By DAVID COOK
#It was showdown time in the Tri-Valley Central when Bullock Creek put up its unblemished record against powerhouse Freeland the week before Christmas. Led by a talented core of players like Ellie Juengel, Hallie Nieman, and Kendra Shankel, the Lancers of Bullock Creek started the season on a roll, winning their first five games. With that momentum behind them, they were looking to knock off Freeland in an early-season showdown at Bullock Creek. The upset was not to be, however, as Freeland jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 71-56 victory.
#A number of showdowns took place in mid-December across the area. After dominating the Jack Pine Conference last season, the Clare Pioneers are picking up where they left off. Led by Lindsay Winter, who is averaging 28 points per game, the Pioneers won four of their first five games this season. The lone loss came against Nouvel Catholic Central.
The Clare/Nouvel game was a classic that went into overtime before Nouvel’s Rachel McInerney scored off an offensive rebound in the game’s final second to give the Panthers the win. McInerney finished the game with a double-double in points and rebounds. Winter turned in a huge game for Clare, as she poured in 33 points, including seven three-pointers.
Nouvel suffered its first loss of the season when it fell to Thumb powerhouse Reese, 55-45. Reese, which turned in a perfect 20-0 regular season last year before falling to Valley Lutheran in the districts, has continued to pile up the wins this season.
#Valley Lutheran is also off to a strong start behind the play of Becca Scherting. It won four of its first five games, with the lone loss coming against Freeland.
Valley Lutheran, Reese, and Nouvel are on another collision course in this year’s Class C state tournament.
#The Sharks of St. Louis have been playing some solid basketball this season. St. Louis started the season strong, with its lone loss in the early going being a 55-45 defeat against powerful Reese.
#With eight seniors back from last year’s team that reached the state quarterfinals, East Lansing is continuing its dominating play. The Trojans have won nine CAC Blue league titles in a row and are a strong favorite to make it ten this winter. With strong play from the likes of Piper Tucker and Grace Whelan, the Trojans have started the season strong with consistent double-digit wins.
#East Lansing will be challenged in the CAC Blue this year by a talented Holt team that has started the season off with some strong performances.
#Last year, Greenville basketball fans were treated to some outstanding play by the boys’ team. This year, it’s the girls who are providing the thrills. Led by three-year varsity standout Leah Somerfield, the Yellow Jackets opened the season with six straight wins. Somerfield has proven to be a double-double machine, and her expanded offensive skills have led to some strong games. The Yellow Jackets have also received strong efforts from Megan O’Brien and Nikota Howe.
#One of Greenville’s closest games of the season came against Tri-County. Greenville edged an improving Tri-County team 46-45. Tri-County won four of its first six games this season. Balance has been a key for Tri-County, with Kelsey Hackbardt, Kaylie Caverley, and Alexis Firovich leading the way.
#Although they suffered some key graduation losses, the Portland Raiders have reloaded in fine fashion this season. Led by Kelsey Spitzley and Allison Wetzel, the Raiders opened this season on a roll by winning their first seven games. The Raiders look to be the team to beat in the CAC White but have showdowns with Corunna looming.
#In the Central States Activities Conference, the Cardinals of Big Rapids have been on a roll. Big Rapids opened the season with six straight wins and gained the upper hand in the league after taking down Reed City 52-42. The Cardinals have been led by the tandem of Kendra Enszer and Elizabeth Nonhof.
#Pewamo-Westphalia and St. Patrick Catholic are battling it out in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference this season. The Pirates grabbed the upper hand in the league race with an early-season win over the Shamrocks. That loss was the lone one of the early season for St. Patrick, which has another squad capable of a deep tournament run.