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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.

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2024 Spring Team Preview: Orchard Lake St. Mary's Eaglets

ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE - “It feels like home” to Nick Di Ponio.

The new head coach at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s is back at his alma mater where Di Ponio was part of the first state title at the school his senior year in 1998.

“From the aspect of a student to the aspect of a coach, St. Mary’s has always been dear to my heart,” noted Di Ponio, who returns to lead a program he was in charge of from 2005-2010 after taking the head coaching position at the age of 24. “I want to continue the excellence that has been here, not only in the classroom but on the field.”

Back-to-back state championships and an 84-game winning streak are among the accomplishments made by the baseball team this decade and the Eaglets look to be strong once again in 2024 under the guidance of Di Ponio and his staff of Dominic Carmosino, Pat Misch, Theo Piccirilli and Peter Varon.

“We have a very, very deep pitching staff, that’s probably our biggest strength,” Di Ponio said. “Hitting is probably our biggest question mark heading into the season, but I think we can hit. We’ve got holes to fill, but we’ll be fine.”

Fine could be an understatement with a pitching staff led by a trio of seniors Aidan Donovan, Anthony Pesci and Grant Essig. Donovan, the sixth-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in Michigan, is a commit to Michigan State, while Pesci, the 14th-ranked senior RHP in the state, is headed to Alabama. Essig, rated 15th among 2024 right-handed pitchers in Michigan, is a Grand Valley recruit.

Donovan was 7-1 with a 0.512 ERA in 2023, striking out 67 in 54.2 innings. Pesci was 6-3 with a 2.60 ERA, fanning 78 in 53.1 frames while Essig had a 7-0 record with 48 Ks in 37.1 innings, sporting a 1.50 ERA.

While Jasen Oliver must be replaced in a closer’s role, St. Mary’s has capable arms to fill the task with juniors Jaden Oliver and Paul Toovalian along with senior Bradley Hale all expected to contribute this season. Hard-throwing senior Vince Marcon adds another potential threat on the mound.

“The staff will be very deep and well positioned to handle the rigors of the loaded CHSL,” Di Ponio explained.

Senior Parker Brzustewicz and sophomore Hudson Brzustewicz will add depth on the mound, along with sophomore left-hander Zach Essig. Parker, the 33rd-rated senior third baseman in the nation, led the Eaglets at the plate last year with a .519 average. The Notre Dame signee had a .517 on-base percentage and 1.025 OPS, with three doubles, two home runs, 18 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and 42 runs scored. Hudson, the top-ranked 2026 shortstop in Michigan who is also a Notre Dame commit, batted .300 with six doubles, three homers, 19 RBIs and 34 runs scored during his freshman campaign.

Ryan Sommer, a Taylor commit ranked 12th among senior catchers in the state, and Anthony Elizaj, the third-rated junior catcher in Michigan, will handle chores behind the plate with sophomore Luke Crighton, an Indiana commit, joining the Brzustewicz brothers in the infield.

Seniors Kyle Kavc and Will Boisineau are penciled in to lead the way in the outfield, with Crighton, the sixth-rated 2026 in Michigan, also available to play in the outfield. Boisineau, the 11th-rated 2024 outfielder in Michigan, drove in 29 runs with five doubles, two home runs and a .272 batting average last season.

Sophomore Andrew Tribul, the second-rated 2026 third baseman in Michigan, is being counted on to help fill holes in the OLSM offense.

“With the departure of Ryan McKay (Michigan State), Blake Grimmer (Tennessee) and Jasen Oliver (Indiana), the lineup will look different,” Di Ponio noted. “Filling those spots in the batting order will be the greatest challenge for us.”

As usual, the Catholic High School League will be difficult, especially with the addition of three teams from Ohio in Toledo St. Francis, Toledo St. John’s and Toledo Central Catholic.

“The league is absolutely a juggernaut,” Di Ponio said. “It is arguably the best conference in the state of Michigan with traditional powerhouses Brother Rice, De La Salle and more recently Catholic Central. You end up beating up on each other, but it really prepares you for the Catholic League tournament and the state tournament.”

Experience can also play a big part when it comes to crunch time at season’s end.

“I think one of the biggest strengths we have is our senior leadership and depth throughout the program,” explained Di Ponio, who returns 19 players from last year. “We just have to go out and play fundamental baseball. We’ve got good talent, kids that work extremely hard and understand the game. It’s a matter of going out and executing.”

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