Mason County Central and Hart Winter Sports 2015-2016

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

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Ludington Daily News FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015

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| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015

Mason County Central boys basketball

Genson nears return to MCC bench

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — After a six-year respite from the high school hardcourt campaigns, Mason County Central veteran boys basketball coach Tim Genson returns to the bench this season to guide a Spartan team that returns just one starter from last winter, but has members from a strong junior varsity stepping up.

Genson replaces Jeff Tuka, who spent six seasons leading the Spartans boys hoops program. Tuka now has a new position at Central as the middle school principal.

“It has been going well,” said Genson, who served for 16 seasons as the top Spartan before stepping down. “I find myself looking forward to the practice and to see how the team is progressing.”

Last season, Central posted a strong 15-7 record overall and were 9-5 in the West Michigan Conference. But nine seniors have graduated off that team, including allconference selections Coltyn Tyndall at guard and Sean Kelley at forward.

“We will be young this season with just one returning starter,” said Genson. “But this is an intense group. One thing I know for sure, they like to compete.”

The Spartans’ one returning starter is 6-foot-1 senior guard Mitch Lange, who Genson hopes can find the sharpshooting he displayed as a sophomore on the junior varsity. But 6-foot-3 senior forward Blake Bladzik will also play an integral part in Central’s fortunes this winter.

Bladzik played a few games with the varsity as a sophomore, but missed last season after suffering severe leg injuries in a Thanksgiv-

russ miller photo

Members of the Mason County Central varsity boys basketball team are, front row, from left, Travis Tyndall, Trenton Strejcek, Cameron Wagner, Austin Tyndall and Ty Sniegowski; back row, coach Tim Genson, assistant Steve Rybicki, Blake Bladzik, Mitchell Lange, Trevor Carrier, Ryan Mount, Ethan Rybicki, Nolan Asiala, assistant Randy Hodges and assistant Dean Raven. ing day auto accident prior to the 2014-15 season.

“Blake played football this fall, but just recently had one of the screws in his hip removed,” added Genson.

“We hope he will be able to play pretty early in the season.”

Bladzik will provide a rugged inside presence.

Two other seniors, 6-foot4 forward Trevor Carrier, who saw a good amount of floor time last season, and 6-foot-1 guard/forward Nolan Asiala should see solid playing time this winter.

Five juniors from last sea-

son’s very good junior varsity are expected to give Central a big lift.

Leading that group is 6-foot-4 forward Ryan Mount, who did play in a handful of games with the varsity at the end of last season. Also playing big roles should be 6-foot-0 guard Austin Tyndall, 6-foot-3 forward Ethan Rybicki, 5-foot9 guard Travis Tyndall and 6-foot-1 forward Trenton Strejcek.

Rounding out the squad is 5-foot-9 guard Ty Sniegowski.

“Mitch (Lange), Austin (Tyn-

dall), Travis (Tyndall) and Ty Sniegowski will have to carry the load handling the ball on the perimeter,” said Genson.

“We will need good post play from Blake (Bladzik) and Ryan (Mount), but Trevor (Carrier), Ethan (Rybicki) and Nolan (Asiala) will have to help out in there, too.”

Genson feels that the Spartans should be quick in transition this season and looks forward to getting some easy baskets from the fastbreak.

“We should shoot the ball pretty well,” added Genson.

“And we have some good

length around the basket.”

Genson feels that the Spartans can be competitive in every game this season.

“Some of our younger players, however, will have to learn to play at the varsity level,” said Genson. “There are ups and downs that they will go through.”

The 2015-16 Mason County Central boys basketball roster: Seniors: Nolan Asiala, Blake Bladzik, Trevor Carrier, Mitch Lange.

Juniors: Ryan Mount, Ethan Rybicki, Trenton Strejcek, Aus-

tin Tyndall, Travis Tyndall.

Sophomore: Ty Sniegowski.

Assisting Genson this winter with the varsity will be former Central star Dean Raven.

“Dean has been a great help,” said Genson.

At the junior varsity, head coach Steve Rybicki returns with help from Randy Hodges.

In the West Michigan Conference, Genson feels that the top contenders for the league title will be Shelby, Whitehall, North Muskegon and Montague.

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Mason County Central girls basketball

Spartans undergo youth movement

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — For the past few seasons, Mason County Central girls varsity basketball coach Mike Weinert and his assistant coach Lindy Papes have tried to build up the Spartan program by coaching the middle school teams in the fall.

Their work just may pay off some dividends at the varsity level this season.

The Spartan girls will have a new look this season as four tall freshmen will be brought to the varsity to join forces with a pair of seniors and a junior who return from last year’s 5-15 squad.

One player, forward Makila Hodges, has graduated off the team from last winter, but two players who would have been seniors this season also have not returned.

“This might be the most athletic group I’ve had,” said Weinert, now entering his sixth season as the leader of the Spartans. “But it might also be the most inexperienced.”

“It will be fun to watch this team grow,” added Weinert.

Leading the Spartans’ efforts on the court this fall should be seniors Kylie Mount and Dria Striker.

Mount, a 5-foot-9 guard/

‘Hunter, Dria and Kylee have all improved over last season.’

Mike Weinert Mason County Central girls basketball coach forward, was the Spartans’ leading scorer last season and a West Michigan Conference all-conference pick.

Striker, a 5-foot-10 center, was the team’s top rebounder and an all-conference honorable mention.

“We do have good senior leadership,” said Weinert.

Also being counted on is 5-foot-10 junior forward Hunter Wiese.

“Hunter, Dria and Kylee have all improved over last season,” noted their coach.

The Spartans roster will be composed of four seniors, one junior and four freshmen.

Probably the most significant freshman addition will be 5-foot-9 point guard Maddy Bladzik, who gives the Spartans a reliable ball-handler at the point.

But also expected to contribute are 5-foot-9 guard Rachel Allen, 5-foot-10 guard/forward Kelsey Kosiboski and 6-foot-0 forward

Madisen Bennett.

“Kelsey is a transfer from Onekama,” said Weinert. “She just sort of fell in our laps.”

“This group is tall, long, athletic and smart,” added the Spartans head coach.

“And the seniors have accepted them very well.”

Rounding out the team are 5-foot-6 senior guard Savannah Keefer and 5-foot-4 senior guard Jacy Larson.

The keys for Central this season will be just how solid the upperclassmen can be on the court and how quickly the freshmen can contribute to the team’s performance.

“We like to run. We should be able to get up and down the court well,” said Weinert.

“I think we should be able to score more easily this season.”

The 2015-16 Mason County Central girls basketball roster: Seniors: Savannah Keefer, Jacy Larson, Kylie Mount, Dria Striker.

Junior: Hunter Wiese.

Freshmen: Rachel Allen, Madisen Bennett, Maddy Bladzik, Kelsey Kosiboski.

russ miller photo

Members of the Mason County Central varsity girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Jacy Larson, Kylie Mount, Dria Striker and Savannah Keefer; back row, assistant Lindy Papes, Maddy Bladzik, Kelsey Kosiboski, Hunter Wiese, Madisen Bennett, Rachel Allen and coach Mike Weinert.

another school.

In the West Michigan Conference, Weinert sees MonAssisting Weinert with the tague as the team to beat.

“They have a senior-junior varsity will be Papes. At the junior varsity level, Brent group that went 20-0 when Lyon takes over for Karl Sha- they were at the junior varfer, who is now teaching at sity level,” said Weinert.

Behind Montague, Weinert feels Muskegon Oakridge will be the next team to watch.

“They have a returning allstater and a freshman, who may be the best player in the league,” noted the Spartan

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Next in line are “an improved” Shelby team and Hart.

“Our league was young overall last season,” said Weinert. “It will be stronger this fall.”

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Mason County Central bowling

Boys flock to bowling

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — “We have five girls out, just enough for one team. And we have 12 boys ready to bowl, so we will have two teams for the boys,” said Laura Wolcott recently as she enters her eighth season as the coach of the Mason County Central bowling program.

Last season, the girls team, behind now-graduated Lindsie Koch and Kristina Trim, won the North Central Michigan Bowling League.

The boys, meanwhile, took second in the league.

“This year, the league will russ miller photo Members of the Mason County Central bowling teams are, front row, from left, Spencer Bowman, have four teams once again, Allison Linenfelser, Kaitlyn Seiter, Melissa Roller and Jamie Malburg; middle row, Connor Willick, Baldwin, Mason County Tyron Keefer, Cody Soberalski, Matthew Dilliner, Zach Jensen and Evan Robison; second row, coach Eastern, Big Rapids CrossSteve Slimmen, coach Rob Dilliner, Austin Cole, Jake Martin, Garrett Krolczyk, coach Laura Wolcott roads and us,” said Wolcott. “But the girls will have and coach Dan Koch. Not pictured: Brian Lafata.

just two teams, Baldwin and us.”

The boys squad this year will have six returnees and all of them will comprise the Spartans’ A team. Those bowlers are senior Matthew Dilliner along with juniors Zach Jensoen, Evan Robison, Cody Soberalski, Connor Willick and sophomore Tyron Keefer.

The Central B squad will have senior newcomers Jake Martin and Aaron White in combination with freshmen Austin Cole, Brian Lafata, Brandon Kelly and Garrett Krolcyzk.

The girls squad should be paced by two returnees, junior Kaitlyn Seiter and sophomore Melissa Roller.

“This season our regional tournament will be in Traverse City and the state

meet will be in Lansing, as it was last year,” added Wolcott.

Last, season Koch placed eighth in the regional meet and advanced to the state meet. Trim took 12th at the regionals, but just missed qualifying for the final tournament.

The 2015-16 Mason County Central boys bowling roster: SENIORS: Matthew Dilliner, Jake Martin and Aaron White.

JUNIORS: Zach Jensen, Evan Robison, Cody Soberalski and Connor Willick.

SOPHOMORE: Tyron Keefer.

FRESHMEN: Austin Cole, Brandon Kelley, Garrett Krolcyzk and Brian Lafata. see bowling, 5

Mason County Central competitive cheer

New faces enter team

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — When Mason County Central’s competitive cheer coach Cheri Rozell found out that two of her top all-around cheer-athletes were not coming out this winter, she was feeling down about her team’s chances for the upcoming season.

“I was discouraged at first,” said Rozell, who starts her seventh season as Central’s cheer team coach. “But after seeing the girls we have on the team working at practice, I am very confident that we can overcome that obstacle.”

Last season, the Spartans competitive cheer team, now in its seventh season, placed fourth in the West Michigan Conference, which has six

teams competing in the relatively new sport.

Central has graduated three performers from that squad, Andrea Lambrix, Katlyn Weber and Hope Burmeister.

“Our league is very good in competitive cheer. The top three teams in our state district tournament were from WMC,” said Rozell. “It certainly keeps us sharp, competing in our league.”

The Spartans expect cocaptains senior Serena Kuhn and junior Suzi Astrauskas the lead way this season.

But also playing big roles will be juniors Morgan Cook, Amari Rivera and Hannah Pettis.

“Those girls should be in all three rounds of the competition,” said Rozell.

Others who could pitch in include junior Hanna Gibson, a transfer from Ludington High; junior Mykayla Coleman, back to the sport after one season away; junior Kaylyn Soberalski and junior Abby Parker, a former volleyball player.

Two sophomores transfers from Ludington High, Felicity Flores and Makayla Snyder, are hoping to make a mark also.

Also, Rozell is excited with the potential of two incoming freshmen, Adeline VanNoller and Sydnie Thomas.

“Adeline could be a starter,” added Rozell.

The 2015-16 Mason Counruss miller photo ty Central competitive cheer Members of the Mason County Central competitive cheerleading team are, front row, from left, roster: Suzi Astrauskas, Serena Kuhn and Hannah Pettis; second row, Mykayla Coleman and Kaylyn Sobersee cheer, 5

alski; third row, Makayla Snyder, Adeline VanNoller and Abigail Parker; fourth row, Morgan Cook, Amari Rivera and Hanna Gibson; back row, Felicity Flores, coach Cheri Rozell and Sydnie Thomas.

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Mason County Central wrestling

Spartans prepare for Division 4

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — Three main factors have a strong Mason County Central wrestling team eyeing an MHSAA Division 4 state title this season.

First of all, the Spartans are coming off a strong showing last winter at the MHSAA Division 3 state tournament in Battle Creek. Secondly, Central has a strong nucleus returning from that squad.

And finally, this Spartans will drop to Division 4 for this season.

“The drop to Division 4 could be big,” said the Spartans’ head coach Jim Allen, now in his eighth season.

“But we know that there are some tough wrestlers and tough teams in D4. We can not overlook the likes of Hart, Pine River and Hesperia. They are always tough.”

Hart and Hesperia both are in Central’s team district.

From last year’s team, Central has graduated five wrestlers, Caleb Wood, Jordan Steiger, Jarod Alvesteffer, Josh Quinn and Micah Wood.

The Spartan roster currently has 19 athletes. That includes five seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and seven freshmen.

Leading the Spartan efforts on the mat this season should be four tough and seasoned wrestlers. Those are seniors Logan Merrick and Spencer Knizacky, along with juniors Jacob Shoop and Matt Quinn.

Merrick, who should wrestle at 145- or 152- pounds this season, was state runner-up last season. Knizacky (171-189), meanwhile, was a state-meet placer.

Shoop (145-152) also medaled at state, while Quinn

(215) was a state qualifier.

Also filling big roles in the lineup should be senior Cody Cooper (160), a regional qualifier; junior Cesareo Puente (285); junior Jon Zoscsak (285); junior Eldon McCabe (171), sophomore Alec Trent (112). senior Brad Johnson (140) and sophomore Alex Trim (215).

Several freshmen should give Central the opportunity to fill the entire lineup card. They are Tate Hirschfeld (119), Cameron Gee (135), Dylan Hill (125), Alex Fricke (103), Frankie Vasquez (103), Anthony Thompson (130) and Hunter Kurchner (145).

“All of these boys have a good deal of wrestling experience,” said Allen. “Being able to fill out the entire card is big.”

“One other thing that should help us this season is that the state meet will be held in Mount Pleasant at Central Michigan University,” said Allen. “When the meet was held at Battle Creek, it was hard for teams from the north to get a good seeding. I think that should be different this season.”

The 2015-16 Mason County Central wrestling team roster: SENIORS: Cody Cooper, Manny Fintikis, Brad Johnson, Spencer Knizacky, Logan Merrick.

JUNIORS: Eldon McCabe, Cesareo Puente, Matt Quinn, Jacob Shoop, Jon Zoscsak.

SOPHOMORES: Alec Trent, Alex Trim.

FRESHMEN: Alex Fricke, Cameron Gee, Tate Hirschfeld, Dylan Hill, Hunter Kirchmer, Anthony Thompson, Frankie Vasquez.

Assisting Allen this season will be coaches Chris Carr, Jim Sanford, Dave Quinn

russ miller photo

Members of the Mason County Central wrestling team are, front row, from left, manager Carlie Claire, Anthony Thomsen, Alex Fricke, Tate Hircshfeld, Cameron Gee, Dylan Hill and manager Brooke Thurow; second row, manager Hunter Sanford, Hunter Kirchmer, Cody Cooper, Spencer Knizacky, Alec Trent, Brad Johnson and assistant Chris Carr; third row, assistant Jim Sanford, Francisco Vasquez, Emmanuil Fintikis, Logan Merrick, Eldon McCabe, Jacob Shoop and coach Jim Allen; assistant Dave Quinn, Cesareo Puente, Matt Quinn, Alexander Trim, Johnathan Zoscsak and assistant Kendel Trim. and Kendal Trim.

Coach Allen sees Whitehall as the team to beat in the West Michigan Conference.

“Whitehall is always stacked,” noted Allen. “They have a lot of boys who have been through the youth programs.”

Allen also expects Shelby, Hart and Montague to have strong teams this winter.

“Our whole league is built up this season,” added Allen.

cheer from page 4

Senior: Serena Kuhn.

Juniors: Suzi Astrauskas, Morgan Cook, Mykayla Coleman, Hanna Gibson, Abby Parker, Hannah Pettis, Amari Rivera and Kaylyn Soberalski.

Sophomores: Felicity Flores and Makayla .

Freshmen: Sydnie Thomas and Adeline VanNoller.

In the conference, Rozell sees two teams two beat for the top spot.

“Hart has a new coach this season,” said Rozell.

“But they should still be a powerhouse. And Montague, I feel, is really ready to step up. I know they have put in a lot of off-season work on their skills.”

bowling from page 4

The 2015 Mason County Central girls bowling team roster: JUNIORS: Kaitlyn Seiter and Allison Linenfelser.

SOPHOMORE: Melissa Roller.

FRESHMEN: Spencer Bowman and Jamie Malburg.

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MCC winter schedules

for the 2015-16 season

girls basketball Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 10 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 21 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 16 Feb. 18 Feb. 23 Feb. 26

Manistee at Ravenna Whitehall North Muskegon at Hart at Fruitport Calvary Montague Oakridge Shelby at Manistee Catholic Ravenna at Montague at Oakridge LeRoy Pine River at Shelby Ludington at Newaygo

boys basketball Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 28 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 11 Feb. 16

Newaygo at Ravenna at White Cloud Whitehall at North Muskegon at Hart at Cadillac Montague at Oakridge Shelby Ravenna at Whitehall North Muskegon Hart at Montague

Feb. 19 Feb. 23 Feb. 26 March 1 March 3

Oakridge Ludington at Shelby Benzie Central Manistee

competitive cheer Jan. 6 at Montague Jan. 9 at Comstock Park Invite Jan. 13 at Ravenna Jan. 16 at Shelby Invite Jan. 20 at Whitehall Jan. 23 at Sparta Invite Jan. 27 at Shelby Jan. 30 at Mount Pleasant Invite Feb. 3 WMC jamboree Feb. 6 at Fruitport Invite

wrestling Dec. 9 Dec. 12

Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Dec. 30 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 5

at Manistee Scottville Optimist Invitational at Orchard View at Richland Gull Lake at Freeland WMC/Lakes 8 quad at Holton at Spring Lake at Ithaca at Montague at Lakeview at Muskegon Catholic at Shelby at WMC tournament at Ravenna

Hart competitive cheer

andy roberts | shoreline media

Members of the Hart competitive cheer team are, kneeling, from left, Delaney Moul, Maia Jonassen, Lexie King, Jaden Hanks, Mirella Barco and Kassidy Baum; standing, Jasmin Escamilla, Lexi Hammerle, Jennifer Guadarrama, Ashley Castro, Devon Castro and coach Becky Putnam. Not pictured is Mareya Perez.

|

hart winter schedules

for the 2015-16 season

wrestling Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Jan. 2 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 5

jeff kiessel | daily news file

Mason County Central’s Ryan Mount puts up a shot against Holton in last year’s MHSAA Class C district at Hesperia. Mount returns for the Spartans this season.

at Grand Haven at Kraai Memorial at WMC/Lakes 8 crossover Bosse Invitational at Falcon Invitational at WMC/Lakes 8 crossover at Holton at WMC/Lakes 8 crossover at Super Duals WMC/Lakes 8 crossover at Manistee at WMC/Lakes 8 crossover at Shelby Super Duals at WMC tournament at Ravenna

competitive cheer Dec. 12 Dec. 16

at CCAM Invitational at Mona Shores

Jan. 6 at Montague Jan. 9 at Comstock Park Jan. 13 at Ravenna Jan. 16 at Shelby Invitational Jan. 20 at Whitehall Jan. 27 at Shelby Jan. 30 at UP Cheer Classic Feb. 3 at Mason County Central Feb. 13 at Pine River Feb. 17 at Mason County Central

boys basketball Dec. 8 White Cloud Dec. 11 at North Muskegon Dec. 15 at Pentwater Dec. 17 Montague Dec. 29-30 at Walkerville

Winter Showcase Jan. 2 at Fruitport Calvary Jan. 5 at Oakridge Jan. 8 Mason County Central

Jan. 14 Ravenna Jan. 19 Shelby Jan. 22 at Whitehall Jan. 28 North Muskegon Feb. 2 at Montague Feb. 5 Oakridge Feb. 11 at Mason County Central Feb. 16 at Ravenna Feb. 19 at Shelby Feb. 26 Whitehall March 3 Mason County Eastern

girls basketball Dec. 4 at North Muskegon Dec. 10 Montague Dec. 14 Pentwater Dec. 15 at Oakridge Dec. 18 Mason County Central Dec. 29-30 at Walkerville

Winter Showcase Jan. 2 at Fruitport Calvary

Jan. 5 White Cloud Jan. 7 Ravenna Jan. 12 at Shelby Jan. 15 at Whitehall Jan. 21 North Muskegon Jan. 26 at Montague Jan. 29 Oakridge Feb. 4 at Mason County Central Feb. 9 at Ravenna Feb. 12 Shelby Feb. 18 Whitehall Feb. 23 Mason County Eastern

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Hart boys basketball

Jerry wants Hart to ‘play big’

By ANDY ROBERTS Shoreline Media HART — New Hart boys basketball coach Adam Jerry inherits an experienced squad from last year, but the Pirates enter the season lacking in size, so he’ll be looking for “guys to ‘play big.’”

The only two senior departures for Hart, Matt Wilson and Travis Hall, were also the team’s tallest players, leaving the remaining Pirates with big shoes to fill.

Despite the lack of graduation losses, Hart is still young, with only a few seniors leading the way. Jerry

said he’ll count on leadership from Austin Boundy and Dylan VanderZwaag to make the team better. Fellow senior Brett Bonstell is athletic and quick and will provide a spark to the lineup.

Juniors Alex Dodson and Garrett Eisenlohr have taken huge leaps forward, Jerry said, with hard off-season work. The two juniors are in position to take on increased roles this winter.

“They have put in many, many hours in the gym and andy roberts | shoreline media I look for them to be big con- Members of Hart’s boys basketball team are, kneeling, from left, manager Hollis Rockwell IV, Brendan Reid, Austin VanderLaan, tributors this year,” Jerry Angel Salgado, Michael McCulley, Jaxon Tate and manager Kolton Rockwell; second row, assistant Hollis Rockwell III, Brandon Mcsee boys, 8

Culley, Alex Dodson, Garrett Eisenlohr, Austin Boundy, Benny Escamilla, Dylan VanderZwaag and coach Adam Jerry. Not pictured: Brett Bonstell.

Hart girls basketball

Hovey takes on Hart’s program

By ANDY ROBERTS Shoreline Media HART — Hart girls basketball has a good deal to build on heading into the 2015-16 season, and the Pirates will be doing it with a new coach: Staci Hovey, a veteran of the Hart recreational sports scene.

Hovey enters a good situation, with plentiful talent back from the Pirates’ team last year, whose season was highlighted by a sweep of archrival Shelby.

Hart is well-stocked both inside and outside. In the paint, the Pirates expect a lot from Baylee Draper.

Draper has been a force inandy roberts | shoreline media side during her varsity caMembers of Hart’s girls basketball team are, sitting, from left, Faith Ramirez and Haley Mast; kneel- reer and should continue to ing, Yasmine Colon, Haley Alvesteffer, Kari Merten and Ali Altland; standing, assistant Tim Hertzler, cause headaches for oppoHannah Brown, Baylee Draper, Mariah Foster, Anna Homminga and coach Staci Hovey. Not pic- nents.

“She will be a strong force tured: Madison Hegedus and Aubrey Hertzler.

in the center,” Hovey said of Draper. “Blocking shots, rebounding, and scoring.”

On the outside, Hart has a pair of strong guards in Yasmine Colon and Faith Ramirez. Colon made a big impression on Hart fans as a freshman last year with her scoring ability, and Ramirez’s tenacious defense and ability to distribute will be a big factor. Her senior leadership will also be important.

“She can shoot from outside and also drive to the basket,” Hovey said of Colon. “She is a versatile player who does a little bit of everything. Faith Ramirez will be leading the team on the court.”

Madison Hegedus is also back and is capable of doing “a little bit of everything,” Hovey said. This ability will

help Hegedus fill in gaps wherever they present themselves. Aubrey Hertzler is another Pirate that should have an impact. She is versatile, a good ballhandler and can shoot, Hovey said.

The team has been showing good effort in practice, a good sign of wins once December hits if it continues.

“The team has been practicing hard, showing effort and discipline with all aspects,” Hovey said. “I expect their hard work they are showing in practice to carry over into the games, making us successful.”

In the West Michigan Conference, the matchups with Shelby are always circled on the Hart calendar, but the Pirates will also have their eyes on Oakridge, the consistent power of the league. see girls, 8

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Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

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Hart wrestling

Pirates return several key wrestlers

By ANDY ROBERTS Shoreline Media HART — Hart has positioned itself well in recent years on the wrestling mat, behind the power programs of Whitehall, Shelby and Mason County Central in West Michigan Conference action but often leading the next tier.

The Pirates appear to be in good shape entering this season as well. Although Hart loses regional qualifiers Shawn Wulff and Scott Pankow in the middle weights, it returns several top grapplers that will lead the team this year.

Jacob Bosley, who was a state placer last season at 103 pounds, is back to anchor the lighter weights again this year. The Pirates also have successful and experienced guys in regional qualifier Arturo Perez and a trio of wrestlers who won 30-plus matches last year: Brady Tate, Devin Whitney and Carlos Garza.

The even better news for Hart is that Whitney is the only senior on the team, so the Pirates have great young talent to lead the way. Coach Brad Altland said Whitney will likely be in the team’s leadership role, with Tate

andy roberts | shoreline media

Members of the Hart wrestling team are, kneeling, from left, Jayden VanderZwaag, Robert Altland, Jacob Bosley, Brady Tate, Jordan Zuniga, Noah Cantu, Jose Rodriguez and Alyssa Bronkema; standing, assistant Rocky Smith, Andrew Whitney, Kaleb Wiegand, Devin Whitney, Carlos Garza, Jacob Hoebeke, Omar Ruiz, Logan Wells, Alex Holladay and coach Brad Altland. Not pictured are Arturo Perez and John Guadarrama. and Perez also slated to help guide a young team through the rigors of a wrestling season.

Hart will face a tough WMC again, with the top three programs unlikely to go any-

where and Montague and Ravenna on the rise.

Hart also has a tough district lined up, as the Pirates will battle Hesperia and Mason County Central for the title at Hesperia. Hart and

girls from page 7

david bossick | daily news file

Hart’s Yasmine Colon brings the ball up the floor against Pentwater last season. Colon returns to the Pirates this season.

“All teams in the league have potential to give you a loss any night, so we aren’t going to overlook any team,” Hovey said.

Hart also will face a tough test out of conference, against Calvary Christian, one of the top small-school programs in the state. Other non-conference battles include county foe Pentwater, White Cloud, and Mason County Eastern.

the Panthers wrestled in a very tight district match last year, and Altland would love a chance to reverse the close Hesperia win that resulted.

“Hesperia is still the team we have got to beat at dis-

tricts,” Altland said. “If our kids keep working hard and we get the right matchups we could be competitive.”

Altland is optimistic that if his team can fill all 14 weights, they will be a team

few want to face.

“We have a good group of kids,” Altland said. “If we work hard, we will put a competitive team on the mat.”

boys: Jerry takes on varsity hoops team said. “I am excited to see how their hard work pays off for them.”

Without brute force or size, Jerry said he expects his team to earn victories by outhustling the competition.

“We aren’t as big or strong as the majority of the teams on our schedule,” Jerry said.

“That means we can’t afford

to take plays off.”

In the West Michigan Conference, Hart is looking to shake off a 57-game league losing streak. The Pirates have consistently been tough outs for opponents in the league over the last couple of seasons, but have run out of gas at the end of some games. Jerry said a

key for his team will be battling through those rough stretches.

Our conference has a lot of quality opponents,” Jerry said. “It is always a grind the entire season working your way through this conference. We just need to put ourselves in a position to win some of those games.”