As we prepare for our 2014 high school preseason coverage, we are going to take a quick glance at teams from across the state.

Team: Mt. Pleasant
Class: DII
League: Saginaw Valley - North
Head Coach: Luke Epple
2013 Overall Record: 28-9
2013 Conference Record: 14-4
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 6

TOP PLAYERS

Aaron Leasher, LHP/OF, 2014
Dean Marais, 3B/1B/RHP/LF, 2014
Robert Backus, 2B/SS, 2014 ...
Joe Genia, OF/RHP, 2014
Nick Burkholder, RH/3B, 2014

YOUNG UP AND COMERS

Hunter Buczkowsk, RHP/OF, 2016
Zach Heeke, SS/3B, 2016

OUTLOOK

The expectations are clear this year for the Oilers: compete for a conference title and take the next step past the quarterfinals come playoff time. Coach Epple's squad returns six players in their starting lineup as well as six pitchers from last year's staff. Unsigned senior LHP/OF Aaron Leasher returns as the team's ace after going 8-1 with a 1.60 ERA last season. Senior Dean Marais, an all-district honoree a year ago, offers plenty of versatility and a top notch bat while Oakland recruit Robert Backus provides plenty of defense and a high average bat in the lineup. Keep an eye out for a pair of rising sophomores RHP/OF Hunter Buczkowsk, who offers a power bat and arm, and SS/2B Zach Heeke has plenty of athleticism and a good glove in the field.

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COACHES PRE-SEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate the strong response so far from high school coaches across the state assisting with our pre-season coverage.  If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches pre-season questionnaire online by clicking here.