After finishing second in the Western Reserve Conference a season ago, the North Rangers enter the 2026 campaign with a veteran core determined to contend for the league’s final championship.
Head coach Mike Duncan returns four starters and eight lettermen from last year’s 9-14 team that went 6-4 in conference play, providing experience and leadership as the Rangers navigate a competitive WRC schedule.
“With a solid core of returners and some high-potential newcomers, I think we will be very competitive this season,” Duncan said. “I don’t see any quit in this team, and we should be able to overcome any adversity in our path.”
Veteran leadership leads the way
Leadership will be a defining trait for North this spring, particularly from a trio of seniors who have been fixtures in the lineup for several seasons.
“Veteran leadership is our strength,” Duncan said. “We have three guys—Brady Pennza, Braylon Rolf, and Ethan Grinstead—who are entering their third season as starters and understand what it takes to win. They have done a great job of leading the team this spring.”
Pennza anchors the lineup and defense from behind the plate. The senior catcher, who will continue his career at Lake Erie College, hit .339 last season with a .963 OPS and two home runs while earning First Team All-WRC and First Team Lake County Baseball Coaches Association honors.
“It’s been very comforting to not have to worry at all about catching for the last couple of years,” Duncan said. “Brady has done a solid job behind the plate and is one of our most valuable hitters. Brady has the potential to do some big things this season.”
At shortstop, Rolf returns after a standout junior campaign in which he hit .396 with a 1.025 OPS. The senior, who is committed to Ashland University, earned First Team All-WRC, First Team LCBC, and News-Herald Honor Roll recognition.
“Braylon has been Mr. Consistency for us since the day he stepped on the field as a sophomore,” Duncan said. “He has an outstanding glove as a shortstop, a very strong arm, and has improved every year with the bat. I envision him having a great year for us and continuing that on into college.”
In the outfield, Grinstead returns in right field after batting .288 with a .708 OPS while earning First Team All-WRC and Second Team All-Lake County honors. Grinstead will continue his career at Adrian College.
“Last year, Ethan progressed from never having played the outfield before to being a very good outfielder for us,” Duncan said. “Ethan has worked very hard in the offseason, and I believe we will see great results from that work this year.”
Balanced lineup with experience and newcomers
North’s lineup features a mix of experienced seniors and promising newcomers.
Senior Gavin Rieder returns at first base after injuries limited his playing time last year.
“Gavin suffered a series of injuries last year that really limited his playing time,” Duncan said. “Hopefully, that is all behind him. Gavin is a very good fielding first baseman; very few throws or ground balls get past him. He should be a very valuable contributor to our team this year.”
At second base, Nate Sagendorph returns after hitting .238 with a .595 OPS last season and showing improvement late in the year.
“Nate came on strong last year toward the end of the season,” Duncan said. “He was a very valuable contributor to our team in the stretch run. I would expect that improvement to continue this year and look forward to Nate having a great season.”
Sophomore Vince Latini steps into the starting role at third base and is one of the program’s most intriguing newcomers.
“We are looking for big things from this newcomer,” Duncan said. “Vince has shown great range at third and a solid glove. We don’t think the step up from JV pitching to varsity pitching is going to faze him at all.”
In the outfield, senior Vinny Marsico returns in left field after hitting .217 with a .597 OPS last season.
“Vinny is a very good outfielder with good speed,” Duncan said. “He’s a left-handed hitter that makes good contact and should be on base a lot.”
Junior Colin Hutson takes over in center field and is another player the Rangers believe could make a big impact.
“Colin is one of our newcomers that we are expecting big things from,” Duncan said. “He has all the tools that you’re looking for in a centerfielder. He’s got good speed, a great glove, and a strong arm.”
Senior Joey Andolina, who is committed to Hiram College, will serve as the designated hitter after batting .333 with a .742 OPS last season.
“Joey is a big guy with a big bat,” Duncan said. “When he makes contact, the ball jumps off the bat. I see the potential of hitting the gaps with line drives coming off of his bat.”
Rebuilding the pitching staff
North’s biggest question mark entering the season is replacing four pitchers who graduated from last year’s team.
“The biggest challenge will be in our pitching staff,” Duncan said. “We lost four good pitchers to graduation. The remaining pitchers, as well as some newcomers, will have to step it up to replace the guys we lost. From everything we’ve seen so far, they are ready to do that.”
Rieder is expected to lead the rotation after going 1-2 with a 6.40 ERA last season.
“Gavin had appearances last season where he was absolutely dominant,” Duncan said. “He has a good fastball and effective off-speed pitches. He has the potential to be an outstanding pitcher.”
Hutson and Andolina are also expected to play key roles on the mound. Andolina posted a 3.50 ERA last season and will also pitch for the Rangers before heading to Hiram College.
“Joey has a great arm and very good movement on his pitches,” Duncan said. “He has the ability to dominate hitters when he is at his best.”
Junior Drew Morbeto and Latini round out the projected rotation.
“Drew didn’t have the opportunity to pitch for us last year, but we are expecting him to be a major contributor this season,” Duncan said. “He has very good control and stays ahead of hitters, enabling him to use his effective off-speed pitches.”
“We are very excited about the addition of Vince to our pitching staff,” Duncan added. “He is showing great velocity and control. He has unlimited potential and will be a huge part of our success this season.”
Another Ranger set to continue his baseball career is Billy Murphy, who will also play at Hiram College after graduation.
Chasing the final WRC title
With the Western Reserve Conference set to dissolve after this season, the Rangers have extra motivation to compete for the league’s final championship.
“I expect that we will be in the thick of this final WRC race,” Duncan said. “The competition is incredibly good in the conference, but I believe we are up to the challenge.”
If North’s pitching staff develops and the experienced core continues to lead the way, the Rangers believe they have the pieces to make a run this spring.
“First of all, our pitchers need to stay healthy,” Duncan said. “Pitching in Northeast Ohio springs can be tough on the arms. If we can keep them injury-free, I believe they will throw well enough to win ball games for us.”
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