By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS C
Top teams statewide
Allen Academy, Beecher, Lumen Christi Catholic
Top area teams
Carson City-Crystal, Ithaca, Laingsburg, Pewamo-Westphalia, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Vestaburg
Top players statewide
Aquavius Burks, Beecher; Austin LeVan, Millington; Khari Willis, Lumen Christi Catholic
Top area players
Ezra Beckwith, Bath; Grant Gage, Carson City-Crystal; Jerod Hengesbach, Pewamo-Westphalia; Andrew Schroeder, Michigan Lutheran Seminary; Keegan Scott, Vestaburg; Ryan Wade, Laingsburg
The Central Michigan Athletic Conference has been home to some great basketball over the past several seasons. Two years ago, Laingsburg went on a memorable postseason run that landed them in the Class C state final, and last year it was Pewamo-Westphalia’s turn to make it to the title game.
This year, Laingsburg is again poised for a big season. Senior guard Ryan Wade (5’9″) is one of the top Class C guards in the state, and Cole Franks (6’1″) is an athletic forward who can get to the rim.
While graduation hit Pewamo-Westphalia hard, the Pirates will regroup quickly. Senior center Jerod Hengesbach (6’5″) is a talented player around whom to build, while freshman forward Jimmy Lehman is poised to make an impact.
Bath returns a standout guard of its own in Ezra Beckwith (6’1″). The Bees also return junior forward Bobby Tadgerson (6’3″).
Michigan Lutheran Seminary will be one of the teams to beat in the TVC West. Senior Andrew Schroeder provides a solid inside game, while Mitchell Baumgartner (6’5″) and Ben Burger (6’5″) offer even more height. Nate Lindloff provides outside shooting, while sophomore Casey Williams has loads of potential.
Ithaca will again be a team to watch this season. The Yellowjackets are young, talented, and tall. Spencer DeMull (6’3″) can score and play outstanding defense. Sophomore Levi Lehman (6’6″) gives the squad offense in the paint and rebounding. Sophomore Isaiah Hoag (6’3″) is another option up front, along with senior forward Myles Waldron (6’3″). Junior guard Jake Smith (6’1″) and sophomore Nick Radak head up the backcourt.
Carson City-Crystal also boasts a solid squad this season. Senior Grant Gage (6’5″) earned all-state honors last season and is an effective scorer and rebounder. The Eagles also have solid guard play in senior Kyler Simmon and junior Garrett Tabor. Caleb Barrett is an accurate outside shooter.
Vestaburg is poised to build on last year’s success. Senior guard Keegan Scott averaged 14 points per game last year and has a solid all-around game. Senior Jared Hilden also returns, along with juniors Kristian Gostomski (6’2″), Collin Dave (6’5″), and Marcus Benavidez (6’3″).
Beal City will again have a solid squad. Senior guard Alex Schafer can fill it up on offense and has a solid all-around game. Austin Cook and Zack Natzel can also be counted on for points.
Meridian won 19 games last season and will again be in the thick of the title hunt in the Jack Pine Conference. Senior Josh Reiss (6’4″) returns up front, along with sophomore forward Matt Hall (6’2″) and junior guard Nick Lueder (5’11”).
Breckenridge has a strong pair of seniors returing in forward Wade San Miguel and guard Jordan Lumsden. Junior guard Jake Wendling will also help out in the backcourt.
Coleman welcomes back senior forward Jarid Walton (6’4″), who averaged 17 points per game last year. Junior forward Matt Fox (6’4″) will also help up front.