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With 2024 now in the past, Prep Baseball Michigan is eagerly anticipating bringing the state the best high school coverage that can be found anywhere in 2025. Starting in February, we began releasing team previews for squads across the state. Ahead, we will have Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings coming your way.

To view the full list of 2025 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2025 Team Preview, click here.

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2025 Spring Team Preview: Richmond

RICHMOND - It was a memorable season for Richmond a year ago according to head coach Scott Evans.

“We overachieved,” reflected Evans, whose Blue Devils lost to eventual state champion Flint Powers Catholic in the Division 2 quarterfinals with just one senior on the team. “Everything fell into place. We had good team chemistry and everybody accepted their roles. We won some games we shouldn’t have won. The kids believed in what they wanted to do and they all bought in. It was a fun year.”

The 30th-year coach warns that a roster filled with seniors does not automatically mean success will follow this season.

“We return a lot, but sometimes the chemistry is not there when you have a lot of seniors,” Evans said. “It’s great to have seniors, but many times they check out. We still have a lot of questions, things we’ve got to do to get ready to defend our tradition.”

Anthony Bonnetti, the second-rated senior outfielder in Michigan and a Bowling Green commit, headlines the returnees along with another senior, Cleary College recruit Luke Pastuschyn, the 30th-ranked 2025 outfielder in the state who hit in the two-hole at the end of last season.

“Anthony is our leader,” Evans noted. “He pitches and plays outfield for us and sits in the middle of our lineup. He’s started his whole career here. He’s just a great athlete.”

Another senior, Kolten Bartels, a Division I football commit to Miami as a punter, is back to help fill in at second base, third base and pitcher, while senior southpaw Matt Yelencich is expected to contribute on the mound.

A trio of underclassmen - Dominic Bonnetti, Logan Evans and Cam Murray - will play vital roles as well in 2025 after being key members of last year’s squad. Bonnetti, the 80th-rated sophomore shortstop in the nation, batted leadoff and earned all-state honorable mention recognition as a freshman. Evans, the coach’s son, is the 18th-ranked junior first baseman in Michigan and brings a left-handed stick to the lineup after claiming all-state honorable mention last season. Murray is being counted on to be the staff ace after winning the district championship game a year ago, the third district title in the last four years for Richmond.

“We have a good nucleus of kids back, we just don’t have the elite arms,” Evans related. “When it’s time for districts you’ve got to either play perfect defense or have swing-and-miss guys and we don’t have swing-and-miss guys.”

Playing in a league with standout pitchers for schools like North Branch, Algonac, Almont, and Armada, Evans sees the Blue Water Area Conference as a “struggle this year with a lot of parity and shutdown pitching that can change games.”

Still, the potential is certainly there for more success.

“The key to me is culture,” Evans said. “Are we willing to outwork our opponents? Are we willing to pay attention to the little things in baseball? We have the talent, but can these guys take the next step forward?

“Last year it was all about the team. We had a senior, Charlie Hitzelberger, who was a great leader. We need to have that again this year.”

Evans sees a lot to like about the squad this year.

“I love our athleticism,” Evans noted. “These guys are big, strong and athletic. Everyone has done a nice job committing to the weight room. They’re all great kids. As a coach you know what it takes to be successful, but sometimes getting kids to understand the little things can be tough.”

That could be the difference for the Blue Devils in 2025.

“Our program has had some great athletes that have bought in, parents and coaches that have bought in,” Evans said. “They’ve been working hard in the summer.

“I’ve been lucky to be at Richmond. We’re not always the most talented, but we outwork most people and we look to do that again. We have high expectations.”

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