Local Sports Journal

The North Muskegon baseball team may be young, but Coach Warren Kent III still expects plenty of success for the Norsemen.

“We return just five players, but a strong junior class, which went 49-5-3 the last two seasons, will provide needed baseball experience,” said Kent, who is entering his 10th season as the NM coach. He brings a 193-104-1 record into the campaign.

“The Norsemen’s goal is to make it to Battle Creek, where the state finals are played,” said Kent.

A year ago, NM finished 26-13 overall, 8-6 in the West Michigan Conference.

Five returning seniors are expected to lead the way. That group includes Adrian Anderson (pitcher, shortstop), Chase Cooke (outfield, catcher), Adam Edick (outfield, infield), Jake Gautraud (outfield) and Rogan McEvoy (infield, pitcher).

Anderson had a school-record 122 at-bats, 47 runs, 46 hits, 2 doubles, four home runs and 42 RBIs. He had a .377 batting average and had a 6-4 record the mound with 56 strikeouts.

Cooke batted .281 a year ago, Edick hit .275 and McEvoy batted .330 and a 3-2 record on the mound with a team-leading 1.38 ERA.

There are nine newcomers, eight juniors and one senior, on the roster. That group includes juniors Ryan Compeau  (infield, pitcher), Bailey Cooper (outfield, pitcher), Jesse Dunn (infield, pitcher), Chris Hillman (infield),  Reese McCamant (infield, pitcher), Stephan Pallante (outfield), Brody Scott (catcher), Travis Webster (outfield) and senior Devi Jani (outfield).

Kent became the winningest coach in NM history last season and needs seven victories to reach 200.

Team speed and previous success on the field will be strengths for the Norsemen, but there is a shortage of varsity experience.