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2 HOOPS | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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2008-09 | HOOPS 5

2008-09 hoops preview

Central will lean on juniorsWestern — Waterford Mott andKettering. We haven’t played Water-ford Mott or Kettering in quite sometime. They weren’t in our league, so itwill be interesting.”

Butcher said he believes Lakelandwill be the team to beat in the NorthDivision this year, as they return ahost of players from a successful2007-08 squad.

“They have four if not all fivestarters back from last year,” he said.“They do a nice job and have a niceteam. I’d like to believe it’s going tocome down to being between us andLakeland for the championship.That’s our goal.”

In the same school district withNorthern and Central, Butcher saidhe knows plenty about the Vikings’close rivals.

“We know them all pretty well,having to compete against them twice

each year,” he said. “It’s always agood challenge, always a good game— a rivalry game with them. We’llplay each game one at a time and seewhat happens.”

The 2008-09 season brings somenew players to the Central varsityteam.

“We’ve got some very good youngtalent but they don’t have varsityexperience,” Butcher said. “We’ll berelying on our junior players.”

Joe Zubrickas, a 6-4 forward/cen-ter, will handle the “paint work” forthe Vikings.

“He’s a pretty good athlete whojumps really well,” Butcher said.“He’s key for us taking care of insideduties and rebounding and playing alot of roles.”

Running the Vikings offense willbe 5-11 point guard Joe Diamond.

“He’s going to have to lead the

Walled Lake Central Coach Dennis Butcher expects his Vikings to contend with Huron Valley Lakeland for the Kensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA) North Division title. A man-to-man pressure defense should spark an up-tempo transition offense for the Vikings. (SpinalColumn Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

team,” Butcher said. “He’s quick andhe can get to the basket pretty well.”

The lone senior on Butcher’ssquad is 6-foot Jordan Anderson atguard.

“He’ll be called on to do a lot ofscoring,” Butcher said. “He’s a tire-less worker. He’s like the EnergizerBunny out there.”

The Vikings will also lean on soph-omore Justin Kucera, a 6-footguard/forward, and junior JakePaulson, a 6-3 shooting guard to con-tribute.

Butcher said he plans on running astraight up, man-to-man defense withplenty of pressure and ball denial,which should lead the way to an up-tempo offense.

The Vikings will open their seasonon Dec. 9 against Dexter. ❏

— Mark H. Stowers

t’s a new season in a newleague for Head Coach DennisButcher and his Walled Lake

Central Vikings. With a disappointing2007 season now behind them, theallure of a fresh start in a new leaguewith less travel is quite appealing.

“It’s a mega conference comprisedof four different divisions — North,South, Central and West,” Butchersays of the new Kensington LakesActivities Association (KLAA). “Thereare three divisions of six teams andone division with five. Our division(North) is comprised of (Huron Valley)Lakeland, the three Walled Lakeschools — Northern, Central and

Young, talentedVikings lacking in

varsity experienceI

2008-09Hoops Schedule

Dec. 9 vs. Dexter, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Novi, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 vs. Northville, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. South Lyon East, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Canton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. Plymouth, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Howell, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 vs. Walled Lake Western, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Walled Lake Northern, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs. Waterford Kettering, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Walled Lake Western, 7 p.m.

Feb. 10 vs. Walled Lake Northern, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 vs. Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 vs. Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Milford, 7 p.m.

March 3 at KLAA Crossover, TBA.


COACH: DENNIS BUTCHER

FIFTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

JEFF MOHR, HARRY GLANZ

2007-08 RECORD:

7-15, 4-6

TEAM TRAINER:

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2008-09 | HOOPS 7

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Knights up for new challenges

Look for the Walled Lake Northern Knights to push the ball on the offense, which could lead to some high-scoring games. Coach Pete Rabaut says this year's team will use more man-to-man defense than last year.(Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

he Walled Lake NorthernKnights would prefer to usemore than one hand to count

their wins this year. And to do so theyare setting lofty team goals for the 2008-09 season.

“One of our goals is to be the firstWalled Lake Northern boys team tobeat a Walled Lake Central boys team,”said Head Coach Pete Rabaut. “And wewant to win the city title. That’s neverbeen done here. And we want to com-pete in the division.”

Playing in the new Kensington LakesActivities Association (KLAA) will bringplenty of challenges to the youngNorthern team, but Rabaut and hisKnights are up for the challenge.

“We were very young last year,” hesaid. “We had an ugly first half but agreat second half from a competitivestandpoint. And we’re going to be muchimproved this year.”

The player who may shoulder muchof the burden will be junior shootingguard Leroy Jackson.

“Leroy was our leading scorer lastyear and should be our leading scorerthis year,” Rabaut said.

Marshall Harris, a 6-5 junior, willhelp fill the lane.

“He plays inside and out for medepending on what we’re doing offen-sively,” Rabaut said. “He plays the postbut also has outside range. He canshoot the three, and he’s a nice combi-nation player for me.”

The only senior for the Knights willbe 5-9 point guard Blake Soulet.

“Blake really worked on his game inthe off-season,” Rabaut said. “He’s agreat leader and he really committedhimself to basketball.”

According to Rabaut, he’ll rely on 6-4junior Brian Johnston to handle thehard work under the basket.

“He led us in rebounding as a sopho-more,” he said. “He really works theglass for us. He’s very physical and hasa mid-range jumper.”

The new league brings challengesthat the Knights are more than willingto meet.

“It’s exciting for us to be in theKLAA,” Rabaut said. “We’re in theNorth Division along with (Walled Lake)Western and Central and WaterfordMott and Kettering, as well as (HuronValley) Lakeland just down the roadfrom us.”

Like other coaches in the division,Rabaut said he sees Lakeland as the

Goal-orientedNorthern aiming for

city, division titles

T


measuring stick for the conference.“A lot of that credit goes to their

coaching and to their two guards,” hesaid. “They have a good backcourt withall-league players from last year.”

Rabaut said the Knights will play alot more man-to-man defense thanlast year and will push the ball onoffense, which should lead to somehigh-scoring games this season.

Northern opens the season at Hollyon Dec. 9. A difficult opening stint putsthe Knights on the road for six of theirfirst seven games. ❏

– Michael Shelton


Dec. 9 at Holly, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Northville, 7 p.m.


Dec. 19 vs. South Lyon, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Pinckney, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Hartland, 7 p.m.


Jan. 23 vs. Walled Lake Central, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Walled Lake Western, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 vs. Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 vs. Waterford Kettering, 7 p.m.


Feb. 10 at Walled Lake Central, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. Walled Lake Western, 7 p.m.


Feb. 20 at Waterford Kettering, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 at Milford, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Howell, 7 p.m.

March 3 at KLAA crossover, 7 p.m.

March 5 at KLAA crossover, 7 p.m.

COACH: PETE RABAUT

SECOND SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

JOHN STEPEK

2007-08 RECORD:

3-18, 2-10

2008-09 | HOOPS 9


Western emphasizes hard worksaid. “Defensively, we’re a man-to-man team. We’ll full-court and half-court press you.”

Jennings said he’s looking forwardto his team competing in theKensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA) North Division.

“We normally play (KensingtonValley Conference) teams as our non-league games and now we’re togetherin the league,” he said. “I think it willbe challenging. It should be onestrong, powerhouse league.”

Western’s two lone returningstarters are seniors and three-yearvarsity players Edison Vushaj (cen-ter) and Ryan Sitto (shooting guard).

“Edison’s fundamental skills haveimproved quite a bit and I think he’sgoing to bring some leadership to us,as well,” Jennings said. “He’s going tobe really tough to deal with inside

because of his strength.”Jennings described Sitto as a very

intelligent player with great courtsense, and a good ball-handler whohas improved his shooting.

Players looking to fill Western’svoids include Evan Woods, a seniortransfer student who stands 5-8 buthas the agility of former NBA playerSpud Webb.

“He’s got one of the highest verti-cals I’ve ever seen, near 40 inches.He dunks everything he can,”Jennings said.

Another player to watch is juniorpoint guard Calvin Carey.

“He has great ball-handling withboth the right and left hands, hasgood court awareness, is an excellentpasser and a great up-and-comingdefender,” Jennings said.

Marcus Sanders, a 6-2 junior,

The Walled Lake Western Warriors have embraced Coach Darrin Jennings’ new motion offense. The Warriors, who have two starters returning,plan to press opponents with a man-to-man defensive scheme. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

knows what to do with the ball whenhe gets it, according to Jennings.

Key players off the bench includejunior shooting guard Andrew Wood.

“He’s a very good three-pointshooter. It doesn’t take him very longto get a shot off and he’s just a naturalout there,” Jennings said.

Point guard Nick Lewin is a verygood shooter with a nice range,according to Jennings, and will be agreat compliment to Carey.

Western will open the season onDec. 9 at home against Novi beforetraveling to South Lyon on Dec. 16.

The Warriors KLAA opener atWalled Lake Central is Jan. 20. Alsoscheduled are rematches against lastyear’s district playoff foes Hartland(Feb. 26 at home) and at Brighton(Jan. 16). ❏

— Michael Shelton

ith only two returning starters,a young corps, a new offensivesystem and a move to a new

league, Walled Lake Western is lookingto surprise its naysayers.

“I told the kids we will determineour destiny in terms of our work ethicevery day in practice and we can be asgood as we want to be or a rebuildingteam,” said Western Coach DarrinJennings. “I asked them which pathare we going to choose.”

Jennings is giving the Warriors thetools to work with, including a newmotion offense, a departure from theset plays they previously ran.

“The kids already love it,” Jennings

Jennings saysWarriors can be asgood as they want

W

COACH: DARRIN JENNINGS

FOURTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

AL INGMAN

2007-08 RECORD:

12-10, 5-5


Dec. 9 vs. Novi, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 at South Lyon, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. Pinckney, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Livonia Churchill, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Northville, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Brighton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Walled Lake Central, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Lakeland, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs. Walled Lake Northern, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Waterford Kettering, 7 p.m.


Feb. 6 vs. Walled Lake Central, 7 p.m.


Feb. 13 at Walled Lake Northern, 7 p.m.


Feb. 20 at Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 at Howell, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Hartland, 7 p.m.




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2008-09 | HOOPS 11


Captains like chances in KLAAthis season will be the play of centerKevin Truitt and point guard ScottRodgers, both seniors.

“They are both scorers, handle theball well and are very good defend-ers,” Tass said. “I thought last yearthey improved as the season went on.This year they should be more consis-tent because they had a great sum-mer. They were both on travel AAUteams and were in the gym as long asit was open.”

Also expected to step up is seniorforward Kiril Valtchev, a two-year var-sity starter.

“He’s an excellent athlete who canscore inside and outside,” Tass said.“I like the fact that he got betterdefensively and if he improves his shot,

he’ll be a threat all over the place.“These seniors were the freshmen

four years ago and have developednicely,” he said. “They are basketballlovers who love to win and hate tolose. It will be fun to coach theseguys.”

Junior Kendall Smith will see timeat both the guard and forward posi-tions.

“He played as a sophomore lastyear and scored about seven points anight,” Tass said. “We’re expecting amore diversified game from him, andfor him to dribble drive. He’s also apretty good shooter.”

The Captains are expecting bigthings from senior guard TimViravouth, a two-year varsity player.

The Waterford Kettering Captains will begin the 2008-09 season with four straight home games. Coach Brian Tass will use an up-tempo, pene-tration offense and an aggressive half-court defense this season. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

“He’s developing and should havehis best year this year,” Tass said.

Also on the radar is junior pointguard Zac Lizotte, whom Tass saidmay see time at a wing position.

“We’re looking to play an up-tempooffense and try to penetrate quite abit,” Tass said. “We’ll also play someaggressive half-court defense.”

The Captains will open the seasonwith a four-game homestand begin-ning Dec. 9 against Livonia Franklin.

Kettering’s first KLAA matchupwill be on Jan. 20 at Huron ValleyLakeland. The Captains’ first meetingagainst arch-rival Waterford Mott willbe played on Jan. 23 at OaklandUniversity. ❏

— Michael Shelton

fter finishing below .500 in thetough Oakland ActivitiesAssociation (OAA) Division III

last season, Waterford Kettering islooking to make noise in the newKensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA).

“I think we can win against everyteam in the conference — there’s a lotof equalness,” said Kettering CoachBrian Tass. “We’ll make a run thisyear.”

The key to the Captains’ success

Tass says Ketteringwill be able to win

in new leagueA

COACH: BRIAN TASS

FOURTH SEASON

2007-08 RECORD:

8-13, 7-5

ASSISTANT COACH:

JAYSON COMBS


Dec. 9 vs. Livonia Franklin, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 vs. Rochester, 7 p.m.


Dec. 30 at Westland John Glenn Classic, 1 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Hartland, 7 p.m.



Jan. 23 vs. Waterford Mott at Oakland University, 8 p.m.





Feb. 10 vs. Waterford Mott, 7:30 p.m.




Feb. 23 at Hartland, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Brighton, 7 p.m.




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Mott ‘not real big,’ but athletic

The Corsairs of Waterford Mott want to make a statement in their first year playing in the Kensington LakesActivities Association, according to Coach Derek Wiley. A game against rival Waterford Kettering at OaklandUniversity will be a season highlight. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

fter falling in last year’s districtfinal to Clarkston, the WaterfordMott Corsairs look to go one step

further this season.With a 5-5 league record last season

in the Oakland Activities Association(OAA) Division 3, Mott will now play inthe Kensington Lakes Activities Associa-tion (KLAA), where the Corsairs will bein the North Division with rival WaterfordKettering and other area schools.

“We’re looking to make a statementin our first year in the new league andwe’re excited to establish some close-to-home rivalries,” said Mott CoachDerek Wiley.

Leading the charge for Mott this sea-son will be 6-5 senior center Troy Taylor.

“He played the post last year, and heimproved his outside game and can playthe perimeter more,” Wiley said.

Junior John Schaeffer will man thepoint guard position after starting as asophomore last season.

“As the year went on, he got betterand better and hopefully he’ll scoremore,” Wiley said.

The third starter will be junior for-ward Jake Wardach, whom Wiley con-siders a role player.

“He does all the little things andneeds to continue rebounding and playdefense,” he said.

Also expected to step up is seniorMarc Pressley, who is coming off a stel-lar season at running back for the Mottvarsity football team.

“Marc is quite the athlete. He start-ed a little bit for us last year,” Wiley saidof Pressley, who will play mostly centeras a sixth man. “We’re looking for bigthings from him and he needs to givehis best effort all the time. He has takenon a leadership role during the footballseason.”

Also returning is junior guardEmmanuel Simpson, who made the var-sity squad as a sophomore last seasonand will be looked to as another sixthman off the bench.

“We’re trying more of an up-tempogame because we’re not real big, butwe’re athletic,” Wiley said. “We’ll play afull-court press defense and we’re look-ing to push the ball on offense.”

Mott will open the season at homeon Dec. 9 against Milford and will thenface Grand Blanc on Dec. 12. TheCorsairs’ KLAA North Division openerwill be on Jan. 20 against Walled LakeNorthern.

The Corsairs will tangle twice with

Corsairs will pushball up court due torelatively small size

A

2008-09 | HOOPS 13

their Kettering rivals, including Jan. 23at Oakland University (OU).

“It’s being called ‘The Backyard

Battle,’” Wiley said of the game at OU.“It has been in the works since lastyear and we’re going to try to promote

it as much as we can. We’re hoping fora big turnout.” ❏

— Michael Shelton


Dec. 9 vs. Milford, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Grand Blanc, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Ferndale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Westland John Glenn Classic, TBA.

Jan. 9 at Thurston, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Rochester, 7 p.m.


Jan. 23 vs. Waterford Kettering at Oakland University, 8 p.m.









Feb. 23 at Brighton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Pinckney, 7 p.m.



COACH: DEREK WILEY

FOURTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

JEFF JAYSON

CHARLIE SHIRES

2007-08 RECORD:

14-8, 5-5


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Young, small and hopefulior point guard, will be relied uponheavily.

“He has a ton of experience,”Paradis said. “He started probably 10games as a sophomore and I actuallythink he’ll be one of the top players inthe league this year. He’s solid andvery quick and will be a tough match-up for anyone.”

Derrick Sant will spend time at thetwo guard spot.

“He has a real good basketball IQand has great fundamentals,” Paradissaid.

The team’s lone senior, ConnorSpence, is a 5-10 point guard.

“We have a very small line-up sohe’ll see a lot of time at the threeguard,” Paradis said.

The Lakers will rely on 6-3, 250-pound Shawn Mersino to hold downthe post.

“I think he’s going to contribute

considerably as a junior,” Paradissaid. “He’s very mobile and has avery positive attitude. He’s one ofthose ‘run-through-a-brick-wall’ kids.”

One sophomore who’ll come offthe bench will be Austin Karbowski.According to Paradis, the 5-11 shooterhas worked hard to help the team.

“He can shoot the threes and hehas a very high basketball IQ,” hesaid. “He did a lot for us in our teamcamp this summer against varsityathletes as a freshman. Once hecatches up physically and gains somestrength, he’s really going to blossomin to a varsity player. He’s a pureshooter.”

Due to their small size, the Lakerswill put a five-guard offense on thefloor this year.

“We are going to spread the floorand have an attack-the-basket type of

Our Lady of the Lakes Coach Jody Paradis will spread the floor with a five-guard, attack-the-basket offense. The Lakers will employ a full-courtpressing defense to disrupt opponents. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

offense,” Paradis said. “We’ll run a lotof back cuts and back screens.”

Defensively, the Lakers hope tocreate havoc with a full-court pressingdefense.

The Lakers are competing in thetough Catholic League East Divisionagainst Cabrini, Riverview GabrielRichard and Marine City CardinalMoody.

“I give the edge to CardinalMoody,” Paradis said. “They’ve got acouple of post players returning. Onewas All-Catholic League last year.They have a lot of experience return-ing. From there it’s probably a toss upbetween us and Cabrini.”

Our Lady opens the season onDec. 10 with a visit from Flint but islooking at the Dec. 12 home gameagainst Oakland Christian as a “trueseason opener.” ❏

— Mark H. Stowers

ith youth comes hope. And aftera season where losses nearlydoubled wins, the Lakers of

Our Lady of the Lakes are quite hope-ful.

Coming off of a tough 2007-08 sea-son, the Lakers will put a young teamon the court for 2008-09.

“I had a very senior-oriented teamlast year with seven or eight seniors,”said Head Coach Jody Paradis. “So I’vegot a very young team this year. I hadto bring up some kids off of the juniorvarsity last year due to injuries.”

This year’s varsity roster is madeup of three sophomores, seven juniorsand a lone senior. John Kroll, a 6-1 jun-

Our Lady will rely onunderclassmen

and a sole seniorW


Dec. 10 vs. Michigan School for the Deaf, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Oakland Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Loyola, TBA.

Dec. 19 at Roeper, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Conner Creek East, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. TBA.

Jan. 16 at Mt. Carmel, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Riverview Gabriel Richard, TBA.

Jan. 23 vs. Cardinal Mooney, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs. Cabrini, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 vs. Urban Lutheran, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 vs. Franklin Road Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 at West Bloomfield Jewish Academy, TBA.

Feb. 10 vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Cardinal Mooney, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Cabrini, TBA.

Mar. 3 at Holly, 7:30 p.m.

COACH: JODY PARADIS

FOURTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

GREG ALVIS

TEAM TRAINER:

DAN SELAHOWSKI

2007-08 RECORD:

7-13, 1-7



Eagles tapping hunger, angerthe district semi-finals by WalledLake Central.

Now Lakeland looks to takecharge in the new Kensington LakesActivities Association (KLAA) NorthDivision.

“I’m in favor of change,” Bruggersaid. “Sometimes it gets stale whenyou’re playing the same teams year inand year out, and I like the change interms of playing some Waterfordschools and Walled Lake schools.”

The focus for Lakeland will be sen-ior guards Michael Fugate and BlakeHeiman.

Fugate was the 2008 KVC Player ofYear who averaged 19 points andeight rebounds a game, and has a full-ride scholarship to play at SaginawValley State University.

Heiman was named to the 2008All-KVC First Team by averaging 16points and seven rebounds a game.

“This is their team and it’s theirtime not only to lead the stat sheets,

but also huddles, time outs and prac-tice,” Brugger said. “Senior leader-ship is very important. Mike andBlake’s main job is to not allow us tobe complacent.”

Senior forward Brett Burmeisterwas named to the All-KVC SecondTeam last season, while senior guardMatt Acitelli is the Eagles’ three-point specialist.

“If you leave one of those guysopen, they can nail the three,”Brugger said. “They are guys thatwill open up lanes for Mike andBlake. So you have to guard them.It’s a nice mesh.”

Junior Eric Palanca stands 6-4and is expected by Brugger torebound, play tough defense, andthen have the ability to score off pen-etration from the guards.

“He has a lot of potential, goodhand-eye coordination, a good basket-ball body and can get some garbagebuckets for us,” Brugger said.

Lakeland’s guard-oriented offense won’t be boring to watch this season, according to Coach Bob Brugger. He said his team will spread the courtand use its quickness during possessions. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Also expected to step up is sopho-more guard Josh Fugate, Michael’sbrother, whom Brugger regards ashaving a high basketball IQ and asone of the team’s best shooters.

Senior Justin Rall, at 6-2, is expect-ed to be an important role player offthe bench and play aggressivedefense.

Brugger said Lakeland’s offense isvery guard-oriented and will spreadthe court.

“You will not see our offense stand-ing still, and it won’t be boring,” hesaid. “There are not many teams inthe county quicker than us and we’regoing to use that to our advantage.”

The Eagles will run a full-courtdefense. Brugger said ball pressure isthe No. 1 goal on the defensive end.

“We’re going to make it miserablefor the opposing team’s ballhandlers,get in the passing lanes, and get somesteals,” he said. ❏

— Michael Shelton

ith four returning starters andthe memory of last year’s exitin the district playoffs still fresh

in their minds, the Huron ValleyLakeland Eagles are on a mission forchampionship banners this season.

“Hopefully that will make us hungri-er and angrier, because we have a badtaste in our mouths,” said LakelandCoach Bob Brugger.

“If we play smart, hard and togeth-er, we’ll be a very tough team to beat. Ithink if things don’t go well, it will bebecause we were our own worst ene-mies.”

The Eagles finished 18-4 last sea-son, but finished second in theKensington Valley Conference (KVC)behind Novi and was knocked out in

Lakeland has fourstarters returningfor this season

W

COACH: BOB BRUGGER

TENTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

TODD KALMBACH

PHIL FUGATE

CURTIS ETHERTON

2007-08 RECORD:

18-4, 12-2


Dec. 9 vs. Lake Orion, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 vs. Birmingham Groves, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. Howell, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 at Motor City Roundball Classic, 7 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Motor City Roundball Classic, 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Milford, 7 p.m.











Feb. 23 at Pinckney, 7 p.m.

Mar. 3 at KLAA Crossover, TBA.


2008-09 | HOOPS 17


Mavericks happy to start anew“He averaged 11 points a game

last year and led us in rebounds,”Lutz said. “He had the best freethrow percentage. He definitely hasthe potential to score and we’re goingbe looking to him a lot.”

Other Mavericks to keep an eye onthis year include seniors ArtDreimanis, a 5-11 guard, and EdJoynt, a 6-4 center.

“Art came off the bench for us lastyear,” Lutz said. “He shoots thethree-point shot very well and he’stough off the dribble. He’s probablyour best defender, as well. And Joyntis a very ‘long player.’ He’s got longarms that make him a good rebound-er and shot blocker. He’s a gooddefender and for a big guy he gets upand down the floor really well.”

One newcomer, sophomore guard

Joey Miller, will be looked upon to usehis 5-10 frame on the defensive end ofthe floor.

“He’s pretty physical,” Lutz said.“He’s a strong kid, he’s a gooddefender, handles the ball well and istough off the dribble. He’s a dribble-drive threat and he’ll surprise somefolks this year.”

According to Lutz, Hartland is thecream of the crop in the KLAA WestDivision.

“Hartland has to be the favorite,”he said. “They are returning every-body. They’ve got a Division Iprospect. Brighton will have a solidteam with a three-year starter atpoint guard. We, Pinckney and Howellwill be competitive.”

Defensively, the Mavericks will

Milford Coach Chip Lutz wants his Mavericks to engage opponents by pressuring the ball on defense, and to run the floor with an up-tempo,transition offense or a motion half-court set. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

apply man-to-man pressure.“We like to pressure the ball and

deny passing lanes,” Lutz said. “We’renot a pressing team but in the half-court we like to engage people andbring the pressure to them.”

And with most pressure defenses,Lutz will be looking to tune his offenseto run.

“We’ll be an up-tempo team,” hesaid. “We like to run the floor andscore in transition or a secondarybreak. In our halfcourt set we’ll run amotion offense.”

The Mavericks open the season onthe road Dec. 9 at Waterford Mott.One season highlight for the Mavs willbe a Dec. 29 game at The Palace ofAuburn Hills against South Lyon. ❏

— Mark H. Stowers

he new Kensington LakesActivities Association (KLAA)conference has realigned many

local schools and created new rivalries.But for some area teams, it’s also afresh start. The Huron Valley MilfordMavericks would rather forget their2007-08 7-14 record and focus on thechallenge of starting anew.

“We graduated our top four guards,so we’re thin on experience,” saidHead Coach Chip Lutz.

But the Mavericks do return theirtop scorer from last season — NateKesto, a 6-1 senior guard.

Playing in the KLAAgives Milford a shotat fresh challengesT


Dec. 9 at Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Livonia Franklin, 7 p.m.

Dec. 29 vs. South Lyon East at The Palace, 3 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Hazel Park, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Farmington Hills Harrison, 7 p.m.



Jan. 23 vs. Brighton, 7 p.m.


Jan. 30 vs. Burton Bentley, 7 p.m.


Feb. 6 vs. Hartland, 7 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Brighton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. Howell, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Brandon, 7 p.m.




Mar. 3 at KLAA Crossover, TBA


COACH: CHIP LUTZ

SECOND SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

MIKE STEVENSON

2007-08 RECORD:

7-14, 4-10


Eaglets have set the bar high

A demanding schedule will provide a real challenge to the St. Mary’s Eaglets, as they try to accomplish more thanlast year’s successful team. Coach George Porritt said effective rebounding by his guards will be important this sea-son. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

fter a memorable 2008 seasonthat included a Catholic Leaguetitle, a city championship and a

regional crown, Orchard Lake St.Mary’s will have to go the extra milethis season to accomplish those samefeats and more.

“I think to accomplish a lot we haveto shoot well and play good defense, andrebounding is going to be key becausewe’re not as big,” said St. Mary’s CoachGeorge Porritt. “Our guards have torebound and we have to get loose balls.We have good kids and they’ll play hard,I’ll tell you that. It all depends on howfast we grow.”

The center of attention for theEaglets this season will be senior for-ward/center Dion Sims, who is comingoff his first season since transferringfrom the University of Detroit-Jesuit.

“He’s a big, strong forward that weneed to get the ball to, and he’s tougharound the glass,” Porritt said. “I thinkhe’s improved his game and he’s biggerand stronger than he was last year. Thefocus will be on him but I think he’sready for it.”

Sims is being recruited by numerouscolleges for football and basketball andis weighing his options until at least theend of the basketball season.

Another U of D transfer, senior JeffJones, will make his debut this seasonfor the Eaglets.

“He’s a slasher and I think he’ll helpus out,” Porritt said.

The breakout player for the Eagletsis expected to be sophomore JuwanMoody, whom Porritt said can shoot theball well and should be a big scorer forSt. Mary’s.

Also returning will be senior SuaveLavallis at small forward and juniorGary Hunter at point guard.

“Gary has been the catalyst and isthe one who gets things going,” Porrittsaid. “He’s very quick and puts a lot ofpressure on the other team’s ball han-dlers.”

After seeing some action last season,juniors Mike Furlong (forward) andEvan Webster (guard) will be expectedto step up their game in 2009.

“Furlong can knock down shots andwe need him to rebound and play gooddefense, and Webster is a smart ballplayer,” Porritt said.

Sophomore CJ Mwila is also expect-ed to contribute at shooting guard.

According to Porritt, St. Mary’s mainoffense is a 41-set, which is four out, one

St. Mary’s looking tosurpass last year’saccomplishments

A



Dec. 9 vs. Berkley, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Saginaw atSaginaw Valley State University, TBA

Jan. 6 at Flint Powers Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Davison, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. Birmingham Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Warren De La Salle, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Dearborn Divine Child, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Detroit Jesuit, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs. Detroit Catholic Central, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Birmingham Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 vs. Detroit Country Day, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 vs. Warren De La Salle, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 vs. Dearborn Divine Child, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. Detroit Jesuit, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21 at CHSL Quarterfinals, TBA.

Feb. 24 at CHSL Semifinals, TBA.

Mar. 1 at CHSL Championship, TBA.

Mar. 8 at Operation Friendship, TBA.

in. He said the Eaglets will run a pres-sure-man defense.

“We have to be a little more up-tempo this year, we have to push theball a lot more, because we’re going tobe playing against bigger people,” hesaid. “We still have to do the littlethings like take care of the ball, and

half-court defense at times, so we canget the ball to Dion and make hisinside presence felt.”

St. Mary’s will once again be testedby a demanding schedule that not onlyincludes Catholic League foes such asBirmingham Brother Rice and WarrenDe La Salle, but also a matchup

against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard anda trip to play Saginaw, the two-timedefending Class A state champion.

“I look at the schedule and it hasme worried because there are a lot ofgood teams,” Porritt said. “But, it willbe fun and interesting.” ❏

— Michael Shelton

COACH: GEORGE PORRITT

NINETEENTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

KRIS DAILEK

LEN KARSCHNIA

TODD COVERT

2007-08 RECORD:

19-6, 6-4

2008-09 | HOOPS 19


Schedule to challenge Lakersseason, North Farmington.

“Our division is probably the tough-est in the state,” White said. “We’llhave to play our best every night, but Ithink we’ll have a chance.”

West Bloomfield lost All-OAAFirst-Team selections Rodrick Hurstand Josh Eichelberger to graduation,but will be led by 6-7 senior MikeMartin, who has committed to play atAlcorn State in Mississippi next year.

“He’s an outstanding defensiveplayer who can rebound and he runsthe floor extremely well,” White said.“He needs to use his footwork all thetime on the offensive end.”

Also returning to the Lakers fortheir senior year are the Credit broth-ers, Antonio and Antwaan.

At 6-6, Antonio averaged 6.6rebounds per game last season andwill split time between the center and

forward positions.“He’s a very good player and his

game has blossomed,” White said.“He’s improved his ball handling andhis shooting.”

White said Antwaan has improvedhis shooting, but needs to work on hisball handling and decision-making.

Also expected to come backimproved is senior guard TylerSarter.

“Last year he was thrown into thefire and was trying to learn,” Whitesaid. “This year I think he has a bet-ter understanding when it comes toleading the team.”

Chris Hurst, a 6-3 senior, is alsoexpected to see more action afterstarting for half of last season.

“He’s grown about a couple inch-es. He’s very explosive, has great ath-letic ability and is more consistent in

West Bloomfield Coach Andre White expects his Lakers to play better on both ends of the court this season. The Lakers will use a full-court, man-to-man defense and hope to convert easy baskets on transition. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

his game,” White said.The Lakers have a possible break-

out player in senior guard Eric Ellis.“He’s really going to help us,”

White said. “He’s an outstanding ath-lete who is really quick and candefend and score.”

Joining the Lakers is 6-3 juniorDavid Toole, a transfer from WarrenWoods-Tower.

“He’s an outstanding athlete, hejust needs to be more fundamentallysound,” White said.

West Bloomfield looks to play a full-court, man-to-man defense and hopesit will create a lot of easy baskets anda lot of breaks on transition.

The Lakers open the season onDec. 9 at Birmingham Groves. Theirhome opener is Dec. 18 againstAuburn Hills Avondale. ❏

— Michael Shelton

fter finishing with an impres-sive 15-6 record under first-year coach Andre White, the

West Bloomfield Lakers look to take itto a higher level this season.

“Last year was a process of themgetting to know me and this year Ithink they understand my philosophyand know what I want,” White said. “Iexpect them to play better defensivelyand offensively.”

The Lakers will again have theirhands full in the tough OaklandActivities Association (OAA) Division Iagainst foes like Pontiac Northern,Clarkston, and the team that eliminat-ed them from the district playoffs last

West Bloomfieldmust play well tocontend in OAA

A


Dec. 9 at Birmingham Groves, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Walt Keener Classic, 6 p.m.

Dec. 18 vs. Avondale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 vs. Detroit Southeastern atMacomb Community College, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Motor City Classic, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 6 vs. Oak Park, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Southfield, 7 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Lathrup, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Martin Luther King Classic, TBA.

Jan. 20 vs. Pontiac Central, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 vs. Northern, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 at North Farmington, 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Oak Park, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. Southfield, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Lathrup, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 at Pontiac Central, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 at Northern, 7 p.m.

Mar. 3 vs. Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Mar. 5 vs. North Farmington, 7 p.m.

COACH: ANDRE WHITE

SECOND SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

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2007-08 RECORD:

15-6, 7-3


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2008-09 | HOOPS 21


Milford young but seasoned“We are a young team, but we

have some experience,” he said. “Weare looking for some of the youngerplayers to make a contribution quick-ly. Last year these girls were mainly asupporting cast. Now we need themto become major players.”

Palmer is also looking for his tworeturning seniors to elevate their playand provide leadership for theyounger girls. This will be the thirdyear on the varsity team for bothMellissa Bageris and Taylor Prokes.

Bageris led the team in three-point shooting last season, making 14threes. Out of necessity, Bageris hasplayed point guard, but Palmer saidhe hopes to move her to the shootingguard position this season.

Prokes is a strong rebounder atthe post. She averaged about fiverebounds a game last year. Prokescan also move out to the wing as sheis a very good mid-range shooter.

Both girls averaged about fivepoints a game last year; however,Palmer said he’s hoping they will

score more this year.The Lady Mavs have four sopho-

mores, and all, with the exception ofone, have some varsity experience.

Patience Santini was moved up tothe varsity at the end of her freshmanyear.

“I think her time on the varsitylast season benefited her,” Palmersaid. “Patience is a very explosiveathlete in terms of strength andquickness, and we look for her to be astrong inside player.”

Another sophomore who played acouple games with the varsity lastyear is Lindsey Bandyk. Palmer saidhe expects Bandyk will have a bigimpact on the team as its point guard.

“She has very good instincts forthe game,” he said. “She has all thoseintangibles that you can’t get fromcoaching. It just comes naturally toher.”

Palmer said he hopes to win earlyin the season in order to establishsome confidence.

“We have five games in the first

Milford’s Lady Mavericks intend to maintain the momentum established at the end of the 2007-08 season. Coach Don Palmer said his young but expe-rienced team will get even better as the season progresses. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

two weeks of the season,” he said. “Weneed to win so that the girls feel goodabout themselves.”

Those early games include a meet-ing with South Lyon on Dec. 4. Otherteams Milford will be competingagainst are the other four teams intheir division of the new KensingtonLakes Activities Association (KLAA):Hartland, Howell, Pinckney, andBrighton, the league favorite and win-ner of the Kensington ValleyConference (KVC) for the last eightyears.

Although his team is young,Palmer said it will have a good chanceat a winning season this year.

“We may not be as good as wewere last year, but we will be a teamthat gets better as we go,” he said. “Ayoung team is always excitingbecause the one thing that is consis-tent is their inconsistency. And to beable to help them grow and succeedas individuals and a team is veryrewarding.” ❏

— Angela Niemi

ast season, Huron ValleyMilford achieved a goal thathadn’t been accomplished since

2002 — a winning season ending withan overall record of 11-10. The LadyMavericks won their last five leaguegames before losing to Brighton, aregional finalist, by only five points.

“Our team played very, very well,”said Coach Don Palmer. “The gamewent down to the last 90 seconds. Welost, but it was a good effort by ourkids.”

Palmer said he hopes is players willbe able to continue the momentumestablished last year and have anotherwinning season.

Although Milford has lost four sen-iors who accounted for over 60 percentof the offense, Palmer will have eightplayers with varsity experience thisyear.

Lady Mavs’ previoussupporting cast

taking center stageL


Dec. 2 vs. Westland John Glenn, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 at South Lyon East, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 vs. Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Walled Lake Western, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Wayne Memorial, 7 p.m.

Dec. 29 vs. South Lyon East at The Palace, 1 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Farmington Hills Harrison, 7 p.m.




Jan. 20 at Hartland, 5:30 p.m.


Jan. 27 vs. Howell, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 at KLAA Crossover, TBA.


Feb. 6 vs. Hartland, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 vs. Brighton, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Howell, 7 p.m.


Feb. 24 at KLAA Crossover, 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 at KLAA Crossover, 7 p.m.

COACH: DON PALMER

THIRTY-SECOND SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

ROB STEVENSON

2007-08 RECORD:

11-10, 8-6


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2008-09 | HOOPS 23

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Lady Eagles have experience

A tough schedule early on will help the Lady Eagles of Lakeland determine where they need to improve in order tomake a splash in the new Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division. Coach Mike Head has fiveseniors and a junior returning for the 2008-09 season. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

uron Valley Lakeland finishedthird in the Kensington ValleyConference (KVC) last year,

behind co-champs Brighton and Novi.This year the Lady Eagles will be par-ticipating in the North Division of theKensington Lakes Activities Association(KLAA), making for an exciting and newleague schedule for 2008-09.

“All our division games will be toughand important because it’s the first timewe are playing these schools with a titleon the line,” said Coach Mike Head.“We’re excited to play our neighborstwice a year for the division title asopposed to the past when these wereonly non-league games.”

In addition to division play, Lakelandwill still compete against rival Milford.

The Lady Eagles have a challengingschedule for the first four games of theseason. They opened their season athome against North Farmington, aClass A state semi-finalist last year, onDec. 2; and have games against LakeOrion, Southfield, and Howell to follow.

According to Head, the challengingearly schedule will give his team anidea of how good it is and what it needsto improve in order to do well in thenew league.

Two things Head said he hopes toimprove from last year are better exe-cution of the defensive strategy, and fin-ishing better in transition.

The Lady Eagles have five returningseniors this season, as well as a return-ing junior.

Senior guard Maghan Kunze is themost experienced player and has start-ed 65 games in a row.

Jessica Duleba is also a seniorguard. According to Head, she’s theteam’s most improved player.

“Jessica has really committed her-self to becoming a contributor,” he said.“She had a great summer, and while shecan score from the outside, she hasbeen really aggressive inside the key.”

Head describes junior Amy Carltonas a “sneaky, quick guard who can han-dle the ball in all situations.” As theLady Eagles’ best defender, Carlton willbe a key component in Lakeland’sdefense.

Another aggressive defensive playeris senior Kyleigh Leist, an outside scor-er who can be dangerous when she getsinto a rhythm.

Bringing toughness and passion tothe court is senior forward KatieO’Leary. This will be O’Leary’s fourthyear on the varsity team, and she will

Lakeland hopes toimprove defense,finish in transition

H

2008-09 | HOOPS 25


Dec. 2 vs. North Farmington, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Lake Orion, 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs. Southfield, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Howell, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Birmingham Groves, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Pinckney, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Notre Dame Prep, 7 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Milford, 7 p.m.



Jan. 27 vs. Waterford Mott, 7 p.m.








Feb. 24 at KLAA Crossover, TBA.


COACH: MIKE HEAD

FOURTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

DAVE BROWNE

MIKE LEITHEIM, MIKE HAND

2007-08 RECORD:

11-10, 9-5

TRAINER

JEN KASEMEYER

lead the Lady Eagles on the boardswith her aggressive rebounding.

The primary point guard for theteam will be senior guard Kelly Miller.

“Kelly had a strong summer, andshe really leads our transition offenseby pushing the ball up the court,”Head said.

Lakeland also has a couple of tal-

ented newcomers. SophomoreStephanie Lock will be a difference-maker in the paint. Junior guardLauren Maxwell plays aggressivelyand is a competitive athlete.

“She fits well with our mix of athlet-ic guards, and she can really light it upfrom the outside,” Head said. “But sheis fearless when attacking the basket.”

Head said it’s important that hisplayers “are ready to battle hard eachnight, to play as a team, and to repre-sent our student body in a positiveway.” If the Lady Eagles can do thosethings, Head said he thinks the teamwill be a significant presence in theKLAA. ❏

— Angela Niemi


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2008-09 | HOOPS 27


Lady Lakers look to surprise foesEmelle McConney and Abby Maroko.

“We are hoping to involve bothEmelle and Abby more in the offensethis season,” Larkin said. “WhileMaroko was not a starter last year,she did have significant playing timeas a skilled shooting guard.”

That kind of experience will beimportant to the Lady Lakers, as theylost three of their starting guards tograduation.

“Our guards have confidence …just not a lot of experience,” Larkinsaid.

One of those confident guards issophomore point guard KyliaPeerman. A very quick player,Peerman excels as an open court, fastbreak player. Diamond Murray andTaylor Gunn are two others expectedto significantly contribute to the team.

While Larkin hopes other teamswon’t focus on those girls, he said heknows every team the Lady Lakersface will focus on senior forward

Chenise Miller. This will be Miller’sfourth year as a varsity player. Astrong post player, she brings a wealthof experience and is considering sever-al college offers, including one fromEastern Michigan University.

According to Larkin, Miller will bea very integral part of the offense.

“We are going to get the ball toChenise a lot,” he said. “At the sametime we are also going to spread theball around and get more girls, likeAbby and Emelle, involved in theoffense.

“We are going to work on funda-mentals,” he said. “There won’t beany intricate plays … we master thesmall things and everything else willtake care of itself.”

As for defense, the Lady Lakerswill predominantly run a 2-3, match-up zone and maybe utilize a trappingzone.

West Bloomfield has a difficultschedule. The Lady Lakers face 2008

New West Bloomfield Coach Steve Larkin’s Lady Lakers will be ready to make a playoff run after being battle-tested by a tough regular season sched-ule. In the meantime, the first-year coach said his team is focusing on fundamentals. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Class B state runner-up DetroitCommunity in their third game of theseason and will play Class B statechampion Country Day.

“These games will be good for us,”Larkin said. “They will prepare us forthe state playoffs. Our conference isalso really talented, and every nightwe will have to come prepared toplay.”

The OAA competition includesstate quarter-finalist Rochester, statesemi-finalist North Farmington, aswell as Southfield Lathrup, which hasa lot of young talent.

“Every week we will be playingsomeone very talented, and we haveto be prepared,” Larkin said. “I wouldrather have a tough schedule, as wewill be battle-tested when it comestime for the state tournament. We willhave seen some of the best in thestate, and if we play to our ability weshould be able to compete.” ❏

— Angela Niemi

irst-year Coach Steve Larkinsaid he hopes his Lady Lakerswill be the dark horse of the

Oakland Activities Association (OAA)Division I this year.

“As a brand new coach implement-ing a new system and trying to buildthe program, we want to be the teamflying under the radar, the team thatsurprises the others,” he said, addinghe has players on his team that havebeen overlooked in the past but willmake a big impact this season. “Someof our girls are underrated, and theywill probably surprise a lot of teamswith how talented they are.”

Some of the players that will be keycontributors that other teams won’t benecessarily focusing on are seniors

West Bloomfield’snew coach likesteam’s potential

F


Dec. 2 vs. Avondale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Pontiac Central, 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Detroit Community, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 vs. North Farmington, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Southfield, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26 at Motor City Classic, 12 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Lathrup, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. Rochester, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. Northern, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Martin Luther King Classic, TBA.

Jan. 22 at Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs. Lake Orion, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 at North Farmington, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Detroit Country Day, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Southfield, 7 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Lathrup, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Rochester, 7 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Northern, 7 p.m.

Feb. 24 vs. Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 at Lake Orion, 7 p.m.

COACH: STEVE LARKIN

FIRST SEASON

2007-08 RECORD:

9-10



Our Lady’s expectations high“We have very high expectations

for this season,” said Coach SteveRobak. “We want to win the leaguechampionship and play the best bas-ketball that we can in the state play-offs. We have put in a lot of time andwork, and we think we have a teamthat has a good chance at making astrong run during the post season.”

Leading Our Lady this year will besenior Allison Robb and sophomoreLauren Robak. Robb is a player withlots of experience, as this will be herfourth year on the varsity squad. Avery good spot-up shooter, Robb wasone of the Lady Lakers’ leading scor-ers last season. However, she also is apresence on the other end of thecourt.

“Allison is our team’s best defend-er,” Coach Robak said.

The other leading scorer for OurLady last season was Lauren Robak.The Lady Lakers’ best all-around

player, Robak can either shoot fromthe perimeter or drive to the basket.

“She’s not a one-dimensional play-er. She can shoot, drive to the basket,or get the other girls involved with herpassing ability,” Coach Robak said.

Other key contributors will be jun-ior Alexis Doetsch and senior TarynStevens. Doetsch, at 5-11, will be animportant presence inside the paint.Not only will she contribute with herscoring ability, but Doetsch is also astrong defensive player and can con-trol the boards with her rebounding.

Stevens, a guard, is a great out-side shooter, and Coach Robak is hop-ing that she will be an integral part ofthe team.

“We’re hoping that she will havean excellent season this year,” hesaid. “She has worked really hard inthe off season, and we are expectinga lot of good things from her.”

The Lady Lakers, with five sen-

Our Lady Coach Steve Robak has eight players, including five seniors, returning from last year’s team that made it to the regional finals. He said heplans to let his Lady Lakers run motion sets this year so they can play to their strengths. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

iors, have a lot of experience, some-thing that Coach Robak hopes willtranslate onto the floor.

“We let the girls play,” he said. “Wedon’t have a lot of set plays. Insteadwe run motion sets and allow the girlsto play to their strengths. Our addedexperience will be key in taking careof the ball.”

That experience will be one of thethings that will help Our Lady with anintentionally difficult schedule thisseason. Coach Robak said he hopesthe tough schedule will get his teamready for the state playoffs.

In addition to doing well in the postseason, Our Lady would also like towin a league championship after fac-ing difficult competition in the form ofAllen Park Cabrini and — of course —Cardinal Mooney.

The Lady Lakers began their sea-son at Burton-Bendle on on Dec. 2. ❏

— Angela Niemi

he Lady Lakers of WaterfordOur Lady of the Lakes finishedwith a winning season of 17-6

last year. With only six losses, the LadyLakers didn’t lose to many teams,especially when considering that fourof those six losses were to the sameteam. Marine City Cardinal Mooneyhanded the Lady Lakers their only twolosses during league play, beat themfor the league championship, andended their season in the regionalfinals.

The Lady Lakers are determined toavenge their losses this year, and withall eight girls on last year’s teamreturning, Our Lady should make astrong run in the state playoffs.

Lady Lakers haveexperience to

make playoff runT


Dec. 2 at Burton Bendle, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Cranbrook, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 vs. Oakland Christian, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Connor Creek, 5 p.m.

Jan. 5 vs. Shrine, 7 p.m.

TBA at Cardinal Mooney.

Jan. 12 at Almont, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Cabrini, 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Bishop Foley, TBA.

Jan. 26 vs. Notre Dame Prep, 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Father Gabriel Richard, TBA.

Feb. 2 at Shrine, TBA.

Feb. 5 vs. Cardinal Mooney, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Cabrini, TBA.

Feb. 23 at Franklin Road Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Webberville, 7 p.m.

COACH: STEVE ROBAK

SECOND SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

PAUL ROBAK

2007-08 RECORD:

17-6, 6-2

2008-09 | HOOPS 29


New coach takes over at Mottthat is unmatchable,” Cox said. “Iexpect her to continue to grow andexpand her skills during her last twoyears here.”

Guard Porchea High is one of thereturning seniors, and Cox said sheplans to use her as a “defensiveweapon. Porchea’s defensive skillsare second to none.”

Center Katie Mundinger, at 6-1,provides some height.

“Katie knows how to defend herground,” Cox said. “She is verymobile in the paint and uses her sizeto her advantage.”

According to Cox, seniors AsiaRawls and Brianna McNeary willbring leadership to the team. Rawlsdominates at the guard/forward posi-tion with her athleticism and quick-ness. McNeary is also very quickacross the court, whether she is play-ing offense or defense, and Cox saidshe expects a lot from her this season

— not only within her own game butalso in her ability to lead others.

Mott also has several promisingnewcomers in Tiffany Coleman, HollyCooperrider, and Rachel Northey.Coleman, a 5-10 junior, will add addi-tional height to the post position.

“Tif is a worker when she’s on thecourt, and she doesn’t ever stop,” Coxsaid. “I expect her to use her length,size, and quickness to her advantage.”

Cooperrider, a junior guard, hasgood court awareness that allows herto see the floor and understand whatis going on in the game. She also hasa good shot.

Cox said Northey, a sophomore,has one of the best set shots she hasever seen.

“I expect over the course of theyear that Rach will become a distin-guished shooting threat,” she said.

Since the Lady Corsairs have size,

Four returning seniors, a returning junior, and promising newcomers will be led this year by first-year Waterford Mott Coach Jessica Cox. She said shewants her Lady Corsairs to keep opposing offenses on their toes by playing a variety of defenses. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

can shoot and take it to the basket,Cox said she plans to run offensesthat will play to those strengths. Sheadded that she likes to keep theopposing offense on its toes, whichwill result in Mott using a variety ofdefenses.

As for goals this season, one of thethings that Cox hopes to instill in hergirls is a love of the game.

“I want the girls to take as muchfrom it as possible,” she said.“Basketball is a great sport, and it canteach you so much about life. Beingpart of a team is an amazing thing. Iwant to get every last ounce of pas-sion out of the girls, and I want toteach them how to give more and thatthey can push harder than they everthought possible. I want them to trulyunderstand that if you want to gowhere you’ve never been, you have todo things you’ve never done.” ❏

— Angela Niemi

or the past three years, JessicaCox was the assistant coach atAugustana College in Rock

Island, Ill. Before that she played fouryears of basketball at the University ofDubuque in Iowa. Now she’s inMichigan to continue her basketballcareer as the new coach of theWaterford Mott Lady Corsairs.

Cox has a wealth of knowledgeabout basketball and said she wants toshare it with her team, which hasmany experienced players.

Mott has four returning seniors thisyear, along with returning junior pointguard Desyree Thomas, who hasspeed, quickness, and a great sense ofcourt awareness.

“Des has a passion for this game

Lady Corsairs havesize, can shoot,take it to basket

F


Dec. 2 vs. Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Auburn Hills Avondale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 at Milford, 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Grand Blanc, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 vs. Franklin, 7 p.m.




Jan. 23 vs. Waterford Kettering atOakland University, 6 p.m.



Jan. 31 vs. Andover, 1 p.m.









COACH: JESSICA COX

FIRST SEASON

ASSISTANT COACH:

DAVID WILSON

2007-08 RECORD:

10-7

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Defense a key for Kettering

Waterford Kettering’s 2008-09 team features some new players that should play big roles this season, according toCoach Jim Batcha. Their contributions, along with those by the veteran, returning players could result in anotherstrong post-season run for the Lady Captains. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

aterford Kettering’s LadyCaptains managed to accomplishwhat they set out to do last year

— they won a district championship.However, it wasn’t handed to them.They first had to defeat Lake Orion, ateam that was ranked third in the state.Then they had to beat cross-town rivalWaterford Mott, who had claimed thedistrict championship from Ketteringthe year before on a last-second layup.Kettering’s strong run in the state play-offs finally came to a close when theylost to state quarter-finalist Rochesterin the regionals.

This year the Lady Captains wouldlike to win another district champi-onship and be the inaugural winner ofthe Kensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA) title.

“We should have another really goodrun this year,” said Coach Jim Batcha.“We have some new pieces to the puzzlethis season, and we look to improvedefensively. If we have a great defense,we should have a great season.”

Some of these “new pieces of thepuzzle” include Caitlin Cooperrider,Sarah Stinson, and Julie Porter.

“We think that Sarah and Julie willplay big roles on our team this year, andwe expect Caitlin to be a big part of ourdefense,” Batcha said. “She’s the bestdefender on the team.”

Cooperrider is a junior that will splittime at point guard with returning sen-ior Kailey Gueglic, a disciplined guardwho is very good at controlling play.Gueglic will play a pivotal leadershiprole along with the other seniors on theteam, especially post player ChandlerLevitt.

“Chandler has a lot of experienceand will provide a lot of stability in gamesituations with her leadership,” Batchasaid.

Alexa Henleser also will be a keycontributor to the team, as this will beher third year on the varsity squad; andKrissy Lavake is a diverse player whocan play any position on the floor andwill contribute a lot with her strongrebounding ability.

According to Batcha, it’s hard to tellwhich teams will become new rivals inthe KLAA. However, he said he knowsthe teams in Kettering’s division canplay, as he was able to see some of themover the summer.

Nevertheless, the only team thatKettering is really familiar with is cross-town rival Waterford Mott, which is in

New league willcreate fresh rivalriesfor Lady Captains

W

2008-09 | HOOPS 31


Dec. 2 vs. Grand Blanc, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 at Mercy, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Rochester, 7 p.m.


Jan. 6 vs. Clarkston, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Hartland, 5:30 p.m.




Jan. 23 vs. Waterford Mott at Oakland University, 6 p.m.











COACH: JIM BATCHA

THIRD SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

AMANDA BATCHA

ALLISON SARTIRIOUS

2007-08 RECORD:

9-14

the same division of the KLAA and isalways a big game for the LadyCaptains. This year both the Ketteringgirls and boys teams will play Mott’steams at Oakland University.

Although Batcha said he’s not real-

ly familiar with his team’s new compe-tition, he said he’s looking forward tobeing in the KLAA.

“We are excited to be in the KLAAbecause it will give us some stability,”he said. “In the OAA Division I, we

would realign every two years and playdifferent teams. Now we get a chanceto play the same teams year in andyear out and establish those long-standing rivalries.” ❏

— Angela Niemi



Lady Knights still unsatisfiedrecord this year,” he said. “We alsowant to win our division. It’s our mostimportant goal because if we win thedivision, we get an opportunity to winour conference. We win that, and weget to play for the association (title).But it all starts with our divisionfirst.”

The Lady Knights are in the com-petitive North Division of theKensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA). This is theKLAA’s inaugural year, and Sharpesaid he’s looking forward to partici-pating in it.

“It’s going to be nice because mostof the teams we play will be close tous,” he said.

Northern will compete againstdivision foes Walled Lake Central,Walled Lake Western, WaterfordKettering, Waterford Mott, and HuronValley Lakeland. While the teams areall very similar in talent and size,Sharpe said “Walled Lake Central isthe long-odds favorite to win the divi-

sion because they have a good combi-nation of experienced players withsome new, young talent.”

However, the Lady Knights aren’twithout their share of experiencedplayers. Senior captain WhitneyTower-Woods will play in her fourthyear on the varsity team and start asthe shooting guard.

“Whitney is an all-around goodplayer,” Sharpe said. “She is verysmart basketball-wise and is also areally good leader.”

Also returning this year is 6-1 for-ward Carissa McKenna, a junior whohas started every game since she wasfreshman.

Brittany Gibson, Katie Hockstead,and Kari Knight will round out thestarting lineup.

Gibson, a junior, will lead at thepoint guard position and is a reallygood athlete, according to Sharpe.

Hockstead, also a junior, didn’tstart last season but still led the teamin scoring.

Walled Lake Northern Coach John Sharpe and his Lady Knights aim to improve upon last year's 13-8 record. Sharpe said the team's chief goal is to winthe KLAA North Division crown, which will open up conference and association title opportunities. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Sophomore Knight, at 6-feet, willadd some height in the post position.

The Lady Knights also have sometalented newcomers in senior KellyGollota and freshman Juliette Love.Gollota will come off the bench as thesixth man and contribute with hergood shooting ability. Love, who is 6-2,will also see some playing time.

“She shoots the ball very well,”Sharpe said. “She’s not very aggres-sive yet, but she will be.”

Northern will predominantly run aman-to-man defense while pressuringthe ball.

“The girls play good help side andwork really well with each other,”Sharpe said.

On the offensive side, the LadyKnights will run a wide range of setplays with room to improvise.

“We are really excited for the sea-son to start,” Sharpe said. “We believethat we will be just as competitive inthe KLAA as any other team.” ❏

— Angela Niemi

ith four minutes to go in theirfirst-round district playoff gameagainst North Farmington,

Walled Lake Northern was leading bysix points. While the Lady Knights ulti-mately lost to the eventual state semi-finalists, Northern Coach John Sharpesaid he was very pleased with histeam’s performance.

“We made a good run,” he said. “Wejust ran out of steam against a very tal-ented, tall, and athletic team.”

Sharpe had another reason to beproud. Northern finished with a 13-8season overall, which was a vast differ-ence from when the Lady Knightswent 3-18 the previous year. That does-n’t mean Sharpe and his team are con-tent with just a winning season.

“We want to improve on our 13-8

Last year’s winningseason not enoughfor hungry NorthernW


Dec. 2 at Plymouth, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Northville, 7 p.m.


Dec. 19 at South Lyon, 7 p.m.


Jan. 9 vs. Milford, 7 p.m.


Jan. 16 vs. Hartland, 7 p.m.













COACH: JOHN SHARPE

SEVENTH SEASON

2007-08 RECORD:

13-8, 7-3

ASSISTANT COACH:

JACQUELINE PILKIEWICZ


Central assessing new players

Walled Lake Central Coach Rob Schopf said his team is looking forward to playing in the Kensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA) North Division with Walled Lake Western and Northern. He said the new league will allow Centralto re-establish old rivalries with Waterford Kettering and Mott. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

ith only two returning startersthis year, the Lady Vikings ofWalled Lake Central will be a

mixture of young talent and experi-enced veterans.

Central lost five seniors to gradua-tion last year, including three starters.However, four-year varsity playerBrooke Gustafson will bring experienceand leadership to the team. An all-divi-sion player as both a sophomore andjunior, Gustafson is expected to lead theteam both on and off the court.

Another important player for Centralwill be junior Krista Hakola, a third-yearvarsity player and a captain who leadsthe team both statistically and vocally.

“Krista will give us both an insideand outside presence,” said Coach RobSchopf. “We’re expecting her to be a keyforce as a scorer and rebounder.”

With quite a few inexperienced play-ers, Schopf said the main goal for histeam is to just try to compete everynight.

“We have a slew of young, talentedplayers, but as of now we are still tryingto decide where they fit best in the pro-gram,” he said. “We have several youngkids who are just coming out of middleschool. It will be a shock for them whenthey play in their first high school varsi-ty game. At this point we are just tryingto see where everybody stands andhopefully we will be able to find somesort of rhythm after Christmas break, intime for division play.”

Central will be competing in theNorth Division of the Kensington LakesActivities Association (KLAA). The divi-sion includes cross-town rivals WalledLake Northern and Walled Lake West-ern, Huron Valley Lakeland, WaterfordKettering and Waterford Mott.

“We’re looking forward to playing inthe North Division,” Schopf said.“Especially since all three of the WalledLake schools are in the same divisionnow. It’s really exciting that we get toplay each other twice in the regular sea-son.”

Schopf is also looking forward toforming new rivalries with theWaterford schools or re-establishingthem, as the case may be.

“I was told that in the past theWalled Lake and Waterford schoolswere always big rivals and being able tore-establish those rivalries will injectsome energy into the season,” he said.

As for the relative strength of therest league, Schopf said he believesLakeland, Walled Lake Northern, and

Lady Vikes will getleadership from two

veteran starters

W

2008-09 | HOOPS 33


Dec. 2 vs. Pinckney, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Dexter, 7 p.m.



Dec. 19 at South Lyon East, 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 at East Grand Rapids, 4 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Milford, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. Howell, 7 p.m.











Feb. 24 at KLAA crossover, TBA.

Feb. 27 at KLAA crossover, TBA.

COACH: ROB SCHOPF

TENTH SEASON

ASSISTANT COACHES:

NEAL HOWALD

JEN McKITTRICK

JACKI BECKER

2007-08 RECORD:

11-10, 9-7

Brighton will be particularly good, asall three teams have a wealth ofreturning players.

“Coach Sharpe over at Walled LakeNorthern definitely has the bullseye on

his back as the one to beat in theleague,” he said.

The Lady Vikings game schemeincludes an up-tempo offense while uti-lizing a mixture of man-to-man and

zone defenses.The Lady Vikings opened their sea-

son on Dec. 2 at home againstPinckney. ❏

— Angela Niemi



Lady Warriors are determinedenced what it was like to win both aconference and district champi-onship, the Lady Warriors are full ofdetermination to meet those goals.

Among those returning areChelsea Hunter, Paige Partenio,Alison Focht, and Amanda Schwandt.

Walther describes Hunter as an“aggressive, hard-nosed player.” Sheis a three-year varsity player and willbring a wealth of experience to theLady Warriors this year as their cap-tain.

Partenio is an athletic and aggres-sive player who can play both aninside and an outside game.

Anchoring the front court areFocht and Schwandt. Both play physi-cally and have the strength to playaround the basket.

Also returning is junior guardTaylor Deskins.

“Taylor is very aggressive defen-sively,” Walther said. “She is capable

of defending anyone in the league andcontributes offensively by hittingthrees from the outside.”

The remainder of the team is rela-tively inexperienced; however,Walther said they are “very eager toprove themselves on the court.”

On their quest to repeat as divi-sion champions, Western will have tocompete in an extremely toughKensington Lakes ActivitiesAssociation (KLAA) North Divisionthat includes Walled Lake Northern,Huron Valley Lakeland, and WaterfordKettering, all of whom are very talent-ed and have high expectations for theseason. Another big game for the LadyWarriors will be Walled Lake Central.Both Central and Northern are cross-town rivals, which means they willalways be big games.

“No matter what type of seasoneither of those teams are having,these games tend to be close, hard-

In order to prepare for their difficult division play, Walled Lake Western has scheduled eight very tough non-conference games. Coach Dave Walthersaid his Lady Warriors are eager to learn and will be very competitive this year. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

fought battles,” Walther said. In order to prepare for their diffi-

cult division play, Western has sched-uled eight very tough non-conferencegames.

“We look forward to the challenge,”Walther said. “We have a group ofvery hard working players who areeager to learn. I have confidence thatwe will be very competitive this year.”

Western plans to run a very up-tempo game both defensively andoffensively. In addition to the aggres-sive full-court pressure defense theyare known for, the Lady Warriors willalso run a multiple defensive systemthat confuses and frustrates oppo-nents.

As for their offensive scheme,Walther said his team will push theball up the court and score quickly.

The Lady Warriors begin their sea-son against Novi on Dec. 9. ❏

— Angela Niemi

alled Lake Western had animpressive season last year.The Lady Warriors went 18-4

and won a division title for the firsttime in 25 years, but lost the confer-ence title when Plymouth Salem madea shot at the buzzer. Western also lostto Brighton in the last few seconds ofthe district championship game. Thoseheartbreaking losses have led to thisyear’s Western motto of “UnfinishedBusiness.”

Coach Dave Walther would like tonot only repeat as division champs thisseason but also win the conference anddistrict championships, as well.

He is not the only one. With fourreturning seniors who almost experi-

Late season lossesserve as Western’s

motivation this yearW



Dec. 11 vs. Milford, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 vs. South Lyon, 7 p.m.


Jan. 6 vs. Livonia Churchill, 7 p.m.
















COACH: DAVE WALTHER

FOURTH SEASON

2007-08 RECORD:

18-4, 9-1

2008-09 | HOOPS 35

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