CHEBOYGAN – In the Cheboygan area, we never seem to start on time when it comes to spring sports.
But sooner or later, we’re going to get some games.
As for softball, I’m looking forward to what should be another entertaining season. As we wait for action to get underway, here’s what to watch for.
What about Cheboygan?
For the last few years, the Chiefs were dominant in the Straits Area Conference, capturing multiple championships and blowing opponents away.
But now comes a new challenge for the Chiefs, who join the Northern Shores Conference, which includes solid programs like Elk Rapids, Boyne City and a few others.
What Cheboygan will be tasked with is sustaining the success that was led by an elite senior class consisting of Libby VanFleet, Emerson Eustice, Emily Clark and many others. You don’t see a group like that come around too often, but thankfully for the Chiefs, they do have some great players back.
Among those are juniors Presley Chamberlain and Tessa Lake, who have both thrived since joining the varsity squad. Chamberlain was the area's player of the year last season, while Lake was outstanding both offensively and defensively.
Inland Lakes should be strong
The Inland Lakes Bulldogs never seem to have a down year, and that likely won’t be the case this spring as they return several key players to Krissi Thompson’s program.
Back for the Bulldogs are senior standouts Brooklyn LaBrecque and Lexi Kovtun, along with junior star Jenna Stubbs. LaBrecque is been a powerful hitter and solid outfielder, Kovtun is the expected starter on the mound, and Stubbs is a terrific catcher.
