OAKRIDGE – Coming off a league title in 2024, the Eagles reload and retain most of their production from a season ago. “I’m looking forward to working with some of the best male athletes and people at Oakridge. I hope our veterans can set the tone for our less experienced players,” said manager Brandon Barry.
Oakridge is coming off one of its best seasons in recent years. They went undefeated in conference play and won the WMC-Lakes title. The season ended in the district semifinal when they suffered a 7-2 loss to a good Coopersville team.
The battery between seniors Michael Wambaugh and Evan Miller is back for this season. Wambaugh is one of the best pitchers in the conference and Miller is a top catcher. Both guys are committed to Spring Arbor to continue their careers.
Barry is in his 34th season as the Eagles skipper which places him 2nd overall in the WMC for longest-tenured coach behind Shelby’s Brian Wright.
2024 Season
17-13 record
WMC-Lakes Champion
Lost in district semifinal to Coopersville
Six all-conference players
Batting
Senior, Miller, absolutely mashes the baseball at the dish. The now-senior slashed a .427 BA and knocked in 29 RBIs as a junior. Miller is often viewed as one of the best catchers in Michigan and it’s not just because he can hit. The four-year senior has a slingshot from behind the plate and is fundamentally sound when it comes to framing, blocking, and IQ from arguably the most important position on the diamond.
Zac Cribbens returns in the center field spot for his senior year at Oakridge. The speedy Cribbens is an elite defender with top-notch speed and an above-average bat. The senior hit .365 while hitting in 12 runs last season.
Utility man, Bryce Bisson returns as a 2-year starter for the Eagles. Bisson plays all three positions in the outfield and can play second base well. A true glue guy.
Evan Jozsa, Chase Dutton, Landon Southard, and Logen Huston are all among the guys who will be top hitters this season according to coach Barry.
Pitching
Wambaugh returns for yet another season of being the ace of the staff for Oakridge. According to Prep Baseball Report, the senior is topping out at 89 MPH on his heater with an average of 87 MPH. Standing in at 6’4″ 205, the righty also features a changeup, curveball, and slider mix. Wambaugh went 7-2 last season while posting a 0.87 ERA and recorded 50 strikeouts.
Jozsa will also have a vital role in the rotation this season. Standing at the rubber with a 6’8″ 245 frame will surely be effective.
Southard will offer a lefty look from the bump for the Eagles this season. The junior will complement Cribbens in the outfield when he’s not on the mound. “He’s going to be our lefty starter with a year of experience under his belt. Looking for improved offense and continued excellence in the outfield,” said coach Barry.
Dutton and Dylan Cunningham are both expected to log some innings as well.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles are the consensus favorite in the Lakes division after winning it last season. However, with Montague and Whitehall lurking, the pitching staff must be on including a repeat season from Wambaugh. With three first-team all-conference hitters returning, the lineup is expected to produce a healthy number of runs. The Eagles district will include Fruitport, Whitehall, and Orchard View and will remain a difficult district.
2025 Tentative Schedule
3/25 – Vs. Holton DH
3/31 – @ Reeths-Puffer
4/15 – @ Fremont DH
4/17 – Vs. North Muskegon DH
4/19 – Vs. Sault Ste Marie DH
4/22 – Vs. Manistee DH
4/25 – @ Zeeland West DH
4/28 – Vs. Cedar Springs DH
5/1 – Vs. Grant DH 5/3 – GMAA TBD
5/6 – @ Orchard View DH
5/9 – @ Traverse City Central
5/13 – @ Montague DH
5/16 – Vs. Whitehall DH
5/20 – Vs. Ludington DH
5/21 – Vs. Newaygo DH
5/23 – Vs. Muskegon Catholic Central
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