Winter sports tab 2

Your guide to Mason County Central’s and Hart’s upcoming sports seasons, featuring stories, team photos and schedules

Ludington Daily News • Friday, December 6, 2013

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| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central competitive cheerleading team are, front row, from left, Jamie Perrigan and Serena Kuhn; middle row, Emily Scharich, Mykayla Coleman, Alyssa Claveau, Kaylyn Soberalski, Ashlee Parks, Catie Lane and Amari Rivera; back row, Morgan Cook, Krystle Ghent, Hannah Pettis, Katlyn Weber, coach Cheri Stibitz, Jolene Weier, Candice North, Suzie Astrauskas and Andrea Lambrix.

Mason County Central competitive cheer

Freshmen fill in

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

SCOTTVILLE — After finishing second in the West Michigan Conference last season in just their fourth year of existence, a young Mason County Central competitive cheer team faces a rebuilding campaign in 2013-14.

“What we did last year was amazing,” said Spartans head coach Cheri Stibitz.

“But we have just one starter and two other reserves back.”

The Spartans, however, do have reason for hope for their future.

“We will be really young.

We have 12 freshman out,” added Stibitz. “I couldn’t be happier with this awesome group of freshmen we have.

It’s a dream.”

From last year’s squad,

‘I couldn’t be happier with this awesome group of freshmen we have. It’s a dream.’

The 2013-14 Mason County Central competitive cheer team roster:

SENIOR: Jamie Perrigan.

JUNIOR: Andrea Lambrix, Katlyn Weber.

SOPHOMORES: Serena Kuhn, Ashlee Parks.

Cheri Stibitz FRESHMEN: Suzie Astrauskas, MCC competitive cheer coach Alyssa Claveau, Mykayla Coleman, Morgan Cook, Krystle Ghent, Catie Lane, Candice Central has graduated Ariel North, Hannah Pettis, Amari White, Kelsey Persoon, An- Rivera, Emily Scharich, Kaylyn gelyn Kutchinski and Ashley Soberalski, Jolene Weier.

Curtis.

Leading the Spartans this Stibitz will not have any winter should be their only assistant coaches. senior Jamie Perrigan and The Spartan coach sees sophomore Serena Kuhn.

Montague as having the inOthers being counted on side track to the league title. include junior returnee An“I think Montague has the drea Lambrix and sopho- most returnees,” said Stibmore Ashlee Parks along itz. “Whitehall should be OK. with freshmen Jolene Weier, Hart and Shelby are like us.

Catie Lane, Hannah Pettis They have lost a lot of team and Amari Rivera. members.”

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central bowling teams are, front row, from left, Kaitlyn Seiter, Lindsie Koch and Jasmine Wise; back row, coach Laura Wolcott, Sam Shanklin, Matthew Lammi, Brandon Priemer, Cameron Wagner, Nick Smith and coach Dan Koch.

Mason County Central bowling

MCC learns ways of lanes

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central bowling coach Laura Wolcott starts her sixth season as the Spartans coach with just enough bowlers for both a boys and a girls team.

“We have six boys and five girls,” said Wolcott.

“I’m glad to be back. I keep coaching to help these young kids learn the game.

Hopefully, some of them will come back to teach others about bowling.”

The Spartans compete in the North Central Michigan High School Bowling League along with Mason County Eastern and Baldwin.

The boys team graduated one member from last season. That was Robert Allen.

Expected to pace the Spar-

‘I keep coaching to help these young kids learn the game.

Hopefully, some of them will come back to teach others.’

Laura Wolcott MCC bowling coach

Sam Shanklin.

JUNIOR: Nick Smith.

SOPHOMORES: Matthew Lammi, Cameron Wagner, Aaron White.

Meanwhile, the Spartan gals lost three bowlers to graduation. Those are Casey O’Brien, Kayleen Moffitt and Ashley Lange.

Leading the way this winter should be junior Lindsie Koch and Kristina Trim.

The 2013-14 Mason County Central girls bowling roster:

tans guys this season are seniors Sam Shanklin and JUNIORS: Lindsie Koch, Kristina Brandon Priemer along with Trim. sophomore Matthew Lam- SOPHOMORE: Hannah Scharmi. ach.

The 2013-14 Mason FRESHMAN: Jasmine Wise.

County Central boys bowling team roster: Assisting Wolcott this season will be Dan Koch.

SENIORS: Brandon Priemer,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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Mason County Central wrestling

Stout Spartans look tougher on mat

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central wrestling team had a strong season last year and they are looking forward to an even better one this winter.

“We went 23-5 in dual meets, won a district team title and lost out in the regional championship match last season,” said fifth-year head coach Jim Allen. “And we’ve lost just four wrestlers, three to graduation and one transferred. But we have 32 young men out for the team and we are hoping for a very good year. We would like to win a regional title.”

Lost to graduation are Justin Steiger, Jonathon Dipple and Wyatt Watkins. Travess Smith transferred to Hart.

Leading the way this year will be five returning state qualifiers: seniors Doug Wyman (285 pounds) and Trever Skinner (119/125) as well as juniors Josh Quinn (189) and Jarod Alvesteffer (171) and sophomore Logan Merrick (135).

Central also returns two other wrestlers who made it to the regional tournament: junior Jordan Steiger (145/152) and sophomore Spencer Knizacky (145/152).

Allen also expects help from senior Cody Jen-

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central wrestling team are, front row, from left, manager Carlie Claire, Jordan Steiger, Cody Jensen, Trever Skinner, Brad Renwick, Douglas Wyman, Sean Stenzel, Zach Quinn, manager Brooke Thurow and manager Hunter Sanford; second row, Matt Quinn, Cody Cooper, Logan Merrick, Wyatt Thompson, Brad Johnson, Micah Wood, Eldon McCabe and Jacob Shoop; third row, manager Avery Carr, Chris Six, Chance Iles, Boone Alway, Dylan Foster, Ethan Hill, Austin Bahr, Antonio Perez and Travis Barrette; fourth row, Cesareo Puente, Jarod Alvesteffer, Eric Quick, Jonathan Zoscsak, Spencer Knizacky, Josh Quinn, Caleb Wood and Bradley Padgett; back row, assistant Jim Sanford, assistant Dave Quinn, coach Jim Allen and assistant Chris Carr. sen (160), junior Caleb Wood (135/140) and Wyatt Thompson (103).

The Spartans have 10

freshmen out for the team. pected to lend a hand right Three of those, Jacob Shoop away.

(119/125), Matt Quinn (215) “We will have a full lineup and Ethan Hill (112), are ex- this season. That is huge,”

said Allen. “And each spot in the confidence of our guys.” the lineup will have a quality wrestler. Winning as we did last season has helped build SEE WRESTLING, 4

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MASON COUNTY CENTRAL WINTER SCHEDULES

FOR THE 2013-14 SEASONS

GIRLS BASKETBALL Dec. 2 Dec. 6 Dec. 12 Dec. 17 Dec. 20 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 11 Feb. 14 Feb. 19 Feb. 20 RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central varsity girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Carly Davis, Kylie Mount, Dria Striker and Rylee Tyndall; back row, assistant Lindy Papes, Jessica Allen, Madison Geers, Payton Bladzik and coach Mike Weinert.

Manistee at Shelby at Ravenna Whitehall North Muskegon at Hart at McBain Montague Oakridge at Fremont Shelby Ravenna at Whitehall Ludington at North Muskegon Pine River Hart at Montague Manistee Catholic at Oakridge

Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 18 Feb. 21 Feb. 25 Feb. 27

Whitehall at Shelby North Muskegon at Hart at Montague Pine River Oakridge Shelby Ravenna at Whitehall at North Muskegon at White Cloud Hart Montague Oakridge Benzie Central Manistee

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING

Jan. 4 at Mona Shores Invite Jan. 8 WMC at Montague Jan. 11 at Holland W. Ottawa BOYS BASKETBALL Jan. 15 WMC at Whitehall Dec. 10 Ludington Jan. 18 at Shelby Invite Dec. 13 at Ravenna Jan. 22 WMC at Shelby Dec. 17 at Reeths-Puffer Jan. 25 at Harrison Invite

Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

WMC jamboree at Brethren Invite WMC at Hart at Fruitport Invite

WRESTLING Dec. 7 Optimist Invite Dec. 11 WMC at Montague Dec. 14 at Hart Invite Dec. 19 WMC at Ravenna Dec. 21 at Richland Gull Lake Jan. 4 at Reed City Jan. 8 WMC at Whitehall Jan. 10 at Holton “B” Invite Jan. 11 at Holton Invite Jan. 15 WMC duals Jan. 17 at Lakeview “B” Invite Jan. 18 at Lakeview Invite Jan. 22 WMC at Hart Jan. 25 at Shelby Invite Jan. 27 at Manistee

with Traverse City, Holton Jan. 31 at WMC tournament

at Shelby

Mason County Central girls basketball

8 enough for MCC

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER SCOTTVILLE — Although head coach Mike Weinert and his Mason County Central Spartans may field a girls varsity basketball team a bit short on numbers and bit short on height this season, they will have 5-foot-10inch senior all-state candidate Madison Geers back to build around.

The lanky point guard was an all-West Michigan Conference first-team selection last season as well as an Associated Press Class B all-state honorable mention.

“Madison could play just about any position on the floor,” said the Spartans’ fourth-year coach Mike Weinert of his good ballhandling, sharp-shooting senior. “But we also have three other returnees, Pay-

ton Bladzik, Jessica Allen and Kylie Mount, who are aggressive players. They, along with Madison, will form our nucleus.”

“We are very lucky to have this kind of group of players, who come out for practice each day and go at it hard,” added Weinert. “We may have just eight players on the varsity this season, but that could help us become an even more tightly-knit group.”

Last season, Central posted a 12-9 record and finished third in the West Michigan Conference behind Shelby and Muskegon Oakridge.

From that team, the Spartans graduated five seniors, including a pair of 5-10 inside players, Holly Olenchak and Kassidy Jensen.

Besides Geers, who is in her fourth season on the

varsity, Central should also get big contributions from Bladzik, a 5-5 guard who is a solid all-around player with good quickness; Mount, a 5-9 forward with good speed and length; and Allen, a 5-6 forward who always plays hard.

Behind them, the Spartans will look to junior Makila Hodges, a 5-8 forward; sophomore Rylee Tyndall, a 5-8 guard/forward; sophomore Dria Striker, a 5-9 forward and junior Carly Davis, a 5-2 guard.

“This group of girls really goes at it hard,” noted Weinert. “They really try to help each other out. I think we will continue to get better as the season goes on. We will be an aggressive team. And we should be tough on defense.”

SEE GIRLS, PAGE 5

WRESTLING: More than 30 participating FROM PAGE 3

The Mason County Central wrestling team roster: SENIORS: Cody Jensen, Brad Renwick, Trever Skinner, Sean Stenzel, Doug Wyman.

JUNIORS: Jared Alvesteffer, Austin Bahr, Nate Bradford, Dylan Foster, Josh Quinn, Jordan Steiger, Caleb Wood,

Micah Wood.

SOPHOMORES: Boone Alway, Cody Cooper, Chance Iles, Brad Johnson, Spencer Knizacky, Logan Merrick, Eric Quick, Chris Six, Wyatt Thompson.

FRESHMEN: Travis Barrette, Ethan Hill, Jackson Hill, Eldon McCabe, Brad Padgett, Antonio Perez, Cesareo Puente, Matt Quinn, Jacob Shoop,

John Zoscsak.

Chris Carr, Dave Quinn and Jim Sanford will assist Allen with the Spartan wrestling squad this season.

Allen feels that Shelby and his Spartans along with Whitehall will be the teams to beat in the WMC.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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Mason County Central boys basketball

MCC putting pedal to medal

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

guard/forward, who is a rugged defender and driver to the basket; senior Anders Asiala, a 6-1 forward, who is a solid and steady performer and junior Johnny Shafer, a 6-4 forward/center, who has good size and length on the inside and has improved over the off-season, according to his coach.

Help should also come from 6-foot senior guard/ forward Brian Erndteman, who returns to basketball after sitting out last season with a shoulder injury.

Erndteman can put the ball in the basket.

Others who could help out include 6-4 junior forward/ center Nate Strejcek; 5-9 junior guard Johnny Trivisonno and 6-foot guard/forward Drew Griffis.

Also on the squad are 6-foot junior guard/forward Austin Krusinski; 5-10 junior guard Noah Genson; 6-foot senior foreign exchange student Alejandro Sanchez and 5-8 foreign exchange student Oscar Monterde.

“Our returning players have a lot of experience,” added Tuka. “With just players on the varsity last season, they all got of lot of court time. We have a good mix of experienced players and newcomers. The trick will be to get them to mesh into a cohesive unit. I think I could to 10 or so players deep this season and not lose much on the floor.”

The 2013-14 Mason County Central boys basketball roster:

SCOTTVILLE — “We will be more of a get-up-and-downthe-floor kind of team this season,” said Mason County Central boys basketball coach Jeff Tuka as he approaches his fifth season as the head Spartan. “We will not have the players to shoot as many threes as last year. And we do not have any really tall players in the mold of Chad Pleiness or Dan Aultman. But, we will have a group of versatile players in the 6-foot-1 to 6-foot-4 range.”

Last winter, the Spartans put up a 16-7 record overall and went 9-5 in the West Michigan Conference, good for fourth place.

From that team, Central has lost three graduated players, guard Payton Tyndall, forward Nick Bennett and center David Andersen.

The Spartans will also play once again without the services of 6-foot-5 Sean Kelley, who will miss his second season in a row with a severe leg injury.

Pacing Central this season should be 6-foot-2-inch senior guard Kody Ambrose, who was an all-West Michigan Conference first-team pick last year as well as an Associated Press Class B honorable mention.

“Kody has been a scoringtype player in the past, but he has improved in the hardnose areas of the game,” said Tuka. “Kody has stepped up his rebounding.”

Also playing big roles should be these three re- SENIORS: Kody Ambrose, turnees: junior Coltyn Tyn- Anders Asiala, Brian Erndtedall, a 6-2 guard with a man, Josh Ritzema, Alejandro strong court sense, good Sanchez. ballhandling skills and a JUNIORS: Noah Genson, Drew chance to be a solid scorer; Griffis, Austin Krusinski, Oscar senior Josh Ritzema, a 6-1 Monterde, Johnny Shafer, Nate

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central varsity boys basketball team are, front row, from left, Izeek Ratliff, Murphy O’Brien, Alesandro Sanchez, Dakota Ambrose, Anders Asiala, Josh Ritzema, Brian Erndteman, Oscar Monterde and manager Gary Berndt; back row, assistant Randy Hodges, assistant Travis Aultman, Johnny Trivisonno, Austin Krusinski, Coltyn Tyndall, Johnny Shafer, Nate Strejcek, Drew Griffis, Noah Genson, coach Jeff Tuka and assistant Steve Rybicki.

Strejcek, Johnny Trivisonno, Coltyn Tyndall.

Tuka sees Shelby and Muskegon Oakridge as the favorites in the league title chase Assisting Tuka again this this season. winter will be Travis Ault“If things work out well man. For the junior varsity, for us, we could be up there, Steve Rybicki, former head too,” said Tuka. coach at Free Soil, will take Whitehall and North Musover the head coaching du- kegon are teams that also ties. He will be assisted by should show well this seaRandy Hodges. son according to Tuka.

GIRLS: MCC going with 8 FROM PAGE 4

The 2013-14 Mason County Central girls basketball team roster: SENIORS: Jessica Allen, Payton Bladzik, Madison Geers.

JUNIORS: Carly Davis, Makila Hodges.

SOPHOMORES: Kylie Mount, Dria Striker, Rylee Tyndall.

Assisting Weinert will be

former Mason County Central player Lindy Papes. At the junior varsity level, Julie Berndt returns to mentor an 11-girl squad.

“I think the league race will be more wide open then it has been in the past,” said Weinert. “Though Shelby and Muskegon Oakridge would have to rate as co-favorites. But I would like to see us break into that mix at the top as well.”

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| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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Hart wrestling

Strong freshman group heads to mat

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Ruggles and J.R. Hinejosa.

Pacing the Pirates on the mats this season should be senior returnee Spencer Reterstoff (160 pounds) and senior transfer Travess Smith (145/152) from Mason County Central.

Contributions are expected from senior Alex Payne (152), junior Shawn Wulff (145/152), sophomore Devin Whitney (130/135) and senior Carl Morgan (189).

From the large freshman class, Altland sees help coming from Brady Tate (145), Arturo Perez (140) and Kaleb Wiegand.

“We have just eight upperclassmen this year,” noted Atlland. “Two-thirds of our team will be sophomores and freshmen.”

The 2013-14 Hart Pirates ANDY ROBERTS | SHORELINE MEDIA wrestling team roster: Members of the Hart wrestling team are, front row, from left, Jesse Adkins, Jack Wittman, Willard Dold, Kaleb Wiegand, Angel

HART — Brad Altland and his Hart Pirates wrestling squad have lost 11 wrestlers to graduation, but they will look to four top returnees, a strong transfer student and 11 incoming freshmen to replenish their hopes for this season.

“We are young,” said Altland, who starts his third season as the Pirates head coach. “But I am very enthused with the turnout we have had.”

The Pirates have a roster of 23 to start the season.

“We will fill more weight classes than last year,” added Altland. “But we will not have the same quality of depth. Many of our freshmen are not real experienced in the sport.”

Hart finished fourth in SENIORS: Jesse Atkins, Austin the West Michigan Confer- Dunford, Carl Morgan, Alex ence last winter. But they Payne, Spencer Reterstoff, have lost a lot to graduation. Travess Smith.

Most notably gone are Jona- JUNIORS: Alicia Lewis, Shawn thon Zarzoza, Elijah Flores, Wulff.

Herman Velazquez, Klayton SOPHOMORES: Sondra Acosta,

Galindo, Arturo Perez and Mark McNaulty; middle row, Sondra Acosta, Carl Morgan, Shawn Wulff, Travess Smith, Brady Tate, Devin Whitney, Israel Flores, Alicia Lewis and assistant Rocky Smith; back row, assistant Mark Reterstoff, coach Brad Altland, Alex Payne, Spencer Reterstoff, Austin Dunford, Omar Ruiz, Arthur Brandel and Carlos Garza. Not pictured: Blake Kaat and Jacob Hoebek.

Arthur Brandel, Angel Galindo, Devin Whitney.

FRESHMEN: Willard Dold, Israel Flores, Carlos Garza, Jacob Ho-

beck, Blake Kaat, Arturo Perez, Omar Ruiz, Brady Tate, Jack Wittman, Kaleb Wiegand.

Assisting Altland this season will be Mark Reterstoff and Rocky Smith.

Coach Altland foresees

Mason County Central, Shelby and Whitehall as the top teams in the race for the WMC crown this season.

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HART WINTER SCHEDULES

FOR THE 2013-14 SEASONS

BOYS BASKETBALL Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 19 Dec. 20 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 16 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 13 Feb. 18 Feb. 21 Feb. 24 Feb. 25

at North Muskegon at Whitehall at Montague at Pentwater at Fruitport Calvary Christian at Oakridge Mason County Central at Ravenna Shelby Whitehall North Muskegon Montague at Mason County Central at Ravenna at Shelby at Manistee Mason County Eastern

Feb. 27

at Hesperia

GIRLS BASKETBALL Dec. 3 Mason County Eastern Dec. 6 at Whitehall Dec. 10 at Fruitport Calvary Christian Dec. 12 North Muskegon Dec. 17 at Manistee Catholic Dec. 20 Montague Jan. 7 Oakridge Jan. 9 Mason County Central Jan. 14 at Ravenna Jan. 17 Shelby Jan. 23 Whitehall Jan. 28 North Muskegon Jan. 31 at Montague Feb. 3, Muskegon Western Michigan Christian Feb. 6 Oakridge

Feb. 11 Feb. 14 Feb. 17 Feb. 19 Feb. 20

at Mason County Central Ravenna Manistee at White Cloud at Shelby

WRESTLING Dec. 7 at Zeeland West Dec. 11 at Montague Dec. 14 Bosse Invitational Dec. 18 at Ravenna Dec. 21 at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern Jan. 4 at Allendale Jan. 8 at Whitehall Jan. 11 at Parchment Invite Jan. 15 at Mason County Central Jan. 18 at Ovid-Elsie Jan. 22 WMC duals

Jan. 25

Jan. 29 Jan. 31

at Randy Jacobs Memorial Duals at Montague at Hepseria WMC tournament at Shelby

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING Dec. 14 at Comstock Park Dec. 21 at Reeths-Puffer Jan. 8 at Montague Jan. 15 at Whitehall Jan. 18 at Shelby Jan. 20 at Comstock Park Jan. 22 at Shelby Jan. 29 at Mason County Central Feb. 1 at Brethren Feb. 5 WMC duals Feb. 10 at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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Hart boys basketball

Pirates seek to be more competitive

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR HART — Second-year head coach Mike Rawert and his 2013-14 Hart Pirates boys basketball team have one big mission this season — close the competitive gap between themselves and the rest of the West Michigan Conference.

“Win or lose, we want to have a chance to win every game we are in,” added Rawert. “We will be a shorter team, but we hope to put some defensive pressure on teams.”

Last year, the Pirates posted a 2-19 record and have lost three players, Adam Emery, Jordan Redding and Torian Williams, to graduation.

“We will look to the leadership of our five returning seniors,” said Rawert.

Those players are 5-foot11-inch guard Brandon Amstutz, 6-3 center Connor Boundy, 5-11 guard James Freeman, 5-10 guard Thomas Stoneman and 5-11 guard Joe Fillips.

The Pirates will rely on Amstutz, Boundy and Freeman to carry the scoring load this winter.

Rawert also sees help coming from 6-2 forward Gil Colon, another returnee, and from 5-11 junior guard Kyle Wendt.

A junior transfer player from Shelby, 6-3 forward Travis Hall, should give the Pirates a big lift after midseason.

“As a transfer, Travis has to sit out the first half of the season,” said Rawert. “But he will help us tremendously

when he gets on the floor.”

“We will not have strong go-to guys this season,” noted Rawert. “But we will have a number of players who can score. And I think that balance is to our advantage.”

Also on the team are senior newcomer Derrek Broaddus, a 5-10 guard, as well as juniors Matt Wilson, a 6-foot forward, Esteven Escamilla, a 5-9 guard and Beto Moul, a 6-foot forward.

The 2013-14 Hart Pirates boys basketball team roster: SENIORS: Brandon Amstutz, Connor Boundy, Derrek Broaddus, Joe Fillips, James Freeman and Thomas Stoneman.

JUNIORS: Gil Colon, Esteven Escamilla, Travis Hall, Beto Moul, Kyle Wendt and Matt Wilson.

Rawert will not have an assistant coach on the varsity.

Adam Jerry returns to coach the junior varsity team.

Coach Rawert tabs Shelby and Whitehall as the teams to beat the WMC.

ANDY ROBERTS | SHORELINE MEDIA

Members of the Hart varsity boys basketball team are, front row, from left, Kyle Wendt, James Freeman, Thomas Stoneman, Joe Fillips and Derrek Broaddus; back row, coach Mike Rawert, Brandon Amstutz, Gil Colon, Connor Boundy, Beto Moul, Travis Hall and Matt Wilson. Not pictured: Esteven Escamilla.

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ANDY ROBERTS | SHORELINE MEDIA

ANDY ROBERTS | SHORELINE MEDIA

Members of the Hart varsity girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Monica Aguilar, Lauren Hegedus, Nichole Jorissen and Faith Ramirez; back row, coach Karen McLouth, Anna Hertzler, Baylee Draper, Jenny Herrygers, Madison Hegedus, Hannah Brown and assistant Tim Hertzler.

Hart girls basketball

McLouth in charge

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

ward Jenny Herrygers and 5-9 forward Anna Hertzler.

But contributions should also come HART — It will be a season of change from 5-7 junior guard Lauren Hegedus; for the Hart Pirates girls basketball team 5-7 junior guard Nichole Jorissen; 6-foot in 2013-14. sophomore center Baylee Draper and After a pair of solid seasons, the Pirates 5-3 senior guard Monica Aguilar. have lost a pair of all-West Michigan Con“One good thing is that we will have ference performers in point guard Ma- some nice height,” said McLouth. “But cayla Greiner and shooting guard Landyn we will be looking to improve a lot as the Lorenz. Both girls played four seasons on season goes along.” the Pirates varsity. Also graduated is forAlso on the team are a newcomer, 5-9 ward Taylor Wiegand, who spent three junior forward Maria Colon as well as years as a varsity player. sophomores Maddie Hegedus, a 5-8 forAnother face missing will be head ward; Hannah Brown, a 5-6 guard; and coach Dean Bates, who served two years Faith Ramirez, a 5-4 guard. with the Pirates.

The 2013-14 Hart Pirates girls basketTaking over the head coaching reins will ball team roster: be Karen McLouth, who after 14 seasons of coaching basketball at various levels SENIOR: Monica Aguilar. in Montague, will take on her first head JUNIORS: Maria Colon, Lauren Hegedus, coaching assignment. McLouth inherits a Jenny Herrygers, Anna Hertzler, Nichole team with just one senior on the roster.

Jorissen.

“I am excited,” said McLouth. “But we SOPHOMORES: Hannah Brown, Baylee have lost three major players. We will Draper, Maddie Hegedus, Faith Ramirez. be young and inexperienced. And it will take time for these girls to adjust to a McLouth will not have an assistant new coach. But we do have some talent coach. Mike Hoffman steps in to take to work with.” over the junior varsity squad.

The two players who McLouth will McLouth sees Muskegon Oakridge and look to spearhead the team’s efforts Shelby as the teams to beat in the West this season are 5-foot-10-inch junior for- Michigan Conference.

Members of the Hart varsity competitive cheerleading team are, front row, from left, Maia Jonassen, Erika Wadel, Stacie Shellhouse, Maggie Heer, Kristen Carlson and Marna Jonassen; back row, assistant Tracy Williamson, Vivian Zerbe, Suzi Simon, Terri Carlson, Brooke Rosa, Hannah Kuipers, Kaitlyn VanderZanden, Kassidy Baum and coach Jennifer Hlady.

Hart competitive cheerleading

Team young, but good

BY ED PAPES DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER HART — In the past two seasons, the Hart Pirates competitive cheerleading team has made it to the MHSAA Division 4 state meet.

In addition, they won the West Michigan Conference title last year and tied for first in the league two seasons ago.

With just one letterwinner returning this winter, one might think that the Pirates would be looking to rebuild.

“We will be young. But I definitely think we can still challenge for the league title and make it to state again,” said Jen Hlady, the Pirates head

PLAYOFF FROM PAGE 7

DIV. 4 AT EVART: Breckenridge, Evart, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, Harrison, Hart, Holton, Leroy Pine River Area, Montague, Muskegon Western Michigan Christian, North Muskegon, Sanford Meridian, Shelby, Wyoming

coach, who is entering her seventh season.

“I am very happy with our new girls,” added Hlady. “They have worked hard in the offseason.”

From last season’s league championship team, Hart has graduated Alex Dupoint, Ariana Ferwerda and Kelsey Mead.

Pacing the Pirates’ efforts this year will be senior Stacie Shellhouse.

“She is a standout,” said Hlady. “This will be Stacie’s fourth season on the varsity.”

The Pirates finished sixth in the state meet, which was hosted by the Deltaplex in Grand Rapids, last year.

Lee

TEAM WRESTLING DIVISION 3 AT MANISTEE: Benzie, Ludington, Manistee, Mason County Central DIVISION 4 AT HESPERIA: Hart, Hesperia, Beal City

INDIVIDUAL WRESTLING DIVISION 3 AT MANISTEE: Benzie

The 2013-14 Hart Pirates competitive cheer team roster: SENIORS: Kristen Carlson, Maggie Heer, Stacie Shellhouse, Suzi Simon, Vivian Zerbe.

SOPHOMORES: Kassidy Baum, Terri Carlson, Maia Jonassen, Hannah Kuipers, Brooke Rosa, Kaitlyn VanderZanden.

FRESHMEN: Marna Jonassen, Erika Wadel.

Assisting Hlady with the varsity and coaching the junior varsity will be Tracy Williamson.

“I cannot point to any one team as being a favorite in our league,” said Hlady. “Everyone will be young.”

Central, Elk Rapids, Gladstone, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Kalkaska, Kingsford, Kingsley, Ludington, Manistee, Menominee, Negaunee, Roscommon, Mason Co. Central DIVISION 4 AT HESPERIA: Hart, Fife Lake Forest Area, Frankfort, Hesperia, Lake City, Leroy Pine River, Mancelona, Manton, Mio, Traverse City St Francis, Whittemore-Prescott