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2022 Michigan High School Team Previews

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2022 Spring Team Preview: Hackett Catholic Prep

KALAMAZOO - The shoes to fill are big. But the coaching staff at Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep is confident about what lies ahead following a Division 4 state championship season a year ago.

“We lost some firepower in the middle of our lineup with four seniors out of our 13 roster spots,” related assistant coach Steve Verduzco, the son of head coach Smiley Verduzco. “But I don’t think we can be counted out. The boys have a chip on their shoulders.”

Senior Brenden Collins, an All-State performer a year ago, headlines the list of returning players that also includes another All-State honoree in Nick Verduzco, the 19th-rated junior shortstop in Michigan.

“I feel we still have some offense,” pointed out the Hackett Catholic assistant coach. “We have some kids that can really hit the ball. Brenden Collins is one of the top two-way players in western Michigan and will bat fourth. Nick will fill the three-hole.”

The top of the order begins with sophomore Eli Backman, the second baseman. Senior Isaac Backman is another key player back, a center fielder when Collins pitches and the left fielder when Collins is in center.

A pair of juniors are also penciled into the Hackett Catholic lineup, with Patrick Ogrin slated to play right field and Brice Brown at catcher in place of Steven Widger, who is playing at Western Michigan.

Another  key loss in addition to Widger is third baseman Stephen Kwapis, now at Notre Dame. Southpaw pitcher Sam Shea, who is at Kalamazoo Valley, is an additional big loss.

“Pitching depth is our biggest concern,” Verduzco noted. “We need to throw strikes. The top of our rotation is good, but with small numbers depth is a concern. Our defense was only okay last year, so our infield defense also has to step up.”

Southmore Andrew Rann is being counted on to help the pitching staff after throwing limited innings as a freshman.

“He’s grown and is throwing well with a year of winter workouts,” Verduzco pointed out.

Senior left-hander Chris Bullard is another expected to play a role on the mound.

“With pitch counts and playing five to six games a week, we’ll be counting on him,” Verduzco said.

First baseman Zach Johnson, another senior, may fit into the two-hole of the batting order for Verduzco and company, which a year ago finished 31-9 in the first year coaching at the high school level for the whole staff.

“We learned so much,” Verduzco admitted. “It was our first time coaching high school and it took us a half year to figure out the things to work on. Hopefully, our coaches have learned what works.”

The Hackett assistant coach sees a lot to like with this squad.

“It’s just a gritty group,” Verduzco said. “The preseason ratings came out and we were ranked third. I love hearing the boys want to repeat. I love that they have a chip on their shoulders.”

Verduzco points to one area as a big key.

“It starts with leadership,” Verduzco concluded. “Kids like Brenden and Nick, not just the way they bring the younger kids around but how they lead by example. The guys like them, and the same with the Backman brothers.”

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