Cheboygan, Inland Lakes aiming for postseason softball titles; Onaway in stacked district

CHEBOYGAN – Softball districts is one of the most exciting times of the high school sports year.

That will be the case again soon, as Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway and Pellston are aiming to capture titles in their respective divisions.

With districts starting this week, here’s a look at the Cheboygan area teams and who they will face.

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MHSAA Division 2, District 33, Saturday, June 1

Host: Cheboygan

District Semifinals

Cheboygan vs. Sault Ste. Marie, 10 a.m.

Escanaba vs. Kingsford, 12 p.m.

Championship

2 p.m.

This is the last dance for a special group of Cheboygan seniors who want to win a title at home. Like last year, it’s going to be a daunting task for the Chiefs, who could face Escanaba pitcher and University of Michigan commit Grayson Lamarche in the finals. Before taking on Esky, Cheboygan needs to beat Sault Ste. Marie in the semifinals.

MHSAA Division 4, District 103, May 28-June 1

Host: Gaylord St. Mary

Pre-Districts: Tuesday, May 28

Wolverine vs. Boyne Falls, 4 p.m.

District Semifinals, Saturday, June 1

Wolverine/Boyne Falls vs. Burt Lake NMCA, 10 a.m.

Inland Lakes vs. Gaylord St. Mary, 12 pm.

Championship

2 p.m.

The Bulldogs have a chance to claim a fourth consecutive district crown and should be considered favorites going into this tournament. At the same time, they’ll have to do it on the road and will need to get past the host Snowbirds to reach the final.

MHSAA Division 4, District 102, May 28-June 1

Host: Harbor Springs

Pre-Districts: May 28

Alanson vs. Harbor Springs, 5 p.m.

District Semifinals, Saturday June 1

Alanson/Harbor Springs vs. Pellston, 10 a.m.

Mackinaw City vs. Harbor Light, 12 p.m.

Championship

2 p.m.

Pellston comes in as two-time defending district champions, but this tournament could be up for grabs as there doesn't appear to be one standout team. If they bring their best, either the Hornets or Mackinaw City could snatch this championship and move onto regionals.

MHSAA Division 4, District 104, May 28-June 1

Host: Rogers City

Pre-Districts: Tuesday, May 28

Rogers City vs. Posen, 4 p.m.

Onaway vs. Hillman, 5:45 p.m.

Semifinals, Saturday, June 1

Rogers City/Posen vs. Johannesburg-Lewiston, 10 a.m.

Onaway/Hillman vs. Atlanta, 12 p.m.

Championship

2 p.m.

This is easily one of the most stacked districts in Division 4, especially with JoBurg, which made the Final Four last June, as well as Hillman and Rogers City, a pair of powerhouses themselves. Winning this district will be a tall order for Onaway, which clashes with a Hillman team that swept the Cardinals earlier this season. Somebody’s going to survive this district, but I’m not sure who.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan area softball teams face tough district challenges