By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS D
Top teams statewide
Lenawee Christian, Baldwin, Boyne Falls, Frankfort
Top area teams
Fulton, Lansing Christian, Morrice, Sacred Heart Academy
Top players statewide
Brandon Childress, Baldwin; David Loney, Frankfort; Marcus Matelski, Boyne Falls
Top area players
Colton Antes, Fulton; Austin Cook, Fowler; Ben Goenner, Sacred Heart Academy; Matt Havey, Lansing Christian; Gregg Jones, Fulton; Joe Mackowiak, Portland St. Patrick Catholic; Garrett McPherson, Morrice
Sacred Heart Academy captured the attention of Class D basketball fans last season, as it won 20 games and advanced to the state quarterfinal round. While several players have graduated from that team, don’t expect much of a drop off this season. Ben Goenner and Tomas Krepostman are a pair of key starters who return. Goenner averaged 11 points per game last season and will be a main offensive force. Kyle Szymanski and Austin Neyer are a pair of 6-foot-3-inch juniors who will help up front, while Casey Ervin is another player who will help with the rebounding and defense.
Fulton won 21 games last season, and the Pirates have the bulk of that team returning. Junior guard Colton Antes (5’11”) is a returning all-conference player who averaged 12 points per game last season. He is an excellent outside shooter. Senior Gregg Jones (6’0″) is another returning all-conference player. He averaged 12 points per game and has a solid all-around game. Up front, the Pirates return senior Talon Hyde (6’3″) who will give the team points in the paint and rebounds. Junior forward Jake Litwiller (6’2″) also returns.
Fowler has a trio of players returning who earned all-conference honors last season. Senior Austin Cook (5’11”) leads the way, along with senior guard Derek Bengel and talented sophomore big man Jerey Pung (6’5″).
Portland St. Patrick Catholic is paced by senior guard Joe Mackowiak (6’1″), who can fill the hoop. Senior center Connor Hengesbach (6’3″) will provide an inside threat.
Lansing Christian has a new coach, as former Pilgrim all-stater Peter Bunn is now on the bench. Bunn has some talented young players around whom to build, led by sophomore big man Preston Granger (6’4″) and guard Matt Havey.
Morrice won 17 games last season and reached the regional final round. The Orioles return several talented players this season and are poised for more success behind senior guard Dakota Ward and senior forward Garrett McPherson (6’2″).