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With 2023 now in the past, PBR Michigan is eagerly anticipating bringing the state the best high school coverage that can be found anywhere in 2024. Starting in February, we began releasing team previews for squads across the state. Ahead, we will have Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings coming your way.

To view the full list of 2024 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2024 Team Preview, click here.

Interested in attending a PBR Michigan event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2024 Spring Team Preview: Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep Irish

Team Name: Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep Irish
Head Coach: Smiley Verduzco
Division: 4
2023 Record: 24-15
2023 Tourney Finish: State Semifinals loss to Beal City
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/6

Coach Outlook: "Young team got a taste of playoff success last year and is looking to contend again this season."

2024 Team Strengths:

• Starting Pitching
• Defense
• Speed
• Toughness

Top Returning Players:

• El Backman: MIF/C, Sr., 5'10" 165 lbs., R/R, .421, 51 R, 31 SB
• Andrew Rann: 1B, Sr., 6'3" 195 lbs., R/R, .392, 36 RBI
• Noah Emmer: C, Jr., 6'0" 170 lbs., R/R, .256, 29 RBI, 18 runners thrown out
• David Verduzco: P/MIF, Soph, 5'9" 145 lbs., R/R, . 288, 16 RBI, 11 SBs, 29 IP, 5-1 record, 30 Ks, 1.43 ERA
• Tyler Beach: UTL, Soph, 5'9" 170 lbs., R/R, .288, 22 R, 15 SBs
• Brooks Basler: P/UTL, Jr., 6'1" 175 lbs., R/R, .397 OBP, 26 R, 14 SBs, 57 IP, 5-4 Record, .982 ERA
• Preston Cosby: P/3B, Jr., 6'3" 185 lbs., R/R, 54 IP, 81 Ks, 3.20 ERA

Class of 2024 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

• Eli Backman (Video Below)
• Andrew Rann

Class of 2025 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

• Preston Cosby
• Noah Emmer
• Brooks Basler

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

• David Verduzco
• Tyler Brand
• Max Gerl (transfer)

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

• Lucas Cosby

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