Wilcome, Stempky named Co-Player of the Year, lead Daily Tribune All-Area baseball team

Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune
·9 min read
The Cheboygan senior baseball duo of Daniel Wilcome (8) and Henry Stempky (20) had plenty to celebrate this past season as they helped lead the Chiefs to both district and conference championships. The two Division 2 all-state first teamers have been named the Daily Tribune's 2022 Co-Baseball Player of the Year.
The Cheboygan senior baseball duo of Daniel Wilcome (8) and Henry Stempky (20) had plenty to celebrate this past season as they helped lead the Chiefs to both district and conference championships. The two Division 2 all-state first teamers have been named the Daily Tribune's 2022 Co-Baseball Player of the Year.

It’s always fun to watch greatness in any sport.

If you followed Cheboygan baseball this past season, you got to witness greatness and excellence from two players in particular – seniors Daniel Wilcome and Henry Stempky.

Daily Tribune Co-Player of the Year Daniel Wilcome earned Division 2 all-state first team honors for the Cheboygan Chiefs this past season.
Daily Tribune Co-Player of the Year Daniel Wilcome earned Division 2 all-state first team honors for the Cheboygan Chiefs this past season.

Together, the duo – one that shined on the mound, in the field, and at the plate – fueled the Chiefs to a school-record 30 victories, a repeat of the Straits Area Conference title, and a first district championship in nine years.

After their high school careers recently came to a close, both Stempky and Wilcome earned Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) Division 2 all-state first team honors. Both will continue their respective baseball careers at the college level, as Wilcome heads to Saginaw Valley State University and Stempky will play at Kellogg Community College.

Cheboygan's Henry Stempky was named the Tribune's baseball Co-Player of the Year alongside senior teammate Daniel Wilcome. Like Wilcome, Stempky earned Division 2 all-state first team honors.
Cheboygan's Henry Stempky was named the Tribune's baseball Co-Player of the Year alongside senior teammate Daniel Wilcome. Like Wilcome, Stempky earned Division 2 all-state first team honors.

As a result of their great seasons on the diamond, the two Cheboygan players have been named the Daily Tribune’s 2022 Co-Baseball Player of the Year.

Their terrific play led the way in what was a thrilling baseball season, which featured standout players from Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway and Pellston.

2022 Cheboygan Daily Tribune All-Area Baseball Team  

First Team  

Pitcher-Daniel Wilcome, Cheboygan, Sr. – A lights-out performer all season long, the Cheboygan senior dominated on the mound and came up huge in the biggest games. Among the highlights included multiple no-hitters as well as many, many strikeouts. In addition to all-state honors, Wilcome earned the Straits Area Conference Co-Player of the Year honor with Stempky. Will go down as one of Cheboygan’s greatest-ever players.

Pitcher-Henry Stempky, Cheboygan, Sr. – Arguably the best all-around player in the area, Stempky shined all season long whether it was on the mound, in the infield, or with his hitting. The SAC’s Co-Player of the Year had a memorable 20-strikeout display against rival Sault Ste. Marie, then came up with a gutsy relief pitching performance in Cheboygan's district final win over Escanaba. Like Wilcome, will go down as one of Cheboygan’s all-time greats.

Pitcher-Connor Wallace, Inland Lakes, So. – I’m just going to add another elite pitcher to this list, because the Inland Lakes sophomore was spectacular on the mound in what was a breakout season. One of those pitchers who delivered in the biggest of games, the All-Ski Valley first teamer helped fuel the Bulldogs to a first conference crown in 20 years. By the end of the season, he earned himself Division 4 all-state first team recognition. Look out for Wallace, who will be arguably the best returning area player come next spring.

All-Area, All-Ski Valley and Division 4 all-state first teamer Connor Wallace helped lead Inland Lakes to conference and district titles during his sophomore season.
All-Area, All-Ski Valley and Division 4 all-state first teamer Connor Wallace helped lead Inland Lakes to conference and district titles during his sophomore season.

Catcher-Dylan Balazovic, Cheboygan, So. – As I’ve said before, you don’t see too many kids come in and contribute as freshmen at the varsity level. Well, Balazovic was one of those players last season, and then he followed it up with a stellar sophomore campaign this year. A solid defensive player and a very good hitter, Balazovic joined Wilcome and Stempky on the All-SAC first team. Through two seasons, he’s shown he’s amongst the best in the area. Will be an exciting watch for the next two years.

First Baseman-Jacob Jankoviak, Cheboygan, Jr. – There were so many players who had breakout seasons this past spring, including this junior. While he might’ve not been the best overall player on his team, Jankoviak showed he was one of the most talented. He delivered one of the biggest hits in the program’s history when he smacked a walk-off single to help the Chiefs top Escanaba in the district final. A thrilling season for a player who’s established himself as both a rock-solid first baseman and hitter.

Infield-Mason Blumke, Inland Lakes, Sr. – An outstanding career recently came to a close for the experienced and talented Inland Lakes star, a player who was pivotal in the Bulldogs capturing Ski Valley and district championships. Blumke also showed he was one of the more versatile players in the area as a senior, spending time (and thriving) at the catcher spot when the Bulldogs were shorthanded at the position. A quality talent who will be tough to replace.

Infield/Utility-Tyler Balazovic, Cheboygan, Sr. – What a way to go out for this Cheboygan senior, another player who displayed his versatility throughout the season. Whether it was hitting, defense or even pitching, the older Balazovic was up for the challenge each time he stepped out on the field. One of many senior leaders on a terrific Cheboygan team, Balazovic also made the All-SAC first team.

Infield-Ethan Landon, Pellston, Sr. – After an impressive junior campaign, Landon followed it up with a strong senior season, leading the way both as a quality infielder and hitter. While the Hornets had an up and down season, Landon provided consistency throughout the spring. In his final season with the Hornets, Landon earned All-Ski Valley first team honors.

Pellston senior Ethan Landon earned a spot on the All-Area first team. Landon also made the All-Ski Valley first team after a strong final season with the program.
Pellston senior Ethan Landon earned a spot on the All-Area first team. Landon also made the All-Ski Valley first team after a strong final season with the program.

Outfield-Kaleb Blaskowski, Cheboygan, Sr. – The senior was a leader in a terrific Cheboygan outfield. Blaskowski was a stellar defensive performer all spring, but he also showed he was a top-notch hitter as well. One of six Cheboygan players to find a spot on the All-SAC first team, he’ll be a tough player to replace in the program.

Outfield-Cole Hudson, Cheboygan, Sr. – On a stacked Cheboygan team, this senior was somewhat of an unsung hero for the Chiefs. In a stellar last season with the program, Hudson showed his versatility both in the outfield and infield, earning All-SAC second team honors. Hudson wasn’t a bad hitter either, coming up with crucial base knocks when needed. One of the most underrated players in the area.

Outfield-Garrett Cameron, Pellston, Jr. – When it comes to overall athleticism, Cameron’s shown it ever since he started playing with the Hornets. This year was no different for Cameron, who excelled as one of Pellston’s best defensive players. As a junior, he worked his way to earning a spot on the All-Ski Valley Conference first team as an outfielder. A player who's improved each season, Cameron will be back as one of the area’s best next spring.

Utility-Cole Selke, Onaway, So. – An emerging young talent on a young squad, the Onaway sophomore really stood out whether he was on the mound, playing somewhere in the field, or providing offense. In this area baseball season, so many players showed how versatile they were. This All-Ski Valley first teamer was one of those talents. And the great news for Onaway is he’s back for the next couple of years to lead a program with plenty of potential.

Second Team

Pitcher-Austin Brege, Inland Lakes, Sr. – A workhorse for the Bulldogs for years now, Brege finished off his Inland Lakes career with a solid senior campaign on the mound. Brege and fellow All-Ski Valley first team honoree Connor Wallace formed the best pitching duo in the Ski Valley this past season, and they were right up there with Cheboygan’s Henry Stempky and Daniel Wilcome as the best 1-2 pitching punches in the area.

Pitcher-Bridger Peel, Onaway, Jr. – The Onaway junior had a solid campaign as one of the better pitchers in the Ski Valley Conference. When the Cardinals needed a quality pitching performance out of Peel, he shined a good portion of the time. The All-Ski Valley second teamer will be back to lead the Cardinals as a senior in 2023.

Catcher-Luke Lovelace, Onaway, So. – Emerging as one of the bright young talents at his position as a sophomore, Lovelace joined teammate Bridger Peel on the All-Ski Valley second team. Like Cheboygan catcher Dylan Balazovic, Lovelace is a young player who’s talented both offensively and defensively.

One of the top young talents in the area, Onaway sophomore Luke Lovelace made the Tribune's All-Area second team.
One of the top young talents in the area, Onaway sophomore Luke Lovelace made the Tribune's All-Area second team.

Infield-Sean Postula, Cheboygan, Fr. – Watching this talented youngster as an eighth grader on Mackinaw City’s varsity team in 2021, I always wondered how it would translate to the Division 2 level, especially with an outstanding Cheboygan program. But right off the bat, Postula picked up right where we left off at Mackinaw City, starting several games for the Chiefs and making a huge impact as a freshman. Will be a fun player to watch for years to come.

Infield-Kaden Hansel, Inland Lakes, Jr. – Another quality defensive player, the Inland Lakes junior was consistent both in the infield and at the plate. What also kind of gets overlooked was Hansel was a solid pitcher in a loaded Inland Lakes rotation consisting of Connor Wallace, Austin Brege and Jackson Boctorff. Expect the All-Ski Valley second team performer to stand out even more in 2023.

Outfield-Dylan Wymer, Inland Lakes, Sr. – One more player who went out with a senior season bang, Wymer did well both as an outfielder and as a hitter. We can talk about the Connor Wallaces, Austin Breges and Mason Blumkes all we want, but the play of the All-Ski Valley second team performer was just as pivotal in the Bulldogs having the sort of success they had.

Outfield-Andrew Kolly, Inland Lakes, Sr. – The Bulldogs have so many versatile players in their program, with this senior belonging in that group. As a key player for the Bulldogs, Kolly had success both offensively and defensively during his final season. A reliable player for years, Kolly finished off a final season in which he played a big role in the Bulldogs winning conference and district crowns.

At-Large-Nick Vieau, Mackinaw City, So. – One of those ‘do-it-all' type of players, the Mackinaw City sophomore had a strong campaign and established himself as one of the best young talents in the area. Whether it was pitching, defense or his bat, Vieau impressed many and helped lead the Comets to a decent campaign. Will return as arguably the top Comet next season.

Coach-Kevin Baller, Cheboygan – What an incredible campaign for the longtime Cheboygan coach, who guided the Chiefs to a first district title since 2013 and a repeat of the Straits Area Conference. In addition to those titles, the Chiefs won a school-record 30 games under Baller’s leadership. An excellent job by an excellent coach.

Coach-Josh Vieau, Inland Lakes – As good as Kevin Baller’s coaching season was at Cheboygan, there’s no way I could leave out the Inland Lakes coach, who helped guide the Bulldogs on a history-making campaign. Under Vieau, the Bulldogs broke through with a first Ski Valley crown in 20 years and a district title. Like Cheboygan, the Bulldogs went undefeated in their conference title run. That’s consistency and excellence right there, folks.

Inland Lakes baseball coach Josh Vieau (right) talks with senior Andrew Kolly during a game from this past season. Vieau was named the Daily Tribune's Co-Baseball Coach of the Year, while Kolly earned a spot on the All-Area second team.
Inland Lakes baseball coach Josh Vieau (right) talks with senior Andrew Kolly during a game from this past season. Vieau was named the Daily Tribune's Co-Baseball Coach of the Year, while Kolly earned a spot on the All-Area second team.

All-Area Honorable Mentions: Payton Teuthorn (Inland Lakes), Jacob Willey (Inland Lakes), Jackson Boctorff (Inland Lakes), Travin Barkley (Mackinaw City), Sabastian Pierce (Mackinaw City), Jalen DeWitt (Mackinaw City), Cody Ruppert (Onaway), Tucker Price (Onaway), Austin Veal (Onaway), Aiden Klungle (Pellston), Zack Moyer (Pellston), Jack Schmalzried (Pellston)

SAC Co-Player of the Year: Daniel Wilcome (Cheboygan), Henry Stempky (Cheboygan)

SAC Co-Coach of the Year: Kevin Baller (Cheboygan), Josh Vieau (Inland Lakes)

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Wilcome, Stempky win Co-Player of the Year, lead Daily Tribune All-Area baseball team