2 csaa silver a roberts by Oceana's Herald-Journal

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Oceana's Herald-Journal

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Sports November 24, 2016

FRIDAY, NOV. 25

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

Manistee @ East Grand Rapids, 8 p.m.

Hart @ Montague, 7 p.m. Pentwater @ Brethren, 7:30 p.m. Ravenna @ Shelby, 7:30 p.m. Walkerville @ Big Rapids Crossroads, 7:30 p.m.

Hockey

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

Hockey

Jenison @ Manistee, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 29

Girls Basketball

Hockey

Manistee @ G.R. West Catholic, 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Walkerville @ Hesperia, 7 p.m. Calvary Christian @ Pentwater, 7:30 p.m. Ludington @ Shelby, 7:30 p.m.

Hart mulling CSAA Silver move

Pending CSAA approval, Hart will decide in January whether to leave WMC

“I would be surprised at this point if

By Andy Roberts Herald-Journal Writer

HART — The winds of change might be gathering at Hart High School, as the school hosted two meetings last week to inform the community of the possibility — and the reasons why — the school might leave the West Michigan Conference. Superintendent Mark Platt and athletic director Jason Hernandez emceed the meetings, which occurred on Wednesday and Sunday. T h e school has applied to the Central State Activities Association Silver division and, according to Platt, Platt has been approved to join by the league’s athletic directors. (Five of the six current Silver division schools — Hesperia, Holton, Kent City, Morley-Stanwood, Lakeview and White Cloud — must approve a new member for it to pass.) The league schools’ principals will vote in mid-December, and if they choose to admit Hart, the Hart board would then have to act

they are not part of the CSAA...I hate to see Hart leave, but I understand their concerns.”

— Tim Genson

Mason Co. Central athletic director

on the invitation at a January board meeting. The move likely wouldn’t take effect, were it made, until the 2018-19 school year. Hart also applied to the CSAA Silver in 2014 and was turned down, but Platt said that move was merely a backup plan at the time. The school had known fielding a varsity football team in 2015 was unlikely and for a time thought the 2014 season was in danger as well. Platt felt the WMC may have kicked Hart out if the Pirates skipped football season two years in a row, hence the application. Ultimately, Hart was able to field a football team in 2014 and attempted to pull its application, but due to a miscommunication this was never done. This time, Hart is serious.

Why consider leaving?

The Pirates, who are one of four founding members of the league never to leave in the conference’s 84 years (along with Shelby, Montague and Mason County Central), have taken this drastic step in large part, Platt said, because the WMC has not addressed concerns shared by the Pirates, along with North Muskegon and Mason County Central. Many of these concerns revolve around the WMC’s reluctance to expand and split into large and small-school divisions, which Hart believes would mitigate the fact that Whitehall and Oakridge have grown to be far larger school districts than the remaining six schools. MCC athletic director Tim Genson said the Spartans have generally been on Hart’s side in that debate.

Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal file photo

Hart and Oakridge battle at the line of scrimmage during a WMC football game Sept. 1. The Pirates are considering a jump from the WMC to the CSAA Silver, which would mean the end of contests between the Pirates and the Eagles, who are much larger by enrollment than Hart is.

“Hart has had concerns for a number of years, and we’ve been an ally in pushing for change,” Genson said. “We’ve kind of had a 4-4 split within the conference on that. Everyone has their own concerns. (Expansion) hasn’t happened.” Platt said that by league rule, a 4-4 vote on a topic like expansion means the issue is tabled for a year. The line Platt and Hernandez say they’ve received from the league as to why that and other requested changes haven’t been made is, ‘That’s the way we’ve always done it,’ which each view to be unsatisfactory. The enrollment disparity between Whitehall and Oakridge

and everyone else has grown so large that Platt said the Vikings are actually violating league rules by being a member of the league at all. He said the WMC handbook states that no member school should be more than two times larger by enrollment than any other, and Whitehall is currently more than twice the size of North Muskegon, the smallest WMC school — and closing in on being twice as large as a few other schools as well, including Hart and Shelby. However, nothing has been changed in response to that disparity. Another concern Hart and other schools north of the Muskegon area share is what Platt

and Hernandez called ‘competitive equity’. They proposed that the northern schools are suffering competitively in part because they are further removed from the kind of club sports — Inside Out Volleyball, the West Michigan Riptide travel baseball team, and other options — that many athletes in the southern schools utilize to improve their skills. To illustrate this point, Platt and Hernandez showed a slide illustrating the number of total WMC titles won by member schools this century, a list dominated by Whitehall and Muskegonarea schools.

HART TO CSAA? continued on 3b

Shelby golfer signs to Northwood University By Andy Roberts Herald-Journal Writer

SHELBY — Shelby senior golfer Keaton Inglis achieved a program milestone earlier this month when he signed his letter of intent to play golf at Northwood University. Northwood competes at the NCAA Division II level, and is longtime coach Rick Zoulek’s first player to advance beyond the junior college level. “It’s exciting to see someone go to this level and continue to play golf,” Zoulek said.”It’s good for Shelby, and good for Shelby golf.” Inglis, the son of Oceana Golf Club pro Marc Inglis, has played golf his entire life and had a great 2016 season, winning West Michigan Conference medalist honors, helping the Tigers to the team WMC title, and competing at the state finals, where he tied for 21st place. The senior, who said this summer that he had been in contact with several schools in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Northwood’s league, chose the Timberwolves in large part because of their business focus academically. But there were certainly golf-related reasons for his choice as well. “I really liked their school in general and felt very comfortable with the coach,” Inglis said. “Their home course is incredible, it’s like nothing else. It’s really special. I felt very comfort-

able with the program and enjoyed the visit there.” Before heading off to school, though, Inglis has a season of Shelby golf left to play. While his 2016 was very good, Inglis has higher hopes for his final season as a high schooler. “I’m looking to repeat as conference medalist and help the team win another conference championship,” Inglis said. “I’m looking to win the state title and improve my overall scoring average. I’d like to have an average below 73.” Zoulek said his team should benefit from another year of Inglis’ leadership. “He does a great job with other players on the team, being there for them and giving them some tips without telling them too much,” Zoulek said. “He is extremely dedicated to the game. He loves the game and he loves to play and to help other players. I know he’ll represent Shelby well over at Northwood.” Inglis is a hard worker, but did allow himself a moment to reflect on the gravity of his signing. “I’m really happy,” Inglis said. “With a lot of work put into it, it’s nice seeing milestones like this. It’s been a goal to play in college for a really long time. I’d like to thank my parents and coaches I’ve had for supporting me along the way.”

Andy Roberts • Oceana’s Herald-Journal

Shelby golfer Keaton Inglis (front row, center) signs his National Letter of Intent to play golf at Northwood University during a ceremony Nov. 9 at Shelby High School. Inglis is joined in the front row by his parents, Marc and Roxanne. Standing are Shelby golf coach Rick Zoulek (left) and Tigers’ athletic director Chuck Persenaire.

Hesperia gridders earn Manistee hockey opens several all-CSAA Silver spots with pair of losses By Andy Roberts Herald-Journal Writer

Hesperia’s strong season on the gridiron earned the Panthers some postseason recognition, as four Hesperia players were chosen first team all-Central State Activities Association Silver. The Panthers had four offensive stars chosen, highlighted by junior running back Kanin Witte. Witte was voted team MVP and was one of three players who tied for the CSAA Silver’s Most Outstanding Player award. It was an earned honor, as Witte ran for 724 yards, nearly seven yards per attempt. He had eight touchdowns. On defense, he broke up eight passes and picked off six passes. “Pound for pound one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Hesperia coach Doug Bolles said. “He has tremendous heart and football knowledge. His leadership and football skills take a back seat to no one. He also had 45 tackles, many of them for the highlight reel.” Senior Gage Balkema was

also voted all-league, mainly for his blocking work as a fullback. He also ran for nearly 400 yards in his own right. Tate Balkema Schooley He piled up 78 tackles, a team best, and had two interceptions, one for a touchdown. Balkema was the team’s defensive player of the year. “Truly one of our best players, Gage will be sorely missed,” Bolles said. Junior back Gerrit Yates’ allleague honors came because of his work on the ground as well. He averaged a whopping 9.4 Yates Witte yards per carry, nearly hitting line at guard and also played dethe 1,000-yard mark for the season. He was also a major defen- fensive end. “He is very intelligent and has sive contributor. Kevin Schooley was Hespe- a great grasp of our blocking ria’s fourth honoree because of ALL-CONF. FB his two-way play on the line. He continued on 3b anchored the Panthers’ offensive

By Greg Gielczyk Shoreline Media

VICTORY TWP. — A furious late rally wasn’t enough to prevent the Manistee Chippewas from dropping their second consecutive game of the young season, 6-3, to the Portage Northern Huskies. Manistee also lost 8-2 Friday night, to Cadillac. Manistee senior Miro Lehmusmies scored two of the team’s three goals, one of them unassisted, while Ludington junior J.T. Walunas netted the other as the Chippewas continued to press the attack even after falling behind 6-0 and losing four players off an already small roster to injuries and penalties. “We made it a game. I was proud of the way we finished,” Manistee head coach Mike Healy said. “We got off to a pretty bad start. A completely different team than what we saw (Friday) night. (Friday) night we started off (with) tons of energy. Tonight I don’t know if it was the back-toback games or what but we just were not the same team, got behind early and couldn’t really dig ourselves out of the hole. “Lehmusmies is a very good skater, one of our better players. He’s typically a defenseman. We had nothing to lose, so we pumped him up and told him to ‘do what you do and

see what you can get out of it’ and it worked out pretty well. It might be something to think about for some upcoming games. But very pleased with the way he played, and he had lots of other chances, too.” The Huskies opened up a 3-0 lead by the end of the first period despite also being hit with some early penalties. But their superior depth, with 20 skaters suiting up for the game, made the difference. Manistee (0-2) has 14 skaters on the roster, but came into the game already short one with Manistee Catholic junior Mason Calleson sitting out the game with concussion symptoms from a hit Friday night. Chase Besiallon caught an edge and went into the boards awkwardly in Saturday’s game. Healy reported that he injured his back and had the wind knocked out. But he came off the ice under his own power. Josh Fitzgerald received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for checking from behind late in the second period, disqualifying him for the balance of the contest and leaving the Chippewas with just 10 skaters for the final 17 minutes. “Coming into the season we knew we were going to be shorthanded, and penal-

CHIPS DROP 2 continued on 3b

Oceana’s Herald-Journal • November 24, 2016 • 3b

Hart to CSAA? The CSAA Silver schools are also far removed from those club-sports organizations, which Hart believes would create a level playing field. Perhaps more to the point, the CSAA Silver has a much smaller enrollment difference between the largest school (Morley-Stanwood) and the smallest (Hesperia and Holton) — just over 100 — than does the WMC. Hart would slot in as the third-most populated among the Silver schools. Platt and Hernandez emphasized that they do not view the CSAA Silver as an all-healing panacea that would immediately make Hart athletics into a juggernaut, but repeatedly referred to blowout losses that the football, boys basketball, and baseball teams in particular have suffered in recent years. In many cases, they argued, the teams are beaten before they even step on the field because they know they are not on even footing with the opponents. Both felt that the opportunity to play schools closer to Hart’s size more consistently would be a boon to the athletic programs. Interestingly, when the presentation was opened up for a

question-and-answer session, many of the attendees did not come down on the side of leaving the WMC. Some cited the increased travel time necessary in the CSAA Silver. Others responded to the fact that the CSAA Silver’s middle school sporting events are almost always on Saturdays — which Platt and Hernandez viewed as a positive — with concerns about attendance and the difficulties that might pose for parents. Still others understood the idea behind the potential move but felt the school could improve its fortunes with internal changes, without changing leagues. Among those that voiced a desire to stay in the WMC were girls basketball coach Staci Hovey, crosscountry coach Terry Tatro, and multiple middle school and rec-level coaches. Another objection voiced by several in the crowd was that Hart should, instead of leaving, advocate stronger for change within the league. Platt did say at one point in regards to fighting for changes in the WMC, “If this (move) doesn’t happen, I will become very difficult to work with.”

from Page 1b WMC response

Genson said the WMC is currently operating as if Hart will in fact leave the league. “I would be surprised at this point if they are not part of the CSAA,” Genson said. “I hate to see Hart leave, as the closest school (to MCC) in the conference. But I understand their concerns.” WMC schools have been sending out feelers to other schools in the West Michigan area regarding joining, but Genson said the league isn’t getting the kind of responses it hoped to get. “Part of the hope was that schools would be interested that would create a better enrollment and competitive balance,” Genson said. “So far, we haven’t seen that. Some of the schools in the Lakes 8 have shown interest, but none of the schools in the CSAA have expressed interest. I’m not shocked at that. They seem happy with where they’re at.” MCC actually accompanied Hart to an initial meeting regarding a potential conference change, but Genson said the Spartans were unlikely to have been approved to join despite

WMC/WMD XC honors

Achterhof

Ad. Ackley

Al. Ackley

Albus

Kirwin

Hart’s cross-country teams did well at the all-conference level this year, picking up several all-West Michigan Conference first team selections. Runners to place in the top 10 in the league over the course of the season are named to the first team, while those from 11th to 15th place earn honorable mention. Hart’s girls had the top three spots in Merten Sheehy Tubbs the league and earned all-WMC honors. Division 3 state champion Adelyn Ackearned four first team honorees. Boys runley placed first, with Alayna Ackley in second ners Perrin Kirwin, Tyler Sheehy and Shane place and Sierra Albus third. In addition, Bren- Achterhof picked up the award by earning high na Aerts, Alison Altland and Jade Self placed placements in the conference, and senior Emily highly enough to earn honorable mention. On Merten earned all-WMD in the girls’ races. the boys’ end, Hunter Tubbs, a freshman, earned all-WMC honors as well. In the West Michigan D League, Walkerville

All-conf. FB

from Page 1b

scheme,” Bolles said. “He is a captain and has tremendous leadership skills and athletic ability.” Brandon Goins was named honorable mention all-league. While his numbers were not what they were in 2015, Bolles said his senior back was battling injuries all season. Goins had 62 tackles, second on the team. Tanner Grell was named honorable mention all-area from the offensive line, with Bolles calling him the team’s most improved player. Among the West Michigan

Conference schools, Brady Tate of Hart was picked first team all-league as a return specialist. Tate was explosive in the return game, often singlehandedly keeping the Pirates close due to his runbacks. “That’s huge for Brady Tate and it’s huge for the football program,” Hart coach Rick Witteveen said. “That’s a big plus.” Shelby’s Alex Dean was chosen honorable mention allWMC at center for his work on the offensive line despite the Tigers’ rough season.

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the CSAA Silver’s desire to maintain an even number of schools in its league (Hart’s addition would give the Silver seven schools). Shelby was also contacted by the CSAA, Hernandez said during Sunday’s meeting, but did not show interest. “We knew we were probably a bit too far out of the geographic loop to be attractive to them,” Genson said. “We just didn’t feel like it was a move we could make.” The loss of a founding member would be a big one for the WMC, Genson said, but with the league seemingly at a stalemate as to addressing the concerns Hart has, the Pirates feel they’ve been left with no choice. “I hate to see where we’ve gotten with it, but I understand their concerns,” Genson said. “The general feeling is that for the most part, most schools in the conference hate to see a founding member leave.”

ties, injuries and eligibility, if we had any issues with those things it was going to be a tough situation,” Healy said. “We need to do better at staying out of the box and playing five-on-five because five-on-five we’re pretty comparable to the teams we’ve been playing.” The Huskies boosted their lead to 4-0 with a goal on a 3-on-2 breakaway. Will Todd scored his fourth goal of the evening when his shot from in back of the net deflected off Manistee starting goaltender Rocco Staszczak’s leg on the power play with 6:47 remaining in the second to make it a 5-0 game. Portage Northern scored another goal just seconds before time expired in the second period to expand its lead to 6-0 heading into the final intermission. Healy opted to pull Staszczak out of the net for the third period in favor of Raymond Schwass. After struggling to get the puck out of their own zone early in the final period, Lehmusmies

Connie VanDerZanden of Hart

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broke the scoring drought for the Chippewas, whose centering pass was deflected off the leg of the Huskies’ netminder for an unassisted goal at 14:17 of the stanza to make it 6-1. The Chippewas lit the lamp again when Walunas fired in a shot off the top of the left faceoff circle that got behind the keeper to draw Manistee within four, 6-2 at 7:54 of the third. Kallio had the helper. Portage Northern then incurred a tripping penalty that put Manistee on the power play for two minutes. Schwass covered up a big shot by the Huskies for a key save — one of several he made in the final period — but the power play expired without Manistee capitalizing. With the two teams at even strength, Lehmusmies scored his second goal of the night off a helper from VanderWeele to further trim the Huskies’ lead to 6-3 with under two minutes left in the game. The Chippewas would not get any closer.

Leona Perigard shares her remarkable resolution of hope

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Hart’s Brett Bonstell weighing options after Pirates cancel 2015 varsity football season

“ Deliver a healthy baby girl and then get back into shape,”

from Page 1b

A new year, a new perspective

The player without a team

Page B1

As several members of Sunday’s crowd pointed out, Hart athletics is facing issues outside of any created by WMC membership. The Pirates have cycled through at least a halfdozen athletic directors in the last decade, and most sports have seen a handful of coaching changes in that time. A consistent voice hasn’t been there to guide Pirates’ sports. Even while advocating for CSAA Silver membership, Platt and Hernandez acknowledged these difficulties. Regarding the amount of coaching changes the Pirates have dealt with, there wasn’t a consensus on whether the few Hart sports that have enjoyed continuity have done so because they’ve been successful, or if the reverse was true. At one point, the topic of continuity was addressed by one questioner asking Hernandez about his flirtation with leaving Hart to become Orchard View’s AD when the Cardinals made a

change last year. (Hernandez originally came to Hart from OV, and his wife still works at the school.) Platt stepped in to defend Hernandez on that point, saying Orchard View instigated that process and that his AD is committed to the Pirates going forward. Whichever conference Hart is in, everyone agreed that for Hart to be successful, it will require buy-in and continuity not just from the Pirates’ leadership and from their coaches, but also from student-athletes’ parents and at lower levels. The culture does appear to slowly be changing. The Pirates have gained big wins against traditional WMC powers at the middle and elementary school levels in the recent past, offering hope for the future. Whether that future is in the WMC, or in the CSAA Silver, will be decided in the coming months.

Chips drop 2

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Sports December 8, 2016

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Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Marion 42, Walkerville 38 Hart 62, White Cloud 40 Fremont 58, Shelby 30 Pentwater 65, TCBAA 36

Montague 63, Hart 27 Pentwater 40, Brethren 38 Shelby 61, Ravenna 3 Big Rapids Crossroads 36, Walkerville 29 Mason Co. Eastern 84, Hesperia 65 Shelby 47, Fremont 39

No move coming after all for Pirates

Hart elects to stay in WMC after survey shows lack of support for CSAA Silver move By Andy Roberts Herald-Journal Writer

HART — In a quick turnaround, Hart has pulled its application to join the Central State Activities Association Silver division and will remain in the West Michigan Conference, superintendent Mark Platt announced on Twitter Sunday evening. The decision comes after results of an online survey, made available to Hart residents in late November, showed that the majority of respondents did not want to leave the WMC. Platt said “70 percent” of those surveyed wanted the Pirates to remain in the league.

“The board, myself included, had always said that we would only do this if there was support, and there really wasn’t,” Platt said. The CSAA Silver’s athletic directors had already recommended 5-1 to admit Hart to the league (Platt said Lakeview cast the lone dissenting vote due to driving distance), and the league’s principals were scheduled to vote on that recommendation later this month. Hart would have been in a position to accept an invitation at a January board meeting if it had been voted in, which Platt believes would have happened. Two open forums in Novem-

ber prior to the survey’s release foreshadowed the survey results, as several attendees expressed concerns with the possible move. Platt said he originally expected there to be more enthusiasm locally to change leagues, but as the process continued he saw that this wasn’t the case. “As time went on, I got a pretty strong sense that we were in an uphill battle,” Platt said. The survey did show that respondents supported the idea of the WMC expanding beyond its current eight schools, something Hart has been outspoken

in desiring in hopes the WMC would split into large and smallschool divisions. The league’s lack of movement in that area was a contributing factor in the Pirates’ flirtation with leaving the WMC, and in that respect it seems to have accomplished its purpose. Platt said he believes more in the league are willing to address the issue now. “I do plan to continue with this issue, and I’ve communicated that to the superintendents in the WMC,” Platt said. “We’re working on putting together an opportunity for the superintendents, principals and athletic directors to be in the same room. That does seem like something the schools are willing to do. It became clear through the process that expansion is something a lot of people are willing to consider.

In the end, I think it has gotten the league to talk.” Whitehall athletic director Greg Russell, who said he has also been interested in pushing forward with expansion talk, said the league is very pleased that Hart will not be moving. “We absolutely did not want Hart to leave,” Russell said. “Hart has been working on their complexes, putting some money into it. (They have) the ability to turn their programs around. “We can do some things within the league to alleviate some of the concerns. It’s ripe for that discussion. I know the superintendents have had some meetings in the last six months discussing that exact topic.” Russell was assigned by WMC superintendents to solicit interest from other schools

in the event of Hart’s departure. This was due in part to the Pirates presently holding the rotating title of league president, which would have put Hart in the awkward position of soliciting potential replacements for itself. He said only Lakes 8 Activities Conference schools expressed serious interest in joining. “I think there are a lot of positives out there and we hopefully will move that process forward,” Russell said. “We’d like to look at the pros and cons of expansion. It doesn’t mean it will happen. If it comes out that there are more cons than pros, we wouldn’t do it. But we’ve never really laid out the conversation. Now’s the time to do

HART STAYING continued on 3b

Strong defense sparks Falcons to opening win

Press gives Pentwater easy baskets in 2nd half of victory By Andy Roberts Herald-Journal Writer

PENTWATER — Usually any team will know a little bit about their opponent heading into a given game, but that wasn’t the case for Pentwater as its meeting with the Traverse City Bulldog Athletic Association was the first between the schools. The Traverse City Bulldog Athletic Association, a team consisting of home-schooled students in the Traverse City region, visited the Falcons, and Pentwater dominated the second half on its way to a 65-36 win.

“We didn’t have a scouting report coming in,” Falcons’

coach Ashley Wojtas “This is the first time seen them. They’re a great shooting group.

said. we’ve pretty They

PENTWATER WINS continued on 2b

Andy Roberts • Oceana’s Herald-Journal

Above, Pentwater guard Billy Sproul (10) flies toward the basket while being fouled during Tuesday’s game against the Traverse City Bulldog Athletic Association. Sproul, who scored on the play, was injured on the play, but coach Ashley Wojtas said he was alright after the game. At left, the Falcons’ Glenn Miller (14) is fouled near the three-point line. Pentwater beat TCBAA, 65-36.

Tigers hold off Fremont By Andy Roberts Herald-Journal Writer

SHELBY — Shelby coach Sarah Wolting got her first look this season at her team’s response to a close game Monday night, and the early returns are positive. The Tigers were able to beat back a late Fremont rally and come away with a 47Andy Roberts • Oceana’s Herald-Journal 39 victory, Hart’s Haley Alvesteffer (left) collides with Montague’s Sydney Stine on a play during Friday’s WMC the team’s girls basketball game at Montague. Alison Altland looks on for the Pirates. Hart lost to Montague, 63-27. s e c o n d Love straight after dropping the opener against Ludington. “For us to be able to pull ahead, and for it to be close and nine points of the game and field,” Hart coach Staci Hovey to see my team working togethBy Andy Roberts trailed 16-3 at one point in the said. “We can’t do anything er, being a little younger, that’s Herald-Journal Writer first quarter. Its offense strug- about that when the shots huge for us,” Wolting said. MONTAGUE — Hart strugJaelyn Love made a couple gled throughout the evening aren’t falling. There are things gled to deal with a fast-paced as Montague applied constant to work on, obviously, but it’s of big plays down the stretch Montague offense Friday night pressure. Turnovers were an is- hard to come out in that first for the Tigers, grabbing key in its girls basketball season sue, but more so than anything game and go right into a con- rebounds and sinking a crucial opener, and the result was a 63free throw that kept Shelby else, the Pirates just couldn’t 27 Wildcats’ win. ahead by two possessions, 41OPENING LOSS buy a basket. Hart surrendered the first 37, late in the fourth quarter. continued on 3b “We struggled from the

hat 2

atch 4

Hart drops opener

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

Boys Basketball

Morley-Stanwood @ Hesperia, 7 p.m. Ravenna @ Shelby, 7:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Morley-Stanwood @ Hesperia, 5:30 p.m. Baldwin @ Pentwater, 7:30 p.m. Mason Co. Eastern @ Walkerville, 7:30 p.m.

Pentwater @ Brethren, 7:30 p.m. Walkerville @ Big Rapids Crossroads, 7:30 p.m. Shelby @ Whitehall, 7 p.m. Oakridge @ Hart, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

Boys Basketball

Hart @ Montague, 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 Wrestling

Shelby, Hesperia @ Mason Co. Central Invitational, 9 a.m. Hart @ Zeeland West Invitational, 9:30 a.m.

Andy Roberts • Oceana’s Herald-Journal

Shelby’s McKenna Peters (left) tries to beat a Fremont foe to the ball during Monday night’s basketball game at Shelby. Peters and the Tigers earned a 47-39 win.

Love went for five points and nine rebounds in the contest. “She always crashes the boards hard,” Wolting said of Love. “She was always looking up the floor. She knew there was a lot of pressure on the rebound, so she knew someone would be open down the floor and she made some good passes.” The Tigers played some aggressive defense throughout

the game, but especially in the first half, harassing Fremont ballhandlers all over the court. That in-your-face style got the Tigers into some foul trouble — the first eight fouls of the game were whistled against Shelby, all in the first quarter — but it also resulted in a few turnovers and easy baskets.

SHELBY WINS continued on 3b

MONDAY, DEC. 12

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Walkerville @ Pentwater, 7:30 p.m.

Hart @ Muskegon Catholic Quad, 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Ravenna @ Hesperia, 7 p.m. Baldwin @ Pentwater, 7:30 p.m. Mason Co. Eastern @ Walkerville, 7:30 p.m.

Shelby @ Whitehall, 7 p.m. Oakridge @ Hart, 7:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Shelby @ North Muskegon, 7 p.m. Hart @ Mason Co. Central, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling

Boys Basketball

Oceana’s Herald-Journal • December 8, 2016 • 3b

Pentwater softball to return for upcoming 2017 season Shoreline Media reports PENTWATER — Pentwater Public Schools will again field a softball team this year after several years of not competing in the sport. The Falcons last had a softball team in the 2013 season.

The district’s school boardapproved Stephen Rossiter and Ashley Wojtas last month as the new softball coaches for the year, and they will begin organizing soon to be ready for spring. “Obviously, we’d love for

Hart staying something.” One piece of information Platt offered at the informational meetings in November, regarding the permitted enrollment gaps among WMC schools, was clarified over the last couple of weeks. Platt had said at the meetings that the league did not permit any school to be two times larger than any other within the WMC. Russell clairified that the figure is actually 2 1/2 times, which Whitehall, the largest WMC school, does fall into. (He added that Lakes 8 schools such as Ludington and Orchard View would also fall into that range, although they

from Page 1b

are slightly larger than Whitehall as of this year.) Shelby AD Chuck Persenaire added that that provision is not actually in the league bylaws, though it does appear on application forms for prospective members. “There was some misinformation out there, not on purpose,” Platt said. “It’s on the application, and you’d think you’d have it in your bylaws. You’d hope that wouldn’t apply only to applicants.” Ultimately, Platt said he is pleased Hart will remain in the WMC, adding that he hopes the issue, which has been a topic of discussion for years in Hart,

Shelby wins That’s a trade Wolting was happy to make Monday, but she said she hopes the team will improve its defensive play so that it can create that pressure without fouling later in the season. Especially with only nine players on the varsity, foul trouble is not a luxury Shelby can afford. “We’ve got to get to where we can play better half-court defense without fouling,” Wolting said. “We have to be better in the half-court and play defense with our feet, not with our hands.” Shelby (2-1) built a nice early lead, leading 11-5 after a quarter, but Fremont had things tied at 20 early in the third. However, the Tigers ripped off some breakaway baskets on their way to a 16-3 run to end the third. Love put in a rebound basket at the third-quarter buzzer after pulling in a Kasey Morse miss, and with a 36-23 lead, the Tigers seemed to have the game on ice. Fremont wasn’t quite done, though, and scored the first eight points of the fourth to slice the Shelby lead to five. The visiting Packers got it down to three points with 1:45 to play, and looked to be in great position after Tori Mussell missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity at the free throw line. But Love yanked down the rebound and was fouled on her putback attempt, making one of her two free throws. Fremont wouldn’t get it to a one-possession game again. Jenny Beckman was the star of the game offensively for Shelby, as is custom. The junior scored 22 points to lead all scorers, also dishing out four assists. Mussell had six points, second on the team, and added a whopping 17 rebounds. Wolting said opening the season with a physical Ludington team, combined with

our students to have as many opportunities as they can for extra-curricular activities,” said Pentwater superintendent Scott Karaptian. “The more kids get involved in extracurricular activities, studies have shown they do excel in school.”

can be put to rest now. “I thought the board did a great job listening to the community,” Platt said. “That’s why they’re elected. I feel like our coaches did a great job communicating with me personally. I think it’s a good thing when people are comfortable enough to come to you and share their thoughts, even if they know they’re different from yours. “People had the ability to talk about a difficult, emotional topic, without making enemies. In the end, I’m glad to be staying in the WMC and remaining a Pirate.”

Opening loss ference game.” Montague had had the chance to warm up with a nonleague contest earlier in the week, but Hovey downplayed the idea that the Pirates were at a disadvantage due to playing their first game three days later. The Pirates got 12 points from Yasmine Colon, but no one else in black scored more than four. If there was a silver lining to the outcome, it was the effort shown by the Pirates in the final quarter. One sequence by Colon illustrated that effort. Early in the fourth, with the game long since decided, Colon blocked a Montague shot, retrieved the ball before it went out of bounds, and raced downcourt and scored a layup oneon-three on the ensuing play. “I think their effort was there,” Hovey said. “We played full court man (defense) the whole game. I don’t think the girls got tired. It was just little breakdowns and little things. “(Haley) Alvesteffer was all over the court giving it her all. We had some underclassmen that came in. I feel like every-

Andy Roberts • Oceana’s Herald-Journal

Shelby guard Jenny Beckman (right) reaches to strip the ball from Fremont’s Bre Harris during Tuesday’s game at Shelby. Beckman had 22 points, and Shelby won 47-39.

getting into basketball shape after many of the Tigers made a state quarterfinal run in volleyball, has hastened Shelby’s improvement. “It’s always a good game for us to play physical tough girls,” Wolting said of Ludington. “I think it’s made us play more physical and intense. We still have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of things to focus on defense and offense.” McKenna Peters recorded five steals, and Jaren Smith had three assists to go with three points. Morse scored four points. Bre Harris countered with 17 points for Fremont. FREMONT (39) Garcia 1 0-0 3, Patenge 1 2-8 4, Sweet 1 2-3 4, Jamieson 4 0-0 8, Harris 6 4-8 17, Reichert-Slater 1 0-1 2, Jacobs 0 1-2 1. Totals 14 9-22 39. SHELBY (47) Peters 1 1-4 3, Smith 1 1-2 3, Beckman 7 6-8 22, Morse 2 0-0 4, Zoulek 1 0-0 2, James 1 0-0 2, Mussell 3 0-2 6, Love 2 1-4 5. Totals 18 9-20 47. Fremont..... 5 13 5 16 — 39 Shelby......11 9 16 11 — 47 Three-point goals — Fremont 2 (Garcia, Harris), Shelby 2 (Beckman 2). Total fouls — Fremont 17, Shelby. JV score — Fremont 26, Shelby 20.

Andy Roberts • Oceana’s Herald-Journal

Hart’s Yasmine Colon (left) pressures Montague’s Claudia Rumsey on the sideline during Friday’s WMC basketball game at Montague. Despite Colon’s 12 points, Hart lost 63-27.

one filled their roles.” Montague put four players into double figures in scoring, riding great guard play in the win. Sydney Stine led all scorers with 17 points, including five three-pointers. All five of Stine’s treys came in the first 28 minutes of play. “They have some great guards, and they moved the ball really well,” Hovey said. “They got some nice passes and their shots fell.”

HART (27) Colon 5 1-2 12, Hertzler 1 1-4 3, Alvesteffer 0 3-8 3, Eisenlohr 2 0-0 4, Swihart 1 1-4 3, Rockwell 1 0-2 2. Totals 10 6-20 27. MONTAGUE (63) Stine 5 2-3 17, Smith 1 1-3 3, C. Lohman 2 1-2 5, Rumsey 5 3-5 13, Wolffis 1 0-0 2, M. Lohman 4 2-3 10, Monette 1 0-0 2, Meacham 5 1-2 11. Totals 24 10-18 63. Hart........ 6 5 3 13 — 27 Montague....16 18 16 13 — 63 Three-point goals — Hart 1 (Colon), Montague 5 (Stine 5). Total fouls — Hart 17, Montague 20. JV score — Montague 21, Hart 15.

West Michigan D League discussing possible expansion

By David Bossick

from Page 1b

Shoreline Media

The West Michigan Conference isn’t the only local league discussing the idea of expansion. Expansion of the West Michigan D League is in the discussion stages, with three schools pursuing the idea of becoming members of the league. “Mesick, Marion and McBain (Northern Michigan Christian) have all expressed interest in joining our league and have all given formal presentations to the league athletic directors, principals and superintendents,” Mason County Eastern athletic director Steve Ward said. “Discussions at each league member school are currently taking place.” The WMD is down to eight members after Onekama left the league for the Northwest Conference this year. Any changes to league membership

wouldn’t take effect until the 2018-19 school year. “With Onekama leaving, it opened the door (to expansion),” Ward said. “All three contacted the WMD and expressed interest.” Mesick is currently in the Northwest Conference for all sports except football. That league has Benzie Central, Buckley, Frankfort, Maple City Glen Lake, Kingsley, Leland and Suttons Bay in it. The Bulldogs play 11-player football and are in the Northern Michigan Football League’s Leaders Division. Mesick previously applied to the WMD and was accepted, but then rescinded its wishes to join the league after some changes in leadership in the administration and school board. “They, more than the other two, are ready and prepared to move to the WMD,” Ward said. Both Marion and McBain

NMC are in the eight-school Highland Conference. That league includes Beal City, Evart, Lake City, Manton, McBain and LeRoy Pine River. Ward said some concerns over travel have been voiced, including adding in the travel of middle school kids in January and February on school nights. The conference has received word from both the Mesick and Marion school boards that both want to pursue joining the WMD. “(NMC) is taking things at a slower pace and do not have their own board approval yet,” Ward said. “The (athletic directors) have indicated they are OK with Mesick and Marion joining, but current league principals would have to approve first, then the current superintendents, then all school boards, all by a simple majority vote.”

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