Winter Sports 2022 - Manistee News Advocate

COACH’S CORNER:

“The guys that are coming back are bought in to the type of style I want to play and what I brought in when I took over last year,” Lakers coach Christian Novak said. “Now, all these younger guys had a full year of learning, and then we added on to it through the summer. I’m expecting them to really build that next level of what I want done when it comes to the way I think we should be playing.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 9-12 (9-9 West Michigan D League)

Best Win: vs. Mason County Eastern, 52-42

Worst Loss: vs. Mason County Eastern, 76-28

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Onekama, 46-39, in the district opener.

KEY LOSSES

Jake Griffis (graduated)

Nate Sanderson (graduated)

Morgan Blattner (graduated)

Luke Cook (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Keegin Johnson (senior)

Ethaniel Ruiz (senior)

Cole Merrill (junior)

Grady Harless (freshman)

Bear Lake boys hoops

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Last year, the Bear Lake boys basketball team lost to Onekama in the district opener, 46-39. The Lakers graduated a talented senior class, including Jake Griffis, Nate

Sanderson, Luke Cook and Morgan Blattner. The quadruplet won’t be easy to replace, but head coach Christian Novak is confident in the program’s ability to push forward this winter.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Bear Lake is destined to be one of the younger teams in a competitive West Michigan D League during the 2022-23 campaign, but coach Christian Novak says the Lakers are prepared for the challenge.

“We have a great collection of young guys that are ready to go,” he said. “They are really putting the work in.”

Currently, Novak plans to place Grady Harless in the point guard position and allow him to play an up tempo style of basketball.

“I think that fits what I want and the mold of players that we have right now,” Novak stated. “So, this year, just in that aspect, I think we are going to be a little bit better when it comes to getting up the floor, whereas last year, we tended to set it up a little bit more than I would have liked.”

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The idea is to execute the fast break at a higher clip than the previous season and hopefully get opponents into foul trouble. In addition, Novak welcomes back Keegin Johnson, Cole Merrill and Ethaniel Ruiz – a trio he expects a lot from.

“I think having Cole and Keegin in the paint and getting a full year of post work, and big man skill work in with me – I’m looking forward to seeing where they take that,” said Novak. “I really would like to see Cole, who is only a junior, really start picking it up and start taking over one of the extra voids for scoring. He can definitely do it.”

Novak says the most significant goal for this unit is to make progress every day, which includes wins and losses. He wants to move up the leaderboard, and the second year head coach sees no reason why the Lakers can’t match or eclipse last season.

Bear Lake’s Cole Merrill (right) defends against Mesick during last season. (File Photo)

Bear Lake girls hoops

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

After a challenging 2021 season, the Bear Lake girls basketball team is prepared to take the next step. The Lakers graduated just one senior, albeit

an important one, in Kalissa Swanson, but return six players, including Victoria Hall, Conzuelo Magana Garcia, Alexia Rineer, Taylor Merrill, Dafne Yanez Chavez and Kylie Blattner.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In 2021, the Lakers were plagued by first half woes before finding their footing in the final two frames. However, Bear Lake head coach Hannah Harrington doesn’t see that being a problem this winter.

“I think they are starting to realize what it takes by watching a lot of games over the season on film,” she said. “But I think going back and watching a few things; I think we have the ability to do it if we just do what we did in the second half the entire time.

“So, that’s going to be one of our main focuses is to start it and don’t get so deep into a hole that we can’t dig ourselves out. I think that will be the key with this group.”

Bear Lake boasts five seniors, featuring Victoria Hall, Conzuelo Magana Garcia, Alexia Rineer, Taylor Merrill and Dafne Yanez Chavez. Harrington

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COACH’S CORNER

“I’m excited to see what happens this season,” Bear Lake coach Hannah Harrington said. “Last season, the girls found the love of the game and started to gain confidence this offseason with the weight training and becoming a team. I think this season is going to be about them proving it to themselves now.”

14.

(Courtesy photo/Hannah Harrington)

adds she plans to fill out the roster with a few junior varsity players from last year but says it’s ‘pretty much the same team.’

“Taylor and Victoria are coming back, and they were both post players,” Harrington said. “Alex is going to be wherever I might need her at the time. She can play wing, shoot from the outside, drive to the hole and also be a post player if need be.

“Conzuelo will probably be my point guard to bring the ball down and shoot … then I have Dafne, who loves defense, but she’s great on the wing as well, and she can see the floor.”

The Lakers are a group familiar with one another. Harrington spent a year with them, focusing on fundamentals, their love for the game and building confidence. Those lessons will shine through this year, and come districts, the Lakers will be right there with everyone else.

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 1-17

Best Win: @ Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 34-29 (OT)

Worst Loss: vs. Mesick, 51-12

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Manistee Catholic Central, 53-20, during the district opener.

KEY LOSSES

Kalissa Swanson (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Victoria Hall (senior)

Conzuelo Magana Garcia (senior) Alexia Rineer (senior)

Taylor Merrill (senior) Dafne Yanez Chavez (senior)

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, BEAR LAKE!

The Bear Lake girls basketball team began prepping for the regular season on Nov.

COACH’S CORNER:

“We have a talented group coming through,” coach JJ Randall said. “ We’ll be starting possibly three sophomores, one freshman and one senior. Still a really young lineup. Being in district finals last year with this young group, losing only one starter and having a freshman coming up to varsity again this year, it’s just exciting for many years to come.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 11-10

Best Win: vs. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 70-10

Worst Loss: vs. Mesick, 77-29

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Frankfort, 42-25, in district finals.

KEY LOSSES

Nick Wilson (graduated)

Ethan Dean (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Clay Mobley (senior)

Connor Wojciechowski (junior)

Jack Meszaros (sophomore)

Garret Mobley (sophomore)

Brethren boys hoops

Brethren

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

After earning its fourth-straight winning season, Brethren boys

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

basketball returns to the hardwood in 2022-23. The Bobcats, much like last season, will remain a young team, but with a few more battle

While they may be a young team overall, Randall is excited not only for what comes back, but the abilities and skill sets which were sharpened during the 202122 campaign.

“(I’m excited about) their athleticism and our ability to put pressure on people,” Randall said. “We were able to show that during the summer time. We were able to press and run. That’s the goal going forward.

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scars to show. Will the Bobcats find the consistency the desired in last season while earning their fifthstraight winning season?

We just have to play defense as best as we can.”

However, the one issue which plagued the Bobcats last season remains an issue to be solved entering the 2022-23 campaign. According to Randall, the team needs to develop a sense of offensive consistency.

“That was one of our issues last year,” Randall said. “We’d go in and score 70, 80 points on someone and the next game score 40 points. It’s just practice. The intensity of practice and the transition into games.”

Consistency is key for the Bobcats 2022-23 squad. They will have the size, speed and athleticism needed to achieve what they desire. If they find offensive consistency, look for them to be in the upper tier of the West Michigan D League and a potential favorite for a district title. If they can’t, expect them to be in the middle of the pack of the conference while being a tough out come March.

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, BRETHREN

Brethren returns a plethora of players from the 2021-22 season. Sophomore Garret Mobley (33) is one of those pieces. (File Photo)

returns a plethora of players from the 202122 season. Senior Clay Mobley is one of those pieces. (File Photo)

Brethren girls basketball

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

After earning its first winning season and district appearance in three season during the 2021-22 campaign, Brethren

girls basketball is primed to build off last seasons success. The Bobcats return 80% of their starting lineup from a year ago, which now features juniors and sophomores.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

While the Bobcats return an abundance of talent from last year’s squad, the unit is still growing as a team.

“We had an absolutely, I thought, fantastic and dynamic team camp,” Riggs said. “We played in scrimmages over the summer, and I saw them playing better together and wanting the same goal, wanting the same things out of the game. And that’s that’s huge when everybody’s fighting for the same target instead of individual reasons. They’re coming together, and I really see that as continuing to be something that we work on.”

This year’s iteration of Bobcats basketball will look different than it has in years past. Longtime varsity assistant and junior varsity

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COACH’S CORNER:

head coach Martin Sexton retired after the 2021-22 season. Riggs will miss his presence.

“Martin was very knowledgeable about the game,” Riggs said about Sexton. “The girls would follow him across ice water if he wanted them to.”

Taking his place on the Brethren staff is Alex Sexton, a former boys junior varsity coach who will bring a new perspective to the program.

“Alex brings to us some experience having coached boys, and the intensity that boys play is just different than girls,” Riggs said. “But that knowledge and intensity of the game, having a partner there in practice and putting the teams together is really going to move us forward in being the best that we can be. He and I united will just role model for the girls what needs to happen.”

The Bobcats may be the best positioned team to make noise in Manistee County this season by retaining 80% of their starting lineup from last season. Expect them to contend for the West Michigan D League crown, and who knows what March may bring.

“The staff that we have the players that we have have been predominantly on varsity since freshman year,” coach Julie Riggs said. “Now half of them are juniors, a couple are sophomores. They have that experience under their belt. They’re hungry. They played well last year, and they’re ready to hit the floor.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 11-7

Best Win: vs. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 66-32

Worst Loss: vs. Frankfort, 50-33

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Frankfort, 50-33, in district title game.

KEY LOSSES

Halle Richardson (graduated)

Dawn Bradley (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Elly Sexton (junior)

Maddy Biller (junior) Stella Estes (sophomore) Alice Amstutz (sophomore)

Sophomore Madelyn Biller (Left) and freshman Alice Amstutz dance to the music in between quarters during the Lakers 44-14 win over Bear Lake on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Brethren High School.

COACH’S CORNER:

“This time of year, from a playing perspective and then a coaching perspective, it always gets me fired up,” Manistee coach Zack Bialik said. “You put in the work during the summer, but this time right now, and when the season starts, that’s when the real grind begins.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 1-20

Best Win: vs. Muskegon Catholic Central, 29-25

Worst Loss: vs. Muskegon Orchard View, 86-36

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Cadillac, 74-31, during the district semifinals.

KEY LOSSES

Connor Beaudrie (graduated)

Vinny Fett (graduated)

Connor Rischel (graduated)

Trevor Mikula (graduated)

Key Returners

Ethan Edmondson (senior)

Ben Schlaff (senior)

Jeffrey Huber (senior)

Tyler Protasiewicz (senior)

Kaden Kott (sophomore)

Manistee boys hoops

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

The 2021-22 campaign was a challenging uphill battle for the Manistee boys basketball team.

The Chippewas

went 1-20 on the year, losing to Cadillac, 74-31, in the district semifinal.

In addition, Manistee graduated multiple seniors, including Connor Beaudrie, Connor

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Chippewas welcome back four seniors, featuring Ethan Edmondson, Ben Schlaff, Jeffrey Huber and Tyler Protasiewicz. Together, they will cause issues for opposing units on the court. Although, Manistee coach Zack Bialik says there’s one player he expects a lot from in particular.

“He knows it, and I know it, but I’m going to put a lot of pressure on Kaden Kott, and he’s only a sophomore,” Bialik stated. “He has the intangibles when it comes to

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Rischel, Trevor Mikula and Vinny Fett. However, the upside is Manistee boasts a new head coach, another year of experience and a plethora of returning talent.

basketball, one of them being his knowledge of the game. As the point guard, that’s his job.

“He needs to be the quarterback on the floor and relay everything that I want to those kids in real time.”

Bialik adds he’s ecstatic to have Huber back in the lineup after having to sit out the previous year due to an injury he sustained in football.

“We’ll knock on wood with this one, but it seems like he got through it pretty unscathed this time,” he said. “I think he is looking forward to it, and our coaching staff is definitely looking forward to having him back out there.”

First year head coach Zack Bialik brings a faster paced offense that focuses on getting out on the break while giving the primary ballhandler the freedom to operate. Manistee is a motivated group looking to rebound from last season, and they have to tools to do so.

The Manistee basketball program is building chemistry under first year head varsity coach Zack Bialik. (File Photo)

Manistee senior guard Ethan Edmondson works on his game during the summer. (File Photo)

Manistee girls hoops

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Last season, the Manistee girls basketball team finished 4-17 overall with an eight point district opener loss to Cadillac. The Chippewas never went away and were right there, nearly

winning the contest, but couldn’t find a way over the hump, a fact that quickly became one of the primary themes of the 2021-22 campaign. However, head coach Kenn Kott thinks this might be the season where Manistee moves the program forward.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

After losing four seniors last year, the Manistee Chippewas return plenty of talented athletes, including Lacey Zimmerman, Ashtyn Janis, Allison Kelley, Mariah Bialik, Abby Robinson and Libby McCarthy.

“These kids have played a lot of varsity ball, and many of them saw action as sophomores and freshmen,” he said. “So, with it being their third year at the varsity level, we are expecting some good things out of them … nothing beats experience, and you hope it can help transition into a pretty good ball team.”

Even so, Manistee head coach Kenn Kott is making a few changes offensively and defensively to serve the Chippewas personnel

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better.

“One of the things we are really going to focus on this year is not to put a lot of pressure on one person to do everything whether it’s leadership or scoring or defense – it’s going to be all hands on deck,” Kott stated. “Everyone needs to do their part, and I think that’s going to be a real key for the success this year.”

Kott says he hopes that Manistee will become a much more balanced group this winter by spreading out the responsibility.

“I think we’ll be sharing the ball more,” Kott said. “We aren’t worried about one person getting 30 points as opposed to maybe four people scoring 10 points because then you become a very hard team to defend and scout.”

COACH’S CORNER

“The girls have been waiting a long time to actually have a ball in their hands,” Chippewas coach Kenn Kott said. “We did some conditioning without basketballs, and we did play some summer ball and had a lot of fun. But it’s always a challenge to have to wait a few months after summer … they were pretty happy to get back out on the floor.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 4-17

Best Win: @ Muskegon Orchard View, 69-30

Worst Loss: @ Muskegon Western Michigan Christian, 73-19

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Cadillac, 50-42, during the district opener.

KEY LOSSES

Calli Ronning (graduated)

Allie Thomas (graduated)

Breanna Whitmer (graduated)

Alyssa Jackoviak (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Lacey Zimmerman (senior)

Ashtyn Janis (senior)

According to coach Kenn Kott, the Chippewas boast multiple players in a position to step up and take on new roles in 2022. The changes made within the locker room should propel Manistee to becoming more than just a tough out.

Allison Kelley (senior) Libby McCarthy (junior)

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, MANISTEE

Lacey Zimmerman sets up the offense for Manistee during the district opener last season. (File Photo)

COACH’S CORNER:

“One of our biggest team goals is to win the Coastal Swimming Conference Championship,” Chippewas coach Corey Van Fleet said. “But I’m ready to get back at it.”

KEY LOSSES

Seth Thompson (graduated)

Hogan Miller (graduated)

Keaton Gajewski (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Trevor Adamczak (senior)

Tug Thuemmel (senior)

Alec Lampen (junior)

Drew Mendians (junior)

Manistee swimming

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

The Manistee swimming and diving team hopes to improve on its eighth place finish at the 2021 MHSAA Division 3 state championship

meet. The Chippewas lost Seth Thompson, Hogan Miller and Keaton Gajewski to graduation but returned all others who helped score points in the state meet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Manistee coach Corey Van Fleet has high expectations for the 202223 boys swimming and diving team, saying the program is striving for a conference championship and more.

He returns several talented swimmers, including Alec Lampen, Drew Mendians, Trevor Adamczak and Tug Thuemmel.

However, Van Fleet is thrilled to have additional depth this winter.

“Several juniors like

Vincent Wang and Ajae Gouker will be useful, as will sophomores Oliver Holtgren, Damiean McEntaffer, Rudy Shear, Avery Cook and freshman Jacob Lee,” he said.

Van Fleet continued, saying it’s going to be a challenging schedule during the 2022 campaign.

“We are facing another tough schedule consisting of MHSAA Division 3 finalists,” Van Fleet stated. “But these boys are going to break many school and pool records this year during some very stiff competition.”

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After finishing in the top ten at the 2021 state championship meet, the

talent and now depth are there, but it all comes down to execution.

Chippewas

Manistee

want more. The

Manistee’s Trevor Adamczak swims to victory in the 500-yard freestyle on during the Chippewas’ home opener at the Paine Aquatic Center in 2021. (File Photo)

Manistee’s Alec Lampen, alongside the rest of the Chippewas, is vying for a conference championship this season. (File Photo)

Manistee wrestling

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Last season, Manistee wrestling graduated three talented athletes, including Raegan Codden from the girls

team and Ayden Bladzik-Garber and Hunter Cameron on the boys side. Despite those losses, the Chippewas return Ava Pike and Joey Banicki, who each fell one win short of reaching the state

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Manistee coach Logan Bond is excited for the new year because more students have elected to try wrestling. Currently, the girls team boasts upwards of 12 wrestlers, while the boys have six. He wants to see additional increases, but it’s a solid start.

“I’m probably going to see if there’s room for more guys, but I can’t wait to begin,” Bond said. “Obviously, girls wrestling is getting huge in Michigan, and I was able to get four girls only tournaments on the schedule this year to prepare them for the regionals ... there’s a lot of new girls.”

Last year was the first time the MHSAA hosted a girls-only regional and state finals. Ava Pike and Joey Banicki, the Chippewas two returners, were one win away from qualifying.

“I think they are pretty hungry this season,” he said. “There were like 82 schools at both locations last year. So, at least they both

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finals, while senior Brian Spruce is back as well. Manistee head coach Logan Bond says numbers have also increased, and he can’t wait for the new campaign to start.

experienced it, and it won’t be new for them this year.”

Bond continued, saying he has high hopes for Danielle Vasquez, a motivated freshman new to the sport.

“During the conditioning week, she was outworking just about everybody,” Bond stated. “She has a good drive.”

On the boys side, The Chippewas welcome several newcomers, including Brian McNeil, who played tight end and defensive end for the football team this fall, to pair with returning senior Brain Spruce.

“He’s hoping to be a regional qualifier this year,” he explained. “If he puts in the right amount of work, I think it’s possible he is a state qualifier. But we have a guy who has been around the program for a bit, but he (McNeil) just hasn’t competed yet. He was a good football player for us … he’s learned quite a bit the last couple of years.”

COACH’S CORNER:

“It’s always nice to be back out there setting up the mats, getting them all cleaned up, and getting right back to the basics,” Chippewas coach Logan Bond said. “I like to start things off like that every year, even with the kids that have been wrestling for a while … we get right down to the fundamentals and try to pay more attention to the details.”

KEY LOSSES

Boys: Ayden Bladzik-Garber (graduated) Hunter Cameron (graduated)

Girls: Raegan Codden (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Boys: Brian Spruce (senior)

Girls: Joey Banicki (junior) Ava Pike (sophomore)

Like last year, Bond’s focus on the fundamentals, leadership, and goal oriented nature provides Manistee with the best chance for success. The squads aren’t big enough to focus on results from a team perspective, but there are avenues for individual progress. It comes as no surprise, especially following the previous season, but the Chippewas are on the cusp of something great.

Manistee’s Joey Banicki competes in the 125-pound weight class during the Chippewas’ home quad meet last season. (File Photo)

Manistee wrestling competes against the Ludington Orioles last season. (File Photo)

COACH’S CORNER:

“I think the kids are pretty excited all around,” coach Nick Fortier said. “We had a really good summer playing basketball. When you add up between all the scrimmages and tournaments we went to, we probably played about 30 games. And we took 10 guys that could play varsity basketball, and they stuck with it the whole summer.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 6-15

Best Win: vs. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 61-18

Worst Loss: vs. Mesick, 61-18

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Frankfort, 42-34, in district semifinals.

KEY LOSSES

Kyle McLinden (graduated)

Gabe Gunia (graduated)

Brendan McComb (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Lee Pizana (senior)

Matthew Gunia (senior)

Tyler Hallead (sophomore)

MCC boys hoops

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

After a 6-15 finish to last season and the departure of All-State honorable mention big man Kyle McLinden, Manistee Catholic Central may be poised for a breakout

season. The Sabers have spent the summer preparing for this season with aspirations of eclipsing their six wins in 2021-22 and earning their first winning record since the 2019-20 season.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

With McLinden gone to graduation, a void is left on the Sabers roster as the team’s alpha. While his role may not be completely filled, they will seek the presence of sophomore Tyler Hallead to help fill part of the void.

“I’ve had him on varsity since eighth grade. He actually started on varsity as an eighth grader,” Fortier said of Hallead. “He’s definitely going to have a much larger ask of him this year. From a scoring standpoint, the last couple years , obviously being a young

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kid, he’s been kind of timid. But he has definitely shown growth the last couple of years. This year we’re really going to look for him to step up.”

Fortier believes that this is a group that’s committed to the 2022-23 season after what he saw over the summer.

“These kids showed up every time. I don’t think there was one kid that ever missed,” Fortier said. “They played every single game. They worked hard. They’re close, and I think that’s going to go a long ways and take us as far as we’ll go with with this group of kids.”

The Sabers had a tremendous off-season which led to substantial growth on and off the court. This season will be better than last, but by how much is the question. This will be Manistee County’s boys basketball sleeper simply because its the one team with an unknown ceiling.

A GREAT SEASON, MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL

Manistee Catholic Central sophomore Tyler Hallead attempts a shot during the Sabers 2022 district semifinal game against Frankfort. (File Photo)

MCC girls hoops

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

The 2021-22 season saw Manistee Catholic Central girls basketball earns its best regular season finish since the 201516 season. However,

shooting woes led to the Sabers being bounced in district semifinals. With a plethora of returning talent, the Sabers will look to be a menace on the hardwood once again.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

With a large group of seniors including Kaylin Johnson, Leah Stickney, Abbey Logan, Ashley VanAelst and Emily Miller, Erickson knows that this year is the time to strike.

“It’s the most seniors we’ve ever had that will be departing after the end of the season or after the school year,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I had five seniors leave. It’ll be a hurtful moment, but it’s an exciting time. We get to see how these young ladies have progressed.”

Along with the five seniors comes juniors Elizabeth Logan and Grace Kidd.

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The Manistee Catholic Central girls basketball team readys themselves before a game against Kalamazoo Hackett during the 2021-22 season. (File Photo)

“I think you’ll see a stronger player on the floor,” Erickson said of the juniors. “Perhaps a little more decisive on decision making, and a little bit more aggressiveness in their defensive and offensive stature.”

Erickson also sees production coming from sophomore Maddie Gunia and from sophomore Brenna Johnson, Kaylyn Johnson’s younger sister.

“She’s been like a gym rat for me since she was in the sixth or fifth grade,” Erickson said of Brenna Johnson. “She’ll be playing a lot of time, should be getting a lot of quarters from that young lady on both sides, and we’re excited to see where she goes.”

COACH’S CORNER:

“You have to be able to change and make sure that the game stays enjoyable,” Sabers coach Todd Erickson said. “But even more so that they understand it and they can have the best chance of understanding and competing in that whole time. That’s always a reoccurring thing that you have to keep in the back of your head.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 14-6

Best Win: vs. Hesperia, 47-28

Worst Loss: vs. Kalamazoo Hackett, 43-30

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Brethren, 33-23, in district semifinals.

KEY LOSSES

Taryn Kempf (graduated)

Rachel Callesen (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Kaylyn Johnson (senior)

With a group of five seniors to pair with a duo of juniors and solid underclassmen, MCC should see a similar win total compared to last season. If this team clicks right before March, the Sabers faithful will be able to enjoy a great ride.

Leah Stickney (senior)

Grace Kidd (junior)

COACH’S CORNER:

“I’m just hoping that we have enough kids that we can have a competitive team right now,” coach Ben Patterson said. “We’re a little low on numbers, especially boys. I’m just hoping for a good, competitive season. Hopefully we can get a few wins and move on from there.”

KEY LOSSES

Josie Ziem (graduated)

Maddy Antal (graduated)

Scott Hauswirth (graduated)

Ian Madsen (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Lila-Ann Bechtel (sophomore)

Josie Fischer (sophomore)

Myra Patterson (sophomore)

Ava Star Chief (sophomore)

MCC bowling

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

In one of Michigan’s fastest growing high schools sports, Manistee Catholic Central bowling returns for another

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

After guiding the program through its infancy stages, coach Jim Riley has left the program. Patterson will be tasked with keeping Sabers bowling on the boys side while Tammy Bechtel will handle the girls squad.

While the boys roster is still trying to find the numbers it desires, the girls squad brings plenty of punch back.

“We have Lila-Ann Bechtel, she’s coming around nicely,” Patterson said. “Ava Star Chief

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season. With the initial wave of athletes now graduated or moved away from the program, the Sabers will have their hands full keeping the program steady.

is coming back, (so is) Myra Patterson and Josie Fischer. Violet Schnieder came on kind of late last year, but she came back this year.”

At the end of the day, the excitement level for the new coaching staff is clearly apparent.

“I’m just excited to see them compete,” Patterson said. “I love to see the kids compete in whatever they do. I don’t care what (sport) it is, I just want to see them compete, get some wins out of the year and enjoy it. They’re lucky to have a school that offers them bowling.”

It’s hard to pin down what a new coach on a relatively new program will look like, especially in a sport that requires the precision bowling needs, leaving no focus to spare. Expect the Sabers compete, and with a little luck they can strike on creating a solid season.

The Manistee Catholic Central bowling team is back for the 2022-23 season.(File Photo)

Onekama skiing

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

As cold weather and snow begins to overtake northern Michigan, most athletes enter a period of dread, daydreaming

of summer. For Onekama skiing, the weather change means it’s time to get to work. Here’s what you need to know about the Portagers ski team this season.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mathieu is thrilled about the roster size Onekama possesses this season.

“We graduated some really good kids from last year, but some of the kids that we have coming up I’m really excited about” he said. “We ended up with about 10 girls and boys on the team again, which is not normal. A lot of the other teams are are losing kids, and for some reason we’ve been very lucky, and I’ve been able to retain. We’ve got four or five boys that are really good. And we’ve

PREDICTION

we’ve got at least that many girls as well.”

No matter what skill level a skier may possess, a requirement for this team is to have fun.

“You got to put out some effort, you got to put in your time and you’ve got to want to learn,” Mathieu said. “You think about being outside and 10 degree weather, the wind’s blowing and you’re trying to go down a hill at 30 mph. It doesn’t sound like a lot of fun to some people, but the kids really kind of picked up on it.”

COACH’S CORNER:

Some coaches take this really seriously. I take it very seriously for those kids that take it seriously,” coach Curt Mathieu said. “I’ve always approached it that the kids got to have some fun. And in my opinion, just going out and skiing is a good time.”

KEY LOSSES

Kylar Thomas (graduated) Luke Kooy (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

With a solid core and a batch of emerging talent on both the boys and girls teams, Onekama is in a tremendous spot. With a junior heavy roster, the time is now to embark on the beginning of a positive two-year stretch for the Portagers

Braydon Sorenson (junior) Luke Smith (junior) Jamie Riley-Lampinen (junior)

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, ONEKAMA

The Onekama ski team poses with a trophy they won during the 2021-22 season. (File Photo)

COACH’S CORNER:

“I’m really expecting them to play a fast two way game with a lot of physicality,” coach Parker Rey said. “That’s my philosophy – it’s fast and physical. If we are hitting our opponents, it means they aren’t scoring … but that is in every one of the messages I give to the kids, and it’s how I like them playing.”

KEY LOSSES

Alex Shriver (graduated)

Luke Larr (graduated)

Russell Schade (graduated)

KEY RETURNERS

Austin Quillan (senior)

Rylan Mirretti (senior)

Gavin Rhodea (junior)

Lakeshore Badgers hockey

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Last season, the Lakeshore Badgers finished 6-16 overall and lost to Muskegon ReethsPuffer in the MHSAA Division 2 regional opener. Since then,

former head coach Bill Shriver retired, and his assistant Parker Rey took over the program. The 22-year-old is implementing his own style and changing it up on offense and defense.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Lakeshore Badgers feature athletes from multiple schools, including Ludington, Manistee, Manistee Catholic Central, Mason County Eastern and Mason County Central.

First-year head coach Parker Rey says they lost five seniors from last year’s team but adds numbers are up this winter.

He expects Austin Quillan, a student-athlete from Mason County Central, and Rylan Mirretti from Ludington to step up and be the program’s primary leaders.

“Austin and Rylan are two kids that are going to take up a lot of responsibilities this year, and then a couple of the young guns are also going to step up,” he said. “River Claveau is from Mason County Central, and he’s going to make an impact. Then Gavin Rhodea from Manistee is another big name – he’s going to step up defensively for us.”

PREDICTION

Rey continued, saying he thinks one sophomore, in particular, is going to receive significant ice time.

“Our other returner would be JT (Szoboszlay); he’s another underclassman,” said Rey. “But he really brings it physically, and that’s exactly what I want the team to be identified as.”

The Lakeshore Badgers program is growing and moving in the right direction. Former head man Bill Shriver left Rey with a solid foundation to build off of, and so far, he’s off to a fantastic start. The on-ice results aren’t far behind.

Lakeshore Badger Gavin Rhodea pushes the puck up the ice during the Badgers’ 7-1 over East Kentwood last season. (File Photo)