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Looking back on the 2024 softball season in Cheboygan

VaselineJune 25, 2024

1 3 minutes read

Looking back on the 2024 softball season in Cheboygan

CHEBOYGAN – It’s always a shame when the high school softball season ends.

As I’ve said several times, softball is one of my favorite sports, especially when the postseason rolls around. This season was no different, as there were several teams and several players who impressed on the field.

So now that softball is in the books, here are some final thoughts on the 2024 area campaign.

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End of an era

For years I have followed a certain group of Cheboygan softball players, all in the same league, all incredibly talented, and all with an undeniable will to win.

That was the senior class of Libby VanFleet, Marley Couture, Amelia Johnson, Emerson Eustice, Jordan Ashley, Ella Kosanke and Emily Clark, who won a ton and thrilled their supporters in the process.

The end of this campaign marked the end of an era for a collection of Chiefs who played their part in a Straits Area Conference championship three-peat. From their days with the Cheboygan Chaos travel team until now, these seniors have achieved tremendous results.

It will be difficult to say goodbye to such an exciting group of players, and it will be even more difficult for the Cheboygan program to replace them. The good news? Presley Chamberlain, Tessa Lake and Hannah Whippo all return to lead the Chiefs into the Northern Shores Conference era.

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Inland Lakes continues to win titles

This wasn’t one of the best softball teams of all time in the Inland Lakes during the Krissi Thompson era, but it was still a group that managed to capture a third straight district championship.

Led by seniors Maggie Grant and Erica Taglauer, along with many other quality players, the Bulldogs had a solid campaign, once again finishing in the top tier of the Ski Valley Conference.

The real question now is: can the inland lakes return to the top of the Ski Valley? Now that Johannesburg-Lewiston superstar Jayden Marlatt has graduated, it could be a conference for anyone next spring.

At the same time, replacing Grant and Taglauer won’t be easy for the Bulldogs. However, they will bring back a lot of talent, including Brooklyn LaBrecque, Eva Carper, Myla Thompson and Lexi Kovtun.

Can Mackinaw City take the next step?

It was an up and down season for Bianca Thompson’s Comets, but they did show signs that they could be a competitive side in the future.

Gracie and Jersey Beauchamp have graduated, but Mackinaw City will still return players like Rian Esper, Emily Kruczynski and Vanessa Groenewoud.

The hitting is there, but one thing I’m paying attention to is how much the Comets can improve defensively and pitching-wise. It’s easier said than done, but if the Comets make progress in those areas, they can compete for titles.

Does Onaway have a big 2025 in store?

It was a slow start to the season for the Cardinals, but they showed improvement along the way.

While the Cardinals are coming off a loss in their first district game against state semifinalist Hillman, they will return a ton, including Ema DeMaestri, Charlotte Box, Kailyn George, Sadie Decker and Marley Szymoniak.

That begs the question: Can the Cardinals compete in the Ski Valley and the postseason? If Hillman remains in their district, it will be a difficult task for the Cardinals. But as far as Ski Valley goes, I have a feeling it will be a little more wide open than previous years.

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Can Hornets bounce back?

After winning back-to-back district titles in 2022 and 2023, Pellston struggled to find its footing this season. The Hornets showed signs of turning things around, but could never quite find the consistency they were aiming for.

However, the Hornets could be primed for a rebound in 2025, especially with Ella Klungle, Lanie Irwin and a few others back. For Pellston, it’s about improving pitching and defense, two areas where it has struggled.

But if anyone has shown in recent years that they can surprise and win a title out of nowhere, it has been the Hornets.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportCDT