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2021 | Manistee Winter Sports Preview

Bear Lake basketball to work hard, turn up intensity this winter Lakers standout Christian Novak has returned to his alma mater in hopes of reshaping a program he once helped build.

Lake head coach Christian

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor In 2020, Bear Lake didn’t field a boys’ varsity basketball team; however, former

the kids at the beginning of

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

COACH’S CORNER: “My philosophy is all about

hard work and hustle,” Bear

The first-year head coach is rostering 14 players this winter and is excited to start competing after several practices.

Novak said. “I always tell

practice every year; I base

playing time on your hustle and your willingness to be a good teammate while

working hard. If you do all

three of those things, then you are already earning

Bear Lake's Jake Griffis drives to the hole in practice on Dec. 7. (Courtesy Photo)

playing time.”

KEY RETURNERS PG Nate Sanderson (senior)

Considering Bear Lake missed out on last season, Novak intends to bring a sense of tradition back to Lakers basketball with the help of numerous returners from the 2019 squad in Nate Sanderson, Jake Griffis, and Keegin Johnson. “I graduated from Bear Lake in 2012, and all I ever knew was fast-break basketball, but I would say I enjoy a middle ground,” said Novak. “I like to run and gun it, but I also like to set it up. So if we can run, then I want to, but I’m also comfortable with sets.” Although, after spending time in Brethren coaching the junior

varsity team, Novak learned the importance of switching it up defensively. “Most of what Bear Lake does in basketball is run a zone defense and a fast break; that’s how it’s always been,” Novak said. “I could teach you zone defense blindfolded because of how much I’ve practiced it. But I learned from JJ (Randall) how beneficial running a man-to-man defense is in general. That’s more of what I’ve brought with me. I won’t run it every game because a lot of things boil down to your matchups and personnel, but I learned that man-to-man is key.”

SF Jake Griffis (senior) PREDICTION

C Keegin Johnson (junior) PF/C Cole Merrill (sophomore)

Nate Sanderson makes a move at the top of the key during practice. (Courtesy Photo)

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The return of Novak signals an uptick in intensity for Bear Lake hoops. With his help, the Lakers

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are undoubtedly going to improve, hustle, and display an exemplary work ethic. Overall record prediction: 9-11 (8-10 West Michigan ‘D’ League)

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Manistee Winter Sports Preview | 2021

Bear Lake taking season game by game By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer Bear Lake girls basketball notched just two wins last year in a season

abbreviated by the coronavirus pandemic. The Lakers lost six players to graduation, and firstyear head coach

Hannah Harrington said the young team will being going back to the basics as it gets acclimated to a new coach. COACH’S CORNER:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW While Harrington is new to the role of head coach, she is no stranger to the Bear Lake sidelines, having served as former coach Jeff Harthun’s assistant for years before taking the reins when he stepped down. Lakers will have to overcome the loss of several players to graduation, including West Michigan D League all-conference honorable mention Leffew, who led last year’s squad with 7.1 points, six rounds and 1.7 steals per game. “Bella was definitely one of our captains and one of our main shooters,” Harrington said. “There’s going to be a hole there, but overall these girls are strong enough to fill that hole and build their confidence back up. We lost Taylor and Leah, a wing and a big post player, as well.” Harrington said she will look to Swanson to lead the team, but added

PREDICTION The Lakers certainly lost some solid players to graduation, but that is the nature

there is a strong supporting cast around her. “Kalissa Swanson (is our leader) for sure — she’s the senior this year. Then we have a lot of juniors coming back out to step up for the post,” Harrington said. “We have two strong post players and then wings as well that are starting to shoot more. They’re working really hard in practice to get their shots up so we can fill those holes.” Harrington said when it comes to setting goals, the main objective is simply to improve throughout the season. “We’ll take it game by game. I’m definitely a coach that’s not focused on the wins and losses,” she said. “... I just want to get their confidence back and have them love the game of basketball again. If they have fun and they learn this season, I’ll be happy.”

of high school athletics. With just one senior on the team, Bear Lake might be lacking when it comes to experience, but the

team could win a few games in the regular season and is building toward a bright future in the coming years.

Bear Lake's Alexia Rineer splits a pair of defenders. (File photo)

“It was a growing season last year. Sadly, we lost three strong players, but they worked really hard and pretty much all of them are returning that were here last year,” Bear Lake Coach Hannah Harrington said. “It’s just building it back up. We have one senior this year, so we’re just going back through the basics and I’m changing the game up on them a little bit. They’re learning how to adapt to a new coach and everything else.” THE NUMBERS 2020-21 Record: 2-9 (1-7 West Michigan D League) BEST WIN: vs. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, W 47-42 WORST LOSS: vs. Walkerville, L 7-48 2020-21 Playoffs: Lost to Onekama, 28-64 in district quarterfinal KEY RETURNERS G Kalissa Swanson (senior) KEY LOSSES

Bear Lake's Kalissa Swanson goes up for a layup in a home contest aganst Brethren. (File photo)

G/F Bella Leffew (graduated) F Taylor Sexton (graduated) G/F Leah Nelson (graduated)

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2021 | Manistee Winter Sports Preview

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Brethren basketball looking to replicate success with an abundance of youth

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor The Bobcats are coming off back-toback conference titles, a 10-5 record last season, and a playoff victory over Onekama (54-47). However,

Brethren is relatively

2020, and Anthony

three freshmen

gifted with size and

young, rostering

and a sophomore

after losing Skylar

Wojciechowski, who earned an All-State

honorable mention in

Beccaria, a big man, the ability to draw defenses. Even

so, head coach JJ

Randall expects the

Bobcats to compete.

might cycle his youth in and out of the starting lineup. There's no denying the loss "We have kids coming up … we of Wojciechowski and Beccaria had a lot of senior leadership last are enormous for the Bobcats year, and those guys could have program. Conversely, though, run a practice (by themselves)," Randall is confident in the return said Randall. "But now, we are of Kenny King, who he's seen bring the type of intensity required, going over things. In the past, I'd be a lot more intense … but I alongside Ethan Dean, Clayton understand our need to step back Mobley, and Nick Wilson. and explain to our new guys why Yet, much of Brethren's current we do these things. It's just a focus surrounds constant development, considering Randall learning process." WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

sound, and gritty team. Moreover, It's no secret the coaching Randall, entering veteran's leadership, his seventh season accompanied by a leading the Bobcats, solid roster mixed with wants an intense, physical, mechanically experience and youth, PREDICTION

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COACH'S CORNER:

can help Brethren accomplish its goals this winter. Overall record prediction: 11-9 (10-8 West Michigan 'D' League)

Kenny King came up clutch from the free throw line in the fourth quarter last season. (File Photo)

"We're going to have some growing pains at times," Brethren coach JJ Randall said. "But it's good to have a 20-game season where we get to play everybody twice … because we are going to develop as the season goes and take it game by game. Due to our youth, we might get shell-shocked a bit, but it will be nice to have another opportunity to play everyone." THE NUMBERS 2020 Record: 10-5 (7-1 conference) BEST WIN: vs. Baldwin, W 58-56 WORST LOSS: @ Benzie Central, L 34-68 2020 Playoffs: Defeated Onekama (54-47) before losing to Frankfort, 52-61. KEY RETURNERS G Kenny King (senior) G/F Ethan Dean (senior) F Nick Wilson (senior) F Clayton Mobley (junior) KEY LOSSES

Brethren basketball huddles up during a timeout against Manistee Catholic Central. (File Photo)

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Best of Luck BoBcats!

G Skylar Wojciechowski (graduated) C Anthony Beccaria (graduated)

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Brethren girls hoops to be competitive in conference play & beyond

COACH'S CORNER: "I see a lot of chemistry and working together," Brethren head coach Julie Riggs said. "They have team goals set that are very realistic and attainable. They'd like to finish top three in the conference, and we see ourselves being a strong contender come districts with everyone healthy and on the floor. It's a very strong and united team."

THE NUMBERS 2020 Record: 5-8 (3-5 conference) BEST WIN: vs. Pentwater, W 42-33 WORST LOSS: @ Mason County Eastern, L 16-49 2020 PLAYOFFS: Lost to Manistee Catholic Central, 29-43 KEY RETURNERS G Halle Richardson (senior) G Dawn Bradley (senior) F Elly Sexton (sophomore) KEY LOSSES F Kaia Richardson (graduated)

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor There was an apparent constant with the Brethren girls' basketball team following the 2020-21 season.

two points or less. After finishing 5-8, Kaia Richardson graduated; however, Brethren returns two seniors in Dawn Bradley and Halle Richardson.

which appears to be bright. Brethren's varsity squad It's hard to overstate features four sophomores the importance of veteran (Sexton included) and two leadership in any sport, but freshmen. especially in basketball. This "Maddy Biller sat out the winter, seniors Richardson first part of the season with and Bradley lead the way for a broken foot but came into Brethren alongside sophomore forward Elly Sexton, who earned last season very strong and is a solid presence down low," an All-State honorable mention Riggs said. "Joining the ranks as a freshman. this year is Stella Estes, who is "(She's (Richardson) our 6-foot-0 and knows how to use team captain, needless to say, because she knows how to lead her body. Sometimes, you get a on and off the floor," said Riggs. young girl that's tall and doesn't "Dawn brings a lot of intensity to understand how her body works the team; she's quick and strong (yet). "She's very good in the on defense. She's working on down-low post with blocks and taking more shots right now. Sexton is very strong in the post rebounds. Our other sophomore is Abby Kissling, she's our position but can also head out standout cross country runner, to the top and be a shooting so I know there's no one in the guard for us." conference that will beat her Moreover, Riggs is excited about the future of her program, down the floor." WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PREDICTION The Brethren faithful have every reason to believe the Bobcats will be competitive

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They were close to taking the next step as a program. The Bobcats were in every contest, losing four games by 10-points or less and three by

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throughout this season. Overall record prediction: 10-10 (8-10 West Michigan 'D' League)

Brethren's Halle Richardson dribbles the ball up the court against Big Rapids Crossroads Academy. (File Photo)

The Bobcats huddle up during a contest against Big Rapids Crossroads Academy. (File Photo)

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Manistee Winter Sports Preview | 2021

Young Brethren cheer team 'starting out at square one' By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer Last winter, Brethren's competitive cheer

team narrowly missed out on a trip to the regional meet. This season, the Bobcats will look

to build toward the future with a team composed almost exclusively of fresh faces. COACH'S CORNER:

she said. "I do have another girl With only one cheerleader with who had some experience in middle school, but she hasn't varsity experience, it is safe to classify the 2021-22 campaign as competed in years. It'll be fine." Maxey said with such a young a rebuilding year. team, all she asks is that "We have Emma Karasinski," they work hard and progress Maxey said. "Then we have one throughout the season. girl who came up from middle "The only goal I ever tell school (Kinsey Krows), and all the girls is that after our first the rest are brand new." competition, that's our starting Maxey said this season will be point and from there on, they a crash course in cheerleading just need to improve," she said. for the bulk of the squad. "If they can improve every time "We have six on the team and we go out on the mat, that's all I only two have done this before. We're starting out at square one," ask." WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PREDICTION Will the Bobcats be competing for a state title this season? Likely not. However, having a

young crop of athletes join the squad certainly bodes well for the future of the program in the coming years.

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"Last season went very

well. They missed going to

The Brethren competitive cheer team performs a pyramid in practice. (Courtesy photo)

regionals by one place," said

Brethren coach Deb Maxey. "If we had got fourth at districts, we would have gone to

regionals, but we took fifth — we were one spot out of that.

This year, I have one girl that's cheered before. It's a whole new team."

KEY RETURNERS The Brethren competitive cheer team. Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Meridee Gutowski and Emmaleigh Karasinski. Back row: Ava Siegneurie, Kinsey Krows and Selena Peck. (Courtesy photo)

Emmaleigh Karasinski (junior) KEY LOSSES

Brethren High School

The rest of last year's squad

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2021 | Manistee Winter Sports Preview

Manistee boys basketball ready to turn the corner

COACH'S CORNER: "What fires me up about this year is fans can come to the games again," Chippewas head coach Dan Gustad said. "It was disappointing to see the guys putting in tremendous effort, and nobody got to see it. Plus, I have a great group of kids who want to help this program turn the corner and start becoming a little more successful."

Manistee's Trevor Mikula looks to pass the ball against Pine River. (File Photo)

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor The 2020 season had a

plethora of ups and downs.

First, Manistee's schedule was

cut short, ending the year with a

2-9 record before districts were canceled due to COVID-19. Dan Gustad, the Chippewas coach, was confident in his group, but the lack of on-court action stunted their development process. In addition, the loss

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Manistee graduated two sets of twins in the Schlaff and Adamski brothers, who were starters, leaving a significant chunk of minutes to fill this winter. Although, the Chippewas are led by upperclassmen again, rostering six seniors this year, including Caden Cudney, who will most likely be Manistee's primary ball-handler, Connor Rischel, an enforcer down low, and Trevor PREDICTION Gustad is excited to see the Chippewas play basketball again, but more importantly,

The Manistee Chippewas bring it in before taking on Ludington. (File Photo)

Mikula, a forward that can run the floor. "We got a good core coming back along with Jeffrey Huber, who played with us last year and is the quarterback of the football team, just had shoulder surgery last week," said Gustad. "He'll be out for a majority of the season; we're going to miss him. But we have some talented, ablebodied kids that can fill in for him."

he's optimistic, saying, "top to bottom, I think we are as solid of a lineup as we've had in a long time." Now it comes down to development, execution, and

GooD LuCk ATHLETEs!

of four seniors in Drew Schlaff, Grant Schlaff, Mason Adamski, and Caleb Adamski certainly stings. However, Manistee has numerous returners Gustad is excited to have back in uniform.

putting guys in the right spots. Overall record prediction: 7-13 (4-6 Lakes 8 Activities Conference)

THE NUMBERS 2020 Record: 2-9 (1-6 conference) BEST WIN: @ Muskegon Catholic Central, W 53-35 WORST LOSS: vs. Muskegon Orchard View, L 25-73 2020 PLAYOFFS: Districts canceled due to COVID-19. KEY RETURNERS PG Caden Cudney (senior) F Connor Rischel (senior) F Trevor Mikula (senior) G Jeff Huber (junior) KEY LOSSES G/F Drew Schlaff (graduated) G/F Grant Schlaff (graduated) G/F Mason Adamski (graduated) G/F Caleb Adamski (graduated)

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Manistee Winter Sports Preview | 2021

Led by seniors and talented sophomores, Manistee's goals are within reach By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor Last season, the Manistee Chippewas finished 6-12, with a postseason victory over Kingsley (4329) before falling short against Ludington. It was a

COACH'S CORNER: "One thing we focused on last year was to improve with each game," Manistee coach Kenn Kott said. "We want to take steps forward, and I think if there was going to be a word to describe what we want to do this winter, it would be to improve and constantly get better. We don't want to take any steps backward. We want to be competitive."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE NUMBERS 2020 Record: 6-12 (2-6 conference) BEST WIN:

The Chippewas' Calli Ronning scores during the regular season last year. (File photo)

@ Holton, W 46-31 WORST LOSS: vs. vs. Ludington, L 19-64 2020 PLAYOFFS: Defeated Kingsley, 43-39, prior to losing to Ludington (25-50). KEY RETURNERS F Calli Ronning (senior)

The Chippewas return four seniors in Breanna Whitmer, Alyssa Jackoviak, Allie Thomas, and Ronning – all of whom will receive valuable minutes. But, they can't do it alone. Manistee needs its trio of sophomores in Jayna Edmondson, Libby McCarthy, who earned an AllState honorable mention as a freshman, and Brooke Jankweitz to step up alongside a solid group of juniors. Offensively, the Chips want to run in transition and take advantage of high-percentage shots in the paint. Although, Kott understands

PREDICTION

G Allie Thomas (senior) F Breanna Whitmer (senior) G/F Alyssa Jackoviak (senior) G/F Libby McCarthy (sophomore)

fantastic effort for a team experiencing an up and down year. However, they graduated three seniors and key contributors, including Olivia Smith, Logan Wayward, and Taylor

Manistee head coach Kenn Kott addresses his team in the huddle. (File photo)

Kott took over the varsity program in 1995 and doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon.

Murray. This winter, Manistee head coach Kenn Kott calls the Chips a young team anchored by multiple leaders featuring senior forward Calli Ronning.

Manistee must be consistent on the defensive end to remain competitive. "We're pretty balanced right now," said Kott. "We have a lot of kids that can shoot the ball and play great defense. But, we do have McCarthy, who is back this year … she's going to have to prove to everybody that she's worthy of that kind of achievement and honor. So, we're looking for some good things from her this year. But it won't just be her; there's going to be a solid supporting cast. "I don't want all the pressure on her. She's a sophomore who doesn't have to do it all for us."

His philosophies surround consistency, sound mechanics, and rugged defense. With quality upperclassmen and

promising young players, Manistee's goals are obtainable. Overall record prediction: 9-11 (5-5 Lakes 8 Activities Conference)

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Manistee looking for third straight conference championship

COACH'S CORNER: Manistee's Trevor Adamczak competes in the 500-yard freestyle at the Paine Aquatic Center. (File photo)

By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer The Manistee boys swim team had its most successful season to date last year. The Chippewas successfully defended their Coastal Swim

Manistee's Alec Lampen swims to victory in the 100-yard butterfly at the Paine Aquatic Center. (File photo)

Conference championship and were represented by the largest contingent of state qualifiers in program history at the state finals, totaling 40 points to place 18th of 35 teams at the finals and eclipsing several

school records in the process. According to head coach Corey Van Fleet, Manistee is poised for another standout year and could once again make a splash at the state meet.

"We're still looking for somebody that wants to dive, but we'll find somebody in the next week or so," The Chippewas' 2020-21 campaign is certainly a he said. "I expect that by this time next week we'll tough act to follow, but this year's squad might be have probably 20 guys in the water, and that's a fair able to do just that. Although Manistee lost some of to middling number. We'd like to have 24, but 20 is its top swimmers to graduation, there are plenty of better than 12." Chips coming back and eyeing a return trip to the Van Fleet is hoping the team can defend its state finals. conference title and enjoy some success at the state "We've got four kids that are state point-caliber finals. More important to him, however, is that the people. They'll do just fine — Alec Lampen, Trevor Chippewas find success out of the pool, as well. Adamczak, Drew Mendians and Seth Thompson," "We'd like to win the conference championship if Van Fleet said. "Then we have Tug Thuemmel who we could. We should score some points and be in will be rotating in and out of the relays — he's right the middle of the Division 3 state meet, and still be there, also. We have several kids that did well in the in the top five teams academically — the last four or conference meet and got in the finals (last year), so five years we've been in the top three or four teams," hopefully they'll drop a second or two this year and he said. "It's nice to see four guys go to Michigan they'll be just fine." Tech and four guys go to the University of Michigan In swimming, a big part of team success boils down to study engineering. Then you feel like you did to having enough athletes in the pool. The Chippewas something right. If we can keep them progressing have pretty good numbers and Van Fleet is keeping towards becoming sensible adults, that's probably a his eyes peeled for a few more people to bolster the good outcome for us." ranks. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PREDICTION Manistee found heaps of success last season, and is likely to find plenty more in its 2021-22 campaign. The team should be competitive in

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defending its conference title, and there's no reason to think the Chippewas who made it to the state finals last season can't make it back. With more young, talented swimmers

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coming up the ranks, Manistee should be able to score some points again in the finals and maybe even compete to place in the top 10 of Division 3 if the stars align.

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"We had a good season last year, although we had trouble getting it started. We had to cut out some meets at the beginning of the

year, but we had a good state

meet," Manistee coach Corey Van Fleet said. "We graduated seven or eight seniors, all of them 4.0

students. We take a lot of pride in

our academics. ... Right now we've got 17 or 18 kids, including five or six freshmen that are just getting started, so it looks like we'll have another good season this year."

THE NUMBERS Division 3 state finals placement: 18th of 35

Individual state qualifiers: Seven KEY RETURNERS Alec Lampen (sophomore) Trevor Adamczak (junior)

Drew Mendians (sophomore) Seth Thompson (senior) Tug Thuemmel (junior) KEY LOSSES Ben Sullivan (graduated) Zach Lee (graduated)

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Manistee Winter Sports Preview | 2021

Manistee grapplers hope increased numbers lead to team success By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer

In some ways, high school wrestling

is a numbers game. There are 14

weight classes, and if your opponent

has a wrestler in a weight class you do not, you give up six points. Last season, Manistee wrestling had some skilled grapplers, but with only a handful of athletes able to take to the mat on a given night, team success

was hard to come by.

This season, coach Logan Bond is

hoping having more wrestlers eligible

to compete will allow the Chippewas to hold their own as a team.

COACH'S CORNER: "I think we won two dual meets last year. Our numbers weren't great. I was taking four or five kids to most meets, but there's 14 weight classes, so it's kind of hard to win duals," Chippewas coach Logan Bond said. "We kind of turned it into an individual season. As long as we were having individual success I was happy. That's all you can do when you have four or five kids who are eligible. This year we're looking at about 12-15 (on the roster). Hopefully by the time we get rolling we'll have them all eligible and ready to rock."

THE NUMBERS 2021 state qualifiers: 1 Dual meet wins: 2 KEY RETURNERS Raegan Codden (senior) Ayden Bladzik-Garber (senior) Brian Spruce (junior) KEY LOSSES Keith Barke (graduated)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Manistee's wrestling program should take a big step forward this season. Last year, the Chippewas had a young team and suffered from low numbers. This season the team will have more wrestlers eligible to compete, but Bond said the team is still relatively young and has some gaps in the middle weight classes. "Weirdly enough we've got all the lighter weights filled and most of the heavier weights filled, but for some reason the middle is where I'm having trouble trying to find kids to fill those weights," he said. "And it'll be interesting because I've got some freshmen I'm not sure I'm comfortable putting in a starting varsity lineup. Those are kids we're going to develop, have them wrestle some JV matches this year, and if we have to give six points to the other team but my kid doesn't get hurt, I'm fine with that." Last year, Keith Barke won Manistee's sole conference championship and advanced all the way to the state meet while wrestling in the 215-pound weight class. This season, Bond said he has a new wrestler at 215 who has a lot of potential. "We have a sophomore, Isaiah Davis. He was a linebacker for us this fall," Bond said. "He's catching on really quick. He's a really strong kid. I think he's going to be really good in the 215 weight class this year." This winter will see the Michigan High School Athletic Association host a girls division for the first time in the individual state meet. Bond expects Codden to close out her high school wrestling career with a strong showing. "She's going to be probably our starting 112-pounder throughout the season, but she's going to be competing at girls state, since this is the first year there's an MHSAAsanctioned girls state," Bond said. "I think she's going to do awesome. She's been wrestling since she could walk. She's my former coach's daughter, so she's been around wrestling her whole life." Bond believes Bladzik-Garber's athleticism will lead him to some wins this season. "He's always been the most athletic kid on the team the PREDICTION Manistee's top wrestlers should be very competitive in the

Manistee senior Raegan Codden will look to close out her high school wrestling career with a strong season. (File photo)

last three years I've been coaching," Bond said. "He put in a lot of work this summer, his grades are looking good, so I think he's going to have a great year." Bond said Spruce started to come on strong towards the end of last season in the 112-pound weight class and hopes that carries over into this year. "He was starting to make a turn. This year it seems like he's coming back with a vengeance," Bond said. "He's able to tie moves together and he's really bringing it all together, so I'm excited to see what he does, as well." Bond said being able to fill more weight classes this year will make the team more competitive, which could help grow the program moving forward. In the short term he just wants his athletes to put forth their best effort each and every time they take to the mat. "For these kids, I just want to win consistently and have consistent performances. I don't want them coming out to a tournament going 0-5 one week and 5-0 the next week just because their head might not be in it," he said. "A couple of the kids that I mentioned definitely have the ability to have a really good season. It's just a matter of not being a little nervous or this or that, because a couple kids didn't get much wrestling in last year. It's going to be a little bit of a feeling out process in the beginning but I think it's going to go well."

conference and could make a run at the state meet individually. The team probably lacks the depth to make a run at a

conference title, but some Chips could certainly capture individual titles and make a postseason push toward the state meet.

2021 | Manistee Winter Sports Preview

COACH'S CORNER: "Every day, we keep talking

about how we need to get one

Manistee Catholic Central ready to pursue conference, district titles By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor In his first season leading the program, Manistee Catholic head coach Nick Fortier helped

the Sabers finish fourth in the West Michigan 'D' conference and a 7-9 record. To end the year, Catholic Central lost a close game to

Buckley and then graduated six seniors, including Mateo Barnett, who earned AllState honors in 2020.

percent better; if that happens, then we can win a district

championship," Catholic Central coach Nick Fortier said. "That's

our motto for the year; we want

to be competing by the time we get to the playoffs." THE NUMBERS 2020 Record: 7-9 (6-3 conference) BEST WIN: vs. Pentwater, W 46-43

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The Sabers are without a solid group of seniors from last year, and their leadership will be dearly missed. However, with the return of Tyler Hallead, Kyle McLinden, Luke Niedelski, and Lee Pizana, Catholic Central is in line to remain in the hunt for a conference

PREDICTION If Fortier can consistently receive buy-in from his players, which he has

title. Entering his second season, Fortier is confident in his philosophies revolving around hard work, dedication, and marginal gains – meaning to improve each day. It won't be easy as the Sabers are tasked with eclipsing their 6-3 conference record, but the foundation for success is there.

so far, and the Sabers compete at a high level in practice as well as games, then the wins are

indeed nearby. Overall record prediction: 1010 (9-9 West Michigan 'D' League)

WORST LOSS: vs. Traverse City Christian, L 32-70 The Sabers prepare to face Big Rapids Crossroads Academy on March 17. (File Photo)

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Lost to Buckley (48-61) in the first round. KEY RETURNERS F Kyle McLinden (senior) F Lee Pizana (junior) Luke Niedelski (sophomore) G/F Tyler Hallead (freshman who played on varsity as an eighthgrader) KEY LOSSES

The Manistee Catholic Central boys' basketball team takes on Pentwater in late February. (File Photo)

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2020 PLAYOFFS:

G Mateo Barnett (graduated) F Blake Johnson (graduated) F Adam Pierce (graduated) F Justin Stickney (graduated)

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COACH'S CORNER: "We're hoping it goes well because our younger kids are now older," Catholic Central coach Todd Erickson said. "It was a year to learn and gain experience; we've been working with this group since they were young, and a lot of them have been up here since their freshmen year. I have multiple players that are coming back who played varsity at the eighth-grade level, and we are hoping that pays off because they have gotten better each year."

Catholic Central boasts experience and chemistry in '21 By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor Manistee Catholic Central returns its entire roster from last season, losing zero seniors to graduation. The Sabers were a young team but still

THE NUMBERS 2020 Record: 7-8 (4-4 conference) BEST WIN:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

vs. Pentwater, W 48-29 WORST LOSS: @ Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, L 25-48 2020 PLAYOFFS: Took down Brethren before losing to Mesick by five points (27-32). KEY RETURNERS G/F Rachael Calleson (senior) F/C Taryn Kempf (senior) F Kaylyn Johnson (junior) PG/SG Grace Kidd (sophomore) G/F Leah Stickney (junior) G/F Ashley VanAelst (junior)

Manistee Catholic Central's Rachel Callesen earned the Team First Award by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. (File photo)

Catholic Central resembles a modern-day position-less basketball team with the ability to put its players in multiple spots on the court. The Sabers become productive offensively and defensively through those talents while implementing different game plans.

PREDICTION Manistee Catholic Central takes a timeout against Marion on Feb. 9. (File Photo)

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finished fifth in the conference and won a playoff contest against Brethren (43-29) before losing to Mesick (27-32). Catholic Central's longtime head coach

Manistee, MI

Todd Erickson is confident in this year's squad, and considering the level of experience the Sabers have, a solid showing is within reach.

In addition, the return of Rachel Calleson, Taren Kempf, Kaylin Johnson, and Ashley Vanealst, among others, will create a strong sense of chemistry on and off the floor. Then you throw in Erickson, who is entering his 29th year leading the Sabers, and their level of experience grows, alongside their basketball IQ.

years of continuity, but Erickson has assembled a talented group that should be even better than last

year. Overall record prediction: 10-10 (810 West Michigan 'D' League)

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Manistee Catholic Central bowling chasing conference title in third season By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer Last year Manistee Catholic Central bowling was in its second

season as a program. The team added some members to its team and finished in the middle of the pack in the West Michigan D

League. Now, with a total of 16 bowlers on the squad, coach Jim Riley-Lampinen feels the program can take a big step forward.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW In just its third year, MCC's bowling program is still in its infancy. After fielding just a few athletes in their inaugural season and having to bowl with a mixed team, the Sabers' numbers doubled in their second season and they were able to field both boys and girls teams. Riley-Lampinen expects Josie Ziehm and Antal to lead the girls team. "We have a new girl bowler by the name of Josie Ziehm. She was a league bowler most of her life when she was younger. Then she took up other sports but she joined the bowling team this year," he said. "She's leading the charge. In some practices I was seeing 150s out of her. ... Madison Antal has been with us since the beginning, but whatever happened, she just turned it on this year. She was one of my top scoring girls last week. Those two are really killing it." For the boys, Riley-Lampinen expects Lee Pizana and Eddie Dutkavich to pace the Sabers. "Those two boys are really turning it on with 150s and above," he said. The Sabers will host this year's conference championship meet, and Riley-Lampinen hopes PREDICTION MCC's bowling program

progresses each season, and

Manistee Catholic Central's Madison Antal goes for a strike at Striketown in Manistee. (File photo)

playing one of his teams can capture a conference title on home soil. "I have a sneaking suspicion one of our teams is probably going to win the conference this year, but I hate to put it down on paper," he said. "In our third year, a conference championship would be a huge goal to achieve, and next year we can look to go further."

there is no reason to expect that to change this year. Both the boys and girls teams should be able to compete with anyone in the D

League and it should come as no surprise if the Sabers capture a conference title when the dust settles.

COACH'S CORNER: “Last season was abbreviated (due to delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic), obviously. Our boys and girls finished about halfway in the pack last year. Good for our second season, for sure. We saw some team growth,” Catholic Central coach Jim Riley-Lampinen said. “We had a couple more kids last year. I feel we did really well for our second year. ... This year, it’s a very mixed team (in terms of experience). I have 16 members. Three years ago we started at six and this year we have 16.” KEY RETURNERS Madison Antal (senior)

Eddie Dutkavich (junior) KEY LOSSES Cameryn Sutcliffe (graduated)

Kaya Watkins (graduated) Jacob Pete (out of state)

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Onekama boys basketball building toward future By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer

Onekama boys basketball faced an uphill battle last season. With just three seniors and no juniors on the squad, the young Portagers

COACH'S CORNER: “Last year we had a couple seniors, but we mostly had a lot of underclassmen who got some minutes. ... We had no juniors last year, so this year we have no seniors,” Onekama head coach Nathan Bradford said. “The kids that were sophomores had to jump up to play quite a few varsity minutes. ... They saw some minutes last year, so now they’re 11th graders this year with varsity experience. I do have to use a couple of young kids so we have enough (players).”

Onekama's Adam Domres puts up a shot in the lane against Frankfort. (File photo)

2020-21 record: 0-15 (0-14 NWC) BEST WIN: None WORST LOSS: vs. Frankfort, L 17-56 2020-21 PLAYOFFS: Lost to Brethren, 47-54 in district semifinal KEY RETURNERS

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Corey should lead the Portagers' back court. And just like last year, The Portagers were unable to Onekama will have young players notch a win last season, and lost getting significant varsity playing its two all-conference players in Falk and Burtch to graduation. Still, time, such as Peyton Clouse and Caden Bradford. Onekama's cupboard is not bare, "We're pretty young, but the main and Bradford said there are some thing is we want to make sure solid players who should be able to we're strong with the basketball, come in and make an impact. rebound well and work hard on "I know our record wasn't the the defensive end. Hopefully our greatest last year, but we were in defense leads us into positive quite a few of the games. Johnny things on the offensive end," had a nice shot — could shoot Bradford said. "We're going to anywhere — and Ben did a nice be young and I told the kids I'm job for us inside. We're going to throwing a lot at them, but they miss them, but going forward I think just need to keep playing hard we do have a couple key pieces coming back. I know Adam Domres and hopefully we keep making progress. can kind of hopefully jump in there "We're going to have a few and take the place of Ben, and we bumps in the road but the main have a couple young guards that thing is to keep working hard and should hopefully step up and fill in make progress throughout the where Johnny left off last year." Bradford said Christensen and year." PREDICTION

C Adam Domres (junior) G Sawyer Christensen (junior) G Nate Corey (junior) KEY LOSSES

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without any seniors on the squad, the roster has plenty of young players with varsity experience, and head coach Nathan Bradford is hoping that experience leads to the team getting back in the win column.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE NUMBERS

C Ben Falk (graduated) G John Burtch (graduated)

struggled in the always-challenging Northwest Conference and — despite some competitive games — ended their 2020-21 campaign without a win. Although Onekama now takes to the court

Onekama's Nate Corey eyes a layup during a district semifinal against Brethren. (File photo)

Despite going winless last year, Onekama was able to be competitive against tough competition, perhaps best demonstrated in

a 41-46 road loss to a Frankfort team that went on to compete in the Division 4 state quarterfinals. Like last season, the Portagers are young, and the Northwest Conference is always tough.

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Onekama could snatch a few wins this season and should be playing their best ball by the time the postseason rolls around and the younger players get acclimated to the varsity level.

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COACH'S CORNER: "We're displaying a new transitional game for them this year," Onekama coach Tracy Bennett said. "We're working on speed and advancing the ball down the court … we're trying to change some things from last season. So, this team is believing in the program and these changes while finding their place amongst their teammates."

Onekama cementing new culture, focused on becoming 'defensive nightmares' By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor Onekama head coach Tracy Bennett enters her fourth year leading the program

following an emotional season amidst a pandemic. The Portagers lost Sara Bromley, Ajah Fink, and Kristin Bonecutter,

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The Portagers are loaded with talent and upperclassmen, including Mairin McCarthy (center), Carly Bennett (point guard), Wisniski, and Sam, making it the perfect time for Bennett to implement changes offensively and defensively while cementing a new culture within her program. More importantly, Onekama wants to run in transition and establish themselves as 'defensive nightmares.' "Defense will win you games,"

PREDICTION Bennett's

determination to

a 6-foot-2 center, to graduation; however, the return of Sophie Wisniski and Kaylin Sam can help fill those voids.

said Bennett. "We're really trying to focus on that; we even have mini drills to become better defenders … we also need to keep moving and use our voices to maintain communication. "Wisniski received all-conference wards as a sophomore and as a junior last year. She is really someone to watch ... I'm looking to her to be a leader. Then there is Sam, who works really hard and is a pretty diverse player. I also have McCarthy; she's a starting center and has been around our program for quite some time."

change Onekama's the defensive end. culture and instill new Overall record philosophies is bound prediction: 7-13 (5-9 to pay off, especially on Northwest Conference)

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2020 Record: 3-12 (2-10 conference) BEST WIN: Onekama’s Kaylin Sam drives the lane during the Portagers’ game against Buckley in 2020. (File Photo)

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vs. Suttons Bay, W 50-23 WORST LOSS: @ Glen Lake, L 18-80 2020 PLAYOFFS: Took down Bear Lake (64-28) and lost to Frankfort two days later. KEY RETURNERS F Sophie Wisniski (senior) G/F Kaylin Sam (senior)\ C Mairin McCarthy (senior) G Carly Bennett (junior) KEY LOSSES

Sophie Wisniski was asked to play a variety of roles for Onekama last season. (File photo)

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THE NUMBERS

G/F Sara Bromley (graduated) F Ajah Fink (graduated) C Kristin Bonecutter (graduated)

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Onekama ski team possesses talent, depth By: Kyle Kotecki Staff Writer

COACH'S CORNER: "I've been able to see some of the kids ski this year already and their enthusiasm is overwhelming. It's very humbling," said coach Curt Mathieu. "If everything works out, it appears that we have 12 girls and 12 boys for a team this year. I think we had a total of like 16 or 18 last year, and the team's grown to 24. I'm super proud of that. The kids all seem to really get along great, joke around and have fun." THE NUMBERS Girls conference placing: First

Boys conference placing: Second

KEY RETURNERS Kylar Thomas (senior) Michayla Bell (senior) Luke Kooy (senior)

Addy Witkowski (senior) KEY LOSSES Aada Tukiainen (foreign exchange student) Alora Sundbeck (graduation)

Briten VanVoorst (graduation)

Onekama skiing had a great season last year, sending two Portagers to the state meet and capturing

a Lake Michigan Ski Conference title on the girls side. Onekama had the top three female skiers in the conference in Aada Tukiainen, Michayla Bell and Alora Sundbeck.

The Portagers bring back the bulk of their skiers from last year's team, plus some newcomers who could help push Onekama to success this season.

regionals for giant slalom and qualified for state," Mathieu said. The Portagers are poised for another Mathieu also expects a solid season strong year. While the loss of Tukiainen, out of the boys' other senior: Luke Kooy. a state medalist, is substantial, Bell Mathieu said the coaches in should have no problem leading the Onekama's region voted the boys team girls after finishing second to Tukiainen third in the preseason rankings. in the conference last year. "That was nice to know that other "She will be a senior this year and coaches see the talent as well. That she's our best girl — our No. 1," Mathieu kind of gives the kids something to strive said. "She is always really strong." for and go for," he said. "If that holds Matheiu said he also has some true, the top three teams at regionals experienced skiers in seniors Tana go to state. ... Do we have the talent? VanPolen, Courtney Haag and Addy I know we have it; I know it's there. Witkowski. The problem is I don't know what other "Addy at the end of last year was teams have. ... I thought that it was really super strong," he said. "You take pretty special that those coaches knew kids that have never done it before and who are kids were and voted them third they come out and they totally surprise in the region. That's really special." you." Still, Mathieu is reluctant to make any On the boys' side, Thomas will again predictions for the season. be leading the charge. Last season, "I'm not one to ever make predictions, Thomas became the first Onekama because that's a lot to live up to," he skier to win a regional race in Mathieu's said. "... I just want each kid to get memory in over two decades with the better and do the best they can on that program. particular day. If that happens, I'm a firm believer that everything comes "Kylar last year won regionals in together." slalom. He was in the top five in the WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PREDICTION Both the boys and girls teams came up one place shy of qualifying for the state meet last season, though each team had a representative who qualified individually. The Portagers retained most of the athlete's from last year's teams, and have some fresh

faces to give the team even more depth. This should make both the boys and girls teams competitive in the regional, with a chance at qualifying for the state meet. Thomas came up just short of earning a state medal in his junior campaign, but with another year of experience he could

crack into the top 10 and capture some hardware if all goes well. Bell came up just short of qualifying for the state finals by just one place in the giant slalom and tow places in the slalom. It should come as no surprise if she winds up being a state-qualifier this season.

Onekama's Addy Witkowski makes a slalom run. (File photo)

Luke Kooy competes in the slalom. (File photo)

Onekama's Michayla Bell will lead the charge for the girls this season. (File photo)

Onekama's Kylar Thomas will compete for a return trip to the state finals this season. (File photo)

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