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Posted December 5, 2009

OK - I wanted to run my thoughts on the season along with our 2009-10 Winter Sports Preview, but as you could probably tell, there was not much empty space. SO, if you DO want to know my thoughts and predictions on the upcoming hoops seasonk, you've come to the right place. HERE WE GO.....

Let's start with the girls

GTC West

1. Reese - I would not be shocked if Reese went undefeated in Conference play. But with that being said, I think the Rockets' biggest test will come when they take on a much-improved Vassar squad. When you have weapons like Jade Ackerman, Amber Gotham, Kaitlyn Squanda, Sarah Spiekerman, Kelly Wright...and the list goes on. I'd be stupid not to pick Reese to take the West.

2. Vassar - As I said before, this is a team that has improved imensly. Not only do they have maybe the two best post players in the Thumb in Kayla Verbeek and Amberle Hauger, but they now add the guard play of Hilary MacKay who is back from injury and the passing skills of Emily Aranyos. Not to mention, their JV squad went 20-0 last season.

3. EPBP - From what I do know about the Lakers, they return some size with Ashley Hatfield. But again, it's going to take a lot for EPBP to compete with Reese.

4. USA - A solid group of athletes that have not fit into the roles of playmakers just yet. They are too used to playing second-fiddle to Jillian Williamson, Dani Gremel and Estey Ruppal. They will win some games, but it's going to take some work.

5. Cass City - a very young squad with only one senior. It's going to be another rough one for the Red Hawks.

6. BCAS

7. Bad Axe

GTC EAST

1. Sandusky - WOW, DeMott has loaded up the wagons once again. This season the Redskins are led by daughter Marissa DeMott, who has already broke 30 points on the season after two games. Also look for Emily Hale and Whitney Fox to step up on this very talented team.

2. Brown City - Kristen Green will try to make a statement in her senior season. The All-Thumb first teamer has shown that her shot as improved this season after draining three's in her first two games of the season. Let's just hope that the "Greene Devils" have more than just their senior guard to carry the load.

3. Deckerville - District champs last year and a nice run in volleyball season, lets hope that carries over into the winter months.

4. Marlette - A very talented group of girls that are proving that they still have a few wins in them after a very successful volleyball season. Watch out for sisters Amara and Keagan Wilson along with Rachel McEwen.

5. Mayville - A new look to the Mayville squad this season. They hope to utilize their speed by running the floor. Amy Elenbaum, Tessa Buhl and Chelsea Roehl highlight a solid group of seniors that will shake up the GTE this season.

6. Harbor Beach

7. Ubly - No Liepprandt, no chance......

Tri-Valley East

1. Frankenmuth - The Eagles contain too many weapons that leave them far above the rest. So far they are off to a slow start, but I think that soon Jenny McCain and Kelsey Ritter will have the Eagles clicking real soon.

2. North Branch - This is my upset special. So far, North Branch is off to a 2-0 start. However, I like their team. With Kelsey Roloson and Kayla Snoblen running the show, this team may not finish second in the East, but they will be toward the top.

3. Caro - Lost a lot from last seaon, but hopefully coach Sauser can find a way to rekindle their magic from last season. Look for Vanessa Taylor and Brittney Quick to step up this season for the Tigers.

4. Birch Run

5. Garber

6. Millington - Lost WAY too much from last season. And by WAY TOO MUCH - I mean 90% of their offense in Kayla Dosher and Jamie Frahm.

7. Bridgeport

NCTL North

1. North Huron - Where do these kids come from? This is one heck of a class they have going through NH right now as both boys and girls side are the heavy favorite to take the conference title this season.

2. Owen-Gage - Hopefully first year head coach Doug Hyatt has something up his sleeve to replace the all-around talent of Amanda Faist.

3. Port Hope

4. Akron-Fairgrove - They won a game with only three people on the floor.......THREE PEOPLE! Best of luck to the Vikings and first year head coach Jason Lemon.

5. Caseville

NCTL South

1. Memphis - I'll be honest, I don't know much about this team. But after talking to other area writers and coaches. They seem to be solid.

2. Kingston - All the pieces are in play for Dave Lester to snag a conference title in 2009-10. Can Megan James, Emily Chambers, Abby Brzezinski along with the addition of a nice sophomore class get over the hump of Memphis? hopefully.

3. Dryden

4. CPS

5. Peck

BOYS PICKS

GTC WEST

1. Reese - Pickell plus a Reese squad that is maybe 100% for the first time in a long time. This team has all the essentials for a GTW title, and hopefully, a nice run into the postseason.

2. Vassar - Vassar started off the season as my pick to win the league. However, some issues off the court have set this team back a little and sadly, they will now be missing some players that could have really helped them out. BUT, I still think the Vulcans will be ok. The Reese vs. Vassar game is sure to be a dandy. Keep in mind, they still have Jamie Knudsen, Ryan Amend and, my pick for player of the year, Troy Hecht.

3. USA - The guards are gone in Patriot country. But the post duo of Jake Holland and Clinton Krueger is very interesting. But who knows, Gainforth could wow everyone again and take the West by storm.

4. EPBP - A nice senior glass that is looking to go out on top. Luke Voelker, Chris Rowe and Shay Wruble will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after falling to Reese twice during football season.

5. BCAS - always an mystery team in the West. But, they always manage to find talent somewhere.

6. Cass City - Alex Varney and JJ Mulrath will not be enough to this team to soar in the difficult West.

7. Bad Axe

GTC EAST

1. Ubly

2. Sandusky

3. Brown City

4. Harbor Beach

5. Marlette

6. Deckerville

7. Mayville

- I'll just give you my overall thoughts on the East. Brown City is obviously down without Burton and McPhail. But I don't think the stable is completely empty. Ubly has the talent, the big question is if they can take it from the grass to the hardwood. Sandusky is my sleeper pick in the East. The Redskins are known for their sharp shooters, and I think with Jordan Coats and a few others, they could have what it takes to be the top dog. As for Mayville.............well. I'll let my ranking speak for itself.

TVC East

1. Bridgeport - was there any question?

2. Frankenmuth - kind of far out there but after visiting coach Seth LaBair and his squad, it feels like they have something special happening over there.

3. Garber

4. Birch Run

5. Caro - The biggest problem with Caro this season will be their attitudes. AND the fact that Eddie Crosby will be the Tigers third coach in the past three years. If Crosby can keep the attitudes and ego's of his kids in check, then Caro could bump up a few spots.

6. Millington - New coach Shane LeVan will have his hands full over there in Cardinal country. Millington has the athletes. The biggest question is can LeVan keep the winning attitude rolling into basketball program that has been somewhat gloomy in recent history. Yes, I know Cardinal fans, except two years ago when Millington lost to Flint Powers (I believe) in the regional finals. Don't want you guys getting all up in arms because I disrespected your school :)

7. North Branch

NCTL NORTH

1. North Huron

2. Owen-Gage

3. Caseville

4. Port Hope

5. A-Fairgrove

- Again, North Huron is stacked. Almost to the point where they should swap spots with Mayville in the Greater Thumb East. North Huron is my dead lock for conference champ.

NCTL SOUTH

1. Peck

2. Kingston

3. Memphis

4. CPS

5. Dryden

- Peck returns a lot to the court this winter, but I think the most interesting story comes out of Kingston. Carl Nicol and the Cardinals will try to something special with Nolan Kolacz, Joe Strauel and Taylor Nicol. I think the Cardinals will, hopefully, have what it takes to keep the basketball program thriving, even after the departure of Coach Rea.

GIRLS PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Marissa DeMott - Sandusky

GIRLS TEAM OF THE YEAR - REESE ROCKETS

BOYS PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Troy Hecht -Vassar