Despite a first-round exit in the District 35 playoffs, four Big Rapids players earned all-district honors following a 26-7 finish on the season.

These four players included senior catcher Wil Strickler, senior second baseman Brett Root, senior pitcher Ben Knuth, and junior outfield Riley Vennix.

"There are a number of very strong players in our district, from Gladwin to Bay City John Glenn in particular,” Head coach J.T. Scarpelli said. “That Strickler, Vennix, Root, and Knuth are all able to represent Big Rapids as All-District players is a testament to their work ethic, athleticism, and leadership.”

Behind the plate, Strickler batted .362 on the season, obtained a slugging percentage of .438, and led the team with 27 RBI’s. He also allowed a career low .720 stealing percent to opposing base runners.

Root led the Cardinals with a .514 on base percentage and .400 batting average behind a hot second half of the season.

Leading Big Rapids on the mound, Knuth registered an opposing batting average of .149 and a career low earned run average of 0.754. With more than 60 innings pitched, Knuth's season ERA may qualify for an MHSAA State record.

Vennix, the only player returning next season, obtained a .494 slugging percentage and a team high 25 stolen bases and 28 runs scored.

“I am very proud of these guys,” Scarpelli said. “They have earned this honor."

The dog days on the diamond are through. The month of June in high school baseball is the closest thing to the month of October in the big leagues.

Battles for trophies commence next week and here are some key brackets you should be watching this postseason:

District 35 (Kingsley)
In his first year at the helm of the varsity, J.T. Scarpelli has continued the dominance on the diamond in Big Rapids. The Cardinals have already won 25 games this year, the most since the regional runner-up season back in 2018. Scarpelli’s squad has the flexibility in personal, power at the plate, and depth on the mound to make a run at a district crown. The biggest obstacle in their way: a first-round flurry with fellow 20-win Gladwin who has dominated the Jack Pine this season. On the other side, the Kingsley
Stags and Cadillac Vikings will battle it out to break the 1-1 season split and find a spot in the District 35 title game.

1st Round Matchups
Big Rapids (25-5-1) vs. Gladwin (27-5-1) – Big Rapids High School, May 30, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Ludington (12-15-0) vs Big Rapids/Gladwin Winner – Kingsley Athletic Complex, June 3, 10:00 A.M.
Kingsley (8-6-1) vs. Cadillac (14-15-1*) – Kingsley Athletic Complex, June 3, 12:30 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Kingsley Athletic Complex, June 3, 3:00 P.M.

District 72 (Clare)
Defending district champs, Reed City, have enjoyed a successful season behind strong performances from college commits Xavier Allen and Max Hammond. The Coyotes’ strong pitching staff has the stuff to lead back-to-back title seasons, but familiar foes with improved second halves of the season will make things interesting. Their first-round matchup, Evart, has won four of their last six behind some hot bats from coach Josh Johnson’s team. Chippewa Hills, a team who has proven to play tough against fellow CSAA teams like Reed City and Big Rapids, will square off between the winner of host Clare and Harrison. Pine River also sits in the mix, looking to take advantage of their first district bye since 2016.

1st Round Matchups
Reed City (16-12-0) vs. Evart (20-13-0*) – Brookwood Athletic Complex, May 30, 4:00 P.M. Clare (13-11-0) vs. Harrison (2-9-0) – Brookwood Athletic Complex, May 30, 6:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Pine River (10-6-1) vs. Reed City/Evart Winner – Brookwood Athletic Complex, June 3, 10:00 A.M.
Chippewa Hills (11-16-1) vs. Clare/Harrison Winner – Brookwood Athletic Complex, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Brookwood Athletic Complex, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

District 69 (Hart)
Almost doubling their win total from a year ago, White Cloud’s season has brought their fans some excitement going into postseason play. Coach Kelly Mahn’s team has swung the bats well, averaging almost 8.4 runs per game with eight games in double digits offensively. White Cloud has also beaten every other team in this bracket except for one, a tough Mason County Central team who enter their first year in District 69 with one win fewer than the Indians. This first round matchup certainly looks to
be the battle of the favorites, with wild card teams like hosts Hart and Morley Stanwood looking to play spoiler on the other side.

1st Round Matchups
Shelby (8-16-0) vs. Morley Stanwood (7-16-1*) – Shelby Baseball Field, May 30, 4:00 P.M.
White Cloud (20-11-1) vs. Mason County Central (19-7-0*) – White Cloud Baseball Diamond, May 30,
4:30 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Hesperia (6-23-0) vs. Shelby/Morley Stanwood Winner – Hart Baseball Field, June 3, 10:00 A.M.
Hart (10-18-0*) vs. White Cloud/Mason County Central Winner – Hart Baseball Field, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Hart Baseball Field, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

*-Occupied via GameChanger result and statistics app.
***

Following a fellow teammates’ college decision just a few days ago, Cardinal baseball’s Brody Sleeper
announced his post-prep decision on Monday.

The fellow senior and 1 st team CSAA honoree last year announced his decision over social media. When asked about what drew him to become a Red Hawk, Sleeper said Lake Michigan had several benefits he liked.

“I was looking for a school that had a good educational program and a decent (athletic) program. After talking to a couple colleges, it made the most sense academically and financially.”

Not only is Sleeper a pitcher and infielder for the Cardinals, but he has also spent time on the club circuit with the local Quad City Storm team. He also was a state finals qualifier this past winter on the wrestling mats and was a notable standout on the gridiron during the fall.

Sleeper says he has been working hard on hitting in his current training regimen.

“It’s something I am definitely working on the most. I think hitting is the hardest thing to do in the
sport.”

Big Rapids currently sits at 8-1 on the season with a double header at White Cloud slated for Friday, April 21 st at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. as well as home games Saturday against Traverse City West at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“I really think we have a team this year that can win a conference and possibly district title.” Sleeper
said.

Sleeper says he plans to study computer science with a concentration on cybersecurity starting next fall.