The 2026 high school baseball season opens with no shortage of intrigue across the lakeshore, even if spring weather has delayed the action and pushed the start of meaningful competition further down the calendar. Montague is trying to defend its place atop the Lakes Division. Hart is looking to prove last year’s district title was the start of something bigger. North Muskegon returns one of the area’s strongest cores after a 24-win season ended short of its ultimate goal. Whitehall begins a new era under Brian Peets, while Ludington comes in with momentum after a district championship of its own. In a sport where a dominant arm, a veteran lineup, or one timely rally can change everything, the slow start to the spring has only added to the anticipation. When the games finally do get rolling, there should be no shortage of teams with something to prove.
Hart: Looking to Build on a Historic Breakthrough
Hart heads into the new season after a memorable 2025 campaign that ended with the program’s first district championship since 2004. It was a breakthrough moment for the Pirates and one that created momentum heading into this spring. Now, in his first season leading Hart baseball, head coach Kyle Weiler is focused on maximizing the talent already in the program.
A veteran senior group returns to lead the way, including Halen Boos, Aiden Cull, Hollis Rockwell, Joseph Osorio, Kyle Greiner, and Logan Jorissen. Hart will also look for its junior class, Mason Guikema, Pascal Miller, and Caden VanGeldren, to provide an immediate boost. The Pirates see their mindset as a potential strength, particularly their ability to handle adversity and recover from mistakes. After last year’s breakthrough, Hart now turns its attention toward sustaining success and continuing to grow together as a team.
North Muskegon: Poised to Take Another Step
North Muskegon returns after a strong 24-5 season, including a 12-1 mark in the Rivers Division, though the year ended with a loss to Western Michigan Christian in the district finals. That finish has only sharpened the focus for a team that looks built to contend again.
Few teams in the area bring back as much proven production. Logan Slimko, a senior pitcher and outfielder, returns after going 8-1 with a 0.98 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 49.2 innings, while also batting .329 with 30 RBIs. Senior Kylan Nielsen gives the Norsemen another standout arm after posting a 0.57 ERA with only four walks in 36.2 innings, and he also hit .373 with 24 RBIs. Bronson Hurst is back after batting .420 with a 1.164 OPS and 29 RBIs, while junior Cameron Hurst and sophomore Hunter Darga add even more depth. Newcomers Braylen Burrel, Owen Silvis, Tommy Dahlquist, and Jonas Slimko are also expected to contribute.
North Muskegon’s biggest strengths appear to be senior leadership and pitching depth, two qualities that can carry a team a long way. There is also added excitement with the team returning to the new Russell Road Complex, giving the Norsemen a renewed home-field identity.
Whitehall: New Era Under Brian Peets
Whitehall enters 2026 with a completely new coaching staff, highlighted by the hiring of Brian Peets as head coach, marking a new chapter for the Vikings. Peets takes over a team that finished 2025 with momentum, winning nine straight games late in the season before falling in the district title game. He also inherits a program that was well represented in the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division a year ago.
The Vikings had four first-team all-conference selections in 2025, tied with Oakridge for the second-most in the Lakes Division behind champion Montague. Among those honored was returning player Evan Thomas, who earned first-team all-conference recognition as an infielder. Whitehall also placed Brock Morningstar on the first team as a pitcher and Nate Betz in the outfield, while Eli Winters earned honorable mention. That success gives Whitehall a strong base entering the new season.
This year’s returning players to watch include Evan Thomas, now a senior pitcher/first baseman; Justin Jensen, a senior shortstop/pitcher; Cody Manzo, a senior catcher/infielder; Noah Morse, a senior DH/first baseman; Hunter Peterson, a senior outfielder; and Noah Peterson, a sophomore infielder/pitcher. Whitehall also expects newcomers Ethan Deshong, Brayden Kelley, and Emmett Hecht to make an impact.
The Vikings believe their biggest strength is their veteran core, especially a senior class that enjoys playing together. With a fresh coaching staff in place, Whitehall is trying to build both a competitive team and a program-wide mindset that carries through the final out.
Montague: Still the Team to Beat in the Lakes
In the Lakes Division, Montague remains the benchmark after winning 19 games and capturing the 2025 conference championship. The Wildcats do have key losses to replace, including the top three hitters from their most-used batting order, but they still enter the season with the look of a contender. A big reason is Eli Petersen, who returns as the clear ace of the pitching staff after a standout 2025 season. Montague will also look to senior Cole Herremans, along with emerging arms Caleb Rice and Eli Pendell, to help stabilize the rotation behind him.
Defensively, Montague has important holes to fill in the middle infield, and the Wildcats appear likely to sort through several options there early in the season. Junior Levi Auger is one player who could help, and Montague’s junior class may provide additional depth. There is still plenty of proven experience in the lineup. Cooper Bradley and Cole Moss return in the outfield, while Fletcher Thommen is back behind the plate. Dylan Bailey gives the Wildcats another experienced option as a versatile defender.
Montague’s combination of returning experience, internal competition, and recent success makes it clear that the road through the Lakes Division still runs through the Wildcats.
Ludington: Looking to Build on a District Title
Ludington also enters the season with confidence after finishing 2025 with a district championship before falling to eventual state runner-up Standish-Sterling. The Orioles believe they found their identity late last season, coming together down the stretch after spending much of the year trying to get everyone on the same page. That late surge gives Ludington something to build on this spring.
Among the returning players to watch are Brody Kaminski, Tyler Albrecht, Cooper Holmes, Zack Graham, and Karson Knowles. Ludington will also welcome several new varsity contributors, including junior Brody Jones and sophomores Gavin Cohoon, Asher Forfinski, and Brayten Kaminski.
As the season opens, Ludington sees defense as a possible strength, though much of that will take shape as roles settle in. More than anything, the Orioles are looking for growth, both on the field and off it, while hoping for a faster start and an even stronger finish than a year ago.
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