Glen Lake is coming off a banner baseball season that produced 26 wins and a District championship.

Whether the Lakers can make another successful run under coach Kris Herman will hinge on a rebuilt pitching staff.

"We lost three of our four starters from last year, but we have some good talent back," said Herman, whose team will open the season next Thursday at Lake City.

"We've got a little more team speed this year and so far our defense has looked good in our scrimmages," he said. "But pitching is always the big question mark. And this year is no different."

Glen Lake has a solid No. 1 starter in senior Weston Buchan. He was 6-2 a year ago on the mound. He was also a solid centerfielder, batting. 433 with a slugging percentage of .596. He made all-Northwest, all-Region and honorable mention All-State.

He'll get help from another senior and fellow pitcher Josh Scarbrough, who also plays shortstop. Scarbrough hit .342 last season and drove in a team-high 33 runs. A third senior is Gary Brown, who will pitch and play first base.

The leading juniors are catcher Josh Jacklin and KC Novak, a second baseman and outfielder.

"Josh is one of the best defensive catchers in northern Michigan," said Herman. "And Novak is our No. 2 hitter because he knows how to handle the bat. They are both solid players."

Despite an experienced group to build around, Herman said the Lakers are "pretty young" this season.

"We'll hit the ball fairly well," he said. "It will come down to pitching and defense."
He sees Frankfort and Kingsley as the Northwest Conference favorites, with Mesick and Manton as dark horses.

"Frankfort and Suttons Bay have the best young talent in the league," he said. "I think they'll be good for the next 4-5 years."

Glen Lake opens conference play a week from Tuesday against the Norsemen.