P-W, Sacred Heart, set to pursue state titles
By John Raffel
PEWAMO-WESTPHALIA
Area girls basketball teams in Division 3 and 4 this season, which have a chance to make plenty of noise, especially in the postseason, include Pewamo-Westphalia. The Eagles lost in the state semifinals and returns three starters, headed by junior Hannah Spitzley, who averaged in double figures and led the team in rebounds and steals. Ellie Droste and Kiera Thelen are also key players.
MOUNT PLEASANT SACRED HEART
The Irish lost in overtime to eventual state champion Adrian Lenawee Christian in the semifinal last year, but should be solid again, led by Scout Nelson and Sam McDonald.
REESE
The Rockets are off to an excellent start at 6-1, led by Madi Thompson, who averaged 11 points and eight rebounds last season and Taylor Findlay, who averaged 10 points and seven assists.
MICHIGAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY
MLS is led by Meghan Blaine, who sparked the Cardinals to the Class D state final as a sophomore and to a Class C district title as a junior. She made the Tri-Valley Conference West Division first team as a junior.
HEMLOCK
Hemlock won district and regional titles last season. The Huskies will be led by
Sydney Peake, a 5-foot-10 junior, who averaged 10 points a game last season in leading Hemlock to a 21-5 record. Hemlock will be a force inside with Katy Snyder, a 6-foot post player.
ITHACA
The Yellowjackets look to have a winning season, led by players like Emma Belles, who had 13 points, 11 rebounds and eight steals in helping Ithaca to a near upset over Hemlock in the districts.
BATH
The Bees are off to a 5-1 start and led by players like Emily Angell, Taylor Buck, Isabella Handzo, Tessa Hosford, Jessica Stoskopf and Audrey Mohr.
PORTLAND ST. PATRICK
Legendary coach Al Schrauben continues to direct the Shamrocks who have gotten off to a 6-1 start. The only blemish was a 55-20 lost to state power Pewamo-Westphalia.
DURAND
Durand is coming off a respectable 16-6 season last year and 7-3 record in the Genesse Area Conference White Division. Durand last year had impressive wins over the likes of Chesaning and Perry, and has started off 3-1.
FOWLER
Fowler is off to a 4-2 start and plays in the CMAC, which includes Pewamo-Westphalia. The only losses have been to two other CMAC powerhouses. Portland St. Patrick and Bath.