02-08-2018 Tri-City Area Sports

Forrester takes second at SW10 Conference tournament

Hartford’s Jared Forrester may be disappointed with his finish Saturday in the Southwest 10 conference wrestling tournament, but the young man turned in a fine performance. Forrester finished in second place in the 103 lb. weight class. He was the highest Hartford finisher at the event. Teammate Tye Phillips finished fourth in the 112 lb. class. James Terry, also an Indian, finished fourth in the 189 lb. class. Hartford finished with 45 points in seventh place. Mendon won the event with 182.5 points. Coloma’s Ishmael and Smith, Watervliet’s Marshall and Melcher claim championship at SAC wrestling tourney Four individual champions were crowned Saturday, February 3 at the Southwestern Athletic Conference wresting tournament hosted at Coloma. Ian Ishmael wrestled to a first place finish for the Comets in the 135 lb. weight class. Jamane Smith Jr., who was 35-0 prior to tournament action, kept his undefeated streak intact. He reigned supreme in the 189 lb. weight class. Watervliet’s Klayton Marshall finished first in the 130 lb. weight class. In the 215 lb. division, Matt Melcher won the championship. Coloma’s Blane Sutherland (112 lbs.) and Cody Reece (140 lbs.) and Watervliet’s Trever Pelton (103 lbs.) and Logan Swigart (189 lbs.) finished in second place. Finishing third at the event were Coloma’s Shane Champion (125 lbs.) and Cole Alsup (heavyweight). Fourth place finishes were earned by Coloma’s Michael Case (152 lbs.), and Watervliet’s Dillon Clemons (112 lbs.), and Alex Isbrecht (119 lbs.). Noah Mart (130 lbs.) and Brandon Sutherland (171 lbs.) took fifth place. Coloma’s Aaron Pounders (160 lbs.), and Watervliet’s Corbin Camp (125 lbs.) and Coby Henslee (140 lbs.) finished sixth. Coloma ended the tournament with 158 points, good for third place. Watervliet ended the event in fifth place with 127 points. Yore scores 19 in win over Martin Kayla Yore had the magic touch Friday, February 2 as the Coloma girls’ varsity basketball team earned a road win against Martin 39-33. Yore scored 19 of Coloma’s 39 points, including three 3-pointers; she was perfect from the charity stripe, landing two shots. Coloma opened with a nine-point first period but trailed Martin 11-9 after the opening eight minutes. The Comets squad landed just four field goals in the second period for eight points. However, the Comet defense pressured Martin and limited their scoring to five points. At the half, the score was Coloma 17, Martin 16. It was a breakout third for the Comets. Hannah Mathis, Yore, and Morgan Wagner accounted for the team’s 13 points scored. The Comet defense continued to work, and Martin got on the board with only six points. Following the conclusion of three quarters the score was Coloma 30, Martin 22. In the fourth period, the Comets scored nine points and were four of five from the foul line. Martin tried a late game rally with 11 points but fell short of overtaking Coloma. At the buzzer, the score showed a Comet win: 39-33. Martin suffered 16 turnovers in the contest.

RACKING UP THE WINS… Coloma captured the Sturgis Invitational championship Saturday by defeating Battle Creek Pennfield and Coldwater. The squad remains undefeated on the season. Pictured (from the left): Back row – Emily Feldten, Lainey Meader, Narelle Hickmon, Coach Carley Burrell, Ashley Ikerd; Front row – Carissa Richmond, Morgan Hosbein, and Paige Burgess.

Watervliet loses road game in Fennville A brutal first period spelled doom for the Panthers of Watervliet in their basketball game against Fennville on Friday, February 2. The Blackhawks scored 18 points in the first period, as Watervliet just could not get their offense started. The Panthers scored six points and trailed after the first period. The pace of the game slowed dramatically in the second period. Both squads scored nine points each, and the 12-point deficit remained for Watervliet. At intermission, Fennville led 27-15. A pep talk by Panther head coach Chris Prom must have been what the team needed. In the third quarter, Watervliet raced up and down the court and, for the first time all game, outscored Fennville 17-13 to cut the lead to eight points: 40-32. But, the Blackhawks offense proved too much for the Panthers to tame. Fennville scored 19 points in the fourth period and held Watervliet to four. The win went Fennville’s way: 59-36. The loss dropped the Panthers to 7-5 overall and 5-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lakeshore Division. Dan Cluster continued to be strong on the floor. He scored 12 points. Jakob Aldrich dropped in eight points for the Panthers. Ackerman scores 22 points but Hartford suffers 68-64 loss to Marcellus Hartford traveled to Marcellus Friday, February 2 for a little hard court action. Unfortunately, for the Indians, the home team proved a bit too hard to handle as Marcellus eked out a 68-64 victory. Talk about a battle on the basketball court! The squads combined for 35 points, with Marcellus earning the 19-16 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Hartford’s offense swooped into overdrive in quarter two, as the Indians scored 21 points and virtually shut down Marcellus. The home team scored 10 points, and Hartford rallied for the lead: 37-29. In the third period, Marcellus outscored Hartford 18-11 and trailed by one. Hartford 48, Marcellus 47. Unfortunately, the Indians came up short in the fourth quarter but it wasn’t because they gave up. The squad battled back and forth bucket for bucket, but Marcellus’ 21 points proved too many to overcome. Hartford came up a bit short with 16 points and took the 68-64 loss on the chin. Trey Ackerman had a heck of a night. He led the Indians with 22 points. Aaron Sinclair added 14 points, and Garrod Johnson tallied 12. Brandon Galvan scored nine points. Coloma strolls to easy 80-31 win over Martin as Goodline scores 30 Coloma’s Zach Goodline continues to improve and impress and Friday’s game against Martin was no different. The junior guard sank eight 3-pointers and scored 30 points in the team’s 80-31 win over Martin. Goodline scored 16 first quarter points after the Comets took a 28-8 lead. In the second period, Coloma added 19 points while holding Martin to seven points. At the half, Coloma led 47-15. The second half continued in the same vein for both squads. Coloma added 22 points in the third period and 11 in the final eight minutes. Martin added 16 second-half points and fell to undefeated Coloma 80-31. Coloma’s Chris Brown scored 13 points, including eight in the first period and two 3-pointers. Willie Donald chipped in seven points. Levi Wilkens added six points and Phillip Caldwell contributed five. Michael Dancer and Adam Hearn each scored four points. Brendan Lute dropped a 3-pointer. Bryton Fitzgerald scored two points.

HEADED TO THE HOOP… Hartford’s William Martinez heads toward the hoop last week Tuesday in second quarter action as the Indians took on Mendon at home. Hartford lost the contest 79-62. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

As a team, Coloma scored 12 3-pointers and went three for three from the charity stripe. Lady Panthers pressure Fennville for the 55-26 win Panther pressure was the key to success Friday, February 2 as Watervliet traveled to Fennville for a conference matchup. Watervliet’s defense was the star of the show as the team allowed 10 first-half points. Watervliet jumped out to a 19-5 lead after the first period. In the second quarter, the Panthers posted another 15 points, which gave them the 34-10 lead at intermission. The Panther defense continued to press Fennville in the second half of play. Watervliet held Fennville to just 16 second-half points. A raucous third period of scoring had Watervliet in the lead 52-17 at the end of three. The Panthers scored three points in the final quarter and earned the overwhelming win 55-26. Ariana Rowe led Watervliet with 17 points. She had nine boards in the contest. Zoe Smith chipped in nine points, four assists, and four steals. Madalyn Hutchins scored eight points and had a career-high 14 rebounds. Celina Klimkiewicz had five points, four steals, and five assists for Watervliet. Allie Pazera tallied three points and grabbed five rebounds. Jaelyn Pitre scored three points. Kara Liles, Emma Yazel, Vicky Smith, and Elaine Koshar had two points apiece. Lady Indians continue winning momentum, earn 12th victory of season The Hartford girls’ varsity basketball season continues to rack up the wins this season. The squad earned their 12th victory after topping Marcellus 44-39 on the road. From first-period appearance, it looked like Hartford had met its match Friday, February 2. The Indians outpaced Marcellus 9-6 but it was a struggle for Hartford to stay in front. In the second period, Marcellus outscored Hartford 13-7, and at the half, Hartford trailed 19-16. The Indians sparked a big offensive effort in the second half. They scored 18 points in the third period and 10 in the fourth. Marcellus, meanwhile, was limited to nine points in the third period and 11 in the fourth. Hartford walked away with the 44-39 road victory. AJ Jackson continues to impress this season. She plays strong under the basket and, with her height, continues to have relatively easy shots at the bucket down low. She earned yet another double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Jessica Cortes scored seven points and recorded four assists. Megan Nelson dropped in seven points and was credited with six steals. She continues to be a force on defense, as the Indians have hit their stride. Coloma continues to strike while the lanes are hot The Coloma girls’ varsity bowling team remains undefeated and won the Sturgis Invitational Sunday, February 4. Coloma head coach Carley Burrell shared exciting news that Morgan Hosbein was named to the All Tournament team. She was fourth overall with a 407 two-game series. Coloma was seeded second in the tourney after two individual and six team Baker games made up the qualifying round. Coloma faced Coldwater, the number three seed, with the Comets nailing the 1,178 to 1,127 pins win. Hosbein rolled a 205 in that round, with Emily Feldten collecting a 176. Coloma then battled Battle Creek Pennfield for the championship. The two teams were tied after the Baker games. Coloma won the total pin count 1,266 to 1,242 to collect the championship trophy. Feldten was the high scorer against BC with 210 pins. Carissa Richmond rolled a 189. According to Burrell, conference tournament action begins on February 16 at Airway Lanes in Kalamazoo with team and individual regionals to be held on February 23 and February 24, respectively, at M66 Bowl in Battle Creek. Congratulations, ladies! Roll on! Hartford hogties Mendon as Chambers grabs 18 boards First period appearances were deceiving Tuesday, January 30 as the Hartford Indians faced off on the road against Mendon. It was a dismal 3-2 in Mendon’s favor after the first eight minutes of play. But, Hartford roared back in the second quarter with a game-high 18 points to take a 20-11 lead at intermission. Both squads scored 11 points in the third period, as Hartford continued to lead the contest. In the fourth period, Hartford tallied 14 points and held Mendon to just five to seal the 47-27 victory. AJ Jackson scored 17 points to lead the Indians. She also had eight rebounds in the contest. Jessica Cortes and Megan Nelson added eight points each in the Indian effort. Mikenzie Chambers scored five points and was credited with game high 16 rebounds.

FLAHERTY PARK FISHING… Colter Slikkers of Stevensville uses a net to fish his disc out of Mill Creek Saturday morning after his shot sliced on hole one, as his dad Lee watches. Fifteen players hit the park in 20-degree weather to play the 36-hole charity disc golf tournament Flaherty Park Ice Bowl 2018 that benefitted Feeding America. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Hartford runs out of gas against Mendon The Indians of Hartford had their game against Mendon in hand – for the first half of the game. But, the squad ran out of gas in the second half of the ball game and lost 79-62. The two teams scored points aplenty in the first period in frenetic play. The Indians edged out Mendon 22-21 after eight minutes of play. In the second period, Mendon raced back and tied the game at intermission, 41-41. The scoring bonanza by Hartford screeched to a halt in the second half, courtesy of cold shooting and stingy Mendon defense. Mendon outscored Hartford 22-11 in the third period and 16-10 in the fourth to post the 79-62 win. Trey Ackerman was the high scorer for Hartford; he drilled 23 points. Flaherty Park plays host to Ice Bowl 2018 disc golf tournament Perfect conditions awaited 15 players in Saturday’s Ice Bowl 2018 disc golf tournament held at Flaherty Park. The event, hosted by Sand Ridge Golf Club, featured a 36-hole charity event that benefitted Feeding America – West Michigan. Event organizer Dave Brunsting advised, “The Ice Bowl joins events that are held all across the country. The idea is to have events in the winter when it’s really cold.” With players dressed in layers, Carhartts, waterproof boots, and hand warmers aplenty, the players hit the nine-hole course for competition. Brunsting also offered a 50/50 raffle, closest to the pin, and longest putt contests. With lunch provided by Saylor’s Pizza and hosted by Arclight Brewery, the players didn’t mind the cold a bit.

DISC FLIP… Mark Strauss of Sawyer tosses his disc Saturday morning during Ice Bowl 2018 at Flaherty Park. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Kyle Banish of Stevensville explained he was out in the frigid temperatures because he was a “diehard” disc golf player. “I played more last winter than I did in the summer.” His secret? “Put a couple of layers on.” Forrest Omland of Charlevoix had an excellent reason for spending his Saturday morning trying to stay warm. He has “known Dave for years and I try to support him.” And, just like in the summer, errant shots often end up in the drink.

Suffering this fate was Colter Slikkers of Berrien Springs. His first shot off the first tee hit the bank of Mill Creek and slid into the water. Out came the net, and Slikkers retrieved his disc. Not only was it cold, but now it was wet. The dedicated fan continued to play without being phased. After all, he had hand warmers.

Watervliet’s Bryant Kieft wins MHSAA Scholar-Athlete award Watervliet’s Bryant Kieft, a senior, has been announced as one of six Class C winners of the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete award. According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Farm Bureau has been sponsoring the $1,000 scholarship for the past 29 years. Thirty-two student-athletes throughout the state of Michigan will take home the prize. To qualify for the honor, students had to complete an application, carry a 3.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and have won a varsity letter in at least one sport in which the MHSAA supports a post-season tournament. The student-athlete was also required to write an essay on the topic of sportsmanship. Kieft will be honored on March 24 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing during halftime of the Class C boys’ basketball finals game. Kieft, a member of the varsity football, basketball, and baseball teams, wrote, “No matter the situation, I strive to set an example that displays the respect I have for my opponents, my teammates, my coaches, the officials and the game itself. We athletes are privileged to play a game we love, so we must treat it with the respect it deserves by displaying good sportsmanship at all times.” Kieft is the second consecutive Panther to win the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Scholarship. Tyler Brant was a 2017 recipient. Final sign-up date announced for Hartford Council for Recreation The final baseball, softball and League of Miracles sign-ups will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hartford High School library. Also, please remember online sign-ups are available now and can be done from the comfort of your home, please visit www.hartfordrecreation.org. Additional information on ages, fees, etc. can also be found on their website page as well. Please contact Jerrod Birmele with any questions via cell at 269-208-5049 or via email at jerrod_birmele@hotmail.com.

Lynch celebrates Super Bowl with TCR AQB Championship

By Kristy Noack Coloma’s Rodney Lynch claimed the top spot in the Tri-City Record Armchair Quarterback contest for the first time, winning the championship following the Philadelphia Eagles victory over the New England Patriots Sunday. What a game! What a season of armchair quarterbacking! What great competitors! For 23 weeks, six local football fans have tested their mettle by predicting high school, college, and professional football games. Additionally, each ‘back was tasked with determining how many points would be scored in a specially selected contest. This was known as the tie-breaker game. It came into play when two or more AQBs predicted the exact same weekly record. Their spot in the ranking was determined by how well they predicted the total points scored. This season, there have been perfect pick weeks, where the contestants went 8-0. There have been weeks where gridiron upsets wreaked havoc on the standings. Lynch’s overall record for the year was 118-46. He correctly predicted 72% of the games he faced this season. Although he went with New England on Sunday, there was a five-game gap between him and second place finisher RoxAnn Rodney-Isbrecht, so the outcome didn’t really hurt. Rodney-Isbrecht, a previous two-time champion in her own right, selected Philly as the winner, so she actually moved one game closer to Lynch. However, she closes out the season in second place with a 114-50 record (70%). Tim Hildebrand, another former AQB champion, also predicted an Eagles’ win, so he moved one spot closer to first place as well and kept pace with Rodney-Isbrecht. Hildebrand’s record for the year was 108-56 (67%). Bryan Conrad joined our group of merry “guess”timators this season and predicted his way to a 102-62 overall record (62%). His Philadelphia pick was spot on, and he moved up a game. Chris Leach, who has finished in the standing’s cellar the past couple of years, needed a Philly win to move out of the basement, and she got it! Her correct prediction allowed her to break the 100-win mark and slide into fifth place for the year. Her overall record this season was 100-64 (61%). That left Greg Krell in sixth place. Krell, like Lynch, went with a New England victory, and dropped a game to his competitors. He moved into sole possession of sixth place after spending four weeks knotted up with Leach. Krell posted an overall record of 99-65 (60%). Another great season of the Tri-City Record Armchair Quarterback contest is now in the record and history books. Thank you to the ‘backs for spending 23 weeks gazing into a gridiron crystal ball! And, be sure to congratulate Rodney Lynch the next time you pop into the Loma to see a movie. See you next season!