David Cook
Sports Scene
The CAAC White is one of the toughest girls’ basketball conferences in mid-Michigan for a team to excel in, but the Corunna Cavaliers are determined to make a push toward the top spot this season.
The Cavaliers have a new coach in Ron Birchmeier, and the new coach has plenty of talent to work with. Birchmeier is well equipped to make a push to the top with five seniors returning. Those seniors were part of a team that turned in an 11-12 record last season but have the potential to accomplish much more this season.
Heading up the list of returnees is a pair of four-year varsity standouts. Senior Cheyenne Kersjes (6’0″) is a two-time all-conference player who gives the team strong rebounding and inside scoring at either center or forward. Morgan Cnudde (6’0) is a three-time all-conference player. Like Kersjes, Cnudde can give the team points in the paint, and she is a strong rebounder at both forward and center. The duo gives the Cavaliers a solid inside-outside combination.
Sophomore Lauren Ruess (5’5″) is another returning starter. Ruess has a strong presence in the backcourt.
The Cavaliers also return three other players who logged major minutes last season. Senior Michaila Lawcock (5’8″) is a versatile player who can play either guard or forward. Senior Hayley Sawyer (5’6″) returns to the backcourt. Sophomore Payton Birchmeier (6’1″) is a talented young frontcourt player who gives the team good size in the pivot and who has a variety of skills, giving the Cavaliers a deep and talented front line.
“Expectations are high for a group that includes five seniors who are aiming for their first CAAC White title,” said Coach Birchmeier. “Seniors Cheyenne Kersjes and Morgan Cnudde return for their fourth year of varsity basketball and were both all-conference players last year. Sophomores Payton Birchmeier and Lauren Ruess are expected to be big contributors who are returning for their second year on the varsity.”
The Cavaliers face a rugged slate of teams if they are going to capture that CAAC White title.
“Portland, Williamston, and Lansing Catholic Central are expected to be very competitive, as the CAAC White will be a strong division this year,” Birchmeier said.