Seniors Have St Mary on Verge Again
March 12, 2018
By Dennis Chase
Special for Second Half
GAYLORD – Averi Bebble was a water girl when Gaylord St. Mary reached the MHSAA Class D Girls Basketball Quarterfinals in 2012 and 2013.
“That was exciting,” Bebble said, “just as exciting as it is now.”
Now, Bebble is a senior and the Snowbirds are in the Quarterfinals again – for the fourth time in eight years and the second time since Bebble has been on varsity.
This time Bebble is hoping St. Mary (23-1) can reverse a trend when it faces Chassell (24-1) on Tuesday at Sault Ste. Marie
“Every year we‘ve been in the Quarterfinals we’ve lost by one or two points,” she said. “We’re excited to get back and try to beat Chassell.”
The Snowbirds lost by two points to Crystal Falls Forest Park in 2012, by two to Climax-Scotts in 2013 and by one to Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in 2016.
Bebble and Alex Hunter were starters on the 2016 squad. And now the best friends are the catalysts of a senior-driven team that’s rattled off 23 consecutive wins after a season-opening setback at Clare.
Four seniors start for the Snowbirds.
“That’s huge,” first-year head coach Pat Schultz said. “We have a lot of experience where it matters – handling the ball. We have guards that can control the game for us.”
The 5-foot-3 Hunter and the 5-5-Bebble are joined by 5-4 junior Olivea Jeffers in a three-guard lineup. Hunter was an Associated Press first-team all-state pick a year ago. The tallest starters are 5-7 Maggie Schultz and improving 5-8 center Emily Myler.
To compensate for lack of size, the Snowbirds like to press and run – and then run some more.
“We like to get out in transition, push the tempo,” Schultz said. “Our kids are in good shape. We can get up and down the floor. Plus, we can defend.”
Those are the hallmarks of this team, which is outscoring the opposition by an average of 32 points (61-29). Only two teams, Rudyard and Cedarville, scored more than 50 points, and St. Mary won those two Regional games by 22 and 10 points, respectively.
The Snowbirds played a schedule that included Class B Clare (13-9), Class C Lake City (15-7) and Traverse City St. Francis (17-4) and Class D Bellaire (21-3), Rogers City (18-5) and Cedarville (20-4), which handed Hillman its lone regular-season loss.
After the loss to Clare – “We’d like to have that one back,” Schultz said – the Snowbirds met all challenges.
“We came together as a team around January,” Hunter said. ”Everyone focused on finding their role and realizing what that role was, no matter how big or small.”
By January, the Snowbirds were locked in. St. Mary beat Bellaire, also a Class D quarterfinalist, twice to capture the Ski Valley Conference title.
Bellaire, whose only other loss was to Class B Kalkaska, edged Rogers City in double overtime to claim last week’s Regional. The Snowbirds, meanwhile, defeated Rogers City by 35 in early January to start an impressive five-week run that also included wins over Bellaire (41-39 and 38-32), Lake City (60-35) and St. Francis (41-29). St. Francis, which played in the Class C Final two years ago, won the Lake Michigan Conference this winter.
That five-week window opened some eyes.
“We started to believe we might have something in January,” Schultz said. “But when we went to St. Francis, which is a perennially strong program, and held them to 29 points, well, we walked out of that gym with a little swag that night. I think the girls felt if we can play like this we can play with anyone in Class D.”
Schultz said he can go nine deep in his rotation – juniors Megan Loffer and Emma Jo Cherwinski are usually the first two off the bench – but it’s Hunter and Bebble who set the tone.
Hunter is averaging 13.7 points, 5.4 assists and 3.5 steals a game. She’s shooting 51 percent on two-pointers, 44 percent on three-pointers.
“She’s a great shooter, a pure shooter,” Schultz said. “You give her an open shot and she’s as automatic as any girl.
“She’s a hard worker, too, a disciplined kid.”
Her infectious upbeat attitude rubs off on her teammates.
“Alex is awesome to play with,” Bebble added. “She’s been one of the most committed (players) all the way through school. She’s makes the rest of the team better.”
Hunter’s scoring average is down from a year ago, but that’s more by design as St. Mary has spread the points around.
“I had a super strong season last year, but I realized what this team needs from me isn’t always scoring 20 points a game,” Hunter said. “I’m not scoring as much, but I definitely feel I’ve (contributed more) in other ways to help the team. It’s whatever the team needs each game, whether it be assists, defense, drawing defenders to the corner (to open up the offense).”
Hunter is fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,260 points. She was fourth in the state a year ago in three-point shooting (46 percent) and is 16th all-time statewide in assists (493) and 35th in steals (375). She’s only missed one game in four years.
Bebble’s scoring average is up as she’s elevated her game. The four-year varsity veteran is averaging 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.6 assists. She scored a career-high 26 points in the Regional Final.
“Averi’s a unique talent,” Schultz said. “She’s not a pure shooter like Alex, but she is so quick. She can be a nightmare (for opponents).”
Schultz put the ball in Bebble’s hands against Cedarville, utilizing clear-outs to take advantage of her quickness in space. Hunter added 14 in the win.
Bebble also stars on the defensive end.
“She can lock down on defense,” Schultz said. “She’s the definition of a pestering defender. You can’t get rid of her.”
Bebble and Hunter have been playing basketball together since second grade.
“She’s stepped up and had an awesome year,” Hunter said. “It’s all come together for her. She’s super quick, pushes the ball, gets to the rim on anyone – and plays defense on anyone.”
The two play off each other, too.
“I know where Alex is going to be on the court, and she knows where I’m going to be,” Bebble said. “It’s easy between us. We’re always in sync with each other.”
Bebble’s sister, Jada, was on the Quarterfinal teams when Averi was the water girl. Her cousin, Kari Borowiak, was the star player then. Borowiak is now an NAIA All-American at Concordia – she was the only NAIA player to average 20 points and 5.5 assists this season – and she still follows the Snowbirds. Borowiak quickly retweeted a Gaylord Herald Times tweet about Bebble’s efforts against Cedarville.
It’s been quite a first year for Schultz, who formerly coached the junior varsity and was an assistant to Dan Smith the last two seasons. Schultz also coaches the school’s volleyball and softball varsity teams.
“I know these girls,” he said. “This group makes it easy. A lot of people could have come in this year and looked good coaching because this team gets it. I make some adjustments, motivate, and chew on them a little when they need it, but for the most part they make the adjustments that most coaches have to make. They understand and that’s because they’ve played so much basketball, including travel ball. They can auto-correct really well.”
Myler’s developing presence inside, and her ability to guard bigger opponents, has helped alleviate a concern there.
“We’re not a super tall team, but we have posts who work hard,” Hunter said. “Heart over height.”
That will be put to the test Tuesday against a talented and taller Chassell squad that won its first Regional in school history by overcoming a 14-point deficit to beat Bark River-Harris in overtime.
“Chassell’s a great team,” Hunter said. “Anyone left at this point is tough competition. We’re excited for the chance.”
Schultz agreed.
“They’re big, and they’re good,” he said of the Panthers. “We don’t want to allow it to become a half-court game.
“This time of year you have to play well, and you have to have a little luck.”
Who will have that combination Tuesday?
Dennis Chase worked 32 years as a sportswriter at the Traverse City Record-Eagle, including as sports editor from 2000-14. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Iosco, Alcona, Oscoda, Crawford, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) Gaylord St. Mary’s Averi Bebble drives to the hoop during Thursday’s District Final win over Cedarville. (Middle) The Snowbirds’ Alex Hunter finds an opening to the lane during the 61-51 win. (Photos courtesy of the Gaylord Herald Times.)
Breslin Bound: 2022-23 Girls Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 14, 2023
By the end of tonight, we’ll know which 16 girls basketball teams are Breslin Bound this weekend.
Below is a glance at all 16 Quarterfinals across four divisions, with all games tipping off today at 7 p.m. unless noted.
We’ll come back Thursday with more detailed looks at the teams making the trip to East Lansing.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid.
Division 1
Salem (20-6) vs. Riverview (23-3) at Ypsilanti Lincoln
Riverview is playing in its first Quarterfinal, and Salem its first since 1990. The Rocks are paced by junior Madison Morson (22.4 points, 7.6 rebounds per game). Seniors Elyssa Kincaid (16.8 ppg) and Cadence Kaminske (14.7 ppg) lead Riverview, which won both of its Regional games by a point.
Flint Carman-Ainsworth (23-0) vs. West Bloomfield (24-2) at Bay City Central
The Cavaliers bring a perfect record and five players averaging double-digit scoring into this meeting with the reigning Division 1 champion. Senior Armonie Smith and junior Ravyn Guy lead at 15 ppg, and senior DeAndrea’ Smith provides 12.6 points, 12 rebounds and five assists per contest. West Bloomfield has three starters back from its title-winning lineup – junior twins Summer Davis (19.1 ppg, 74 3-pointers) and Indya Davis (15.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and senior Sydney Hendrix (10.6 ppg).
Detroit Renaissance (22-1) vs. Grosse Pointe North (23-2) at University of Detroit Mercy
The Phoenix are a one-point overtime loss to Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard from perfection this winter and defeated Farmington Hills Mercy (22-4) to reach this week. North’s only losses were to Lake Fenton and Utica Eisenhower, the latter by a point. Three players average double-digit scoring for the Norsemen, led by senior Annabel Ayrault at 14 ppg. Junior Christian Sanders (14.1 ppg) leads four Renaissance players averaging at least 11 points per contest.
Rockford (25-1) vs. Holt (22-4) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
The Rams were a three-point Semifinal loss to West Bloomfield from playing for last year’s Division 1 title, and their only loss this time was to still-undefeated Grand Rapids West Catholic. Sophomore Anna Wypych (14.2 ppg) is the leading scorer for a team that’s connected on 231 3-pointers. Holt is coached by Tori Brooks, who made the Finals as a player with DeWitt in 2009 and East Lansing in 2008, and the Rams are keyed by senior Janae Tyler (18.1 ppg, 12.2 rpg).
Division 2
Houghton (21-5) vs. Frankenmuth (23-2) at Gaylord, 5 p.m.
The Gremlins have defeated league champions two of their last three games to reach this week and feature for senior starters including leading scorer Meghan Trewhella (16.1 ppg). Frankenmuth earned its second-straight Regional title and has won 11 straight games, with 6-foot-1 Lexi Boyke (13 ppg, 8.5 rpg) the lone senior in the Eagles’ starting lineup.
Warren Regina (10-12) vs. Goodrich (23-3) at University of Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
Regina is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 2011 after handing Warren Fitzgerald its lone loss 52-19 in the Regional Final. Junior Maddy Mlynarek (6.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg) is the leading scorer and rebounder for a balanced lineup. Goodrich built on its one-point win over rival Lake Fenton in the District Final with a triple-overtime victory over Detroit Country Day in the Regional championship game. Senior Riley Place leads at 13.2 ppg.
Grand Rapids West Catholic (25-0) vs. Holland Christian (19-7) at Hopkins
Last season’s Division 2 runner-up West Catholic hasn’t lost since, led by senior Miss Basketball Award finalist Cadence Dykstra (13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.0 apg). The Falcons defeated Holland Christian by 17 and 32 during the regular season. The Maroons won their first Regional title since 2009, and sophomore Camryn VandenBosch (11.5 ppg) leads four starters averaging at least six points per game.
Lansing Catholic (21-5) vs. Redford Westfield Prep (16-8) at Chelsea
Both of these teams have earned stunning victories this postseason, Westfield over reigning Division 2 champion Detroit Edison 57-54 in the Regional Final and Lansing Catholic handing second and final losses to Haslett in the District and Chelsea in the Regional. Senior guard Shamya Reid is Westfield’s leading scorer at 15.5 ppg, while junior twins Anna and Leah Richards pace the Cougars at 12.2 and 10.3 ppg, respectively.
Division 3
Sandusky (23-3) vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley (20-6) at West Bloomfield
Sandusky earned its first Regional championship since 1999, avenging an overtime regular-season loss to Cass City to advance. Senior Morgan Taege averages 12.6 ppg with 50 3-pointers. Bishop Foley has won three straight Regional championships and this time is led by junior Ryan Moorer (11.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and four seniors filling out the rest of the starting lineup.
Blissfield (25-1) vs. Ovid-Elsie (22-4) at Springport
The Royals defeated reigning Division 3 champion Ypsilanti Arbor Prep 50-38 in a Regional Final to return to the season’s final week. Five players average between 5.9 and 11 ppg, with junior Avery Collins that leading scorer and also pace-setter with 4.5 assists and four steals per contest. Ovid-Elsie won its first Regional title since 1984 and starts four juniors including Ava Bates, who leads at 12.6 points, 5.7 rpg and 1.4 blocks per game.
Elk Rapids (21-3) vs. Hemlock (23-3) at Gaylord
Elk Rapids will play in its first Quarterfinal since 1993, with wins over Harbor Springs and Negaunee highlighting the Elks’ tournament path. Junior Kendall Standfest has been a force averaging 16.7 ppg and 11.2 rpg. Hemlock has won 14 straight and follows a pair of big-time shooters in seniors Regan Finkbeiner (17.1 ppg, 60 3-pointers) and Chloe Watson (14.1 ppg, 71 3-pointers).
Hart (23-3) vs. Buchanan (23-1) at Bangor
Hart avenged a regular-season loss to 2022 Division 3 runner-up Kent City to win its first Regional championship, with leading scorers Abby Hicks (14.5 ppg) and Addi Hovey (16.4 ppg) surrounded by three seniors in the starting lineup. Buchanan’s first Quarterfinal trip since 2001 has been paced by 6-4 Miss Basketball finalist Faith Carson at 20.4 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. The Bucks have won 23 straight since falling to Vicksburg in their season opener.
Division 4
Baraga (21-5) vs. Mackinaw City (25-1)
Baraga is back after making the Division 4 Semifinals last season, in part thanks to avenging regular-season losses to Lake Linden-Hubbell and Ewen-Trout Creek during the playoffs. Corina Jahfetson is among the standouts again, this time with a team-leading 18 ppg and 90 3-pointers. Mackinaw City broke through with its first Regional title, with seniors Madison Smith (16.1 ppg, 10 rpg) and Marlie Pastula (15.8) leading four players averaging double-digit scoring.
Fowler (19-7) vs. Kingston (25-1)
The Eagles have won the last two Division 4 championships and prepped this time with another strong schedule; their only Division 4 loss was to Portland St. Patrick and was avenged twice. Senior Emma Riley has plenty of Breslin experience and leads at 15.1 ppg. Kingston’s lone loss came to Division 2 Saginaw Swan Valley, and nine of the team’s last 10 wins were over opponents with winning records. Junior Delaney St. George paces the Cardinals at 15.8 ppg with 91 3-pointers.
Maple City Glen Lake (23-2) vs. St. Charles (24-2)
Glen Lake won its third-straight Regional title but this time in Division 4 after advancing in Division 3 the last two seasons. Senior guard Ruby Hogan (19.1 ppg, 5.2 apg) will direct the offense as the Lakers attempt to reach the Semifinals for the second-straight March. St. Charles was another first-time Regional champion last week and is keyed by a balanced lineup with three starters averaging between 9-10 ppg, led by Emily Zelinko at 9.8.
Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep (18-8) vs. Adrian Lenawee Christian (17-10)
Hackett made its first Quarterfinal with a 35-29 victory over 21-win Colon in the Regional Final. Junior Alyse Baughman (13.6 ppg) is the leading scorer for a lineup with only one senior starter. Lenawee Christian is making a return trip to the Quarterfinals, following another distance-shooting ace in senior Avery Sluss (14.1 ppg, 56 3-pointers).
MHSAA.com's weekly “Breslin Bound” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTOS (Top) Carman-Ainsworth’s Armoni Strozier (15) gets a hand on a shot during a District win over Flushing. (Middle) Kalen Williams (3) gets a shot up for Goodrich against Davison earlier this season. (Photos by Terry Lyons.)