Team Preview: Forest Hills Northern HS
April 5, 2013
By Mike Penn
Michigan Director of Scouting
Forest Hills Northern fourth year head coach Dane Wysocki understands that his first year entering the OK Bronze division will be a tough one. But with eight seniors returning for the 2013 campaign they have the necessary experience to make a strong impression.
"We have eight seniors returning led by All-Conference center fielder and co-captain Manny Campbell (.345, 16 stolen bases ) and co-captain Trevor Russo (6-3 , 1.86 era, 45 K's), one of our top pitchers from last year . Other integral players are co-captain Ryan Merring, who looks to man the second base position, along with Ty Millard, who started in right field as a junior."
The Huskies will have to replace a lot in their lineup. The big losses are from All-State selection Cam Wysocki and All-Region performers Jared Mahoney and Tommy Killeen. Needless to say Forest Hills Northern will be focused on pitching and defense.
Leading the junior class is returning all conference shortstop Ryan Wysocki , (.390 , 2-3 , 1.88 ERA ) who will also see time on the mound and centerfield. Liam Hanlon will also see time on the infield and look to add to the pitching ranks in 2013.
With regards to the rest of the team Wysocki had this to say, "We will also be quite young elsewhere with additions of sophomores Ben Edwards (OF) , Jackson Shaver (P/OF), Stephen Sprague (INF/P) , and freshmen Quentin O'connor, who will challenge for the catching position .
"Given our inexperience and the new league opponents it will be difficult to predict our success," added Wysocki. Hopefully our defensive fundamentals, pitching depth, and tough non-conference schedule will keeps us one of the top teams in our league. Our district will change as well, so we need to test our program early and see where we stand."
**Special Note- Forest Hills Northern will also host an invitational tournament at Husky stadium on May 18 against Calvin Christian and Lakewood . This will serve as a fundraiser with the proceeds benefitting juvenile diabetes research. Additionally it will be catered by PF Changs of Grand Rapids.