HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW - mlivemedia.mlive.com/citpat/sports_impact/other/Tipoff 2009-10...schus (5-0 jr. G), Yasmine Williams (5-0 jr. G), Yasriah Williams (5-1 jr

TIPOFF 2009-10

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

SEASON PREVIEW

T H E J A C K S O N C I T I Z E N P A T R I O T • T H E Z O N E • M O N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 7 , 2 0 0 9

Team capsules on all boys and girls teams in the Jackson area

Preseason power polls and conference

predictions

BASKETBALL 2009-10 JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT2 MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009

n Here are the 2009-10 preseason boys basketball rankings as selected by the Citizen Patriot sports staff:Class a/B1. Jackson: Vikings should have one of their deepest teams as coach Ramsey Nichols looks to build on last year’s 14-9 mark in his first year as coach at Jackson.2. lumen Christi: Extended football season sets the Titans up for a slow start, but the return of coach Mike Ramker makes this a team to watch. 3. stockbridge: Even with the loss of leading scorer Thomas Lovachis (transferred to Holly), the Panthers should be able to get above .500. 4. Western: Coach Lee Ingles had the Panthers (11-11) playing inspired basketball at the end of the 2008-09 season.5. Columbia Central: Team has set a goal of .500 this year. If they reach that goal, watch Golden Eagles move up this list.

Class C/D1. Hanover-Horton: Starting backcourt returns along with enough scoring to make this a team to beat in the Cascades Conference.2. albion: Wildcats boast another athletic squad that will be a tough match-up for most teams in the SMAA. Won-loss record early might reflect difficult non-league schedule.3. Michigan Center: Last year’s runner-up in the Cas-cades Conference is ready to once again challenge for the top spot.4. Napoleon: Replacing the 2008-09 Citizen Patriot Player of the Year, Marshawn Norris, will be no easy task for the Pirates.5. Jonesville: Comets hope to improve for fourth straight season. Jonesville finished 11-10 last year and should battle for the Big Eight crown.6. Vandercook lake: This is a team that can beat anyone in the league on any given night. Jayhawks will be stronger in January when transfer Jon Moore is eli-gible.7. Homer: New head coach Ed Finch is a former assis-tant coach who knows the program well. Look for the Trojans to post an 11th straight winning season. 8. Concord: Loss of big Zach Hersha gives team a dif-ferent look. Yellow Jackets still should be a factor in the Big Eight.9. Jackson Christian: Coach Bob Stanton’s club hopes to rebound from its first losing season in last six years.10. leslie: Blackhawks should be improved in coach Chad Burlison’s second year. Leslie finished 7-16 a year ago.

BOYS POWER POLL

n Here are the 2009-10 preseason girls basketball rankings as selected by the Citizen Patriot sports staff:Class a/B1. Northwest: Very high expectations have been tempered somewhat by the loss of Ashley Rando, but the Mounties will still make a good defense of their CAAC Red title. 2. Columbia Central: Again the team to beat in the SMAA, the Golden Eagles could take the program up a notch with some postseason success.3. Hillsdale: The Hornets were the biggest surprise in the area last season but won’t be sneaking up on anybody this year.4. lumen Christi: Lack of size and scoring punch will make it a challenge for the Titans to make headway in the CAAC Red.5. Jackson: What should have been an experienced team is instead starting over, and that’s not easy in the CAAC Blue.

Class C/D1. Michigan Center: The Cardinals must survive an early battle with injuries before they can climb back to the top of the Cascades.2. springport: This program has gotten to the point where it expects to contend for the Big Eight Confer-ence championship every year.3. Hanover-Horton: The pieces appear to be in place for a big turnaround from a program that’s not used to struggling like it did last year. 4. Jonesville: Another team out to show last year was a blip, look for the Comets to be back in their ac-customed spot in the top half of the Big Eight.5. albion: A stronger inside presence should make the Wildcats a contender in an SMAA race that looks wide open.6. Napoleon: The Pirates will look much different from the powerhouse of the last few years, but that doesn’t mean they won’t still be a force.7. Homer: The Trojans are searching for some new weapons to keep them in the hunt in the Big Eight and on the high side of .500.8. leslie: Last season was a disappointing one for the Blackhawks, who have the tools to make things better.9. East Jackson: The Trojans don’t have much expe-rience but could be dangerous on any given night.10. Grass lake: The Warriors are facing another re-building year with just one senior, but they should be more competitive than last year.

GIRLS POWER POLLINDEX

Team capsulesCaaC BluE DiVisioN

Jackson................................ 3

CaaC RED DiVisioN

Lumen Christi .....................4Northwest ........................... 6

CasCaDEs

East Jackson ....................... 7Grass Lake .......................... 8Hanover-Horton ............... 10Napoleon ............................12Michigan Center .............. 14Vandercook Lake ..............15

sMaa

Columbia Central ..............16Albion ................................ 18Hillsdale ............................ 19Leslie .................................20Stockbridge .......................21Western .............................22

BiG EiGHT

Concord ............................. 23Homer................................24Jonesville ..........................25Springport.........................26

sCaa

Jackson Christian ............ 27

On the cover

From top to bottom: Hanover-Horton’s Tyler Hull; Northwest’s Mary Lehman and Lumen Christi’s Kelcie Wilson; Jackson’s Michael Perdue. (Citizen Patriot file photos)

Layout: Jeff Bleiler. Writers and contributors: Gary Kalahar, Mike Pryson, Mike Kohon, Josh Olson, Jeff Baumgardner

n Coach: Jerry Malone (third season, 14-27).

n last season: 3-18, 0-12 (7th) in CAAC Blue. Jackson won two of its first three games, then went on a 14-game losing streak that ended with an upset of Northwest. The Vikings were held under 45 points in 14 games.

n last season’s JV record: 9-11.

n Returning starters (3): Jae-lynn Pryor (5-4 sr. G) averaged 10.1 points but missed five games to in-jury. Pryor was a second-team All-Area pick. Alyse Hines (5-4 soph. G) averaged 3.7 points, and April Lane (5-8 jr. F) averaged 2.4 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (1): Tiffany Thomas (5-10 jr. C) came up late in the season and scored in five of her six games.

n Balance of roster: Trisha Bin-schus (5-0 jr. G), Yasmine Williams (5-0 jr. G), Yasriah Williams (5-1 jr. G), Ashley Ivory (5-0 jr. G), Alia

Childs-Brown (5-4 jr. G), Nicole Mc-Carrell (5-7 soph. F), Cierra Pryor (5-8 fr. G/F), Kelly Barton (5-10 sr. C), Shannon Littlejohn (5-10 sr. C).

n outlook: A new-look Vikings team will feature a starting fresh-man guard (Cierra Pryor) and a senior team captain (Kelly Barton) who has not played basketball since middle school. Of seven ju-niors off last year’s opening-night roster, just one (Jaelynn Pryor) re-turned for her senior season. This team will be young and athletic and should score better than the 40.9 points per game it averaged in 2008-09.

n Coach says: “My initial reac-tion was that we might be a year away, but with the athletes we have, I can run all 13 girls out there and feel pretty good. Shooting is still an issue. We should be getting a lot more layups, and we’re not planning to shoot as many 3s as we did last year. I’m excited, and the girls are excited.”

n last title: Conference: 1982 (South Central). District: 1988. Re-gional: 1982.

GIRLS TEAM

n Coach: Ramsey Nichols (sec-ond season, 14-9; 120-38 overall, with five conference championships and three district championships at Benton Harbor from 2001-07).

n last season: 14-9, 5-7 (5th) in CAAC Blue. Jackson came on strong at season’s end, winning four of its last five league games and six of its final eight regular-season games. In the Class A district, the Vikings won two games and ad-vanced to the title game before bow-ing to Ann Arbor Huron 60-37.

n last season’s JV record: 19-1.n Returning starters (4): Des-

mond Edwards (6-0 sr. G) and Joe Hines (5-11 sr. G) each started several games in the backcourt for the Vikings a year ago. Edwards averaged 8.4 points with a high of 20 in a game against North-west. Hines averaged 5.1 points. Mike Perdue (6-2 sr. F) averaged four points and had two games in

double figures. Laron McCranie (6-4 sr. F/C) also started a few games last year.

n other returning letterwinners (2): Jordan Union (6-1 sr. G) and Devlin Jefferson (6-2 sr. F) each averaged less than three points per game.

n Balance of roster: Tim Lewis (5-11 jr. G), Tom Fleming (6-2 sr. F), D’Vontae Lewis (5-11 jr. G), Larry Taylor (5-9 jr. G), Chavon Watts (6-2 jr. F/C), Conrad Herring (6-3 jr. F/C), John White (6-3 jr. F/C), Chris Emerson (5-9 jr. G), LaClifford Kelly (6-5 fr. C).

n outlook: Nichols will have no shortage of bodies this season, as he’s elected to keep 15 players on the varsity. The Vikings will be deep at the guard position. Matching up with the better big people in the conference will be the challenge.

n Coach says: “We’re going to carry a lot of players, but I wouldn’t carry that many if I didn’t think they could help us.”

n last title: Conference: 2008 (CAAC Blue). District: 2008. Re-gional: 2003.

BOYS TEAM

JACKSON VIKINGSBASKETBALL 2009-10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009 3JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT

HiNEs PRYoR


LUMEN CHRISTI TITANSn Coach: Mike Ramker (20th

season at Lumen Christi, 276-152 from 1977-95. Ramker’s career re-cord, including time at Ann Arbor St. Thomas, is 403-207. At Lumen Christi, Ramker has had eight dis-trict championships, three regional championships, 11 conference champi-onships).

n last season: 13-8, 9-3 (2nd) in CAAC Red. Lumen Christi was solid all season. The Titans lost back-to-back games just once. The team won its last three games of the regular season against Lansing Waverly, St. Johns and Jackson before bowing to Marshall 52-48 in the first round of the Class B district. It marked the second straight year that Mar-shall eliminated the Titans.

n last season’s JV record: 5-15.n Returning starters (3): Dan

Chilcote (6-7 jr. F) averaged 9.5 points per game and is already re-ceiving college offers. Scott Hough

(6-3 sr. F) is a rugged rebounder and averaged nearly eight points a game. Jacob Petersen (6-2 sr. G/F) scored a season-high 12 points against Lansing Waverly last year.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Leland Ewing (6-3 sr. C) and Conner Varner (6-0 sr. G) were role players last year off the bench.

n Balance of roster: Maverick Nichols (6-3 sr. F), Amani Bass (6-0 fr. G), Colton Brannick (6-2 jr. F), Chris Hawkins (5-10 jr. G), Mike Augustine (6-3 sr. F), Jakobi Smith (5-8 jr. G).

n outlook: Bass is expected to be the first freshman to begin a season on the varsity for a Ramker-coached team at Lumen Christi. The football championship puts the Titans behind early, but they should still be in the conference hunt at season’s end.

n Coach says: “We had a good first practice (after football), but we’re not ready yet. We’ve been through this before. We’ll be OK.”

n last title: Conference: 2007 (CAAC II). District: 2001. Regional: 1989.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Mike Wilson (fifth sea-son, 40-49, one district champion-ship).

n last season: 7-14, 3-9 (t-5th) in CAAC Red. The Titans were 5-5 at the midway point before a 2-9 finish. One of those two victories, though, was a one-point win over CAAC Red cham-pion Northwest after an earlier 32-point loss to the Mounties. Lumen Christi was 5-1 in games decided by five or fewer points.


n Returning starters (3): Kelcie Wilson (5-8 sr. F) is a 3-point threat and averaged 4.1 points per game as a junior. Megan Hayes (5-10 jr. C) is the Titans’ top returning scorer at 6.1 points per game. Taylor Dillon (5-6 sr. G) averaged 3.4 points and had two games in double figures. Dillon is expected to run the point this season.

n other returning letterwin-

ners (3): Karah Warriner (5-9 sr. F), Katy Rhodes (5-6 sr. G) and Anna Nefe (5-5 jr. G) each averaged less than four points per game last year.

n Balance of roster: Jayne Stu-art (5-7 soph. G), Jen Gallant (5-9 jr. C), Aynsley Rivera (5-7 sr. G), Taylor Dzierwa (5-8 jr. F), Mariel Rosa (5-10 jr. F).

n outlook: Lumen Christi struggled to score points last year, averaging just 44.9 per contest and never scoring more than 55 points. After losing top scorer Erika Bull-ock (17 points) to graduation, the undersized Titans will need to find someone to step into that go-to of-fensive role.

n Coach says: “We’re going to have to show up every night ready to play. It’s a good thing we have a group of kids who are willing to work hard. If we don’t play every possession with 100 percent effort, it could be a long season. I’m ex-cited to start the season, and I think we’ll win more games this year.”

n last title: Conference: 1995 (Cascades Red). District: 2008. Re-gional: 1988.

GIRLS TEAM

CHilCoTE WilsoN

BASKETBALL 2009-10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009 5JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT

Class a1. Detroit Pershing (19-1) ............................732. Kalamazoo Central (19-1) .......................703. Clarkston (19-1) ...................................... 644. Detroit Southeastern (17-3) .................. 605. Detroit Henry Ford (17-3) ....................... 506. Saginaw Arthur Hill (16-4) .....................426. Ann Arbor Pioneer (17-3) ........................428. Romulus (15-5) ........................................369. Rockford (18-2) ........................................3210. Okemos (18-2) .......................................28

Also receiving votes: Ann Arbor Huron (18-2) 19; Bellevue (16-3) 19; Detroit Finney (10-7) 17; Warren De La Salle (14-6) 15; Holt (15-5) 14; Saginaw (13-7) 6; Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (17-3) 6; Detroit Catholic Central (15-5) 2; Wayland Union (16-4) 2; Flint Northern (10-10) 1; Gaylord (17-3) 1.

Class B1. Detroit Country Day (19-1) .....................752. Zeeland East (20-0) ................................693. Flint Powers (18-2) ................................. 664. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard (18-2) ........ 605. Muskegon Height (17-3) .........................556. Inkster (19-1) ........................................... 457. Goodrich (18-2) ........................................ 418. Bridgeport (18-2) .................................... 409. Big Rapids (20-0) ................................... 3010. Hudsonville Unity Christian (17-3) ......28

Also receiving votes: Lansing Sexton (16-4) 27; Menominee (17-3) 20; Cadil-lac (17-3) 18; Ida (19-1) 15; Grand Rapids Catholic Central (16-4) 3; New Boston Hu-ron (19-1) 3; Saginaw Swan Valley (16-4) 3; Roscommon (18-2) 2; Shepherd (18-2) 2; Comstock Park (16-4) 1; Marysville (16-4) 1; Coldwater (16-4) 1.

Class C1. Napoleon (20-0) .................................732. Traverse City St. Francis (19-1) ..............723. Melvindale Academy of B & T (18-2) ....654. Montague (18-2) .....................................575. Kalamazoo Christian (18-2) .................. 546. McBain (17-3) ...........................................387. Pewamo-Westphalia (17-3) .................... 318. Schoolcraft (18-2) ...................................279. Detroit Consortium (16-4) .....................2510. Charlevoix (16-4) ...................................23

Also receiving votes: Sanford-Merid-ian (17-3) 22; Saugatuck (18-2) 20; Detroit Loyola (14-6) 17; Dundee (17-3) 13; Rudyard (17-3) 13; Indian River Inland Lakes (18-2) 11; Pittsford (20-0) 10; Unionville-Sebewaing (17-3) 9; Saginaw Valley Lutheran (16-4) 6; Grandville Calvin Christian (15-5) 5; Ha-nover-Horton (16-4) 4; New Buffalo (16-4) 3; albion (14-6) 1; Laingsburg (15-5) 1.

Class D1. Ellsworth (20-0) ......................................732. Ewen-Trout Creek (20-0) ....................... 713. Kinde North Huron (20-0) ..................... 644. Cedarville (19-1) ...................................... 615. Lawrence (19-1) .......................................525. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (18-2) .....527. Climax-Scotts (19-1) ................................478. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (17-3) ......... 349. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (18-2) ..2510. Musk. West Michigan Christian (16-4) 22

Also receiving votes: Custer Mason County Eastern (18-2) 21; Bark River Harris (17-3) 17; Sterling Heights Parkway Chris-tian (16-4) 17; Rapid River (17-3) 11; Covert (15-5) 7; Muskegon Catholic Central (14-6) 7; Grandville Calvin Christian (15-5) 5; Hill-man (16-4) 3; Battle Creek St. Philip (15-5) 3; Marine City Cardinal Mooney (15-5) 2.

BOYS FINAL STATE AP RANKINGS

Career records for active Jackson-area boys basketball coaches, through 2008-09 season:*Mike Ramker, Lumen Christi (1977-95, 2009) ...............................403-207**Jim Dutton, Napoleon (1983-09) .................................................... 363-238Chad Mortimer, Hanover-Horton (1998-09) .......................................205-61Bob Stanton, Jackson Christian (1995-09) ........................................ 183-134Brad Felix, Hillsdale (2002-09) ..............................................................125-37% Ramsey Nichols, Jackson (2008-09) ............................................... 120-38Durant Crum, Albion (2002-09) .............................................................116-52Greg Vieau, Michigan Center (2002-09) ............................................... 78-75Matt Lehman, Concord (2001-09) ..........................................................78-97# Paul Varner, Vandercook Lake (2000-09) ....................................... 76-154## Greg Zeller, East Jackson (2007-09)..............................................69-106@ Lee Ingles, Western (2006-09) ..........................................................47-58

Dustin Scharer, Jonesville (2004-09) ................................................... 46-58Jason Ladd, Stockbridge (2004-09) ..................................................... 46-59Jason Rychener, Columbia Central (2005-09)...................................... 23-61Denny Atkins, Northwest (2007-09) ........................................................ 9-36Chard Burlison, Leslie (2008-09) ..............................................................7-16Brandon Baum, Springport (2009) .............................................................0-0Joel Cook, Grass Lake (2009) ......................................................................0-0Ed Finch, Homer (2009) ...............................................................................0-0

* Includes record at Ann Arbor St. Thomas.** Includes 35-74 mark at Reading from 1983-87.% Includes 106-29 record at Benton Harbor from 2001-07.# Includes 10-32 mark at Hudson from 1992-94. ## Includes 62-71 mark at Concord from 1995-2001.@ Includes 19-24 mark at Northwest from 1993-95.

BOYS COACHING RECORDS


NORTHWEST MOUNTIESn Coach: Denny Atkins (third

season, 9-36).n last season: 3-18, 1-11 (7th)

in CAAC Red. Northwest’s three victories included a season-open-ing overtime thriller over Western. It marked the fifth straight losing season for the Mounties. Offense was a problem most of the year, as Northwest failed to reach the 40-point mark five times. Its low-water mark was a 20-point effort early in the season against Okemos.

n last season’s JV record: 8-12.n Returning starters (1): Part-

time starter Lee Beveridge (6-2 sr. F) averaged 2.1 points with a sea-son high of five twice.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Adam Thiesse (6-0 sr. G) scored eight points, and Daniel Lewis (6-1 sr. F) was scoreless in the 10 games he played. Their roles will be expanded this year.

n Balance of roster: Dom Wil-liams (6-0 soph. G/F), Riley Lutten-ton (5-8 jr. G), Randy Grover (6-0 sr. G/F), Justin Woodruff (5-8 jr. G), A.J. Allen (6-2 soph. F), Jaylen Har-ris (5-9 jr. G), Alex Schwanz (6-3 jr. F/C), Virgil Lee (6-5 sr. C), Tyler Cummings (6-4 sr. C). Luttenton was the point guard on the junior varsity. Lee is in his first year of or-ganized basketball.

n outlook: The team has had just one winning season (2003-04) since winning the Cascades Red title and finishing 11-10 in 1989-90. This year, it’s a new-look team with few returning minutes or points from last year’s squad. This is truly a wild-card group with a lot of unknowns going into the season. Cummings came up to the varsity for the district and scored eight points in his only game.

n Coach says: “The chemistry with this group is good. It’s a fun group to be around. We will have the versatility to go big or small.”

n last title: Conference: 1996 (Cascades Red). District: 2003. Re-gional: None.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Mark Hoyt (32nd season, 331-341, nine conference championships, three district championships).

n last season: 15-7, 10-2 (1st) in CAAC Red. Northwest won its last two games to capture its first conference cham-pionship since tak-ing the Cascades Red in 1995. The Mounties’ eight-game winning streak was their longest in 16 years.


n Returning starters (3): Ashley James (5-6 jr. F) averaged 8.2 points and reached double figures nine times. Mary Lehman (5-3 jr. G) averaged 5.5 points, and Haley Stadnikia (5-3 jr. G) finished at 8.0 points. All were honorable mention on the Citizen Patriot All-Area Team, and James was honorable mention all-league.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Cassie Wanless (5-6 jr. G) is a 3-point threat, while Gigi White

(5-6 jr. G/F) averaged nearly four points per game a year ago.

n Balance of roster: Mariah Cantlin (5-8 soph. C), Taylor Moore (5-6 soph. F), Courtney Parsons (5-8 soph. C), Katie Rose (5-3 soph. G).

n outlook: The Mounties are go-ing with four sophomores on the varsity. The mix worked last year, as the team won its first confer-ence title in more than a decade. This year’s team took a hit in the offseason with season-ending knee injuries to senior Ashley Rando (committed to Ferris State) and Kelly Childers, who came up from the junior varsity late last season. The five returning letterwinners have enough experience and talent to repeat last year’s success.

n Coach says: “We’ve had a couple of scrimmages, and we have been undersized in all of them. We’re going to try to push the ball and play a speed game. Our girls are determined to show that last year was not a fluke.”

n last title: Conference: 2009 (CAAC Red). District: 1993. Re-gional: None.

GIRLS TEAM

Citizen Patriot Players of the Year

2009Marshawn Norris, Napoleon

2008Darryll Stinson, Jackson

2007Tyler Laser, Hillsdale

2006Tyler Laser, Hillsdale

2005Luke Laser, Hillsdale

2004Jarred Axon, Jackson

2003Keonta Howell, Jackson

2002Jeremy File, Hanover-Horton

2001Steffen Cornell, Homer

2000Clifton Ross, Jackson

1999Dwight Crow, Stockbridge

BOYS PLAYERS OF YEAR

THiEssE JaMEs


EAST JACKSON TROJANSn Coach: Greg Zeller (third sea-

son, 7-35; ninth season overall, 69-106, two district championships).

n last season: 5-16, 3-11 (7th) in Cascades. East Jackson lost its first seven games and struggled down the stretch, losing three of its last four regular-season games. The season ended with a 91-80 first-round loss to first-year Ann Arbor Skyline in the Class C district.


n Returning starters (1): Ty-ler Riske (5-11 sr. G) was second on the team with 12.4 points a game, including four games of more than 20 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (4): Bryan Goostrey (5-10 sr. G/F) averaged 7.5 points, including one 31-point outburst. Kris Wells (5-8 sr. G), Matt VanHevel (6-1 sr. C) and Owen Dubiel (6-2 sr. F) com-bined for four points a game.

n Balance of roster: Jacob Al-

exander (6-4 jr. F), Nick Borrego (6-6 jr. C), Cody Dunn (5-10 jr. G), Collin Buckland (5-9 jr. G), Corey Lenski (5-10 sr. G), Keith Poole (6-0 sr. G/F), Brandon Payne (5-7 jr. G), Camryn Locash (5-10 jr. G), Terry Calagon (6-1 soph. F).

n outlook: Three of last year’s top four scorers are gone. That in-cludes Jon Moore, who transferred to Vandercook Lake after being the Trojans’ top scorer at 14.2 points a game. But it’s not the offense the Trojans are concerned with. They must shore up a defense that al-lowed an area-high 77 points a game. Alexander and Borrego make the Trojans taller than they’ve been.

n Coach says: “We’re putting an awful lot of time and effort into de-fense. It doesn’t matter if we score 70, if we give up 74 or 78. The kids are really taking to it. This is the hardest-practicing group I’ve had, top to bottom. We expect guys to go all out all the time, and I expect to roll guys through.”

n last title: Conference: 1998 (Cascades Conference). District: 1980. Regional: 1977.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Meeka Sova (fourth season, 26-38).

n last season: 15-8, 9-5 (4th) in Cascades. East Jackson enjoyed its first winning season since 2002 and most victories since 2000, in-cluding a trip to the Class C district finals. After a 1-3 start, the Trojans got rolling with a six-game winning streak.


n Return-ing starters (2): Bridgitte Patterson (sr. G/F) enters her third season, and Sarah Rogers (soph. F) started as a freshman. Patterson averaged 5.3 points a game and came on strong with three double-figure games in the last four. Rogers averaged 3.8 points with a season-high 11.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Emily Sherwood (sr. C) and Rachael Wrozek (sr. G/F) ap-peared in every game and com-bined for four points a night.

n Balance of roster: Amanda Hanson (sr. G/F), Kaitlyn Stewart (sr. G), Morgan Huttenlocker (jr. G), Hillary Jenski (jr. G), Gracen Smith (jr. F/C), Alex Weatherspoon (soph. F/C), Jordan Jackson (fr. G).

n outlook: East Jackson will try to keep the momentum going despite heavy graduation losses that included the Trojans’ top three scorers. With less than 25 percent of last year’s scoring back, the returnees will have to step up and some newcomers will be counted on. It might be a matter of get-ting more balanced scoring from a number of players. One thing that is likely to remain constant is the Trojans’ defense. They held 14 op-ponents to fewer than 40 points last season. That will win a lot of games. In a Cascades Conference race without a dominant team, East Jackson could be a wild card.

n Coach says: “We have players who are versatile. Most of them can step in anywhere and perform.”

n last title: Conference: 1992 (Cascades). District: 2000. Re-gional: None.

GIRLS TEAM

Citizen Patriot Players of the Year:

2009Abbie Richardson, Napoleon

2008Dana Cook, Addison

2006Melissa Shaw, Northwest

2005Latashia Pratt, Mich. Center

2004Latashia Pratt, Mich. Center

2003Jessica Teubert, Jonesville

2002Kali Briggs, Vandercook Lake

2001Jessica Teubert, Jonesville

2000Cortney Urquhart, H-Horton

1999Amanda Rainsberger, Center

1998Portia Reilly, Western

GIRLS PLAYERS OF YEAR

RisKE PaTTERsoN


GRASS LAKE WARRIORSn Coach: Joel Cook (first season).n last season: 3-18, 0-14 (8th)

in Cascades. The Warriors opened the season with back-to-back wins before going 1-18 the rest of the way. It was the first winless season in the league for Grass Lake since 1988-89. All three of the Warriors’ vic-tories came against teams from the Tri-County Conference.


n Returning starters (3): Vince Mottes (6-1 jr. G) averaged 5.3 points a game as a sophomore, includ-ing three double-figure games. Dustin Scott (6-1 sr. F) averaged 3.5 points, and K.J. Niebauer (6-2 soph. C) netted 3.8.

n other returning letterwin-ners (3): Keaton Burnett (5-11 jr. F) netted 5.5 points a game, including four games in double figures. Aaron Browne (6-0 sr. G) and Josh Seman (6-3 sr. C) also return.

n Balance of roster: Dylan Ad-

ams (6-1 jr. G), Jordan Pritz (5-11 jr. F), Evann Rohloff (6-0 jr. G), Nick Waskiewicz (6-4 jr. C), Ben Kulwicki (6-0 sr. F), Jordan Adams (6-0 soph. F).

n outlook: Cook, a 1993 Grass Lake graduate, takes over after four years as the junior varsity coach. He faces a tough task with a pro-gram that has one winning record in the last 14 seasons and three victories each of the last two years. The top four scorers are gone from a team that averaged 50 points a game last season. The Warriors are looking for leaders and offensive punch as they shoot to become more competitive in the Cascades Conference.

n Coach says: “We’re not going to intimidate anyone on the stat sheet, but they’re workers. They’re gym rats. To be successful, we have to get up and down the floor, hustle and execute the fundamentals. It’s getting back to basics. They want to win.”

n last title: Conference: 1971 (Lenawee County Athletic Associa-tion). District: 1995. Regional: None.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Barb Blair (fifth season, 41-48, one district championship; 10th season overall, 120-80, two district championships).

n last season: 4-17, 2-12 (7th) in Cascades. Grass Lake endured an eight-game losing streak early and finished on a seven-game skid in which every game was decided by at least 20 points. It was just the sec-ond losing season in nine years for Blair at Grass Lake and Vandercook Lake.

n last season’s JV record: 3-17.n Returning starters (3): Pearl

Enriquez (5-6 jr. C) averaged 8.9 points with seven games in double figures. Kellyn Herendeen (5-6 soph. G) averaged 3.4 points as a starting freshman. Breanne Vosters (5-5 jr. G) averaged 2.7 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Sydney Rubingh (5-5 soph. G) averaged 4.9 points with four games in double figures. Sarah

Coppernoll (5-5 sr. G) is the team’s only senior.

n Balance of roster: Madi Sabo (5-8 soph. F), Becca Berry (5-5 soph. F), Dannielle Cass (5-7 jr. F), Molly Ryan (5-4 jr. C), Kelsie Stad-nikia (5-7 jr. G).

n outlook: Five players who were on the team last year as juniors, including the team’s leading scorer, are not playing for a variety of rea-sons. That leaves just one senior. But the Warriors still have some experience after being very young last year, and they could move up into the middle of the pack in the Cascades. Grass Lake averaged just 34.0 points a game last season.

n Coach says: “We’ve been working on shooting from the pe-rimeter. People sagged into a zone on us last year, and we weren’t good shooters. We have some great quickness and team speed, and we need that to come into play. And we need to use our defense to create offense.”

n last title: Conference: 1993 (Cascades). Last district title: 2008. Last regional title: 1979.

GIRLS TEAM

BRoWNE HERENDEEN


CaaC BluE DiVisioN1. East Lansing2. Holt3. Okemos4. Lansing Eastern5. Lansing Everett6. Jackson7. Grand Ledge

CaaC RED DiVisioN

1. Lansing Waverly2. Northwest3. St. Johns4. Lansing Sexton5. Mason6. Lumen Christi7. Owosso

CasCaDEs

1. Michigan Center2. Addison3. Manchester4. Hanover-Horton5. Napoleon6. East Jackson7. Grass Lake8. Vandercook Lake

sMaa1. Columbia Central2. Hillsdale3. Albion4. Lansing Christian5. Western6. Leslie7. Stockbridge

BiG EiGHT

1. Athens2. Springport3. Union City4. Jonesville5. Homer6. Quincy7. Reading8. Concord

sCaa EasT

1. Hillsdale Academy2. Camden-Frontier3. Waldron4. Jackson Christian5. Pittsford

— Citizen Patriot staff

GIRLS PREDICTIONS

Class a1. East Lansing (20-0) .................................752. Grosse Pointe North (16-4) ....................673. Birmingham Marian (19-1) .................... 664. Detroit Renaissance (15-3) ....................585. Benton Harbor (18-2) ..............................566. Temperance Bedford (20-0) ................. 497. Saginaw Arthur Hill (16-4)......................478. Canton (18-2) ...........................................379. Ann Arbor Huron (17-3) ..........................279. Brighton (17-3) .........................................27

Also receiving votes: Midland (17-2) 25; Detroit King (14-4) 22; Flushing (16-4) 18; Livonia Franklin (17-3) 8; White Lake Lake-land (15-5) 4; Detroit Southeastern (13-3) 4; Lake Orion (18-2) 4; Dearborn (18-1) 3; Okemos (16-3) 1; Detroit Pershing (13-4) 1; Grosse Pointe South (16-4) 1.

Class B1. Detroit Country Day (19-1)...................... 712. Detroit Community (19-0) .....................693. Grand Rapids Cath. Cent. (20-0) ..........674. DeWitt (19-1) ............................................575. Ida (20-0) .................................................556. Flint Powers (18-2) ................................. 547. Kingsford (19-1) ........................................428. Tawas (18-2).............................................379. Grand Rapids Christian (17-3) ................2710. Richland Gull Lake (18-2) .....................26

Also receiving votes: Zeeland East (17-3) 25; Byron Center (17-3) 22; East Grand Rap-ids (17-3) 22; Muskegon Oakridge (18-2) 10; Plainwell (17-3) 8; Benzonia Benzie Central (18-2) 7; Durand (17-3) 4; Marine City (17-3) 2.

Class C1. Flint Hamady (20-0) ............................... 602. Morley Stanwood (20-0) ...................... 543. McBain (19-1) ...........................................523. Napoleon (20-0) ................................525. Saginaw Nouvel (18-2) .......................... 456. Houghton (17-1) .......................................377. St. Ignace (19-1) .......................................358. Olivet (18-2) ............................................ 308. Pewamo-Westphalia (17-3) ................... 3010. Saginaw Valley Lutheran (18-2) ..........26

Also receiving votes: Watervliet (19-1) 19; Brown City (17-3) 14; Reese (17-3) 9; Laingsburg (18-2) 5; Grandville Calvin Chris-tian (15-5) 4; Sandusky (16-4) 4; Leroy Pine River (16-4) 4; Unionville Sebewaing (17-3) 3; Dansville (16-4) 2.

Class D1. Johannesburg-Lewiston (19-0) ..............742. New Lothrop (16-4) ................................. 713. Birmingham Roeper (19-1) .....................654. Athens (19-1) ........................................... 605. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (16-3) ..........536. Marine City Card. Mooney (18-2) .........477. Cedarville (17-3) ...................................... 458. Climax-Scotts (18-2) .............................. 409. Brimley (17-3) ...........................................3810. St. Joseph Mich. Luth. (17-2) ............... 30

Also receiving votes: Manistee Catholic Central (18-2) 23; Ontonagon (17-2) 16; Cen-tral Lake (16-4) 8; Onaway (16-4) 8; Bark River-Harris (17-3) 7; Muskegon Catholic Central (15-5) 6; Ellsworth (17-3) 4; Auburn Hills Christian (15-4) 2; Eben Superior Cen-tral (14-6) 2; Powers North Central (14-6) 1.

GIRLS FINAL STATE AP RANKINGS

Career records for active Jackson-area girls basketball coaches, through 2008-09 season:Mark Hoyt, Northwest (1978-09) ........................................................331-341Scot Furman, Michigan Center (1991, 1993-09) ................................ 294-95Lacey Fausneaucht, Hanover-Horton (1997-09) ............................... 145-120Tom Dunn, Jonesville (2000-09) ..........................................................130-66David McDevitt, Columbia Central (1997-09) .................................... 127-132Barb Blair, Grass Lake (2000-09) ........................................................ 120-80Mike Daily, Stockbridge (1995-00, 2009) ........................................... 85-66Chris Johnston, Springport (2004-09) ................................................ 65-44Mike Wilson, Lumen Christi (2005-09) ............................................... 40-49

Matt Johns, Leslie (2005-09) ..................................................................29-56Meeka Sova, East Jackson (2006-2009) ...............................................26-38Thomas Spratley, Albion (2008-09) ...................................................... 22-18Bill O’Dell, Homer (2008-09) ...................................................................21-24Jerry Malone, Jackson (2008-09) ............................................................14-27Nick Langston, Hillsdale (2009) ..............................................................12-10John Moffitt, Western (2008-09) ............................................................. 8-33Jeff Redman, Concord (2008-09) ............................................................. 6-36Kate Richards, Vandercook Lake (2009) ..................................................5-17Liz Hampton, Napoleon (2009) ...................................................................0-0Scott Hands, Jackson Christian (2009) ....................................................0-0

GIRLS COACHING RECORDS


HANOVER-HORTON COMETSn Coach: Chad Mortimer (12th

season, 205-61, five conference championships, eight district championships, five regional cham-pionships).

n last season: 21-5, 11-3 (tie-2nd) in Cascades. Hanover-Horton finished second in the Cascades Conference for the second straight year but rallied to knock off league champion Napo-leon in the regional semifinal. The season ended with a 65-61 loss to Melvindale Academy for Business & Technology in the Class C quar-terfinals.

n last season’s JV record: 11-9.n Returning starters (3): Sam

Spink (6-0 jr. G) averaged 10.3 points a game in his second varsity season and was an all-conference selection. Dylan Schuette (6-5 jr. F) scored 9.1 points a game and was honorable mention all-Cascades. Tyler Hull (5-9 soph. G) averaged

3.1 points as a freshman.n other returning letterwin-

ners (1): Josh Vincent (5-10 sr. G) averaged 1.5 points.

n Balance of roster: Matt Bloom-ingdale (6-2 sr. F), Jake Vancalbergh (6-5 jr. F), Hunter Johnson (5-9 jr. G), Adam Harris (5-9 jr. G), Jackson Miller (5-9 jr. G), Nick Heath (6-0 fr. G), Hayden DeMuese (6-2 fr. F).

n outlook: This is the youngest team at Hanover-Horton in years — Mortimer has never had as few as two seniors — but the Comets still have some experience. Look for this young team to play well at the end as the Comets try to extend their streak of eight straight dis-trict championships.

n Coach says: “It will take us a while before the young guys figure out what they have to do. They have to learn our philosophies. We’re going to count on the return-ers to lead by example and go from there. We’ll compete no matter what. It will be a fun season.”


BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Lacey Fausneaucht (13th season, 145-120, one confer-ence championship, one district championship, one regional cham-pionship).

n last season: 6-15, 4-10 (6th) in Cascades. Hanover-Horton started the season 0-4 and later had a five-game losing streak. The Comets failed to reach 40 points in 13 games.


n Returning starters (4): Rae Anne Negus (5-4 sr. F) was honorable mention all-con-ference after averaging 9.0 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds. Brianne Wollpert (5-6 jr. G), Ash-ley Bernard (5-4 sr. G) and Rosie Wendt (5-5 sr. G) all played in every game and averaged between two and four points a game.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Jordan Kellogg (5-7 sr. G), Linzey Yeaster (6-0 sr. C).

n Balance of roster: Emily

Wrozek (5-7 jr. F), Danielle Blair (5-6 jr. F), Curinne DeMeuse (6-0 jr. C), Elyssa Dean (5-6 jr. G), Natalie Huntoon (5-7 jr. G).

n outlook: Negus plays a lot bigger than her size and should step into a leadership role for an improved team. Last year ended a string of five straight winning seasons, and the Comets are out to prove that was just a blip. If they get running, they could run all the way into Cascades title contention.

n Coach says: “There’s not a lot of height, but there’s a lot of heart. They have well thought-out team goals, and they’re working extremely hard. We put in a new offense where they can use their strengths, and if they buy in and use their speed and experience, we could surprise a lot of teams. We want to utilize our speed, crashing the boards and running. We still have a hard time scoring from out-side, so we need to get good open looks.”

n last time: Conference: 2000 (Cascades). District: 2000. Re-gional: 2000.

GIRLS TEAM

NEGussPiNK


2008-09DREaM TEaM

Marshawn Norris, sr., NapoleonKen Warren, sr., Hanover-HortonMitchell Gabriele, sr. HillsdaleRyan Hopson, sr., AlbionKen Gallant, sr., Lumen ChristiVirgil McGuire, sr., Jackson

sECoND TEaMC.J. Adams, jr., NapoleonJordan Craig, sr., Mich. CenterZach Hersha, sr., ConcordJalen Jarrett, sr., JacksonNate Scholten, sr., Western

THiRD TEaMErik Austin, sr., Jackson ChristianJustin Edmonds, jr., AlbionThomas Lovachis, jr., StockbridgeJake Wild, sr., Hanover-HortonDrew Willcut, sr., Northwest

2007-08DREaM TEaM

Darryll Stinson, sr., JacksonZach Allen, sr., HomerDeMarcus Boysaw, sr., JacksonDurant Crum, sr., AlbionJonathan Curtis, sr., NapoleonVirgil McGuire, jr., Jackson

sECoND TEaMErik Austin, jr., Jackson ChristianMitchell Gabriele, jr., HillsdaleCharles Lawler, sr., AlbionTom Lovachis, soph., StockbridgeAndrew Van Valin, sr., Western

THiRD TEaMKarter Finch, sr., HomerMarshawn Norris, jr., NapoleonNick Schaefer, sr., Han.-HortonJacob Wild, jr., Hanover-HortonMatt Zantop, sr., Lumen Christi

2006-07DREaM TEaM

Tyler Laser, sr., HillsdaleD.J. Baisden, sr., Jackson ChristianRyan Clark, sr., LeslieAdam Hiday, sr., Lumen ChristiDarryll Stinson, jr., JacksonTercel Taylor, sr., Jackson

a/B TEaMJason Chomic, sr., NorthwestKevin Clark, sr., WesternJohn Guerriero, sr., Lumen ChristiJustin Harper, sr., AlbionAndrew Van Valin, jr., Western

C/D TEaMZach Allen, jr., HomerDevon Crawford, sr., Mich. CenterAndy Dedrick, sr., Han.-HortonAbe Kane, sr., Jackson ChristianMac Ward, sr., Springport

2005-06DREaM TEaM

Tyler Laser, jr., HillsdaleD.J. Baisden, jr., Jackson ChristianAndy Sierminski, sr., L. ChristiSam Snow, sr., LeslieDarryll Stinson, soph., JacksonAdam Woods, sr., East Jackson

a/B TEaMTyler Aldridge, sr., Lumen ChristiNick Hawkins, sr., NorthwestZac Reilly, sr., StockbridgeTercel Taylor, jr., JacksonVaShawn White, sr., Albion

C/D TEaMAndy Dedrick, jr., Han.-HortonBryan Dutton, sr., NapoleonJustin Nemeth, sr., NapoleonChristopher Thorrez, sr., ConcordRyan Thurston, sr., Homer

2004-05DREaM TEaM

Luke Laser, sr., HillsdaleDorian Pierce, sr., JacksonTyler Laser, soph., HillsdaleEric Bykowski, sr., Lumen ChristiZac Reilly, jr., Stockbridge

a/B TEaMTyler Aldridge, jr., Lumen ChristiGage Frosch, jr., HillsdaleAaron Brooks, sr., NorthwestTyler Fowle, sr., OnstedJoel Childrey, sr., Western

C/D TEaMMicah Hudson, soph., J. ChristianNeil Washington, sr., AlbionVaShawn White, jr., AlbionJarod Bender, sr., SpringportTravis Cortright, sr., N.A.-Jerome

2003-04DREaM TEaM

Jarred Axon, sr., JacksonJustin Brown, sr., NorthwestDorian Pierce, jr., JacksonMatt Powers, sr., HomerEddie Reynolds, sr., Albion

a/B TEaMCorey Hardcastle, sr., Col. CentralJosh Hunt, sr., Lumen ChristiLuke Laser, jr., HillsdaleDewey McLemore, sr., JacksonJimmy Wilkens, sr., Onsted

C/D TEaMChris Holcomb, sr., JonesvilleJustin Houghton, sr., LeslieTom Jurasek, sr., Albion Andy Reule, sr., SpringportJoe Sheets, sr., Vandercook Lake

2002-03DREaM TEaM

Keonta Howell, sr., JacksonJeremy File, sr., Hanover-HortonRyan Frasier, sr., Hanover-HortonDamon Krohn, sr., JonesvilleKevin Huff, sr., Homer

a/B TEaMMike Vagle, sr., HillsdaleJosh Reilly, sr., StockbridgeCorey Hackworth, sr., WesternDionte Cook, sr., JacksonAndy Kubish, sr., Northwest

C/D TEaMTim Mulvaney, sr., ConcordBen James, sr., LeslieJake Hull, sr., Hanover-HortonMatt Strobl, sr., ManchesterD.J. Murphy, sr., Albion

2001-02DREaM TEaM

Jeremy File, jr., Hanover-HortonKeonta Howell, jr., JacksonBryan Dejanovich, sr., NapoleonTyler Sheerer, sr., JonesvilleJosh Riske, sr., Concord

a/B TEaMBradley Hinkle, jr., WesternJeff March, sr., HillsdalePat Barnes, sr., NorthwestMark Roeder, sr., OnstedJosh Reilly, jr., Stockbridge

C/D TEaMAlvin Lamb, sr., AddisonJamie Beach, sr., N.A.-JeromeKevin Huff, jr., HomerJerime Crane, sr., Grass LakeDan Weaver, jr., Hanover-Horton

2000-01DREaM TEaM

Steffen Cornell, sr., HomerJim Dugan, sr., StockbridgeNeil Miller, sr., Lumen ChristiCornel Taylor, sr., JacksonTyler Sheerer, jr., Jonesville

a/B TEaMBilly Collins, sr., JacksonMark Delcamp, sr., HillsdaleDan Roper, sr., WesternBen Shaver, sr., Lumen ChristiJamison Turnbull, sr., Col. Central

C/D TEaMKevin Davis, sr., AlbionJeremy File, so., Hanover-HortonDJ Heselschwerdt, sr., NapoleonDerek Kurtz, sr., JonesvilleBrett Maki, sr., Manchester

BOYS RECENT ALL-AREA TEAMSCaaC BluE

1. Okemos2. Lansing Eastern3. Holt4. Grand Ledge5. East Lansing6. Jackson7. Lansing Everett

CaaC RED

1. Lansing Sexton2. Lansing Waverly3. Mason4. Lumen Christi5. Owosso4. St. John’s7. Northwest

CasCaDEs

1. Hanover-Horton2. Michigan Center3. Napoleon4. Vandercook Lake5. Manchester6. Addison7. Grass Lake8. East Jackson

sMaa1. Albion2. Lansing Christian3. Stockbridge4. Western5. Columbia Central6. Hillsdale7. Leslie

BiG EiGHT

1. Jonesville2. Homer3. Concord4. Reading5. Quincy6. Springport 7. Athens8. Union City

sCaa CENTRal

1. Jackson Christian2. Burr Oak3. Litchfield4. Tekonsha

— Citizen Patriot staff

BOYS PREDICTIONS


NAPOLEON PIRATESn Coach: Jim Dutton (23rd sea-

son at Napoleon, 328-164; nine conference championships, seven district championships; 27th sea-son overall, 363-238).

n last season: 23-1, 14-0 (1st) in Cascades. Napoleon tied a school record for victories in a season (2005-06 squad went 23-2) and captured its fourth consecutive Class C district championship. The season ended in the regional semi-finals, where the Pirates were beaten by Hanover-Horton 63-58 in overtime.

n last season’s JV record: 17-3.n Returning starters (2): C.J.

Adams (6-1 sr. G/F) averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds a game and topped the 20-point mark four times, to make the all-conference and all-area teams. Heath Sullivan (6-3 jr. F) averaged 7.9 points and was honorable mention all-confer-ence.

n other returning letterwin-ners (5): Tyler Piotrowski (6-1 jr. F) averaged 6.1 points a game. Ike Warring (5-8 sr. G), Tyler Hankins (6-6 jr. C), Keith Wood (5-10 jr. G), Hayden Witte (5-11 soph. F).

n Balance of roster: Alex Adams (5-6 jr. G), Dalton Bycraft (6-5 jr. C), Nate Geitek (6-5 jr. C), Spencer Hofer (6-2 jr. F), Shawn O’Neill (6-3 jr. F), Tyler LaSerra (6-0 jr. G).

n outlook: It will be a different Napoleon team, to say the least, after the graduation of 23.2-point scorer Marshawn Norris. The Pi-rates are adding some size from the junior varsity team. Napoleon has won three of the last four Cas-cades championships and is rarely far from the top spot.

n Coach says: “If our young big kids develop and get used to the varsity pace, hopefully we can do some things inside. We should have a nice mixture of inside and outside if they get the right chemistry go-ing.”


BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Liz Hampton (first sea-son).

n last season: 25-1, 14-0 (1st) in Cascades, Class C district and regional champion, state semifinal-ist. Napoleon set a school record for victories, winning 25 in a row before falling in the state semifinals. Just two of the Pirates’ victories came by single-digit margins, and those were by seven and nine points.


n Returning starters (1): Kelsey Roth (5-6 sr. G) was all-conference, averaging 6.2 points and 4.1 assists a game.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Alicia Hollstein (5-7 sr. F) played in every game and averaged 2.7 points. Morgan Berry (6-2 soph. C) joined the Pirates at midseason and averaged 3.3 points.

n Balance of roster: Kellie Berry (5-8 sr. F), Andrea Smith (6-0 sr. F),

Madelyn Trudell (5-6 sr. F), Lexie Brautigam (5-6 sr. G), Chelsea Miller (5-6 jr. G), Sabrina Garrison (5-7 jr. F), Lexa Burgei (5-8 jr. C), Emily Adams (5-2 jr. G), Taylor Dav-enport (5-5 jr. F), Rachel Leece (5-7 soph. G).

n outlook: The Pirates gradu-ated the players who led them on a tremendous three-year run (68-10 with three regional championships and two state semifinal appear-ances), and they also have a new coach. Hampton, the junior varsity coach at Napoleon for 11 seasons, takes over a team that will have a new identity. The four senior new-comers are three who played for Hampton two years ago and one who transferred.

n Coach says: “It’s a season of big what-ifs. I’m not sure where the points will come from. We’re doing a lot of the same things (former coach Steve Smoyer) did, because he had such a good foundation. But you have to adapt to the roster.”

n last title: Conference (Cas-cades). District: 2009. Regional: 2009.

GIRLS TEAM

aDaMs RoTH


Final 2008-09 Boys Basketball StandingsCAPITAL AREA

ACTIVITES CONFERENCEBlue Division

Conf. Overall W L W LOkemos 10 2 18 2Holt 7 5 15 5LansingEastern 7 5 13 7GrandLedge 6 6 11 8Jackson 5 7 12 8EastLansing 4 8 8 12LansingEverett 3 9 6 14

CAPITAL AREAACTIVITES CONFERENCE

Red Division Conf. Overall W L W LLansingSexton 12 0 16 4LumenChristi 9 3 13 7Mason 8 4 10 10LansingWaverly 7 5 9 10Owosso 4 8 7 13St.Johns 1 11 4 16Northwest 1 11 3 17

CASCADES CONFERENCE Conf. Overall W L W LNapoleon 14 0 20 0Hanover-Horton 11 3 16 4MichiganCenter 11 3 16 4VandercookLake 8 6 12 8Manchester 5 9 9 11Addison 4 10 6 13EastJackson 3 11 5 15GrassLake 0 14 3 17

SOUTHERN MICHIGANACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

Conf. Overall W L W LAlbion 10 2 15 5Hillsdale 8 4 14 6Western 8 4 10 10LansingChristian 7 5 13 6Stockbridge 4 8 8 12Leslie 3 9 5 15ColumbiaCentral 2 10 7 13

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE Conf. Overall W L W LConcord 13 1 15 5Homer 9 5 12 8Quincy 9 5 11 8Jonesville 8 6 11 9Reading 6 8 9 10Athens 5 9 6 14Springport 3 11 5 15UnionCity 3 11 5 15

SOUTHERN CENTRALATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

West Division Conf. Overall W L W LClimax-Scotts 7 1 19 1BattleCreekSt.Philip 7 1 15 5JacksonChristian 4 4 9 11Colon 1 7 9 10Bellevue 1 7 6 14

BOYS STANDINGS

Final 2008-09 Girls Basketball StandingsCAPITAL AREA

ACTIVITES CONFERENCEBlue Division

Conf. Overall W L W LEastLansing 12 0 25 1Okemos 9 3 17 4LansingEverett 8 4 15 6Holt 7 5 17 7LansingEastern 3 9 8 14GrandLedge 3 9 5 16Jackson 0 12 3 18

CAPITAL AREAACTIVITES CONFERENCE

Red Division Conf. Overall W L W LNorthwest 10 2 15 7LansingWaverly 9 3 14 8St.Johns 9 3 12 9Mason 7 5 13 10LumenChristi 3 9 7 14LansingSexton 3 9 4 17Owosso 1 11 1 20

CASCADES CONFERENCE Conf. Overall W L W LNapoleon 14 0 25 1MichiganCenter 10 4 15 7Addison 10 4 16 7EastJackson 9 5 15 8Manchester 6 8 8 13Hanover-Horton 4 10 6 15GrassLake 2 12 4 17VandercookLake 1 13 5 17

SOUTHERN MICHIGANACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

Conf. Overall W L W LColumbiaCentral 10 2 15 7Albion 9 3 9 11Hillsdale 8 4 12 10LansingChristian 7 5 14 8Western 5 7 7 14Stockbridge 2 10 4 17Leslie 1 11 7 15

BIG EIGHT CONFERENCE Conf. Overall W L W LAthens 13 1 24 2Springport 11 3 17 5Homer 9 5 14 8UnionCity 8 6 15 7Quincy 7 7 17 8Reading 5 9 11 10Jonesville 3 11 7 14Concord 0 14 0 21

SOUTHERN CENTRALATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

West Division Conf. Overall W L W LClimax-Scotts 7 1 18 3BCSt.Philip 7 1 19 5JacksonChristian 4 4 9 12Colon 2 6 8 12Bellevue 0 8 1 19

GIRLS STANDINGS

BoYs BasKETBalln Class a at Holt: Battle Creek Central, Battle Creek

Lakeview, Grand Ledge, Holt, Jackson, Masonn Class B at Hillsdale: Columbia Central, Coldwater,

Hillsdale, Lumen Christi, Northwest, Onsted, Westernn Class B at Fowlerville: Fowlerville, Linden, Linden-Lake

Fenton, South Lyon East, Stockbridgen Class C at Bronson: Bronson, Jonesville, Quincy, Reading,

Union Cityn Class C at Manchester: Ann Arbor Greenhills, Clinton,

Manchester, Napoleon, Whitmore Laken Class C at Hanover-Horton: Concord, East Jackson, Grass

Lake, Hanover-Horton, Vandercook Lake, Michigan Centern Class C at Bellevue: Albion, Bellevue, Homer, Leslie, Olivet,

Springportn Class D at Jackson Christian: Lenawee Christian, Hillsdale

Academy, Jackson Christian, The da Vinci Institute, North Ad-ams-Jerome, Waldron

GiRls BasKETBalln Class a at Holt: Battle Creek Central, Battle Creek

Lakeview, Grand Ledge, Holt, Jackson, Masonn Class B at Western: Columbia Central, Coldwater,

Hillsdale, Lumen Christi, Northwest, Onsted, Westernn Class B at stockbridge: Fowlerville, Linden, Linden-Lake

Fenton, South Lyon East, Stockbridgen Class C at union City: Bronson, Jonesville, Quincy,

Reading, Union Cityn Class C at Napoleon: Ann Arbor Greenhills, Clinton,

Manchester, Napoleon, Whitmore Laken Class C at Grass lake: Concord, East Jackson, Grass Lake,

Hanover-Horton, Vandercook Lake, Michigan Centern Class C at Homer: Albion, Bellevue, Homer, Leslie, Olivet,

Springportn Class D at Waldron: Lenawee Christian, Hillsdale

Academy, Jackson Christian, North Adams-Jerome, Waldron

DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS


MICHIGAN CENTER CARDINALSn Coach: Greg Vieau (eighth sea-

son, 78-75).n last season: 18-5, 11-3 (tie-

2nd) in Cascades. Michigan Center had its third straight season of improvement and finished with the most wins at the school since go-ing 18-3 in 1982-83. Three of its losses, including a 70-60 season-ending de-feat in the Class C district title game, were to league champion Napo-leon.


n Returning starters (3): Michael Parker (6-5 sr. C) is a third-year starter who averaged 10.4 points a game last year, missing eight games with an injury. Nic Stevens (6-1 sr. F) has also started the last two years and scored 9.9 points a game last sea-son, including 14.0 over the final six games, to earn all-conference honors. Derek Dowding (6-1 jr. F) averaged 4.6 points in 10 games af-

ter being promoted from the junior varsity.

n other returning letterwin-ners (1): Jeremy Large (5-9 sr. G) averaged 5.0 points.

n Balance of roster: Zeth Soltis (6-0 sr. F) led the JV in scoring and rebounding before missing last sea-son with an injury. Jontae Thomas (5-10 sr. F), Aaron Cross (6-0 jr. G), Brennan Furman (6-2 jr. G), Erik Ambs (6-2 jr. C), Dillon Axon (6-1 jr. F), Jon Way (5-9 jr. G), Spencer Yinger (5-11 jr. G), Brock Harvey (6-3 sr. F).

n outlook: Michigan Center has been runner-up in the league three times in the last five years. The Cardinals are aiming to break through this season. They are loaded on the front line but will need good guard play.

n Coach says: “We feel like we can compete with anybody in the league. Last year, we were guard-oriented. This year, our strength is in the paint.”


BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Scot Furman (18th season, 294-95, eight conference championships, five district cham-pionships, three regional champi-onships).

n last season: 15-7, 10-4 (t-2nd) in Cascades. Michigan Center won its first seven games, then was a game over .500 the rest of the way. All seven of the Cardi-nals’ losses came against teams that won at least 13 games.


n Returning starters (4): Jamie Wolvin (5-6 sr. G) averaged 12.1 points a game and was an all-conference selection last year. Third-year starters Tonia Pratt (5-5 jr. G) and Chelsea Doyle (6-0 jr. F/C) were all-conference and all-area. Pratt averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 assists, 3.2 steals and 7.5 rebounds, and Doyle posted 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots a night. Samantha Pierce (5-5 jr. G/F)

averaged 5.6 points.n other returning letterwin-

ners (4): Brooke Taylor (5-9 soph. F) averaged 4.6 points and Kelsey Kolby (5-11 soph. F) averaged 2.7, both playing in every game. Audrey Backus (5-8 sr. F) and Brittany Bris-tow (5-6 sr. G) also return.

n Balance of roster: Jamie Win-ton (5-8 jr. F), Maegan Branham (5-7 fr. G).

n outlook: There were no se-niors on last year’s team, so the Cardinals are loaded with experi-ence. Not many teams return their top six scorers, three of them with double-figure averages. Michigan Center has the goods to return to the top of the Cascades, but the Cardinals are dealing with illness and injuries that reduced preseason practices to six players.

n Coach says: “We’re having trouble getting started. I feel like I’ve been doing a bad job because I don’t know how to get six people ready. We’re trying to stay positive.”

n last title: Conference: 2006 (Cascades Conference). District: 2005. Last regional title: 2005.

GIRLS TEAM

PaRKER DoYlE


VANDERCOOK LAKE JAYHAWKSn Coach: Paul Varner (10th sea-

son, 66-122 at Vandercook Lake; 12th season overall, 76-154).

n last season: 12-9, 8-6 (4th) in Cascades. Vandercook Lake put together back-to-back winning sea-sons for the first time since 1998. The Jayhawks, however, could not get over the hump in the league, go-ing 0-6 against the league’s top three teams: Napoleon, Hanover-Horton and Michigan Cen-ter.


n Returning starters (3): Mat Negus (6-0 sr. F) averaged 13.7 points a game in his second season as a starter to earn all-conference honors. Josh Lowe (5-10 sr. G) is another two-year starter who aver-aged 8.0 points and was honorable mention all-conference. Third-year varsity player Jerry Mackinder (5-10 jr. G) averaged 3.8 points.


ners (3): T.J. Marriott (5-9 sr. G), Jordan Donaldson (5-10 sr. G) and Ryan Negus (6-0 jr. F) scored be-tween 2.4 and 4.0 points a game.

n Balance of roster: Jon Moore (6-3 jr. F) transferred from East Jackson, where he averaged a team-high 14.2 points a game and earned all-Cascades Conference, and will be eligible the second se-mester. Chad Marriott (5-11 jr. G), Andrew Field (6-1 jr. F), Kahlab Koch (6-0 jr. F), Javon Flowers (6-2 soph. F), Pedro Gonzalez (6-3 jr. F).

n outlook: The Jayhawks will need to find an inside presence if they’re to climb higher than fourth place. They should be entertain-ing and will be a team to watch the second half of the season after Moore gets worked into the mix.

n Coach says: “We’re not big, but it’s probably as athletic a team as I’ve had. I’d like to think we’ll be able to compete in the upper divi-sion, but the first part of the sea-son is going to be a struggle.”

n last title: Conference: 1970 (Cascades Conference). District: 1979. Regional: None.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Kate Richards (second season, 5-17).

n last season: 5-17, 1-13 (8th) in Cascades. Vandercook Lake snapped a 30-game losing streak by winning its second game of the season. The Jayhawks avoided a second straight winless season in the Cascades by winning their finale against Grass Lake, and they won a dis-trict game against Whitmore Lake.


n Returning starters (1): Melinda Oberlin (5-10 sr. F) averaged 2.0 points and was second on the team with 4.1 re-bounds a game.

n other returning letterwin-ners: None.

n Balance of roster: Maria Midena (5-7 soph. G), Valerie Gor-ton (5-10 soph. F), Amber Malisze-wski (5-6 jr. F), Quinn Fischman (5-7 jr. G), Kayla Fairchild (5-4 jr. G), Kelly Jennings (5-4 jr. G), Courtney

Bunker (5-7 jr. F), Grace Johnson (5-8 jr. C), Annie Wallen (5-4 jr. G), Tera Fracala (5-5 jr. G).

n outlook: The graduation loss of six players was expected. What wasn’t expected was being de-serted by this year’s senior class — five players who were on the team last year as juniors did not come out this season. That leaves the Jayhawks easily the most inex-perienced team in the conference. Midena was the leading scorer on the JV team last year and played the final three games for the var-sity. If the Jayhawks want to end a three-year stay at the bottom of the conference, improving their shooting — 28 percent from the field last season — is a must.

n Coach says: “We have a lot of girls who give a lot of effort. They play with a lot of guts and give me all they have. Our asset is our quickness. We’re going to try to uti-lize that and play a fullcourt game. In the offseason, we tried to im-prove our shooting. It was terrible.”

n last title: Conference: None. District: 2002. Regional: None.

GIRLS TEAM

NEGus oBERliN


COLUMBIA CENTRAL GOLDEN EAGLESn Coach: Jason Rychener (fifth


in SMAA. Columbia Central posted its 11th straight losing season but showed improvement down the stretch with wins over strong Michigan Center and Stockbridge teams. A six-game losing streak in the first half of the sea-son had the Golden Eagles in a hole. The season ended with a 74-45 loss to Marshall in the first round of the Class B district.

n last season’s JV record: 7-13.n Returning starters (2): Zach

Braman (5-11 jr. G) was honorable mention in the SMAA in his sopho-more season after averaging 11.0 points a game, second on the team. Jordan Wyne (5-8 sr. G) averaged 5.1 points and posted three double-figure scoring games in the last seven games of the regular season.

n other returning letterwinners

(3): Jacob Archer (5-10 sr. G) played in 12 games and averaged 1.7 points. Santo Sclafani (5-11 sr. G) scored 33 points and Dan Midena (5-10 sr. G) scored 38 points last season.

n Balance of roster: Jacob Hart-ley (6-3 sr. C), Brad Marcyan (6-6 sr. C), Jacob Zaszczurynski (5-8 jr. G), Lucas Elrod (6-0 jr. G), Nick Issa (5-9 jr. G), Austin McBean (6-2 jr. G), Bobbo Chesser (6-3 soph. C), Pete Zeiger (6-3 jr. G).

n outlook: Columbia Central will be looking for a winning season for the first time since 1997-98. With two returning starters, the Golden Eagles will have to rely on Braman’s scoring ability. Blake Hohlbein, who averaged 10.4 points last year, transferred to Lenawee Christian.

n Coach says: “As a team we’ve set a goal to get to .500. We’re pretty deep in the backcourt, but we have to be a strong overall re-bounding team. Post-wise we’re on the short side, so we’re going to rely on an uptempo game.”


BOYS TEAM

n Coach: David McDevitt (13th season, 127-132, four conference championships).

n last season: 15-7, 10-2 (1st) in SMAA. Columbia Central was strong down the stretch in winning its third league title in four years. The Golden Eagles won their final five league games. A seven-game win-ning streak that ended in the Class B district finals gave Columbia Central its most victories in 14 years.

n last season’s JV record: 19-1.n Returning starters (3): Vic-

toria McBean (5-7 jr. G) was a sec-ond-team all-SMAA selection, av-eraging 8.5 points and 3.2 assists. Emily White (5-6 jr. G) averaged 8.3 points a game as a sophomore. Tina Lynch (5-9 sr. C) averaged 6.1 points and 6.6 rebounds.

n other returning letterwinners (2): Denton Votzke (5-10 soph. C) averaged 1.5 points her freshman

year. Shelby Greene (5-6 sr. F) aver-aged 1.4 points a game last year.

n Balance of roster: Mackenzie Jordon (5-7 jr. F), Megan Jordon (5-5 jr. G/F), Lauren Ford (5-5 jr. G), Heather Schwyn (5-4 jr. G), Sarah Goodwin (5-6 jr. G), Allison Kopplin (5-6 sr. F).

n outlook: Columbia Central will have a different look after the grad-uation of Emily Stewart, who set school scoring records for a season and career. The Golden Eagles ap-pear to have plenty of options to pick up the scoring. Three returning starters include two juniors who will join their classmates coming off an outstanding junior varsity season. Columbia Central should be in the hunt for the league title.

n Coach says: “This year’s team looks to build on last year’s suc-cess. The girls are focused on the defensive end and bring a great attitude about the finer points of the game. They have great team chemistry.”

n last title: Conference: 2009 (SMAA). District: 1993. Regional: 1976.

GIRLS TEAM

BRaMaN McBEaN


2008-09DREaM TEaM

Abbie Richardson, sr., NapoleonErika Bullock, sr., Lumen ChristiLindsey Gifford, sr., NapoleonAshley Rando, jr., NorthwestEmily Stewart, sr., Col. CentralHaley Sullivan, sr., Napoleon

sECoND TEaMKayla Miles, sr., East JacksonTonia Pratt, soph., Mich. CenterJaelynn Pryor, jr., JacksonKelsey White, sr., NorthwestNicole Wurster, jr., Homer

THiRD TEaMChelsea Doyle, soph., Mich. CenterChelsea Mead, sr., SpringportErika Mestdagh, sr., HomerJulie Shaffer, jr., HillsdaleJaslyn Smith, jr., Albion

2007-08DREaM TEaM

Dana Cook, sr., AddisonLiz Brannick, sr., Lumen ChristiLindsey Gifford, jr., NapoleonAlyssa Harris, sr., Han.-HortonAlexa Malone, sr., JacksonAbbie Richardson, jr., Napoleon

sECoND TEaMAlyssa Alvarez, sr., AlbionConnaught Blood, jr., Hill. AcademyKayla Crockett, sr., StockbridgeAshley Rando, soph., NorthwestEmily Stewart, jr., Col. Central

THiRD TEaMAndrea Bommarito, sr., SpringportJeni Lindamood, sr., Grass LakeCaitlyn Owens, jr., OnstedSamantha Rando, sr., Han.-HortonKristen Seburg, jr., Leslie

2006DREaM TEaM

Melissa Shaw, sr., NorthwestLiz Brannick, jr., Lumen ChristiBarb Clayborn, sr., Mich. CenterSydney Dow., sr., JonesvilleLauren Lee, sr., Jackson ChristianLily Scholl, sr., Columbia Central

sECoND TEaMSamantha Budd, sr., Mich. CenterDana Cook, jr., AddisonAlexa Malone, jr,. JacksonAshley Nugent, sr., NorthwestAbbie Richardson, soph., Napoleon

THiRD TEaMAmy Beach, sr., N.A.-JeromeLindsey Gifford, soph., NapoleonAlyssa Harris, jr., Hanover-HortonEllie Mulnix, sr., SpringportDanielle Powaga, jr., Grass Lake

2005DREaM TEaM

Latashia Pratt, sr., Mich. CenterJalisha Belle, sr., JacksonBarb Clayborn, jr., Mich. CenterCourtney Lusk, sr., Mich. CenterShannah Gazlay, sr., Vand. LakeMelissa Shaw, jr., Northwest

sECoND TEaMLiz Brannick, soph., L. ChristiSydney Dow., jr., JonesvilleLily Scholl, jr., Columbia CentralAlyssa Harris, soph., Han.-HortonLauren Lee, jr., Jackson Christian

THiRD TEaMDana Cook, soph., AddisonEllie Mulnix, jr., SpringportStaci O’Dell, sr., HomerJessica Scott, sr., NapoleonKara Wilcox, sr., Northwest

2004DREaM TEaM

Latashia Pratt, jr., Mich. CenterJalisha Belle, jr., JacksonStephani Croad, sr., WesternCourtney Lusk, jr., Mich. CenterSallie Richardson, sr., NapoleonHeidi Sharp, jr., Northwest

sECoND TEaMBarb Clayborn, soph., Mich. CenterShannah Gazlay, jr., Vand. LakeBecca Matthews, sr., WesternMelissa Shaw, soph., NorthwestDayna Waters, sr., Stockbridge

THiRD TEaMMika Clark, sr., AlbionJessica Hull, sr., Hanover-HortonSara Johnson, sr., Jack. ChristianShelby Neill, jr., AddisonSamantha Nielsen, jr., Jonesville

2003DREaM TEaM

Jessica Teubert, sr., JonesvilleKatie Guerriero, sr., L. ChristiCourtney Lusk, soph., Mich. CenterLatashia Pratt, soph., Mich. CenterJenee Spry, jr., Concord

a-B TEaMStephani Croad, jr., WesternTricia Eddy, sr., WesternJenny Freymuth, sr., JacksonSara Jacobs, sr., StockbridgeKara Wilcox, soph., Northwest

C-D TEaMAbbie Barrett, sr., JonesvilleDiane Bell, sr., East JacksonDee Dee Briggs, jr., Vand. LakeBarb Clayborn, fr., Mich. CenterTamara Lane, sr., Albion

2002DREaM TEaM

Kali Briggs, jr., Vandercook LakeKarla Gamble, sr., AlbionKatie Johnson, sr., Col. CentralCarna Peach, sr., ConcordJessica Teubert, jr., Jonesville

sECoND TEaMAmy Aemisegger, sr., HillsdaleKatie Guerriero, jr., Lumen ChristiKristie Presley, sr., Mich. CenterStephanie Rutan, sr., E. JacksonKayla Yager, sr., Hillsdale

THiRD TEaMMallory Craft, sr., LeslieKatrina Johnson, sr., JacksonKellie Murdock, sr., ConcordLatashia Pratt, fr., Mich. CenterChanel Taylor, sr., Albion

2001DREaM TEaM

Jessica Teubert, soph., JonesvilleKatie Johnson, jr., Col. CentralDani Lowe, sr., Vandercook LakeChanel Taylor, jr., AlbionKayla Yager, jr., Hillsdale

sECoND TEaMKali Briggs, soph., Vand. LakeSara Furnival, sr., NorthwestKarla Gamble, jr., AlbionKatie Guerriero, soph., L. ChristiBrenna Smith, sr., Napoleon

THiRD TEaMChristine Ingraham, sr., Hanover-

HortonNatalie Mulnix, sr., SpringportCarna Peach, jr., ConcordJenna Sharp, sr., WesternErika Schmitz, sr., Napoleon

2000DREaM TEaM

Cortney Urquhart, sr., Han.-HortonAshley Boertman, sr., LeslieSarah Caskey, sr., StockbridgeJessica Lister, sr., StockbridgeJessica Teubert, fr., Jonesville

sECoND TEaMAshley Edwards, sr., Mich. CenterSara Furnival, jr., NorthwestKatie Guerriero, fr., Lumen ChristiDani Lowe, jr., Vandercook LakeChanel Taylor, soph., Albion

THiRD TEaMOlivia Hinkle, sr., HomerAmanda House, sr., Jack. ChristianEmilie Janson, sr., WesternBrenna Smith, jr., NapoleonNicole Whitehead, sr., Stockbridge

GIRLS RECENT ALL-AREA TEAMS

BoysClass a

Final: Detroit Pershing 90, Kalamazoo Central 73Semifinals: Kalamazoo Central 58, Clarkston 44; Detroit Per-

shing 74, Romulus 73Class B

Final: Flint Powers Catholic 62, Zeeland East 54Semifinals: Zeeland East 75, Bridgeport 53; Flint Powers

Catholic 63, Inkster 56Class C

Final: Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech 73, School-craft 67

Semifinals: Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech 68, McBain 46; Schoolcraft 63, Montague 50Class D

Final: Muskegon Western Michigan Christian 62, Cedarville 61Semifinals: Cedarville 80, Lawrence 77; Muskegon W. Michi-

gan Christian 85, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian 72

GirlsClass a

Final: Benton Harbor 60, Livonia Franklin 46Semifinals: Benton Harbor 65, Lake Orion 45; Livonia Franklin

55, Detroit Renaissance 54 (OT)Class B

Final: Detroit Country Day 50, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 40Semifinals: Grand Rapids Catholic Central 77, Lakeview 39;

Detroit Country Day 59, DeWitt 39Class C

Final: Flint Hamady 63, McBain 48Semifinals: McBain 54, Napoleon 48; Flint Hamady 57, Olivet 43

Class DFinal: New Lothrop 50, Marine City Cardinal Mooney 32Semifinals: New Lothrop 48, Ontonagon 27; Marine City Car-

dinal Mooney 50, Johannesburg-Lewiston 46

2009 SEMIFINALS/FINALS


ALBION WILDCATSn Coach: Durant Crum (eighth

season, 116-52, three conference championships, five district cham-pionships, three regional champi-onships).

n last season: 17-6, 10-2 (1st) in SMAA. Albion continued to be con-sidered among the best teams in the Jackson area with its sixth straight winning season, a league champion-ship and a Class C district title. Three of its losses were by one or two points, including a 39-37 loss to Pewamo-Westphalia in the regional semifinals.

n last season’s JV record: 11-8.n Returning starters (3): Justin

Edmonds (6-4 sr. G/F) was third-team all-area and first-team all-SMAA after averaging 10.0 points a game. Darius Crum (6-0 jr. G) was SMAA honorable mention after av-eraging 9.2 points, and Todd Atchi-son (5-9 sr. G) averaged 4.5 points.


ners (1): Kyle Harris (6-2 jr. F) aver-aged 2.0 points a game.

n Balance of roster: Liam Hud-son (5-10 sr. G), Scott Farkas (6-2 sr. F), Dion Mitchell (6-0 sr. F), Tyler Woods (5-11 jr. G), Hayes Mueller (5-9 jr. G), Terrance Welch (6-1 jr. G).

n outlook: Edmonds could be one of the premier players in the area and has a solid supporting cast with Crum, Atchison and Har-ris. Look out for Hudson, a foreign exchange student from England, who could crack the starting lineup. The Wildcats held opponents to 42.5 points a game last year and will be looking for that kind of defensive effort while the offense gels.

n Coach says: “Our success will depend on our three return-ing starters. They provide a good nucleus and will provide a lot of leadership and stability. We’re not a real tall team, so speed and quick-ness will be our biggest assets.”

n last title: Conference: 2009 (SMAA). District: 2009. Regional: 2008.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Thomas Spratley (third season, 22-18).

n last season: 9-11, 9-3 (2nd) in SMAA. Albion made a living win-ning close games. The Wildcats were 7-1 in games decided by five or fewer points. They had their eyes on a league title until dropping two of their final three SMAA games.


n Returning starters (2): Jaslyn Smith (5-7 sr. G) was a first-team all-SMAA selection last season after averaging 13.4 points a game. Smith scored 30 points in a 64-59 win over Hillsdale. As Smith went, so went the Wild-cats — they were 1-7 in games in which she did not score in double figures. Rebecca Haas (5-5 sr. G) was second-team all-conference with 9.9 points a game. She came on strong, averaging 13.8 points over the final six games.


ners (1): Charla Barber (5-7 sr. F) averaged 1.9 points a game.

n Balance of roster: Jaya Smith (5-11 soph. C) was called up for the final three games. Alice Washing-ton (6-0 sr. C), Chablis Gobal (6-0 sr. C), Reba Colman (5-7 sr. G), Rickey Swinton (5-6 soph. G), Kei-nona Wilson (5-5 soph. G), Tykara Patterson (5-10 jr. F), Aliya Owens (5-6 fr. G).

n outlook: Albion does not have a great deal of experience, but Smith and Haas give the Wildcats a solid foundation. This year, they will lead a talented group of younger, emerging players. Look for Albion, Columbia Central and Hillsdale to battle it out for the top spot in the SMAA.

n Coach says: “We’re going to be competitive, that’s for sure. We have a strong senior presence that should provide leadership to others on the team. It will be a challenge to get our new team to mesh as a cohesive group.”

n last title: Conference: 2002 (Tri-River Athletic Conference). Dis-trict: 2001. Regional: 2001.

GIRLS TEAM

All-time district titles by school, with most recent:school Titles lastMichigan Center 11 2005Grass Lake 10 2008Albion 8 2001Stockbridge 7 2000Jackson 6 1988Lumen Christi 6 2008Napoleon 6 2009East Jackson 5 2000Homer 5 1996Jonesville 5 2003Columbia Central 4 1993Hanover-Horton 4 2000Northwest 3 1993Concord 2 1993Jackson Christian 2 2006Western 2 1989Leslie 1 1996Springport 1 1989Vandercook Lake 1 2002Hillsdale 0 —

GIRLS DISTRICT TITLES

EDMoNDs sMiTH


HILLSDALE HORNETSn Coach: Brad Felix (eighth

season, 125-37, three conference championships, three district championships, one regional cham-pionship).

n last season: 14-7, 8-4 (2nd) in SMAA. Hillsdale was again one of the area’s top teams, and the Hornets finished with their eighth straight winning season but did not win the league title for the second straight year doing so three straight years. The season ended with a 60-32 loss to Coldwa-ter in the first round of the district.

n last season’s JV record: 4-16.n Returning starters (1): Kurtis

Condon (6-3 sr. F) averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds a game.

n other returning letterwin-ners (3): Nick Bakerjian (5-10 sr. G) shot 46 percent from 3-point range and averaged 2.3 points per game last season. Nick Reiniche (6-3 sr. F) played in just two games before

an injury ended his junior season. Sonny McCoy (6-3 sr. F) will be a defensive sparkplug.

n Balance of roster: Mike Clev-enger (5-10 jr. G), Cameron Holroyd (6-0 soph. G), Dustin Moyer (5-4 jr. G), Drew Byers (5-8 sr. G), Pat Mar-tin (5-8 jr. G), Jacob Nelson (5-8 jr. G), Caleb MacDonald (6-2 jr. F), Dan Vear (6-5 jr. F).

n outlook: Hillsdale hasn’t had a losing season since 2000-01, but the Hornets will be challenged to keep that streak alive this year. The Hornets lost 88 percent of their of-fensive production from last season after graduating four seniors, in-cluding Citizen Patriot Dream Team selection Mitchell Gabrielle, who averaged 23.1 points.

n Coach says: “If we’re going to have success, we’ll have to pro-duce points by forcing turnovers and running the floor. Our coaching staff is looking for guys who want to take on a leadership role and ac-cept some responsibility.”

n last title: Conference: 2007 (SMAA South). District: 2007. Re-gional: 2005.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Nick Langston (second season, 12-10).

n last season: 12-10, 8-4 (3rd) in SMAA. The area’s biggest turn-around occurred at Hillsdale, which won as many games last season as it had in the previous four seasons combined. Hillsdale won its last three games of the regu-lar season to clinch its first winning re-cord since 2002.


n Returning starters (5): Julie Shaffer (5-1 sr. G) was a first-team all-conference se-lection last season after averaging 12 points with 31 3-point baskets and 73 percent free-throw shoot-ing. Jackie Anderson (6-0 sr. C) was also first-team all-conference, averaging 10 points and scoring 20 points on three occasions. Stefani Skiendziel (5-9 sr. F) averaged 6.8 points, and Anna Rumler (6-0 sr. F) averaged 5.2 points and scored in double figures three times. Tiki

Malone (5-6 jr. G) averaged 5.7 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (3): Jennifer Anderson (6-0 sr. F) averaged 2.3 points last season. Kara Keating (5-0 sr. G) appeared in seven games, and Emily Gary (5-5 sr. F) played in four games.

n Balance of roster: Amanda Malone (5-0 sr. G), Jenna Crawford (5-6 jr. F), Marina Esteban (5-4 jr. G), Lauren Chase (5-6 jr. G/F), Hay-ley Maystead (5-9 fr. F).

n outlook: With all five starters returning from last season, the Hor-nets can be considered contenders for a conference championship that would be the first in the program’s history. Shaffer is recovering from surgery in May after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and her return is unclear.

n Coach says: “This should be an exciting year. Taking care of the basketball and not overlook-ing teams will be key. If we play disciplined, it’s going to be hard for anyone to match up with us.”

n last title: Conference: None. District: None. Regional: None.

GIRLS TEAM

All-time district titles by school, with most recent:school Titles lastAlbion 22 2009Lumen Christi 19 2001Concord 17 2002Leslie 17 2006 Jackson 16 2008Stockbridge 16 1998Homer 15 2006Napoleon 14 2009Hanover-Horton 13 2009Jonesville 11 2001Western 11 2001East Jackson 9 1980Hillsdale 8 2007Michigan Center 8 1998Grass Lake 7 1995Vandercook Lake 6 1987Springport 4 1999Columbia Central 3 1971Jackson Christian 3 2007Northwest 2 2003

BOYS DISTRICT TITLES

CoNDoN sHaFFER


LESLIE BLACKHAWKSn Coach: Chad Burlison (second


in SMAA. Leslie struggled a bit in coach Chad Burlison’s first year, but the Blackhawks did catch fire late. The team won its final two games of the regular sea-son and then won its first two games of the district tournament before bowing to a strong Pewamo-Westpha-lia team 50-45 in the Class C district final. It was the second straight year in which Leslie won two games in the tournament.

n last season’s JV record: 12-8.n Returning starters (1): Ryan

Masters (6-2 sr. C/F) averaged 4.8 points and scored in double figures four times for the Blackhawks.

n other returning letterwin-ners (1): Gabe Christ (6-2 sr. F) av-eraged 2.7 points in his junior year.

n Balance of roster: Kyle Bryson (6-0 soph. G/F), Brendon Smith

(5-11 soph. G), Andrew Arras (5-8 soph. G/F), Matt Cox (5-7 soph. F), Chase Tropf (6-1 jr. F), Zach Culver (6-6 jr. C), Ryan Armstrong (6-1 jr. C), Austin Reasoner (6-0 jr. G/F), Kyle Dollarhite (5-10 sr. G).

n outlook: With just two play-ers back from last year’s roster, the Blackhawks have their work cut out for them. Leslie graduated its two leading scorers — Trent Page and Travis Crowe, who averaged 16.5 and 13.8 points, respectively. The Blackhawks allowed 62 points per game last season and must tighten their defense to have a chance in the SMAA.

n Coach says: “I’m happy to see the group we have. This sophomore class is special — a lot of very good athletes with big-game experience. Defense is going to be huge. We have to have great ball pressure and create points off turnovers. We must show we can handle pressure being a young team, and the funda-mentals will be important as ever.”


BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Matt Johns (fifth sea-son, 29-56).

n last season: 7-15, 1-11 (7th) in SMAA. Leslie could not sustain the momentum of a 3-1 start. The Blackhawks were held under 40 points in 10 games.


n Returning starters (3): Paxin Stern (5-6 sr. G) was second-team all-SMAA the past two seasons. She averaged 10.5 points a game last year and is one of the top 3-point shooters in the area. As sophomores, Becky Swab (5-9 jr. C) averaged 9.8 points and Autumn Barratt (5-11 jr. F/C) aver-aged 5.6 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Megan Martin (5-6 jr. G) averaged 6.1 points, and Han-nah Beson (5-9 sr. C) played in 14 games for the Blackhawks.

n Balance of roster: Kelsey Ries (5-8 jr. G/F), Taylor Ward (5-8 jr.

G), Sam Welhusen (5-6 jr. G), Tori Cowan (5-6 jr. G), Emily Kennedy (5-6 jr. F), Magdalena Schoof (6-1 sr. C), Anna Bremer (5-10 sr. F), An-nika Greff (5-6 sr. G).

n outlook: The Blackhawks re-turn two of their top three scorers from last season but must find a way to consistently put points on the board. Stern’s senior leader-ship will be critical as she leads a younger group of players. Leslie should be strong up front. If the Blackhawks can get the ball to Swab and Barratt, they can make a turnaround while still building for next year with a relatively young team.

n Coach says: “This is without a doubt the deepest team we have had in the last five years. Now we are hoping that it translates into success. The league will be ex-tremely competitive, and we are trying to prepare ourselves by play-ing some challenging non-confer-ence opponents.”

n last title: Conference: 1997 (SMAA). District: 1996. Regional: None.

GIRLS TEAM

MasTERs sTERN


STOCKBRIDGE PANTHERSn Coach: Jason Ladd (sixth sea-

son, 46-59).n last season: 8-13, 4-8 (5th)

in SMAA. Stockbridge opened the season strong with wins over Co-runna, Charlotte and Grass Lake before dropping its next five games en route to its third losing season in the last four years. A highlight to the Panthers’ season was nearly knock-ing off regular-sea-son unbeaten Napo-leon before bowing 63-53.


n Returning starters (3): Jeff O’Brien (6-1 jr. G) was the team’s second-leading scorer last season with 14.5 points per game, includ-ing three games with at least 21 points. Jacob Powers (6-2 sr. F) was the team’s next-leading scorer at 7.4. Robert Marshall (6-2 sr. F) aver-aged 3.1 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (2): Joseph Summers (6-1 sr.

G) averaged 2.4 points and played in all but two games. Ian Bumpus (6-2 sr. G) was the top scorer for the junior varsity and saw action in six varsity games last season, scor-ing five points.

n Balance of roster: Jacob Pace (5-9 jr. G), Dominic Busen (6-3 jr. C), Doug Tripp (6-4 jr. C), Koltin Grammer (6-2 jr. C), Alex Diedrich (6-0 jr. G), Ashton Baalaer (5-10 jr. G), Jeff Katz (5-8 jr. G).

n outlook: The Panthers will play without their top scorer from last season, Thomas Lovachis, who transferred after averaging 16.0 points per game last year. How-ever, they return a solid core with O’Brien and Powers and should be in contention for the top two spots in the league.

n Coach says: “We should be very athletic and very intelligent as far as on and off the court. This is the most athletic team I’ve had here. In terms of depth, we legiti-mately go nine deep.”

n last title: Conference: 2003 (Tri-River Athletic Conference). Dis-trict: 1998. Regional: 1978.

BOYS TEAM

n Coach: Mike Daily (eighth season, 85-66, one conference championship, one district champi-onship).

n last season: 4-17, 2-10 (6th) in SMAA. Stockbridge was more competitive than its record shows, going 0-6 in games decided by five or fewer points or in overtime. The Pan-thers were held to 40 or fewer points in 13 games.


n Returning starters (3): Katie Crockett (5-6 jr. G) is the team’s leading returning scorer at 6.3 points per game and reached double figures four times last season. Brooklyn Baldridge (5-6 sr. G) aver-aged 3.3 points, including a season-high 11 against Western. Emily Lewis (5-9 jr. F) averaged 3.4 points.

n other returning letterwin-ners (4): Kayla Caudill (5-7 soph. G) played in every game last season and averaged 4.1 points.

Jasmine Holloway (5-6 soph. G) averaged 3.4 points a game. Becca Powers (6-1 soph. C) averaged 2.6 points. Callie Penix-Wilson (5-3 sr. G) played in 15 games last season.

n Balance of roster: Raven Sum-mers (5-7 jr. F), Amanda Ballagh (5-9 jr. F).

n outlook: The Panthers look to finish in the middle of the league, but the loss of Samantha Knepley, a standout all-around athlete, will certainly make that difficult. Kne-pley was expected to play a large role this season but tore her ante-rior cruciate ligament at the end of the volleyball season.

n Coach says: “We are still go-ing to be young. However, all play-ers saw a significant amount of playing time, so that in itself will make us better. I will be looking for girls to step up and be scorers. We lost our two top scorers from last season (Mallori Johnson and Brooke Boyd), so finding ways to score will be interesting.”


GIRLS TEAM

o’BRiEN BalDRiDGE


WESTERN PANTHERSn Coach: Lee Ingles (fourth

season at Western, 28-34; overall reco

Documents

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW - mlivemedia.mlive.com/citpat/sports_impact/other/Tipoff 2009-10...schus (5-0 jr. G), Yasmine Williams (5-0 jr. G), Yasriah Williams (5-1 jr