5 high school baseball stars of the week: April 25 edition (2024)

A hustle play can give any team a spark.

Keegan Hooker gave the Portage baseball team a shot in the arm Friday that helped carry the Warriors to a 6-5 win over rival Baraboo in the second game of a doubleheader at Mary Rountree Evans Field in Baraboo.

“The first game it was tough, and we were hitting the ball well, just to spots where they were making plays," Hooker said. "We buckled down and we really wanted this one."

Hooker hit a one-out comebacker to Baraboo pitcher Peyton Poker, who he beat to first base after Poker decided to not flip to the first baseman. Hooker, a senior pitcher/outfielder, started a five-run first inning.

“You always are told, ‘Try and hustle everything out because you really never know what’ll happen,’” Hooker said. “I saw him and he wasn’t flipping it so I was like, ‘Oh, I guess we’re gonna have a foot race.’"

Hooker went 3-for-3 at the plate and picked up the win on the mound, striking out six and allowing two runs on five hits and three walks in four innings of work.

Chase Hansen helps get Poynette off the mark

The Pumas finally broke into the win column Friday after a five-game losing streak to start the season.

Chase Hansen played a big hand in Poynette’s breakthrough win as he utilized his speed to fuel the Pumas’ 4-2 win over Fall River at Paquette Park in Poynette.

“It feels good. We’ve had some bad weather, so it was nice to get a home game, finally,” Hansen said. “It just feels like a lot of pressure is off our back. We played really well as a team and it was a nice win.”

Hansen had a pair of hits, an RBI and a run scored, including the go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the second. The shortstop also stole two bases.

“We saw a lefty last game against Lake Mills, and that really helped me. I’ve been aggressive all season, going and getting pitches, and that’s helped me a lot,” he said. “I’d like to say that I get good jumps. It’s not going to happen every time, but I read guys pretty well.”

Landon Strieff sparks Horicon’s rivalry win

Riding a three-game winning streak, the Marshmen stretched their winning ways to four Friday, knocking off Dodge County rival Mayville.

Landon Strieff was instrumental in Horicon taking down the Cardinals, racking up a team-high four hits and two RBIs. Strieff led off their four-run first inning with a double as Horicon never trailed in the win.

“He got back to trying to drive the ball back up the middle and it showed as three of his four hits were right of second base,” Horicon coach Ryan Nehls said.

Along with getting the Marshmen the lead, Strieff helped them keep it as he pitched the final two innings, recording two strikeouts and a walk without allowing a hit.

Baraboo’s Cyrus Mahoney shuts down league title hopeful

Coming off its nail-biting doubleheader split to rival Portage, the Thunderbirds were looking for a pick-me-up on Monday.

Cyrus Mahoney provided it facing off with Mount Horeb, previously unbeaten in the Badger Small Conference, going the distance on the mound in Baraboo’s 7-2 win over the Vikings. The sophom*ore right-hander allowed 10 hits but limited Mount Horeb to just a pair of earned runs with three walks.

“Cyrus did a phenomenal job of hitting spots and making it difficult for hitters to square up his pitches. He threw a high percentage of strikes and was mentally locked in for each of his 98 pitches,” coach Dan Pavlue said.

Mahoney struck out twice and was hit by a pitch on his non-throwing elbow in the second inning, and powered through to strike out seven in the win.

“I couldn't be more proud of his performance. He has worked very hard on his mechanics and he is starting to see the rewards of that commitment,” Pavlue said.

Nolan Schmitz hammers down Wisconsin Dells road win

With its offense slumping, Wisconsin Dells needed a big pitching performance Tuesday night at Nekoosa.

Nolan Schmitz was masterful as the freshman starter went the distance in a 9-4 win over the Papermakers to remain unbeaten in South Central Conference play. Schmitz allowed just two earned runs on five hits and helped snap a three-game losing skid.

The right-hander weathered a couple early Nekoosa opportunities and settled into his zone with a dozen strikeouts. Schmitz also recorded a hit and stole a pair of bases.

“Nolan commands his off speed very well and was able to keep Nekoosa off balance,” coach Brent Stoughtenger said. “He always wants the ball. Whether it's on the mound, at short or coming up to bat with runners on.”

Supernova poll

Congratulations to Lodi's Kale Schneider, the winner of the April 18 edition. Vote for this week's Supernova below!