Check out which area baseball players made the All-Ski Valley teams
The Gaylord area was home to some of the most competitive baseball teams in Northern Michigan this season. All three area high school baseball teams turned in winning records, including both Ski Valley Conference schools, Gaylord St. Mary and Johannesburg-Lewiston. While chasing down the defending conference champions, Inland Lakes, turned out to be a bit too lofty of a goal to achieve for either squad, GSM and JoBurg both turned in successful seasons on the diamond in 2024 and were rewarded when the All-SVC baseball honorees were announced recently.
Both GSM and JoBurg had five total players on the all-conference lists, led by GSM senior Dillon Croff, GSM junior Daniel Jacobson and JoBurg junior Rylan Rosso on the first team.
Croff, the Gaylord Herald Times Baseball Player of the Year, was the first-team All-SVC selection at first base. He shined as one of the most dominant pitchers in the Gaylord area, posting a 7-5 record with 77 strikeouts and a 3.27 earned-run average. He was also one of GSM’s most consistent hitters, posting a .375 batting average, 24 runs batted in and 23 runs scored.
Jacobson, meanwhile, was one of GSM’s most consistent all-around players, hitting for a .360 average, 28 runs scored and 7 RBI as the team’s everyday shortstop. He was a key contributor to GSM’s success on both offense and defense.
Rylan Rosso, JoBurg’s lone first-team selection, had a breakout year at the plate as JoBurg’s most consistent hitter, finishing the year with a .440 average, 33 hits, 33 RBI and 20 runs scored. Rosso was a force to be reckoned with at the plate and played a pivotal role in JoBurg’s success.
- GSM and JoBurg had five players each on the All-Ski Valley Conference baseball teams.
- GSM senior Dillon Croff, GSM junior Daniel Jacobson, and JoBurg junior Rylan Rosso made the first team.
- Croff was a standout pitcher with a 7-5 record, 77 strikeouts, and a .375 batting average.
- Second-team selections included GSM’s Brett Koscielniak and JoBurg’s Collin Lake, both catchers who made significant contributions to their teams.
- Rylan Rosso from JoBurg had an impressive season with a .440 batting average, 33 hits, and 33 RBI.
Second-team All-Ski Valley selections
Both teams’ starting catchers were second-team all-conference selections, GSM’s Brett Koscielniak taking the second-team catcher spot while JoBurg’s Collin Lake was the at-large/utility selection. Koscielniak hit for a .377 average with 23 hits, 15 RBI and 17 runs scored. Lake, meanwhile, hit .398 with 35 hits, 15 RBI and 38 runs scored.
Koscielniak also threw out nine runners trying to steal, while Lake threw out seven. Both players were key contributors to their respective teams’ success and were well-deserving of their second-team honors.
Honorable mentions
GSM had two honorable mentions, Logan Greenier and Sam Kuznicki, while JoBurg had three, including Tanner Basinski, Benny Lindbert and Thomas Fox. These players all played significant roles in their respective teams’ success and were recognized for their contributions. Greenier and Kuznicki both showed flashes of brilliance, while Basinski, Lindbert, and Fox consistently provided valuable support to their teammates.
All-Ski Valley Baseball Team
The All-Ski Valley baseball team is a testament to the high level of competition in the conference. The players selected for the team are all talented individuals who have proven themselves on the field. The first team is comprised of the best players from the Ski Valley Conference, while the second team and honorable mentions represent the next tier of talent.
First Team
The All-Ski Valley First Team is a showcase of the best players in the conference. The players on this team have all demonstrated exceptional talent and skill throughout the season.
The first team features a mix of players from different schools. The pitching staff is led by Connor Wallace of Inland Lakes, who was named the Player of the Year. Wallace was a dominant force on the mound, leading Inland Lakes to a successful season.
The first team also includes two other players from Inland Lakes: Aidan Fenstermaker (catcher) and Ty Kolly (infield). Infielders Drayten Evans from Onaway and Daniel Jacobson from GSM round out the first-team infield. In the outfield, Andre Bradford and Garrison Barrett from Inland Lakes and Jackson Chaskey from Onaway make up a formidable trio.
Dillon Croff from GSM rounds out the first team as the first-baseman. Rylan Rosso from JoBurg was named the at-large/utility player, which is a testament to his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Luke Lovelace, Onaway rounds out the first team.
Second Team
The All-Ski Valley Second Team features a mix of players from different schools who have made significant contributions to their teams. The second team is a testament to the depth of talent in the Ski Valley Conference and serves as a recognition of the players who have excelled despite not making the first team.
GSM’s Brett Koscielniak is the second-team catcher. Collin Lake from JoBurg was the second-team at-large/utility player.
The rest of the second team is filled out by players from Onaway, Inland Lakes, Bellaire, and Mancelona. It is a diverse group of players who have all made their mark on the Ski Valley Conference.
Honorable Mentions
The All-Ski Valley Honorable Mentions represent the players who have made significant contributions to their teams. The honorable mention list is a testament to the depth of talent in the conference and includes players who have consistently performed well.
GSM had two honorable mentions, Logan Greenier and Sam Kuznicki. JoBurg had three honorable mentions, including Tanner Basinski, Benny Lindbert and Thomas Fox. The honorable mention list also includes players from Pellston, Onaway, Bellaire, and Mancelona, which again highlights the depth of talent in the Ski Valley Conference.
A testament to the athletic talent in the area
The All-Ski Valley baseball team is a testament to the athletic talent in the Gaylord area. The players selected for the team are all talented individuals who have proven themselves on the field. The first team is comprised of the best players from the Ski Valley Conference, while the second team and honorable mentions represent the next tier of talent.
Congratulations to all the players who were selected for the All-Ski Valley baseball team. They have all worked hard to achieve their success and represent the best of the best in the conference.
