Ludington and Manistee Winter Sports 2015-2016

Your guide to the upcoming sports season, featuring stories, team photos and schedules

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LUDINGTON AND MANISTEE

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Ludington Daily News monDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

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Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Ludington girls basketball

Orioles want to recapture Lakes 8

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s girls basketball team is loaded with experience and has the aim to bring the Lakes 8 Activities Conference title back to Hawley Gymnasium.

“We had a four year streak going there, which is a great accomplishment,” Ludington coach Thad Shank said. “Last year, we watched Spring Lake cut the nets down and it’s something I know I remember. Hopefully, it’s ingrained their minds as well.”

The Orioles return seven players from last year’s team, three of whom are juniors. Three were also starting players. Ludington is not short on experience.

“When you talk about Kristen (Reidenbach), Claire (Flewelling), Ali (Plamondon) and Jenna (Keson), those are four girls who have been playing varsity basketball since they were freshmen,” Shank said. “You look at it, and you have Kaci Kuster and Mikayla Mesyar as well with their experience. Having three girls who have played varsity basketball since they were freshmen and four girls since they were sophomores, we’ve got a lot of experience.”

Flewelling, Reidenbach, Mesyar and Kuster are all seniors with all that experience while Plamondon and Keson are juniors.

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Claire Flewelling, Kaci Kuster, Anna Martinelli, Mikayla Mesyar and Kristen Reidenbach.

Juniors: Courtney Edwards, Jenna Keson, Ali Plamondon, Olivia Sekenske and Bethany Shay.

Sophomore: Mackenzie Luce.

Because of the experience that Ludington has, they entered the winter practices already knowing much of what’s expected and what to do.

“I think the relationship aspect is important. You’re ahead of the game early, when you have kids who have been executing your system for a multiple number of years,” Shank said. “It gives you an ability to do a number of things.”

Ludington lost two starters from last year’s team, and both played significant roles for the Orioles.

Four-year varsity player Kalli Wahr graduated as did Brandy Thomas. Wahr’s ballhanding skills and leadership will be missed while Thomas, who is now at Illinois State on the Redbirds’ track teams, was a post presence.

The Orioles will look to a few incoming players to fill in, juniors Courtney Edwards and Bethany Shay as well as Mackenzie Luce.

Ludington also added senior Anna Martinelli, a foreign exchange student.

Shank loves the roster he has.

“I think one through 10, this is as physically athletic a team as I’ve had with the girls. We don’t have the same size that we’ve had in the past,” Shank said. “From the pure athleticism to play quickly and explosively, these 10 have overall more quickness and speed than I’ve had since I’ve coached the girls. Hopefully, this group will be able to pressure people as well as any team as I’ve coached.

“I think we have the ability to make perimeter shots.

We have good depth. It’ll be huge for us to hit the perim-

russ miller photo

Members of the Ludington varsity girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Kaci Kuster, Jenna Keson, Olivia Sekenske, Mackenzie Luce, Courtney Edwards and Anna Martinelli; back row, manager Sabrina Grubb, Claire Flewelling, Kristen Reidenbach, Ali Plamondon, Mikayla Mesyar and Bethany Shay. eter shots on the consistent basis. We weren’t always as consistent as I’d like us to be with our shooting. We lack that go-to post player, with their back to the basket.”

If there is a twist to the season, it’s that Shank will be coaching both the girls and boys varsity basketball teams. If the weather isn’t a factor with cancellations, he should be able to coach

nearly all 40 regular season games without issues.

Ludington began its season last Tuesday in a nonconference game against Shelby, a 54-37 Ludington victory. The Orioles opened Lakes 8 Activities Conference play Friday at Fremont.

One portion of the schedule that draws attention is Ludington’s trip to Detroit over the Christmas holidays.

The Orioles are participating in the Motor City Roundball Classic for a pair of nonconference games. Shank said the team was scheduled to play Farmington Hills Harrison and Mona Shores on successive nights at Detroit Edison, but the final schedule has not been formally announced by the tournament.

The goal, in the end, is still a Lakes 8 title. Shank said

getting the championship back from Spring Lake is key, but the Orioles will need to focus on themselves first and foremost.

“It gives us an opportunity,” he said. “Obviously, Spring Lake and Fruitport are probably top contenders for that title along with us.

Fruitport returns everybody, and Spring Lake returns large portion (of its team).”

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Ludington wrestling

Dozens of matches await wrestlers

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s wrestling team will get plenty of opportunities to get wins and pins as individuals this winter.

But the team success might not be where coach Dan Fulton would like to see.

“We’re giving up probably 18 to 24 points (in each dual),” he said, with a forfeit loss costing six team points.

“We’re going to be real solid from 130 (pounds) to right on through. We’re missing the lighter kids.”

Ludington returns a handful of kids who reached the MHSAA Division 3 regional tournament last season.

Juniors Martin Torres and Ethan Tucker both did that last year.

“We had a handful of kids who were really close to making it out (of the individual district),” Fulton said. “(Spencer) Tenney and (Brian) Hansberger came close.”

The preseason practices have shown Fulton that Keenan Hays and Lucas Catron have done well so far.

Fulton was really thrilled with Hays’ work.

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Lucas Catron, Ari Hoekstra and Antonio Ramirez

russ miller photo

Members of the Ludington wrestling team are, front row, from left, Joshua Torres, Anthony Tenney, Ethan Tucker, Keenan Hays, Brian Hansberger, Martin Torres, Jakob Rowe, Ari Hoekstra and Tony Gomez; coach Dan Fulton, assistant Antonio Gonzalez III, Evan Cooper, Lucas Catron, Troy Althaus, Zachary Swartzendruber, Jonathan Smeltzer, Tony Ramirez, Jaden Nickelson, manager Christian Smeltzer and coach Jerome Nickelson.

Juniors: Troy Althaus, Andrew Althouse, Evan Cooper, Keenan Hays, Jakob Rowe, Martin Torres, Zachary Swartzendruber, and Ethan Tucker.

Sophomores: Anthony Gomez, Brian Hansberger, Gabe Lopez, Jonathan Smeltzer, Anthony Tenney and Josh Torres.

Freshman: Jaden Nickelson.

The Orioles didn’t quite

get the numbers, though, that Fulton was looking for.

He was aiming to see 30 kids on the mat this year, but that won’t be the case unless someone comes along soon.

Ludington’s wrestling team added a pair of assistants, Fulton said, making for three wrestlers per

coach. And, the schedule has been bulked up, too.

“Unfortunately, we have a really tough schedule this year,” Fulton said. “After winning 26 matches last year, we are an average school and a little above average. We were able to get into these tournaments and

get these guys matches.

They will be wrestling 47 times before the conference tournament. We can’t add one more match.

“If a kid goes to state, he’s going to wrestle 60 times.

We did everything we could to improve. We’ve got the coaches, the matches and

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the tough schools as we’re going south for a lot of our tournaments.

“By the end of the year, we’ll be on track for individuals. I expect to see nine go to regionals this year. That’s a good goal. I think that’s achievable if these kids continue to work hard.”

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Ludington bowling

Season starts earlier than normal

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s boys bowling team has a full roster, and coach Bill Huether looks forward to what the team can do this season.

Dillon Ely, Ian Nash, Quinn Phelps and Brian Shangle all return for the Orioles this season.

“Phelps and Ely will probably be our top bowlers this year,” Huether said.

There’s experienced bowlers back, and a few fresh faces, but the Orioles are missing one key bowler from the past four years, Jeff Medina.

Medina graduated last spring, but he reached the MHSAA state individual tournament’s knockout rounds a couple of times in his career. Ludington also graduated Anthony Pianto and Jordan Gilbert.

Beyond the returning bowlers, of which just Brian Shangle is a senior, the remainder are juniors.

Huether adds Brian’s younger brother, Bryce, to the team. He’s a freshman.

“Bryce is doing really well,” Huether said. “We have a left-hander, Tanner Hartman, who is doing well. Richard Kraft is coming along pretty well.”

Bryce Shangle, as well as Hartman, Kraft and Tristan McJimsey are all freshmen who will be factoring into the lineup this season.

Ludington’s boys roster: Senior: Brian Shangle.

Juniors: Dillon Ely, Nathaniel Long, Ian Nash and Quinn Phelps.

Sophomore: Tyler Babe.

Freshmen: Tanner Hartman, Richard Kraft, Tristan McJimsey and Bryce Shangle.

Fremont was a state pow-

russ miller photo

Members of the Ludington bowling teams are, front row, from left, Jodi Harrison, Bianca Kirk, Amber Spence, Seaira Williams, Ashley Shriver, Paighton Bentz and Cheyanne Hall; back row, coach Mary Gonzalez, Nathaniel Long, Brian Shangle, Ian Nash, Quinn Phelps, Dillon Ely, Bryce Shangle, Tristan McJimsey, RJ Kraft, Tanner Hartman and coach Bill Huether. erhouse the past couple of seasons, but the Packers graduated several of their bowlers from their team last year. That opens the door for perhaps the Orioles this season in the Lakes 8 Activities Conference.

Huether said he really wasn’t sure what school could rise up in the league race.

“We were the second-best team in the conference (last

year). We didn’t lose a lot of our experience,” he said.

Ludington starts its season tonight against Orchard View, a bit of a change when it comes to the bowling season in general for the Orioles.

“Last year, we started in the middle of December.

Two years before that, we didn’t start until after the new year,” Huether said. “It puts a little bit of pressure

on to get the kids ready.”

junior. Last year, at the MHSAA individual regional, the Girls bowling pair finished in the top 60 of The Ludington girls bowl- the individuals at the touring team will be somewhat nament. Ludington also reyoung, with no seniors, but turns juniors Seaira Williams with a handful of experi- and Amber Spence.

Ludington’s girls roster: enced bowlers from last year’s team.

The two leading returning Juniors: Bianca Kirk, Amber bowlers are Ashley Shriver Spence and Seaira Williams. and Bianca Kirk, with Shriv- Sophomores: Cheyanne Hall er a sophomore and Kirk a and Ashley Shriver.

Freshmen: Paighton Bentz and Jodi Harrison.

Ludington’s girls bowling team brings aboard sophomore Cheyanne Hall as well as freshmen Paighton Bentz and Jodi Harrison. Bentz was involved in the youth bowling leagues last year at Country Lanes.

The girls team is coached

by Mary Gonzalez.

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Ludington boys basketball

Shank takes on ‘hungry’ Orioles

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor

Seniors: Cameron Doan, Noah Dodson, Eric Friese, Zachariah Ludington’s boys basket- Gerovac, Andrew Jones and ball team figured to have a Zac Schoon. solid team for the 2015-16 Juniors: Kenneth Ambrose, season considering four re- Cameron Bandstra, Jared Colturning players earned all- lins, Josh Cooney, Sam LaDuke Lakes 8 Activities Confer- and Noah Laman. ence honors last year.

Freshman: Josh Laman.

The question since the season concluded was who Ludington adds several was going to coach? players up from its junior varJamie Bandstra resigned sity team, as well as a school from the position near in the Saginaw Valley League. the end of the season, and Juniors Kenny Ambrose, Jarcoached the Orioles to the ed Collins and Josh Cooney — conclusion of its year. Dina all guards — will be added to Hackert was hired to guide the mix of Orioles for this upthe boys, but she, too, re- coming season. signed after working with Junior Sam LaDuke played the team over the summer. at Midland High and moved Thad Shank returns to coach back to Ludington after tusthe boys this season. sling in the tough Saginaw “The thing that’s impressed Valley League’s junior varsime most is they’re hungry,” ty ranks.

Shank said, who also is coach“He’s really good with the ing the varsity girls team for ball in his hands. He’s goLudington. “A lot of things ing to add another perimewent wrong last year with in- ter threat to our basketball jury and illness and things team,” Shank said of former like that went. I think that’s Chemic. “He’s definitely a left these kids pretty hungry great addition. A real savvy to be successful this year. kid who is going to make a “That’s always a good big impact with us.” sign.”

Ludington also will add The Orioles return se- freshman Josh Laman to the niors Andrew Jones and Zac roster.

Schoon as well as juniors Shank said he’s molding his Cameron Bandstra and Noah offense around the abilities.

Laman. All four were named “(We need to) develop an either first team or second inside-out attack, and bring team all-Lakes 8. (our foes’) post players out “There’s no secret that you to guard (us). At the same win with players. Obvious- time, we’ll need to physically ly, it’s good to have talent- step and guard down in the ed players on the team. The post. We’ll have to have kids big factor will be how well like Andrew Jones, Noah those kids talents mesh to- Dodson and Jared Collins gether and how well they can put pressure on the ball out play together,” Shank said. front. It’s going to have to “There’s no doubt that we be great pressure team dedefinitely have some talent.” fense,” Shank said.

Ludington also returns seOne of the keys for Ludingniors Cameron Doan, Noah ton will be hitting perimeter Dodson and Eric Friese to shots within the offense, he this year’s team. said. If those shots fall, playLudington’s roster: ers who have a knack for

russ miller photo

Members of the Ludington varsity boys basketball team are, front row, from left, Cris Lopez, Zach Gerovac, Josh Cooney, Drew Jones, Cameron Bandstra, Noah Dodson and Kenny Ambrose; back row, Zac Schoon, Jared Collins, Noah Laman, Eric Friese, Joshua Laman, Sam LaDuke and Cameron Doan. driving to the basket will have paths to the hoop.

The Lakes 8 title race will likely go through the defending champions at Muskegon Catholic or Spring Lake, Shank said.

“Catholic returns a lot of kids from a conference championship team. Spring Lake made a run to the (Class B) quarterfinals last year. You have to say those two teams are the two teams to beat in the conference,” he said. “I would hope that we’re there battling it out right with them.”

Ludington opens the regular season at Traverse City Central Tuesday. The Lakes russ miller photo 8 race gets underway Friday Members of the Ludington varsity cheerleading team, from left, Christina Lopez, Kasey Eckstein, when the Orioles head to Mus- Erin Maltbie, Madelyn Shamel, Abby Shamel, Hannah Schmuhl, Kendra Schmuhl, Brooke Nash kegon to face the Crusaders. and coach Jennifer Shamel.

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Ludington boys swimming

Anderson to guide Orioles in pool

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s boys swimming team is under new guidance this winter as Kris Anderson, the girls varsity soccer and boys junior varsity soccer coach, takes on his third season of the calendar.

Anderson decided to pursue the coaching position after it became clear that Gordon Brown wouldn’t be able to coach the boys season after a very successful girls season wrapped last month.

Brown would have taken over for Jacob Cook, who coached the previous two seasons before moving to Spring Lake.

“I talked to Kelley Hatch, who has been the middle school coach for years.

She’s got good swim experience. She is the assistant coach. We decided together we can coach this team,” Anderson said. “I have the head coaching experience and she has the swimming coaching experience. And I have one boy who has been on the team, another son will be a diver. I’ve got two sons involved in the program. I would hate to see someone not step in and commit to the job.”

On paper, it seems Ludington might be just as green as the coach when it comes to the pool. Ludington’s lineup is heavy with freshman, 13 in all, that are taking on the challenge of high school swimming.

They, though, are not new to swimming.

“Actually, of the freshmen and sophomores, they are experienced swimmers,” Anderson said. “They’ve been swimming (recreation) and middle school for quite a few years... They’re experienced in the pool.”

russ miller photo

Members of the Ludington boys swimming team are, first row, from left, Quinn Sargent, Jack Glanville, Noah Peterson, Nathan Wietrzykowski, Ethan Huber, Diego Ruiz and David Hatch; second row, manager Meredith Filter, Noah Petzak, Jacob Anderson, Allen Maile, Luke Reilly, Jared Ruba, Patrick Gwiazdowski and Connor Schummer; third row, coach Kris Anderson, Luke Fountain, Kaleb Hatch, Trey Scott, Adam Tutak, Caleb Schoon, Evan Smith and Luke Middlebrook; back row, assistant Kelley Hatch, Caleb Duran, Ryan Ruba, Luke Snyder, Austin Ernst, Cyrano de Sainte Faire, Nathan Anderson, Trenton Dalm and Trent Thompson.

The Orioles return a good group of seniors and juniors to the pool. That includes seniors Nathan Anderson and Trenton Dalm and juniors Ryan Ruba and Luke Snyder.

As he has done with the girls soccer program, he informed his upperclassmen of their unique roles on the team this season.

“The varsity team I’ve coached, I’ve leaned on my seniors a lot because of maturity. I tell them, ‘This is your season and your team and you need to lead the others. In order for your senior year to be successful,

you have to set the example Ruba and Luke Snyder. for how to work and setting Sophomores: Jacob Anexpectations and eventu- derson, Caleb Duran, David ally they will be in the same Hatch, Kaleb Hatch, Diego Ruiz, spot.’

Caleb Schoon, Trey Scott, John “I will lean on Trenton Siegert, Trent Thompson and Dam, Nathan Anderson, Adam Tutak.

Luke Snyder and Ryan Ruba Freshmen: Luke Fountain, Jack who are very strong return- Glanville, Patrick Gwiazdowski, ing juniors and contributed Allen Maile, Christian Manier, quite a bit to the team (last Luke Middlebrook, Noah Peterseason).” son, Noah Petzak, Luke Reilly, Ludington’s roster: Jared Ruba, Thomas Ryan, Connor Schummer, Quinn Sargent and Nathan Wietrzykowski.

Seniors: Nathan Anderson, The large number of freshTrenton Dalm, Cyrano de men are talented, Anderson Sainte Fare, Evan Smith and said, and some could have Ethan Huber. breakout seasons in their Juniors: Austin Ernst, Ryan

first year in the high school sport.

“Luke Middlebrook, I think you’ll probably see him contribute,” he said. “He was pretty strong as a middle schooler. (Patrick) Gwiazdowski comes from good strong pedigree. I believe his dad is on the (record) board.

Patrick, I could see as having some good times this year and contributing as well.

“Luke Reilly is one we could see strong in the first little bit of practice. Jared Ruba has some swimming seasoning in him. They may take off next year and be-

yond. There’s some good strong freshmen that are out.”

Anderson knows Spring Lake will again be tough and Manistee has been building a solid team for the last few seasons, too. Both are circled as teams to look out for this season in the Coastal Conference.

“I would think with the depth that we have, we should be pretty competitive with both Manistee and Spring Lake. A lot of it depends on our divers. We have three first-year divers,” Anderson said.

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ludington winter schedules

for the 2015-16 season, concluded events not shown

coed bowling Dec. 7 Dec. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 13 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 3 Feb. 8

Feb. 10

Orchard View Fruitport at Orchard View at Fremont at Fruitport Fremont Orchard View Fruitport at Fremont at Lakes 8 individual tourney, Fruitport at Lakes 8 team tourney, Fruitport

girls basketball Dec. 11 at Muskegon Catholic Dec. 18 Manistee Dec. 28-29 at Motor City

Roundball Classic, Detroit Jan. 5 Reeths-Puffer Jan. 8 Spring Lake Jan. 15 at Orchard View Jan. 19 at Cadillac Jan. 22 Fruitport Jan. 25 at Manistee Jan. 29 Fremont Feb. 5 Muskegon Catholic

Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 19 Feb. 23 Feb. 26

Big Rapids at Spring Lake Oakridge Orchard View at Mason Co. Central at Fruitport

boys basketball Dec. 8 at Traverse City Central Dec. 11 at Muskegon Catholic Dec. 18 Manistee Jan. 5 Reeths-Puffer Jan. 8 Spring Lake Jan. 11 at Shelby Jan. 15 at Orchard View Jan. 19 at Cadillac Jan. 22 Fruitport Jan. 25 at Manistee Jan. 29 Fremont Feb. 2 Muskegon Heights Feb. 5 Muskegon Catholic Feb. 9 Big Rapids Feb. 12 at Spring Lake Feb. 16 Coopersville Feb. 19 Orchard View Feb. 23 at Mason Co.Central Feb. 26 at Fruitport March 3 at Fremont

boys swimming Dec. 12 Dec. 17 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Feb. 4 Feb. 11 Feb. 26-27

at Northville Invite at Grand Haven at Spring Lake at Holland Christian at Manistee at Fremont Spring Lake at Spring Lake

wrestling Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 13

Jan. 16

Jan. 20 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6

at Manistee at Kent City at Muskegon Catholic at Hart at Whitehall at Fruitport Orchard View, Shelby, Montague at Hudsonville Unity Christian at Montague at Fruitport at Shelby at Frankfort Lakes 8 tourney, Fruitport

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manistee winter schedules

for the 2015-16 season, concluded events not shown

boys basketball

Dec. 8 at Montague Dec. 12 Holland Calvary Dec. 14 at LeRoy Pine River Dec. 18 at Ludington Jan. 2 Shelby Jan. 5 at Onekama Jan. 8 Reed City Jan. 11 Evart Jan. 15 Traverse City Christian Jan. 19 Benzie Central Jan. 26 Ludington Feb. 1 Traverse City Central Feb. 5 at Brethren Feb. 8 at Manton Feb. 10 at Benzie Central Feb. 12 at Cadillac Feb. 17 at Frankfort Feb. 23 Maple City Glen Lake March 1 Big Rapids Crossroads March 3 at Mason County Central

girls basketball Dec. 8 Big Rapids Dec. 14 Cadillac Dec. 15 Reed City Dec. 18 at Ludington Dec. 28-29 at Motor City

Roundball Classic, Detroit Jan. 2 Shelby Jan. 5 Manton Jan. 20 at Benzie Central Jan. 26 Ludington Jan. 28 at Maple City Glen Lake

Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9 Feb. 11 Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 25

at Lake City at Cadillac at Traverse City Central Traverse City West Benzie Central at Fremont at Frankfort

co-op hockey Dec. 9 at Holland West Ottawa Dec. 11 Caledonia Dec. 12 GR West Catholic Dec. 18-19 at Jenison Jan. 2 at Rockford Jan. 6 Gladwin Jan. 8 Cadillac Jan. 9 Kalamazoo Eagles Jan. 15 Holland West Ottawa Jan. 16 Petoskey Jan. 30 at Cheboygan Feb. 6 GR Kenowa Hills Feb. 10 Traverse Bay Area Reps Feb. 13 at GR Northview Feb. 19-20 NMHL Tournament Feb. 26 Grand Haven Feb. 27 GR Northview

boys swimming Dec. 9 at W. Branch Ogemaw Hts Dec. 12 at GR Northview Jan. 7 at Spring Lake Jan. 9 at Spring Lake Jan. 14 Ludington Jan. 16 at W.Branch Ogemaw Hts

Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 26-27

at Spring Lake at Fremont at GR Ottawa Hills at Spring Lake Mona Shores at Ypsilanti at Coastal meet, Spring Lake

wrestling Dec. 9 Ludington Dec. 12 at Grandville Calvin Christ.

Dec. 16 at Traverse City Central Dec. 19 at Hart Jan. 2 at Mount Pleasant Jan. 6 at Manton Jan. 9 at GR Forest Hills Central Jan. 13 at Benzie Central Jan. 16 at Ravenna Jan. 20 LeRoy Pine River Jan. 23 Holland Jan. 27 at Fife Lake Forest Area Feb. 3 at Muskegon Catholic

competitive cheer Dec. 19 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 13 Feb. 17

at Reeths-Pufer at Brethren at Shelby at Marion at Marion at Brethren at Hougton Lake at Mason Co. Central

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Manistee High competitive cheer team, front row sitting left to right, Ashley Walle and Lexie Thompson. Middle row kneeling left to right, Leah Christensen, Hunter VanGorden and Ashley Peddie. Standing in back row left to right, Breanna Fink and Celia Star Chief. Not pictured: Stephanie Grimes, Makayla Miller and Shelby LaFrance.

Manistee competitive cheerleading

Chippewas building

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Now entering its third season, the Manistee High competitive cheer team has shown improvement every year and expects that trend to continue with four athletes returning who have done competitive cheer before working out with the team.

Coach Stacey Andrews isn’t calling it a rebuilding year, but there’s no question it’s a program that is still under construction and taking its formative steps. Each year brings the Chippewas a little closer to reaching their goal of becoming a contender for postseason honors.

Andrews points to the fact that a middle school program made its debut

last year, which will in time hopefully start producing recruits for the varsity squad. She’s also cautiously optimistic that there might be a junior varsity program in the not too distant future.

“We’re getting some depth and skills in our routines, and increased difficulty in what we’re able to do,” Andrews said. “Denise Lijewski (the former softball coach) is coaching at the middle school level.

“She’s coached before, was a high school cheerleader and a college softball player. I’m happy to have her on the staff.”

Despite the experience on the varsity, Andrews has only one varsity cheerleader returning in Leah Christensen. Two others who have cheered before

are seniors Ashley Peddie and Breanna Fink, as well freshmen who cheered on the middle school team in Lexie Thompson and Ashley Walle.

Sophomore Makayla Miller has cheered in the past, but not on the competitive team. Rounding out the squad are senior Shelby LaFrance and freshmen Stephanie Grimes and Celia Star Chief.

The only boy on the team, freshman Hunter VanGorden, isn’t allowed to participate in the varsity competitions but is practicing with the team and will perform in the exhibitions that are scheduled and open to the public, as well as be part of the team when they cheer at basketball games. see cheer, 11

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Manistee co-op hockey

Chippewas in search of scoring

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — With a ton of returning defensemen, the Manistee High co-op ice hockey team is solid on that end of the ice. But there were still some questions about the offense after the first four games of the season.

Defensive leaders coming back include Manistee seniors Thomas Berentsen and Jacob Stefanski, who ate up a lot of minutes last year.

Two other returners, Ludington junior Randy Johnson and Hart senior Matt Vanderwall got quite a bit of ice time down the stretch as the Chippewas won their GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS first ever Northern Michi- Manistee High co-op hockey team, front row, from left, assistant Dave Johnson, assistant Kyle Sanders, Raymond Schwass, Emil Norta, Josh Johnson, Will Shriver, gan Hockey League title and Austin McCarthy, Jacob Stefanski, Thomas Berentsen, Matt VanderWall, Rocco Staszczak, coach Mike Healy and assistant Mark Hamilton; back row, James Petersen, qualified for the playoffs Ryan Foley, Jacob Gustafson, Andrew Allen, Miguel Salinas, Noah Gurizzian, Randy Johnson, J.T. Walunas, Trevor Persoon, Barry Seymour III, Mason Callesen, Josh while finishing 13-13.

Fitzgerald and Jon Allen. Not pictured: Ryan VanderWeele, Ben Strbich and manager Gabe Hogenson.

Foreign exchange student ticing when the team’s not they have, and compliment hard to get him in the rink, Emil Norta’s addition has (Ludington), Austin McCarthy lot of ice team, too.” because they always needed each other very well.” further strengthened the (Ludington), Ryan VanderOffensively, the Chippe- there.

The Chippewas coach- someone to shoot at.

“All over the summer, defensive rotation. Norta is Weele (Manistee), Ryan Foley was return their top scorer “Bubba’s really improved somewhere around 6-foot-4 (Ludington), Noah Gurizzian in Ludington junior Austin they’re together playing, ing staff (assistants Kyle or 6-5 on skates, and he can (Ludington); McCarthy, who led in both whether they’re other sum- Sanders and Dave John- over the summer. You can shoot.

SOPHOMORES: Mason Callesen goals and assists, as well as mer teams they are play- son) are still experiment- tell. I’m excited to see him “That’s something we’ve (Manistee Catholic Central), the third leading scorer from ing on, or the (Meijer) State ing with combinations to fill coming back, and he got been looking for on the pow- Miguel Salinas (Manistee), J.T. last year in Manistee senior Games they are out on the the second and third lines quite a few minutes last ice together. They know four games into the season, year. As far as Rocco goes, er play, is somebody with Walunas (Ludington), James Will Shriver. a heavy shot,” head coach Peterson (Ludington), Andrew Shriver and McCarthy where each other are going which so far have met with he’s a younger kid and really Mike Healy said. “He’s a big Allen (Mason County Central), played on a line with Lud- to be. They’re used to play- mixed results. The Chippe- athletic. He’s a little smaller body. He’s had no issues Jacob Gustafson (Ludington), ington senior Josh Johnson ing with each other. They’ve was’ offensive production for a goaltender, but that’s (getting comfortable with Raymond Schwass (Manistee), some of the time last year, been playing on the varsity has improved, though, with kind of expected as he’s only his teammates). He’s kind of Barry Seymour III (Manistee and start on the team’s top for three years now. They’re 11 goals in the three games a freshman.

“He had some injury probfamiliar with each other, and that followed the opening a jokester. line this year.

Catholic Central); 5-0 loss to Grand Rapids For- lems over the summer, so he “Ever since day one he’s FRESHMEN: Jon Allen (Mason “That’s a line that can play work really well together. didn’t get ice time until two “Johnson is always at the est Hills Central. come in joking with the guys County Central), Trevor Perwith almost anybody in the Goalkeeping should be a weeks into practice when like he already knew them, soon (Mason County Central), state,” Healy added. “But, we rink with those guys, too, and never had an issue with Josh Fitzgerald (Manistee) and graduated a lot of other for- whenever he can. He’s good strength this season with he was cleared to skate. So, that. He fits in well.” wards last year. That’s where friends with those two, so he Manistee sophomore Ray- he’s still got a lot of rust to Rocco Staczak (Manistee).

Manistee’s roster is as folthe questions come in, what knows where he can be. Josh mond Schwass seeing a good knock off. So far, we’ve been lows: Healy has seen some great we’ll have for a second and is a good hockey player. He’s deal of minutes last year, happy. Having two goalies not as flashy as the other and Manistee freshman Roc- who compete each week and potential from some of the third line.

“Who can mix and match two, but knows where to be co Staczak looking solid in make each other better is reyounger players, but they’re SENIORS: Will Shriver (Manistally exciting.” his two starts this season. together, and try to be able and when to be there. ee), Jacob Stefanski (Manistee), still finding their way.

Now that the Chippewas “We knew what we were “He lets them do all the “They just need to kind of to compete with a second Joshua Johnson (Ludington), take advice from the older line so we aren’t overloaded work, forechecking and dig- getting in Schwass, and been have finally broken through Matt Vanderwall (Hart), Ben guys, and get familiar with on the first one. (Shriver and ging in the corners. Josh gets pretty impressed with what the barrier and won a league Strbich (Ludington), Thomas our system, and the way we McCarthy) are almost ev- to the scoring areas knowing he did over the summer, title, one isn’t enough. They Berentsen (Manistee), Emil do things,” head coach Mike ery day at the rink together, those guys can find him. All too,” Healy said. “Austin and want more, and that is music Norta (Manistee); Healy said. “They could get a shooting, skating and prac- three of them know what job Will really worked on him to Healy’s ears.

JUNIORS: Randy Johnson

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

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| Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

Manistee boys basketball

Back to basics for Miller, Manistee

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — First-year varsity boys’ basketball coach Tina Miller, a star player for Manistee High’s girls basketball team during her prep career, faces a formidable task in rebuilding a moribund program with only four seniors on the 14-player roster.

Pluses are many, beginning with the numbers as so many came out for the team that she and assistant and husband Tod Miller, who returned the Chippewas to the football playoffs in his third season, had to make cuts to get it down to a manageable group. Also assisting this year is Tina’s sister, LeeAnn Bialik, who coached girls basketball at Manistee Catholic Central for 20 years, mostly at the junior varsity level and brings a vast knowledge of the game.

But on the negative side, what experience there is hasn’t enjoyed a winning season in a number of years, and the Chippewas are coming off an 0-21 campaign a year ago in the only season Mike Peterson was coach. Peterson left the program because of travel concerns, since he lives in Traverse City and felt the commute was becoming too much to handle.

Looking at the roster, Tina Miller recognizes that she has a major challenge ahead with plenty of athletes coming on board from the football team — including quarterback Tai Allen, who has

back and remember, which Tod helps me with, because he doesn’t know basketball.”

Manistee’s roster: SENIORS: Jakob Nezki, Florian Nowak, Brandon Wick and Spencer Helminski; JUNIORS: Liam Manley, Tai Allen, Tyler Peck, Alejandro Olvera, Chase Swidorski, Andrew Pierson, Jayden Seabo, Hui YiMing and Nate Barker.

SOPHOMORE: Jacob Gustad.

Besides Allen, who Miller definitely believes will be a contributor, the Chippewas have Wyoming Kellogg junior transfer Jayden Seabo whose size indicates that he’ll be primarily used in the post area.

Mexican foreign exchange student Alejandro Olvera, a junior, like Allen is very quick and has played a lot GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS of basketball so he should Manistee High boys basketball team, kneeling in front row left to right, Liam Manley, Tai Allen, Brandon Wick, Spencer Helminski, contribute. Right now, the Tyler Peck, Alejandro Olvera and Chase Swidorski. Standing in back row left to right, Andrew Pierson, Jayden Seabo, Jacob Gustad, Chippewas don’t really have a point guard, but he’ll probHui YiMing, Florian Nowak, Nate Barker and Jakob Nezki. ably play there some.

The Chippewas also are I don’t think they’ve ever had the speed and quickness takes, and they’re hesitant in “We do a four out, one in to be a threat to drive the what they’re doing. I’m just spending a lot of time on a program, and I grew up in a offense and they’re rotating program (with former girls throughout the positions,” ball to the basket and cre- trying to get them to go 100 boxing out drills.

“It’s that they don’t know, coach Mike Munro) so I don’t Miller said. “The less dribate havoc on defense — but percent all of the time, and not much experience playing just play basketball. Every and they want to know,” know what that’s like. bling we can do, the better.

“I learned when I was I’m not going to have sometime they’re making a mis- Miller said. “They want to basketball.

“I have three foreign ex- take, they’re putting their play smart, and they’re a in fifth grade all of these one dribbling out there. highly intelligent group, so things, so I take a lot of that We’re passing the ball as change students, two that heads down.”

Starting from scratch, they ask a lot of questions. for granted. When I’m coach- much as possible. played at other places,” Miller says. “Everyone ei- Miller has been focusing on Which is great. We’re an- ing these guys, I have to step ther didn’t play last year, or teaching everyone the ba- swering the questions as we hasn’t played in quite a few sics in practice, from how go, trying to get them to just Brian L Madl, AAMS® Financial Advisor years. We haven’t really sat to dribble the ball, how to learn the game.

“If I say ‘the paint,’ they’re down to do team goals at all. pass the ball, where to put “My goal is to have them their feet on defense, how probably going to look at me play hard every second of they want to play and how to and say ‘what do you mean, Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender the game. Right now I find force the opponent from one coach?’ It’s not bashing any coaches who have been here. them scared to make mis- side to the other. .

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| MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Manistee wrestling

Codden likes quality over quantity

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — The numbers are a little down from where they were a year ago, but Manistee High co-ed wrestling coach Chris Codden is happy with the quality of the 30 kids he has out for the 2015-16 season.

Despite the departure of some big-time contributors over the last couple of years, including Adam Ball and Jake Williams, the Chippewas don’t project the feeling that they are any less capable of qualifying wrestlers for regionals and states.

Codden points to the return of Ben Chandler, Corbin Miller, Tanner Vadeboncoeur, Evan Erts and Chase Janis as being the core of the team this season, but adds that there are several others who saw time on the mat last year and should be ready to make a heavier impact this season.

Erts is a defending district champion at 130 pounds. Although he did not place high enough to qualify for state at the regional tournament, it wasn’t because of a lack of effort or desire.

“I think a lot of it (regional results) came from inexperience, just not knowing where he was at and stuff

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee High wrestling team are, front row, from left, coach Chris Codden, Evan Erts, Alvaro Sarabia, Taler Bohannon, Marie Kneidl, Audrey Padilla, Hayleigh Codden, Lindsie Adams, Kelsey Sullivan, Grant Johnson and Isaac Reynolds; back row, assistant James Kubacki, Oliver Leis, Jevan Engstrom, Robert Florian, Thomas Schwartz, Ben Chandler, Corbin Miller, Tanner Vadeboncoeur III, Nathan Florian, Logan Reynolds, assistant Nate Bond, assistant Lowden Perkins and assistant Travis Wiltse. Not pictured: Chase Janis and Bryson Jensen. like that,” Codden said.

“He’s about 125, 130 pounds (and) he only benches 250 pounds. He thrives for competition. I can’t wait to see what he does.

“But we’ve got a couple of other kids this season that will definitely be searching for that possible ticket to districts, regionals and possibly states. I definitely have a very good feeling for a bunch of these kids here.”

Erts has been named one of four captains this season, and Codden expects the

younger wrestlers to feed off his experience. The other captains are Janis, Chandler and Vadeboncoeur. They picked freshman Bryson Jensen as a fifth captain.

Codden is quick to credit the team’s recent surge to a burgeoning youth program that has sped up the development process and increased the talent level of the wrestlers entering their freshmen years.

“In our fact, our youth program hit 71 (wrestlers), so we’re doing pretty well. We

just have to try to get the word out to everybody. It is the toughest sport, actually, that you can do in high school. It takes a lot.”

Emphasizing that last point, Codden mentioned the trash cans positioned out along the mats during a recent practice.

“There’s a reason for that,” Codden said. “These kids want to push themselves.

It’s not us (coaches). I mean, these kids push themselves to the brink. They are tough kids.”

One thing the Chippewas don’t have this season is a true standout. Right now, no one has emerged as a vocal team leader.

Everyone prefers to let their performance on the mat speak for them.

“But, that’s the thing I like about this team,” Codden said. “We’re going to push each other, and we’re going to try to take ourselves where we need to be. They are very dedicated kids.”

Codden expects Pine River to be the class of the field in

the Mid-Michigan Wrestling Conference again, while he feels Benzie Central will be strong and Forest Area bringing back some talented wrestlers.

Manistee finished third in the conference last year. The closest the Chippewas have gotten to winning the title was in 2013, when they fell four points short. Codden thinks this year’s team has the potential to grab the brass ring.

It’s just a question of how determined they’ll be to get it.

hustling to the ball, trying to get a rebound, trying to get a steal.

“We put in our diamond press (recently), and he’s the one who’s batting balls from page 9 away. Tai is just a natural “(Allen) has a great ver- leader, and he’s an athlete. tical jump. The one thing He is going to lead this team about Tai is it’s all-out, 100 just because that’s what he’s percent hustle. I don’t have always been able to do on to tell him to go hard. You’ll the football field, and I feel find him diving on the floor, he’s going to continue that

on the basketball court.”

The Chippewas are used to playing zone defense, but Miller has been schooling them on going more with a man-to-man. Miller’s belief is that you can’t play a zone if you can’t play a good manto-man.

Miller revealed that she hasn’t put in any zone defenses, and probably won’t until the middle of the sea-

son because she feels they have to play man-to-man first.

“We do have the quickness,” the coach said. “A lot of these guys have played football, or other sports, and they have good footwork, so we’re just teaching them how to position themselves on the court and not be afraid to go and get that steal.

“Man-to-man for us is going to pick up that tempo, which we’re going to need to do. We’re small. We’re very short. So, we can’t play a half-court game. We’ve got to get some running in there, because we’re going to beat people down the court. That pressure defense is going to give us that.

“We’re going to give it up in the paint. We’re going

to have to do some doubleteaming. We don’t have our height. Our tallest player is 6-2, maybe. When we’re playing 6-5 guys, we’ve got to pressure the ball out front so they can’t give it in to their post.”

The goal is to get the opponent tired and frustrated by pressing and harassing on defense, Miller says, and hopefully pick up some

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hoops

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

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Manistee swimming

Chippewas have many newcomers

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Although there are quite a large number of newcomers on the Manistee High boys swimming team’s 20-man roster, including five foreign exchange students — of whom coach Corey Van Fleet jokingly says “some of them can swim” — is a solid core of returning veterans who are expected to be major contributors.

Van Fleet has high hopes for even more success this year from Zac Carter, A.J. Reau, Noah Antal and Weston Frederick. Carter’s experience lies in the freestyle events, while Fredericks can swim the individual medley, backstroke and a little butterfly.

The Chippewas have two divers this season in Campbell Kolk, who was with the team last year, and a newcomer that is still a bit raw but Van Fleet is hopeful that he can work things out before too long.

“If they work hard, we’ll have a reputable group of people toward the end of the season,” Van Fleet says. “I think we’ll be all right. It’s an interesting mix. We’re beating the bushes right now for a few more freshmen to come out.

“We need some guys that are getting started, so that in two years they’ll be ready

cheer from page 7

“We might do something special and different at those times,” Andrews added.

“We’re hoping that at some

to take the place of some of these guys who are going to graduate. We haven’t had that many foreign exchange students before, but we have a couple of them that swim in their home countries, and so they’ll be better.

“One thing is they’re nice, big, tall kids. I like that. You know, you can coach everything but height. Every year we get a little better, every year we break a few more records and we get closer to the guys that are on the top.”

Manistee’s roster: SENIORS: A.J. Reau, Zac Carter, Robert Schneider, Kenneth Wilson, Gabriel Dahlquist, Dominik Pfeifer and Jarrod Cameron.

JUNIORS: Jared Wrzesinski, Weston Fredericks, Noah Antal, Chase Reid, Logan Schmutzler, Josh Robles and Emil Rahbek.

SOPHOMORES: Campbell Kolk, Bubba Urban, Abel Salinas and Ben Miller.

Freshman: Caden Schmutzler.

Van Fleet is hoping that the success of the girls’ season fills the boys with a resolve to do just as well.

He doesn’t deny using it as a motivating tool.

“We just came off one of those magical Saturdays at the state meet when everything goes just the way you want it,” Van Fleet said.

“Hopefully, we’ve learned the formula and we’ll make it

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee boys swim team are, front row, from left, Campbell Kolk, Jared Wrezesinski, Weston Fredericks, A.J. Reau, Noah Antal, Chase Reid and Robert Schneider; back row, Kenneth Wilson, Gabriel Dahlquist, Jarrod Cameron, Dominik Pfeifer, Ben Miller and Emil Rahbek. Not pictured: Zac Carter, Logan Schmutzler, Caden Schmutzler, Bubba Urban, Josh Roble and Abel Salinas. happen with the boys now.”

Spring Lake is leaving the Coastal Conference at the end of the season, but the Lakers are primed to make a run at the championship in their final year of competition with a team loaded with experienced swimmers.

Although the Chippewas will swim against Muskegon in a relay and dual meets, it has already jumped ship for the Ottawa-Kent Conference in Grand Rapids and moved up to Division 1 after becoming a co-op team with all three Muskegon schools.

point we can come to some competing on our teams.”

Following is the Chippesort of ruling so that it can be a sport for boys and girls. In was’ roster: the past, there were two competitive circuits in Michigan.

SENIORS: Shelby LaFrance, “One, which no longer ex- Breanna Fink, Leah Christensen ists, was co-ed and at that and Ashley Peddie. time we had up to five boys SOPHOMORE: Makayla Miller. in Manistee cheering and FRESHMEN: Celia Star Chief,

formidable conference.

“Ludington will swim better, Fremont is swimming a lot better. I have high hopes that it will be pretty well contested.”

All three Manistee relay teams qualified for the state meet last year, and Troy Trombley went as an individual.

Trombley graduated, and the Chippewas will miss him.

He’s currently swimming at Albion College, and doing a good job according to Van Fleet, who went down and watched one of their meets.

“You always change a bit because you lose your seniors,” Van Fleet said. “We won’t have Troy, but certainly we have another couple of guys who can step in and get down pretty close to where he was.

“We’ll be even, except for Zac Carter, who’ll be way out in front. The rest of our guys will be even, but they’ll be a good even. They’re not world beaters this year, but they’re the next best thing.

“I think we’ll have a good season. We have our work cut out for us.”

new uniforms and mats so that we have a nice practice area, safe for us to use,” Andrews said. “Those are all Much has been accom- things that we’ve been able plished in the first two years to accomplish in two years.”

Last year’s team of five of the team’s existence, she girls outscored the 2013 said.

“We’ve been able to buy squad in difficulty, variety

and skills. Although one of them, a foreign exchange student, did not return and two others failed to come out for the team for a variety of reasons, Andrews expects more of the same this year.

She has been impressed with the team’s progress.

Ludington will be improved, and always a challenging opponent.

Manistee finished second in the conference a year ago, and Van Fleet is hoping that the Chippewas are better this year but isn’t counting on them breaking through to take over first place simply because of their numbers.

“I don’t know if we have enough numbers to tackle Spring Lake this year, but our good ones will be as good as their good ones,” Van Fleet said. “So, I’m very pleased with that. It’ll be a

Hunter VanGorden, Ashley Walle, Lexie Thompson and Stephanie Grimes.

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Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Manistee girls basketball

Senior leaders to power Manistee ‘Every new season, the more you win, the more you should be excited about coming back and trying to do the same thing, or maybe a little bit better.’

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Back at his old stand, Manistee High girls basketball coach Kenn Kott surveys the group of eight players that are on the varsity this season and envisions continued success for the program.

Where that success will lead is still to be determined, although most Chippewas’ fans are understandably looking for not only a return to the state quarterfinals, but a berth in the state championship game as well given all the talent coming back from a second consecutive 20-plus win season.

Kott, the school’s athletic director who was given a choice of keeping his coaching job and losing his administrative position by then-superintendent John Chandler, obviously has high expectations for this group as he takes over for Todd Erickson, who stepped down after two years at the controls because of health issues.

Yet he knows the unpredictable nature of pitfalls that can strike any team during the course of a long season which can bring all those lofty goals crashing down in an instant, and isn’t making any bold predictions about a run to the finals.

It’s an especially interesting situation this year, with four of the eight players on the varsity returning from last year’s state quarterfinalist squad and four with little or no varsity experience.

Emilee Kott, a senior who recently signed a national letter of intent to attend Ferris State next year and play for the Bulldogs’ women’s basketball team, gives the Chippewas a veteran point guard with the ability

Kenn Kott Manistee girls basketball coach

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee High girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Natalee Kott, Erin Dorn and Grace Chandler; back row, Sara Schaefer, Emilee Kott, Georgia Hiipakka, Emily Thompson and Emma Burns. to shoot from beyond the sister, junior Natalee Kott.

3-point arc with great accuFilling out the roster are racy. junior Georgia Hiipakka, Manistee’s roster: sophomores Grace Chandler and Sara Schaefer, as well as freshman Erin Dorn who are SENIORS: Emma Burns, Emilee coming up from the junior Kott, Emily Thompson; varsity. Chandler and SchaeJUNIORS: Georgia Hiipakka, fer add some six to the ChipNatalee Kott; SOPHOMORES: Grace Chandler, pewas to give Burns support inside.

Sara Schaefer; Hiipakka was brought up FRESHMAN: Erin Dorn. for the tournament last year, Also returning is senior and has a little bit of expeEmma Burns, the team’s rience playing on the varleading rebounder last year sity level. Manistee graduatwho is highly proficient at ed Annie Fuller and Jessica scoring off her teammates’ Gustad, while another vetmissed shots or driving in- eran, Audrey Tomaszewski side and is at about 6-foot is not playing basketball this now, senior Emily Thomp- season.

Manistee’s success the son and Emilee’s younger

previous two years should serve as a great motivator for this year’s team.

“Once you get that winning feeling, you don’t want to let it go,” coach Kott said. “Every new season, the more you win, the more you should be excited about coming back and trying to do the same thing, or maybe a little bit better.

“These girls know they have their work cut out for them. We’re still a pretty raw team right now, so it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes for everything to mesh.

I see eight kids who are really working hard. These kids are not only working hard, they’re doing extra.

“And they’re also great listeners. When you’ve got great listeners, kids tend to pick up things a lot quicker. So, we’ve accomplished quite a bit in a couple weeks of practice. We went down to East Lansing and scrimmaged a couple of teams there, and things went real well for us. I thought overall, from what we expected, we were a little bit ahead. The newcomers executed everything they were supposed to do, and more.”

One of the biggest strengths Manistee should have this season is leadership from the four seniors, taking the younger players under their wing and showing them what playing varsity basketball is all about.

The new kids are all anxious to learn, Kott says, and are fortunate to be in a position to learn from such quality experienced players.

“What you want from your younger players, obviously, is to go in and contribute in some way,” Kott said. “At the scrimmage, they all did, and each one was a little different. I think they’re starting to figure out where their role might be, and what’s expect-

ed out of them.

“If they can each do that, plus just a little bit more, that will put us in a nice position. I think at this point we’re capable of probably putting some points on the board, and that’s what we hope. But, our big focus is going to be defense as well.

“We like to think we can outscore people, but in the game of basketball you’ve really got to play good defense these days. So, we’ve been working real hard on that. That’s an area where the younger kids can really contribute. Their offensive end will come. Anybody can play good defense, if you work hard enough.”

After a short, but not unproductive summer, the Chippewas are lagging a little behind and have some catching up to do, Kott said.

It might take a little extra time for things to comet together.

But a competitive schedule is expected to sharpen the Chippewas’ game.

“We’ve got some good games again this year, like we’ve had the last couple of years,” Kott said. “We want to play good competition during the year. We want to be tested every game we can.

We don’t want the girls going in thinking ‘Oh, well, this is just another game.’

“Every game counts. I know it doesn’t lead to a conference championship for us, but it definitely prepares us for what’s down the road, and that’s that tournament run.

“We’ve got everything in place the way we want it to be, and now we’ve got to follow the plan that we’ve set forth. It remains to be seen how well this team gels together, but I think they have a lot of potential.”