By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS C
Top teams statewide
McBain, Reese, Nouvel Catholic Central, Arbor Preparatory
Top area teams
Carson City-Crystal, Laingsburg, Pewamo-Westphalia, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Nouvel Catholic Central
Top area players
Mikayla Duflo, Carson City-Crystal; Laurel Jacqmain, Nouvel; Jordan Schneider, Beal City; Lindsay Smith, Laingsburg; Hannah Thelen, Pewamo-Westphalia
Change is in the air in Class C. Nouvel Catholic Central, last year’s Class C state champion, experienced heavy graduation losses and also brings in a new coach this season. It does return a key part of last year’s state title team in junior guard Laurel Jacqmain. Jacqmain averaged 12 points a game last season and scored 23 points and had seven rebounds in the state title game. Junior forward Madison Graham (5’8″) is another key player back for Nouvel.
Michigan Lutheran Seminary has plenty of height this season and is gearing up for what could be a big year. Cassie Anklam (6’0″) returns in the post with help from senior forward Emily Neumann (5’11”) and sophomore Rylee Pankow (5’10”). The return of point guard Amanda Schoch also helps.
Valley Lutheran also boasts good height up front, with senior post Gabrielle Neuman and forward Abbie Pickelman. Senior Lydia Moulton is also a good outside threat.
St. Charles is another squad that will be strong up front. Marissa Kostick is a strong post player, and senior forward Ashley Fenskie is another talented front court player.
Beal City suffered some key graduation losses, but the return of senior all-state forward Jordan Schneider (5’11”) will be key. Schneider averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds a year ago.
Ithaca will be one of the most improved teams in the area and a team to watch this year and in the future. Junior guard Kylee Chaffin (5’8″) is a returning all-conference player who averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game. Senior guard Courtney Cooley led the team in scoring two years ago. Up front, senior forward Lacie Mates (5’11”) is a strong rebounder who returns. The biggest impact will come from talented freshman Kayla Belles (6’3″), who has already attracted the attention of college recruiters.
Defending TVC West champion St. Louis suffered heavy graduation losses. The Sharks do return junior guard Ashtyn Maniez, while sophomore Jaelynn Block is a talented athlete from the volleyball team who will play a key role.
Breckenridge welcomes back a tall, talented post player in Emily Chapin (6’0″), who averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game. Junior Elaine Krueger will also help in the post.
Coleman is led this season by junior forward Cassidy Tucker (5’8″), who averaged nine points and seven rebounds per game.
New Lothrop was hit hard by graduation. Last year’s GAC Blue champion does return sophomore forward Claudia Freed, who can score.
Carson City-Crystal won 21 games last year, and the Eagles are setting up for another big season. Senior Mikayla Duflo is an outstanding outside shooter, while junior center Madi Weese (5’10”) is a talented post who will give the team points and rebounds in the paint.
Defending CMAC champion Pewamo-Westphalia is reloading after some heavy graduation losses. The Pirates’ cupboard, however, is far from bare, with junior guard Hannah Thelen back. Senior guard Kali Klein is an excellent outside shooter. Junior forward Alyssa Nurenberg (5’11”) is a standout up front, while freshman Emily Spitzley will make a big impact with her outside shooting.
Laingsburg will also be in the hunt in the CMAC. The Wolfpack returns plenty of talent, led by the dynamic guard tandem of junior Lindsey Smith and senior Sara Hurst. Senior Jalynn Mitchell (5’8″) is another major impact player returning, while Julia Angst is an athletic guard for a team that boasts plenty of athleticism.
Bath will have one of the most talented young teams in the CMAC. Sophomore guard Tessa Hosford is a returning all-conference player. Sophomores Jessica Stoskopf and Taylor Buck both earned honorable-mention all-conference honors last year.