By John Raffel
Sacred Heart Academy wants to win back its Mid-State Activities Conference title from Carson City-Crystal. To do that, it will rely on players like Averi Gamble, who averaged 16 points and nine rebounds per game last season, senior Megan English, and sophomore Sophie Ruggles.
“The strength of our team is our post players,” coach Damon Brown said. “Both Averi and Sophie are highly skilled players that will demand a lot of attention. Our goal is to get better each time we step on the floor and compete for the league championship and make a long postseason run.”
“Carson City knocked us off last year and ended our 15-year league championship streak, and they are the champions until someone beats them,” Brown said.
Montabella coach Terry Larson said that his team can compete with Carson City-Crystal and Sacred Heart Academy for the Mid-State Activities Conference title. The Mustangs are led by Madi Cutler, Ashley Swarts, Kat Well, Hannah Stockwell, Kendra Stockwell, and Marisol Bucao. “There were no seniors last year, so we have experience on our side,” Larson said.
Morley Stanwood won a state title in 2012, and the coach of that team, Bob Raven, is coaching his final season this year. Top players include his daughter, Mallory Raven, and Sarah Thompson.
“I have a veteran group,” Bob Raven said. “I have a lot of seniors and a lot of leadership.”
Greenville coach Eric Nichols expects to compete for the OK Bronze title, with standout players like seniors Mackenzie Bell and Peyton Mount and juniors Paige Hallock and Landon Kemp.
“We are athletic and can shoot the ball,” Nichols said.
Belding is determined to win the OK Blue and back-to-back district titles. Senior Gretta Wilker has played four years on varsity and is a returning all-league player. Hallee Briemayer and Katie Wood are returning all-conference players, and Krista Hull, Joanna McCully, Ryann Rich, and Olivia Stephan are also standout players.
“We are very aggressive and can cause a lot of turnovers, which lead to points,” Belding coach Bradley Wilson said.
Beal City will go after a Highland Conference title. The Aggies have three returning players from last year, seniors Lily Steffke and Paige Lorenz and junior Natalie Gross.
“Natalie Gross will be a key athlete this year,” Beal City coach Brad Henry said. “Natalie is a junior serving her second year on varsity. She plays the guard position and is a pivotal piece to our offense. [Junior] Mackenzie Schneider is the younger sister of a very dominant Jordan Schneider from last year’s team and will take over that position.
“Paige Lorenz, the younger sister of the sharp shooter Sydney Lorenz from last year’s team, will help us by keeping the floor spread with her shooting ability. At times, Paige will also handle the ball at the point.”
Tri County coach Chris Overbeek is confident that his team can be a Central State Activities Association contender. He has three all-conference players returning in Ashley Bowen and Jenna DeGeer, who both averaged 10 points per game last year, plus Julia Hauenstein. “We are small, but quick and aggressive,” Overbeek said. “We have some girls who are outstanding shooters. I think our chemistry will also be a strength.”
Big Rapids is led by Alexis Lyman and Aliza Hengesbach, juniors who will be starting for the third year on varsity. Other key returners are Maddie Tassoni, Crystal Brinker, Teagan Underhill, and Phelicia Cositie. Sophomores moved up to varsity this year are Kaitlyn Ray and Leah Morningstar.
“We need to be more disciplined in regards to execution. Patience is important,” coach Jessica Haist said.