Bay City, Michigan — A good discussion has started. Now it's time for phase 2.
MLive is offering a debate on the topic: Who is the best regional spring sports athlete in each class?
We started by spotlighting the top seniors from MLive Bay City's 24 regional high schools. And now we're moving to the junior class and giving them the opportunity to vote on this issue. In the coming weeks, the spotlight will be on sophomores and freshmen.
Vote as many times as you like until voting closes at 8am on Monday, May 20th.
Carson Antes, Cass City
Antes brings a strong shoulder and a big bat to the Cass City baseball team. He has three wins and 36 strikeouts at Sakaji this season. He also has a batting average of .411 with six doubles.
Isabel Becker, Bay City Western
Becker has built an impressive resume for the Western track and field team. Cross Country A pacesetter on her team, she will show off her versatility in the spring, shining in every competition from the 400m to her 3200m. She just won Bay County honors in her 800 meters, her 1600 meters, and her 4×400 relay. She won the state qualifier in the 3200 a year ago.
Cole Brady, Pinconning
An outstanding player who helped put Pinconning golf back on the map, he is the reigning Bay County champion. A year ago, he became Pinconning's first state qualifier since 2005 and is shooting in the 70s again as a junior.
Sam Briggs, Standish Stirling
Briggs stands at the center of the Standish Sterling baseball team, which is ranked third in the league, as its ace pitcher and strong-hitting No. 3 batter. The outfielder he was traded to is batting .451 with four home runs and 36 RBIs this season. He had a 1.00 ERA and 42 strikeouts on the slopes.
Casey Gray, Cass City
She is a key part of the core that has propelled Cass City softball to great heights, and is a versatile athlete who can play third base, shortstop or center field when needed. She brought her powerful bat to the plate, and she hit .417 with 12 extra-base hits this season.
Delaney Hopkins, Bay City Central
Hopkins flashes his impressive athleticism as a dual-sport standout in Central soccer and track and field. She is the soccer team's top offensive threat with five goals and five assists on the year, but she can also serve as a goalie when needed. In track and field, she finished with 8 wins and 6 losses in the pole vault.
Riley Jachuk, Essex Bill Gerber
A dynamic athlete, she is in her third year as a defensive impact player for the Garber women's soccer team. An attacking central defender, she thrives in the position with her combination of speed, game smarts and physicality.
Tessa Kelly, County Clare
Kelly is a batter that opposing teams don't want to see at bat for Clare's softball team. An excellent athlete who shines as a shortstop, she makes a lot of noise with her bat. She has a batting average of .426 for the year, with eight home runs and 38 RBIs.
Mason Cole, Unionville Sebeweing
Cole is a leader in all aspects of the USA Baseball team, serving as a solid catcher and an outstanding leadoff hitter. He is a third-year starter and has the skills to play anywhere on the field. He is batting .371 and has a knack for getting on base and getting around base for the Patriots, who lead the league in batting average.
Luke LaCourse, Bay City Western
A big, strong pitcher for the Western baseball team, he is a big reason why the Warriors are ranked No. 4 and are aiming for the Saginaw Valley League title. The Michigan State product had eight wins and 72 strikeouts on the season, his third at the varsity level.
Nash Leonard, Bay City Western
Leonard brings a whirlwind of talent to the Western men's golf team. An outstanding hockey player, he brings that competitiveness to the course. He averaged 40.2 points per nine a year ago, but he has broken that mark this season. He was recently a medalist in his two-day Oiler 36 held at Pole Cat and Bucks Run.
Claire, Ryan Ruch
He is a strong all-around athlete and is causing a stir on the Clare baseball team. He was selected to the first team in the Jack Pine Conference as a sophomore and has a powerful glove as an infielder. This season he is batting .369 with eight extra-base hits and 17 RBIs.
Brody Sullivan, Standish Sterling
After standout seasons in football and basketball, Sullivan brings his competitive shine to Standland's track and field team. This season, the sprinter set new PRs in the 100 meters (11.59 seconds), 200 meters (23.80 seconds) and 400 meters (52.33 seconds). He also recorded 20 wins and 2.75 seconds in the long jump. He reached the state finals in three tournaments last season.
Ella Walaker, John Glenn
She is a true go-getter on the field for the John Glenn Women's Soccer Team, making it a challenge to contain the defense. She is an offensive lineman who has 10 goals and 9 assists this season.
MLive Player Voting is a non-scientific endeavor designed to promote fun, fandom, and discussion. There are no prizes for winners and results do not affect postseason awards.
The use of any form of automated voting is unintended and not permitted.
Votes are not always counted immediately. Your vote will be counted when you receive the message “Thank you for voting.”
There will be no voting by email.
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