The Woodhaven Junior Varsity baseball team is off to a stellar 7-3 start to the 2024 season, while currently having a 4-0 record in the league. They have been absolutely dominant in the Downriver League thus far, out scoring their 4 opponents by a combined score of 40-2. The team is made up of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, and has shown a great display of what is to come in future years for the Woodhaven baseball program.
One of their star players is Talan Holladay-Smith, who is a junior that has contributed in all aspects of the game. He currently leads the team at the plate with 7 hits on the season, on the mound with the most innings pitched at 12 ⅔, and strikeouts tallying 16, while only giving up 10 hits and 3 walks on the season.
When asked about what has contributed to their hot start, Holladay-Smith explained, “I think we have been really good all around in league play, whether it is pitching, defense, or hitting, we have been good everywhere so far this season… Playing good teams on Saturdays is crucial for us because that type of competition really prepares us for the teams we see in the league.”
Talan Holladay Smith delivers the ball to the plate looking for the strikeout.
Picture Credit: Scotty Smith
Another talented player, both offensively and defensively, is Brayden Dudek. He is batting .250 at the plate and has been great on the defensive end with 0 errors on the season.
When asked about what their current end of season goals are and how they look to continue their success, Dudek explained, “It would obviously be a great feeling to win the Downriver League. To continue our success I think we will need to continue to hit the ball well and play well defensively against the better teams in the league… We have to keep improving every day at practice and get ready for Varsity next year.”
The Warriors’ JV squad have put their skills on display throughout the season. It will be interesting to see if they can keep up their good work and compete with some of the Downriver Leagues best opponents, such as Trenton and Allen Park. Trenton is off to a 10-1 start, also dominating their competition, while Allen Park remains undefeated. The Woodhaven JV team will look to build upon their excellence and ultimately prepare themselves for Varsity baseball in years to come.
