tuesday, April 29 at Rockford (DH), Thursday, May 1 at HLWW, Tuesday, May 6 vs. Annandale (DH), Thursday, May 8 vs. WM, Monday, May 12 at Montevideo, Tuesday, May 13 at DC (DH), Thursday, May 15 vs. GSL, Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer third baseman Cole Laughlin connects on a throw to first base in a non-conference game against Paynesville on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Paynesville.
Brayden Skindelien, a junior shortstop/ pitcher/outfielder, is coming off an All-Area Second Team sophomore season. He batted .405 with 32 hits and 17 stolen bases.
“Brayden had an incredible sophomore year,” the coaches said. “He almost always has a quality at-bat and has the versatility to play virtually any position. We’ll lean on him to be one of the
Lieser and Terres will also look to juniors Cole Laughlin and Logan Swenson on the mound.
Nolan Johnson and Blake Schultz will also provide strong bats and solid defense for NLS.
best players in the conference/section.”
Kaden Toutges is back and will lead the Wildcats’ pitching staff. The senior righthander had a 3-1 record with a 0.759 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer junior Nolan Johnson asks for time at the plate in a non-conference matchup against Paynesville on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Paynesville.
Laughlin finished with a 3-0 record with a 2.00 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 14 innings.
The hope is for Swenson to provide big-time innings for the Wildcats this season.
Johnson, a senior outfielder/pitcher, batted .294 with nine extra-base hits. Schultz, a senior, middle infielder, hit .230.
“Nolan returns with a big bat and a great outfield arm. We will need him to take that next jump and stay consistent at the plate to help boost our offense,” the coaches said. “Blake stepped up for us big time last year when Skindelien went down with an injury. He made big play after big play for us and we look forward to having him back to help with anchoring our infield.”
Lieser and Terres will also look toward seniors Garret White and Rylan Shimek to make impacts as well as sophomore Caleb Nelson, a sophomore who will serve as the team’s starting catcher.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer junior Nolan Johnson asks for time at the plate in a non-conference matchup against Paynesville on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Paynesville.
New coach Dave Zaeska has some experience
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
ATWATER — A load of experience returns for the Atwater-Comos-Grove City baseball team.
That has new head coach Dave Zaeska liking his team’s chances for the 2025 season despite a tough 2024 campaign.
ACGC was 0-14 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 2-20 overall.
But for Zaeska, who was an assistant coach under Chris Fellows, the Falcons heated up near season’s end last spring.
ACGC won two of its last six games and lost the remaining four games by two runs or less.
Zaeska hopes that momentum carries into the 2025 season, where he returns his entire roster outside of two graduated seniors, including All-Area Honorable Mention Isaiah Renne.
Jaxon Drange, Tucker Johnson and Rowan Molinaro are some of ACGC’s top returnees.
Drange and Johnson are both seniors who will see plenty of time on the mound as well as fill in in the infield and outfield when necessary. Molinaro is a junior pitcher/infielder.
Also returning is junior Gage Degner and sophomores Brody Straumann and Regan Elton.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City junior pitcher Tucker Johnson fires a pitch toward home plate in the Falcons' season opener against Mayer Lutheran on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Kingery Field in Atwater.
at EVW, Thursday, April 10 vs. Lester Prairie, Saturday, April 12 at Kimball (DH), Tuesday, April 15 vs. YME, Thursday, April 17 at Trinity School, Saturday, April 19 vs. Paynesville, Tuesday, April 22 at Holdingford (DH), Thursday, April 24 at Mayer Lutheran, Tuesday, April 29 at Royalton (DH), Thursday, May 1 vs. EVW, Monday, May 5 vs. Maple Lake (DH), Thursday, May 8 at Paynesville, Monday, May 12 at BBE (DH), Thursday, May 15
Degner will play in the outfield. Straumann will mostly play catcher while seeing time on the mound as well as first base. Elton will spend most of his playing time at third base while filling in at other positions in the infield as needed and will also pitch.
“We will be good, if they’re good,” Zaeska said of his returners. “I can find three guys who can fill in pretty easily. … I like our chances and I’m very optimistic.”
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune ACGC junior Jaxon Drange looks on after connecting with the ball for a hit during a non-conference game against BOLD on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Lions Memorial Park
Jaguars, section runnerups last year, are led by Luke Illies,
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
ELROSA — The puzzle pieces are in place in anticipation of a deep postseason run for the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa baseball team.
BBE returns a nucleus of players from its 2024 team that went 9-5 in the Central Minnesota Conference and 16-9 overall.
That should bode well for third-year head coach Ben Klaphake and his Jaguars, who also have Jason Langer, Riley Lenarz, Pat Illies and Bryce Bergeron on the coaching staff.
“We are excited as a staff to see this team grow and get better each and every day,” Klaphake said. “This group of seniors were key members of our core team that made a state tournament run two years ago and a section runner-up placement last year.”
It starts with Luke Illies, who was a 2024 AllArea Second Team pick. The senior pitcher/ shortstop had a 2.67 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 36-2/3 innings pitched.
“He has been a rock on the mound and in the infield for us the past three years,” Klaphake said. “Luke is a middle-of-thelineup hitter and has a phenomenal glove with an above-average arm.”
Hayden Sobiech, who will make his return from a torn ACL late in the spring, is back and Klaphake and company are expecting him to be a huge addition.
“We expect big things from Hayden when he returns on the mound, in the outfield and in the middle of our lineup,” Klaphake said of the senior pitcher/catcher.
Ethan Mueller will play a key role for BBE, whether it will be on the mound or from behind the plate. The senior went 6-0 with a 1.45 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 53 innings.
“Ethan is a dog on the field,” Klaphake said. “Whether he is pitching or catching, he is always doing whatever it takes to win.”
Brett DeRoo, a senior pitcher/infielder, returns, as do sophomore pitcher/infielder/ catcher Aiden Mueller, who returns from
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior Ethan Mueller sprints to first base in a Central Minnesota Conference game against Paynesville on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Paynesville.
an injury suffered in May 2024, and senior outfielder Jack Lundberg.
“Brett has had an unbelievable off-season and he is a leader through and through,” Klaphake said. “Aiden is one of the most well-rounded baseball players in the area.”
Last year’s squad featured Luke Dingmann and a strong senior class. Klaphake and the coaching staff will look for younger players to make their mark.
at KMS, Thursday, April 3 vs. Parkers Prairie, Monday, April 7 vs. Paynesville, Thursday, April 10 at Maple Lake (DH), Monday, April 14 at EVW, Tuesday, April 22 vs. Royalton (DH), Thursday, April 24 at Holdingford (DH), Thursday, May 1 at Paynesville, Monday, May 5 vs. Kimball (DH), Thursday, May 8 BBE Invite, Friday/Saturday, May 9/10 vs. EVW, Monday, May 12 vs. ACGC (DH), Thursday, May 15 at LPGE, Tuesday, May 20 vs. Upsala/Swanville, Thursday, May 22
“With a ton of younger, but highly talented players fighting for spots that were taken by our graduated seniors, we expect a ton of competition in camp,” Klaphake said. “We are built on pitching, defense, high quality at-bats and doing whatever it takes to win.”
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior Luke Illies throws a pitch in a Central Minnesota Conference game against Paynesville on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Paynesville.
Braves return 5 starters from last year’s 7-14 team
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Benson sophomore shortstop Max Nygaard lays down a bunt in a Camden game against Ortonville on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Benson.
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
BENSON — The Benson baseball team is hoping for an upward trend to continue on.
After a 2-12 finish in the West Central Conference and a 7-14 overall record, Braves: 22
at Ortonville, Tuesday, April 1 vs. Melrose (DH), Thursday, April 3 vs. Minneota, Monday, April 7 vs. Montevideo (DH), Thursday, April 10 at BOLD, Monday, April 14 vs. Sauk Centre (DH), Thursday, April 17 at RCW (DH), Monday, April 21 at WCA (DH), Thursday, April 24 at Dawson-Boyd, Monday, April 28 vs. BOLD (DH), Thursday, May 1 vs. Morris/CA (DH), Thursday, May 8 vs. LPGE, Monday, May 12 at Minnewaska (DH), Thursday, May 15 at Morris/CA (DH), Tuesday, May 20
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
BOLD sophomore Emmitt Flann, right, runs out of the batter's box after connecting with a pitch during a non-conference game against ACGC on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Lions Memorial Park in Bird Island.
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
BIRD ISLAND — After sporting young squads the past couple seasons, the BOLD baseball team is hoping for an end to the growing pains.
The Warriors have four seniors back in the lineup from a squad that went 4-16 overall and 4-10 in the West Central Conference last season.
“We return several key players from the past two seasons for us,” said BOLD head coach Brian Kingery, who is 214-113 going into his 14th season. He’s joined on staff by Derek Falnn and Trent Athmann.
Kingery continued: “Our pitching should take a step forward this season and our lineup should be better top to bottom. With returning several starters from our infield, we are hoping to cut back on the amount of errors we have.”
The Warriors’ four returning seniors are Daylen Weber, Jonah Walton, Owen Flann and Jack Kaiser. Weber is a pitcher/ shortstop. Walton is a middle infielder and will also pitch. Flann plays outfield and pitcher. Kaiser is penciled in at third base.
Junior Emmitt Flann is also back and is slated to play at first base. He’ll be joined by sophomore Nolan Braulick, who’ll play both middle infielder and pitcher.
BOLD has four junior outfielders vying for playing time with Trey Zammeron, Jason Amberg, Brody Beckler and Kole Uhlenkamp.
Other players to keep an eye on, according to Kingery, are sophomore first baseman Jacob O’Halloran, freshman catcher Colton Baumgartner and freshman outfielder Marcus Benson.
“Our conference and section are very tough,” Kingery said, “but we are hoping to be more competitive.”
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
BOLD sophomore Emmitt Flann, right, runs out of the batter's box after connecting with a pitch during a non-conference game against ACGC on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Lions Memorial Park in Bird Island.
at Loyola Catholic, Thursday, April 3 vs. Sauk Centre, Friday, April 4 at Montevideo, Monday, April 7 at Minnewaska (DH), Thursday, April 10 vs. Benson, Monday, April 14 vs. WCA (DH), Thursday, April 17 at Sauk Centre, Tuesday, April 22 at Melrose (DH), Thursday, April 24 vs. GFW, Monday, April 28 at Benson, Thursday, May 1 at TMB Tourney, Saturday, May 3 vs. Montevideo, Thursday, May 8 at New Ulm Cathedral, Tuesday, May 13 vs. Morris/CA (DH), Thursday, May 15 at ACGC, Monday, May 15
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
CMCS junior Riley Broberg throws the ball in from right field during a Camden Conference game against MACCRAY on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Prinsburg.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
CMCS junior Wesley Fussy looks to make a throw to first after a bunt attempt during a Camden Conference game against MACCRAY on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Prinsburg.
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
For Broberg, Daugherty added: “Riley will have the mound when Wesley is not pitching. He is a pitch-to-contact guy and will be looking to play great defense the
The junior class sports five returning starters. They are catcher/pitcher Carson Meyer, pitcher/third baseman Jake Ver Steeg, first baseman Preston Dehmlow, outfielder Trypp Slagter and pitcher/
“We’re looking forward to seeing the five juniors take the next step,”
Freshman Jagger Ahrenholz is also back and will play shortstop and second base.
Other members of the roster include sophomore outfielder Andrew Broberg and freshmen Jackson Marcus (outfield/ pitcher), Jax Rime (catcher/pitcher) and
After falling short to LQPV in the 3A final, Dawson-Boyd returns a bevy of key players
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
DAWSON — There could be more history coming out of Dawson-Boyd this school year.
The Blackjacks have all the cards to make a postseason run and get to the Class A state tournament for the first time in program history.
Dawson-Boyd nearly returns all of its core from a 2024 season where the Blackjacks were 9-2 in the Camden Conference and 17-5 overall.
Last season, Dawson-Boyd reached the Section 3A championship, falling in two consecutive games to conference foe Lac qui Parle Valley.
The Blackjacks should be in contention for another Section 3A title this season.
“We have nine returning starters that will help us out this year,” said Dawson-Boyd ninth-year head coach Daren Swenson, who will be assisted by Josh Staab.
Nathan Hansen, Tygan Long, Grayson Olson and Eli Olson are all three-year starters who return to the Blackjacks’ infield.
Hansen, a junior who was a 2024 All-Area First Team selection, batted .453 with eight doubles, two triples, 20 runs and 18 RBIs. Long, a senior who was a 2024 AllArea Honorable Mention, hit .328 with six doubles, 22 RBIs and 12 runs.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune Dawson-Boyd sophomore second baseman Eli Olson, right, throws to teammate Collin Olson, 15, for an out during a Camden Conference game against LQPV on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Nelson Field in Dawson.
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
SUNBURG — While bidding adieu to one of the area’s top players, the KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg baseball team is looking for the next crop of athletes to step up.
The Fighting Saints are coming off an 11-9 season, with an 8-3 record in the Camden Conference.
Pappadackis called Rudningen “the catalyst for our team this season.” Along with his versatility, Rudningen hit for a .359 average, a .446 on-base percentage and a .892 onbase-plus-slugging percentage. He finished with five doubles, 20 runs, six RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
“(Logan) had a strong junior season with a solid stat line,” Pappadackis said. “He was getting on base when we needed it the most.
“This season, there will be opportunities for many former bench players to find their Olson, 1B/DH/IF/OF Clayton Olson and OF Logan Johnson.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
KMS junior Jett Olson throws a pitch during a non-conference game against Paynesville on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Paynesville.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune KMS junior Logan Rudningen leads off of first base during a non-conference game against Paynesville on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Paynesville.
Pappadackis has Engelke as a player to watch after he hit .327, had a .400 OBP and .727 OPS
“This season I look for him to improve those numbers at the plate and to also see success on the mound,” Pappadackis said of Engelke. “He has the ability to go and attack any hitter
vs. EVW, Tuesday, April 1 vs. BBE, Thursday, April 3 vs. CMCS, Friday, April 4 vs. Minnewaska, Tuesday, April 8 at CMCS, Thursday, April 10 at Hancock, Friday, April 11 at Holy Family, Monday, April 14 vs. YME, Tuesday, April 15 vs. MACCRAY, Thursday, April 24 at Minneota, Friday, April 25 at Paynesville Tourney, Saturday, April 26 at Ortonville, Tuesday, April 29 vs. TMB, Thursday, May 1 vs. Lakeview, Tuesday, May 6 at RCW, Thursday, May 8 vs. LQPV, Tuesday, May 13 at Dawson-Boyd, Thursday, May 15 at Spectrum, Saturday, May 17 at Canby Tuesday, May 20
Eagles, coming off a state tournament appearance, are confident about
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
MADISON — The Lac qui Parle Valley baseball team earned its second state berth in program history in 2024.
And, although the Eagles lost major contributors from last season’s state tournament team, LQPV hopes to remain competitive with the core it brings back following a year where the Eagles were 8-3 in the Camden Conference and 18-8 overall.
LQPV, which was 12-5 in the regular season, went 6-1 in the Section 3A tournament to advance to state for the first time since 2012.
The Eagles were 0-2 at the Class A state tourney in ‘24.
“The team lost significant experience from last year’s state tournament squad, but we’re confident in our returning arms and the additions of players who saw limited varsity action,” LQPV third-year head coach Darby Bjorgan said. “We believe our team speed and pitching remain strengths and we’re focused on improving our batting from last season.”
Back for the Eagles is All-Area Second Team member Davis Patzer, a 6-foot senior outfielder/pitcher. He hit .315 with a .389 slugging percentage and a .397 on-base
Central Minnesota Christian School on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Prinsburg.
Kittelson, Josh Benson and Mark Bjornjeld.
for the Eagles in a Class A quarterfinal game against Cherry on Thursday, June 13,
Class A quarterfinal
against Cherry on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.
vs. Hancock, Thursday, April 8 at RCW, Thursday, April 10 at RTR, Friday, April 11 vs. TMB, Tuesday, April 15 at MACCRAY, Tuesday, April 22 at YME, Thursday, April 24 vs. DB, Tuesday, April 29 vs. Lakeview, Thursday, May 1 vs. Morris/CA, Friday, May 2 at Canby, Tuesday, May 6 vs. CMCS, Thursday, May 8 LQPV Tourney, Saturday, May 10 at KMS, Tuesday, May 13 vs. Minneota, Thursday, May 15 at ACGC, Friday, May 16 at Minnewaska, Monday, May 19 vs. Ortonville, Tuesday, May 20
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
LITCHFIELD — Long-time head coach Jeff Wollin is hoping his players’ experience from last season helps the Litchfield baseball team get back to its winning ways.
In the 2024 season, the Dragons were 1-13 in the Wright County Conference and 4-17 overall.
“After a challenging 2024 season with an extremely young squad, the Dragons return all but two players,” Wollin said. “We’re hoping to learn from the experience gained last season, including losing six games by one or two runs. The Dragons look to return to their familiar role as contenders in the ultra-competitive Wright County West and Section 5AA.”
Litchfield returns seniors Anthony Estrada, Ben Olson, Ethan Holtz and Carson Brummond.
Estrada is a four-year starter and back as a 6-foot-3 catcher/first baseman who is a “dangerous hitter with great power,” according to Wollin.
Olson is a 5-9 shortstop who is a “skilled player with great baseball instincts,” Wollin said.
Holtz, a 6-1 third baseman/pitcher, is a “solid all-around player who will hit in the middle of the order and also do some pitching,” according to Wollin.
Brummond is a catcher/third baseman who is “hard-working,” Wollin said.Juniors looking to help the Dragons have an improved season are: Alex Medina (CF), Jordan Abbott (P/INF), Gideon Boerema (P/IB), Tripp McCann (P/ Utility) and Beau Schultz (INF/P).
Possible top newcomers noted by Wollin are: juniors Nick Lehar (1B), Grant Degerud (P/OF), Zach Moes (OF/2B) and Mathias Froemming (INF).
Wollin’s coaching staff for the upcoming year is Dion Sussner, Brett Damerow, Joey Hyde, Alex Prieve, Eric Hulterstrum, Zack Piepenburg.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune Litchfield sophomore Jordan Abbott, right, goes to apply a tag on Southwest Christian's Jack Manion during a Wright County Conference game on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Optimist Park in Litchfield. Manion was called safe on the play.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Litchfield junior Anthony Estrada, right, highfives teammate Ethan Holtz after scoring a run during a Wright County Conference game against Southwest Christian on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Optimist Park in Litchfield.
at HLWW, Monday, April 7 vs. WM, Thursday, April 10 at DC, Monday, April 14 vs. GSL (DH), Thursday, April 17 vs. NYA, Monday, April 21 at NLS (DH), Thursday, April 24 vs. HLWW, Monday, April 28 vs. EVW, Friday, May 2 at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, Saturday, May 3 at WM, Monday, May 5 vs. Rockford (DH), Thursday, May 8 at Maple Lake, Friday, May 9 vs. DC, Monday, May 12 at Annandale (DH), Thursday, May 15 at Southwest Christian, Saturday, May 17 at NYA, Monday, May 19
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
RAYMOND — Experience should help the MACCRAY baseball team climb up the Camden Conference standings. At least, that’s the hope for head coach Nate Hebrink and his Wolverines.
MACCRAY, coming off a 7-4 record in conference play and 10-10 overall in 2024, returns a bevy of starters.“We will be returning eight starters after losing two
seniors to graduation,” Hebrink said. “We will lean on our experience and our nine seniors to have a successful year.”
Four-year starters and seniors Jase Dirksen, Xavier Noble and Ethan Strommer lead the pack of returning starters for the Wolverines.
Dirksen, an All-Camden first baseman/ pitcher, had a 4-2 record and allowed five
WOLVERINES: 22
Lakers, after winning West Central Conference and going 20-4, have some horses
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
GLENWOOD — There is much to feel good about for the Minnewaska baseball team.
Despite graduating plenty of its core from a successful 2024 season, the Lakers hope that momentum carries over into 2025 with the key players they return. The Lakers were West Central Conference champions with a 13-0 record and 20-4 overall last spring.
“We will be looking to build off an incredibly successful 2024 campaign,” said Minnewaska fourth-year head coach Joe Alexander, who will be assisted by Chris Lence, Andrew Goracke, Drew Olsonawski, Shane Radermacher and Hunter Infanger. “While it is never easy to replace eight incredibly talented players lost to graduation, there will be a lot of great competition from many promising players, grades 9-12, to fill out our lineup.”
Noah Jensen, a Division II University of Minnesota-Crookston commit, was one of three Lakers on the All-Area team last year and he is the only one of the three who is back for Minnewaska.
The 6-foot-3 senior catcher/infielder/pitcher hit .400 with a 1.341 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. He hit an area-high eight home runs, while driving in 35 runs and scored 24 more.
“Noah is one of the top power hitters in the state,” Alexander said of Jensen who already has the school records for home runs in both a season and career. “He is primed to have a big senior season to cap off a career with video-game-like numbers.”
Levi Johnson, a Division III St. John’s University commit, also returns for the Lakers.
The 5-10 senior infielder/pitcher hit .222 and an .847 fielding percentage on 98 total chances.
“Levi is one of the best middle infielders in the area,” Alexander said. “He checks all of the boxes to play at a high level — outstanding range, exceptional arm strength, accuracy. At the plate, he has outstanding bat control — he is one of the best all-around players to come through our program.”
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
MONTEVIDEO — After going to state for the first time in 28 years, the Montevideo baseball team doesn’t plan on another prolonged stay away from the state’s best.
With four of the team’s top five pitchers and five position players back from last season, the Thunder Hawks are hoping to stay in the hunt for a Section 3AA championship.
Montevideo was 21-6 overall and 11-3 in the West Central Conference last season. The Thunder Hawks are also the defending 3AA champions.
“We have a great 1-2 punch on the mound with (Gannon) Reidinger and (Griffin) Epema, and then (Brody) Dack is a quality number three,” said Montevideo head coach Tim Epema. He’s joined on staff by Brandon Raymo, Adam Eakes and Josh Dack. Tim Epema is heading into his 18th season and has a 158-196 record.
The Thunder Hawks are led by their senior ace pitcher Gannon Reidinger. The
Also playing at first base, Reidinger hit .326 with a .505 on-base percentage with 16 runs and 19 RBIs.
Griffin Epema is a sophomore shortstop/ center fielder/pitcher. He was the team’s top bat, hitting .386 with a .591 OBP with 29 runs, 15 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. On the mound, he went 4-2 with a save, a 1.43 ERA, 59 strikeouts and 17 walks over 44 innings.
“(Griffin’s) super athletic with a strong arm and great bat,” Tim Epema said.
“He’s gritty.”
Another top senior for the Thunder Hawks is catcher Landon Olson. Along with working with the pitchers and controlling opponents on the base paths, Olson hit .277 with 14 runs and 12 RBIs last season. He’ll be joined by fellow seniors Jaden Hendrickson in left field. Hendrickson hit .206 with 11 runs, nine RBIs and eight stolen bases in ‘24.
Other seniors back in the fray are Sam Knoop, Nery Guerra and Carter Malstrom.
Junior Brody Dack will play third base,
Montevideo freshman Griffin Epema
after sliding safely into third base during the
Minnewaska on Thursday, June 6, 2024
Getting back to state will be no easy feat for Montevideo. Epema expects a tough section field. The West Central Conference won’t be much easier.
“The West Central Conference is loaded with a lot of very good baseball teams,” Epema said. “Morris and Minnewaska will be very stout. Melrose and Sauk Centre always pose a big threat. BOLD and Benson return a lot of good young players that will be more seasoned and ready to take on everyone. West Central (Area) was a very young team last year and has a new coach this year, so you never know what they may be able to do.”
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Montevideo junior Gannon Reidinger fires a pitch in a Section 3AA-North playoff game against Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Montevideo.
vs. WCA (DH), Thursday, April 3 vs. BOLD, Monday, April 7 at Benson (DH), Thursday, April 10 vs. YME, Monday, April 14 vs. Morris/CA (DH), Thursday, April 17 vs. Minnewaska (DH), Thursday, April 24 at MACCRAY, Friday, April 25 at Melrose (DH), Thursday, May 1 at BOLD, Thursday, May 8 vs. Redwood Valley, Friday, May 9 vs. NLS, Tuesday, May 13 at Sauk Centre (DH), Thursday, May 15 vs. Duluth Marshall, Saturday, May 17 at Paynesville, Tuesday, May 20
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
PAYNESVILLE — A lot of new faces will be present for the Paynesville baseball team in 2025.
The Bulldogs return three starters from last year’s squad, which won the Central Minnesota Conference title with a 12-2 record and went 16-6 overall.
Paynesville will need its new players to step up in order to remain competitive in what is looking to be a loaded Section 3AA, which includes Kerkhoven-MurdockSunburg, Minnewaska, Montevideo and New London-Spicer
“We will be very inexperienced this season,” said Brad Skoglund, who enters his 38th season as head coach. “We do have some
Johnson is a shortstop who hit .288 last season. Nelson is a pitcher who had a 5-2 record while hitting .292. VanderBeek recorded a .270 batting average.
Skoglund believes Nelson is “one of the top area pitchers.”
The veteran head coach will need that out of Nelson as he leads a young pitching staff.
“Hopefully we can have some young pitchers step up and have big seasons,” Skoglund said. “We do have good, young pitching depth.”
Skoglund listed these players attempting to secure starting positions: seniors Peyton Hemmesch (3B), Aiden Hopfer (1B), Grant Wendlandt (OF) and Emerson Stern (1B), juniors Eric Paulson (2B), Gavin Bultheis (3B), Brock Brunlett (CF), Derek Mergan
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Paynesville sophomore pitcher Esau Nelson fires a pitch in a non-conference matchup against New London-Spicer on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Paynesville.
game against KMS on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Paynesville.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Paynesville head baseball coach Brad Skoglund keeps an eye on the action during a non-conference game against KMS on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Paynesville.
at BBE, Thursday, April 10 at Royalton (DH), Monday, April 14 vs. Morris/CA, Tuesday, April 15 at NLS, Thursday, April 17 at ACGC, Tuesday, April 22 vs. Maple Lake (DH), Thursday, April 24 Paynesville Tourney, Saturday, April 26 vs. EVW, Monday, April 28 at Kimball (DH), Thursday, May 1 vs. BBE, Monday, May 5 vs. Holdingford (DH), Thursday, May 8 vs. ACGC, Monday, May 12 at EVW, Thursday, May 15 vs. Minnewaska, Friday, May 16 vs. Montevideo, Tuesday, May 20
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
SACRED HEART — The Renville County West baseball team will lean on five returning starters in 2025.
The Jaguars hope that brings more success in the new year.
RCW finished 3-8 in the Camden Conference and 5-12 overall a season ago. It was also 3-8 in Section 3A games throughout the year.
“We are returning five starters back from last year and still have some holes to fill but hope to continue to improve throughout
the season and improve from last year’s record,” said Steve Agre, in his third year as RCW’s head coach. “We have good senior leadership, which we hope translates into the young players improving to a higher level.”
Griffin Howard highlights the returnees for the Jaguars. The senior pitcher/shortstop was an All-Area Honorable Mention last year. He had a 3-3 record and one save with a 2.03 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 44-2/3 innings pitched. He is a Bethany Lutheran College commit. He also batted .326 with 16 runs and 19 stolen bases.
JAGUARS: 23
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
GRANITE FALLS — The Yellow Medicine East baseball team has six returning starters, which the Sting hopes is a good start to the 2025 season.
YME look to improve upon their 9-12 record from the 2024 season, which included a 5-6 record in the Camden Conference. YME capped off the year by going 2-2 in the Section 3A tournament.
“We’re looking forward to getting outside and getting our season going,” new YME head coach Nick Richter said. “We have a great group of kids and I am excited to watch them play.”
Richter enters as head coach for Trevor Schulte, who left after 13 seasons. Richter will be assisted by Jake Suter and Curt Kvam.
“I have some big shoes to fill with Coach Schulte departing after last season,” Richter said.
Schulte led the Sting to the Class A state tournament in 2023, YME’s first state berth.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to coach the YME baseball team,” Richter said.
Jacob Peterson (OF/P), Eric Jimenez (INF/P), Braden Nelson (INF/P) and Gage Wilke (C/INF) are all seniors who return as starters.
Drew Monson and Gunnar Fagen round out YME’s returning starters. Monson will play in the outfield and also pitch. Fagen will see time in the infield as well as on the mound.
Players to watch as noted by Richter are Kian Christianson, Connor Schmitz, Hayden Kuehn, Aaden Kuehn, Gavin Torvik, Aidan Martin, Dane Hildahl, Caysen Lien and Lane Wohlman.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
YME junior Eric Jimenez runs home for a run during a Camden Conference game against MACCRAY on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Lilleberg Field in Raymond.
CONTINUED FROM 9
at Benson.
the Braves return a solid nucleus of starters who will look to help them be more competitive.
“We have five solid starters coming back,” said Benson head coach Tom Foley, who will be assisted by Sam Lenarz and Jason Nichols. “The other four positions we will have guys fighting for the starting spot. Most of the guys who will be on the varsity roster will have started at least one game last year for the varsity team.”
Alex Claussen is the Braves’ biggest piece
strikeouts in nine appearances and hit .250 with 10 runs and 10 stolen bases.
Max Nygaard is back at shortstop for Benson. The junior batted .213 with 13 runs and 11 steals.
Noah Goossen, a senior center fielder, will look to lead the Braves in the outfield. He had a team-high .344 batting average last year with 21 hits, all singles.
Grant Gunlogson, a senior catcher, and Landon Skarsten, a junior infielder/pitcher, round out Benson’s returning starters.
Gunlogson had a .955 fielding percentage in 155 total chances and batted .190 with five stolen bases and four extra base hits.
Skarsten had a 2-4 record with a 3.54 ERA and 33 strikeouts in four appearances. His
CONTINUED FROM 16
earned runs in 40 innings. Noble, an All-Camden infielder/outfielder/pitcher, hit .393 with 24 runs. Strommer, an AllCamden infielder, batted .393 with 17 runs and seven doubles.
Grayson Ahrenholz, a four-year starter and senior infielder/catcher/pitcher, and Wyatt Swenson, an All-Camden Honorable Mention and senior infielder/ pitcher, are also back for MACCRAY.
Ahrenholz had 29 strikeouts in 18 innings and 15 hits with four doubles last season.
Swenson posted a 2-2 record with 26 strikeouts in 20 innings.
at YME, Thursday, April 3 vs. Adrian/Ellsworth, Tuesday, April 8 at Morris/CA Tourney, Friday/Saturday, April 11/12
Benson sophomore pitcher Landon Skarsten fires a pitch in a Camden matchup against Ortonville on Friday,
Monday, May 13, 2024 at Prinsburg.
Jaguars
CONTINUED FROM 20
Also back as starters for RCW are seniors Joe Valdovinos (OF/IF), Braylon Hinderks (OF/P), Austin Rice (C/P) and junior Jacob Savig (OF/P).
Listed as players to watch as well, according to Agre, are seniors Jeremy Walton (IF) and Tucker Fredeen (IF/OF) and juniors Connor Peterson (IF/P), Casen Arterburn (IF/DH), Eric Garza (IF) and AJ
vs. Benson, Thursday, April 3 at RRC, Friday, April 4 at Lakeview (DH), Tuesday, April 15 at Hancock, Thursday, April 17 vs. LQPV, Tuesday, April 22 vs. DB, Thursday, April 24 at Minneota/Canby (DH), Tuesday, April 29 at KMS, Friday, May 2 at Ortonville, Tuesday, May 6 vs. YME (DH), Thursday, May 8 at BLHS, Monday, May 12 vs. TMB (DH), Tuesday, May 13 vs. MACCRAY, Thursday, May 15
2024 at Sacred
