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Vol. 9, Issue 96 • November/December 2017 Publisher’S NOTE It’s a great day here at High School Sports Scene Magazine and what a football season did we have!!! CONTENTS The state football playoffs provided a ton of thrills for area football fans. What about the job the Pewamo-Westphalia 4 Lansing Catholic Runners Run To D2 Title football team accomplished this year. After graduating one of the finest running backs, Jared Smith, in high school history last 888-799-3896 Rockford Runners Finish 1-2 At State 5 season, Pewamo-Westphalia came back with another impressive 6 Cross Country Wrapup offensive machine and marched to a second straight Division 7 opeN TAX & PLATES INCLUDED IN ALL PRICES! state championship……Well done, guys!!! WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE® Cross Country Top 10 suNdays 555 E Downie St 7 The Tri-Valley Conference showed up big time this postsea- NooN - 5pm! EXIT 99 Off US-127 ST. JOhnS fOr SavIngS Open All Holidays 12pm to 5pm Alma, MI 48801 8 Corunna’s Ben Jacobs Leads Team To Third In D2 son. Led by super-senior quarterback Joey Bentley, the Ithaca Yellowjackets made a return to Ford Field to battle it out with 2017 gmc SiErrA douBLE cAB 2Wd 2017 Buick EncorE 2017 gmc TErrAin FWd (517) 202-1808 9 Cross Country Athletes Of The Year Jackson Lumen Christi for the Division 6 state title. While Ithaca fell just short, the Yellowjackets put on a stirring fourth-quarter SAVE SAVE SAVE Area All State Runners www.highschoolsportsscene.com 10 rally that will be remembered for years. $3,000 $9,230! $3,000 $3,405! $3,000 $5,035! doWn* doWn* doWn* Sacred Heart Runners Sweep In D4 Swan Valley, champions of the Central Division, made school 12 $ $ $ history by reaching the Division 5 state finals. The Vikings were 129/mo.* 49/mo.* 45/mo.* Publisher Laingsburg Volleyball Falls In Title Match denied a state title by Grand Rapids West Catholic but there 13 SALE $ SALE $ SALE $ Randy Miniard was no denying the effort and heart shown by the Swan Valley MSRP $32,430 MSRP $24,505 MSRP $27,445 Eye On Volleyball PricE GM FINANCIAL, GMS PricE GM FINANCIAL, GMS PricE GM FINANCIAL GMS 14 gridders during the tournament. 23,200 39 MO 10K LEASE, FLEX PURCHASE 21,100 24 MO 10K LEASE, FLEX PURCHASE PLUS TAX 22,400 24 MO 10K LEASE, FLEX PURCHASE [email protected] PLUS TAX COMPETITIVE LEASE PLUS TAX, COMPETATIVE LEASE 517-202-1808 15 Novi Wins Third Straight Volleyball Title Tri-Valley East champions Frankenmuth came just shy of making it an all-Tri-Valley final as it came up just short against Volleyball Dream Team Come Take a Test drive and Receive a Free Ride at The stables - sundanceridingstables.com High School Liaison 16 West Catholic in the semifinals. 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the end of September. I Gall was overall pleased with her only ran one race since. season. “My season has had its ups Lansing Catholic Runners Celebrate Title Coming out and getting Shepherd’s Gall Settles For and downs,” she said. “As a team, it’s John Raffel Lauren Cleary was third to it,” Cleary smiled. She’s weather,” Cleary said. “For sixth was sweet.” really good. I think we’re on the right Sports Scene (17:43.7) and Jaden Theis always a good one to have our race, it was good and Without the ankle inju- track.” was fifth (18:18). Catho- a good second half race. I the perfect temperature. ry, Jaden Theis agreed she Second At Division 3 Meet Shepherd finished eighth as a team. Lansing Catholic was lic, with a score of 77, was knew she’d come out at a It was a little windy, but I may have been able to get John Raffel Gall said. “I executed my race plan Runners finishing behind Gall for the dominant in winning far ahead of second-place super pace and then kick wouldn’t complain.” an even better time. pretty well, which was to start out Bluejays were Haley Hegenauer, 22nd the Division 2 girls cross Sports Scene Grand Rapids Christian it in. I’m not super-sur- Also for the Cougars, conservative and then go as hard as I (20:02.2), Made Skeel 33rd (20:02.2), country this season. Winning the team state Shepherd junior Amber Gall has with 145. prised. She’s awesome.” Grace Frost placed 26th could the next two miles, and I think I Amelia Guin 66th (20:45.6) and Geor- final, “is fun, it’s so huge,” one more season of cross country and stuck to that pretty well.” gia Kusbel in 118th (21;55.4). The Cougars were led Cleary said she was Cleary is returning next in the team standings Theis said. “After our first by a dominating perform- perhaps, within that time frame, can As for 18:16.2, “it was harder on Gall finished first at nine meets “very happy” with her year as a senior. (19:15.2) and Rachel Reid meet, we said, ‘this is it, figure out how to shave off at least 27 er in Olivia Theis, who this course because the last 1,200 me- during the season including a season time. “I kind of went in “I was very happy with was 42nd. this is our year.’” seconds which was the time difference won in state record-break- not really expecting any- ters, it was really wet,” Gall said. “But record of 18:00.8 at the regionals on my season,” she said. Jaden Theis, a sopho- But she’s hoping, with between herself and first-place runner ing time for all divisions. thing,” she said. “I’m very I’m definitely happy. I really liked the her home course. She was first at all The Division 2 race was more was sixth in individ- four of the top runners Adelyn Ackley of Hart. temperature (in the 40s).” But in team scoring, three happy with how it worked of the TVC jamboree and meets. She conducted in the early ual standings. coming back, Lansing Gall was second in 18:16.2 in the won the Early Season Warrior Invita- of the top five finishers out .” Gall is looking forward to a re- were in the top five. afternoon before thun- “I was pretty im- Catholic can make anoth- Division 3 girls state race on Nov. 4 at match against Ackley in 2018. tional at Chippewa Hills, the Saranac As for Theis’ perfor- derstorms hit the area. pressed,” she said. “With er title run next season. Michigan International Speedway. Invitational, the Shepherd BlueJay While Theis was first, “She’s an amazing runner,” Gall mance, “I’m kind of used “We just missed the bad my ankle injury, it started “I think it went really well overall,” Invitational and the Alma Scottie said. Classic. Lansing Catholic ran away from the field and wins the recent Division 2 girls cross country championship held earlier this month at Michigan International Raceway. (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo) Shepherd’s Amber Gall gets set to cross the finish line during the Division 3 finals. Gall placed second in the the next person, so I was “It feels amazing,” she race. (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo) hoping that as long as said. That’s been our LCC’s Theis Breaks State Record nothing went wrong, I team goal the last four place at 15:18.2 behind med- race this year.” John Raffel Theis’ response was “it feels really good,” could get the title,” she years. We finally got it so alist Nick Foster of Ann Arbor His season’s best time was a not as obvious. Theis said. “I actually had said. “In terms of title, in w e’re h appy.” Rockford’s Johnson Takes Pioneer in 15:16.1. He edged the 15.16.7 at the regionals the pre- Sports Scene third-place runner, Harrison “I went into it hoping no idea what the state terms of time, I had no Theis’ previous season’s vious week in Allendale. Johnson The question to Grzymkowski of White Lake to PR,” she said. “I’ve record was.” idea it would be my best best time was a 17:26.8 had problems in 2016 that result- Lansing Catholic senior race.” Second In D1 Finals Lakeland, who had a 15:18.4. never PRed here before, Theis insisted she nev- at the Greater Lansing ed in a 19:13.2 at the state meet Olivia Theis was an obvi- than one. but I ended up doing it.” er reached a point in the But with Theis and Cross Country champi- John Raffel “I put it all on the line out for 255th. He had previously set ous one: Because of thunderstorms, the there,” Johnson said. “I’m still not a personal record of 15:12 at the She broke the all divi- race where she realized four of her teammates onship. She was second Sports Scene Did you ever expect race was delayed for an hour. fully recovered, It was a battle Portage Invitational. He was third sions record in 16:52.1, she was accomplishing finishing third, fifth, 26th at the 2016 state finals in Rockford’s Cole Johnson and to have a Division 2 state When it did proceed, runners from start to finish that took a in the 2015 state finals in 15:15.0. while leading her team something special. and 42nd, the Cougars 17:41.3. She was ninth as other runners in the Division 1 finals cross country race had to endure rain showers and lot out of me, especially with the He was 16th as a freshman at the to the state title. As for “I knew there was a were able to handily win a sophomore and 19th as meet on Nov. 4 at the Michigan where you break the state wet and muddy conditions. weather and the course being state meet. breaking the state record, space between me and a Division 2 state title. a freshman. International Speedway had a record for all divisions? taxing. I gave it my all. I’m glad challenging day, for more reasons Johnson, a senior, took second I was able to put together a full

Olivia Theis became only the second female runner to ever eclipse the 17-minute mark during a state Rockford’s Cole Johnson finished the finals cross country meet. (Gary Williams, High School Division 1 race in second with a time of Sports Scene Photo) place at 15:18.2. (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo)

said. “They just brought it all to- second best time. Our team wanted Dunn 47th (19:05.8) and Emma gether on this day that we didn’t to win today and I wanted to do the Everhart-Deckard (19:10.2). Ever- Potterville Boys Cross Country Take really expect. It had been a rough Rockford’s VanderLende best I can for the team. We would hart-Deckard and VanderLende are season. They pulled it together. It have liked to have done better, but the only top 5 runners returning for was a very pleasant surprise. it is a better placing than what we Rockford. Surprising Second Place In D4 Finals “Everyone did their job,” Brunk Takes Girls D1 Title had last year.” Gabriel was 21st in the individu- points and took second behind Schmiedeknecht 46th (17:53.7) John Raffel said. “It was their chemistry and John Raffel medalist honors at the cross coun- Looking ahead, “we’re losing al standings for all-state honors. Sports Scene first-place Mount Pleasant Sacred and Jordan Reynolds 60th the way they pulled together. try state finals. She also helped her three of our top five,” VanderLende Heart, which had 126. (18:12.1). Beal City was third Sports Scene “I was very satisfied with our Everybody did what they had to team to a third-place finish. said. results as a team and as an individ- Potterville’s boys cross country with 204. Rockford’s Ericka VanderLende Zach Wright led the attack as a do. We’re not real deep. We only “I thought it went well,” Vander- The thought of being a state ual,” she said. “Our comeback from team came to the Division 4 state has one more year of cross country freshman for Potterville. He was Potterville’s coach is Dan had five guys score.” Lende said “I did pretty well for the champion didn’t really enter last year is pretty good, third, I’m cross country finals on Nov. 4 but she won’t forget her junior sea- 16th, in the team race standings Brunk. time I was going for.” VanderLende’s mind until after glad with that. I was happy with my at the Michigan International Ten years ago, Potterville went son for a long time. VanderLende at 17:03.3. Also for Potterville, regionals. time. I love the cold weather. Speedway as a state qualifier. “These gentlemen have far back-to-back with state titles, timed the 3.1 mile course at the She won by 14 seconds. Kody Smith was 21st (17:24.6), surpassed any goals we had at but it was fun to be back on the The Vikings came home with Michigan International Speedway “I was happy with my time,” Camryn Gabriel was 14th in the “Ericka is an amazing runner. Luke Tarr 11th (17:51.2). Ross the beginning of the year,” Brunk platform, Brunk said. a trophy. Potterville scored 185 in 17:16.8 to take the Division 1 VanderLende said. “It was my team race (18;14.2) while Hannah I’m proud of her and I’m proud to Jefferis was 39th (18:57.7), Caleigh have her on my team.” Potterville’s Zach Wright finished 23rd during the recent Division 4 finals held at Michigan International Speedway. Rockford’s Ericka VanderLende won the Division 1 race earlier this month (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo) with a time of 17:16.8. (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo)

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overall for Junior Alex Taylor of Beal Corunna City was 12th in the Division 4 Weather Major Factor For Area (15:35.9). boys race in 16:47.6. “After I got SPORTS SCENE’S Lansing done running, I felt I had run EYE ON CrOss COuNtrY Catholic faster than 16:47,” he siad. “At Boys In Cross Country Finals was third the beginning, it felt I went out John Raffel (James a little too fast. Later on, I paced Davis Tebben, Cecilia Stalzer, Jaden Theis, Fedewa 26th, 16:27.1), St. Johns eighth (Dil- myself. I need to training harder Lansing Christian, senior Mason, junior Lansing Catholic, Sports Scene lan Haviland, ninth, 15:52.5.),Cedar Springs and increase my mileage a little 10th (Corey Bowers, 25th, 16:26.5). and m ore .” He was ninth in the Division 4 boys She was second in the Division 2 race sophomore It was a cross country boys state finals meet in 16:47.3. in 17:35.90. She had a personal record She was sixth at the Division 2 state where the weather had somewhat of a factor. Mason 26th (Kenny Stalzer, 16:46.3). Senior Davis Tebben of He had a PR this season of 16;3.4 in the of 17:35.9 at a junior while last year finals 18:18.7. Her personal record Temperatures were in the 40s which was DIVISION 3 Lansing Christian was ninth in it was 18:15 as a sophomore. Her PR during the season was 17:19.2. It was 16:45.2 in the Division 4 boys Fowler Apples Invitational Tebben was ideal running weather or some. But runners Hanover-Horton won the Division 3 10th in the 2016 state finals in 16:48.5. was 18:55 as a freshman. “I thought it 18:32.6 last year. had to deal with softer surfaces and in the race. went really well,” she said. “It was really boys race. Shepherd was seventh, led by He was sixth in the regionals. “I was pretty impressed,” she said. mid-afternoon for the Division 1 and 2 boys, Dane Nestle, 37th, 17:06.5). Pewamo-West- “I wans’t quite as high up as I good weather conditions. It was a little “With my ankle injury, it started the thunderstorms delayed the start of the races wanted but it was a good way to “I wasn’t quite as high up as I wanted w i n d y.” phalia was 10th (Hayden Germain 17th, but it was a good way to end my high end of September. I only ran one race by more than an hour. 16:36.4), Clare was 13th (David Good, 55th, end my high school career.,” he school career,” he said. “I was pretty She finished a distant second to since. Coming out and getting sixth Ann Arbor Pioneer won the Division 1 17:18.2), Ithaca was 14th (Ransom Allen said. “I was pretty muddy, the last Lansing Catholic’ Olivia Theis who had a 16:52.1 for an all was sweet.” muddy, the last two turns.” race. Saginaw Heritage was sixth (Nathan 11th, 16:18.3), Rochester Hills Lutheran two turns.” divisions state record. “It helped us all a lot. She paced us. Without the ankle injury, Jaden Theis agreed she may have Stormy weather hampered the start of the Division 1 If he had to run the race again, “I probably would have run I’m very happy with my time. Last year, It didn’t go so well,” Widman, 43rd, 16:21.2). Rockford ninth Northwest 27th (Ethan Rice, 17th, 17:03.3); If he had to run the race again, smarter the last quarter mile,” he said. been able to get an even better time. (Cole Johnson, second, 15:18.2), Okemos Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (Riley “I probably would have run smart- and 2 boys races during the MHSAA finals held earlier Stalzer said. this month at Michigan International Speedway. (Gary It’s been a memorable career for Tebben. “It’s been pretty Winning the team state final, “is fun, it’s so huge,” Theis said. 11th (Paul McKinley fourth, 15:23.7), Gottschalk, 85th, 18:26.3) er the last quarter mile,” he said. “After our first meet, we said, “this is it, this is our year.’” Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo) good,” he said. “It’s been a blessing to make it to state the last Scout Nelson, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 15th (Harrison DIVISION 4 It’s been a memorable career for four years. I’ve been blessed to have a great coach and a great Mount Pleasant But she’s hoping, with four of the top runners coming back, Steen, seventh, 15:26.8), Novi 16th (Gabriel Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart joined Tebben. “It’s been pretty good,” he t e am .” Sacred Heart, junior Lansing Catholic can make another title run next season. Mudel, 15:26.7), Fenton 19th (Adam Jesse, said. “It’s been a blessing to make it The temperature was perfect, I thought.” 33rd, 16:14.9), Troy 21st (Jack Falk, 34th, the girls team as Division 4 state champs She was third in the Division 4 race to state the last four years. I’ve been blessed As for Ithaca’s season overall. “It went 16:15.5). led by TJ Moore who was 18th (17:03.6). Ransom Allen, Ithaca, junior in 18:46.6. She won the regional meet Madison Volz, Potterville was 16th (17:03.3). Beal City was to have a great coach and a great team.” pretty good I thought” Allen said. “We won in 18:40.2 Her personal record was DIVISION 2 the TVC West. Last year as a sophomore was He was eighth in the Division 3 state Lansing Christian, freshman third, led by Alex Taylor, (16:47.6), Dans- Junior Ransom Allen of Ithaca was eighth 18:37.4 at a league meet. my first time here. His previous experience finals in 16:18.3. He was third in the She placed fifth in the Division 4 race Chelsea won a tight Division 2 race ville 12th (Anthony Mack 11th, 16:54.3; in the Division 3 boys race in 16:18.3. Nelson took third place overall in regionals and also was third at the in 19:02.5 with 96, ahead of Corunna with 110. Ben Carson City-Crystal 13th (Coleman Clark, “The course was soft, but I ran OK,” he helped “because I knew the course,” Allen 18:46.6 and the Irish junior was second Michigan Class D state championships Jacobs was first in the team race and second 27th,17:29.5). said. among her team’s runners. Her personal record was first at the said. “I would have like to have run faster. in which he had a PR of 19:10.5. Fowler Apple Invitational in 18:45.3. “My goal this season was to break 18, “The course was soft, but I ran OK,” She was second at the regionals and and I had never done that,” Nelson said. Her fastest time this diway, 88th, 21:08.2).Mason he said. “I would have like to have run first in the GLAC Conference meet. year was an 18:27. I was happy to run with Bailey for one last was 11th (Cecilia Stalzer faster. The temperature was perfect, I time. She really helped me out this season.” “It was a nice course, actually,” she said. Area Girl Runners Endure The Elements, (second, 17:35.9). Franken- thought.” “It’s about the time I wanted. It was Nelson likes the cold weather so the state finals race was to muth was 23rd (Hannah As for Ithaca’s season overall. “It went really close to my PR.” her liking. Loucks, 31st, 19:21.4). pretty good I thought” Allen said. “We won the TVC West. Alma was 27th(Sydney Last year as a sophomore was my first time here.” His pre- “The infield was soft and the ground was hard to get a good Lansing Catholic’s Olivia Theis Runs Wild Carter Soloman, would do it. You never know. We Fenton took 20th, led by Alex Hanson, 52nd. 19:49) vious experience helped “because I knew the course,” Allen stride on,” Nelson said. Plymouth, senior John Raffel said. Nelson, a junior, has been on a state champion all three Sports Scene knew we’d have to give it our all.” Keiser in ninth (18:07.5). Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart seasons. He was fifth in the Division I meet Girls had to endure cold Rochester Hills Stoney Creek won the Division 4 girls race led in 15:24.2, a personal record. He had Four champions were crowned by Bailey McConnell in first. Bailey McConnell, “It’s really exciting and we found out our guys won too so weather and it started raining in was 24th with Jacklyn Tede- finished second in the regionals. He in the girls cross country state the afternoon for the Division 1 so leading the way in 72nd at Lansing Christian was third, Mount Pleasant that’s exciting,” Nelson said. never won a meet this season but took finals on Nov. 4 at the Michigan and 2 races. 19:26.4. Bloomfield Hills was led by Madison Volz, fourth Sacred Heart, senior several second places. International Speedway, includ- 27th with Shelby Jenkins topping (19:02.5). Breckenridge was Lauren Cleary, ing Troy in Division 1. “We were worried about the She was second in Division 4 girls race Lansing Catholic, junior Last season, Solomon was 18th at the the team in 61st at 19:18.1. fifth, led by Chloe Brittain in in 18:44.1. McConnell had a personal state meet. rain, but we knew we’d have to be 10th (19:40.1). Foweer was fifth It was one of the tightest races mentally strong and try to use it Lansing Catholic reigned in record of 18:30.1 at the Michigan Class She was third in the Division 2 race of the day. Troy had 127 points to (Leah Wieber 32nd, 20:55), in 17:43.7, which was her personal to our advantage,” Worrel said Division 2, led by course re- D state meet. She was second in the edge Northville with 132. Carson City-Crystal 13th (Al- regionals. Two weeks after the state record. It was 18:10.7 as a sophomore. Anastastia Tucker of Midland cord-setting runner Olivia Theis. lyson Stevens, 48th, 21:30.3), finals, she was 31st at the Mideast meet Desiree McConnell, In team rankings, Megan DeWitt was third (Ashley Shpps, Cleary said she was “very happy” with Mount Pleasant Dow was among the area’s all- Waterford our Lady 23rd (Olivia of champs in 20:22.5. her time. “I kind of went in not really Worrel led Troy with an 18;07.8 staters, who finished in the top 18:40.3) Sacred Heart, sophomore for 10th place. Hannah Palomino Hankey, 19:31.5) and Big Rapids McDonnell finished off her last cross expecting anything,” she said. “I’m very 10. She was 15th in the Division All four divisions ran under Crossroads (JaylenSince Schroeder, 1916, Auto-Owners and your country race for Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in sparkling happy with how it worked out.” She placed eighth in the Division 4 was 26th (18:42.5), Paige An- 1 girlsTrusted race in 18:09.8. for generations...40-degree temperatures. The race, 19:21. derson 29th (18:44.5), Meghan 26th, 20:42). fashion. As for Theis’ performance, “I’m kind “I was pretty happy,” she said. Division 1 and 2 girls went first local independent agent have McConnell was third at regionals and Monaghan 30th (18:44.8) and She was first among all runners with a team competing in of used to it,” Cleary smiled. She’s “The weather wasn’t ideal and in the afternoon and missed the 2016 Trailer Clearancehad a PR of 19:10. Event Lat season, she was Katie Scoles 32nd (18:46.2). been there when it matters most. 18:44.1. Overall she was second. always a good one to have a good second half race. I knew the course was kind of mud- thunderstorms and rain that 25th at state meet. “I went out there and gave it “It was pretty good,” she said. “I was happy with my time. she’d come out at a super pace and then kick it in. I’m not dy. In the end, I was satisfied delayed the boys races. Each race, I’ve been working to get a little faster.” super-surprised. She’s awesome.” Almost 700 NON-Current Models“It went With well, I’mDiscounts proud of my team,” my all,” Worrel, who was 14th in because I was only a second off Hart won the Division 3 race. Cleary is returning next year as a senior. Desiree Mcconnell said. “One of my individual standings, said. “Since my PR. (Next year), my goal is to Clare was fifth, led by Lain- The infield “was spongy,” she commented. and Rebates Totaling Up Tosisters $1,965 is hurt. But OFF! we came together.” the beginning of the season, Chloe Brittain, a Breckenridge “I was very happy with my season,” she said. i mprov e .” ey Veenkant (10th, 19:07.7). “I had some goals what I worked for on what I could do,” Cammie never ran during the season because of the injury. this has been in the back of our senior earned All-State honors McConnell said. She’ll be going to Cornerstone next season The Division 2 race was conducted in the early afternoon Birmingham Seaholm was Pewamo-Westphalia was sixth after finishing in the top 30 of the Desiree was eighth in 19:21 and second among the McCon- minds. We’ve been doing extra led by Bailey Droste (20:01.5). to run with her sister, Alexis. before thunderstorms hit the area. “We just missed the bad training and extra work, prepar- seventh with Rachel McCardell Division 4 finals earlier this nell sisters. 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DIVISION 1 BOYS DIVISION 4 BOYS Chapko, St. Johns, 18:34.2; 13-Ashley 2-Cole Johnson, Rockford, 15:18.2; 3-Har- 9-Davis Tebben, Lansing Christian, Shipps, DeWitt, 18:40.3; 15-Katie Vitou, The Cole Johnson File rison Grzymkowski, White Lake Lakeland, 16:45.2; 12-Alex Taylor, Beal City, 16:47.6; DeWitt, 18:43.8; 20-Lucy Petee, Mason, Rockford High School 18:53.3; 27-Alexandra Case, Pontiac Notre 15:18.4; 6-Gabriel Mudel, Novi, 15:26.7; 23-Zach Wright, Potterville, 17:03.3; Sport: Cross Country Dame Prep, 19:03.9. 7-Harrison Steen, Rochester Hills Stony 24-Ethan Rice, Rochester Hills Lutheran Accomplishments: Rockford senior runner Creek, 15:26.8; 8-Drew Wenger, White Northwest, 17:03.3; 25-TJ Moore,17:03.6; Presenting DIVISION 3 GIRLS Cole Johnson was leading with the finish line Lakeland, 15:27.0; 12-Austin Remick, 30-Jordan Mawhirter, Montabella, 17:08.4 in sight, during the Division 1 Cross Country Rochester, 15:40.3; 14-Andrew Nolan, Lake 2-Amber Gall, Shepherd, 18:16. 2; 12-Lain- finals held at Michigan International Speedway, Orion, 15:41.8; 17-Nick Trivison, Farming- DIVISION 1 GIRLS ey Veenkant, 19:07.7; 14-Courtney Krupp, The but Ann Arbor Pioneer junior Nick Foster came from behind to take the lead with about ton, 15:43.2; 21-Dayton Brown, Rockford, 1-Ericka VanderLende, Rockford, 17:16.8; New Lothrop, 19:10.4 20 yards remaining. Foster crossed the line in 15:48.3. 3-Kylee Robinson, Waterford Mott, 15:16.1, and Johnson was second in 15:18.2. 17:34.8; 6-Rachel McCardell, Birming- DIVISION 4 GIRLS DIVISION 2 BOYS Johnson is considered one of the top distance ham Seaholm, 17:51.9; 7-Kyla Christo- 2-Bailey McConnell, MP Sacred Heart, runners in the state. 3-Ben Jacobs, Corunna, 15:35.9; 12-Dillan pher-Moody, West Bloomfield, 17:53.5; 18:44.1; 3-Scout Nelson, 18:46.6; 5-Mad- Haviland, St. Johns, 15:52.7; 24-Dako- 10-Madeline Rehm, White Lake Lakeland, ison Volz, Lansing Christian 19:02.5; ta Hundley, Corunna, 16:10.6; 27-John 18:01.1; 13-Alexa Keiser, Fenton, 18:07.5; 8-Desiree McConnell, MP Sacred Heart, Pieper, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 16:07.9; 14-Megan Worrel, 18:07.8; 15-Anastasia 19:21.0; 10-Olivia Hankey, Waterford Lady 29-Brennan Mudd, Midland Bullock Tucker, Midland Dow, 18:08.9; 21-Cam- Lakes, 19:31.5; 11-Chloe Brittain, Breck- Creek, 16:19.5. ryn Gabriel, Rockford, 18:14.2; 28-Sophie enridge, 19:40.1; 13-Lexi Kinnas, Lansing Cross Country Novak, Lake Orion, 18:25.3; 30-Emily Christian, 19:41.8; 19-Lauren MacDonald, DIVISION 3 BOYS Rooney, Birmingham Seaholm, 18:26.2. MP Sacred Heart, 19:56.3; 23-Rowan 7-Aiden McLaughlin, Morley Stanwood Fitzpatrick 2101.8; 30- Helena Snyder, DIVISION 2 GIRLS Montaella 20:13.3. Male Athlete 16:13.6; 8-Ransom Allen, Ithaca, 16:18.3; 16-Kevin McNeil, Morley Stanwood, 1-Olivia Theis, Lansing Catholic, 16:52.1; Cole 16:13.6; 21-Grayson Rasmus. Saranac, 2-Cecilia Stalze, Mason, 17:35.9; 3-Lauren 16:36.1; 23-Hayden Germain, Pewa- Cleary, Lansing Catholic, 17:43.7; 6-Jaden Of The Year Johnson mo-Westphalia, 16:36.4. Theis, Lansing Catholic, 18:18.7; 10-Megan Langworthy, Big Rapids, 18:32.7; 11-Taryn Okemos’s Paul McKinley finishes fourth during the Division 1 finals earlier this month. (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo) The Olivia Theis File end of the season, unlike Lansing Catholic High School some teams that run fast Grade: Senior Corunna Nearly Repeats As D2 CC out of the gate and then by the end of the season, Presenting Sport: Cross Country they can’t run that fast Accomplishments: Theis became only the Champions; Another Jacobs On Prowl any m ore .” second runner ever to eclipse the 17-minute Jacobs said he will run The threshold during the MHSAA Cross Country John Raffel defending state champs but had 20th (16:29.9), Charle Bruck- every day during the winter and Finals at MIS. Sports Scene to settle for second. man 21st (16:22.9) and Evan have some type of indoor track Rochester’s Megan Goethals ran a 16:54.8 in “My state finals performance Roka 52nd (16;52.9) season. 2009, but Theis etched her name in the record Ben Jacobs wasn’t perfectly I was pretty proud of,” Jacobs Jacobs was eighth as a sopho- “Next year, my ultimate goal books taking down Goethals’ record by blister- happy with his performance at said. “My ultimate goal was to more at the 2016 in 16:01.8 and ing a muddy MIS course in 16:52.1 to win the the state finals this season. would be to try to lead my team try to bring home another team took second took second at the to a fifth straight regional title. Division 2 title. Her performance also led the But the good news for Jacobs state final. I wasn’t as concerned Foot Locker Midwest Regionals I think our school record is in Cougars to the team championship. is he will have one season back as winning the individual one. I in 16:11.6. sight and I can win an individ- with his cross country team in wouldn’t have been concerned His season as a whole “was ual title.’ 2018. if that had happened. pretty good,” Jacobs said. “It The school record is 14:59.5. As a junior this season, “I was concerned to go into it wasn’t awesome. We struggled and score my team one point. He’s 36 seconds away from it. “I Cross Country Jacobs saved his best for last with injuries and some illness- think it’s doable,” Jacobs said. by clocking a 15:35 at the The last mile, I passed three or es. There were some meets Division 2 state finals for third four kids and scored one point when I dropped out of the race place overall. He had won the for my team. I did what I want- because I was so tired. I didn’t Female Athlete regional at 15:49.4 the previous ed to do. I gave it a good effort.” want to push it and go too far week. His other sub-16 minute Chelsea won the Division 2 so I couldn’t recover. For the Olivia time was a 15:53.4 at the Mich- race with 96, while Corunna most part, it was a pretty good Corunna junior Ben Jacobs igan State University Spartan was second at 110. While Jacobs season. helped the Cavaliers to a Of The Year Theis Invitational. was first in the team race, “The beginning and middle third-place finish during the For the team race, Jacobs teammates Dakota Hundley of it weren’t that awesome. But recent Division 2 finals. (Gary took first place. Corunna was was 16th (16:60), Miles Persons we train so that we peak at the Williams, High School Sports Scene Photo) (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photos) Your Best Deals Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow. are at Young Making the right decision is important. Especially when it comes to your health. Sparrow is a leader in every major area of care. Choosing Sparrow means getting clinical expertise, exceptional nurses and breakthrough in Owosso!! treatments, unavailable anywhere else in the region. 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Alex Taylor, Beal City, junior He had a personal record of 16:28.98 at the Dayton Brown, Rockford, senior Megan Worrel, Troy, senior Courtney Krupp, Greater Lansing Cross Country Champion- He was 12th in the Division 4 race in 16:47.6. He was 21st in Division 1 state finals in She was 14th in the Division 1 state finals in New Lothrop, senior ships and finished second at the last CMAC He had a personal record of 16:39 during the 15:48.3. He had his personal record during 18:07.8. She won the regional meet with a jamboree. He was third at the regional meet. She was 14th at the Division 3 state finals in season at the Alma College Scottie Classic. the season at the Allendale Falcon Invita- personal record of 17:57.0. She was 35th at the 19:10.4. She had a personal record of 18:42.4 He was 11th at the 2016 state finals with a Ethan Rice, Rochester Hills tional in 15:24.5. He was third at the regional 2016 in 19:05.2. at a GAC jamboree. She was 15th in the 2016 season record of 16:48.7. meet and was 15th in 16:32 at the Mid-East Lutheran Northwest, freshman Anastasia Tucker, Midland Dow, state Division 3 finals. She won the Genesee meet of champions. He was 39th at the state and Shiawassee County Invitationals. Zach Wright, Potterville, freshman He was 24th in Division 4 state finals in finals last season. junior 17:03.3. He sent a personal record of 16:29.8 Chloe Brittain, Breckenridge, se- He was 23rd in the Division 4 race in 17:03.3. She was 15th in 18:09.8 at Division I state at the Greater Lansing Cross Country Dillan Haviland, St. Johns, senior, finals with a personal record. She won three nior Championships. He was third in the Division He was 12th in the Division 2 state finals in meets including the Heritage Invitational and 4 regionals. He was under 17 minutes three She was 11th in the Division 4 race in 19:40.1. 15:52.5. He won the Division 2 regional title the Freeland Invitational. She was second in the Division 4 regionals in times this season. in Ovid-Elsie in 16:30.9. His personal record Camryn Gabriel, Rockford, senior 19:26. Her personal record came in 2015 with TJ Moore, Mount Pleasant Sacred was 15:59.5 in the Fowler Apples 2 Invita- a 19:09.5 at the TVC West jamboree. She was Heart, junior tional. She was 21st in 18:14.2 at Division I state 12th at the 2016 state finals. Dakota Hundley, Corunna, senior finals. She had a personal record of 18:10.4 He was 25th in 17:03.6 in Division 4 state at the Allendale Falcon Invitational. She was Lexi Kinnas, Lansing Christian, finals. He had a personal record of 16:47.4 at He was 24th in 16:10.6 in the Division 2 fourth in the Division 4 regionals. She was freshman the Michigan Class D state championship. He state finals. His time at the state meet was a 34th in the 2016 state finals. was second in two MSAC jamborees. He was personal record. He was 25th at last season’s She was 13th in 19:41.8 in the Division 4 state 101st at the state finals last season. state title meet. Lainey Veenkant, Clare, junior finals. She was fourth at the regional meet. Her Josiah Morse, Essexville Garber personal record of 19:39.7 came in a second She was 12th in 19:07.7 at the Division 3 state Jordan Mawhirter, Montabella, Brennan Mudd, Grayson Rasmus, place at the Fowler Apples 2 Invitational. She junior Midland Bullock Creek, senior finals. She took second in the regionals with was second in the GLAC meet. Saranac, freshman a personal record of 18:12.3. She took several He was 30th in Division 4 state finals in He was 29th in 15:19.5 in the Division 2 state He was 21st in 16:35.2 at the Division I state first places including in Jack Pine jamborees Lauren MacDonald, MP Sacred 17:08.4. He had a personal record of 17:05.3 meet. He was fourth in the regional meet at meet. He had a personal record of 16:26.9 the and the Sparta Invitational. Heart, junior at the Division 4 regional meet. He was in the Saginaw Heritage in 16:06.4. He was 16th last previous week at the Allendale regionals. He top three of all MSAC meets. He was 42nd at She was 19th in 19:56.3 in the Division 4 season at the state meet. won a CMAC jamboree. the state finals last season. state finals. She was fourth at regionals. Her Megan Worrel, Troy Kevin McNeil, Hayden Germain, Pewamo-West- personal record came in 2016 with a 19:18.5 in Austin Remick, Rochester, senior the coaches state cross country meet. She was Taryn Chapko, Katie Vitou, DeWitt, senior Morley Stanwood, senior phalia, sophomore He was 12th in Division 1 state finals in 11th at the state finals last season. St. Johns, sophomore She was 15th in 18:43.8 in the Division 2 state He was 16th in the Division 3 meet 16:32.0, He was 23rd in 16:34 at Division 3 state meet. 15:40. He was third in the regionals with Rowan Fitzpatrick, MP Sacred She was 11th in 18:34.2 in the Division 2 state finals. She was fifth in the regionals with a a personal record. His best place finish was He took third at the regional meet in 16:48.1. a personal record of 15:33. He was 33rd in finals. She was fourth at regionals. She was personal best of 18:42.7. She finished 21st in a second at the Saranac Invitational. He was His personal record was 16:32.0. He won a Heart, senior 16:59 at the Mid-East Meet of Champions on 10th at the 2016 state finals. Her personal 20:02 at the Mid-East Meet of champions 96th at last season’s state finals. CMAC jamboree. It was the first high school Nov. 18. He was 27th at the Division 4 state She was 23rd in 20:01.8 at the Division 4 state record of 18:23.0 came at a state meet this meet he won. Hannah Adler, DeWitt, senior meet in 2016. finals. She was fifth at regionals. Last season, season. Alex Taylor, Beal City she was 31st at the state meet. Her personal She was 19th in 18:51.3 in the Division 2 record was a 19:32.6 at the 2015 regionals. Ashley Shipps, state meet, a personal record. She was eighth DeWitt, junior Helena Snyder, Montabella, fresh- at regionals. Last season, she was fourth at regionals and 100th at the state finals. Big Rapids Division 1 and 2 girl races ran first in the after- Morley’s eighth for most of the race. I was where I man She was 13th in 18:40.3 in the Division 2 state Langworthy noon and missed the rain. But the Division 1 and McLaughlin wanted to be the whole race pretty much. I finals. Her personal record of 18:28.9 came Lucy Petee, Mason, sophomore She was 30th in 20:13.3 at the Division 4 state 2 boys races in mid-afternoon were delayed by th just had to keep my pace. It was a very good in the first meet of the year, the Laingsburg reaches her goal finishes 7 finals with a personal record. She took eighth She was 20th in 18:53.3 in the Division 2 state rain and lightning storms. race.” Invitational. She took sixth at regionals. She Big Rapids junior in Division 3 at regionals. She also had a seventh place at meet with a personal record. She was seventh “I thought it was pretty good,” Langworthy said. He’s only a sophomore and McLaughlin will was 12th at the state meet last season Meghan Langworthy Morley Stan- her home Mustang Invitational. at the regional meet. She took third place at “It was pretty muddy. (Her time) was good for have two shots at topping his No. 7 spot. reached her goal of wood’s Aiden “I wanted to get all-state and top the Perry Invitational early in the season. the conditions.” The competition Langworthy Courtney Krupp, New Lothrop gaining all-state status McLaughlin and 20,” he said. “I PRed about 40 seconds went up against was stiff considering the first- this season. Kevin McNeil throughout the season.” place runner, Olivia Theis of Lansing Catholic, Langworthy was 10th in both had fun The winner was Yami Albrecht of Caro in set a record for girls in all divisions at 16:52.1. 18:32.7 to earn all-state after getting all- 15:44.7, and McNeil was 16th (16:32) for “I did (well) the entire race,” Langworthy said. state medals on Good honors in the Division 2 the Mohawks to finish in the top 30 which “I liked that it was cold. This is the first muddy Nov. 4 in the Division 3 cross country state is the all-state mark. state cross country finals on Nov. 4 at the Michi- Luck course I ran this year.” finals at Michigan International Speedway. “I PRed by about 10 seconds,” McNeil said. gan International Speedway. Langworthy, a junior, will have a shot to raise her McLaughlin was seventh (16:13.6) “I went out fast the first two miles and pret- All The temperature for the race was around 40. The No. 10 ranking next season. “I did well,” McLaughlin said. “I was hoping ty much tried to hang on the last mile.” to get top 10 and I got seventh. I was in Area Like Sports · Ford cars, SUVs, crossovers and trucks (up to 350-Series) that Teams The Right Choice are current or five previous model years and have less than Ford Certified Pre-Owned 80,000 miles can qualify Us On KRAPOHL Before you hit the road in a Certified Pre-Owned Ford vehicle, · 12-month/12,000-miles Co mprehensive Limited Warranty we put every car, truck, SUV and crossover to the test. 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Alexis. I’m proud of my team,” Sacred Heart “I just have to keep junior Desiree McConnell said. “One Sacred Heart Girls Make In 3 training and putting of my sisters is hurt. But we came Laingsburg Gives Top-Ranked Bronson in miles,” Bailley said. together.” Scout Nelson took Cammie McConnell never ran Straight Cross Country Titles third place overall in during the season because of the A Scare, Falls In State Title Match John Raffel She was first among all runners 18:46.6 and the Irish injury. Desiree was eighth in 19:21 Dan Stickradt “We decided to play,” noted set- “We did a great job coming Sports Scene with a team competing in 18:44.1. junior was second among her team’s and second among the McConnell Sports Scene ter Kiana Mayer of the eye-opening out and playing our best. That’s Overall she was second. runners. sisters. deficit. “At the point, we knew we what we preached all season long,” It’s three straight girls state cross Bronson found itself in an said Laingsburg coach Tennille “It was pretty good,” she said. “I “My goal this season was to break “Our team is great, I was proud had to step up.” country Division 4 titles for Mount unfamiliar situation in the Class C Whitmore. “I thought Bronson’s was happy with my time. Each race, 18, and I had never done that,” of them,” Desiree said. “(Her) time Salesman slammed 19 kills and Pleasant Sacred Heart, with no end state finals at Battle Creek’s Kellogg ball control was very good and we I’ve been working to get a little faster.” Nelson said. “I was happy to run with wasn’t great. I’m not going to make recorded 11 digs for the Vikings. immediately in sight. The Irish had a Arena. fell behind in the last three sets. We The infield “was spongy,” she Bailey for one last time. She really any excuses. It was a little cold.” Jolie Smoker added 12 kills, Kiera 39 at the Division 4 meet on Nov. 4 were competitive, but not enough commented. helped me out this season.” Her fast- Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart’s The Vikings trailed 1-0 against Lasky had 21 digs, Kiana Mayer at Michigan International Speedway. Laingsburg and a third straight title in the end against a great program. Bailley McDonnell finished off her “I had some goals what I worked est time this year was an 18:27. Lauren MacDonald was all-state in followed with 37 assists and Ash- was in jeopardy. ton Wronikowski added 11 kills for “I’ll be honest. We didn’t just last cross country race for Mount for on what I could do,” McConnell Nelson likes the cold weather so 19th in 19:56.3. Bronson, which won its fourth title come here to play, we came here Pleasant Sacred Heart in sparkling said. She’ll be going to Cornerstone the state finals race was to her liking. “I thought the weather was kind Top-ranked Bronson escaped the danger zone of a potential in the past decade. with the hopes of winning it,” add- fashion. next season to run with her sister, “The infield of cold but we all pushed through it,” giant killer in honorable mention “It’s hard being the No. 1 in the ed Whitmore. “We had a great run was soft and the she said. Laingsburg, rallying for a 3-1 tri- state. People are always wan tinting and played on the season’s final day ground was hard As for winning another title, “I umph in the Class C state finals. to play their best. i think we were for the first time. Only two schools to get a good stride wouldn’t necessarily say we expect No. 1 the whole season. That’s (in each class) can say that. We on,” Nelson said. it. We work hard for it, and we won” After falling behind with a 25-20 setback in Game 1, Bronson tough,” said LaClair. came up short against a great team. Nelson, a junior, MacDonald said. “I’m more experi- But I couldn’t be prouder of our getting into the infield.” persevered to win the final three Alex Randall had 16 kills and has been on a state enced and I think I handled myself efforts. We had an amazing run.” sets, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19 to earn its 10 digs to lead Laingsburg. Sophie championship better this year.” The girls have been solid for three third straight Class C title. Strife added 14 kills and 14 digs, In the semifinals, Laingsburg de- team all three Sacred Heart’s Rowan Fitzpatrick years now,” coach Mark Zitzelsberg- Maya Ferland chipped in 14 kills, feated first-time state semifinalist seasons. was 23rd in 20:01.8. er said. “The whole group of girls “I don’t think we made any came up through junior high cross adjustments, I think we just tried 11 digs and two aces and Grace Wixom St. Catherine of Siena, 3-1. “It’s really “We ran hard, stuck to our pace country. They work hard. (Cammie to focus on what we needed to,” ad- Gregg contributed 40 assists for Ferlaand slammed 19 kills, Randall exciting and we and we won,” Fitzpatrick said. “This McConnnell) was the fifth-place mitted Bronson coach Jean LaClair the Wolfpack (40-17-3), who were added 15 kills, Stiff had 10 kills and found out our guys year was a lot less stressful for us. finisher at the finals. Usually, a school of her team’s 1-0 deficit. “I thought making their first-ever state finals Gregg collected 40 assists. won too so that’s We’ve all been working this summer of our size, when you lose somebody it was a pretty gutsy performance. appearance. Overall, Laingsburg defeated five exciting,” Nelson really hard. We all stuck together like that, it’s a kiss of depth. We were We had Keona (Salesman) hurt her Laingsburg lost in the state teams that were ranked or listed as said. and shortened our time. I would fortunate we had depth and the girls thumb and I asked ‘do you want to quarterfinals the past two years, honorable mention during its state have liked to have been under 20, “It went well, really stepped up.” play?’ But all of the girls stepped up but took two more steps to reach runner-up run. but 20:01 is fine. It was a little soggy after that point.” the season’s final day.

The Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart girls cross country rolled to its second straight Laingsburg’s Maya Ferland sends the ball over the net during Division 4 championship earlier this month at Michigan International Speedway. the Class C championship match. Bronson went on to win the (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photos) match in four games. (Courtesy Photo)

lia moved up to Division 3. The boys knew every other Sacred Heart Boys Cross Country team ahead of us graduated at least two guys We knew it would be wide open. Joins Girls Team As Champions “I told the boys, you’d bet- John Raffel individual top 30 all-state finish. Only Schafer is a senior. Six ter put the work in over the Sports Scene “It’s amazing. It’s a feeling of the top seven return next summer to put yourself in the I can’t describe,” Moore said. year and Sacred anticipates position. They did. Our boys The Sacred Heart boys decid- “I thought in July and August bringing in an exceptional ran as a pack at regionals. The ed to join the girls as Division we could do this with the solid middle school runner. Coach spread was 27 seconds between 4 cross country champions this core of people we had. We just Mark Zitzelsberger pointed out one and five That’s the way year. had to keep them healthy. We the combined scores of his two they’ve been running all season. Mount Pleasant Sacred thought we had a good chance boys and girls team, with 126 We got three guys under 17 this Heart’s boys doubled the to win something. We all ran for boys and 39 for the girls, year. At that point, I knew we school’s pleasure in cross solid. We held our own and was 165, the second lowest such had a good chance.” country state titles by making it moved up as a pack. We like to combined point total in state 2-for-2. The girls were expected work hard and win races.” history. Rockford had 90 points. to take first place, and they did. For the team race, Moore He was confident the boys The boys were thought to have was 18th (17:03.6), Nelson had a chance in 2017 “after they a chance in Division 4 and got 20th (17:09.8), Josh Lynch 26th finished 10th last year,” Zitzels- the job done with a 124, 59 The Irish’s boys squad (17:29.1), Matthew Nowak 29th berger said. “They had a lot of scored 59 points points ahead of second-place (17:33.3) and Noah Schafer injuries. Only four of the guys to win the Division Pottersville. 33rd (17:43.9). “I thought my that started varsity ended up 4 championship. Your Small Town Rehabilitation Center Sacred Heart was led by TJ time was slow,” Moore said. running here last year, due to Potterville finished Moore who was 25th overall “It was muddy and everyone injuries. We understood Harbor second. (Gary Williams, in 17:03.6 for the school’s only Springs and Pewamo Westpha- High School Sports pushed through.” Scene Photos)

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Novi. The good teams to get here.” second-ranked O’Leary, headed for the Novi Wins Third Straight In Wildcats University-of-Michigan, capped SPORTS SCENE’S (56-3-0) had her four-year career with 33 EYE ON vOllEYball too much assists against only one error Sweep Of Birmingham Marian firepower and to go along with 11 kills and Dan Stickradt in the 2014 finals only to reel state finals nine digs. Northwestern-bound la district. The Mohawks advanced to the experience in the end. Sports Scene off three straight crowns and Abryanna Cannon had 18 kills, Pinconning district where they fell to Shelby record a four-year team record It marked Marian’s first 15 digs and two blocks, Claire Area Volleyball Teams Turn In Strong in three sets. Dominating. of 218-12-1. title-game appearance since Pinkerton had 16 digs, and • Montrose defeated Burton Atherton in Within its long list of “I honestly don’t know if they 2013, when the Mustangs lost Kathryn Ellison followed with four sets to win the title at the Burton Bendle accomplishments the past few understand the magnitude of all to East Grand Rapids. This 14 digs and three aces for Novi. district. The Rams went on to the Bad Axe years, Novi achieved a feat on they have accomplished,” offers run came under a new coach, “This group have left such Performances In State Tournament Action regional where they fell in three sets to the volleyball court that hasn’t Lauren Duquette, and featured. Novi coach Jennifer Cottrill. “I a legacy,” said Cottrill. “We’re Butch Harmon assists respectively. Junior Mallory Eurich an end to South Lyon’s season. South Lyon Brown City. happened in Class A in more mean being here all four years numerous wins against other going to miss this group and Sports Scene added 490 digs and senior Riley McIntyre defeated Howell in four sets to win the dis- than two decades. with a state runner-up and teams ranked in the top 20. everything they did for our totaled 343 digs. trict title at Howell. At the Dexter regional, CLASS D The second-ranked Wildcats three state championships. It’s “Here we are playing the program.” Heading into the state volleyball tourna- South Lyon defeated Ann Arbor Huron in • Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart reached the Haslett wrapped up a solid season by fall- captured their third straight incredible.” defending state champions Novi ment, the Corunna Cavalier were unranked. three sets before falling to eventual Class A Class D state quarterfinals for a fifth season The Mustangs held leads of ing in four sets to Lakewood-Lake Odessa, state title with a 3-0 sweep of There are four current and I thought we did a fantastic 14-12 and 16-14 in Game 3 but By the end of the second week of the state ranked third in the state, at the Williamston champion Novi in three sets in the regional in a row. After falling to Leland in the four tournament, the Cavaliers had more than No. 7 Birmingham Marian, players that were on Nori’s state job maintaining our composure could not keep Novi at bay. regional. final. previous trips, Sacred Heart fell just two and competing with them,” said proven that they deserved to be rated among points short of advancing as it dropped a topping the Mustangs 25-23, runner-up roster in 2014, two “We’re a young team with Haslett earned a trip to the regional after • Fenton won a district title by defeating 25-9, 25-23. who played the entire season Duquette. “We did a fantastic the top teams in the state in CLASS B Grand Blanc in four sets to win the Flushing 22-25, 25-27, 25-20, 25-22, 14-16 decision to only three seniors and Novi has stopping Lansing Catholic Central in five Novi became the first three- and two postseason call-ups. All job in the third set of battling Corunna won both a district and a region- district. The Tigers won a five-set match Rogers City. a ton of experience. They are sets to win the Fowlerville district. Senior peat school in Class A since four won three state titles. back, dropping the negative al title to advance to the elite eight in Class against Davison in the regional semifinals Ranked 10th in the state in Class D at body language and energy and mostly seniors and have been Lilly Metcalf turned in a big season for the Portage Northern won four “It’s different because this is here before,” said Duquette. B. Corunna’s tournament run was ended Vikings as she totaled 296 kills, 107 digs and at Mt. Pleasant before falling in four sets to the end of the regular season, Sacred Heart stayed with them. by the best in the state as No. 1-ranked and straight titles from 1992-95. the last time most of us will play “That might have been the dif- 53 aces. Midland in the regional finale. won the Big Rapids Crossroads regional “We came a long ways this eventual Class B state champion Pontiac No- with a three-set win over Pentwater in the Northern also won three together,” said O’Leary. “We ference. We hope to be back.” Birch Run won a district title this season • Ranked No 1 in the state heading into the straight from 1985-87. have so many seniors. It’s been season. We went through many tre Dame Prep stopped the Cavalier in three tournament, Rockford was upset in five sets semifinals and a five-set win over Muskegon Christine Audette had seven by stopping Caro in four sets to win the Caro Behind Miss Volleyball Erin an amazing four years.” (changes) and someone should sets. For the year, the Cavs finished with a by third-ranked Grand Rapids Christian in Catholic Central in the regional title match. kills, Maddie Dow added 18 district. The Panthers fell in the semifinals of O’Leary, the No. 1-rated setter write a documentary about all 43-7-1 overall record. the regional finals at Jenison. Winners of the Northern Michigan Christian Novi’s Kathryn Ellison delivers a spike Marian fought tooth-and-nail assists, and Sarah Cavanaugh the Goodrich district in five sets to Corunna. in the Class A championship match in the country, Novi reached the changes we made in three- Along the way, Corunna proved it could district, Sacred Heart ended the season with in Game 1 and Game 3 but had and-a-half months,” added contributed 13 digs for Marian • Flint Powers won the district it hosted by • Walled Lake Central won the district title against Bloomfield Hills Marian. the title game for the fourth play with anyone in the state. The Cavalier a 42-10-5 overall record. no answers in Game 2 against Duquette. “We beat some very (45-13-1). stopping Goodrich in five sets in the finals. at Walled Lake Northern by defeating the (Courtesy Photo) straight year. The Wildcats lost opened the tournament with a three-set host team in three sets in the finals. Central • Lansing Christian won the district tourna- victory against Chesaning to win the Durand Powers fell to Swan Valley in four sets at the ment it hosted with a three-set win against Goodrich regional. went on to the Dexter regional where it fell district title. At the Goodrich regional, Co- to Novi in three sets in the semifinals. Morrice in the title match. The Pilgrims also ers) kept reminding us men and we knew how hard runna earned a trip to the state quarterfinals CLASS A hosted the regional where it fell to third- about the streak. It is it is to get here. We wanted to by defeating Swan Valley in four sets in the • Okemos turned in a big effort to win the Midland turned in a strong post-season ranked North Adams in the semifinals. very impressive. There is get back to Battle Creek and title match. district it hosted. The Chiefs defeated Lakewood Gives Pontiac run by reaching the Class A quarterfinals Mason in five sets to secure the trophy. some pressure with all of we accomplished that,” said Sophomore standout Elizabeth Norris where it fell in three sets to eventual Class A Okemos went on to the St. Johns regional that and being the top- Shilling. “So anything else like was one of the team leaders this season as runner-up Bloomfield Hills Marian. where it fell in four sets to Gull Lake in the Notre Dame Prep All It Can ranked school. Everyone winning a state championship she totaled 609 kills along with 471 digs and Midland reached the quarterfinals by semifinals. is gunning for you,” is really just a bonus.” 85 blocks. Senior hitter Rylee Thayer turned winning the Flushing regional where it de- smiled Notre Dame Prep It marked the third time in in a big season with 392 kills, 74 blocks and • Davison won the district title at Flint feated Fenton in four sets in the title match. Handle In Class B Finals coach Betty Wroubel. “I four seasons that Lakewood 59 aces. Junior setter Lexi Mort racked up Kearsley by stopping Mt. Morris in three couldn’t be prouder of Midland defeated Bay City Western in four sets in the title match. Davison then fell to lost in the Class B state finals 1,429 assists while junior Maddie Birchmei- extraordinary season. The Irish this group of girls. They sets to win the Midland Dow district. The Fenton in five sets at the regional semifi- Dan Stickradt and each time to a different er totaled 655 digs and senior Myah Kelly have not lost a match since worked so hard at not only Chemics finished the season with a 52-10 nals. Sports Scene school. added 584 digs. defeats to Class A schools Lake playing with the pressure, but record. “We’re not a team of Divi- Swan Valley turned in a solid tournament CLASS C Pontiac Notre Dame Prep Orion and Farmington Hills playing together with the same Senior hitter Grace Rekeweg led Midland sion Is and Division IIs, college run. Ranked among the honorable mention put the finishing touches on its Mercy back in August and goal.” this season with 659 kills along with 84 aces. • St. Louis, ranked among the honor- players. This is who we are. But in Class B at the end of the season, the Vi- school record-setting season have not dropped even a set Senior Peyton Gerstacker added 400 kills able-mention in the state at the end of Natalie Risi had 19 kills, we go out there and play hard kings upended rival Freeland, ranked ninth Saturday. since a 2-1 victory over Troy at and 373 digs while senior Bethany Wilson the season, won the Breckenridge district Gabbie Shilling was a perfect every game and it shows,” said in the state, in five sets to win the district The top-ranked Fighting the Beast of the East Invita- totaled 283 kills and 79 blocks. title with a three-set win against Carson 19-for-19 attacking with 12 Lakewood coach Kellie Row- title at Bay City Glenn. Swan Valley defeated City-Crystal. The Sharks went on to the Irish finished with a 64-2-2 tional in early October. kills, Lauren Burnick had 42 • Clarkston reached the finals of the land. “We battled them tough. Powers Catholic in the regional semifinals Pewamo-Westphalia regional where they record, a new school mark It marked the third state title assists and 12 digs, Morgan They are a great team and no before falling to Corunna in the regional Bloomfield Hills regional before dropping a fell in four sets against Grand Rapids Cov- for wins in a campaign, and for the Irish in four trips to Veryeyen slammed eight kills three-set match to eventual state runner-up other Class B team has played finals. Swan Valley capped the year with a enant Christian. capped the season with 53 the Final Four, with the other and Maddie Chinn added them this tough all season.” 47-13-2 overall record. Bloomfield Hills Marian. Clarkston reached straight victories following • Saranac, an honorable-mention team at championships coming in the seven kills as part of the Irish’s the final by stopping Troy in three sets in the a 3-0 sweep of third-ranked Alivia Benedict had 10 kills Senior hitter Kristen Huebner, who will be the end of the season, defeated Vermont- fall 2007 season and 2013. arsenal of weapons. semifinals. Lake Odessa Lakewood in the and 12 digs, Breanna Wick- continuing her career at Saginaw Valley State ville Maple Valley in three sets to win “I stopped telling all the NDP lost in the state semis Class B state finals at Kellogg erink added 10 kills, Kayla next season, was one of the top hitters in the Clarkston, which ended the season with a the Delton-Kellogg district title. Saranac papers of the how many wins to North Branch in 2014. Arena. Sauers picked up 32 assists and state this season with 664 total kills and a 31-113 mark, defeated Ortonville-Brandon dropped a four-set match to conference we’ve had in a row because of to win the Clarkston district title. Senior “For myself and Lauren Bur- Patsy Morris had 16 digs for .409 hitting percentage. Junior hitter Hallie rival Laingsburg in the semifinals of the NDP outlasted Lakewood the pressure. All the (report- nick, we were here as a fresh- Lakewood (47-6-2). McIntyre totaled 256 kills and 82 aces this Abbey Malinowski led the way for Clarkston Pewamo-Westphalia regional. 25-16, 25-17, 28-26 to cap the season with senior Emma Bierlein adding this season with 531 kills and 329 digs. • Morley-Stanwood defeated Beal City in 200 kills. Sophomore setters Bridget Raedy Zari Kruger (No. 7) attacks the net during Lakewood Odessa’s championship • It took the eventual state champion to put three sets to win the Blanchard-Montabel- (Nick Rethman, High School and Claire Bierlein totaled 743 and 625 Sports Scene Photo) match against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. NDP outlasted Lakewood 25-16, 25-17, 28-26 to win the Class B championship. (Courtesy Photo) All Your Home Improvement Needs GUARANTEEDBest Products & Lowest Prices! Commercial & Residential • Automatic Standby • Roofing • Flooring Mid-Michigan 306 North State Street Generators (Metal)(Asphalt) • Insulation (Sales/Installation) • Windows Financing 612 East Superior, Alma, MI 48801 • Portable • Doors Generators • Siding Available! Alma (989) 463 - 4036 1-877-367-4911 Across From The Alma Public Library! Dental Excellence EnergyFirstHomeImprovements.com Home Improvement Certified Michigan Saves Contractor....A+ Rating With The Better Business Bureau www.midmichigandental excellence.com • Find us on Facebook! Page 16 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 17 Presenting The 2017 Volleyball Dream Team Novi’s O’Leary Wins Miss Volleyball  matches. Th e Wildcats fi nished as the     Dan Stickradt Sports Scene state runner-up to Romeo in 2014, and defeated Romeo in the 2015 state Five days before leading her school to fi nals with wins over Rockford (2016) a third straight Class A state champion- and Birmingham Marian (2017) in ship, Novi surprised senior setter Erin title-game matches. O’Leary led Novi Hailey Delacher Lauryn Gibbs Patsy Morris Maya Ferland Madeline Chinn Abryanna Cannon Abbey Malinowski O’Leary. to not only three straight state titles and Rockford, Sr, Mt. Morris, Sr, Lake Odessa Lakewood, Laingsburg, Sr., Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Novi, Sr., Clarkston, Sr., A forgone conclusion for the four straight league, district and region- Setter Libero Sr., Libero Middle Hitter Jr., Outside Hitter Outside Hitter Outside Hitter All-American standout to win the Miss al crowns and to a stellar 218-12-1 team Volleyball award, O’Leary was shocked record over the past four years. HAILEY DELACHER, Rockford 5-8 sr. LAURYN GIBBS, Mt. Morris sr. 5-8 PATSY MORRIS, Lake Odessa MAYA FERLAND, Laingsburg 6-0 sr. MADELINE CHINN, Pontiac Notre ABRYANNA CANNON, Novi 6-0 sr. ABBEY MALINOWSKI, Clarkston 6-1 sr. S: The daughter of Rockford coach Kelly L: With a career resume stacked with Lakewood 5-4 sr. L: A two-time Class MH: Her team’s go-to target at the net, Dame Prep 6-3 jr. OH: A lethal jumping- OH: After playing for two seasons for OH/MH: A do-everything-type player for when she walked into a gym to see Behind O’Leary’s steady hands, Novi Delacher, this four-year varsity veteran accomplishments, Gibbs will play next B All-State First Team honoree, Morris Ferland helped Laingsburg reach the jack at the net for the nationally-ranked Traverse City West, Cannon’s family the Wolves, Malinowski led her team to an award ceremony honoring her as a fi nished seventh in the Miss Volleyball season for Michigan State. Named to the played on three state runner-up teams quarterfi nals in 2015 and 2016 and fi nish Fighting Irish, Chinn is a dynamite moved south and she enjoyed being a share of the OAA Red Division and Class became the fi rst Class A school to win voting. She led her team to three straight Class A All-State Third Team after her and aided her squad to four league and as the Class C state runner-up in 2017. attacker who will likely wind up on Miss key cog in Nori’s state crowns in 2016 A district titles this season. A four-year landslide winner of the 2017 Miss Vol- three straight state crowns since Portage OK Conference Red Division and district school voluntarily moved up to Class A, district championships. The defensive Ferland garnered All-State First Team Volleyball ballot in 2018. Chinn had over and 2017. She fi nished fourth in the varsity veteran who ranks in the top 10 all- titles and to the Class A state runner-up leyball honoree, selected each year by Northern won four straight from 1992- the three-year starter helped Mt. Morris to spark plug registered over 700 digs on status after a fi ne season that included 650 kills and .415 of her attempts reached Miss Volleyball voting and earned Class time in numerous categories for Clarkston, trophy. She is a four-time all-league and all- over 150 wins in a three-year span. the season for the 47-6-2 Vikings. over 530 kills, 50-plus aces and 500 digs. the fl oor this season. She was named All- A All-State First Team as a junior and Malinowski was All-State Second Team as the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball region performer and a three-time All-State 95. State First Team for state champion NDP, senior. Cannon collected over 500 kills, a sophomore and All-State First Team as Coaches Association. selection. She has the MHSAA record for She fi nished with over 5,700 career assists in a match (67) and ranks in the which fi nished 64-2-2. She has already 330 digs, 50 blocks and over a .400 kills a junior and senior. She fi nished third in Based on a 5-3-1 voting system, top fi ve in career assists. She will play at committed to Purdue. percentage for the Wildcats. the Miss Volleyball voting and signed with assists, a new MHSAA record, and over Division I Bradley University next year. Division I Oakland University. O’Leary fi nished with 212 points to win 1,600 assists in 2017. Headed for the by more than 100 points. New Balti- University of Michigan, she will depart more Anchor Bay’s Maria Mallon was the Michigan prep scene as one of the second with 109 points, followed by most accomplished setters in state CLASS A CLASS b CLASS C CLASS D Clarkston’s Abbey Malinowski (100) and history. Novi’s Abryanna Cannon (88) on the “Th ere’s not much to say about Erin FIrST TEAM FIrST TEAM FIrST TEAM FIrST TEAM 10-player ballot. O’Leary that hasn’t already been said,” Madison Dowd Rebecca Poljan Paige Gallentine Sophie Ruggles A humble Christian leader within smiled an emotional Novi coach Jenni- her youth group, YoungLife Ministries, Birmingham Marian, jr. S Lansing Catholic, sr. OH; Brighton Charyl Stockwell Mt. Pleasant fer Cottrill. “She’s had an amazing career Prep, soph. S; Sacred Heart, sr. MH O’Leary is quick to defl ect her personal at Novi. She’s a great volleyball player Jess Mruzik Allyson Severance achievements to those around her. and even a better person.” Farmington Hills Mercy North Branch, jr. OH; Alex Randall Sidney Horak “Th is has given me the opportunity Her teammates were the ones hon- soph. OH Natalie Risi, Pontiac Laingsburg, sr. MH Fowler, sr. OH Erin O’Leary to look back on all the people that have ored for being able to play alongside Olivia Smith Notre Dame Prep, jr. OH Sophie Strife Kaelin Ray, Southfi eld supported me over the years — my Laingsburg, sr. OH Christian, sr. OH O’Leary, who carries a 3.98 GPA and Kristen Huebner Bloomfi eld Hills, sr. MH Brenna Wickerink Novi, Sr, coaches, my teammates, my family,” said will graduate early at the end of January. Desiree Becker Lake Odessa Lakewood Megan Green Brooklyn Within O’Leary. “I would be nowhere without DeWitt, Jr., Saginaw Swan Valley, Grace Rekeweg “If there is one player in the state sr. MH St. Louis, jr. S Fowler, jr. MH Player of the Year all of them. Everything that has hap- Outside Hitter Sr., Middle Hitter Midland, sr. OH who I could pick to play alongside, it pened has been incredible.” Gabrielle Shilling, Pontiac Emma Schlagheck Emily VanDyke, Southfi eld would be Erin O’Leary,” off ered senior DESIREE BECKER, DeWitt 6-2 jr. KRISTEN HUEBNER, Saginaw Swan Jessica Robinson Notre Dame Prep, sr. MH Wixom St. Catherine Christian, soph. OH O’Leary, a four-time Class A All-Sate teammate Kathryn Ellison. MH: One of Michigan’s top juniors, Valley 5-11 sr. MH: One of the top players Troy, jr. OH ERIN O’LEARY, Novi 5-8 sr. S: Named the landslide winner for Miss Volleyball 2017, the University First Team played in four state title Becker was instrumental in leading the in Class B, Huebner earned All-State First Olivia Sweeney jr. OH Tiff any Senerius, of Michigan signee is also a two-time All-America selection. The four-time Class A All-State First Team  Panthers to their fi rst Class A Final Four Team honors after leading her team to the    Paige Briggs honoree will graduate as the state’s all-time leader in assists. She led Novi to three straight state titles run. Becker earned All-State First Team regional fi nals. Signed with D-II Saginaw North Branch, sr. Alicia Aldrich Waterford Our Lady status after slamming over 400 kills with Lake Orion, jr. OH and one runner-up fi nish as a freshman during her career and is considered the No. 1-rated school The High School Sports Scene All-Area Girls Volleyball 10-member Dream Team, which Valley State, Huebner is a three-time All- Betsy Cook, Freeland, sr. Beaverton sr. OH of the Lakes, sr. high setter in the country. encompasses schools from 19 Michigan counties. Capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt: a .360 kills percentage. TVC and All-Region honoree and two- time All-State performer. (Staff and Submitted Photos, High School Sports Scene Photos)

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DeWitt was led this season by its seven-player senior class. DeWitt Volleyball Team Reaches Final Senior Grace George earned third-team, all-state honors as she totaled 533 kills this sea- Four In Class A Volleyball Tournament son along with 380 digs. Senior Butch Harmon accomplished plenty during 1-ranked Rockford in five sets setter Brooke Binkley turned Panther Pride... Sports Scene the season. DeWitt, which in the regional finals. DeWitt, in a big year with 1,226 assists entered the state tournament however, turned in a huge while senior libero Stephanie The DeWitt volleyball team ranked fourth in the state, effort as it defeated Christian Starr totaled 441 digs. fell just shy of its goal this sea- threat as was senior outside capped the season with a 43-5 in three sets. The Panthers also received son, but the Panthers provided hitter Kemmie Shunk. Junior record. DeWitt won its first Class A big efforts from a number of their fans plenty of thrills Alma Volleyball Team Turns In Winning right-side hitter Jasmine DeWitt turned in one of its regional title in school history juniors. Junior hitter Desiree along the way. Everitt was another key hitter biggest efforts of the sea- when it defeated Gull Lake in Becker earned first-team, all- for the Panthers. With its sights set on a son in the state quarterfinal three sets to win the St. Johns state honors this season. An Season Highlighted By District Title Seniors Olivia Apple and state title, DeWitt reached the match against a Grand Rapids regional. The Panthers defeat- outstanding all-around player, Butch Harmon third place in the Tri-Valley with a the support from the community.” Tia Everdeen were also key semifinals of the Class A tour- Christian team that entered ed Mattawan in four sets in Becker totaled 403 kills along Sports Scene 5-2 record. Along with reaching the sweet starters. Apple was the team’s nament before falling in three the tournament ranked third the regional semifinal match. with 140 blocks and 53 service The Panthers competed in the 16 in the state, the Alma volleyball libero and defensive leader sets to eventual state Novi. in the state. Christian came DeWitt also won the Waverly aces. Junior hitter Sydney Mills With dedicated senior class Clare district and opened district team ended the season with a 28- while Everdeen was Alma’s While the Panthers fell just into the match with plenty of district title by defeating St. added 222 kills. leading the way, the Alma volleyball setter who put the offense in play with a four set win against Big 16-3 overall record. short of the ultimate goal, they momentum as it defeated No. Johns in three sets. team put itself back on the volley- Rapids. Alma defeated Clare 25-19, motion. ball map this season. A total team effort was key to 25-21 and 25-22 in the district Alma’s success this season. Alma In all, Alma had a group of Building momentum as the sea- semifinals. Alma then clinched the featured a balanced attack on of- six seniors leading the team DeWitt’s Desiree Becker gets set to serve the ball during the Panthers son progressed, the Alma volleyball district title with a 25-17, 25-17, fense and played solid defense. this year. Aubrie Dunlap, Class A semi finals match against Novi. (Courtesy Photo) team was playing at its best when it 25-21 win against Shepherd in the Abigail Mellinger, Maryssa meant the most. Alma was hitting finals. “Offensively, we were very Smoker, Apple, Everdeen on all cylinders in the state tourna- aggressive,” Lippert said. “We were and Shunk provided valuable seven kills and Madison Raymond With the district title in hand, not a team that had one big hitter to added 13 digs for the Eagles. ment as it claimed its first district Alma traveled to Gaylord for the senior leadership. title since 2008. The Panthers then rely on. Some teams have that one regional. Alma won its semifinal “These seniors have Fowler’s Magical Run Ends In Finals To Grace Kellogg’s tip-kill to end won their regional semifinal match big hitter everyone knows but that match in four sets against Gladwin. been with me for two year,” Game 2 provided a huge spark for before falling to Cadillac in the was not us. We had offensive weap- The tournament trail ended for Lippert said. “They have put Plymouth Christian, as Fowler regional finals. ons all along the net. We spread the the Panthers with a three-set loss Alma volleyball back and Defending Champ Plymouth Christian had put together a large rally to ball around. We had a lot of people trophy. “I feel that we peaked at the right against Cadillac. attacking from a lot of places.” have helped build a winning Dan Stickradt trim the score to 24-23. time,” said second-year Alma coach “Winning the district title was c u ltu re .” Sports Scene “The goal was to get here, but just getting Fowler (38-12-5) had recorded only Kristi Lippert. “We had some grow- Leading the attack for the here is not what we wanted. We wanted to really exciting,” Lippert said. “It was Panthers was outside hitter Hailey While the six seniors will Fowler’s magical ride through the Class D 12 wins last season and registered several ing pains early and the beginning of Alma claimed its first district title since win it,” said Fowler coach Patty Feldpausch. the first one I’ve won as a coach and Leister. A junior, Leister is a be missed, Alma will have 2008 this season. (Skip Traynor, High tournament came to an end on the season’s victories over state-ranked Class C and the season was a little bit of a roller Alma’s first since 2008. The girls seven players due back next “This was a great year. Our girls were fighters coaster ride. As the season went on two-year starter for the Panthers. School Sports Scene Photos) last day. Class D schools this season, including No. 3 were very excited and our commu- Hailey’s younger sister, freshman year as the volleyball team as I think everyone saw. We got down all North Adams-Jerome in the regional finals we gained confidence and grew as a The Eagles came up short to top-ranked three games and we just kept coming back. nity really came together to support Alyssa Leister, also stepped up as continues to evolve. at Alma and we won a district and and honorable mentions Southfield Christian team. We started to come together us. We had a fan bus travel with us and defending state champion Plymouth We’re like a mosquito that just doesn’t go and with about three weeks left they one of the team’s top hitters this “One of the things I will remem- reached the regional final. I’m really (quarterfinals) and Munising (state semifi- to the regional final and we had a Christian, 3-0, in the Class D state finals Nov. away. We just wouldn’t give up. Plymouth were really starting to come togeth- season. Danielle Bastian, a junior ber about this team is sharing with proud of these girls and especially nals). The Eagles could dig up no such luck police escort out of town. The ele- 18 at Kellogg Arena. Christian’s serving was just too tough for us er and peak at the right time.” middle hitter in her second varsity them how proud I am of them,” Lip- the seniors for starting to build that against top-ranked Plymouth Christian. mentary schools also made signs for season, was also a main offensive Plymouth Christian, which also finished today. They had us on our heals a little bit.” pert said. “It’s only my second year winning culture.” Kennedy Koenigsknecht finished with 25 Alma finished conference play in the team. It was really nice to see all as the state runner-up in 2010, took down Plymouth Christian played with the No. assists, Marissa Snyder added 11 kills and 11 first-time finalist Fowler, 25-18, 25-23, 25-21. 1 tag the whole season and ended up on top MERCY STALLED the state finals in 2010, falling to digs, Sidney Horak had 23 digs and seven “It was kind of fun this year. As I said the most important day. IN SEMIFINALS — ironically — Marian in straight kills and Maddie Veale followed with 16 digs sets, 3-0. (earlier in the week) that I didn’t know what “I kind of take rankings with a grain of for Fowler. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL STATE Farmington Hills Mercy’s stellar to expect this year after losing eight players salt,” added Kellogg. “A sixth-ranked Fowler “We had an amazing turnaround and it campaign ended in the Class A ST. CATHERINE to graduation from last year,” said Plymouth was here — they played great defense. No. began with our seniors,” said Feldpausch. state semifinals. REACHES FINAL FOUR Christian coach DJ Kellogg. “This was a new FINALS NOTEBOOK 2 Leland gets knocked out by Rogers City “They stepped it up all season and led us to After defeating CHSL Cen- FOR FIRST TIME team to play with this year. But after tryouts champs, finished its longest jour- earlier in the week. Even in Class A you saw this point. I’m proud of them for helping us Dan Stickradt tral Division rival Birmingham I thought we had a good chance to do great ney with a stellar 45-5-0 record for Wixom St. Catherine of Siena a number of upsets.” have our best season in school history Sports Scene Marian twice in the regular season, things again. It was just a matter of them 10th-year coach Christy Thelen. only opened its doors in 2008-09 Plymouth Christian (45-8-3) was paced DeWitt had to move up to Class The Panthers defeated eight top-20 Marian turned the tables with a 3-1 and has seen the all-girls catholic responding.” triumph over Mercy in the state by Grace Kellogg, who finished 41-for-43 A to make a run to the Final Four teams this season. school has slowly seen its enroll- Despite advancing to the finals for the Fowler’s Makenna Miller delivers semifinals at Kellogg Arena. attacking with 15 kills and 17 digs. Gabriella for the first time in 17 years. But after defeating No. 3-ranked ment climb up to become a Class first time as an underdog, Fowler did not Kellogg had 15 kills and 18 digs, Abigail Pray a serve during the Class D finals The Panthers advance to the Grand Rapids Christian in the state Mercy won the first game 25-13, C school. have plans of settling for the state runner-up match against Plymouth Christian. contributed 31 assists, Eliese Miera slammed (Courtesy Photo) state semifinals for the first time quarterfinals, the Panthers came up only to see Marian fight back with The Stars reached the Class C in school history, only to come up short against Novi, which captured sets of 25-20, 25-20, 25-21. Final Four for not only the first short. DeWitt fell prey to eventual its third straight state title. Jess Mruzik, one of Michigan’s time in volleyball, but in any sport. state champion Novi in the semifi- In its semifinals loss, Desiree top sophomores — finished with St. Catherine eventually fell to nals, 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-17). Becker, one of the state’s top ju- 26 kills — the highest total of all Laingsburg 3-1 (24-26, 25-23, 25- WIDEMAN APPRAISAL SERVICE The fourth-ranked Panthers had niors, finished with 11 kills. Brooke games at Final Four in all classes 13, 25-23). Full Line Of Appraisals never been past the regional finals — to go along with 13 digs. Lauren Payton Porter had 14 kills and Binkley had 18 assists and 10 digs George’s D.D. Service 1002 E. Center St. Office: before this season and competed in Hunter added nine kills and 10 14 digs and Emma Schlagheck had and Stephanie Starr added 11 digs Designated Driver Ithaca, MI 48847 (989) 875-4544 Class A for only the second straight digs, Julia Bishop supplied 46 for the Panthers. 13 kills to pace St. Catherine (40-6- George Boyle Fax: school year. Previously, DeWitt was assists and seven kills and Logan 2). Maddie Kara added 12 kills and Beyer also had seven kills for the “SAFE RIDE” Alma, Michigan Phone: 989-763-9778 James J. Wideman (989) 875-4838 a Class B school for decades. 11 digs and Katie Goose chipped in [email protected] CALL ME ANYTIME Owner Marlins (49-8-1). with 38 assists. Pontiac Notre Dame won the Class DeWitt, the Capital Area Ac- www.widemanappraisal.com tivities Association Red Division Previously, Mercy had reached B championship after sweeping Lakewood Lake Odessa in the finals. Serving Gratiot, Isabella Clinton and Midland counties E-mail: [email protected] (Courtesy Photo) When Buying or Selling Scott JohnChuck Chuck Debbie Debbie Guy Guy Paul DeMull HallKimber KimberWhitman Whitman Erwin Erwin Penix 108 E. Center St. Suite A, Ithaca Your Choice... Marci Browne Sherri Hessbrook Amber Weburg 740 N. Alger Rd, Alma • Toll Free 888-229-2336 • Local 989-463-2161 www.almachevybuickgmc.com Broker - Owner Realtor Realtor 989-875-5148 • www.homesandland.com Your Home... 989-620-1027 989-875-4649 989-620-7918 Page 20 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 21

contest. overall was a return to form for the The Wolves Nouvel program. The Panthers, Clarkston’s Defense Stifles outscored the Nouvel Finishes Season under longtime head coach Mike opposition Boyd were annual contenders for in the state the state title, including a domi- West Bloomfield’s High- tournament 13-1 After Loss In D8 Final nant run to the 2011 division seven 124-38, good state championship. for 24.8 points a Ben Murphy, late in the half on a 28-yard touch- Since that time however the Pan- Powered Engine To Win game on offense Scott Keyes down pass from Tate Hausbeck to thers’ hadn’t been able to escape while holding Ken Kujawa. A Jacob Burr extra the regional round; until this fall opponents to a Sports Scene point made it 28-7. of course. Third D-1 State Crown paltry 7.6 points Saginaw Nouvel couldn’t Ottawa Lake scored before the “I reamed my coaches after Adams per outing. After a perfect 9-0 regular sea- Dan Stickradt recover a game-opening onside half ended to make it 34-7 at the kicked our butt,” admitted 31st-year son, Nouvel opened the postseason Sports Scene Overall, Clarkston won a defensive battle 3-2 over West Bloomfield in the Division 1 kick attempted by Ottawa Lake break and pulled ahead 42-7 before Clarkston coach Kurt Richardson of Clarkston out- finals held Nov. 25 at Ford Field. The win was Clarkston’s third in five years. Whiteford. The Bobcats used the with a 29-7 rout of Mt. Pleasant All football coaches need to make Nouvel closed out the scoring with a Week 6, 21-14 setback. “We were scored its 14 op- (Randy Miniard, High School Sports Scene Photos) early extra possession to take an Sacred Heart. The Panthers trailed adjustments in games or even at vari- two touchdowns in the fourth. not getting it done from the coach- ponents 379-165, early 6-0 lead and largely rolled their district championship game ous points of a given season. The Panthers scored on a 16-yard ing standpoint. But we made some which averages Tieler Houston’s interception shut points an outing (468 total points against Harbor Beach by two from there, handing the Panthers pass from Hausbeck to Kujawa Such is the case at Clarkston. adjustments and started playing better. 27.1 points a game on offense and 11.8 the door on the Lakers’ final drive at scored) and gave up only 18.3 points a touchdowns in the fourth quarter a 42-21 loss in the division eight and a Joshua Kuligowski 34-yard Through Week 6 of the regular I tell you what, the kids responded in a points on defense. the Clarkston 43. game (255 points allowed). but came storming back for a dra- state championship game. touchdown run. big way. Our defense was great (down “I dove to my (left) and came down Self-inflicted wounds led to the set- matic 27-26 victory. season, the unranked Wolves sat 4-2 A first down and a roughing the “That play was huge for us,” said following losses to West Bloomfield the stretch).” with it,” said Scott of his interception. back. An array of penalties — 11 flags “This one will sting a little passer penalty gave the Wolves a Nouvel coach Mike Boyd. “That In regional play Hausbeck threw (37-15) and Rochester Adams (21-14) In a game of field position, West I knew I had to step up and make the for 105 yards — dropped passes, three for our seniors, but this group I first down at the West Bloomfield 13 play gave Ottawa a huge momen- and ran wild over Alcona to the and out of the title chase for the OAA Bloomfield backed Clarkston up with six seconds left in the first half. p l ay.” turnovers and missed opportunities couldn’t be prouder,” Boyd said. tune of a 54-34 victory. In the inside its own 15. A bad snap on a tum boost and unfortunately for us Red Division championship. Jermaine Roemer booted the ensuing “I thought the interception in the spelled doom for West Bloomfield. Hausbeck finished 11-of-26 semi-finals, Nouvel made the trip punt sailed over the punter’s head and we couldn’t cover.” Clarkston, honorable mention 30-yard field goal through the uprights end zone was huge,” smiled Richard- The Lakers held a 285-117 edge on passing for 175 yards and two to the Superior Dome, where they out of the back of the end zone gave Nouvel fell behind as much as in the Division 1 polls, made some for what proved to be the game-win- son. “Obviously that was one of the total-yards-offense only to be held to touchdowns and he also led the had to rely on a second half field West Bloomfield (11-3) a safety and 28-0 midway through the third much-needed adjustments after that ning three points. key spots in the game — you could see a season-low of points and no touch- ground game with 86 yards. goal by Burr for the 17-14 edge. a rare 2-0 lead — just the third time it. It gave us some momentum. Our downs for the first time. quarter, but did get on the board point and posted eight straight wins “That was obviously huge. Who Despite the loss, the season to cap the season, including Saturday’s in MHSAA state finals lore that the defense made the plays at the right opening points came off a safety. knew that those would be the differ- “We also played great defense, defensive showcase which ended in a ence,” said Richardson. “We knew we t i m e .” holding them to a field goal,” sighed Ottawa Lake Whiteford was too much for Saginaw Nouvel 3-2 upset of No. 10 West Bloomfield in It turned out to be the Lakers’ sole had to keep them off the field, force The game featured 14 total punts West Bloomfield coach Ron Bellamy. points of the night. winning the Division 8 championship 42-21 Nov. 24 at Ford the Division 1 state finals at Ford Field. turnover, make things happen on de- and set a MHSAA record for fewest “We left a lot of points out on the field. Field. (Randy Miniard, High School Sports Scene Photos) Even though Clarkston was the fa- Clarkston’s defense forced three fense. West Bloomfield is too talented points scored when both teams put Whether it be the turnovers, penalties, vorite in 2013 and 2014 — when they turnovers — including an interception to have (their offense on the field) for points up on the scoreboard (five total missed opportunities. We had our captured its first two state titles in wins in the end zone — and held fourth too long.” points). The all-time lowest score was chances. over Novi Detroit Catholic Central postseason opponent to single digits. The two interceptions — one late Ann Arbor Pioneer’s 3-0 shutout of “Clarkston is a very good defensive and Saline, respectively — the Wolves Only in a 29-22 regional finals win in the second half by Clarkston’s Zach Detroit Catholic Central back in the football team, very well-coached and Standing Pat were underdogs this season. They over Holland West Ottawa did an Scott in the end zone — and one 1987 Class A title game. we knew that they would make ad- found a way to make a surprise run to opponent score double digits against fumble recovery stymied West Bloom- West Bloomfield had never ad- justments,” continued Bellamy. “Every Saginaw Nouvel Not Moving Down To the D-1 state title to win the school’s the Wolves — and Clarkston shut out field’s lethal threats. vanced past the district finals before time we threatened, they made the big third crown in five years. West Ottawa in the second half of that this season. The Lakers averaged 33.5 plays and we didn’t.” 8-Man Football Anytime Soon Nate Schneider games for us. Our numbers the most part, we moved the ball t o d ay.” Sports Scene are at the point where you West Bloomfield’s Quest For a D1 well. But the two interceptions and The Wolves did exactly what they do start to wonder, but for the fumble killed us. You can’t lose set out to do with star running back Saginaw Nouvel head coach Mike Boyd us we have another possible the turnover battle and expect to Joshua Cantu out with injury. is not thinking at all about the possibility solution.” win. That’s the number one reason of the Panthers’ varsity program dropping Title Falls Short In Loss To Clarkston “We wanted to shorten the Nouvel has discussed we lost.” down to 8-man football in the future. Nate Schneider game in MHSAA history. football game and we managed to with the MHSAA the pos- Sports Scene It was a much different outcome Bellamy, a former wide receiver do that,” Clarkston head coach Kurt Despite the difficulty of having enough sibility of dropping down than when West Bloomfield blasted at the University of Michigan, has Richardson said. “The fewer posses- numbers for a varsity roster and also sus- to 8-man football for its This is was the year all the stars the Wolves to the tune of 37-16 watched the Lakers grow the last sions we gave their offense, the better taining a junior varsity program, Nouvel is JV program, which would were supposed to align for West during the regular season, which was many years. After posting two nine- chance we had.” going to stand pat in 11-man football for the allow those kids to continue Bloomfield. win seasons the last three years and immediate future. probably what a lot of people envi- It was the second-lowest scoring their development on the Under eighth-year head coach sioned happening again especially falling in districts, West Bloomfield “That’s years down the road if it ever field during games rather took a major step forward this fall. game in MHSAA state finals history. Ron Bellamy, the Lakers were with Clarkston being without their Roemer punted eight times for a happens,” Boyd said after Nouvel lost 42-21 than drop a junior varsity stacked with future Division 1 talent top offensive weapon due to injury. It helped having talent such as state finals record, while the 14 punts to Ottawa Lake Whiteford in the Division 8 team altogether. including a quarterback headed to Instead, the Lakers will have senior quarterback Bryce Veasley in the game tied the state finals state championship game on Nov. 24. “If we went that route, I Bowling Green and two wide receiv- to wait for at least another year to (Bowling Green) plus Wisconsin record. The Panthers had 23 varsity players this don’t see why it would be ers going to Wisconsin. wide receiver commits Taj Mustapha celebrate the program’s first-ever Richardson, the long-time Wolves year, while they brought 42 total players to at any detriment to those Instead, Bellamy and West state title. and AJ Abbott at their disposal, but Ford Field for the state title game with all the kids’ development,” Boyd 32-20 victory over Deckerville in the Divi- Saginaw Nouvel gets set to hit the field during the D1 state title game was just not coach, kept it succinct when asked Bloomfield will have to wait another “Nothing Clarkston did really sur- about the tight-knit community. JV players also making the trip. said. “Football is football. As long as they are sion 1 8-man state championship game. the Division 8 finals game against Ottawa West Bloomfield’s James Faulkner year as the Division I state cham- their day. Lake Whiteford. (Randy Miniard, High School prised me,” Bellamy said. “We knew Two late touchdowns by Nouvel made the playing games in any capacity, they’ll have “We were up at the Superior Dome in runs up field during the Lakers D1 pionship game saw Clarkston best “Clarkston is a special place Sports Scene Photos) they would blitz more. We knew “We had too many penalties and final score closer, but the blowout loss did the chance to become better players.” Marquette for our semifinals game and I finals loss to Clarkston. (Randy the Lakers by a count of 3-2 in the long fields,” Bellamy added. “We and I’ll leave it at that,” Richardson Miniard, High School Sports they would rotate the coverages. For have one benefit. Boyd joked that he is like New England watched that game,” Boyd added. “It’s a fun second-lowest scoring state final couldn’t overcome that adversity added. Scene Photos) “We ended up playing some younger kids Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in only product and we’ll embrace it for our JV kids paying attention to his own team and not the if it comes to that.” LINK out there today especially up front,” Boyd YOUR GATEWAY TO THE NORTH SUPERSTORE! continued. “A couple of our juniors had big world of 8-man football, but did add that he TO caught some of Central Lake rallying for a 866-554-4217 US-27 motorsports & trailers www.us27motorsports.com HERE! Service Professional and Parts Experts...... 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MI 48603 Saginaw, MI 48603 www.mayanagency.com 989-391-9684 989-791-5900 989-781-2991 www.shredexperts.com • 989.752.4200 office www.sandlotsports301.com Page 22 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 23           All-State recognition. 8-3. Alward garnered Division 3-4 Second Team falling to Escanaba and ending the season at where they advanced to the district fi nal before help send the Panthers to postseason, touchdowns in nine regular season games to He rushed 203 times for 1,321 yards and 21 Brec Alward, Alma RB: Division 3-4 All-State First Team honors. touchdowns. Demens picked up 20 passes for 275 yards and four recoveries. Offensively, he caught three interceptions and two fumble for a loss. He had 5.5 sacks plus for 50 tackles with 12 of them going the regular season as he accounted The UCLA commit was a force during Day LB: Kolin Demens, Detroit Country Kentrell Ware, Grand Blanc; Kendall Wil- Jackson; Chaise Ford, Groves; Birmingham Gohr, Saginaw Heritage; Exzair Edwards, Sam Johnson, Walled Lake Western; Gavin dicott, Flushing; Dwan Mathis, Oak Park; John Paddock, Bloomfi eld Hills; Cal En- Eisenhower; Nolan Bird, Grand Ledge; Hardy, Waterford Mott; Max Wittwer, Utica Aareon Broughton, Grand Blanc; Tariq fi Janeway, eld; Henry Utica Eisenhower; TajNorthville; Mustapha, West Bloom- Jake Moody,Flint Carman-Ainsworth; Walled Lake Western; Michael Fletcher, Nick Cain, Pinckney; Justin Thomas, Presenting The N S O F F E E State First Team selection. regional fi nals. He is a Division 1-2 All- 2 state fi nalist Warren De La Salle in the in a season and lost to eventual Division 9-3 to tie the school record for victories 34.5 points per game. Oak Park fi nished helped bolster an offense that averaged linemen in the state. The Kentucky commit established himself as one of the top coming into the year and quickly re- McCall recovered from a knee injury OL: Marquan McCall, Oak Park Team All-State. Veasley was named Division 1-2 First scored a school-record 466 points. another 14 scores. The Lakers have 25 touchdowns while also rushing for game by passing for 3,275 yards and Lakers to their fi rst-ever D1 state title The Bowling Green commit guided the QB: Bryce Veasley, West Bloomfield State Second Team selection. a 9-2 record. He is Division 1-2 All- Highlanders completed the season with 751 yards and 13 touchdowns. The On offense, he rushed 112 times for surrendered only 12.1 points per game. 22 for a loss plus fi ve sacks. Adams ball, accumulating 85 tackles including Roncelli dominated on both sides of the Adams LB: Stephen Roncelli, Rochester season. and it all happened after an 0-2 start to the state title game are a West Bloomfi eld record program history. The 11 wins heading into the state championship game for the fi rst time in receiver, guided the Lakers to Division 1 Bellamy, a former University of Michigan wide Coach: Ron Bellamy, West Bloomfield   COACH OF THE YEAR Sports Scene Nate Schneider Of The Year Honors Home Big School Player Alma’s Alward Takes eod n a iiin dsrc finl apaac. He fi appearance. district nals 4 Division a and record rushing in 11 games, helping the Panthers to an 8-3 the challenge head-on. back position to be handed over in full Alward, he met life at the varsity level. graduated Anthony Humm, Alward got a good taste of last season as a sophomore complement to the now- used as a workhorse for the Alma football team this fall.  Alward completed the season with over 1,700 yards But when the time came this season for the running backfield the in yards 700 around gaining After Brec Alward had no idea to the extent he would be     ter Adams; Tommy Larson, Walled Lake Rogers, Oak Park; Cole Mitchell, Roches- Natoci, Detroit Catholic Central; Justin ham Groves; Trevor Edgar, Fenton; Joe ing, Jackson; Christian Zietvogel, Birming- Groves; Riddle, Birmingham Isaiah Flem- Dan VanOpstall,Hartland; Jenison; Charlie Bicknell, Waterford Mott; Ethan Martin, A&T; Tariq Hardy, Waterford Mott; Patrick SouthfiSetzke, Fenton; Matt Gilbert, eld Torey, Brother Birmingham Rice; Chanse Badalamenti, Warren De La Salle; Mathew Oak Park; Traveon Maddox, Novi; Jacob Cashual Goldsmith, liams, Farmington; DEFENSE was named Division 3-4 All-State First Team. the season heading into state title game. He Farmington Hills Harrison 12.4 points per game on a berth in the Division 3 state championship game. defense helped the Hawks to a 10-win season and football at Notre Dame next fall. His presence on state at any position and will be playing his college Ogoufho is one of the top football players in LB: Ovie Oghoufo, Farmington Hills Harrison      2017 Big School Football Dream Team less points four times. a factor on defense that allowed 14 or D3-4 Second Team All-State. Was also Saginaw Valley League First Team and 275-pound lineman was named All- 4 postseason. The 6-foot-5 and contest and qualifi ed for the Division offense that averaged 23.4 points per line, Hardy helped pave the way for an A three-year starter on the offensive OL: John Hardy, Bay City John Glenn Second TeamSecond honors. All-State 9-2 record and Reid earned Division 1-2 12 touchdowns. Davison fi nished with a gained 1,149 yards on 141 carries with more balance in their offense. He still rested in blowouts and the Cardinals had season due to fewer carries as he was in 2016, Reid’s numbers were down this Coming off a 2,000-yard rushing season RB: Tariq Reid, Davison        Mention. was Division 1-2 All-State Honorable who is committed to Eastern Michigan, opponent’s top wide receiver. Daniel, cornerback, typically covering the history. He did his part as a shutdown for the winningest season in program the way to a 9-3 record. It was tied per game this season and carved defense that gave up only 11.2 points Daniel was part of a strong Knights DB: Robert Daniel, Oak Park     HONOrAbLE MENTION     FIRST TEAM OL: Javon Foster, West Bloomfi eld OL: Ethan Volmering, Midland TE: Garret Goyette, Davison WR: Brandon Huff, Alma Mount Pleasant WR: Spencer MacGregor, RB: Nate Sierocki, Midland Dow RB: Martin Money, Midland QB: Josh Czarnota, Fenton Offense     Sierocki, Midland Dow; Jack Morris, Utica Colton Baranowski, Waterford Mott; Nick Oak Park; Cole Patritto, Rochester Adams; Blanc; John Sage, Fenton; Jalen Robinson, Groves; Birmingham Jace Parrish, Grand Detroit Catholic Central; Khalil Dawsey, Dixon, West Bloomfi eld; Isaac Darkangelo, Blanc; Sam Kinne, Lake Orion; Lance Warren De La Salle; Leonard Henry, Grand Khale Showers, Rockford; Jacob Dobbs, Cauy Hendee, Pinckney; Lappin, Hartland; McMurren, Saginaw Heritage; Tommy Locke, Waterford Bryce ern; Mott; Justin Walled Joey George, Lake West-Northern; games the last two years. for a program that won combined 18 was a huge reason why. A true leader per game on the ground and Morris Vikings averaged around 285 yards scoring average in school history. The and an 8-2 record. It is the highest 42.5-point per game scoring average offensive line that paved the way to a Two-year starter and leader of an Lakewood Lake Odessa OL: Paden Morris, points per game. role in West Bloomfi eld averaging 35.8 ability to stretch defenses played a huge a big-time deep threat for Veasley and his Wisconsin commits at wide receiver. He is Lakers offense, Abbott is one of two One of the many potent threats in WR: AJ Abbott, West Bloomfield   Missouri. Gray will play his college football at for 394 yards and fi ve touchdowns. skills. On offense, he made 19 catches rarely targeted due to his strong cover Highlanders’ best cover corner. He was interception on the season as Gray recorded 25 tackles and one DB: Vincent Gray, Rochester Adams three of them into touchdowns. for 127 yards offensively and turned recognition. He also made six catches 3-4 All-State Honorable Mention the season, which earned him Division for 75 tackles and a fumble recovery on The sophomore Huenemann accounted Mount Pleasant DL: Tyler Huenemann,   knowing the coaches had so much trust in me.” the ball this much,” Alward said. “It was pretty sweet coming into the season but I had no idea I’d be getting doing anything about it. diffiof amount incredible culty an had still and quickly fidefenses out opposing gured which offense, Panthers 2017 campaign was to be the featured player on for a better player on your team.” and does whatever we ask him to do. You couldn’t ask said. “He’s just a great teammate. He never complains and during the season,” Panthers head coach Dan Falor Sports Scene Division 1-4 Player of the Year. performer earns Alward the title of 2017 High School defense (1). between rushing (25), receiving (3), kick returns (2) and also scored a total of 31 touchdowns in a variety of ways When he was a sophomore, Alward studied the work “I knew I’d probably be the starting running back What Alward was asked to do from day one of the “He’s a kid that works extremely hard in the offseason The incredible season by the junior do-everything     Team selection. He was a Division 1-2 All-State First checks in at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. Saturday’s state title contest. Newblatt and posted an 11-2 record heading into Clarkston averaged 29 points per game game in fi ve years this past Saturday. their third Division 1 state championship line for the Wolves, which played in Newblatt is an anchor on the offensive OL: Stewart Newblatt, Clarkston named D1-2 Second Team All-State. capabilities against the best of best. He was (14 catches, 160 yards, 2 TDs) showcased his yards, 2 TDS, 2-pt conversion) and Clarkston state fi nalists West Bloomfi eld (14 catches, 223 back 14-reception games. His totals against He is the only MHSAA player to have back-to- against Oak Park, which set an MHSAA record. made 22 catches in a regular season fi nale game 1,023 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He Slazinski recorded a total of 80 receptions for WR: Ty Slazinski, Bloomfield Hills   K: Austin Welter, Bay City Central Utility: David Kruse, Lowell OL: Cameron White, Midland OL: Jack Thayer, Corunna OL: Cody Carone, Rockford LB: Gabe Ellis, Davison Southfi eld A&T DL: Darian Summerville, DL: Isaiah Fleming , Jackson DL: Cole Mitchell, Rochester Adams DL: Jack Sape, Bloomfi eld Hills Defense All-State Honorable Mention selection. yard rusher. Hilliard was a Division 3-4 260 yards per game and had a 1,300- pave the way for a team that rushed dominant offensive lineman who helped an 0-9 campaign. Hilliard is also a Division 4 postseason one year after that helped guide the Rams to defensively, helping to lead a defense Made 22 tackles and had three sacks Madison Heights Lamphere DL: Zach Hilliard, wide receiver. 3-4 All-State Honorable Mention as a per game. Huff was named Division offense that averaged over 28 points talented wide receiver for an Alma 4 district fi nal berth. He also was a way to an 8-3 season and a Division part of a defense that helped lead the the Panthers this year. The senior was Huff was a strong two-way player for DB: Brandon Huff, Alma Ky’Ren Cunningham, Orchard lake St. James Grams, Madison Heights Lamphere; St. Johns; Kyle Washington, Hazel Park; Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; Konner Near, Madison Heights Lamphere; Elijah McLean, Lansing Sexton; Jacob Thomas, Barnes, Tower; Blake Gatfi eld, DeWitt; Jackson Meyer, Ionia; Matt Byrd, Warren Woods Jackson Ostrowsky, Mt. Pleasant; John Williamston; Karl Brooks, Lansing Sexton; Orchard Lake St. Mary’s; Jackson Pollak, Blake Underwood, East Lansing; Ben Fee, Sexton; Noah Koenigsknecht, DeWitt; Lansing Eisenhower; Cody Blankenburg,        1-2 All-State Honorable Mention. championship. He was named Division contest, plus a Saginaw Valley League to an 8-2 record and 34-8 points per 15 TDs. He helped guide the Chemics 166 through the air for 1,227 yards and and 11 touchdowns, while going 90-for- quarterback as he .rushed for 536 yards Methner was a dual threat at Utility: Cade Methner, Midland honorable mention. Johnston was Division 1-2 All-State zone target for quarterback Nolan Bird. and 210 pounds that was a perfect red 7-0 record. He is a big target at 6-foot-4 8-2, winning the CAAC Blue with a perfect averaged 28 points per game and fi nished Was a top receiver on team that TE: Cal Johnston, Grand Ledge   Mention recognition. up Division 3-4 All-State Honorable coverage cornerback. He picked back on the roster and a shutdown game. Nemmert was the top defensive shutouts and gave up 12.6 points per Fighting Irish defense that posted six He was another major factor on a Dame Prep DB: Daniel Nemmert, Pontiac Notre Mention recognition. He garnered Division 3-4 Honorable played in a Division 4 district title game. the season with an 8-3 record and contest. The Fighting Irish completed and allowed only 12.6 points per on a defense that posted six shutouts DePillo was a major factor up front Pontiac Notre Dame Prep DL: Joseph DePillo,  all season and making my job easier.” credit to our senior offensive line for opening up holes lose to Escanaba in the district final, same as in 2016. for a second straight season. The Panthers proceeded to Chargersthe over victory send to fidistrict a to Alma nal overtime, when his 10-yard score secured a 20-14 touchdowns on 25 carries. he torched the opposition for 235 yards and three when came in the D4 pre-district against Flint Powers of a football player as you can possibly be,” Alward said. really helped show me what it takes to become as good helping his game rise to the next level this year. at Yale and Harvard, which he credits majorly toward development camps. from his older counterpart to attend Legacy football ethic of Humm at running back and also received advice “It was a fun season,” Alward added. “I give a lot of in came contest the of touchdown final Alward’s A personal favorite game this season for Alward “The camps helped with every part of my game and Alward ended up going to camps over the summer  

 Right Here Right Now Castillo, Alma; Thomas Davis, Alma. mons, Alma; Chase Albaugh, David Heins, Lake Odessa-Lakewood; Greg Sim- son, Haslett; Jaden Thelen, Kaden Trevor Brock,Nate Magnus- Fowlerville; ton; Luzander Granderson, Lansing Sexton; East Lansing; Joseph Crook, Lansing Sex- John O’Brian, Charlotte; Mykel Thornton, Mary’s; Eric Lehmann, Bay City Central; Adams; Rob Zimmerman, DeWitt. Adams; Rob Zimmerman, Woods-Tower; Tony Patritto, Rochester Rod Beaton, Pinckney; Al Gulick, Warren Coaches Honorable Mention   Madison Heights Lamphere Coach: Jeff Glynn, P: Michael Abitheira, Troy DB: Nick Seidel, West Bloomfi eld DB: Alex Wasyl, Pinckney DB: Josh DeBerry, Warren De La Salle DB: Alan Smith, DeWitt LB: Trevor Brock, Fowlerville Walled Lake Western LB: Jonathan Moffett, in St. Johns

PHYSICAL THERAPY close to home Right Here Right Now Right  Here Right Now in St. Johns in St. Johns All-State honors as a punter. Blust garnered Division 1-2 First Team of his 30 kickoffs went for a touchback. was 21-of-21 on point-after tries and 24 attempts with a long of 40 yards. He he was a perfect 5-for-5 on fi eld goal He also showed kicking prowess as downed seven inside the 20-yard line. Blust averaged 35 yards per punt and P: Parker Blust, Lake Orion All-State Honorable Mention. record. Walker earned Division 1-2 Valley League title and an 8-2 overall completed the season with a Saginaw two fumble recoveries. The Chemics tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and racked up 36 tackles, three sacks, 7.5 allowed 18.4 points per game. He Was a major factor on defense that DL: Vaughn Walker, Midland Division 1-2 First Team All-State honors. the 20-yard line. The junior garnered boots. He pinned seven punts inside punter, with a 33.7 yard average on 27 kickoffs. Also served as the Warriors’ also recorded eight touchbacks on 33 fi eld goals with a long of 46 yards. He tries, while connecting on 7-of-11 Was a perfect 38-of-38 on extra-point Walled Lake Western Jennings, K: Aidan recognition. picked up Division 1-2 All-State First Team The Warriors fi nished 8-2 and Brown per game and averaged 31.5 points per. for an offense that averaged 350 yards behemoth was a people-mover all season the state. The 6-foot-6 and 295-pound which justifi ed his high standing across State in July and then had a season Brown, a junior, committed to Michigan Walled Lake Western OL: Spencer Brown, Right Here Right Now  At Sparrow Clinton Hospital PHYSICAL THERAPY closein St. to Johns home PHYSICAL THERAPY close to home Leading-edge Techniques + PHYSICAL THERAPY close to  home  Compassionate Caregivers = Right Here Right Now  Exceptional Recovery Support At Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. JohnsAt Sparrow Clinton Hospital • Physical Therapy At Sparrow Clinton Hospital   Leading-edge Techniques + PHYSICAL THERAPYLeading-edge close to home Techniques + Staff and Submitted Photos • Sports Medicine We support outstanding Compassionate CaregiversLeading-edge = Techniques + Compassionate Caregivers = • Occupational Therapy athletes by providing CompassionateAt Sparrow Caregivers Clinton Hospital = Sports Medicine services Exceptional Recovery Support Exceptional Recovery Support • Speech & Language Pathology At SparrowExceptional ClintonLeading-edge Recovery Hospital Techniques Support + Right Here Right onNow the field, Become a School • Adult, adolescent & court and track • PhysicalLeading-edge Therapy TechniquesCompassionate + Caregivers = • Physical Therapy in St. Johns • PhysicalExceptional Therapy Recovery Support pediatric patient support for the Redwings of • SportsCompassionate Medicine Caregivers = • Sports Medicine St. Johns High School • Sports Medicine• Physical TherapyWe support outstanding We support outstanding Coach or Game Official PHYSICAL THERAPY close to home Exceptional Recovery Support We support outstanding • Occupational Therapy • Sports Medicineathletes by providing• Occupational Therapy athletes by providing • Occupational Therapy Weathletes support by outstanding providing Contact your local high school 1661 Ramblewood Dr. • Physical Therapy • Speech• Occupational & Language SportsTherapy Medicine servicesathletes by providing Sports Medicine services • Speech & Language• Speech Pathology & Language Pathology •Sports Speech Medicine & Language services Pathology At Sparrow Clinton Hospital • Sports Medicine Therapy• Speech & Language Pathologyon the field,Sports Medicine services on the field, athletic administrator or the East Lansing, MI 48823 on the the field, field, • Adult, adolescent• Adult, & adolescent & court and •track Adult, adolescent & court and track Leading-edge Techniques + • Occupational • Adult,• Adult, adolecent adolescent & courtcourt and and track track Michigan High School for the Redwingsfor of the Redwings of for the Redwings of 517-332-5046 Compassionate Caregivers = pediatricTherapy patient supportpediatricpediatric patientpediatric patient patientsupport support pediatricfor the Redwings patient ofsupport Sparrow Clinton Hospital • St. Johns • 989.224.1575 • www.sparrowclinton.org St. Johns High School Athletic Association www.mhsaa.com Exceptional Recovery Support support St. Johns High SchoolSt. Johns High School St. Johns High School • Physical Therapy

• Sports Medicine We support outstanding • Occupational Therapy athletes by providing • Speech & Language Pathology Sports Medicine services Sparrow Clinton Hospital • St. Johns • 989.224.1575 • www.sparrowclinton.org on the field, • Adult, adolescent & court and track Sparrow Clinton Hospital • St. Johns • 989.224.1575 • www.sparrowclinton.org Sparrow Clinton Hospital • St. Johns • 989.224.1575 • www.sparrowclinton.orgSparrow Clinton Hospital • St. Johns • 989.224.1575 • www.sparrowclinton.org pediatric patient support for the Redwings of St. Johns High School

Sparrow Clinton Hospital • St. Johns • 989.224.1575 • www.sparrowclinton.org Page 24 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 25

a little misdirection and give them a start off with. We had our moments different look. Their linebackers are where we could have come back and good. We want to confuse them a little unfortunately It didn’t happen.” Defense Carries bit.” Thelen rushed for 92 yards and Leh- P-W Leaves No Doubt; The Pirates were up 21-0 when Pey- man had 91. Hunter Wirth added 69. ton Heckman caught a 12-yard pass Lehman had 58 yards passing. Damon P-W To State Title from Lehman. Schneider led a strong P-W defense John Raffel Repeats As D7 Champs Saugatuck got into P-W territory with eight tackles. Sports Scene deep in the third period but Jacob Saugatuck’s defense asserted itself by Pung’s interception stopped the drive. holding P-W scoreless in the second Defense is the name of the game. John Raffel Going into the fourth quarter, P-W half. It definitely was for Pewamo-Westphalia had a 291-87 advantage in yards. “We dug in and took pride in our on Nov. 25 in the Division 7 state title game Sports Scene with another shutout, this one being 21-0 over It’s twice as nice to be Division 7 state football champs. The Indians drove inside the P-W defense and regrouped,” Indians line- 10 midway in the fourth quarter but backer Reece Schreckengust said. “It’s Saugatuck for the Pirates second straight title. The second and third times have definitely been the charm for couldn’t score. a game where you have to play good “Our defense has been outstanding all year the Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates, who were making their third defense.” long,” P-W coach Jeremy Miller said. “We’ve straight appearance in the Division 7 state final. They made it Lehman sustained a left-hand injury late in the first half and missed most of The Pirates had scored 34 points leaned on them. If our offense isn’t clocking The key to a fine defensive effort, which allowed 59 two titles in a row with a 21-0 blanking over Saugatuck on Nov. we know our defense will step up. I can’t say enough points in the 13 games after the season-opening loss 25 at Ford Field. the second. or more in their previous four playoff games. about coach Thelen, our defensive coordinator and was “being physical, disciplined and doing your job, not Quarterback Jimmy Lehman passed and ran for a touchdown “We had a great season,” Saugatuck those guys on defense. They did a great job all day.” being a hero, but just making your plays,” Schafer said. coach Bill Dunn said. “Nobody “They have scored a lot of points, so while Bryce Thelen ran for another for P-W, which ended its sea- It was the team’s sixth shutout of the season. Sau- The Pirates spent a lot of time, twice a week on film, son at 13-1. Saugatuck calls it a season at 10-4. expected us to be here. I’ll give credit to hold a team like that to 21 is a good to Pewamo. It’s a great program, well credit,” Dunn said. “Our defense was gatuck threatened to score twice but P-W prevailed with prior to practice, studying the other team’s offense, “It’s unbelievable, just an unbelievable feeling. The first one was disciplined. We just did the best we exceptional considering the opponent. its bend-don’t-break mentality. Schafer said. “Then we focus on that during practice.” great. This ranks right up there too,” said Pirates coach Jeremy could.” They were just a little better today. We “We tend to buckle down when they’re inside the red 3-0 vs. Saugatuck Miller, who now has a five-year coaching record of 60-7. The opening drive by Pewa- had a great senior class. We’re losing zone,” Miller said. Pewamo-Westphalia has enjoyed playoff success over “Saugatuck is gritty and they fought to the very end,” Miller said. mo-Westphalia proved to be a back a lot, but we have lot of great kids Two-way lineman Isaiah Schafer, an offensive center Saugatuck in some tight games. “You could see how hard they play the game, and they play the coming back.” breaker. and defensive tackle had another big game as did his “It’s always been a close hard-nosed game with them,” game the right way. We were able to come out and execute in the But so do the Pirates, who for the team’s defense. linebacker-running back Bryce Thelen said. “It’s always first half. We went through some adversity with some guys going “We deferred (on the coin toss) and third straight season will be forced to “We had a couple of breakdowns where they ran up close. It comes down to a couple of plays.” down and getting injured. But we had some other guys stepping wanted our defense to get out there and get a stop,” Dunn said. “They’re a replace outstanding players, who have the middle,” Schafer said. “But we came back and fixed jump. That was obviously the difference of the game that the guys led their team to the state title game. those. It was definitely a great defensive effort.” were ready to go.” great football team. We couldn’t stop the running game. That was huge to The Pirates fired out to a 14-0 lead in the first period. The Pi- rates took the opening kickoff 65 yards on 12 plays and scored on Bryce Thelen’s 5-yard run. ly so. We missed him. But the guy who stepped up in his absence, Noah Spitzley, “That was huge,” Miller said. “We preached all week that we had did a great job too. It’s a next man up to come out strong, and we had to establish our run game in the P-W’s Lehman Wasn’t Going To mentality. It hurts to not have him out beginning. We were able to do that on that first drive. Anytime there, but you have the confidence other you come out of the locker room and execute and score (it’s guys are going to step up when it’s their huge) especially with a long drive like that we were able to do on Let A Broken Hand Stop Him turn.” the ground.” Nate Schneider non-throwing hand which allowed him to throw the TD pass before departing for The game went into halftime at 21-0 The Pirates recovered a Saugatuck fumble at the Indians’ 22 and Sports Scene good. with Lehman guiding the way, while the then scored on five plays with Lehman running it in from 12 yards Broken hand or not, Pewamo-Westpha- Pirates showed how strong their defense by out for a 14-0 lead. For the half that he played, Lehman lia senior quarterback Jimmy Lehman was demonstrated why he has been so import- continuing to pitch a shutout with neither “We pulled our center (Isaiah Schafer), which is something we going to complete the drive he started. ant in helping lead Pewamo-Westphalia to team scoring a point after halftime. hadn’t done a whole lot,” Miller said. “Isaiah is very good at that. Lehman threw his final pass of the sea- back-to-back state championships. Lehman has been a huge factor defen- We kept that in our back pocket. We wanted to come out and run son on a third-and-11 play with 31 seconds Lehman rushed 17 times for 91 yards sively all season, being the rare player remaining in the half of the Division 7 and a touchdown in the first half alone, who is both a quarterback and a defensive state title game at Ford Field for a 12-yard while also completing 3-of-4 passes for lineman. He garnered Division 7-8 All- touchdown pass to Peyton Heckman 58 yards and an additional score. For the State First Team recognition as a defensive which put the Pirates up by three scores on season, Lehman threw for nearly 2,000 lineman. Saugatuck. yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed “We had a lot of people this year who While he did not play in the second for around 800 yards and 17 TDs. really felt like they needed to step up,” half with his hand wrapped and a self-di- But without him in the lineup, P-W head Lehman added. “They did it. We lost our agnosed broken bone, Lehman had done coach Jeremy Miller knew he could turn first game and that was some of the biggest plenty enough damage to help send P-W to to a stable of other players to help pick up adversity we went through this year. It was Senior Bryce Thelen (No. 15) helped its second straight state championship. the slack. about how we were going to respond to lead Pewamo-Westphalia to its second “I think I was running up the middle that? It was about competing the best we “We missed [Lehman] a lot,” Miller said. could and we went from there.” straight Division 7 championship and tried to stiff arm a kid and felt some- “He’s a great player. I think he gets a lot of after the Pirates upended Saugatuck thing pop in my hand,” Lehman said. credit being a quarterback and rightful- And now the Pirates hoist the D7 state 21-0 Nov. 25 at Ford Field. Pewamo- Luckily for him, it was his left title trophy once again. Westphalia finished the season 13-1. (Randy Miniard, High School Sports Pewamo-Westphalia quarterback Jimmy Lehman carries the ball duringWe the have low rates for new and used cars or trucks, we can also Scene Photos) Pirates’ 21-0 Division 7 championship victoryWe over have Saugatuck low rates Nov. 25for at new Ford and used cars or trucks, we can also Field. (Randy Miniard, High School Sports Scenerefinance Photo) an existing refinanceauto loan. anLocal existing loan processingauto loan. 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Page 26 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 27       3,590 yards in 2017. ground game that ran for the way for a Frankenmuth 265-pound tackle, paved Evan Geyer, a 6-foot-5, Frankenmuth OL: Evan Geyer,  Sterling; Tyler Dard, Morley- Lake; Drew Kraatz, Standish- Lake; Austin Walker, Houghton son; Shawn McKinley, Houghton Lipovsky,Harrison; Bryce Harri- Higley, Chesaning; Hugh Brand, Charles Garrett, Cole Bridgeport; Bearss, Millington; Bryce Blanchard, Houghton Lake; Morris, Ovid-Elsie; Jackson Ryan Pummell, Clare; Evan Presenting The blocked fi eld goal. fumble recovery and one four forced fumbles, one tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, with 163 tackles, including 23 Division 8 state fi nals game Wrobel headed into the Nouvel LB: Alex Wrobel, Saginaw   38-1. years as a starter, Ithaca is for Ithaca. During his three senior is a three-year starter The 6-foot-1, 220-pound OL: Nik Jones, Ithaca the D5 championship game. Grand Rapids West Catholic 34-7 in the season 12-2 after losing to to Ford Field. The Vikings fi nished Led Swan Valley io its fi rst-ever trip Valley Coach: Kevin Gavenda, Swan   COACH OF THE YEAR Sports Scene Nate Schneider Player Of The Year Honors Home Small School Ithaca’s Bentley Takes timeouts left kept Bentley off the fi eld, where it seems fiit the offwhere Bentley eld, kept left timeouts brought Ithaca to within a six-point deficit. while a 17-yard TD toss to Adam Culp at the 2:27 mark touchdown pass to Colton Campbell on the next drive, Bentley simply stated to him, ‘I’m about go off.’ point message. over to his head coach on the sideline and had a to-the- on Field Nov. 24, Ithaca senior quarterback Joey Bentley walked Ford at game championship state 6 Division  Only a failed onside kick attempt and a lack of any Bentley was true to his word as he threw a 29-yard Yellowjackets head coach Terrysays Hessbrook Down by 20 points in the fourth quarter of the   with a punch. fi nding the ball and he hits Raiders. He has a knack at the ball this season for impact on both sides of linebacker that made a huge Battley is a speedster at Portland LB: Dean Battley,     Jr. Delgado, Carrollton; Jerry Jayson Tunstall, New Lothrop, Madison Heights Madison, Jr.; Montrose; Chauncey Ernest, Lynch, Shepherd Josh Shaski, Millington; Johnny Sherman, Dolan, Ovid-Elsie; Kholton Bryce Elsie; Gavin Dennany, Portland;, ing; Logan Del Bosque, Ovid- Cole Qualls, Chesan- Bridgeport; Stanwood; Marcel Cowley, OFFENSE DEFENSE and seven sacks. He fi nished the season with 102 tackles Breckenridge to its fi rst-ever district title. A force on the D-line, Story helped lead DL: Kenyon Story, Breckenridge 1,259 yards and 13 TDs. season play in MHSAA history – for receptions – the most during regular- for the Dukes this season, hauling in 85 VanSumeren had a season to remember Essexville Garber WR: Ben VanSumeren,      2017 Small School Football Dream Team 2017 Small School Football Dream Team          Saturday’s next season. He will likely be playing on is capable of fi lling the gap. Koepf is light on his feet and Remus Chippewa Hills OL: Billy Koepf,     HONOrAbLE MENTION     tackles. Valley junior also had 34 in 10 games. The Swan passes, defending 21 passes Liddell intercepted four Swan Valley DB: Terryon Liddell,   FIRST TEAM OL: Madison Heights WR: Zyaire Croskey, RB: Drew Stout, Carson City-Crystal RB: Korbin Knapik, Hemlock Madison Heights QB: Austin Brown, Offense       Brandon Gross, Montrose Grant Burgess, Clarkston Ever- Grant Burgess, Hills Oakland Christian; Auburn ton, Vestaburg; Josh Siminski, Staley, Breckenridge; Seth Strat- Sacred Academy; Carter Heart Brendan Zeien, Mt. Pleasant Noah Johnston, Vestaburg ; Sr.; Taven Haskins, Saranac; Jr.; Mason Ruddy, New Lothrop, Hunter Smith, Breckenridge, Eric Cassiday, Sr.; Beaverton,   21 in the championship game Ottawa Lakes Whiteford 42- in Division 8. Nouvel lost to and a second-place fi nish Panthers to a 13-1 record Hausbeck led the Nouvel ATH: Tate Hausbeck, take over a game. seasons and has the ability to D-line each of the last two Bellinger has anchored the Dream Teamselection. A two-time Sports Scene Ithaca DL: Nathan Bellinger, championship game. the team to Division 5 the Vikings and helped lead for close to 1,600 yards Finished the season rushing Swan Valley RB: Emmett Boehler,   season, which comes out to an average of 43 per game. and 31 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Bentley completed 137-of-221 passes for 2,144 yards spread for 1,656 yards and 27 touchdowns. Additionally, phenomenal. He rushed 182 times this season out of the together.” I’m so proud of these guys and everything we’ve done Unfortunately, we didn’t finish the way we wanted to but “I’m very proud of my teammates for doing that. conference. can,” Bentley said in the post-game press Sports Scene Division 5-8 Player of the Year. body of his work this season, Bentley is the High School three touchdowns. Lumen Christi, he was 8-of-14 passing for 180 yards and winning TD drive as well if given the chance. very likely he would have manufactured the game- He guided the Yellowjackets to 602 total points this points total 602 to Yellowjacketsthe guided He Bentley’s numbers this season were nothing short of “The feeling we have is to always play as hard you For his efforts in the state title game and the entire In the fourth quarter alone in the 40-34 loss to Jackson           season playing at the next level the line. Warren will likely be stops when the game is on has the ability to make big A ball-hawking defender who Carrollton DB: Jaleil Warren,   Pewawo-Westphalia; DL: Isaiah Schafer, Blanchard Montabella DL: Wyatt Sackett, Defense K: Alec Thelen, Pewamo-Westphalia Specialist: Brenden Sersaw, Clare OL: Lukas Selich, Millington OL: Zac Stickler, Clare OL: to a 7-4 record in 2017. and helped lead the Cavaliers Rushed for over 2,000 yards Carrollton RB: Jalen Myles, season. kicking at the next level strong leg and will likely be for career PATs. Culp has a Set the career MHSAA mark Ithaca Culp, K: Adam 14 sacks. 265-pound lineman also had 5 semifi nals. The 6-foot-1, loss heading into the Division performer, had 27 tackles for Toth, a First-Team All-State Swan Valley DL: Cameron Toth, New Lothrop; Colton Hyble, Mt. Oakland Christian; Ben Bigelow, Hills Reece McConnell, Auburn Michigan Lutheran Seminary; dleton; Noah Nordlie, Saginaw Beal City; Matt Craft, Fulton-Mid- Taylor, Dale Farrell, Beaverton; Kollin Sharrar, Beal City; Nate ester Hills Lutheran Northwest; New Lothrop; Zack Alkire, Roch- est Collegiate; Avery Moore, Jacob Esckilsen, Hemlock     next season. area’s top returning players Garrett will be one of the the Bearcats. Only a junior, of the ball this season for an impact on both sides A big-time player, who made Bridgeport DB: Markele Garrett,      and a safety. tackles for a loss, three sacks linebacker position, with three and 41 assist from his Metiva had 63 solo tackles Freeland LB: Garhet Metiva, carries. with 92 yards rushing on 14 Saugatuck. Thelen fi nished championship game win over the Pirates Division 7 Played a huge role in Pewamo-Westphalia WR: Bryce Thelen, and 15 touchdowns. 43 of 93 passes for 1,047 yards touchdowns. He also completed on 192 carries, scoring 23 He rushed for 1,081 yards Division 5 semifi nal appearance. record and a second-straight Jacobs led the Eagles to a 12-1 Frankenmuth SPECIALIST: Zach Jacobs,  and told him how proud of I am.” be in life.I gave him a big hug and kiss after the game better person. He’s a winner. He wasn’t today, but he will in his final high school football game.” to win the football game and win the state championship Hessbrook said. “He was motivated because he wanted was. award didn’t motivate Bentley any more than he already Ben Essexville-Garber’s to YearVanSumeren. the of AP Player on out D5-6 lost he selection, All-State Team First 5-6 that Bentley found out despite being a Division had.” we’ve had, but I’d put him right up there with any to get into a numbers game and rank the quarterbacks offered.no doubt about that,” Hessbrook “I don’t want Joey’s one of the best quarterbacks we’ve had - there’s “As good of a football player as Joey is, he’s an even “Joey is not the kind of kid to be worried about that,” Hessbrook says losing out on the Player of the Year It was only a couple days before the state title game “We’ve had some fantastic quarterbacks here and    Pike; Swan Valley Valley; Seth Davis, Ithaca; Matt Swan Valley; Peyton Pietz, Swan brook, Ithaca; Logan Pietz, Campbell, Ithaca; Seth Hess- Tray Chapin, Ithaca; Colton Lehman, Pewamo-Westphalia; Boehler, Swan Valley; Jimmy Merrill; Mitchell Hernandez, Mic Munderloh, St. Louis; Rique Pleasant SacredAcademy; Heart   Coach: Phil Martin, Frankenmuth P: Gabe Robinson, Reese DB: Josh Kramer, Lansing Catholic DB: Drew Martin, Frankenmuth DB: Lucas Liebrock, Hemlock LB: Daniel Smith, Carson City-Crystal LB: Devin Miller, Portland LB: Briar Bearss, Millington DL: Ben Schuler, Frankenmuth DL: Cody Finney, Coleman 15 attempts. yards a punt this season on Bouchier averaged nearly 46 Freeland P: Jayce Bourcier,   Division 6 title game. Jackson Lumen Christi in the Yellowjackets 40-34 loss to total tackles before the Hessbrook had 154 Ithaca LB: Zach Hessbrook, yards rushing, 58 passing). broken hand fi nished with (91 of the game because a who missed the second half 7 championship. Lehman, their second straight Division Pirates to a 13-1 record and Lehman helped lead the Pewamo-Westhalia OB: Jimmy Lehman, receiver. highest point and is a big-play how to catch the ball at its this season. Barton knows Fulton make the playoffs selection, Barton helped AFirst-Team All-State Fulton WR: Evan Barton,              

Staff and Submitted Photos

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Krebs Mike Krebs Carson City, MI 48811 4701 toWNe CeNtre, Suite 301 3875 Bay rd., Suite 2-S 800 Cooper, Suite 5 600 North MaiN St. 1549 WaShiNgtoN www.luxfuneralhomes.com Chris Krebs Phone: 989-584-3504 989.921.3500 989.793.1372 989.583.7450 989.921.3500 989.921.3500 Page 28 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 29 Swan Valley’s Boehler Vallone Leads West Lives Dream Of Playing In Catholic To Another D5 State Title Game Championship Dan Stickradt with the largest crowds that we’ll ever the state finals isn’t the goal. It should “We’ve been able to achieve a lot,” be for everyone.” John Raffel Sports Scene see is an amazing accomplishment.” Sports Scene Vallone said. “We come to practice ev- Boehler, who stands a powerful Boehler, who is undecided on his ery day and work hard. To be the only Ever since he was in elementary 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, was part future college destination, finished Teams competing for a Division 5 Grand Rapids area quarterback to have school, Saginaw Swan Valley’s Em- of an electric offense that rolled up with 1,617 yards and 16 rushing state title won’t have to deal with quar- won three state titles, it’s an honor. mett Boehler dreamed about playing 514 points this season over 14 games touchdowns this season, averaging terback Gaetano Vallone anymore. Playoffs are always big for us.” in a state championship game. — a 36.8 points per game average around 6.8 yards per carry to earn Vallone ended his Grand Rapids It’s also five straight titles for West The dream became a reality when — and also played defensive back for All-TVC West Division and Division West Catholic career by steering the Catholic with Vallone in charge the last fourth-ranked Saginaw Swan Valley a squad that yielded 263 points in 14 5-6 All-State Honorable Mention Falcons to the Division 5 title over three. reached the Division 5 state finals for games (18.8 per game) for the 12-2 honors. Swan Valley 34-7 on Nov 25 at Ford “As a senior, I’ve gotten better with the first time to face No. 2-ranked Vikings, who tied a school record for Field. Vallone was 10-of-14 in passing Boehler and his talented senior more knowledge of the game,” he said. Grand Rapids West Catholic. wins this season. for 197 yards and no interceptions with class has paved the way for future “I can use my arm a lot and I can run Unfortunately, Boehler and his two touchdowns. He also netted 60 “We put in the work. We were Swan Valley teams to excel — and the ball.” teammates came up agonizingly out on the track, out in the weight perhaps come home with state cham- yards on the ground on 17 carries, and Five in a row titles, “is crazy, un- short on the other goal of walking off room, out on the field doing what- pionship hardware. a touchdown. believable,” Vallone said. “I’m proud Ford Field with a title. West Catholic ever it took for us to get here,” said “Seeing him the last three years, he’s “I feel like we got a taste of it and of my guys and how far they’ve come. rolled up a 34-7 victory to dash those Boehler, whose team lost in the D-5 an unbelievable playmaker, one of the I believe that for the other guys that People say we weren’t as good as last dreams away from Boehler and Co. pre-district last season to Freeland, best I’ve been around,” West Catholic will return next season that they will year. It’s an unbelievable experience” “It was our goal ever since we were 42-14. “Every summer the goal is to do everything it takes to get back coach Joe Hyland said. “Thanks be to kids to get here to Ford Field,” said try to make it to Ford Field. It is for next year,” added Boehler. God, he’s been on our side. You saw No more football for Vallone. Boehler. “I mean walking in here everyone. Why play if making it to today what he could do.” “It’s good to come out with a bang,” No other Grand Rapids area quarter- he said. “Football’s a tough sport.” Swan Valley’s Emmett Boehler rushed for over 1,600 back has been able to do what Vallone He’ll play baseball at Davenport next yards this season to lead the Vikings running game. did. year. (Scott Keyes, High School Sports Scene Photos)

Swan Valley, conversely, was making West Catholic’s Gatano Vallone made history by winning his third its first appearance in the championship straight Division 5 championship with his victory over Saginaw Swan Swan Valley Stumbles In D5 Finals game, and the difference in the two teams’ Valley. (Scott Keyes, High School Sports Scene Photo) demeanors showed early. Scott Keyes against Reed City in the second half on the contest. West Catholic led 34-0 before Brock Sports Scene Leinberger of Swan Valley scored on a 10- He wasn’t the only Vikings player that yard run at the end of the third quarter. Swan Valley junior Alex Fries admitted was part of the walking wounded as run- after the 34-7 loss to Grand Rapids West ning back Emmett Boehler and Terryon “Something we can take from this is Catholic Nov. 25 that he was less than 100 Liddell returned a week earlier having to sit they’ve been here before, they knew what perfect healthy heading into the Division 5 the prior two weeks because of injury. to expect, and we got a little shell-shocked championship game. at the beginning,” Vikings coach Kevin West Catholic took notice and three- Gavenda said. “They’re a great football But when a team or an individual gets year starting quarterback Gatano Vallone, as far as the Vikings did this season you team — hats off to them — but we could exploited the injury-riddled Vikings early have competed a little better than we did knew he wasn’t about to sit out the biggest an often in the first half of the game. game of his career thus far. It’s those t o d ay.” Earn Chocolate Milk for type of things that build a championship “(Being here before) it helped me a lot,” contender. said Vallone, who passed for 197 yards and three touchdowns. “Ford Field is a your team’s season! “I think I was maybe 70 percent,” Fries huge stage. The playoffs are always a big said. “I wasn’t about to sit out and not play. experience. It really calmed me down and Terryon Liddell rushes the ball during It’s the state championship game. You want calmed others down around me also. My to be there for your team.” the Vikings 34-7 Division 5 loss to sophomore year I was just going with the Grand Rapids West Catholic Nov. 25 at Spring Sports Application Deadline: Fries hurt his AC joint in his shoulder flow, trying to do my best, trying to put the Ford Field. (Randy Miniard, High School the week before in a driving rainstorm team in a position with my abilities. Sports Scene Photo) January 26, 2018 7480 West Polk Road, Alma, MI 48801 MIDSTATE SALES AND SERVICE Local 989-466-2300| Outdoor Power Equipment Or Toll free 866-507-2300 Fill out an application today by visiting: 3251 W. M-21 St. Johns, MI 48879 www.MilkMeansMore.org/Schools-Educators/Grants/ (989) 224-2711 (800) 582-8152 Like (989) 224-1781 Fax Clearance sale on all • Haulers of Agricultural Commodities • Temporary Dumpster Service Lawn Mowers midstatesales.net • Van and Flatbed Hauling • 10, 15, 20 & 30 Yard Containers Us On Rebates up to $300

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had plenty more to add. little while we were able to play “We took it as a great chal- with them. We just didn’t have Brogan, Hessbrook Volume lenge,” Hessbrook said about his enough.” team facing a team coached by Brogan has a career record an all-time MHSAA great. “Our of 343-82 and this is the eighth 1 One For The Ages coaching staff talked about it in state championship he has won Nate Schneider victories. our staff meeting about embrac- at Jackson Lumen Christi since ‘Jackets Pride... ing this opportunity. One of the taking over the program in 1980. Sports Scene “Herb Brogan is a class act,” Hessbrook said before any ques- winningest coaches and a true Not lost by Ithaca head coach tion about Brogan was prompted legend. He told me he’s been Ithaca coach Terry Hessbrook Terry Hessbrook in defeat after by media. there for 38 years as the head and Jackson Lumen Christi the D6 state title game was the coach and 47 or some odd years coaching legend Herb Brogan opposing coach for Jackson Lu- Once he was asked about total. It’s just amazing. So we take time to pose for a men Christi in Herb Brogan, who matching wits with Brogan in the embraced that opportunity and photograph before the start of Yellowjackets Come Yellowjackets’ 40-34 loss to the is the fifth-winningest coach in looked forward to the challenge the Division 6 championship MHSAA history with 343 career Titans at Ford Field, Hessbrook of going against them. For a game. (Randy Miniard, High Up Short In D6 Finals; School Sports Scene Photo) to the Ithaca football four successful point-after tries Culp has yet to decide where skyrocketed. to increase his career total to 181 he will attend college, but Ithaca Ithaca’s Culp Culp finished the made PAT attempts which is an head coach Terry Hessbrook has Lumen Christi Prevails MHSAA record. He was 8-of-10 stated he believes he is a Division season with a team-best 40 catches for 567 yards on field goal attempts with a long I-quality kicker. Makes History and 12 touchdowns. of 42 yards. “Any Division I football 40-34 In Repeat Victory Nate Schneider He culminated his Culp also notched 67 touch- program would be lucky to have kick and a Lumen Christi fourth got on the board first via a Nick Sports Scene prep career in the Division 6 state backs on 98 kickoffs and punted him,” Hessbrook said earlier this Nate Schneider championship game at Ford Field seven times for an average of 34.7 season. “He is a tireless worker Sports Scene down conversion that it officially Thomas 72-yard TD run. Ithaca Adam Culp had a decent tamed the most prestigious pro- responded with a Devin Barnes in Detroit by accounting for five per. and has a very strong and accurate Ithaca football coach Terry enough season as a wide receiver catches for 70 yards and a pair Clearly, Culp was an integral kicking leg.” gram in state history over the last 47-yard TD pass in the second in 2016 with 19 catches plus a Hessbrook became emotional in eight years. quarter, while a Joey Bentley 51- of TDs, doing everything in his factor for Ithaca in so many facets. touchdown, but with so many tal- willpower to help the Yellowjack- the post-game press conference “All I can say is that when you yard TD run with 3:40 left in the His 6-foot-3 and 175-pound size following last week’s loss to Jack- ented ball-catchers on the roster ets rally in what ended as a 40-34 played well as a big target once coach a team all you can ask for is first half gave the Yellowjackets most of his contributions came Ithaca senior Adam Culp sets son Lumen Christi in the Division defeat to Jackson Lumen Christi. the Yellowjackets reached the an MHSAA record for PATs in them to play as hard as they can,” (13-1) a 13-8 advantage going with his big right leg as a kicker. 6 state championship game at into halftime. Additionally, the Division 5-6 red zone, which was a lot as they a career. (Russ Pierce, School Hessbrook said through tears. This year as a senior, his value Sports Scene Photo) Ford Field.. “My kids do that. They do that for But Lumen Christi racked All-State First Team kicker booted racked up over 600 points in 2017. Hessbrook watched his team try me and for my coaching staff. I up the game’s next 24 points valiantly, and ultimately unsuc- told them at halftime that Lumen and flipped it completely to its ball stadium and an elite football cessfully to climb out of a 21-point Christi has seen no team like Itha- advantage. team, the Ithaca faithful are among fourth quarter deficit. ca High School because we have Bentley hit Culp for a 19-yard Ithaca Community Continues the most ardent supporters of any But not before the Yellowjack- no quit in us.” score early in the fourth quar- program in the entire state. ets put quite a fear in the Titans, The Titans (12-1), who rushed ter before the Titans answered That has been evident every making it a 40-34 deficit with 2:27 for 514 yards and held the ball for quickly via a Sebastian Toland To Amaze In Support Of Its time the Yellowjackets have made left. It was not until a failed onside 36:05 of a possible 48 minutes, 82-yard TD run with 6:48 left the trek to the Division 6 state to make it 40:20. Toland rushed championship game at Ford Field, for 244 yards and the TD on 33 Football Football Program seven times to be exact since 2010. carries in the contest. Nate Schneider small to medium-sized school in Although Ithaca could not man- “Their offensive line was pretty Sports Scene mid-Michigan and find a packed ufacture a sixth state title as it lost big compared to us,” All-State se- house for a prep football game. My heart was always set on living 40-27 to Jackson Lumen Christi, the nior linebacker Zach Hessbrook in southeast Michigan. No football program took this to diehard Yellowjackets fans once again said. “We were stopping them ev- the extreme the way Ithaca did, with made the two-hour drive to Detroit in ery now and then, but we weren’t It’s where all the action is, my wife seemingly the entire town filling the droves Friday afternoon. consistently stopping them.” Ithaca's Brayden Shaw celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown during is from the Detroit area and I felt it stands no matter the weather situa- was going to be in the best interests of As is usually the case when Ithaca The Yellowjackets went to work the Yellowjackets' 40-34 loss to Jackson Lumen Christi in the Division 6 tion or opponent. my future. plays at Ford Field, its fans could in a rally attempt as Bentley threw championship game Nov. 24 at Ford Field. (Randy Miniard, High School Fans would attend games knowing be seen a sea of white Ithaca t-shirt Sports Scene Photo) TD passes to Colton Campbell But with all that said, there are the Yellowjackets would score their behind the Yellowjackets sideline. and again to Culp, but ultimately had 11 stops. Zach Hessbrook got beat in the regional finals last plenty of aspects that are missed six, seven or eight touchdowns in the when away from mid-Michigan. They were loud, proud and once the comeback fell a drive short. made 10 tackles. Trey Chapin add- year, our kids dedicated them- first half and not provide much at all again the best fans possible of a small For the game, Bentley threw ed nine tackles and 1.5 sacks. selves to getting back here to Ford Ithaca seniors (L-R) Zach Hessbrook, Nik Jones, Devin Barnes One such example is that on any in the way of suspense. and Joey Bentley await the coin toss before the start of the town football powerhouse. for 240 yards and four TDs while Ithaca was making its seventh Field. I know this isn’t the way Friday night, you could go to any But equipped with a beautiful foot- they wanted it to end, but that’s Division 6 championship game. (Randy Miniard, High School rushing for 89 yards and another D6 state title appearance since Sports Scene Photo) score. Culp made five catches for 2010 and has won five of them. football. We’re a 13-1 football team and a lot of teams would 70 yards and two touchdowns. Hessbrook has nothing but Alma - (989) 463-8321 trade places with us. There’s no Seth Davis had three receptions pride for the merits of his outgo- doubt about that. In the end, if Ithaca - (989) 875-6184 for 86. Barnes caught two passes ing student-athletes, even if the the worst thing that happens to us for 55 yards and a score. ultimate goal was not realized the gratiotcu.org is we lose a high school football Ethan McCormick paced the last two years. Your Family Fun & Entertainment Center Ithaca defense with 15 tackles and game then we’re going to live a “Our seniors are a special great life.” DAVID RAYBURN, RTRP Open/League/Cosmic Bowling, Parties, Arcade, Proshop half a sack, while Nathan Bellinger Val’s - Dine In, Carryout Delivery group,” Hessbrook said. “After we CB’s Hot Spot - Sports Viewing, Pool, Weekend Bands/DJs

219 S. Washington St. Owosso, MI 48867 [email protected] 525 W. Warwick Dr., Ste A Ph. (989) 463-6123 ext. 200 Ithaca coach Terry Hessbrook consoles quarterback Alma, Michigan 48801 Fax (989) 463-4055 989-725-7717 989-725-VALS (8257) Joey Bentley after the Yellowjackets’ loss to Lumen www.rpccpas.com email: [email protected] Christi. (Russ Pierce, School Sports Scene Photo) www.capitolbowl.net Become a Facebook Fand Today!

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free relay team of Weston, Cornell, Ford and Mull placed 12th. Pilots Dominate En Route To Rockford, Midland Dow, Holt finished 28th overall. Holt’s 400 free relay team of Avalon Jones, Lindsay Richards, Ingrid Petersen and Division 2 Championship Dewitt Place In Top 10 As Maggie Hoerner placed 14th while the same four swimmers placed 15th in Nate Schneider the Hawks showed their fight by retaking the advantage at the 200 free relay. Sports Scene 10-7 on the last play of the first quarter on a 26-yard field Swim State Finals Grand Blanc placed 34th overall goal by David Hiser. David Cook time of 53.73. Kraus also placed fourth and was led by junior diver Carolyn Division 2 Muskegon dominated the action the ensuing three Sports Scene in the 50 free. Folcik took fourth in the Hagler who placed 14th. The game turned into a rout right from the word go as quarters. Jefferson added a TD in each quarter on runs of 100 breaststroke while Elise Jendritz DIVISION 2 Warren De La Salle became the first team at the MHSAA 14 yards, one yard and three yards. Girl’s swimming and diving teams placed 11th in the diving competition. from Rockford, Midland Dow and East Grand Rapids won the state finals since 2005 to score on the first play from The Big Red outgained Harrison by a count of 363- Brighton finished in sixth place, DeWitt finished the season strong Division 2 state title at the Holland scrimmage as Brandan Madigan took a fumble recovery 114. Davion McCall added three carries for 50 yards for two points behind Rockford. Leading by recording top-10 finishes at the Aquatic Center. The title was the 21st 13 yards for a Crusaders TD only 16 seconds in. Muskegon, while Clinton Jefferson Jr. had six attempts for the Bulldogs was the 200 free relay Area swimmers hit the pool during the recent MHSAA MHSAA swimming and diving state for the East girls and the first ever in 38 yards. team of Chloe Reed, Julianne Libler, swimming and diving championships earlier this month. That set the tone for what became a 41-6 rout for De La championships. Following is a round- Division 2. Salle over Livonia Franklin, holding the Patriots to under Kellie House and Megan Lubinski that (Gary Williams, High School Sports Scene Photos) Noah Hendricks was 9-of-14 through the air for the up of the action in each class. Midland Dow finished ninth as a 200 yards of total offense in a 41-6 victory. Hawks, throwing for 53 yards. Rapana Filemu made three placed second. Brighton’s 400 free relay DIVISION 1 team in Division 2. Sophomore sprint- Sabrina Hall, Lillie Kromer, Abigail fifth in the 500 free and sixth in the It is the second state title in program history for War- receptions for 23 yards. Roderick Heard had nine rushes team of Lubinski, Lindsay Witte, Kellie Farmington Hills Mercy won the House and Reed placed seventh. er Claire Newman turned in a big Dolliver and Caitlyn Dailey placed 200 free while Jordyn Shipps placed ren De La Salle. for 48. effort in the finals as she placed second 13th while the same four swimmers Division 1 title that took place at Oak- Individually, House placed fifth in fourth in the 200 IM and sixth in the Franklin (11-3) kept it at a 7-0 score going into the Division 4 in both the 50 and 100 freestyle. teamed up to place 15th in the 200 land University. Saline placed second the 200 free and eighth in the 500 free. 100 butterfly. second quarter, but the Crusaders (12-2) exploded for medley relay. Fenton’s 400 free relay Edwardsburg made the D4 state title game interesting with Farmington Hills Harrison taking Libler took sixth in the 100 breast- Junior Chelsea Fenton took 11th in Fenneuff took third in the 100 31 points in the second quarter to go into halftime ahead team of Hall, Kromer, Dolliver and and worth tuning into for the duration of the contest, but third place. stroke while Witte finished eighth in the 500 free, senior Abbey Huffman breaststroke and freshman diver Elise 38-0. Megan Mallard placed 16th. ultimately it could not climb back in against powerful Rockford placed fifth in Division the 200 IM. placed 12th in the 500 free and senior Snyder placed ninth in diving. De La Salle senior quarterback Luke Pfromm, who did Sarah Saead placed 13th in the 50 The Lansing Waverly-Catholic Grand Rapids Catholic Central. 1 led by strong efforts from its relay Grand Ledge placed 13th overall as Flint Powers Catholic placed 19th not play football the last two years, completed 10-of-12 freestyle. Central co-op team placed 21st. Senior Catholic Central (14-0) struck first on a Nolan Fugate teams. Rockford’s 200 medley relay a team. Sophomore Lola Mull turned overall as a team. Senior Allie Dasky passes for 207 yards and two TDs to help lead his team Rita El Jbeily led the way as she placed 20-yard TD catch on a pass from Jack Bowen midway team of Erin McDowell, Masy Folcik, in a big effort at the finals as she won In the relays, Dow’s 400 free relay led the way for Powers as she placed to victory. He also rushed for a score. Evan Vaillancourt through the first quarter, but Edwardsburg (12-2) struck Morgan Kraus and Samantha Knepper team of Saead, Sasha Konovalenko, ninth in both the 50 and 100 freestyle. seventh in the 200 free and 10th in caught three passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Ser- the 500 freestyle in a new all-division back with two straight touchdowns to take a 13-7 lead placed fourth as did the 200 free relay record time of 4:44.47. Mull also Newman and Emily Schultheis placed East Lansing senior diver Eve Petrie the 100 free. Freshman Lara Wujciak gio Gasperoni also caught a TD pass. Cordell Tannyhill through one quarter. team of Kraus, Rachel Grimm, Knep- third overall. Dow’s 200 free relay team placed 16th in diving. placed 12th in the 100 butterfly. rushed eight times for 30 yards and a score. Riley Garri- placed second in the 200 free. Grace Fugate scored his second TD of the day a few minutes per and Peyton Rayburn. The Rams’ Weston earned all-state honors by of Saead, Newman, Schultheis and DIVISION 3 Bay City Glenn finished in 27th son booted two field goals from 23 and 30 yards out. 400 free relay team of McDowell, Shelbee Simanskey placed ninth. into the second quarter to give the Cougars the lead back taking eighth in the 100 breaststroke. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook place. Sophomore Delaney Wesolek The lone TD by the Patriots was scored by Isaac Moore at 13-13. By game’s end, Fugate had 306 rushing yards Grimm, Folcik and Rayburn placed Saginaw Heritage finished in 15th led Glen as she placed seventh in the on a 5-yard run with 9:25 remaining. He rushed 23 times The Grand Ledge 400 free relay Kingswood won the Division 3 title to become only the second player in MHSAA history to eighth. team of Emma Cornell, Weston, Abby place as a team. Leading the way for 100 backstroke and 15th in the 200 Warren De La Salle vs. Livonia Franklin for 163 yards plus the touchdown. at Eastern Michigan University while rush for over 300 yards in a state final. Individually, Kraus won the 100 Ford and Mull took 10th while the 200 Heritage was the 200 free relay team Bloomfield Hills Marian placed freestyle. Division 3 Grand Rapids CC scored another TD before halftime, butterfly in a new all-division record of Eliza Gorsline, Ariana Shokoohi, second. Owosso placed 29th overall. Senior Farmington Hills Harrison was in the same boat as while a Fugate 5-yard scoring run with 8:31 left in the Hannah Fleming and Emilia Shokoohi Mallory Irelan led Owosso as she took that placed fourth. The same four DeWitt finished seventh overall in everyone else - it had no answer in how to stop Muskegon third quarter pushed the advantage to 28-13. Division 3. A pair of DeWitt’s relay 15th place in both the 50 freestyle and star quarterback La’Darius Jefferson. Heritage swimmers also placed 14th in the 100 butterfly. Sophomore diver The Eddies bounced right back as Caden Goggins the 400 free relay. teams earned all-state honors led by Jefferson, the Division 3-4 Player of the Year after a tied a state finals record for longest kickoff return for a the 200 medley relay team of freshman Katie Clevenger placed 13th in diving. huge season at quarterback for the Big Red, guided Mus- touchdown as he took it to the house from 99 yards. But a Junior Ariana Shokoohi also placed Jordyn Shipps, junior Lisette Fenneuff, Alma placed 32nd and was led by kegon to a 28-10 victory over the Hawks in the D3 state missed 2-point conversion kept GRCC ahead by a 28-19 11th in the 100 freestyle and 12th in senior Victoria Powe and senior junior Lydia Rutkowski who placed title game at Ford Field in Detroit. score. the 50 free. Sydney Shipps who took third in the 12th in the 100 breaststroke. In what was a regular game for Jefferson rather than Fugate raced 54 yards on the next drive to put the Fenton finished in 18th place over- 200 medley relay. The 400 free relay St. Johns finished 34th and was led anything out of the norm, he carried the ball 32 times Cougars back ahead by 16. A pair of Edwardsburg touch- all. Senior diver Taylor Shegos led the team of Jordyn Shipps, Karlie Janik, by sophomore Lydia Ely who took for 245 yards and the four scores. He also attempted two downs trimmed its deficit back to 35-31, but a 32-yard way for the Tigers as she took second Fenneuff and Sydney Shipps placed 13th in the 200 freestyle.to become passes, both incompletions, but that mattered very little. touchdown run by Fugate iced it with 3:53 left. overall in the diving competition. seventh. only the second player in MHSAA Junior diver Carly Kozlowski placed Both Sydney and Jordyn Shipps history to rush for over 300 yards in a The Big Red complete the season with a perfect 14-0 Fugate ended with the 306 yards and four TDs on 36 14th in diving. record, while Harrison ends the year at 10-4. carries, while he also caught four passes for 86 and a also earned all-state honors in a pair of state final. Fenton’s 200 free relay team of individual events. Sydney Shipps took It was actually the Hawks who struck first as Ben score. Bowen was 7-of-10 through the air for 128 yards Williams returned the game’s opening kickoff 91 yards plus a TD and an INT. for a touchdown, giving them a 7-0 lead. The score was Kyle Shrider paced Edwardsburg with 10 carries for only the second time in MHSAA state finals history that a 162 yards and a TD. Nick Bradley recorded six carries Pat’s Auto, Inc. kickoff was returned for a TD to open the game. for 96 and a TD, while Chase Sager added four rushing Grand Rapids West Catholic vs . Saginaw Swan Valley “Quality Of Our Work Guaranteed” Jefferson tied the score at 7-7 with an 8-yard TD, while attempts for 73 yards and a score. (Scott Keyes and Nick Rethman, High School Sports Scene Photos) Complete Collision Repair • Serving GratiotSpraybake County Since Booths 1982 Insurance since 1915 Phone (989) 681-5334 lean Knowledgeable. Committed. Trusted. FAX # (989) 681-3855 lifestyle, exercise and nutrition 1501 West Monroe Rd. (M-46) Saint Louis, MI 48880 POSITIONS AVAILABLE 116 N. 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The Andrew Xhang File HIGH SCHOOL Bloomfield Hills High School Sport: Tennis SPORTS SCENE SCENE STEALERS! Accomplishments: After sharing the Division Presenting 1 championship with Novi two years ago, and finishing runner-up a year Bloomfield Hills, finally broke through this season winning the Zach Hessbrook, Ithaca Olivia Pumford, Freeland Claudia Vondra, Mason The elusive team title. Pumford capped her junior year Registered a team-best 14 tackles Vondra capped her high school Along for the ride has been senior Andrew by earning all-state honors in Divi- in a 27-0 victory in the Division golf career in a big way as she Xhang, who has played a huge role in the team’s sion 3. Pumford placed 10th at the 6 state semifinals versus Traverse tied for fourth individually at the past success. This year was no different making Division 3 state meet with rounds City St. Francis at Mount Pleasant Division 2 state finals at Bedford it all the way to the finals at No. 1 singles, before of 89 and 78 for a 167 total. The High School. Hessbrook has a Valley. Vondra turned in rounds losing 6-1, 6-1 to Troy’s Steve Foreman in the conference medalist this season, team-best 154 tackles on the sea- of 75 and 79 to finish with a 154 championship match. Pumford placed seventh at the son and was named Division 5-6 total. Vondra also placed second regional tournament with an 87. First Team All-State overall with an 80 at the regional tournament. Tennis Male

Megan Radaz, Alma Alex Wrobel, Saginaw Nouvel Elizabeth Harding, South Lyon East Athlete Radaz won medalist honors at the Alex Wrobel, Saginaw Nouvel A three-time all-stater, Harding TVC conference meet at Maple Accounted for a team-best 17 tack- capped her career by tying for Andrew Creek with a career-best round of les as the Panthers defeated Iron fourth place at the Division 2 state 38. Radaz shot a 93 at the regional River West Iron Country 17-14 in finals with rounds of 78 and 76 Of The Year Xhang meet to qualify for the Division the Division 8 state semifinals at for a 154 total. Harding, who has 3 state finals where she carded the Superior Dome in Marquette. signed to play her college golf at rounds of 90 and 90 for a 180 total. Wrobel was a Division 7-8 All- Michigan State, placed second at State First Team selection the regional tournament with a 77.

The Alexis Carras File Midland Dow High School Sport: Golf Morgan Yates, Shepherd Jimmy Lehman, Ericka VanderLende, Rockford Accomplishments: For the second consecutive Pewamo-Westphalia Presenting A junior, Yates helped the Shep- Won the Division 1 girls race at year the Midland Dow girls golf team advanced herd golf team win a regional The senior quarterback threw for the MHSAA state finals with a to the Division 2 finals. The Chargers won the tournament as she fired a 96 to 139 yards and a touchdown, while time of 17:16.8, winning the race The title a year ago, but came up short this season placed third individually. Yates rushing for an additional 41 yards by almost 14 seconds. It was an coming in fourth with a two-day total of 671. turned in rounds of 80 and 84 at and two TDs as the Pirates defeat- improvement on a 66th-place Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern won the the Division 3 state finals to tie for ed Lake City 51-7 in the Division finish the year before. The junior championship with a 656. Carras finished sec- sixth place individually with a 164 7 state semifinals hosted by Clare. helped the Rams to a third-place ond in the tournament with a 149, three strokes total, helping Shepherd finish sixth Lehman was Division 7-8 All-State finish. behind Shannon Kennedy, who won the title as a team. First Team as a defensive lineman. with a 146. Earlier in the season Carras shot a school-re- cord, 4-under par 68, recording four birdies and no bogeys at the Fortress during the Saginaw Valley League Championships. Annie Pietila, Brighton Natalie Risi, Bailley McConnell, Golf Female Pontiac Notre Dame Prep Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart Pietila fired a 72 to win the medal- ist honors at the regional and help Risi, a Ball State volleyball commit, McConnell finished second at the Bulldogs to the regional team tallied a team-best 17 kills and 12 the Division 4 state finals to play championship. Pietila continued digs plus six blocks as the Fighting a major part in helping the Irish Athlete her strong play at the Division 1 Irish won the Division 2 state secure a third consecutive state state finals as she carded rounds of championship with a 25-16, 25-17, championship. McConnell ran a aLEXIS 75 and 80 to place eighth individu- 28-26 victory over Lake Odes- time of 18:44.1, while teammate Of The Year ally with a 153 total. sa-Lakewood. Scout Nelson was just behind at cARRAS 18.46.6.

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Page 36 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com www.highschoolsportsscence.com High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News November/December 2017 - Page 37 Presenting The 2017 Soccer Dream Team Stoney Creek’s Melaragni Wins Prestigious Michigan  Mr. Soccer Award     Dan Stickradt Melaragni came off the bench as a fresh- man, but became a three-year starter at for- Sports Scene ward. He scored 11 goals as a sophomore, 29 Michael Melaragni kept in the back of his as a junior and 32 as a senior and ranks inside mind that he could be a Mr. Soccer fi nalist the school’s top fi ve in multitude of off ensive Ryan Pierson this season. categories. He was Division 1 All-State Th ird Brady Walker Novi Detroit Catholic Mason Smith Luciano Errecalde Casey Larue Alex Dalou Alex Kim Ranked either fi rst or second in a couple Team as a sophomore and also All-State First Hartland, Sr, Central, Sr, Flint Powers Catholic, Rochester, Sr., Midland Dow, Sr., Walled Lake Central, Sr., Rochester Adams, Sr., of preseason magazines back in August, the Team as both a junior and senior. Forward Forward Sr., Midfield Midfield Midfield Midfield Defense forward had built quite a reputation of being Th e gift ed 6-foot-4, 205-pound speedster both a physical specimen on the soccer pitch BRADY WALKER, Hartland sr. F: One RYAN PIERSON, Novi Detroit Catholic MASON SMITH, Flint Powers Catholic LUCIANO ERRECALDE, Rochester CASEY LARUE, Midland Dow sr. M: A ALEX DALOU, Walled Lake Central sr. ALEX KIM, Rochester Adams sr. recently committed to Western Michigan of the all-time leading scorers for Central sr. F: After only earning All- sr. M: After helping the Chargers fi nish sr. M/F: After missing his junior season three-year starter, LaRue led Dow with M: The engine that makes the Vikings D: Voted the state’s top defenseman and one of the state’s pure goal scorers. University last month — a program ranked Hartland, Walker notched 54 goals over CHSL and All-District honors as a junior, as the Division 3 state runner-up as a with an injury, Errecalde came back to 24 goals and 15 assists this season. offense go, Dalou was the center piece with a spot on the Dream Team, Kim No. 10 in the NCAA Division I coaches poll the past two seasons. The gifted sniper Pierson exploded as a senior to score junior, Smith was instrumental in helping score 23 goals, second most in school Recruited by D-I, D-II and D-III schools, in leading Walled Lake Central to their was a four-time All-State selection for Th e Rochester Stoney Creek senior received had 33 goals as a junior and 21 as a 32 goals, including a tally in the state Powers claim the state championship history, to go along with 10 assists. He LaRue was instrumental in helping Dow fi rst regional trophy and Division 1 state the Highlanders, earning Honorable a phone call Tuesday night from his coach — and over a host of other suitors, including senior despite being injured for a stretch fi nals, in leading the 21-2-4 Shamrocks this season. Smith was the catalyst of the was named to the All-State Dream Team win a Division 1 district this season runner-up fi nish. Headed for NCAA Mention as a freshman, Third Team as Oakland University, Michigan State, Temple of games. Named to the Division 1 All- to their fi rst Division 1 state title. He has Chargers’ high-powered offense, scoring and Division 1 All-State First Team. Being and post a 40-5-5 record the past two nationally-ranked Western Michigan, a sophomore and First Team as both a Doug Steinard that he was voted the state’s State First Team, he is being courted by committed to Saginaw Valley State 17 goals with 27 assists. He was named recruited by Oakland and Saginaw Valley years. He was named the co-MVP of Dalou fi nished with 10 goals and 14 junior and senior. The Division I college top high school player — the winner of the and Florida-Gull Coast, amongst others. He D-I and D-II college programs. the top player in Division 3 and fi nished State, amongst others. the Saginaw Valley League and All-State assists and garnered All-State Second recruit is considering Columbia, Yale and prestigious 41st annual award, selected by is the third straight Mr. Soccer to commit to sixth in the Mr. Soccer voting. He was Third Team Team status. Michigan. Adams won three OAA Red named Co-MVP of the Saginaw Valley Division titles and reached the D-1 Final the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Western Michigan, following Traverse City League. DIVISION 1 ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM Four twice in his career. Association. West’s Dalton Michael (2016) and Forest Hills Forwards: Cole Valentine, Troy Athens sr.; Keegan Gormley, Brighton sr.; Troy Bormann, Berkley sr. Central’s Anthony Bowie (2015). Midfi elders: Chase Clark, Grand Blanc sr.; Tony Rizzo, Hartland sr.; Michael Jecman, Novi sr.; Ryan Alda, Rochester Adams sr. “It’s really quite an honor, really, when you Defensemen: Ben Champine, Rochester Adams sr.; Henry Koehling, Novi Detroit Catholic Central sr.; Collin Neal, Northville sr. consider some of the other players that have He carries a stellar 4.07 GPA and ranks in Goalkeeper: Kevin Blossfeld, Novi Detroit Catholic Central sr. won the award,” said Melaragni. “I knew I’d the top 10 in his class at Stoney Creek. DIVISION 2-3-4 FIRST TEAM have a chance to win it. But we never won a Forwards: Ryan Wisniewski, Gladwin sr.; Mason Gifford, Big Rapids sr.; Nick Hitchens, St. Johns sr.; Johnny Draigh, Lowell sr. Melaragni is not one dimensional athlete Midfi elders: Andy Vahng, Haslett sr.; Matthew Plaehn, Lansing Catholic sr.; Mitchell Morrisette, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep sr.; Bryan Lendzion, Flint Powers Catholic sr. district in my four years here. Sometimes that either. He will be a third-year starter on the Defensemen: Michael O’Brien, Birmingham Detroit Country Day sr.; Matt Jahnke, Saginaw Valley Lutheran sr.; Clark Doman, Bloomfi eld Hills Cranbrook Kingswood sr. honor goes to a player that leads his team on a Cougars boys basketball team and averaged 12 Goalkeeper: Brendan Tilden, Flint Powers Catholic sr. deep run in the (State) tournament.” points and 10 rebounds a game last winter in Melaragni still gained enough votes to edge leading his school to the OAA Blue Division  SPOrTS SCENE’S HONOrAbLE MENTION  Novi Detroit Catholic Central’s Ryan Pierson and Class A district championships. Stoney DIVISION 1 - Berkley: Max Rebori, Jackson Lovechuk, Jake Serwa, Ben Rosenblatt; Birmingham Brother Rice: Dylan Daye; Birmingham Groves: Isaac Thompson, Spencer Tredwell; Brighton: Charlie Sharp, Ian Sosenko, and Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central’s Eric Creek reached the Sweet 16 (regional fi nals) Riley Radwanski-Gallas; Clarkston: Ethan Wise, Noah Bridgeman, Brady Dickens; Davison: Zach Simpson, Mickey Clifford; Grand Blanc: Muaz Asberger, Jacob Tali, Mohamed Abdalla-Ali; Grand Ledge: Aric Phinney; Holt: Kody before bowing out to eventual state champion Akers; Lake Orion:Colten Farley; Lansing Everett: Antonio Lopez; Lapeer: Gabe Curell, Brian Morris; Midland: Cesar Nakasone; Midland Dow: Andrey Hofi us, Kyle Hop, Jordan Plewa; North Farmington: Zach Shuk, Matthew Conerty. George, Andrew George, Easton Cummins; Northville: Owen Marshall; Novi: Dominic Gatson, Jason Mo; Novi Detroit Catholic Central: Drake Midgely; Okemos: Patrick Rustum, Alejandro Arana; Oxford: Mitchel Morawski, Tristan “I guess when it boils down to it, nobody Clarkston. Bennett; Rochester: Marco Gomez, Gabe Baylon, Grant Ellison, Luke Kastran, John Agoubi; Rochester Adams: Logan Janes, Parker Raymond, Arman Trabbador; Rochester Stoney Creek: Bobby Harris, Will Knish, Nathan Bruehan, Nick Glazier; Rockford: Eric Carey; Royal Oak: Carson Kollins; Saginaw Heritage: Connor Copus, John Hoff, Spencer Schwellenbach; Swartz Creek: Micah Taylor; Troy: Joey Mason, Connor Bloomingdale, Jack Michael Melaragni meant more to his team that Mike. He had an Melaragni recently joined the U-19 Vardar Diadato; Troy Athens: Will Harrison, Andrew Nord; Walled Lake Central: Nik Palafox, Brian Ostapenko, Karl Tavadia, Trae Hjorth; Walled Lake Northern: Alex Stulberg, Carson Rogers; Walled Lake Western: Noah Palizzi; West incredible four-year career at Stoney Creek,” Academy aft er the 13-5-4 and 16th-ranked Bloomfi eld: Grant Jones, Nickon Katibai; White Lake Lakeland: Kyle Scott Rochester Stoney Creek, Cougars bowed out in the district semifi nals. Darius Feier Alden Metzmaker Luke McDonald DIVISION 2 - Auburn Hills Avondale: Nick Kubert; Bay City John Glenn: Michael Johnson; Clio: Toni Aleman; Bloomfi eld Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood: Colin Canning, Zach Buvalic; Charlotte: John Hoesli; DeWitt: Zachary Rollis, beamed Steinard, who coached Melaragni just Troy, Sr., East Lansing, Sr., Novi, Sr., Christian Reisig, Evan Greisinger; East Lansing: Mohamed Babale, Ansumana Lebbie, Petrus Martens, Paul Carney, Almir Celovic; Eaton Rapids: Deion Rogers; Farmington: Callum Ashmore, Luke Morrisette; Farmington Hills Forward, Sr. one season but against him when he was head He will be on the reserve list once basketball Harrison:Jacob Honer, Zach Harless, Hesham Moez; Fenton: Chase Poulson, Alex Flannery; Fowlerville: Andrew Goodwin; Goodrich: Hunter Haffner, Nolan Robb, Trevor Taylor; Haslett: Joe Sparkia, Nathan Westerlund, AJ Salazar, season begins but become active again in Defense Defense Goalkeeper Nick Sloan; Holly: Evan Potsma; Linden: Carson Birchmeier, Julian Shier, Nick Koan, David Fowler; Lowell: Elijah Dixon, Jay Stadt, Gabe Bendal, Connor Cater; Mason: Evan Joneson, Alan Pawlowski; North Branch: Riley Schlaud, coach at nearby Auburn Hills Avondale. “(Th e Joe Kovel; Orchard Lake St. Mary’s: Ryan Gray, Eamon Salfi ; Ortonville Brandon: Javier Lozano, Aaron Shelton, Connor Burke; Owosso: Sam Roose; Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: Will Baldwin, Brian Blakeslee, Nicholas Evans March. Player of the Year past two years) every team double- and tri- DARIUS FEIER, Troy sr. D/F: Put him in ALDEN METZMAKER, East Lansing LUKE MCDONALD, Novi sr. G: A two- DIVISION 3 - Alma: Liam Maslovich, Matteo DeAngelis; Big Rapids: Jackson Lund; Birch Run: Justin Szagesh; Birmingham Detroit Country Day: Dylan Prime, Jonathan Dougherty, Kevin Huang, Justin Harris, Elbert pled-teamed him and he still scored 32 goals “I was thrilled to win the award, humbled the backfi eld and he’s one of the state’s sr. D/F: One of two returning starters time All-State choice, McDonald earned Yi; Chesaning: Brendan Greenfelder; Clare: Aidan Boyd; Clawson: Fransisco Alverez-Calderon, Travis Newman; Essexville-Garber: Riley Day; Flint Powers Catholic: Kyle Genord, Garret DeLamielleure; Frankenmuth: Adam top defensemen. Put him up top and he’s for the Trojans, Metzmaker helped East D-1 Second Team honor as a junior Benko, Carson Bell, Adam Didluch, Blase Haynes; Freeland: Ryan Svorinic, JT Burnett, Derek Miner; Gladwin: Max Wentworth; Hemlock: Nick Stemple; Ithaca: Zack Bartnik; Laingsburg: Ben Ransom; Lansing Catholic: Matthew MICHAEL MELARAGNI, Rochester Stoney Creek sr. F: The third straight Mr. this year and 29 last year. He was unstoppable actually,” said Melaragni. “We always played a lethal sniper. Headed for the University Lansing turn a rebuilding campaign into and First Team status as a senior as Benivegna; Midland Bullock Creek: Brady Linton; Ovid-Elsie: Chris Zruna, Brandon Swender, Mason Rulison; Portland: Tate Dziewiatkowski; Saginaw Swan Valley: Grant Neilson, Cameron Schroeder; Williamston: Eli Richardson, Soccer winner to commit to Western Michigan, Melaragni was the preseason favorite in some games. Every team we played had a a really tough schedule. I had great coaches of Detroit-Mercy, Feier scored 22 goals the Division 2 state runner-up trophy. The the No. 2-rated goalkeeper in Division Alex Scott, Luciano Stornant, Zachary Jewison   to win Mr. Soccer and captured the award in November after a stellar four-year tenure. gameplan to stop him. He’s so fast, big — and and earned All-State First Team honors three-year starter earned D-2 All-State 1. He fi nished with a sub-1.00 goals- DIVISION 4 - Auburn Hills Oakland Christian: David Ardevol, Phil Curd, Austin Carter; Burton Genesee Christian: Avery Morgan, Noah Derderian; Clarkston Everest Collegiate: Nick Cross; Dansville: Andrew Witchell, At 6-foot-4, the two-sport star was a man among boys on the soccer pitch, notching 32 and teammates. No player can win any award in leading Troy to the D-1 Final Four. First Team honors and collected 12 goals against-average for his career and was Cody Luce; Davison Faith Baptist: Victor Hobson; Lake Orion Baptist: Bradley Gingell; Madison Heights Bishop Foley Catholic: Quinlan Grobbel, Matt Koleba; Midland Calvary Baptist: Josh Hipfmiller, Christian Court, Mark goals for a young team this year and 73 for his career. He was also Division 1 All-State he’s even a better kid.” without them.” and three assists for the 17-10-1 Trojans. a consistent netminder for Novi, which Dickerson; Rochester Hills Christian: Patrick Puscas; Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest: Jeremy Morrison; Royal Oak Shrine Catholic: Jordan Norfolk, Christian Atabong, Owen Groth; Saginaw Nouvel Catholic: Colton Third Team as a sophomore and First Team as a junior and senior. logged plenty of weeks inside the Top 20 Schmidt; Saginaw Valley Lutheran: Andrew Gunn, Ben Menapace; Troy Bethany Christian: Nico Thomas; Waterford Oakdale Christian: Andrew Benninger

rankings during his stellar career (Staff and Submitted Photos, High School Sports Scene Photos)

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• Grand Blanc reached the regional Senior midfielder Jacob Honer finals at Flint where it dropped a 2-1 earned third-team, all-state honors Flint Powers Catholic Not Denied Boys Soccer State decision to Walled Lake Central. this season. Senior defender Zach Grand Blanc reached the title match Harless and junior defender Hesham after stopping Midland Dow 4-2 in Moez both honorable-mention State Title This Time Around Tournament Provided the semifinals. Grand Blanc won the honors. scored the district title at Lapeer with a 3-1 win Dan Stickradt nents by an eye-popping 104-12 final tally in the 64th minute for DIVISION 3 margin, including 37-2 in the against Swartz Creek. Sports Scene Powers. • It was a landmark season for the Big state tournament, and had seven Soccer Fans With A trio of Grand Blanc players Rapids soccer team. The Cardinals Members of Flint Powers consecutive shutouts leading into Noah Peterson tied the game earned all-state honors in Division 1. set a school record with 19 wins this Catholic’s boys soccer team more the championship match. in the 21st minute and Lucien Senior midfielders Chase Clark and season and reached the regional finals than remembered last season’s Chasse cut the deficit down to Plenty Of Thrills Jacob Tali along with junior forward Powers Catholic (21-2-1) nev- 3-2 in the 63rd minute for Lud- before falling 2-0 to Ludington. Division 3 title game disappoint- er trailed and built a 3-1 halftime Butch Harmon in Division 1. Defense was a strong Muaz Asperger were all named third- ington (18-5-2). Champions of the Central States ment. lead. After Ludington cut the point for the team this season. Senior team, all-state. Senior midfielder Sports Scene Activities Association, Big Rapids The Chargers fell to Grand deficit down to 3-2, the Chargers The Orioles not only scored goalkeeper Kevin Blossfeld anchored Mohamed Abdalla-Ali earned honor- won the district title at Fremont in Rapids Catholic Central, 1-0, in added an insurance tally to put the only two goals the Chargers The boys soccer season offered the defense and earned second-team, able-mention, all-state honors. up plenty of excitement this season. impressive fashion by outscoring its a game where head coach Tony the icing on the cake. yielded during the whole tour- all-state honors while senior defender • Brighton won a district title with Capping off the year was a thrilling three opponents by a combined score Rowe felt his team left too much nament, but Ludington became Henry Koelling was named third- a 1-0 victory against Ann Arbor “This was the goal all season just the second team to score two state tournament that saw plenty of team, all-state. Junior midfielder of 15-2. on the field. long,” noted Rowe, who returned Pioneer at the Howell district. The goals in a game on Powers all close matches. Drake Midgely earned honor- Big Rapids also earned academic Flint Powers captured titles nine starters and 16 total players Bulldogs season came to an end at year — the other being Saginaw able-mention, all-state honors. all-state recognition as a team. in 1996 and 2013 and returned from last season’s state runner-up Following is a look at some of the the Portage Northern regional when to the gold medal podium in Heritage in a 2-2 tie in the third post-season highlights for area teams. • Walled Lake Central turned in a it dropped a 1-0 overtime decision to Senior forward Mason Gifford led squad. “We knew we had the game of the season. Division 3 this season, as the talent to win it all this year. We DIVISION 1 memorable season. Central defeated Portage Central. the way for Big Rapids this season second-ranked Chargers downed Brendan Tilden made one save Troy 1-0 in the Division 1 state semifi- as he scored a team-leading 28 goals honorable-mention picks. all felt that we left something on Detroit Catholic Central captured A trio of Brighton players earned 16th-ranked Ludington, 4-2, at in earning the win for Powers nals to earn a trip to the finals where it on his way to earning first-team, the field last season.” the Division 1 title by defeating all-state honors. Senior forward • Freeland reached the regional Comstock Park High School. Catholic, which received fine fell to Detroit Catholic Central. all-state honors. Senior goalkeeper Ludington came into the con- Walled Lake Central 1-0 in a defen- Keegan Gormley was named semifinals at Lansing where it fell 4-1 defensive play from Kyle Genord, Jackson Lund was named to the third “There’s no doubt that it was test winning 12 of their final 13 sive struggle in the Division 1 state Walled Lake Central earned a berth second-team, all-state while senior to Lansing Catholic Central. Freeland in their minds. They did not Alan Hill, Boerman and Trevor in the Division 1 final four by winning midfielder Ian Sosenko and junior team. Junior midfielder Owen Seay earned the trip to the regional by de- contests before falling short. The Purman all season. championship match. like that ride home last season the regional at Flint. Central stopped forward Charlie Sharp earned honor- scored 18 goals this year and earned feating Swan Valley 2-1 in the district Orioles won a D-3 title in 2001 Catholic Central made it a habit of because we had chances to win Tilden finished with a sterling Grand Blanc 2-1 in the regional title able-mention honors. honorable-mention, all-state honors. finals at Alma. and lost in the 1997 (D-3) and winning close games during its state last season but couldn’t finish,” 0.50 goals-against-average with match after defeating Rochester 2-1 in Gifford, Lund and Seay also earned 1994 (Class B) finals. tournament run. The Shamrocks • Midland Dow’s season ended in Junior forward Ryan Svorinic led said Rowe. “This time we never 14 shutouts. the semifinals. all-conference honors along with Jake Garret Delamielleure scored edged East Kentwood 2-1 in the state the regional semifinals with a 4-2 Freeland in scoring this season with stopped attacking and scored Balliet and Connor McAdams. the Chargers’ first two goals, one “Our defense was solid all semifinal. Catholic Central outlast- Strong play in the midfield was a loss to Grand Blanc. Dow reached 36 goals and was named second-team, those three goals in the first half. • Lansing Catholic Central reached in the 15th minute and another season long,” said Rowe. “To only ed Plymouth 4-3 to win the Novi big part of Central’s success. Senior the regional after turning in a strong all-state. Senior midfielder JT Burnett But hats off to Ludington. They the regional finals this season where in the 28th minute, the later give up (12) goals this season regional and in the district title game midfielder Alex Dalou was named defensive effort at the district level. was an honorable-mention selection. never gave up and battled us.” it fell 3-0 to eventual state champi- which gave Powers Catholic the and win a state championship Catholic Central defeated Novi 1-0 in second-team, all-state in Division 1 The Chargers posted shutouts against Junior forward Dylan Beeckman Flint Powers rolled to the Division 3 championship with its 4-2 victory is remarkable. We had to beat a while senior midfielder Nik Palafox Bay City Western, Saginaw Heritage on Flint Powers. Lansing Catholic over Ludington in the championship game. The Chargers outscored their Powers more than made up for lead for good. overtime. turned in a big season with 15 goals. last year’s shortcomings behind worthy opponent in Ludington, was third team. Junior goalkeepe and Traverse City Central to win the reached the finals after stopping 24 opponents by an eye-popping 104-12 margin, including 37-2 in the Dominic Ruth netted the Senior forward Ryan Pierson led • Swan Valley, led by third-team, all- its powerful offense. The Char- but we finished our chances and Brian Ostapenko earned honor- regional title. Freeland 4-1 in the semifinals. state tournament, and had seven consecutive shutouts leading into the Chargers’ third goal in the 30th the way for the Shamrocks this season state selection Grant Neilson defeated gers outscored their 24 oppo- achieved our goal.” able-mention, all-state honors. The Cougars won the district title championship match. (Courtesy Photo) minute, while Connor Boerman and was named first-team, all-state Senior midfielder Casey Larue and Alma 5-1 in the opening round of junior forward Andrey Hofius both at Williamston in thrilling fashion district play and edged Bullock Creek earned honorable-mention, all-state with a 1-0 overtime win against 1-0 in the district semifinals. Swan honors. Williamston. Valley’s season came to an end with DIVISION 2 Junior midfielder Matthew Plaehn a 2-1 loss to Freeland in the district earned first-team, all-state honors title game. • The Farmington Harrison soccer while junior goalkeeper Matthew DIVISION 4 team turned in a memorable season. Benivegna was named third-team, The Hawks went on a tournament all-state. Saginaw Valley Lutheran won the run that ended in the state semifinals • Frankenmuth won a district title at district title at Harbor Beach with where they dropped a 2-0 decision to a 3-1 win against Bad Axe. Valley East Lansing. Caro with a 4-0 win against Caro in the finals. Frankenmuth’s season came Lutheran went on to the regional at Harrison earned a trip to the final to an end in the regional semifinals Goodrich where it dropped a 4-0 four with a 1-0 win against Gibral- when it fell 6-0 to eventual state decision to Genesee Christian. tar-Carlson in the regional finals at champion Flint Powers. Senior midfielder Matt Jahnke Fenton. The Hawks won the district earned first-team, all-state honors. title it hosted in dramatic fashion with Junior midfielder Adam Bonko was named third-team, all-statek while Junior forward Andrew Gunn was a 1-0 overtime win against Bloomfield named to the third team while senior Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. senior forward Adam Didluch and junior goalkeeper Carson Bell were defender Ben Menapace earned hon- orable-mention. Detroit Catholic Central won the Division 1 soccer championship with GMC a 1-0 victory over Walled Lake Central. (Courtesy Photos) Low Money Down! 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Capital Area Athletic Conference Tour- nament and D-2 state tournament only to northern report East Lansing’s Unexpected fall short in its quest for a sixth title. and earned All-State 20:57, sophomore Cassidy Forbes 16th in 21:09 East Lansing won state titles in 1987, honors for running and junior Katie Blanchard 18th in 21:15. 2002 2005, 2013, 2014 and finished as 22nd at the state meet Ride Stalled By Senior-Laden the state runner-up in 1999, 2006 and Jack Pine Runners Freshman Anna Killian was 23rd in 21:47 and in a time of 16:36. now 2017. This time the Trojans were sophomore Abby Brushaber 26th in 21:58 for Clare was 13th in the outmatched by Holland, which lost in the Beaverton. team standings, led by Holland In Title Match regional finals last season and boasted 14 Receive All-State Honors Clare packed five runners into the top six to junior David Good, “I think we had some good posses- seniors this season. Dan Stickradt Scott Salowich who was 77th in 17:18. Senior Jimmy Teall, who win the final jamboree with 19 points. Gladwin sion in the first half, but we could never Sports Scene “We had a great run. I think we started Sports Scene won the other jamboree gold medal, was 86th was second with 61, Roscommon third with 81, finish,” said East Lansing coach Nick Meridian fourth with 85, Harrison fifth with the season slow, had some difficulties, The top cross country runners in the Jack at the state meet in 17:23 and sophomore Alan A senior-laden team looking for its Archer. “Holland is an explosive team but we started to come together late in 133 and Farwell sixth with 170. first-ever state title collided with one of Pine Conference throughout the regular season Winter took 89th in 17:24. and they came out in the second half and the season,” said Archer. “We started to Veenkant was first with Roscommon fresh- the state’s all-time top programs in the delivered at the end by earning All-State honors. Clare was second to Hart at the regional, really took it to us.” figure it out some late in the year. We man Alayna Ostling second. Haring, Haupt, Division 2 boys soccer state finals. where Farwell placed 11th. Led by longtime head coach Archer started to play better in the (conference Clare junior Lainey Veenkant won all three Haag and Schroeder was next in line for the The first-time championship hunger — whose 660-177-75 career record is tournament and (elevated) our game in of the JPC jamborees, placing first at the last Teall was seventh in 16:37, Good 16th in Pioneers. Gladwin senior Colette Morris was prevailed. the best amongst all active coaches in the (state) tournament.” one in a time of 18:50 to help the Pioneers make 16:51, sophomore Kaleb Schroeder 17th in seventh, followed by Beaverton’s Killian, Clare it three wins in a row as a team to sew up the 16:52, Winter 19th in 16:59 and junior Jayce Eighth-ranked Holland toppled East Michigan — East Lansing entered the Holland outshot East Lansing 11-9 in sophomore Nicole Taylor and North for Merid- league championship. Miller 25th in 17:08. Sophomore David Gordon Lansing — winners of five MHSAA state season with just two returning starters the contest, including 6-4 with shots di- ian. was 23rd in 17:04 for Farwell. titles — 3-0 in the D-2 finals at Com- from a Final Four campaign in 2016. The rectly on frame, while both teams traded At the Division 3 regional, she was second Clare’s boys won with 23 points, followed by stock Park to earn a title in its first-ever Trojans bounced around the D-2 Top 20 off three cornerbacks apiece. in a time of 18:12 as Clare finished third in the Beaverton was fourth and Meridian seventh Beaverton with 66, Meridian with 74, Farwell rankings and reached No. 12 in Septem- standings with 74 points, trailing only Hart at Shepherd’s regional. Hayes was third in 16:28 championship appearance. Peter Keegin notched the clean sheet with 112, Gladwin with 122, Houghton Lake ber before falling out three weeks before and Benzie Central. Those two teams also went and senior Connor Graves 25th in 17:42. Senior Mr. Soccer finalist Daniel Arellano fin- for Holland, making four saves. Elijah with 133 and Roscommon with 177. ished with a goal and an assist in leading the start of the state tournament. 1-2 at the state meet at Michigan International Zach Grubaugh was 22nd in 17:21 for Meridian. Sheridan and Nekko Criswell-Grinage Speedway, where Clare was fifth with 195. Hayes won in 16:54, followed by Pioneers the Dutch to the crown. Sam Accardo East Lansing played like a seasoned combined for three saves for East Lansing Trailing Veenkant for the Pioneers at the girls’ Teall, Miller, Good and Kaleb Schroeder. Gor- and Jose Penaloza also scored for Holland state-ranked squad late in the campaign (17-10-1). Veenkant ran 12th in 19:07 to capture All- regional were Haag, who was 16th in 19:42; don was sixth for Farwell and Meridian took (19-5-2), which outscored the opposition and peaked at the right time, plucking off State honors. Olivia Haring was 52nd in 20:09, Haupt, 17th in 19:48; Haring, 19th in 19:53; and the next two spots with Grubaugh seventh and 29-2 in the postseason. multiple ranked opponents in both the Kameron Haag 59th in 20:15, Katherine Haupt Schroeder, 20th in 19:55. sophomore Gage White eighth. Winter was The Clare girls cross country 60th in 20:16 and Riley Schroeder 91st in 20:43. Meridian was fourth at the Shepherd region- ninth to close out the scoring for Clare. Fengjin team finished fifth as a team Beaverton senior Parker Hayes won two of al, led by junior Hannah Ordiway, who was 10th Cui was 10th for Gladwin. during the recent Division 3 finals held at Michigan International East Lansing fell to Holland 3-0 in the Division 2 the three jamborees on the boys’ side of things in 20:41. Sophomore Alexis North was 14th in state championship in early November. East Lansing Speedway. (Gary Williams, High finished the season 17-10-1. (Courtesy Photo) School Sports Scene Photo)

on offense and four on defense. state finals game The Trojans finished off the game’s scoring since 1997, swung midway through the final period, making it Senior Zac Stickler was named First Portland St. Patrick Tamed right back with a the final 54-12. Up And Down Season For Team at both guard and defensive tackle, touchdown of their while senior Tyler Rodenbo and junior Lawson finished with 125 yards and one Brenden Sersaw were First Team at both own, as Tanner touchdown on eight-of-17 passing, Isaiah By Forest Park In Finals Lawson fired a Football Teams In Jack Pine wide receiver and defensive back. Junior Smith had 42 yards rushing and Ned Smith tackle Bruin French and junior kicker 19-yard touchdown Scott Salowich sent them home with a final record of 9-2. Ben Murphy rushed for 32. Colin Cook hauled in three Aidan Boyd were all-league on offense, pass to Will Simon. passes for 62 yards and Simon grabbed three Sports Scene Beaverton won its first eight regular Sports Scene season games before losing to Clare in a while senior linebacker Ryan Pummell The Trojans cashed in on a six yard touch- for 32. It was an ugly end to what was otherwise The second week of the playoffs was the Week 9 finale for the Jack Pine title. The was honored on defense. down run late in the opening quarter to lead final week of the season for the Jack Pine a fine season. The Portland St. Patrick 8-man Isaiah Smith also led the defense with 13 Beavers hosted St. Louis in the first round Beaverton senior Nate Taylor was First 16-6 after one and added rushing tallies of 23, Conference’s football teams. football team, made it all the way to the Divi- tackles, Simon had 11, Paul Cook had 10 and of the Division 7 playoffs and fell short Team on offense at end and on defense in seven and 59 as they took control of the game sion 2 8-man finals on Nov. 18, thoughit was Alex Kissane took down seven. Clare, which lost its opener to state on a pair of two-point conversion tries the secondary. Senior running back Dan with a 36-6 lead at the half. dominated in that contest, 54-12 by Crystal St. Patrick finishes the season 11-2 in what finalist Ithaca, reeled off eight straight on the way to a tough 13-12 loss that left Breault was honored on offense, while wins to close the regular season with an Falls Forest Park. Forest Park wasn’t finished as they romped was their sixth season of 8-man football. them with a final record of 8-2. linebackers Eric Cassiday and Kyle Cassi- in for touchdowns of 56 and 46 in the third 8-1 record and a Jack Pine Conference day both made the grade on defense. The Trojans ran for an 8-man state finals Harrison and Houghton Lake each quarter, giving it an insurmountable 48-6 lead championship. record 481 yards and had all eight of their qualified in Division 6 after posting For Harrison, senior Bryce Lipovsky late in the third. The Pioneers faced Remus Chippewa was the First Team center, while junior touchdowns on the ground as well. identical 6-3 records during the regular The Shamrocks got back on the board Hills in the first round of the Division 5 season. Hugh Brand was honored at running Forest Park scored a touchdown less than before the end of the frame, as Isaiah Smith tournament, which provided an opportu- The Hornets won 24-22 at Houghton back. Senior defensive end Austin two minutes into the game to take an 8-0 lead, Portland St. Pats dropped a 54-12 nity to avenge a meeting in the same sit- scored on a one yard plunge to pull within 48- Lake in Week 7, but the Bobcats turned Musser was First Team, along with senior though the Shamrocks, who were in their first decision to Crystal Falls Forest Park in uation the previous year which saw Clare linebacker Ryan Carlstrom and senior 12 entering the fourth. the tables in the rematch with a 20-16 the Division 2 8-man playoff finals held cry, “Uncle” to Remus in a 32-27 loss. defensive back Joel Coughlin. Nov. 18 in Marquette. (Ben Murphy, victory, sending Harrison packing for the High School Sports Scene Photo) The tables turned in the rematch and year with a 6-4 mark. Kyle Stockford was First Team at the league champs advanced with a con- The fun came to a screeching halt the receiver and defensive back for Meridian. Serving Mid-Michigan • Fully Insured vincing 47-7 victory. following week week when Houghton Gladwin senior Kurtis Myers was the top A trip to Reed City was next and that Lake fell to Millington 55-28 to bow out punter. Roth Audio/Video proved to be the end of the road for the at 7-4. Aaron Seiser was named Coach of the The Spoken Word - Clearly Heard Pioneers, who never got their potent of- Year after guiding Beaverton to the play- Your Hometown Community Bank Clare dominated the Jack Pine’s fense going in a surprising 34-7 loss that All-Conference Team, earning five spots offs for the second year in a row. Steve Roth Convenient locations to serve 1708 N. Fancher St. you in Central and Western Michigan Clare lost in the first round of the Division 5

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Addison Bouza, McKenna Walker, Bay City Western Kaylee Argyle, Freeland Girls basketball Bay City Western Walker will go down as one of the best in school his- Argyle, who helped the Falcons make it all the way to Bouza emerged on the scene after having tory. Walker averaged 19.0 points and 8.4 rebounds Class B semis a year ago will play her college basket- a huge junior season for the Warriors. She per game a year ago and begins her senior year with ball at Trine University. announced she will continue her college 1,120 career points. She will continue her basketball career at Saginaw Valley State University. She career at Northwood. has earned Saginaw Valley All-Conference accolades all four years in volleyball, including College Signings two first team honors in her junior and senior seasons.

Faith Howe, Beaverton Hannah Carson, Mt. Pleasant Howe posted a 34-4 record with an eye-popping 379 Carson, is a three-time all-state first team selection strikeouts and a 0.51 ERA. The first-team all-stater at catcher (2015, ‘16, ‘17) for Mount Pleasant High takes her skills to Lincoln Memorial University of School. She has batted .550 or better in each of her Kendyl Hofmeister, Tennessee. prep seasons and owns 24 career home runs and 133 Essexville Garber RBI -- without a strikeout in three seasons. She is The daughter of one Michigan’s top bowl- ranked by FloSoftball as the nation’s No. 21 prospect ers of all-time, Dale Hofmeister, Kendyl in the 2018 class and will continue her education and Hofmeister is also making a name for herself career at the University of Michigan. on the lanes. As a junior she averaged 189 and finished in the top 20 of last’s year’s state meet. She will continue her bowling career at the University of Nebraska. Zac Stickler, Clare Kayla Belles, Ithaca Stickler is another CMU-bound athlete, who recently A sure front-runner for the 2018 Miss Basketball signed with the Chips to run track and field. He fin- award, however that changed for Belles after tearing ished first or second in 14 meets in the shot put and her ACL this summer. She averaged averaged 19.4 eight times in the discus. points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.4 blocks a year ago. Belles will play her college basketball at Michigan State University.

Midland High Signing Day Extranganza Katy Ratajczak, The Chemics had 13 athletes sign during the Nattional Letter of Intent Early signing period earlier this month. Essexville-Garber Those athletes included, Rylie Johnstone, Gymnastics – University of Illinois – Chicago; Abbie Fowler, Soccer Ratajczak served as a rock-solid catcher for – Fairmont State University; Riley Rajewski, Soccer – Northwood University; Carlee Davis, Soccer – Saginaw the district champion Dukes as a junior, scor- Mitchell Christensen, Lauryn Gibbs, Mt. Morris Valley State University; Gillian Schloop, Softball – Northwood University; Nicole Miller, Softball – Northwood ing 29 runs, driving in 23 and blasting five Essexville Garber University; Bethany Wilson, Volleyball – Lake Superior State University; Peyton Gerstacker, Volleyball – Sag- home runs. She will join her teammate Alyssa A four-time letterwinner at Mt. Morris High School inaw Valley State University; Grace Rekeweg, Volleyball – Northwood University; Hannah Smith, Basketball Seagraves at SVSU next year. Christensen became the second state champion in and was nominated for Michigan Miss Volleyball her – Hope College; Maddie Barrie, Basketball – Grand Valley State University; Garrett Willis, Baseball – Saginaw Garber history as a junior, posting a 49-2 record at senior year. She is a three-time All-Region and two- Valley State University and Drew Gandy, Golf – Hillsdale College. 112 pounds. He heads into this season with 141 career time First Team All-League selection and was Named victories. Christensen will continue his education and third team All-State as a sophomore. She will play her Kristen Huebner, Swan Valley wrestling career at Central Michigan University. college career at Michigan State University. Huebner will join older sister Lauren at Saginaw Val- ley State University as she recently announced she will play her college volleyball at SVSU. Lauren currently runs track for the Cardinals. Kristen is a three-time All-Conference and All-Region team member and Western trio signs with LCC Swan Valley duo heads to Northwood earned two All-State accolades. Huebner was a part of Alyssa Seegraves, three district championship teams with Swan Valley Since 1916, Auto-OwnersEssexville-Garber and your Tyler David is a left-handed hitting shortstop, who Swan Valley pitchers Callie Burgess and Kaylynn Trustedand was captainfor for generations... two of those seasons. batted .417 with 11 stolen bases a year ago. Seth Gulliver will continue their college careers together local independent agentSeagraves canhave change the outcome of a game Gower batted .383 with 32 RBIs and 15 stolen bases as they both announced they will play their college with her legs or her bat. She hit .372 with 28 while playing third base for the Warriors while Logan softball at Northwood University. The duo has led the been there when it mattersRBIs and five most. home a year ago. She will play LaCourse is a standout pitcher and center fielder, Vikings to the Class B quarterfinals each of the last Heritage’s Schwellenbach, her college softball at Saginaw Valley State batting .378 with 18 stolen bases with seven wins a two seasons. Bicknell head to D1 University. year ago. All three will continue their baseball career Heritage seniors Jessi Bicknell and Spencer Schwel- at Lansing Community College. lenbach signed with their respective schools earlier this month. Bicknell will continue her basketball Scott Keyes, Kim McInerney and Submitted Photos career at the University of Detroit, while Schwel- lenbach, who is considered one of the top baseball prospects for the Class of 2018 will move on to the THE BEST LOCAL “We Care Enough To Make A Difference” University of Nebraska. Helping people stay home with dignity and independence. Downtown Auto Services Inc. INSURANCE AGENCY Scott Nevins Daily Living HomeCare, Inc. President CITY • 000-000-0000 Non-Medical In-Home Services D LH 145 E. Center St, P.O. Box 133 www.bestinsuranceagency.com Ithaca, MI 48847 110 W. Newark St. Shop Hours Ithaca, MI 48847 M-F 8-5:30 989-875-4261 Your local agent Specializing in MSHDA multi Family Renovations is your neighbor – 701 South Main - Ovid, MI 48866 CERTIFIED Your #1 #1 fan fan Kim Hodge, President Phone: (989) 875-7405 SERVICE someone you can 989-834-1500 Locally Owned & Operated Fax: (989) 875-8685 www.dailylivinghomecare.com Toll Free: (800) 834-1915 CENTER trust and someone who’s here for THE BEST LOCAL you when it INSURANCE AGENCY matters most! CITY • 000-000-0000 Scott Allen www.bestinsuranceagency.com108 North Newton St. Middleton, MI 48856 225 E. Center St., Ithaca Tel: 989-236-7296 Ithaca (989) 875-2200 www.demottins.com FarmBureauInsurance.com Auto, Home, Life, Business, Farm and more Page 44 - November/December 2017 High School Sports Scene - Keeping Kids In The News www.highschoolsportsscence.com

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Finest In Customer Service In Mid-Michigan We Stand By The Simple Philosophy: “Shaheen Chevrolet Is Dedicated To Providing The Ultimate Automotive Experience” Mid-Michigan’s Largest Chevy Dealer! New • Used • Finance • Service • Parts • Body Shop 1-800-678-9561 • 517-803-2568 Disclaimer: All payments based on GMS pricing and approved credit. Must qualify for Competitive Lease, Bonus Tag and/ or a combination of these rebates. Bonus Tags are limited. Once bonus tags are gone payments become null & void. 632 American Rd. • Lansing, Ml Requires Tax, Title, License, Doc Fee, CVR, Acquisition Fee and 1st payment due at signing. Payments based on 24-36 month lease, 10,000 miles per year. Restrictions apply. Not everyone will qualify. See Dealer for details. www.shaheenchevrolet.com