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Bri Kamer from Zeeland West continues the tradition of elite softball catchers at Dux. The Zeeland East baseball and softball teams are set to face Zeeland West on April 12 and May 12, respectively.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
Bri Kamer is a softball catcher for Zeeland West, following a legacy of elite catchers at Dux.
Zeeland East baseball and softball teams will play against Zeeland West on April 12 and May 12, respectively.
Zeeland West has a notable history of producing elite softball catchers, with Bri Kamer being the latest in this tradition.
The matchup is significant as it showcases local talent and the competitive spirit of high school softball and baseball in the area.

Seis equipos en la Segunda División están decididos a descender, creando preocupación.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
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The Zeeland East softball team hosts Zeeland West on Tuesday, May 12.
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The Zeeland East baseball team takes on Zeeland West on Tuesday, April 12.
ZEELAND - Bri Kamer proves she is one of the best catchers in the state on a daily basis.
The Zeeland West junior has something rarely seen in catchers - the total package.
Kamer can hit, hit with power, field, has a cannon of an arm, but also has the intangibles of leadership and softball IQ to maker her one of the state's best.
It is something first-year coach Randall Mikkelson noticed the first day on the job.
"When I walked in and realized what I had at catcher, I was blessed. Her leadership is the biggest thing. I learned that real quick. When we had the youth camps, she took charge and was at every session," Mikkelson said. "It is pretty rare to have a catcher with all the tools. In the past, I have had catchers with the glove but not the bat, or the bat and not the glove."
While it is rare, the Dux have been fortunate to have several catchers have the full package over the years, including Carly Sleeman who plays at the University of Kentucky. Her sister Courtney was also an NCAA Division I player, while Mandee Michielsen was yet another Dux catcher to earn Sentinel Softball Player of the Year.
Kamer's skills were on full display in a doubleheader sweep over Zeeland East on Tuesday, May 12. The Dux won 7-3 and 15-10.
Kamer had seven hits on the day, drove in five runs and threw out several base-runners.
"It feels good to win the rivalry. I haven't lost to East and don't plan to," Kamer said. "I have a lot of pride with that. I strive to be the best I can for the team to help us win districts. We have had a really great season. We all work together well and when we do, we can play some good ball. We have been getting stronger every day."
The Dux are 16-7 and 8-2 in the OK Black Conference. All seven of their losses have come to state-ranked teams and three of them were decided by a single run.
"We have one of the hardest schedules in the entire state. The top 25 in the entire state came out this week and we play six of those teams," Mikkelson said. "So, it is about having the confidence that we can handle everybody."
Tuesday's sweep gave the Dux a lot of confidence as Megan Strabbing slammed three home runs on the day. Karissa Oetman added another home run, while Jenna Hendricks and Sadie Kragt set the table for the power hitters.
"We hit the ball hard all day long and we are starting to put the ball in the air," Mikkelson said.
That makes things easier on Kamer, who bats in the middle of the lineup.
Zeeland West softball player Bri Kamer is one of the best catchers in the state. She helped power the Dux past the Chix on Tuesday, May 12.
"Everyone in front of me in the lineup tells me what is coming and we start rallying and get a ton of hits," she said. "My biggest improvement is pitch selection. I am able to pick which ones to really go for."
Kamer was named all-state last year after batting .433 with 45 hits, 32 RBIs and 17 runs scored. Her runs scored totals have been lower because the Dux often use their courtesy runner for their catcher.
Behind the plate, Kamer has proven to be wise beyond her years.
"I have always called the pitches in the past, but I don't here. She calls the game and knows what we want and does an unbelievable job," Mikkelson said.
It is something Kamer takes a lot of pride in.
"I really like calling the game," she said. "It is my way to help control the game and stay focused."
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland West softball beats East behind power surge of Bri Kamer