Sports tab #2 2014

INSIDE:

mason coUNTY central and HART

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

Ludington

Daily News FRIDAY, DEC. 5, 2014

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Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Mason County Central wrestling

Expectations, ranking high for team

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor The expectations for Mason County Central’s wrestling team, at least outside of the program, couldn’t be higher.

MichiganGrappler.com has the Spartans ranked ninth in Division 3 before the season even gets a start.

It’s based on the number of state and regional qualifiers thought to be returning to Central’s lineup for this winter.

And the Spartans welcome the ranking and the challenge of being a targeted team that comes with it.

In fact, they want more than ninth.

“Grappler, when they do their rankings, they search and research the kids coming back. They had us ninth with kids not there,” Central coach Jim Allen said. “It’s neat to be ranked, but you still have to wrestle.

“Our goal is to finish first.

I don’t want to finish ninth.

Right now, we’re open at a couple of weights. We lost some smaller weights.”

Mason County Central has a 19-man roster, all dedicated to the team. Allen is thrilled with the group he has.

“The kids I do have, they’d run through a brick wall for me. The parents have bought into the program. I’m not doing much coaching. They know what they have to do.”

Seniors: Caleb Wood, Jordan Steiger, Jarod Alvesteffer, Josh Quinn and Micah Wood.

Juniors: Brad Johnson, Cody Cooper, Logan Merrick and Spencer Knizacky.

Sophomores: Ethan Hill, Jacob Shoop, Antonio Perez, Eldon McCabe, Matt Quinn, Jon Zoscsak and Cesareo Puente.

Freshman: Alec Trent, Kenny

Russ Miller Photo

Mason County Central wrestling team members are, in front from left, Carlie Claire, Alec Trent, Kenneth Davis III, Bradley Johnson, Cody Cooper, Jordan Steiger, Caleb Wood and Brooke Thurow; middle, Alex Trim, Jacob Shoop, Eldon McCabe, Logan Merrick, Spencer Knizacky, Micah Wood, Manager Hunter Sanford and Chris Carr, assistant coach; back row, Coach Jim Allen, Jarod Alvesteffer, Matt Quinn, Cesareo Puente, Josh Quinn, Jonathan Zoscsak, Coach Kendel Trim and Coach Jim Sanford.

Davis and Alex Trim.

Although the Spartans have 19 wrestlers, they still will be unable to fill all of the 14 weight classes. Central’s strength is in its middle weights where most of the wrestlers are. However, the state-ranked kids are toward the upper weights.

When it comes to individual rankings, sophomore Jacob Shoop (seventh at 135 pounds), junior Logan Merrick (fifth, 145), junior Spencer Knizacky (third, 160), senior Jarod Alvesteffer (10th, 189) and senior Josh Quinn (third, 215) are all ranked.

Allen expects his team to be able to overcome deficits in duals.

“We’ll go into every dual down 12-0,” he said. “With some of these kids, we’re going to have to get bonus points. We’re going have to get pins. Last year, we had kids filling a couple of weights, where it’s not going to be that big of a difference (to this year). Our experienced kids are going to have to score.”

The kids that are ranked, and some who aren’t, have put in a ton of work in the offseason. In fact, there seemingly hasn’t been an offseason.

“I’ve got a handful — (Jordan) Steiger, the Quinn boys (Matt and Josh), (Jacob) Shoup, (Jarod) Alvesteffer, they were wrestling all sum-

mer. We did some Battle Creek things, some Border Wars,” Allen said. “I think Matt Quinn will be a sleeper, maybe not 215 pounds, but at heavywieght. He’s lighter than most heavyweights, but he’s quicker.”

There are a handful of new wrestlers to the program this winter. One is freshman Alec Trent, who moved to Mason County from Alabama. He doesn’t have prior wrestling experience, but Allen said he’s showing good signs. Another freshman, Kenny Davis, is a tough wrestler up from the middle school ranks and is slated at 130 pounds.

Antonio Perez, a sophomore, is also new to the program and has done well.

The West Michigan Conference is extremely tough in wrestling with the likes of Whitehall, Shelby, Hart and Mason County Central all being very tough teams. But the depth of the league doesn’t end there.

“I’m that optimistic. I see my team on top. I’m sure any coach would say that. Whitehall has got a bunch of kids back. They bring up freshmen and sophomores, kids up from middle school who are tough. The same can be said for Shelby and Hart,” Allen said. “Montague and Ravenna are getting better.

Every school is getting three or four pretty tough kids.

“It’s hard to go into Shelby or Whitehall down 12-0, but

I’m going for the title. That’s my coaching mentality.”

Those league expectations carry over into the post-season, too. Allen sees a big season for his wrestling team, both in the individual tournament and the team tournament.

“We head the same direction for individual and district. We’ll see a lot of the same teams. As far as individuals, ... I really see us taking 7-8 kids there and placing them all,” he said, adding that including the wrestlers who are ranked, Caleb Wood very well could make it to state and pick up a medal.

See wrestling, page 4

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

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Mason County Central boys basketball

All the ingredients for success on the court

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — After posting a 19-5 record and advancing to the MHSAA Class B regional finals last season, the Mason County Central boys basketball team seems to have all the ingredients to do as well or better this winter.

“The big word for us this year is potential,” said Spartans head coach Jeff Tuka who starts his sixth season as the leader of Central’s hardcourt crew.

Helping the Spartans in the state tourney this year is the fact that they have now moved down to Class C. “Everyone thinks that is a great thing for us, but we will have to face Shelby in the districts,” noted Tuka.

The Spartans have graduated two all-West Michigan Conference performers in guards Kody Ambrose and Josh Ritzema. Also gone via graduation are forwards Anders Asiala and Brian Erndteman.

However, Central does return nine letterwinners.

“We have very good depth,” said Tuka. “This year, we even have depth on the front line. We have an abundance of players at the four and five spots. And we have good overall height. We have several guys in the 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-3 range.”

The only concern as of now for Tuka is where all the scoring will come from after the loss of Ambrose and Ritzema.

“It is not going to be just one guy to make up the difference,” said Tuka. “It will take a number of guys helping out.”

The Spartans have nine seniors on the roster, led by 6-foot-3 point guard Coltyn Tyndall, an all-conference honorable mention last year;

Russ Miller photo

Mason County Central boys basketball team members are, in front from left, Steve Rybicki, assistant coach, Gary Berndy, Izerk Ratliff, manager, Trevor Carrier, Blake Bladzik, Nolan Asiala, Mitch Lange, C.J. Pyke, Connor Willick and Randy Hodges, assistant coach; and in back, Travis Aultman, assistant coach, Drew Griffis, Coltyn Tyndall, Nate Strejcek, Sean Kelley, Johnny Shafer, Sheldon Carey, Noah Genson, John Trivisonno and Coach Jeff Tuka.

6-foot-6 center Sean Kelley; and, 6-foot-5 power forward Johnny Shafer.

Both Tyndall and Shafer were key starters last season.

The promising Kelley returns after missing the last two seasons with severe knee injuries.

Right there with those three, should be seniors Drew Griffis, a 6-foot-2 small forward; Nate Strejcek, a 6-foot-5 center/power forward; and, Ludington High School transfer Sheldon Carey, a 6-foot-2 swingman.

Also helping out will be three more seniors, 5-foot11 point guard Noah Genson; 6-foot-1 shooting guard Austin Krusinski and 5-foot10 combo guard Johnny Trivisonno.

There are four juniors.

Two of them, 6-foot-3 pow-

er forward Blake Bladzik Bladzik, Trevor Carrier, Mitch and 6-foot-3 shooting guard Lange.

Mitch Lange, should play imAssisting Tuka again this portant roles.

The two other juniors are winter with the varsity will 6-foot-3 small forward Trev- be Travis Aultman. Steve Ryor Carrier and 6-foot-2 small bicki is back to lead the juforward Nolan Asiala.

The Spartans substitution rotation will feature quite a few players off the bench.

“We will use a lot of players in each game this year,” said Tuka.

The 2014-15 Mason County Central boys basketball team roster: Seniors: Sheldon Carey, Noah Genson, Drew Griffis, Sean Kelley, Austin Krusinski, Johnny Shafer, Nate Strejcek, Johnny Trivisonno, Coltyn Tyndall.

Juniors: Nolan Asiala, Blake

nior varsity squad. He will be aided by Randy Hodges.

In the WMC, Tuka sees his Spartans and the Shelby Tigers as the top contenders for the league crown. But he also notes that White-

hall and North Muskegon will be in the mix for the top spot. Tuka also pointed to Montague and Muskegon Oakridge as teams that will be strong this season in the league.

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Mason County Central competitive cheer

A strong group of girls

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Mason County Central’s competitive cheerleading team seemingly has everything going for it for the 2014-15 season.

The Spartans have 18 girls out for the sport this year, bolstered by a large group of sophomores that cheered a year ago. The leader, though, will be in junior cocaptain Serena Kuhn.

“We going to be led by Serena,” Central coach Cheri Stibitz said. “We’re excited to have her leading the way.

And we’ve got a great group of sophomores.”

Central has two returning seniors as well, Andrea Lambrix and Katlyn Weber. Lambrix was a crucial part of the Spartans’ third round of the routines, but she is being hampered by an injury already this year. Stibitz said although Lambrix may not be able to do some of the things she used to do, she’ll be relied upon to help lead the team.

Still, with the numbers up, the other half of the good news is that Mason County Central drops from Division 3 to Division 4 this year in the post-season. Where Central was having issues last year putting together routines where deductions would happen, Stibitz has confidence there will be more than enough solid athletes to have great routines through all three rounds.

Injuries were the biggest issue Stibitz and the Spartans ran into last year.

“That’s a coach’s dream if there isn’t any injuries,” she said. “Those things are unforeseen. I have 18 girls that I know can execute things very well. If we have a mishap, I have a set of quality girls there to help fill some of those shoes.”

What’s more is the two-

Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Mason COunty central winter schedules

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for the 2014-15 season

Girls varsity basketball Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 Jan. 3 Jan. 8 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 5 Feb. 10 Feb. 17

Feb. 19 Feb. 24

Feb. 26

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

Boys basketball Russ Miller Photo

Mason County Central cheer team members are, from bottom left, Andrea Lambrix, Hannah Pettis, Jolene Weier, Amari Rivera, Sarah Stakenas, Catie Lane, Hanna Gibson, Susan Astrauskas, Megan Briggs, Morgan Cook, Alli VanNoller, Cynthia Wurtz, Krystle Ghent, Kaylyn Soberalski, Kennady Merrick, Katlyn Weber, Hope Burmeister and Serena Kuhn, with coach Cheri Stibitz. of the division switch, Stibitz said the process for getting the season together looks to be in good shape. All three rounds are choreographed, and have been worked on in practice, but MCC differs from a lot of other cheer teams.

She and the team members work together on the routines, from the stunts to the skills to the words, rather than having a choreography coach there dictating who’s doing what when.

Seniors: Andrea Lambrix, “I feel like they get a Katlyn Weber and Hope Bursense of ownership with meister. it,” Stibitz said. “ChoreJuniors: Serena Kuhn and ography isn’t my favorAllison Vanoller. ite thing to do. This way, Sophomores: Amari Rivera, you’re getting some expeMorgan Cook, Kaylyn Soberalrience in what works and ski, Joleen Weir, Suzi Astrauskas, Hanna Gibson, Caitie Lane, they can practice sets and skills. When it all comes toSarah Stakenas, Krystle Ghent. gether, they get a sense of Freshmen: Kennady Merrick, ownership.”

Cynthia Wurtz and Megan Mason County Central Briggs.

While the numbers are up, was back and forth with the required number of girls Whitehall to stay out of on the mat is lower because last place in the West Michyear-old middle school program is starting to pay dividends to the high school team. Three freshmen are up from the middle school program.

“Before it was girls coming up with a sideline cheer background, and there’s a big difference from sideline to competitive,” Stibitz said.

“My three freshmen are going to be good assets to the team.”

Central’s roster:

igan Conference. This year, Stibitz was reluctant to handicap the league race because it’s hard to say exactly who can finish where.

“Hart is always strong and Shelby should contend,” she said. “It sounds like many of the other teams are ready to go.”

Central won’t see any action until after the first of the year. Stibitz welcomed the long wait so that way her team uses the time to choreograph routines and refine them in practice before the competitions begin essentially twice a week starting in January.

“It’s a phenomenal thing to have for us,” she said.

“Our first competition used to be at Reeths-Puffer after the first of the year, but they moved it into December. (Central athletic director Tim) Genson asked if I wanted to go and I said we wouldn’t be ready. It takes so much time to choreograph and put it all together.”

Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Jan. 3 Jan. 6

Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 29 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 12 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 27 March 3 March 5

at Newaygo Ravenna White Cloud at Whitehall at Ludington North Muskegon Hart Cadillac at Montague Oakridge at Shelby at Ravenna Whitehall at North Muskegon at Hart Montague at Oakridge Shelby at Benzie Central at Manistee

Girls competitive cheer Jan. 7 at WMC at Hart Jan. 10 at Holland W. Ottawa Jan. 14 at WMC at Montague Jan. 17 at Shelby Invite Jan. 21 at WMC at Whitehall

Wrestling

Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 Feb. 16

at Harrison Invite at WMC at Shelby at Sparta Invite WMC jamboree at Fruitport Invite at Hart Invite

Boys wrestling Dec. 10 Ludington, Holton,

Manistee Dec. 13 Scottville

Optimist Invite Dec. 17 at Whitehall with

Spring Lake, Orchard View Dec. 20 at Gull Lake Invite Dec. 30 at Freeland Invite Jan. 7 at Fremont with Shelby,

Orchard View Jan. 10 at Holton Invite Jan. 14 Hart, Fruitport,

Spring Lake Jan. 17 at Ithaca Invite Jan. 21 at Ludington with

Montague, Fremont Jan. 23 at Lakeview “B” Invite Jan. 24 at Lakeview Invite Jan. 28 Ravenna, Muskegon

Catholic, Orchard View Jan. 31 at Shelby Invite Feb. 6 at WMC tournament

at Montague

Coed bowling

Dec. 6 Mason County

Eastern at Baldwin Dec. 13 Baldwin at

Country Lanes Dec. 20 Hart at FOE Hart Jan. 10 West Central Michigan

Bowling Conference positional round at FOE Hart Jan. 17 Mason County Eastern

at Country Lanes Jan. 24 Baldwin at FOE Hart Jan. 31 Hart at Country Lanes Feb. 7 WCMBC positional

round at Baldwin Feb. 14 WCMBC singles

conference tournament

at Country Lanes Feb. 21 WCMBC singles

conference tournament

at Country Lanes

confidence that if we need a pin, we’re going to do it,” he “I feel like we have a good continued. “We’ll be working shot (reaching the final eight for the bonus and the pins. in Battle Creek in the team There’s no reason we can’t tournament). If we run into make up 12 points in two a full squad, I’ve got a lot of weights fast.”

From page 2

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Mason County Central girls basketball

Younger team on the court this year

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — The 201415 girls basketball season marks for Mason County Central the beginning of life without their Class B allstater, Madison Geers.

Geers, a 5-foot-9 point guard, started for four seasons with the Spartans and was a strong contributor in every phase of the game. She is now playing at Hope College.

Last season, Central was able to post a 14-7 record overall and was 11-2 in the West Michigan Conference.

The Spartans also lost guard Payton Bladzik and forward Jessica Allen to graduation from that squad.

This season, head coach Mike Weinert, now in his

fifth year, will field a young team dominated by juniors.

The Spartans will have just four returning players and a roster made up of one senior, seven juniors, one sophomore and one freshman.

“I like our athleticism. But we are still trying to find ourselves,” said Weinert. “We are looking at what combinations work well together.

The scoring this season will be more evenly distributed.

We do have a lot of girls who have the potential to score.”

Leading the Spartans on the hardcourt this season should be Dria Striker, a 5-foot-10 junior power forward; Kylie Mount, a 5-foot-9 junior shooting guard; MakiRuss Miller Photo la Hodges, a 5-foot-8 senior Mason County Central girls basketball team members are, from left, Lindy Papes, assistant coach, Mike Weinert, head coach, Jordyn See MCC girls, page 6

Sanders, Nicole Johnson, Savannah Keefer, Makila Hodges, Kylie Mount, Alexandria Striker, Hunter Wiese, Olivia Kimes, Rylee Tyndall, Jacy Larson and Maddy Bladzik, manager.

Mason County Central bowling

Looking at a good year

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer

Russ Miller Photo

Mason County Central bowling team members are, in front from left, Kaitlyn Seiter, Jayde Cornelisse, Lindsie Koch, Kristina Trim, Veronica Beemer, Jasmine Wise and Allison Linenfelser, middle row, Connor Willick, Kaden Olmstead, Tyron Keefer and Garrett Michels, and in back, Coach Robert Allen, Coach Laura Wolcott, Zach Jensen, Evan Robison, Cody Soberalski, Matthew Dilliner, Matthew Lammi, Blaine Beemer, Coach Sam Shanklin and Coach Dan Koch.

tans have graduated their top bowler, Sam Shanklin. But the girls team returns their SCOTTVILLE — Mason two best bowlers, Lindsie County Central bowling Koch and Kristina Trim, both coach Laura Wolcott begins seniors this season.

Leading the Spartan boys her seventh season this winter with hopes that two new on the lanes this winter teams will enter their North should be juniors Matthew Central Michigan Bowling Dilliner and Matthew Lammi along with sophomore Cody League.

“Right now we have us, Ma- Soberalski.

Others showing promise son County Eastern and Baldwin,” said Wolcott. “But Hart include sophomores Evan and Big Rapids Crossroads Robison and Connor Willick.

The 2014-15 Mason CounAcademy may join and give ty Central boys bowling team us a stronger league.”

Last year, the Spartan boys roster: won the league title, while the Central gals came in sec- Senior: Blaine Beemer.

Juniors: Matthew Dilliner, ond.

“I think we should be look- Matthew Lammi. ing at a pretty good year Sophomores: Zach Jensen, Evan Robison, Cody Soberalski, again,” said Wolcott.

On the boys’ side, the Spar- Connor Willick.

Freshmen: Garrett Michels, Kaden Olmstead, Tyron Keefer The Spartans’ girls team will rely heavily on Koch and Trim, but Wolcott hopes that sophomores Kaitlyn Sieter and Jasmine Wise can develop along with freshman Allison Linenfelser.

The 2014-15 Mason County Central girls bowling team roster: Seniors: Lindsie Koch, Kristina Trim.

Junior: Veronica Beemer.

Sophomores: Kaitlyn Sieter, Jasmine Wise.

Freshman: Allison Linenfelser.

Assisting Wolcott once again this season will be Dan Koch. Also assisting will be former Spartan bowlers Sam Shanklin and Robert Allen.

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Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Hart wrestling

Team young, hurting in the heavy weights

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer HART — Fourth-year Hart High School wrestling coach Brad Altland will have a young, 18-man squad to work with this winter as he enters the 2014-15 season.

“We are definitely young,” said Altland. “And our roster of 18 wrestlers is down a bit from what we usually have out.”

The Pirates have a roster of just three seniors and one junior, but six sophomores and eight freshmen.

Last year, the Pirates went 13-12 in dual meets and finished fourth in the West Michigan Conference. But from that team Hart has graduated six seniors, including three state qualifers. Those were Carl Morgan, Spencer Reterstoff and Travess Smith.

“We are very light this year. We are hurting at the heavier weights,” noted Altland. “And we do have a hole at 112. We will struggle in dual meets, because we will not be able to fill all the weight classes.”

Leading the Pirates on the mats this winter should be senior Shawn Wulff (171) who was a conference cham-

ANDY ROBERTS | Shoreline Media

Members of the Hart wrestling team are, in front from left, Andy Rendon, Abel Mendoza, Brady Tate, Scott Pankow, Jacob Bosley, Arturo Perez, Kyle Dean, Gus Gale and manager Robbie Altland; back row, assistant Josh Perez, coach Rocky Smith, Shawn Wulff, Michael Ray, Devin Whitney, Adrian Hammerle, Kaleb Wiegand, Logan Wells, Mitch Mast, coach Brad Altland and manager Diana Giles. pion last year; sophomore Arturo Perez (135-140) a state qualifer and junior Brady Tate (145-152) who was a regional qualifier last season.

Others who should help include junior Devin Whitney (135) and sophomore

Kaleb Wiegand (135).

In the eight-member Senior: Adrian Hemmerly, freshman class, Abel Men- Scott Pankow, Shawn Wulff. doza (140), Mitch Mast Junior: Devin Whitney.

(119), Gus Gale (125) and Ja- Sophomores: Kyle Dean, cob Bosley (103) are among Jacob Hobeck, Arturo Perez, Brady Tate, Kaleb Wiegand, those showing promise.

The 2014-15 Hart Pirates Jack Wittman.

Freshmen: Andy Rendon, wrestling team roster:

Abel Mendoza, Mitch Mast, Gus Gale, Logan Wells, Jacob Bosley, Jesse McGahn, Michael Ray.

In the WMC, Altland feels that Whitehall is the top contender for the league title.

“Mason County CenAssisting Altland with tral could beat them, but the team this winter will be Central may not be deep Rocky Smith and Brad Whit- enough,” said Altland. ney.

MCC girls: Good height overall on team 5-foot-6; Jordyn Sanders, 5-foot-5; Savannah Keefer, small forward and Rylee 5-foot-7; and, Jacy Larson, Tyndall, a 5-foot-8 combo 5-foot-6.

Two newcomers, freshguard.

All four of those girls man Olivia Kimes, a 5-footwere starters at one time or 9 guard/forward and sophomore Hunter Wiese, a another last season.

“We do have good overall 5-foot-10 power forward, height,” added Weinert. “Al- show the potential to give though, we do not have any- the Spartans a big boost.

“We should be a team that body who is really tall.”

Central will also look for develops quite a bit as the contributions from four ju- season goes along,” said nior guards: Nicole Johnson, Weinert. “We will definitely from page 4

be better at the end of the season than we were at the start.”

The 2014-15 Mason County Central girls basketball roster: Senior: Makila Hodges.

Juniors: Nicole Johnson, Savannah Keefer, Jacy Larson, Kylie Mount, Jordyn Sanders, Dria Striker, Rylee Tyndall.

Sophomore: Hunter Wiese.

Freshman: Olivia Kimes.

Assisting Weinert again this season will be Lindy Papes. Karl Shafer will take over the reins of the junior varsity team.

In the WMC, Weinert sees about everyone with a shot to take the top spot, with an edge to Muskegon Oakridge to take the crown.

Behind the Eagles, Weinert points to Central, Whitehall, Shelby and Montague as teams that could challenge.

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ANDY ROBERTS | Shoreline Media

Members of the Hart boys basketball team are, in front, from left, Beni Escamilla, Jonah Gale, Dylan VanderZwaag, Freddy Oliveros and Hunter Way; back row, coach Mike Rawert, Alex Dodson, Travis Hall, Matt Wilson, Austin Boundy, Garrett Eisenlohr and assistant Hollis Rockwell. Not pictured are Esteven Escamilla and Brett Bonstell.

Hart boys basketball

ANDY ROBERTS | Shoreline Media

Members of the Hart girls basketball team are, in front, from left, Haley Mast, Yasmine Colon, Faith Ramirez, Lauren Hegedus, and Hannah Brown, and in back, Aubrey Hertzler, Anna Hertzler, Baylee Draper, Jenny Herrygers, Madison Hegedus, Silje Neilsen and coach Karen McLouth.

Hart girls basketball

A very different team Experience, height help

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Hart’s boys basketball program will be markedly different from last year as the Pirates go through a youth movement for 201415.

The Pirates lost six players from last year’s team and return only a few from a year ago. Third-year coach Mike Rawert will rely on a couple of seniors to lead a team that largely will be composed of kids moving up from junior varsity.

“Travis Hall and Matt Wilson will carry the load this year,” Rawert said. “Not only will we need them for their leadership, but we’ll need them to give our team some chemistry and for their scoring.”

This winter will be Hall’s first full season with the Pirates. He played half a season last year after transferring from Shelby.

Hart was hit with injuries to a degree before the season even got going. One

‘Our goal is to chip away at the conference standings.’

Mike Rawert

player the Pirates would have counted on suffered a broken ankle during the football season.

“Right now, we are working on getting a feel for who’s in what position,” Rawert said.

Two players Rawert had his eyes on who are coming off of the junior varsity are Dylan VanderZwaag and Austin Boundy.

Seniors: Esteven Escamilla, Alfredo Oliveros, Travis Hall and Hunter Way. Juniors: Dylan VanderZwaag, Benancio Escamilla, Brett Bonstell, Jonah Gale and Austin Boundy.

Sophomores: Garrett Eisenlohr and Alex Dodson.

The Pirates played Manistee in a scrimmage in the preseason and will get a chance to shake some things out in a nonconference game at White Cloud Dec. 9. But then the West Michigan Conference race looms.

“I think the usual teams will be at the top. Shelby is always solid. One team that will be led by a veteran group is Mason County Central,” Rawert said.

“North Muskegon has a strong young group coming up.

“Obviously, for us, we’re going to be toward the back of the pack,” he continued.

“Our goal is to chip away at the conference standings.”

By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Editor HART — Last season with a young roster, first-year coach Karen McLouth and her Hart Pirates girls basketball team put up a 4-16 overall record.

The good news this year is that all seven of the Pirates’ main contributors are back in the fold. That, along with the addition of three newcomers who handle the ball well, give the 2014-15 Pirates good reason to look forward to better things this winter.

“We do have seven returning players,” said McLouth, who works as a secretary for the high school. “I really do like that we have more experience. And that we have some good height. We do have a good chance to be able to score more this year.

And the ballhandling should be improved.”

Pacing the Pirates’ efforts this season should be 6-foot-0 junior center Baylee Draper, an all-West Michigan

‘I really do like that we have more experience. And that we have some good height.’

Karen McLouth Conference honorable mention; 5-foot-8 junior guard Maddie Hegedus; 6-foot-0 senior forward Jenny Herrygers and 5-foot-10 senior forward Anna Hertzler.

Also playing important roles should be 5-foot-7 senior forward Lauren Hegedus; 5-foot-5 junior guard Hannah Brown and 5-foot-4 junior guard Faith Ramirez.

Three new guards are expected to bolster the Pirates ballhandling this winter.

They are 5-foot-5 junior Haley Mast; 5-foot-7 sophomore Aubrey Hertzler and 5-foot7 freshman Yasmine Colon.

Also on the team is 5-foot7 foreign exchange student Silje Nielsen, a forward.

“We definitely need to improve our scoring and our ballhandling over last year,” said McLouth. “And I think we will.”

Last year, the lady Pirates averaged just more than 30 points per game as a team.

The 2014-15 Hart Pirates girls basketball team roster: Seniors: Lauren Hegedus, Jenny Herrygers, Anna Hertzler, Silje Nielsen.

Juniors: Hannah Brown, Baylee Draper, Maddie Hegedus, Haley Mast, Faith Ramirez.

Sophomore: Aubrey Hertzler.

Freshman: Yasmine Colon.

Assisting McLouth this season with the varsity will be Tim Hertzler. Sam Zimmer will coach the junior varsity.

McLouth said she considers Muskegon Oakridge the favorite to win the WMC title this season.

“They are always tough,” added McLouth. “And I know Whitehall has a very tall girl that will help make them strong.”

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| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB

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hart winter schedules

for the 2014-15 seasons

Boys basketball

ANDY ROBERTS | Shoreline Media

Members of the Hart competitive cheerleading team are, front row, from left, Kassidy Baum, Jaden Hanks, Maia Jonassen, Delaney Moul, Erika Wadel and Lexi King; back row, coach Tracy Williamson, assistant Becky Putnam, Jen Gottardo, Katelynn Herrygers, Chase Leonard, Hannah Kuipers, Nichole Jorissen, Kaitlyn VanderZanDen, Mirella Barco and coach Jen Hlady. Not pictured: Hanna Mead.

Hart competitive cheer

Strong leadership for team

By Ed Papes Daily News Sports Editor HART — While Jen Hlady begins her eighth season as head coach of the very successful Hart Pirates competitive cheer team, there will be a slight change in the leadership.

Hlady will share the head coaching duties this season with longtime junior varsity coach Tracy Williamson.

“We do not have a junior varsity squad this winter,” said Hlady.

Last year, the Pirates won the West Michigan Conference title for the third year in a row. After making the Division-four state meet for two years in a row, Hart was ousted in the regionals last season.

From that team, the Pirates have graduated five team members. One of the biggest losses was Stacie

the team.”

The 2014-15 Hart Pirates competitive cheer team roster: Seniors: Jen Gottardo, Nichole Jorissen, Katelyn Herrygers, Chase Leonard.

Juniors: Mirella Barco, Kassidy Baum, Maia Jonassen, Hannah Kuipers, Kaitlyn VanderZanDen. Sophomores: Lexi King, Hanna Mead, Delaney Moul, Erika Wadel.

Freshman: Jaden Hanks.

Dec. 19 at Ravenna Jan. 2 Fruitport Calvary

Christian Jan. 6 at White Cloud Jan. 8 Shelby Jan. 13 Whitehall Jan. 16 at North Muskegon Jan. 20 at Mason County

Eastern Jan. 22 Montague Jan. 27 at Oakridge Jan. 30 Mason County Central Feb. 5 Ravenna Feb. 6 at Pentwater (no JV) Feb. 10 at Shelby Feb. 17 at Hesperia Feb. 24 at Holton Feb. 26 at Whitehall

Coed bowling

Dec. 6 Baldwin at Baldwin Dec. 13 Mason County

Eastern at Country Lanes Dec. 20 Mason County

Central at FOE Boys wrestling Jan. 10 West Central Michigan Dec. 10 double duals Dec. 13 at Kraai Invitational Bowling Conference positional round at FOE Dec. 17 WMC duals Baldwin at Dec. 20 Bosse Invitational Jan. 17

Country Lanes Jan. 3 at Remus Mason County

Chippewa Hills Invite Jan. 24 Eastern at FOE Jan. 7 at Fruitport Mason County Jan. 10 at Holton Invitational Jan. 31

Central at Country Lanes Jan. 14 at Mason County Central WCMBC positional Jan. 17 at Three Rivers Feb. 7 round at Baldwin

Super Duals WCMBC singles Jan. 21 at Orchard View Feb. 14

conference tournament Jan. 24 at Grand Rapids Forest WCMBC singles

Hills Central Invitational Feb. 21 conference tournament Jan. 28 at Monague Jan. 31 at Randy Jacobs

Memorial Duals Competitive cheer Feb. 6 at WMC championship Dec. 17 at Mona Shores Invite Jan. 7 WMC jamboree Girls basketball Jan. 10 at Comstock Park Invite at WMC jamboree Dec. 5 North Muskegon Jan. 14 at Shelby Invitational Dec. 9 at Montague Jan. 17 at WMC jamboree Dec. 11 Oakridge Jan. 21 at WMC jamboree Dec. 16 at Mason County Jan. 28 at WMC jamboree

Central Feb. 4

PADNOS

skoog 1102 S. Madison Ludington heating & cooling

Shellhouse.

This season, the Pirates will replace Shellhouse’s pivotal position with senior Jen Gottardo, who returns to competitive cheer after one year off.

“Jen is a very strong leader and a very good tumbler,” said Hlady.

“I am very excited for this season,” added Hlady.

“The girls have been putting in long hours. They have shown a lot of dedication to

Dec. 3 Manistee Dec. 9 at White Cloud Dec. 12 North Muskegon Dec. 18 at Montague Jan. 2 Fruitport Calvary

Christian Jan. 6 Oakridge Jan. 9 at Mason County Central Jan. 15 at Ravenna Jan. 20 at Shelby Jan. 23 Whitehall Jan. 27 Holton Jan. 29 at North Muskegon Feb. 3 Montague Feb. 6 at Oakridge Feb. 9 Pentwater Feb. 12 Mason County Central Feb. 17 Ravenna Feb. 20 Shelby Feb. 24 Hesperia Feb. 27 at Whitehall March 5 at Mason County Eastern

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