Marquette, MI – June 10th, 2026 – After coming up short in 2025, falling 6-3 to Norway in the regional semifinals, the Jeffers Jets entered this season determined to take the next step. That mission has turned into the most successful season in program history.
In his first year as head coach, Joe Romano has guided Jeffers to its first-ever appearance in the MHSAA Division 4 state semifinals. Romano is no stranger to postseason success, having led the Jeffers girls basketball team to a Class D state runner-up finish in 1994. More than 30 years later, he now has the Jets baseball program on the doorstep of a state championship game.
Jeffers wasted little time showing its potential this spring. The Jets opened the season on April 22nd with a (20-1) victory over L’Anse. They carried that momentum through the year, finishing the regular season with a 17-7 record, and placing fourth in the Western Peninsula Athletic Conference.
Once the postseason began, Jeffers elevated its play even further. The Jets opened district action with a (10-6) victory over Ontonagon, their closest playoff game so far, before routing L’Anse (14-1) in the district championship. The win secured Jeffers’ their fifth straight district title and the first under Romano.
The challenge grew in regional action, but Jeffers continued to rise to the occasion. The Jets defeated North Dickinson (10-5) in the regional semifinals before delivering one of their most dominant performances of the season in the regional championship, blanking Mio in five innings to advance to the quarterfinals. There, a familiar foe stood in their way.
Norway, the team that ended Jeffers’ season a year ago, awaited in them. This time, the outcome was different. The Jets exploded offensively, defeating the Knights (15-8) and avenging last season’s loss. The victory not only sent Jeffers to East Lansing, but also cemented the team’s place in school history as the first baseball squad to reach the state semifinals. A major reason for the Jets’ postseason success has been their offense.
Jeffers has scored at least 10 runs in all five playoff games, overwhelming opponents with a lineup that features a blend of veteran leadership and young talent. Senior Brogan Turner has been one of the team’s top all-around performers, batting .424 with 26 runs scored, 31 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases while also posting a 4-0 record and a 1.66 ERA on the mound. Sophomore Blake Heltunen has hit .458 with 22 stolen bases, while freshman shortstop Carson L’Esperance is batting .372. Junior catcher Pierce Johnson has contributed a .326 average, 24 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases, while also earning three wins as a pitcher.
Jeffers will face a challenge this weekend without senior ace Cameron Anderson, who suffered an injury during last week’s quarterfinal victory. Anderson compiled a 5-1 record with a 1.99 ERA this season and has been a key piece of the Jets’ success. Despite the setback, Jeffers enters the state semifinals playing its best baseball of the season.
The Jets will take on Marcellus in the Division 4 state semifinals Friday at 11:30 a.m. in East Lansing. A win would send Jeffers to the state championship game Saturday, and give the program a chance to cap off its historic run with the ultimate prize.
For those interested in helping support the team’s trip to East Lansing, donations can be made through the fundraising link provided by the program.
