Your guide to the upcoming sports season, featuring stories, team photos and schedules
INSIDE:
mason county EASTERN, Pentwater and manistee Catholic
Sports
Ludington Daily News THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
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| THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
Mason County Eastern boys basketball
Cardinals young, but eager to win By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Mason County Eastern’s boys basketball team is much further along than a team that returns just a handful of players from year’s team might expect to be. Eastern coach Ed Knizacky said his team has quickly learned what’s expected, and he believed they were raring to go before the Thanksgiving weekend. “They’re already ready. I’m giving them structure, but it’s freelance-style basketball,” Knizacky said of the parameters he set for his team. “It’s read the defense, and if you’re open shoot the ball. If you’re doubleteamed, look for the open the person. We’re going to run a lot. They’re starting to grasp it. “They’re going to keep going and going and going.” Just one starter from last season, Austin Rader, returns to the lineup for the Cardinals. The big man, though, isn’t the only player with varsity experience returning. Mason Saya and Kyle Lee saw some action toward the end of last season on the varsity roster. Greg Bender and Josh Pomorski also were on the varsity team a year ago. Eastern graduated a slew of players, from Travis McCormick and Jonathan Stewart to Hunter Hofmann. But Knizacky said the learning curve for the team this season is much more accelerated. He’s not worried too much about some of the newcomers to the varsity team such as Ben Cossette, Abe Shoup, Joe Mickevich and Fisher Spencer. “We’re running same plays last year, but last year we got to A to B (after an extended time) and (this year)
DAVID BOSSICK | daily news
Members of the Mason County Eastern varsity boys basketball team are, from left, Josh Pomorski, Austin Rader, coach Ed Knizacky, Gregory Bender and Hunter Keilman; back row, Kyle Lee, Mason Saya, Abe Shoup, Ben Cossette, Fischer Spencer and Joey Mickevich. we’re already on D right now. They’re buying into what I want done,” he said. “They’re starting to see the outcome of their work. “(Playing on varsity is) not going to bother them. It might the first couple of games. I’m also instructing on it. I’m pushing scenarios in practice. I don’t think there’s going to be a culture shock.”
That could come in handy considering Eastern’s schedule out of the gates. The Cardinals play their first three games — all Western Michigan D League games — on the road to start the season. And it’s Brethren, Baldwin and Bear Lake in that order. Eastern doesn’t host a game until after New Year’s Day when Pentwater comes to Custer.
The first-time varsity jitters could be well behind the Cardinals before Christmas, Knizacky said. “It’ll be a real joy to watch them play. They’re at 100 mph and looking good. I had some kids come in from last year’s team, and they said these guys are really doing good. Either before Christmas or just after Christmas we’ll be ready to go,” he said.
Knizacky figures Baldwin and Onekama, the league’s co-champions from last season, are the ones to beat this year again, too. “Onekama has three or four players back from last year. I think they will be in the top of the conference. Baldwin still could be champions, and you never know what’s there. Brethren could be tough,” Knizacky said.
But don’t discount Eastern’s chances, either. “We’ve always got the goal to win the league and win the district. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. This year looks more promising. I’d like to shoot for regionals,” he said. “This year, we’ve got the height, the outside shooting and ball handlers. I’ve got the whole package.”
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
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Mason County Eastern girls basketball
Eastern going with seven-player team By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Mason County Eastern’s girls basketball team will be small on numbers, but Cardinals coach Kate Chaney was thrilled with what she saw out of the mix in the run up to the season opener. “I definitely feel comfortable with the group of girls that I have even though we have a small group,” Chaney said. “They’re playing really well together. It’s great to see them working hard. They’re playing really well. I’ve been impressed with them at this point.” The Cardinals have seven players out with two fulltime varsity players returning from last year’s team that went 2-19 overall and 2-14 in the Western Michigan D League. Madisyn McCormick and Brooke Lee are the returning full-time varsity players. Jordan Goodman and Taylor Dykman saw some action on both the varsity and junior varsity. “I think we look to Madisyn as a leader. Really, she keeps everyone motivated. But, they’re all like that,” Chaney said. “It’s easy for them to get all get along and work together. They play hard. It’s easy for her to fall into that role. They all share those same qualities.”
Because Goodman and Dykman both moved up to the varsity at times last season, both should have the confidence to be able to compete at the varsity level. “I think it’ll be huge. With Taylor, she feels more confident. She did have the experience. She’s more aggressive,” Chaney said. “Jordan is falling right back into place. She’s very skilled (and a) good athlete.” The Cardinals will add Megan McCormick, Erin Wittlieff and Jenny Appledorn into the mix. Megan McCormick and Wittlieff played on the junior varsity while Appledorn is a freshman. Mason County Eastern graduated several players from last year’s team, including Emily Knizacky and Ryann Oomen. The Cardinals also lost Tammy Campbell and Lauren McCumber as each decided not to play this season. But Chaney is glad to have the seven that are on the roster, and she is happy with their attitude. “They want to do better. They have a common goal,” Chaney said. “We want to improve on last year. It’s nice. We’re working toward that.” Chaney expects Mason County Eastern to be more competitive within the Western Michigan D League. She was able to take a look at
DAVID BOSSICK | daily news
Members of the Mason County Eastern varsity girls basketball team are, sitting, from left, Jordan Goodman, Madisyn McCormick, Megan McCormick and Taylor Dykman; standing, coach Kate Chaney, Erin Wittlieff, Jenny Appledorn, Brooke Lee and assistant Woody Millspaugh. Walkerville and Baldwin in scrimmages earlier this preseason. But she did tab a few favorites. “Onekama is going to be a standout,” she said. “Their (junior varsity) was real-
ly strong. Brethren and Big Rapids Crossroads are good. There’s going to be tough games in the conference.” The district tournament also figures to be wide open, similar to last season. Man-
istee Catholic came away with the title with a team full of now seniors. “We gave Brethren a run for their money last year. It was a close game. I definitely think it will be a competitive
district this year.” The Cardinals start the season at home in a Western Michigan D League contest against Manistee Catholic on Friday.
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Mason County Eastern bowling
Cardinals aim to learn, have fun By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Mason County Eastern’s bowling team will be tasked with a tough season because although it is mostly composed of girls, it will be competing with the boys during the season. Elaine Busch takes on the challenge of coaching the players. “It’s been fun. It’s been DAVID BOSSICK | daily news a lot of fun,” she said. “We Members of the Mason County Eastern bowling team are, front have two returning juniors, row, from left, Casie Mickevich, Harley Smakal and Zeressa a new junior who bowled in her freshman year and I have Cregg; back row, DJ Busch and coach Elaine Busch.
Mason County Eastern schedules
a brand new (bowler) because she’s a freshman.” D.J. Busch, Elaine’s son, is an experienced bowler who has been around the lanes for a long time. Casie Mickevich, Harley Smakal and Zeressa Craig make up a big portion of the bowling team. “They know what’s expected of them. When we get to a game, the seriousness of trying to win those points (comes through). I think they’ll do good. I don’t try to put a lot of pressure on them,” Elaine Busch said. “I think they come out to just
Pentwater schedules
have a fun sport that they can get into that doesn’t take a lot of overly physical exhertion. I think they all jive well together.” Although Busch is in her first year as the team’s coach, she knows very well what to expect out of the high school season. “I expect them to do well. I’m just not sure how well because we’re classified as a boys team,” she said. “When we hit regionals, as a team, we don’t need to go. “I think they’re having a lot of fun, and they’re learning.
That’s kind of what I want for them.” Beyond the fun, the team has already learned a lot so far from Busch. “They’re picking up new things and doing some things they haven’t thought of before. I want to make it fun, but I also want them to learn things.” The conference has two boys teams from Mason County Central, a team from Baldwin, a team from Big Rapids Crossroads and the Cardinals. Busch is hopeful that the Cards can grow the program.
Manistee Catholic schedules
JV/varsity boys basketball
JV/varsity girls basketball
JV/varsity boys basketball
JV/varsity girls basketball
JV/varsity girls basketball
JV/varsity boys basketball
Thur., Dec. 10, at Brethren, 6 p.m. Tue., Dec. 15, at Baldwin, 6 p.m. Thur., Dec. 17, at Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 5, Pentwater, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 7, at Walkerville, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 12, McBain Northern Michigan Chrisitan, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 14, Onekama, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 19, at Hesperia, 5:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 22, Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 27, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 29, Brethren, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 3, Baldwin, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 5, Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 10, at Pentwater, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 12, Walkerville, 6 p.m. Mon., Feb. 15, White Cloud, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 19, at Onekama, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 24, Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26, at Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Thur., March 3, at Hart, 6 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 4, Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Mon., Dec. 7, Hesperia, 6 p.m. Wed., Dec. 9, at Brethren, 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 11, at Baldwin, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Wed., Dec. 16, at Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 18, Pentwater, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 6, at Walkerville, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Mon., Jan. 11, at White Cloud, 5:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 13, Onekama, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 15, Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 21, at Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 26, Brethren, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 28, Baldwin, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Tue., Feb. 2, Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 4, at Pentwater, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 9, Walkerville, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Tue., Feb. 16, Lake Leelanau St. Mary, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 18, at Onekama, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 23, at Hart, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 25, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m.
Tue., Dec. 8, Baldwin, 6 p.m. Thur., Dec. 10, Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Tue., Dec. 15, Hart, 6 p.m. Thur., Dec. 17, at Walkerville, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 5, at Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 7, Onekama, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 12, at Brethren, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 14, Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 19, Muskegon Catholic, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 22, Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 27, at Baldwin, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 29, at Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 5, Walkerville, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 10, Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 12, at Onekama, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 17, Brethren, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 19, at Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Tue., March 1, at Hesperia, 6 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 4, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Mon., Dec. 7, at Hart, 6 p.m. Wed., Dec. 9, at Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Mon., Dec. 14, Walkerville, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Fri., Dec. 18, at MCE, 6 p.m. Mon., Jan. 4, Kent City Algoma Christian, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 6, Onekama, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 8, Brethren, 6 p.m. Mon., Jan. 11, at Brethren, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 13, at Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 15, Baldwin, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Mon., Jan. 18, at Montague, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 21, Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 26, Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 2, at Walkerville, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Thur., Feb. 4, MCE, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 9, at Onekama, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 18, Manistee Catholic, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 23, Hesperia, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 25, Baldwin, 6 p.m. (varsity only)
Tue., Dec. 1, at Walkerville, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Fri., Dec. 4, at MCE, 6 p.m. Wed., Dec. 9, Northport, 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 11, Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Mon., Dec. 14, Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 18, Walkerville, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Wed., Jan. 6, at Baldwin, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Fri., Jan. 8, at Onekama, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 13, Pentwater, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 15, Brethren, 6 p.m. Mon., Jan. 18, Mason County Central, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 21, Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 26, Traverse City Homeschool, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 28, at Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 9, Baldwin, 6 p.m. (varsity only) Thur., Feb. 11, Onekama, 6 p.m. Mon., Feb. 15, at Northport, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 18, at Pentwater, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 23, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Thur., Feb. 25, at Brethren, 6 p.m.
Tue., Dec. 8, Brethren, 6 p.m. Thur., Dec. 10, Mesick, 6 p.m. Tue., Dec. 15, Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Thur., Dec. 17, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 5, Walkerville, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 7, at Baldwin, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 12, at Onekama, 6 p.m. Thur., Jan. 14, at Pentwater, 6 p.m. Tue., Jan. 19, Traverse City Homeschool, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 22, at Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan. 27, at Brethren, 6 p.m. Fri., Jan. 29, at Northport, 5:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 3, at Bear Lake, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 5, Big Rapids Crossroads, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 10, at Walkerville, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 12, Baldwin, 6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 17, Onekama, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 19, Pentwater, 6 p.m. Tue., Feb. 23, at Mesick, 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 26, Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
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Pentwater girls basketball
Falcons program takes step forward By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Pentwater’s girls basketball program took another big step forward going into the 2015-16 season as the Falcons reinstituted its junior varsity program. The Falcons haven’t had a junior varsity team for a handful of years as the varsity team even had to dip into the pool of girls in the eighth grade to field a team. But the varsity team is full of experienced players, and the need to groom girls for varsity after some graduation hits after this season is needed. And those experience players are eager to turn last year’s 7-13 record overall and 6-10 mark in the Western Michigan D League into more victories. “We return almost all of our varsity team from last year, after graduating only one senior, Savannah Slikkers,” Pentwater coach Jeff McDonough said. “As far as key returning players, I see everyone as a key to our success this year. “There is a different atmosphere in the gym this year, a different attitude on the court. It was evident in the first week of practice. I see improvement over last year in every single player.” The Falcons have two allleague returning players in Emily Gebhart and Linnea McDonough. Gebhart, a senior, averaged 12 points per game last year with averages of three steals and two assists. She is a three-year starter at point guard for the Falcons. McDonough, a junior, is a returning small forward who averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks last season. She’s one of those players who’s played on the
David Bossick | Daily News
Members of the Pentwater varsity girls basketball team are, from left, coach Jeff McDonough, Chyanne Smith, Sophia Nyberg, Desirae Coronado, Madeline Wagner, Linnea McDonough, Taylor Wilkinson, Emily Gebhart, Anna Hofmann, Grace Alvesteffer, Jill Miller and assistant Greg Chye. varsity team since being an eighth grader, and she starts her fourth season on the varsity team. Taylor Wilkinson, a sophomore, hopes to return to form after illnesses wiped away part of her freshman year. She, like McDonough, began playing on varsity as an eighth grader. That was one of the prob-
lems with last year’s record, though. The illnesses and injuries weren’t limited to Wilkinson and coach McDonough was left shuffling his lineup for much of the season to overcome the shorter benches. Pentwater returns Anna Hoffman, Grace Alvesteffer, Jill Miller and Madeline Wagner from last year’s
team. Chyanne Smith and Desirae Coronado played, also, but were limited by injury. He is, though, optimistic about the team’s chances. “I am cautiously very optimistic,” he qualified. “The cautious side of me knows we are playing the toughest schedule we’ve seen so far. Out of the four noncon-
ference games, three are against Class C schools. “In our conference, Big Rapids Crossroads will be the preseason favorite. Onekama and Bear Lake have solid teams while Manistee (Catholic) and Brethren also look strong this year. “My optimistic side knows we can reach our goal of fin-
ishing in the top half of our conference and winning our district. I truly believe we have the talent and passion to achieve it.” Pentwater begins the season against defending league champion, Big Rapids Crossroads, on the road Friday to kick off not only the season, but also the Western Michigan D League race.
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Pentwater boys basketball
Falcons in search of leadership
By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor
Pentwater will be in a bit of a transition in 2015-16 as the Falcons will be looking for a new group of leaders for its boys basketballl team. The Falcons were hit especially hard by graduation, but the leadership roles should be filled by senior Jacob Emick-Free and junior Damon Martz. “Jacob is an outstanding asset to this program and team,” Pentwater coach Ashley Wojtas said. “He has a positive attitude and great work ethic. Jacob really peaked at the end of the 2014-15 season and had an outstanding district game. I am looking forward to his leadership and efforts again this season.” Out of Martz, Wojtas sees a player that lead the team nearly throughout the floor. “Damon is a dynamic player because he can play a guard or small forward position. I am looking forward to seeing his experience show statistical incline,” Wojtas said. “Damon is a strong rebounder and has grown to be very wise beyond his years.” Pentwater’s roster: Seniors: Jacob Emick-Free, Connor Lipski and Semaj Collier. Juniors: Ryan Hasty, Jacob Whitford and Damon Martz. Sophomores: Billy Sproul and Owen Knudsen. Freshman: Max Stoneman.
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A vacuum of leadership was created when four-year player Sam Wagner and Nick Anscombe both graduated. Wagner was the floor general for the Falcons with Anscombe being a steady presence in the lane. “The leadership that Sam and Nick provided our team will be missed the most,” Wojtas said. “I am looking forward to seeing in the beginning weeks of practice what guys will fill that leadership role.” Those roles could be filled by players coming off of the junior varsity team or even incoming freshman to the high school program. However, they’re getting their feet wet with the way varsity basketball is played. “I have several freshmen and sophomores who have stepped up to the challenge of playing on the varsity squad,” Wojtas said. “I am looking for a couple of them to have a breakout season and help their teammates find success.” Although the roster for Pentwater is in a bit of transition because of the amount of inexperience it may have, the expectations for the Falcons have not wavered. “I have strong expectations for my team this season. I think that we will need to be mindful of the growth we will need to make throughout the season,” Wojtas said. “I will have a youthful team this year that will need to educate ourselves in the game of basketball. I think film and scout-
DAVID BOSSICK | Daily News
Members of the Pentwater varsity boys basketball team are, from left, Billy Sproul, Connor Lipski, Jacob Emick-Free, Austin Hoffman, Ryan Hasty, Max Stoneman, Damon Martz, Semaj Collier, Owen Knudsen, Jacob Whitford and coach Ashley Wojtas. ing reports that will be vital to our success and finding execution on offense and defense.” Wojtas said she expects Onekama, Bear Lake and Baldwin all will be tough teams in the Western Michigan D League race this season. “I strongly believe we have
a great athletic group of boys that need to build from some experience,” she said. “I am looking forward to them exceeding my expectations.” On top of those three league foes, Pentwater has Muskegon Catholic and Hart scheduled in nonconference games.
“We are looking forward win, Dec. 8. Then the Falto the hometown rivalry and cons host league foe Bear the challenges that (Muskeg- Lake and neighboring Hart. on) Catholic will present us,” Wojtas said. The Parts You Want, The challenges for the The Value Falcons start immediateYou Expect ly. Pentwater plays its first Domestic & Import Parts Stores Auto Parts three games at home starting with Western Michigan 3909 W. US 10, Ludington D League play against Bald845-9045
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
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Manistee Catholic boys basketball
Feliczak takes charge of boys team BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Chad Robke is the most experienced player with two years on the varsity under his belt, which makes him the recognized leader for the Manistee Catholic Central boys basketball team in Mike Feliczak’s debut season as head coach. Other than that, Feliczak isn’t sure what kind of hand he’s been dealt in becoming the Sabers’ third coach in as many seasons. He knows there’s talent, but is still evaluating where everyone will fit into the puzzle. The Sabers are on the shorter side, and will need to find other ways to keep from being totally dominated on the boards. Which means they’ll focus more on getting position in front of the taller players they’ll face, and box out. “Maybe we’ll try to run on some teams, rather than slow it down with them,” said Feliczak, who coached the junior varsity for three years and is not a new face for the players. “It’ll be a game-by-game, night-bynight matchup decision. “We have five freshmen (who’ll play on the junior varsity), and those kids played as eighth graders last year. It almost felt as though they were sophomores (the first night of practice). They knew the drills. They know what I’m talking about, because I had them last year. It was not like it was foreign to them. They were on (the same) page with everybody, which was nice.” The Sabers roster: SENIORS: Blake Robke, Michael Deising, Mac Swidorski, Justin Feliczak, Chad Robke and Joseph Slivka. JUNIORS: Jacob McComb and Nick Bialik.
SOPHOMORE: Austin VanAelst. Feliczak is carrying six seniors, two juniors and one sophomore for eight total on the varsity. Like the girls basketball squad, he’s hoping that he can avoid dipping down into the junior varsity ranks because of injury or illness. Right now, everybody is healthy and he hasn’t been missing any players from practice as the Sabers prepare for their season opener at home on Tuesday against Brethren. The first week was used to get everyone in game shape, and boning up on the fundamentals. Feliczak is stressing an uptempo game to overcome the Sabers’ lack of size. “We’re trying to get the ball and go,” Feliczak said. “We’re trying to push the ball up the floor. We’re trying to get baskets in transition. If we get into a halfcourt game, you’ve just got to play defense and box out. “Size is a disadvantage, but there’s ways that we can use that to our advantage also, being undersized. They can be taller then you, (but) you can still box them out. It’s all position. There are different rules this year, through the MHSAA, basically called ‘displacement.’ “You cannot box out like you used to be able to. If you displace that player, that’s now a foul. You cannot box out strong off a free throw. The old backing into him ... those days are gone. It’s more of a European style, in my opinion. They (MHSAA) want hands off inside the lane.” Chad Robke is the Sabers’ best 3-point shooter, and Feliczak admits that a lot of their success will be predicated on how he shoots the ball.
GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS
Members of the Manistee Catholic boys basketball team are, kneeling, from left, Jacob McComb, Blake Robke, Nick Bialik and Michael Deising; standing, Marc Swidorski, Austin VanAelst, Justin Feliczak and Chad Robke. Not pictured: Joseph Slivka. Feliczak’s son, Justin, has battled knee injuries the last two years and comes in with high expectations, as well as a fire in his belly. If he can stay healthy, he should be a big contributor offensively. “It looks like Nick Bialik has taken a step forward,” coach Feliczak added. “I think he’s going to be a critical part of running the point, breaking the press and being
a ball handler for me. Austin VanAelst is just a sophomore, but he’s shown strides of playing really well. “All I heard last year was that he was one of the best kids on the floor when he was on the JVs. I expect him to go through a learning curve, but I think he’s got a lot of potential and he’s starting to show it.” Chad Robke’s brother,
Blake, is considered as a spot-up shooter while Bialik is a driver who can get to the rim. Michael Deising and Jacob McComb show a lot of hustle and hard work in practice, and will be important role players. The Sabers run the floor pretty well at this point, Feliczak says, and now he’s installing offenses, defenses and out-of-bounds play
while at the same time getting in the conditioning they’ll need as the season wears on. Feliczak feels this is the most balanced he’s seen the Western Michigan D League, and expects the Sabers to have a bounce back season. He knows the Sabers will play hard every night, and hopefully good things will come from that.
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Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
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Manistee Catholic girls basketball
Sabers have wealth of experience BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — The good news is Manistee Catholic Central girls basketball coach Terry Walker has everyone back from last year’s Class D district championship team, but on the debit side he only has eight players to work with and that could be a concern should anyone get hurt, or be sick for any length of time. Given the fact Manistee Catholic didn’t even field a junior varsity team last year, and a majority of the players who’ll fill those ranks this season are eighth graders, it would obviously be a potential disaster should either of the above events occur. Libby Johnson is coaching the junior varsity this season. Except for junior Molly McLinden, all of the varsity players are seniors. While that experience should make the Sabers a force in the Western Michigan D League this season, as well as a viable contender to repeat as district champion, it does leave the cupboard bare for next year with a boat load of freshmen coming up from the junior varsity to fill the empty spaces. The present isn’t particularly rosy, either, with forward Meagan Sorenson due to miss all of December with a tendon issue in her foot and isn’t expected to return until sometime in January. McLinden is out until sometime next month as she heals an injury as well. Walker himself has his left arm in a sling after surgery to repair an injured shoulder (he hurt his right shoulder a year ago to the day). Manistee Catholic’s roster: SENIORS: Shelby Papes, Jodi Janowiak, Lauren Golem-
biewski, Mia Hogan, Meagan Sorenson, Paige Picardat and Meghan Miller. JUNIOR: Molly McLinden. But, as stated earlier, the Sabers have an experienced group that includes post player Meghan Miller, guard Jodi Janowiak, guard Shelby Papes, guard/forward Mia Hogan, forward Lauren Golembiewski, post player Paige Picardat and forward Meagan Sorenson. “We have experience back, we’re just short on numbers (to start the season),” Walker said, wincing as he adjusted his left shoulder in its sling. “With two players out right now, we have six varsity players and we’ve been practicing together (with the junior varsity) because we have seven JVs is all. “It’s real thin. We’ll probably practice together a lot this year. I intend to use Liz Nelson, who was up last year because we did not have a JV team last year and she played JV the year before as an eighth grader. We had her on the varsity as a freshman, but we decided to keep her on the JV this year because of numbers, and that will give her a lot more playing time and bring her along quicker. We open with Walkerville on Dec. 1, and I intend to dress Liz for that game and hopefully get her some playing time. “She’ll be one that will be bouncing back and forth quite a bit. But, we’ve got a pretty good core back. They pretty much know our offenses and defenses, and all of our sets. That’s a plus right there.” Keeping everyone healthy clearly will be a concern this season, but so will staying out of foul trouble so all eight players who start the game are able to finish it.
GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS
Members of the Manistee Catholic girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Shelby Papes, Jodi Janowiak and Lauren Golembiewski; standing, Mia Hogan, Meagan Sorenson, Paige Picardat, Molly McLinden and Meghan Miller. Walker expects that to present problems at times. Walker sees the league as being more balanced this year, with a couple of dominant teams, but some others who were down to start the season to be improved after strong finishes that they will carry over. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy should be one of the main contenders again, but the Sabers coach antici-
pates Mason County Eastern being one of those teams that is a lot better this year, while Brethren has experience and size to give everyone fits inside. Onekama graduated a number of players, but also returns some talent, while Bear Lake surprised everyone a year ago and has most of its team back. Pentwater was a young team that has some 3-point shooters. “You’re going to have to be
on your ‘A’ game every single night,” Walker said. “Everybody has improved a lot, and I hope we have, too. We didn’t have the kind of summer program I’d hoped we’d have. “The girls were involved this summer. A lot of them had jobs, and were busy. We didn’t make it to Hope this year for our team camp. We did do a camp at Benzie (Central) and a camp at
Manistee High, but that was about the extent of our playing this summer. It shows up right now. We’re going to be working on things right through Christmas break. “If our girls will just compete night in and night out ... I tell them to play with a chip on their shoulder, play with an attitude, be competitive (and) play as hard as you can play, I’ll take the results and live with it.”