Anthony Gallagher

Trent Lashuay

Dallas O’Green

Tristan Serbus

Kevin Koenig

Kanen Storr

Ian Parker

Dylan Steward

Cash Thompson

Kolin Leyrer

David Dumond

Clayton Higelmire

Brad Wilton

Austin O’Hearon

Cole Janes

Meet the Lansing State Journal 2015-16 Dream Team, all-area teams

LSJ WRESTLING DREAM TEAM, ALL-AREA TEAMS

Wrestler of the year—Ian Parker (St. Johns sr., 140): 53-2 record, Division 2 state champion, regional champion, district champion

Coach of the year—Steve Delaney (Grand Ledge): Led the Comets to a CAAC Blue title as well as the Division 1 state quarterfinals

DREAM TEAM

103—Anthony Gallagher (Perry jr.): 46-1 record, Division 3 state champion, regional champion, district champion

112—Cole Janes (Grand Ledge jr.): 50-6 record, 7th Division 1 state, regional champion, district champion

119—Tristan Serbus (Corunna sr.): 60-5 record, 3rd Division 3 state, 2nd regional, 2nd district

125—Austin O’Hearon (Eaton Rapids so.): 48-11 record, 7th Division 2 state, 3rd regional, district champion

130—Dallas O’Green (Carson City-Crystal sr.): 63-0 record, Division 4 state champion, regional champion, district champion

135—Trent Lashuay (St. Johns jr.): 47-12 record, 2nd Division 2 state, regional champion, district champion

140—Dylan Steward (Grand Ledge sr.): 51-5 record, 4th Division 1 state, regional champion, district champion

145—Kanen Storr (Leslie sr.): 62-0 record, Division 3 state champion, regional champion, district champion

152—Kolin Leyrer (Holt jr.): 46-7 record, 4th Division 1 state, regional champion, district champion

160—David Dumond (Corunna jr.): 50-9 record, 5th Division 3 state, regional champion, district champion

171—Cash Thompson (Lakewood jr.): 54-2 record, Division 3 state champion, regional champion, district champion

189—Brad Wilton (Mason jr.): 48-4 record, 2nd Division 2 state, regional champion, 2nd district

215—Clayton Higelmire (Eaton Rapids sr.): 45-8 record, 6th Division 2 state, regional champion, district champion

285—Kevin Koenig (Laingsburg sr.): 59-1 record, Division 4 state champion, regional champion, district champion

ALL-AREA

103

Brendan Zelenka (St. Johns so.): 37-8 record, Division 2 state qualifier, 2nd regional, district champion

Cole Jackson (Lakewood so.): 40-17 record, 8th Division 3 state, 3rd regional

Carlito Lilly (Laingsburg jr.): 45-13 record, state qualifier, 2nd regional, 2nd district

112

Cameron Mahlich (Ionia jr.): 47-6 record, 4th Division 2 state, 2nd regional, district champion

Anthony Mack (Dansville so.): 56-6 record, 3rd Division 4 state, regional champion, district champion

Emilio Sanchez (St. Johns jr.): 39-15 record, Division 2 state qualifier, 3rd regional

119

Aries McFadden (Holt jr.): 33-16 record, Division 1 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 2nd district

Quenten Hall (DeWitt fr.): 45-11 record, Division 2 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 2nd district

Taylor Barkley (Carson City-Crystal sr.): 44-12 record, 7th Division 4 state, regional champion, district champion

125

Jack Snauko (Grand Ledge jr.): 43-9 record, Division 1 state qualifier, 4th regional

Alex Rosas (Alma so.): 48-12 record, Division 3 state qualifier, 4th regional, 2nd district

Ayinde Pulliam (Eastern sr.): 39-8 record, Division 2 regional qualifier, 2nd district

130

David Leija (Waverly sr.): 48-12 record, 6th Division 2 state, regional champion, 2nd district

Dominic Gardner (Portland sr.): 44-17 record, 4th Division 3 state, 2nd regional, district champion

Chris Fauson (Charlotte so.): 36-11 record, 5th Division 2 state, 4th regional, district champion

135

Clay Ragon (Dansville sr.): 54-6 record, 2nd Division 4 state, regional champion, district champion

JD Greathouse (Mason jr.): 34-11 record, 5th Division 2 state, 4th regional, 3rd district

Rolando Figueroa (Eastern so.): 21-17 record, Division 2 regional qualifier, 4th district

140

Dresden Simon (Dansville sr.): 56-1 record, Division 4 state champion, regional champion, district champion

Sam York (DeWitt so.): 43-10 record,  Division 2 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 3rd district

Owen Gaffney (Webberville sr.): 32-10 record, 8th Division 4 state, 2nd regional, 2nd district

145

Austin Melton (DeWitt sr.): 59-1 record, Division 2 state champion, regional champion, district champion

Kyle Roberts (Fowlerville sr.): 52-8 record, 7th Division 2 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 2nd district

Lane Allen (Lakewood so.): 48-8 record, 4th Division 3 state, 2nd regional, district champion

152

Lane McVicker (Eaton Rapids sr.): 48-6 record, 4th Division 2 state, regional champion, 2nd district

Malcym Carrol (East Lansing sr.): 29-10 record, Division 1 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 2nd district

Bret Fedewa (St. Johns jr.): 56-8 record, 5th Division 2 state, 2nd regional, district champion

160

Lucas McFarland (St. Johns jr.): 38-10 record, Division 2 state qualifier, regional champion, district champion

Austen Hutchinson (Eaton Rapids sr.): 46-10 record, Division 2 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 2nd district

Isiah Williams (Everett sr.): 37-14 record, Division 1 state qualifier, 4th regional, 3rd district

171

Gabe Larner (DeWitt jr.): 49-11 record, 5th Division 2 state, 3rd regional, 2nd district

Ethan Korb (Dansville sr.): 44-15 record, 6th Division 4 state, 4th regional, 2nd district

Taylor Jackson (Corunna jr.): 21-12 record, Division 3 state qualifier, 2nd regional, 2nd district

189

Trevor Piggot (Ionia jr.): 49-8 record, 8th Division 2 state, 2nd regional, district champion

Nevin Brittain (Haslett jr.): 40-13 record, Division 2 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 3rd district

Zachary Morris (Ovid-Elsie so.): 38-7 record, 7th Division 3 state, 2nd regional, district champion

215

Mike Gramza (Perry sr.): 37-8 record, 5th Division 2 state, regional champion, district champion

Mike Demello (Charlotte sr.): 21-11 record, Division 2 state qualifier, 4th regional,  2nd district

Luke Tromp (Lakewood jr.): 37-17 record, Division 3 state qualifier, 3rd regional, 4th district

285

Jake Gnegy (St. Johns sr.): 52-5 record, 3rd Division 2 state, regional champion, district champion

Sam Benson (Mason sr.): 39-7 record, 2nd Division 2 state, 2nd regional, 2nd district

Matt Lloyd (Grand Ledge sr.): 29-7 record, 7th Division 1 state, regional champion, district champion

Maddox Maki (Williamston sr.): 48-6 record, 2nd Division 3 state, 2nd regional, 2nd district

ALL-AREA COACHES

DIVISION 1: Rocky Shaft (Holt)

DIVISION 2: Derek Phillips (St. Johns)

DIVISION 3: Todd Stern (Leslie)

DIVISION 4: Mike Farrier (Dansville)

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Grand Ledge wrestling coach Steve Delaney

GRAND LEDGE – Steve Delaney vividly remembers what it was like to be at the top at an individual level.

In 1996, at Grand Ledge High School, he became the program’s first Division 1 individual wrestling champion since 1972 – a milestone he still cherishes to this day.

But the experience doesn’t compare to what he did at Olivet College  –  a program then stacked with transfers from the University of Michigan and Michigan State, including Delaney, who wrestled at MSU before transferring to the Division III school. It was there that he learned about being a part of successful team.

And in his ninth season as the head coach of his alma mater’s wrestling program, he was able to help bring that feeling back home.

Delaney led the Comets to their first Division 1 regional title and state tournament appearance in 11 years. He’s been named the State Journal wrestling coach of the year.

“Every Division III tournament we (Olivet) walked into, we just crushed. …That was an awesome feeling,” Delaney said. “Being an individual state champion was awesome, and that was one of the best feelings, but I remember how awesome it was to be on a really good team.

“And I always tell my guys this story. I wanted them to have that feeling, and not only be a good individual, but have a good team. The team stuff is a lot of fun.”

Grand Ledge, which won its conference title for the second straight year, qualified for the state tournament this year by topping CAAC Blue rival Holt, 48-15, for the regional title. Coming into the season, Delaney felt he had a team that could do something special, as four state qualifiers from last year’s team were returning.

It was those upperclassmen – Dylan Steward, Matt Lloyd, Cole Janes and Jack Snauko – who helped Delaney get the best out of the newcomers and enjoy this season more than any other.

“Every year, coaches are determined to push the kids as hard as they can, but to see captains and upperclassmen also determined to push the team where it needs to be is a pretty special thing to watch,” said Delaney, whose team fell to state runners-up Davison, 37-18, in the quarterfinals. “If you watched our practices, every single practice was at a higher level than I have ever been a part of. It wasn’t because I’m screaming and yelling at them, it was because these kids were motivated.

“They set the precedent for the next few years to come – this is how practices are run in the room, these are the expectations, this is the bar. It was pretty fun to watch.”

Not only does Delaney feel this year’s group set the tone for year’s to come, it did exactly what he has set out to do: show the importance of a team. He added that having success at a team level will propel those who aren’t necessarily getting individual accolades.

“Where it’s going to show is with the guys that aren’t state champs or all-state. It showed being on a team matters,” he said. “If you’re one of 14 guys, this year proved that every single guys matters – you have a part when you go out there.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Ian Parker, left, of St. Johns pulls Brayden McNamara of Eaton Rapids to th mat during their 140lb. match in their Division 2 Regional final Wednesday February 17, 2016 in Mason. Parker is the Lansing State Journal wrestler of the year.

ST. JOHNS – Ian Parker didn’t need outside motivation this season.

Growing up in the St. Johns wrestling program, the senior has always understood the high standards the Division 2 powerhouse has held over the years.

But for Parker, this year was about pushing himself. And after winning his first individual state championship as a junior at 125 pounds, the 140-pound Iowa State commit manhandled his way back to the top and became the 45th state champion in school history.

“My freshman and sophomore years I felt the pressure the most (to thrive at St. Johns), because I was young on a team full of seniors and juniors – everyone else is pretty much better than you,” said Parker, the State Journal wrestler of the year. “Now, my senior year, I felt like some of that pressure was off. I put pressure on myself to win.”

Parker capped his high school career with a 53-2 record and picked up both regional and district titles on his way to the state tournament. This year, Parker said he set out to challenge himself by finding the toughest competition. Not only to better prepare himself for the next level, but to make the sport “more fun.”

Ian Parker

“Sometimes you see guys who are just way above the high school competition level, and I feel they get worse their senior year because they’re not wrestling guys as good as them,” Parker said. “I was really trying to find the highest level of competition that I could.”

Considered the state’s top-ranked wrestler in his weight class, Parker also helped the Redwings get back to the team state finals after missing out last season. St. Johns, which has won four Division 2 state titles since 2010, finished second this season after losing to Lowell, 37-22.

Despite having championship dreams at the beginning of the year, Parker said his team’s success surprised him because of the “roller coaster” season his team endured.

“At the beginning of the year, with our lineup, I thought we could make a great run for a state championship,” he added. “Then some guys fell off – whether it was getting in trouble, getting injured or whatever it was. We had Derek Droste get a concussion in the middle of the year, and that was pretty heartbreaking to be honest because he was looking to have a great (senior) year.

“Right before districts, we had a guy with ringworm and I didn’t think we were going to win. Then Droste got cleared that day. It was a roller coaster of emotions. We barely won districts, we barely won regionals. …We did extremely well at the state tournament.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Haslett coach Bob Currier talks to his players during a timeout against Detroit Country Day in the MHSAA Class B championship game Saturday, March 21, 2015, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich. Haslett fell 49-41. Currier announced his resignation last week to school officials.

HASLETT – A year removed from leading the Haslett girls basketball team to its first state championship game in school history, head coach Bob Currier informed school officials Friday that he would be resigning from his position.

The seventh-year coach led the charge last year as the No. 8-ranked Vikings fell short in the Class B state title game to No. 6-ranked Detroit Country Day. He’s led Haslett to at least a share of the CAAC Red conference championship the past three seasons.

Currier, who has a dental practice, will be retiring at the end of the year and moving to Florida.

“I couldn’t have enjoyed the girls and Haslett more,” Currier said.

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Sydni Greenhoe of Portland lines up a forehand during her #3 singles finals match with Grace Mohr of Lansing Catholic last season. Greenhoe is one of several returning starters for the Raiders in 2016.

Note:-S–singles, D–doubles, sr.–senior, jr.–junior, so.–sophomore, fr.–freshman

CAAC BLUE

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Okemos, 2. Holt, 3. East Lansing, 4. Grand Ledge, 5. Jackson, 6. Eastern, 7. Everett, 8. Sexton

Top players: Caroline Baidoon (East Lansing), Isabella Ndlebe (East Lansing), Alisa Sabotic (Okemos), Monika Francsics (Okemos), Rylie Gilman (Holt), Kylie Kaser (Holt)

EASTERN

No information submitted.

EAST LANSING

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Cosette Buckberry (3rd season)

Top returning players: Caroline Baidoon (sr. S), Isabella Ndlebe (sr. S), Amna Ahmad (sr. D), Eliana Kaplowitz (sr. D), Stephanie Vanis (sr. D), Valery Gomez (sr. D)

Other contributors: Emily Hoban (sr.), Celeste Rubino (jr.), Celina Stevens (jr.), Hannah Jones (jr.), Cameron Simmons (jr.)

Outlook: After losing just two seniors from last year’s team, the Trojans return an experienced group of players. Baidoon, Ndlebe and Ahmad are four-year players. Buckberry believes Hoban, a senior, will add to East Lansing’s depth as well.

EVERETT

Coach: Judy Kramer (4th season)

Top returning players: Alivia Pulido (sr. S), Brianna Monroe (jr. D), Sabrina Wallace (sr. D), Arlexeia Bernard (sr. D), Jaelyn McClain (jr. S)

Other contributors: Sadie Austin (so. S), Zarla Cannon (jr. D), Vivian Ho (so. D), Kenna Yoder (so. D), Alex Williams (jr. S)

Outlook: The Vikings lost eight players to graduation, but Kramer said she returns “several seasons upperclassmen who are emerging as leaders.” Wallace is a four-year varsity player and Pulido, Monroe and Bernard are three-year performers. Kramer added that her team developed over the off-season and are “enjoying the results of these efforts.”

GRAND LEDGE

Last year: 4th

Coach: Mike Richey (11th season)

Top returning players: Kiara Berry (sr. S), Sarah Heriford (sr. S/D), Berni Garibay (sr. S/D), Abbey Feenstra, Jenna Conn (sr. S/D), Maddie Orwat (sr. S/D), Jenna Riekse (sr. S/D), Katie Ransom (jr. S/D)

Other contributors: Lauryn Moran (jr. S/D)

Outlook: The Comets have several new faces for Richey’s 11th season at the helm. He hopes Grand Ledge can continue to be competitive against some of the conference’s top programs.

HOLT

Last year: 2nd

Coach: Russ Olcheske (2nd season)

Top returning players: Abby Daman (sr. S), Olivia Martin (jr. S), Ryan Taber (sr. S), Madison David (jr. D), Kylie Kayser (sr. D), Amanda Perry (jr. D), Destinee Anderson (jr. D), Evan Taber (so. D), Sam Britting (sr. D)

Other contributors: Rylie Gilman (fr. S), Christina Abel (so. D)

Outlook: Olcheske gets eight players back from last year’s team that finished second in the conference. However, the addition of freshman Rylie Gilman, who will be the No. 1 singles for the Rams, could help Holt put up strong outings in the postseason. Olcheske said his girls “want to take their game to the next level as individuals and as a team.”

OKEMOS

Last year: 1st

Coach: Lisa Semerly (3rd season)

Top returning players: Monika Francsics (jr. S), Kylie Wilkinson (sr.), Anushka Murthy (so. S), Natasha Chinoy (jr. D)

Other contributors: Alisa Sabotic (so. S), Sema Colac (fr.)

Outlook:  The Chiefs return a handful of strong players a year after going unbeaten in the regular season. Sabotic, a sophomore, will be the team’s No. 1 singles competitor, and Francsics and Wilkinson were state finalists last year. Semerly said her team hopes to finish atop the CAAC Blue and finish in the top 5 at states.

SEXTON

No information submitted.

CAAC RED

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Mason, 2. Haslett, 3. DeWitt, 4. St. Johns, 5. Owosso, 6. Waverly

Top players: Olivia Hanover (Mason), Hannah Vogelsang (Haslett), Sam Perkins (Mason), Gigi Padalec (Mason)

DEWITT

Coach: David Richter

Top returning players: Meri Kolemainen (so. S), Kara Johnson (so. S), Cecilia Hunter (sr. S)

Other contributors: Abby Seeger (jr. S), Kaylin Gray (jr. D), Alexa Cowgil (so. D)

Outlook: The Panthers have youth, but return key pieces in Kolemainen, Johnson and Hunter. DeWitt is favored to finish in the top 3 of the CAAC Red.

HASLETT

Last year: 1st

Coaches: Henry Brunnschweiler and Samantha Brunnschweiler (15th season)

Top returning players: Hannah Vogelsang (sr. S), Claire Cowan (sr. S), Anuva Suresh (so. S), Sophia Vogelsang (so. D), Anjani Raja (so. D)

Other contributors: Alley Trosko (jr. S), Allie Choi (sr. D), McKenna Bartley (so. D), Lauren Hill (so. D), Mia Salvador (sr. D), Shyan Goodrich (sr. D)

Outlook: Fresh off a league and Division 3 regional title, the Vikings will look to some newcomers to help replace seven starters from last year’s team. Hannah Vogelsang leads the pack for Haslett, and underclassmen Sophia Vogelsang, Suresh and Raja are expected to help step up to fill the voids.

MASON

Last year: 2nd

Coach: Jim D’Angelo (11th season)

Top returning players: Olivia Hanover (jr. S), Samantha Perkins (sr. S), Claire LaFleur (jr. S), Mallory Matthews (so. S)

Outlook: The Bulldogs lost nine players, and eight seniors, from last year’s team, but return one of the area’s best in Hanover, who was all-state last season. Mason has nine first-year varsity players, and D’Angelo said his team will have “a ton of work” to reach its goals.

OWOSSO

Last year: 6th

Coach: Carrie Rugenstein (8th season)

Top returning players: Madison Glardon (sr. S), Hannah Marcotte (sr. S), Brooke Edington (so. S), Lily Meyer (jr. S)

Other contributors: Daniele Gregoricka (so. D), Lindsay Woodworth (so. D)

Outlook: The Trojans bring back an all-league performer in Marcotte in hopes of improving from last year’s sixth-place league finish. Glardon is a three-year varsity performer. Rugenstein believes newcomers Gregoricka and Woodworth have the ability to help reach the team goal of a top-3 finish in the league.

ST. JOHNS

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Karl Hanover (7th season)

Top returning players: Megan George (sr. D), Brooke Mazzolini (sr. D), Jessica Hafner (sr. D), Amanda Yount (sr. S), Richelle Childers (sr. D)

Other contributors: Tory Hill (so.), McKenna Thelen (so.), Dani Brewbaker (so.)

Outlook: Hanover said the Redwings will need to thrive at the bottom flights in order to compete in a tough CAAC Red conference. St. Johns will return five all-league performers from last year’s third-place team.

WAVERLY

No information submitted.

CAAC WHITE

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Lansing Catholic, 2. Portland, 3. Williamston, 4. Fowlerville, 5. Ionia, 6. Eaton Rapids

Top players: Monica Davis (Lansing Catholic), Sydni Greenhoe (Portland), Michelle Dorshimer (Portland), Sydney Ellsworth (Williamston), Maia Guenther (WIlliamston)

EATON RAPIDS

Last year: 5th

Coach: Ryan Anderson (10th season)

Top returning players: Gabby Jones (sr. S), Marissa Cole  (sr. S), Katelynn Jackson (sr. D), Amanda Hartwig (sr. D), Anita Haddad (jr. D), Melissa Copeland (jr. D)

Other contributors: Emily Newborn (so. S), Katrina Kesson (so. S), Kersten Henderson (jr. D), Maddy Campbell (jr. D)

Outlook: The Greyhounds return six multi-year varsity players including Jones, who is in her second season at No. 1 singles. Eaton Rapids will rely on a pair of sophomores in Newborn and Kesson in the singles flight as well.

FOWLERVILLE

Last year: 4th place

Coach: Jim Jonas (5th season)

Top returning players: Emily Tersigni (jr. S), Ashley Towe (sr. S), Julia Wykes (sr. D), Alyssa Bennett (jr. D), Becca Chaote (jr. D)

Other contributors: Lucy Gonzalez (so. S), Brii Haack (sr. D)

Outlook: The Gladiators graduated seven seniors from last season’s team, but return a strong crop of juniors. Fowlerville also gets back seniors singles competitor Towe, who missed last season with an injury. Jonas said his team’s goal is to finish in the top 4 of the league.

IONIA

No information submitted.

LANSING CATHOLIC

Coach: Jimmy Joyce (4th season)

Top returning players: Monica Davis (sr. S), Grace Mohr (sr. S), Jaclyn Walling (so. S)

Other contributors: Clare Werner, Emma Saxton, Meg Crowley, Alex Adamo, Lexi Bullock

Outlook: Davis and Mohr head a Lansing Catholic team that is predicted by coaches to finish near the top of the CAAC White conference. The Cougars are looking to get back to the league’s pinnacle after winning in 2014.

PORTLAND

Last year: 1st

Coach: Jim Niebling (19th season)

Top returning players: Sydni Greenhoe (sr. S), Michelle Dorshimer (jr. D), Brooke Butterfield (jr. D), Morgan Wittkopp (jr. D), Madison Brennen (sr. D), Goering Leah (sr. S), Hayley Feldpausch (sr. D), Hannah McNaughton (jr. D)

Outlook: Niebling and Portland return seven players who were regional champions in 2015. Greenhoe was a state finalist at No. 4 singles last year and, along with Wittkopp, who was a state semifinalist last season, is one of the Raiders’ captains. Niebling believes his team’s depth will allow them to potentially return to the league’s top spot.

WILLIAMSTON

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Nathaniel Schwarzbek (2nd season)

Top returning players: Sydney Ellsworth (jr. S), Maia Guenther (jr. D), Emily Pell (sr. D), Julianne Schrote (sr. S)

Other contributors: Maddie Ganton (so. D), Halle Wisbiski (jr. D), Morgan Nolan (jr. D), Christie Carson (jr. D)

Outlook: The Hornets lose seven seniors from last year’s team and two-time Division 3 state champion Sara Daavetilla, who is committed to the University of North Carolina. Schwarzbek said this season will be a “battle” due to the departures, but believes his team has the potential to compete.

OTHERS

LAKEWOOD

Coach: Martin Snoap (42nd season)

Top returning players: Ellie Haskin (sr. D), Issie Haskin (sr. D), Morgan Kenney (sr. D), Ashley Maag (sr. D), Allison Thelen (sr. D), Anna Zuver (sr. D)

Other contributors: Chloe Makley (fr. D), Megan Wakley (fr. D), Erica Potter (so. D), Kendra Stoepker (jr. S), Peyton Lowery (sr. S), Valory Altoft (jr. S), Mary Haskin (so. S)

Outlook: The Vikings return seven seniors, and nine total players, and expect to get a big boost from Lowery, who transferred from Portland. Ellie and Issie Haskin will look to lead Lakewood from the No. 1 doubles flight.

LANSING CHRISTIAN

Last year: 1st

Coach: Dick Winters (10th season)

Top returning players: Grace Haley (jr. S), Deborah Cordill (sr. S/D), Yido (Eden) Wen (sr. S/D), Claire Granger (sr. S/D), Debbie Sung (jr. S/D), Kaelin Royce (jr. S/D), Drew Schooley (jr. S/D), Jasmine Imes (jr. D), Maria Salow (so. D), Allison Woodland (jr. D)

Other contributors: Emily Partridge (jr. D), Laura Ganong (so. D), Ehmani Horton-Flowers (fr. D), Crystal James (fr. D), Melana Sharpe (so. D)

Outlook: The Pilgrims will return 10 players from last year’s team, but only seven have playing experience. Also, a handful of newcomers will look to help Lansing Christian compete once again in its conference. Hayley is the No. 1 singles competitor and is one of several returners who earned all-league honors last year.

LESLIE

Coach: Dean Baker (3rd season)

Top returning players: Danielle Hook (jr. S)

Other contributors: Jordan Hill (S), Raelyn Boylan (S), Kimberly Dricksna (S), Emily Smart (D), Lindsey Kincaid (D), Abi Tiffany (D), Jenny Davis (D)

Outlook: Hook leads a Blackhawks team that lost several seniors from last year’s team.

ITHACA

Coach: Becky Hartman (11th season)

Top returning players: Ali Brookens (sr. S)

Outlook: The Yellowjackets are an up-and-coming team, but Hartman believes Ithaca can have success at individual flights. She said this year will be a “learning season.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

DeWitt’s Brianna Bishop, center, and goalie Brooklyn Holley (1) defend against Richland Gull Lake’s Mickey Hostetler (3) and Maddie Fouts, left, during their state semifinal game last season, June 9, 2015, at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Mich. DeWitt fell 1-0. Bishop is one of three returning Division 2 all-state performers for the Panthers in 2016.

NOTE: F-forward, M-midfielder, D-defender, GK-goalkeeper

CAAC BLUE

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Okemos, 2. Grand Ledge, 3. East Lansing, 4. Holt, 5. Jackson, 6. Everett, 7. Eastern, 8. Sexton

Top players: Aubrey Hogan (East Lansing), Caroline Serkaian (Okemos), Anne Major (Okemos), Bria Telemaque (Okemos), Kailey Peterson (Okemos), Sophia Perrelli (East Lansing), Cassidy Pettinger (Grand Ledge)

EAST LANSING

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Jeff Lyon (5th season)

Top returning players: Aubrey Hogan (sr. M), Malan Norwood (sr. F), Sara Faverman (sr. M/F), Katelyn Meyer (sr. D), Sophia Perrelli (jr. F), Allie Bradley (jr. M), Patricia Haney (jr. D), Alyssa Klump (sr. D), Mikayla Bergwood (so. D), Kamryn Jenkins (so. F)

Other contributors: Madeline Chomentowski (sr. GK), Bella Ihrig (jr. M), Erin Caldwell (so. M), Veronica Marr (so. M)

Outlook: East Lansing returns 14 players from last season, which includes Norwood, who was injured last year, and hopes to get back Hogan, who was also injured, by mid-season. The Trojans relied on several underclassmen last season, and Lyon said if his team can step up defensively it has the forwards to be “dangerous” in the CAAC Blue.

EVERETT

Last year: 6th

Coach: Juan Dominguez (14th season)

Top returning players: Latasha Mack (jr. M), Taylor Arnold (jr. D), Viola Dagadu (sr. D), Tiara Rogers (so. M), Samantha Gifford (jr. GK), Aubrianna Bowman (jr. D), Timia Robinson (so. M/F), Mary Margaret Bradbury (sr. D)

Other contributors: Lexus Delapal (fr.), Angelica Bermudet (fr.)

Outlook: The Vikings return a core group that has a ton of playing experience. Dominguez believes his team can surprise some teams in the conference, and he added the team’s success will depend on the leadership on the field.

GRAND LEDGE

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Scott M. Dane (7th season)

Top returning players: Ayverie Giller (sr. GK), Maddy Trezise (sr. M), Maddie Summerfield (sr. M), Miranda Gale (jr. D), Natalia Chavez (jr. F), Allena Parker (jr. D), Sadie Pettinger (jr. D)

Other contributors: Cassidy Pettinger (fr. M)

Outlook: Dane said the Comets are inexperienced but have “many quality players.” Grand Ledge will return three of its four starting defenders and goalkeeper Giller is back for another year between the pipes.

HOLT

Last year: 1st

Coach: Aaron Smith (8th season)

Top returning players: Emily Bossie (sr. D), Jessica Cleary (sr. GK), Alexis Hayslette (sr. M), Emily Hulliberger (jr. F), Mackinzie Kuhn (sr. D), Cora Smith (jr. D), Elena Vazquez (so. F)

Other contributors: Elizabeth Ferguson (fr. M), Olivia Hornak (fr. D), Jentre Powell (fr. F), Erin Holt (so. M), Grace James (so. D)

Outlook: The Rams graduated 12 players that won two consecutive CAAC Blue titles, and Smith considers 2016 to be a “rebuilding year.” He also added Holt could play up to five freshmen. Vazquez, a sophomore, and Hulliberger, a junior, are the returning leading goal scorers from last year.

OKEMOS

Last year: 2nd

Coach: Darus Ward (2nd season)

Top returning players: Caroline Serkaian (sr. GK), Rachel Dersch (sr. M/D), Anne Major (jr. D/M/F), Nina McAlvey (sr. D/M), Hannah Hughes (jr. M), Skylar Westfall (jr. F), Kailey Peterson (sr. M), Lauren Southworth (so. M), Angelica Dallas (so. M.F)

Other contributors: Bria Telemaque (fr. M/F), Sara Lee (so. F), Veronica Gawarecski (so. D), Sophie Alegi (fr. M)

Outlook: The Chiefs are young but have high expectations, according to Ward. Serkaian, who is committed to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a three-year goalkeeper and Major is an all-league performer. Okemos will get help from freshman Telemaque, who is an Olympic Development Program national pool player. Ward said Sertkaian, Major and Peterson, who was injured last year, will be pivotal to the team’s success as it seeks a district title.

CAAC RED

Coaches’ predictions: 1. DeWitt, 2. St. Johns, 3. Mason, 4. Haslett, 5. Owosso, 6. Waverly

Top returning players: Danielle Stephan (DeWitt), Olivia Trombley (St. Johns), Kali Thompson (Mason), Mackenzie Dawes (DeWitt), Charley Campbell (Haslett), Brianna Bishop (DeWitt), Jessah McManus (DeWitt)

DEWITT

Last year: 2nd

Coach: Jamal Mubarakeh (20th season)

Top returning players:  Brooklyn Holly (jr, GK),  Brianna Bishop (sr. D),  Jessah McManus (jr. D), Madelyn Dickens (jr. D), Katherine Locher (jr. D), Allison Sims (sr. M), Erika Curley (sr. M), Danielle Stephen (jr. M), Mackenzie Dawes (jr. F), Taylor Bishop (so. F), Callee Fisher (sr. F)

Outlook: The Panthers get back three all-state performers, which includes Stephan, who was Division 2 first team all-state as a sophomore. Brianna Bishop was second team all-state and McManus was third team all-state. DeWitt is favored to win the CAAC Red in Mubarakeh’s 20th season as he returns a core group that reached the state semifinals last season.

HASLETT

Last year: t-2nd

Coach: David Littleton (1st season)

Top returning players: Charley Campbell (sr. F), Megan Mowid (sr. M), Anna Sharky (so. D), Abbey Bowman (sr. D), Lilly Campbell (so. D)

Other contributors: Katelyn Bonhaus (jr. F), Cami Harp (so. M), Catherine Surian (so. M)

Outlook: Campbell and Mowid are all-league performers returning for a Haslett team that lost a core group of seniors. Littleton said he’s looking to lead a “talented” group of underclassmen in his first season at the helm.

MASON

Last year: 1st

Coach: Christie Hursey (9th season)

Top returning players: Alex Halstead (jr. D), Caitlin Rebera (jr. M), Kali Thompson (sr. F), Marissa Pease (sr. D), Elaine Burleson (sr. M), Whitney Luks (sr. F), Kate McElhone (so. F)

Other contributors: Keara Bullen (so. D), Hannah Chrome (jr. M)

Outlook: After a deep run in the Division 2 postseason tournament last year, Mason brings back a handful of solid performers – despite losing a core group of seniors. Thompson heads a group of seven players that have earned all-league honors. The Bulldogs look to return to the league’s pinnacle after winning the title last year.

OWOSSO

Last season: 6th

Coach: Chris Bird (7th season)

Top returning players: Ellie Hood (jr. GK), Caitlin Bensinger (sr. D), Taylor Porter (jr. M), Anna Raffaelli (so. M)

Other contributors: Jennie Ramstad (sr. M)

Outlook: The Trojans look to revamp their squad in 2016 with a mix of veterans, newcomers and exchange students. Hood and Bensinger are Owosso’s captains and, according to Bird, the two upperclassmen will look to lead a “fresh” backline that holds both underclassmen and exchange students. Raffaelli earned league honors last season.

ST. JOHNS

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Kim Brewbaker (16th season)

Top returning players: Olivia Trombley (jr. M), Chelsie Smith (jr. F), Lexi McPherson (sr. D), Abbey Schuelke (jr. M), Kylie Steingreaber (jr. GK), Taylor Warnaar (so. D), Madi Schafer (sr. D), Sydney Padgett (jr. M), Sadie Wilson (jr. D)

Outlook: Trombley, who was Division 2 all-state honorable mention last year, heads a strong core of returning starters for the Redwings. Brewbaker, who could reach 200 career wins this year, believes defense is his team’s top asset as it looks to grab its first league title since 2005. Smith, McPherson and Schuelke were all-conference performers last year.

WAVERLY

Coach: Matt Hill (4th season)

Top returning players: Katy Menosky (sr. M/F), Cece Moreno (sr. M/F), Samantha Torres (jr. M), Mckenna Perez (so. M), Sarah Miller (sr. D)

Outlook: With his top goalie from last year gone to graduation, Hill said the Warriors will rely on their backline in 2016. He added that Waverly has a “very skilled” senior class and is looking to challenge opponents on the scoreboard.

CAAC WHITE

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Williamston, 2. Lansing Catholic, 3. Eaton Rapids, 4. Fowlerville, 5. Ionia, 6. Portland

Top returning players: Shannon Crilley (Lansing Catholic), Abigail Gilmore (Lansing Catholic), Leah Davis (Williamston), Grace Kraft (Williamston), Sarah Tuggle (Williamston)

EATON RAPIDS

Last year: 3rd

Coach: Jason Zeller (10th season)

Top returning players: Nitasha Cooper (sr. GK), Ann-Marie Wright (jr. M), Hope Hernandez (jr. F)

Other contributors: Erin Prieskorn (fr. M), Carmella McManus (so. D)

Outlook: Zeller said the Greyhounds “have more depth than we have had in a long time” and has a team that consists of four seniors, eight juniors, six sophomores and two freshmen. He added that his team could undergo growing pains early in the season with several new faces. Cooper, Wright and Hernandez all earned all-league honors last year.

FOWLERVILLE

Coach: Jill Thomas and Chris Forbush (10th season)

Top returning players: Rachel Clark (jr. M), Erin Vielbig (jr. GK), Ollie Updike (so. M), Alexis Lindig (jr. F)

Other contributors: Jackie Jarvis (fr.)

Outlook: The Gladiators return their leading goal scorer and assist leader in Clark, a junior, and Updike, a sophomore. Thomas and Forbush are looking to build consistency in Fowlerville and “grow” the program.

IONIA

Coach: Scott Sarka (10th season)

Top returning players: Sara Pullum (jr.), Skyler Randol (sr.), Brooke Kemp (sr.), Megan Graham (sr.), Alizah Blundell (sr.)

Outlook: Kemp, Blundell and Pullum are the captains for the Bulldogs in the 2016 season. Ionia is looking to build from last season and potentially finish in the top half of the CAAC White.

LANSING CATHOLIC

Last year: 2nd

Coach: William Pettit (4th season)

Top returning players: Shannon Crilley (sr. F), Katie Burns (sr. D), Abigail Gilmore (jr. M), Olivia Poupard (jr. M), Claire Smalley (jr. M), Keighen Morley (jr. M)

Other returning players: Caroline Keusch (fr. M/D), Isabelle Poupard (fr. F), Larisa Herdus (so. GK)

Outlook: Crilley, who was all-state honorable mention last season, and Burns, who was all-league, are the only seniors for the Cougars in 2016 and Pettit said his team “will be counting on them for leadership.” Gilmore will play a key role in the midfield for Lansing Catholic and Herdus, a second-year keeper, will be pivotal to the team’s success as well.

PORTLAND

Last year: 6th

Coach: Chris Roof (2nd season)

Top returning players: Allyson Robson (sr. D), Jordyn Spitzley (jr. GK), Kaitlyn Kerkove (jr. M), Vivan Walters (so. D)

Other contributors: Mariah Fedewa (fr. M), Maelyn Huhn (fr. M), Mckalyn Zigler (fr. F), Morgan Bowers (jr. D)

Outlook: After only fielding 10 players for most of last season, the Raiders return with 16 players on the varsity roster, six of which are freshmen. Robson and Spitzley were honorable mention all-conference last season. Roof hopes to “build the foundation of a program that has been in slumps for the past few years.”

WILLIAMSTON

Last year: 1st

Coach: Jim Flore (22nd season)

Top returning players: Leah Davis (sr. M), Grace Kraft (sr. GK), Sarah Tuggle (sr. M), Allison Schmuecker (sr. D), Madison Martin (sr. D), Kloe Hitchock (jr. M/F), Paige Lonier (jr. F), Kenzie Seaman (jr. D), Allexis Kluzia (sr. F/D), Hannah Kent (sr. F/D), Kelly Canton (sr. D)

Other contributors: Renee Sturm (sr. D/F), Lexi Russell (so. M), Izzy Herb (so. F), Cora Hall (jr. GK)

Outlook: The Hornets return multiple Division 3 all-state honorees in Davis, Kraft and Tuggle. Flore believes his team will once again have a strong season after going undefeated in the CAAC White last year. Williamston has eight players coming back that earned postseason accolades in 2015.

GREATER LANSING ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Lansing Christian, 2. Leslie, 3. Perry, 4. Stockbridge, 5. Lakewood, 6. Olivet, 7. Maple Valley

Top returning players: Kasey Jamieson (Lansing Christian), Abby Krueger (Lansing Christian), Juliana Figueiredo (Lansing Christian), Brooke Valdez (Leslie), Jenna Chappell (Leslie)

LAKEWOOD

Last year: 5th

Coach: James Leveque (2nd season)

Top returning players: Mallory Durham (sr. F), Carly Bennett (sr. D), Bryeanna Littlefield (sr. D), Alexis Johnson (sr. D), Rylie McClelland (jr. M)

Other contributors: Haven Bosworth (fr. F/M), Karlee Shapley (jr. M)

Outlook: Leveque said the Vikings are young and inexperienced but have “seasoned players at the most important positions.” Durham has over 50 career goals and Leveque said she might be the fastest player in the league. Lakewood will have to rely on its youth if it plans on contending for the league title.

LANSING CHRISTIAN

Last year: t-1st

Coach: Joel Vande Kopple (10th season)

Top returning players: Kasey Jamieson (so. F), Juliana Figueiredo (jr. M), Lina Moore (sr. M), Jessie Krueger (so. M), Alex Hanks (so. GK), Lydia Sprague (jr. D/M)

Other Contributors: Abby Krueger (jr. D), Abby Lyon (fr. M), Kealeigh Usiak (fr. D), Ally Melvin (fr. F), Rilyn Ross (fr. M/F), Eliza Lewis (fr. M), Natalie Krueger (fr. D)

Outlook: After finishing as the Division 4 state runners-up last season, the Pilgrims return a core group of players, which is headed by Jamieson, who was first team all-state as a freshman. Lansing Christian will replace its entire defense, but Vande Koplle said he has a “plethora” of talented girls to step in. Figueiredo was all-league last season.

LESLIE

Last year: t-1st

Coach: Jacob Derby (2nd season)

Top returning players: Brooke Valdez (jr. M), Presley Seavolt (sr. D), Hailey Conine (sr. F), Taylor Losey (jr. F), Jenna Chappell (so. F), Brooke Cowing (so. M)

Other contributors: Madison Snow (so. D), Bailey Akers (jr. D)

Outlook: The Blackhawks captured the program’s first league and district titles last season, and they’re looking to continue to build off that success. Conine was all-state honorable mention last year. With a young team, Derby said “we are looking toward leadership to push us back to another district and league title.”

MAPLE VALLEY

Last season: 7th

Coach: Richard Seume (3rd season)

Top returning players: Shala Kikendall (so. D/GK), Kelia Hamilton (sr. M), Sequoya Fighter (jr. D/M)

Other contributors: Cassie Linn (fr. M/F), Alexis Perez (so. D)

Outlook: The young Lions will undergo another “learning season,” according to Seume.

STOCKBRIDGE

Last year: 4th

Coach: Katherine Kuzma (7th season)

Top returning players: Alex Eibler (sr. M), Makayla Gradowski (sr. D), Savannah Torrey (jr. D), Faith Whitt (so. M), Madie Gee-Montgomery (so. M), Autumn Aiken (sr. GK), Shelby Hall (so. MF)

Other contributors: Paige Brown (fr. D), Madi Howard (so. F/M)

Outlook: Eibler, who holds the school record for most goals scored in a season, leads a Panthers team that returns its core group from 2015. Stockbridge has two exchange students from Germany and welcomes five new underclassmen to the varsity roster. Kuzma said her team’s future looks bright, as it has only seven upperclassmen.

OTHERS

BATH

Last season: 2-7-1 (No league)

Coach: Jordan Parks (1st season)

Top returning players: Lindsey Brown (sr. F/M), Clayr Owens (sr. D), Sydni Metzmaker (so. M), April Svendson (sr. D)

Other contributors: Olivia Jubb (fr. M), Tait Hosford (fr. F), Hannah Zaldivar (fr. GK), Mia Larner (fr. F/M)

Outlook: With no junior varsity program, the Bath varsity roster holds 18 players. Parks said his team has been learning to play with intensity and communication. He added that the team is looking to improve each week.

CHARLOTTE

Last season: 7th in Interstate-8

Coach: Ryan Sisco (18th season)

Top returning players: Lindsey Carlson (sr. M), Makala Brzezinski (sr. F/M), Cassie Cotter (jr. D/M), Lizzy Phillips (sr. F/D), Allie Brown (sr. D/F), Amber Palmatier (sr. F/D), Rachel Myers (jr. D/GK), Kylie Smith (sr. GK), Erin O’Brian (sr. D/F), Emily Friar (jr. D), Cassie Cotter (jr. D), Anna Rudnitsky (jr. M/F/GK)

Other contributors: Ashley Beck (fr. F/M), Wilma Labor (jr. D/M), Claudia Quintela (so. M/F)

Outlook: The Orioles lost a large number of players to graduation, but return two all-league performers in Carlson and Brown. Sisco said his team is looking to lay the “foundation for success” this season.

CORUNNA

Last season: 6th in GAC

Coach: Brandon Wagner (5th season)

Top returning players: Mystique Kalat (sr. M),  Mekkah Kalat (jr. D), Natalie Keenan (sr. D/M), Aly Kim (jr. M/F)

Other contributors:  Ila Tuller (fr. M),  Jana Rau (sr. D/M)

Outlook: Wagner returns to the Corunna sideline after coaching from 2009-12. He said he believes the Cavaliers will start slow this season as they look to establish a new identity and mindset. Rau is an exchange student from Germany.

LAINGSBURG

Last season: 13-2-1 (No league)

Coach: Scott Belanger (5th season)

Top returning players: Megan Essenburg (sr. F), Sara Lancour (sr. F), Sophie Wilsey (so. D), Cassidy Ballard (so. D), Emily Soeltner (so. D)

Other contributors: Olivia Graham (fr. M), Megan Hendley (fr. M), Georgia Hill (fr. M)

Outlook: Essenburg and Lancour are four-year varsity players who will lead a Wolfpack team that ushers in nine freshmen. Belanger said Laingsburg is trying to improve on the progress it’s made over the past four seasons.

OVID-ELSIE

Last season: 1st in TVC Central

Coach: Craig Thelen

Top returning players: Courtney Cabral (sr.), Riley Caswell, Kira Keifer (jr.), Shaye Lintemuth (sr.), Courtney Loynes, Devin Taylor (jr.), Taylor Spencer (jr.), Makenna Vincent, Megan Walter (jr.)

Other contributors: MacKenzie Cunningham, Kianna Henning, Alyvia Hurst, Summer Rademacher, Kennedy Scott, Kylie Sevenski, keegan Trefil, Emily Troxel

Outlook: Despite losing some key pieces, Thelen said he thinks the Marauders’ total team approach will “prove to be a winning formula.” O-E loses experience and Thelen added his side needs more experience playing together. The Marauders have won three straight league titles.

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Marcie Durso

Marcie Durso

When Marcie Durso took over the joint Haslett/Williamston/Bath gymnastics team 21 seasons ago, the program didn’t have a regular season conference championship to its name.

That finally changed this year.

Durso orchestrated the combined team to the CAAC regular season title – and it picked up a share of the overall league championship in the process. Haslett/Williamston/Bath shared the championship with league powerhouse Grand Ledge, which earned a piece of the hardware by winning the conference meet.

“I did not expect that, at all,” said Durso, the LSJ gymnastics coach of the year, whose team defeated the Comets head to head in its first meet of the season. “Over the past eight years or so, we have come in second to Grand Ledge every year. …They are the one team that we have lost to.

“We went into the evening, at the competition (with Grand Ledge), just going out and doing our best, not even paying attention to the score. In fact, they knew we won before we did. We saw some commotion going on … it was one of the judges telling us that we won.

“It wasn’t even on our radar. We just went out and did our best.”

Durso said she had a feeling her team would be able to do something special with the pieces she had in place.

And aside from the team success, the Haslett/Williamston/Bath gymnastics team crowned its first state champion in program history when Brooke Allen won the Division 2 floor event in early March.

“The talent runs very deep on this team,” Durso said. “We could have filled two squads.

“Going into the season, we knew we could be competitive, but we also knew, as a team, we had a lot of freshman without a lot of experience and a lot of emotion. …Winning that meet (against Grand Ledge) put the pressure on us for the rest of the year.”

For most of the last 11 seasons, Durso has been coaching with Shera Emmons, who is one of Durso’s former gymnasts. Emmons also has a background as a gymnastics judge, which is something Durso said “made a world of difference” this year.

“She’s very knowledgeable in the sport,” Durso said. “She knew what the judges were looking for.

“It truly was a 50-50 effort this year. She’s an amazing coach, and she’ll end up being an amazing leader when she takes over this team one day.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Grand Ledge’s Rachel Hogan captured three Division 1 state championships in her senior season.

GRAND LEDGE – Grand Ledge gymnastics has a history of producing championship talent.

Rachel Hogan just continued to raise the bar.

This winter, Hogan became the first Comet gymnast to capture three Division 1 state title since 2011 (Alexis Byington). The senior will end her career with eight state titles to her name, which is tied, with Byington, for the second most in school history.

“I didn’t expect it to happen,” said Hogan, the three-time LSJ gymnast of the year, who won the Division 1 title in the all-around, bars and vault events this season. “It was awesome to finish my last event with something that people would remember me for.”

At the state meet, Hogan set a new state record in the vault with a score of 9.875. It was the third time in four years that she was the event’s state champion.

“I’ve been very successful in vault,” she added. “I was looking forward to that being the last thing I did in my high school career.”

Coming into her final year, Hogan had only captured the bars championship once, and she split it with Christina Shabet, of Troy, her sophomore season. It was all hers this year, and given her confidence in the event when she made the transition from club to high school, it was one of her better accomplishments this time around.

“I was surprised, because going from club to high school, bars was my worst event,” Hogan said. “It was cool to look back and see how much I’ve progressed in that event.”

Hogan is now setting her sights on the college ranks. She is currently in the process of trying to become a walk-on at Michigan State. Hogan is sending the school videos in hopes of earning a tryout.

“Since I started in club, that’s always been the goal of the club gymnasts: to eventually get a scholarship,” Hogan said. “After moving to high school, I didn’t forget about it, but I knew it would be a lot more challenging. And I was questioning whether or not I wanted to do gymnastics full-time.

“But, after this year, it’s definitely something I want to try and do. I don’t feel done with the sport yet.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Lansing State Journal gymnastics Dream Team

Devin Carapelluci

Dani Wolanin

Ireland Bebee

Janelle Hall

Cara Clarizio

Brooke Allen

Rachel Hogan

Lansing State Journal gymnastics Dream Team

LSJ GYMNAST OF THE YEAR

Rachel Hogan (Grand Ledge sr.): 1st vault, 1st all-around, 1st bars and 9th floor at Division 1 state meet; 1st vault, 1st bars, 1st beam, 1st all-around and 2nd floor at regional meet; 1st all-around, 1st vault, 1st bars and 1st beam at CAAC meet; 5 events in CAAC Honor Roll

LSJ GYMNASTICS COACH OF THE YEAR 

Marcie Durso (Haslett/Williamston/Bath): Led her team to the CAAC regular season title

LSJ GYMNASTICS DREAM TEAM

Brooke Allen (Haslett/Williamston/Bath sr.): 1st floor, 8th beam and 9th all-around at Division 2 state meet;  1st beam, 4th vault and 5th all-around at regional meet; 1st floor, 2nd all-around, 3rd vault, 4th beam and 6th bars at CAAC meet; 5 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Cara Clarizio(Haslett/Williamston/Bath sr.): Division 1 state qualifier on vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around; 4th Bars, 4th Beam, 4th all-around, 5th vault and 7th floor at regional meet; 2nd vault, 3rd all-around, 4th floor, 6th beam and 11th bars at CAAC meet; 5 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Janelle Hall (Grand Ledge jr.): 9th floor at Division 2 state meet; 6th floor, 7th vault and 8th beam at regional meet; 5 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Ireland Bebee (Grand Ledge jr.): 4th vault at Division 2 state meet; 7th vault at regional meet; 9th floor, 10th bars, 10th vault at CAAC meet; 2 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Dani Wolanin (Fowlerville/Byron fr.): Division 2 state qualifier on vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around; 5th beam and 6th all-around at regional meet; 3rd floor, 4th vault, 4th all-around, 5th bars and 10th beam at CAAC meet; 5 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Devin Carapelluci (East Lansing fr.): Division 1 state qualifier on vault, beam and floor; 6th beam, 7th floor and 8th vault at regional meet; 5th floor and 8th all-around at CAAC meet

ALL-AREA 

Eliana Laws (Mason so.): Division 1 state qualifier on vault, beam and bars; 6th bars, 7th beam and 7th vault at regional meet; 8th vault at CAAC meet

Afton LaFrance (Grand Ledge jr.): 4th floor at Division 2 state meet; 3rd floor at regional meet; 2nd floor, 6th all-around, 7th bars; 3 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Taylor Moran (Fowlerville/Byron sr.): Division 2 state qualifier on floor; 8th floor at regional meet; 4th bars, 5th beam, 5th all-around, 6th vault and 7th floor at CAAC meet; 4 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Arianna Guerrero (Grand Ledge fr.): Division 2 state qualifier on floor; 4th floor at regional meet; 9th bars at CAAC meet; 4 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Megan Kline (Holt sr.): 6th floor and 9th vault at CAAC meet; 2 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Chloe Knop​ (Holt jr.): 7th beam and 9th all-around at CAAC meet; 2 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Elaine Loomis (East Lansing sr.): Division 2 regional qualifier; 5th vault at CAAC meet

ALL-AREA HONORABLE MENTION

Lidia Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath so.): 3rd beam at CAAC meet; 3 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Megan Ivey (Haslett/Williamston/Bath sr.): 9th beam at CAAC meet; 4 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Lexi Payne (Grand Ledge sr.): 2nd beam at CAAC meet; 3 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Alexis Sweezy (Mason sr.): Division 2 regional qualifier on vault

Allie Piper (Holt jr.): 2nd bars and 10th all-around at CAAC meet; 2 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Samantha Hetzer (Grand Ledge so.): 3rd bars and 7th all-around at CAAC meet; 2 events in CAAC Honor Roll

Tiana Seville (Grand Ledge sr.): 4 events in CAAC Honor Roll

GYMNASTICS: FINAL CAAC HONOR ROLL

VAULT

Rachel Hogan (Grand Ledge)…9.875

Ireland Bebee (Grand Ledge)…9.200

Janelle Hall (Grand Ledge)…9.150

Tiana Seville (Grand Ledge)…9.000

Brooke Allen (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.950

Dani Wolanin (Fowlerville/Byron)…8.950

Megan Kline (Holt)…8.900

Cara Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.875

Taylor Moran (Fowlerville/Byron)…8.800

Emily Soto (St. Johns)…8.725

Arianna Guerrero (Grand Ledge)…8.700

Lidia Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.675

Megan Ivey (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.675

Chloe Knop (Holt)…8.650

BARS

Rachel Hogan (Grand Ledge)…9.700

Cara Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.850

Arianna Guerrero (Grand Ledge)…8.625

Samantha Hetzer (Grand Ledge)…8.550

Dani Wolanin (Fowlerville/Byron)…8.475

Afton LaFrance (Grand Ledge)…8.450

Tiana Seville (Grand Ledge)…8.375

Janelle Hall (Grand Ledge)…8.350

Brooke Allen (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.325

Samantha Hetzer (Grand Ledge)…8.300

Allison Piper (Holt)…8.225

Ireland Bebee (Grand Ledge)…8.200

BEAM

Rachel Hogan (Grand Ledge)…9.700

Cara Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.500

Lidia Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.450

Brooke Allen (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.425

Tiana Seville (Grand Ledge)…9.025

Lexi Payne (Grand Ledge)…8.950

Megan Ivey (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.925

Janelle Hall (Grand Ledge)…8.900

Taylor Moran (Fowlerville/Byron)…8.800

Dani Wolanin (Fowlerville/Byron)…8.750

Chloe Knop (Holt)…8.675

Carsen Perry (Grand Ledge)…8.650

Olivia Muzzall (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…8.650

FLOOR

Brooke Allen (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.600

Cara Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.500

Janelle Hall (Grand Ledge)…9.425

Afton LaFrance (Grand Ledge)…9.400

Rachel Hogan (Grand Ledge)…9.400

Dani Wolanin (Fowlerville/Byron)…9.375

Taylor Moran (Fowlerville/Byron)…9.225

Megan Kline (Holt)…9.225

Megan Ivey (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.200

Lexi Payne (Grand Ledge)…9.200

Arianna Guerrero (Grand Ledge)…9.125

Kelsey Mongoven (East Lansing)…9.100

Lidia Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.050

Madeline Glaza (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…9.025

Tiana Seville (Grand Ledge)…9.000

ALL-AROUND

Rachel Hogan (Grand Ledge)…38.075

Cara Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…36.050

Brooke Allen (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…35.700

Janelle Hall (Grand Ledge)…34.800

Afton LaFrance (Grand Ledge)…34.450

Megan Ivey (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…34.425

Dani Wolanin (Fowlerville/Byron)…34.350

Taylor Moran (Fowlerville/Byron)…34.075

Lidia Clarizio (Haslett/Williamston/Bath)…34.000

Lexi Payne (Grand Ledge)…33.550

Allison Piper (Holt)…33.375

Arianna Guerrero (Grand Ledge)…33.075

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Angela Palmer, center, of Okemos shoots past Haslett/Williamston defenders for a goal during their CAAC Championship game last season.

Notes: G–goalie, M–midfield, D–defender, A–attack. C-center

CAAC

Coaches’ predictions: 1. Okemos, 2. East Lansing, 3. Haslett/Williamston, 4. DeWitt, 5. Grand Ledge, 6. Holt, 7. Waverly/Lansing Catholic

Top players: Angela Palmers (Okemos), Abbey Turner (Grand Ledge), Danyelle Hardy (Grand Ledge), Mackenzie Maschke (East Lansing), Rachel Madar (DeWitt), Jordan Markowski (DeWitt), Lauren Sanford (Holt), Reina Torrez-Miner (East Lansing), Natalie Woodland (Waverly/Lansing Catholic) and Bianca Kinder (Haslett/Williamston)

DEWITT

Last year: 5th place

Coach: Marvin Hardy (1st season)

Top returning players: Rachel Madar (jr. M), Jordan Markowski (jr. M), Sierra Dietz (jr. A), Samantha Ferguson (sr. M), Lauren Patrick (sr. D), Adison Salisbry (jr. M)

Other contributors: Nicole Kransberger (jr. D), Brianna Mayne (jr. A), Chase True Terwilliger (so. G), Liz Gaugier (jr. D)

Outlook: The Panthers lost 10 seniors from last year’s team and will look to integrate several new faces this season. Madar and Markowski were all-conference last season and Dietz was honorable mention all-conference. Patrick and Ferguson are the only seniors on the roster and Hardy said the development of the younger players will be an important part of the team’s success. This years marks the first time DeWitt will have both a junior varsity and varsity program.

EAST LANSING

Last year: 3rd

Coach: George Foster (11th season)

Top returning players: Mackenzie Maschke (sr. M), Reina Torrez-Miner (sr. M/A), Lauren Shepherd (jr. M), Jenna Merony (jr. D), Zosha Korzecke (jr. D), Makayla Merony (jr. A), Natalie Houlehen (jr. A), Anna Barr (jr. D), Alex Akerly (jr. A), Sadie Jay (jr. A)

Other contributors: Yasmine Al-Sadi (sr. D), Rachel Samat (jr. D), Kady Waits (so. M)

Outlook: The Trojans return numerous multiple-year players, which includes Maschke and Torrez-Miner, who were all-conference last season. Waits, a sophomore, is starting for the second consecutive season.

GRAND LEDGE

Last year: 5th

Coach: Jeff Turner (3rd season)

Top returning players: Abbey Turner (sr. M/A), Taylor Tripp (jr. D), Dayelle Hardy (so. A), Katy Cowall (so. M/D)

Other contributors: Danika Fenska (jr. A), Olivia Guerra (so. G), Karlee Peacock (so. A)

Outlook: Turner, a second team all-state selection last season, and Hardy, an honorable mention all-state performer, will look to lead a Grand Ledge team that lost several contributors to graduation. Turner will look to the upperclassmen to provide leadership as the Comets look to climb up the conference standings.

HASLETT/WILLIAMSTON

Last year: 2nd

Coach: Bronti Belanger (1st season)

Top returning players: Kaili Gozalka (sr. A), Bianca Kinder (jr. C), Raegan Russell (so. M), Chloe Alverson (so. M), Paige Rosenbrook (jr. D), Savanna Bain (sr. D)

Other contributors: Claire Wozniewski (jr. D), Maddi Hernandez (so. M), Emily Kurdzeil (fr. A)

Outlook: Belanger is in his first season as the Haslett/Williamston girls lacrosse coach and is welcomed by a four-year veteran in Gozalka. The joint team hopes to finish in the top half of the league once again.

HOLT

Last season: 4th

Coach: Thomas Bennett (3rd season)

Top returning players: Lauren Sanford (sr. M), Beth Rosenbaum (sr. M/A), Brooke Grabow (sr. D/M), Cate Boomer (sr. D)

Other contributors: Savannah Traub (fr.), Grace Ottinger (fr.), Caitlin Crittenden (fr.)

Outlook: Holt is looking for its first league title under Bennett, and senior Sanford, who scored 63 goals last year, will help lead the way. The Rams have a young team, which holds several underclassmen, and Bennett said he’ll lean on his five seniors for “a lot” this year.

OKEMOS

Last season: 1st

Coach: Brandon Schwind (1st season)

Top returning players: Angela Palmer (sr. A/M), Mallory Keenoy (so. G), Grace Bielby (so. A/M), Janie Groetsch (sr. M), Alyssa Kiminski (sr. A), Alyssa Karber (jr. A), Sabrina Tran (sr. D), Melaina Grewal (so. M)

Other contributors: Emily Renfrow (so. M/A), Lauren Foltz (so. M)

Outlook: The Chiefs finished the season as the No. 5 team in Division 2 last year, and they’ll return a core group from that team. Palmer was second team all-state and Bielby and Groetsch were honorable mention all-state. Schwind looks to get Okemos back to the conference’s top spot and the state tournament in his first year as coach.

WAVERLY/LANSING CATHOLIC

Last season: 7th

Coach: Brittany Hayes (1st season)

Top returning players: Sienna Jack (so. A/M), Alexa Alcantara (so. M/A), Claire Jansen (so. A), Chloe Hutcherson (so. D), Annalise Shaw (so. G), Mariah Smith (jr. D), Mindy Hodges (so. G), Isabel Garza (so. D)

Other contributors: Natalie Woodland (fr. M), Marcedes Hernandez (fr. C), Shannon Sampson (fr. D), Mackenna Sager (fr. D), Morgan Fekete (fr. A), Elaine Gregory (fr. A), Fredericka Laurich (fr. D), Jaiden Schmidt (fr. A), Mary Sanders (fr. D)

Outlook: With only one upperclassmen on the roster, the joint Waverly/Lansing Catholic team will look to “grow and get better with every game,” according to first-year coach Hayes.

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Owen Rush (middle right) and the Lansing Catholic golfers celebrate their Division 3 state championship victory last season. Rush has a chance to be a part of four championship teams this season.

Kim Johnson didn’t know anything about Owen Rush when he became the interim coach for the Lansing Catholic boys golf team last March.

He’d been asked by the athletic director to transition from being the girls assistant coach to leading the boys for one season.

He didn’t know anything about anyone on the team he inherited. He only knew the Cougars were two-time defending Division 3 state champions under retired coach Charlie Furney.

No pressure…

“To be honest with you, what was going through my mind was I didn’t want to mess anything up,” Johnson said, laughing.

The blueprint was already in place. The Cougars would welcome back three senior starters from its championship run.

But, toward the end of the season, Johnson spiced things up and made Rush, a junior starter, the team’s captain after he continued to post top scores.

“I think he got to our No. 1 spot,” Johnson said.

He even took it a step further.

“He (Johnson) said, ‘If I’m not around, I want to name Owen honorary captain for next year,’” said Rush, who was a starter for the second title team and a reserve, as a freshman, for the first. “It was definitely a surprise. It was an honor from coach. He’s an unbelievable coach, unbelievable guy.”

Everybody won. The Cougars went on to capture their third consecutive state title, Johnson was permanently named both the boys and girls coach in June and Rush was named first team all-state.

Now, Rush is looking to lead Lansing Catholic back to the pinnacle for the fourth straight year.

“It would definitely be surreal,” Rush said of the opportunity to get four consecutive state titles. “Coming into high school, I never really played competitive golf – it was mostly just baseball.

“I just fell in love with it – the adrenaline, the pressure.”

Johnson calls Rush, who had an 18-hole event average of about 77 last season, “a master at scrambling and playing situational golf.” He said he doesn’t offer too much coaching unless Rush asks for it.

“He doesn’t hit every fairway in a round of golf, and of course being a coach I want him to hit as many fairways as possible, I want him to hit as many greens as possible,” said Johnson, who has incorporated a sports performance coach into the program to help with the mental aspect of the game. “I always look at work that needs to be improved, but then he comes around and shoots par or under par at the end of the round.

“It’s extremely amazing to watch how he maneuvers around the course. Even though he may not be hitting greens or fairways, he does an excellent job of course management. He’s confident in his shot.”

Expectations have hobbled the Cougars in the early stages of their pursuit of another championship. And as a senior captain, Rush senses his team is putting too much pressure on itself in April to succeed in June.

But he’s not too worried. Three championships can do that to you.

“We’ll peak at the right time,” Rush said. “Coach likes to say ‘Stay in the moment.’ And I like that, too. You can’t think too far ahead.  You have to stay in the moment.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Lansing Christian sophomore Kasey Jamieson, left, is looking to carry the Pilgrims back to the Division 4 state championship game.

Kasey Jamieson said she’s always been one to welcome pressure.

And after her stellar freshman campaign ended with a 49-goal season and a trip to the Division 4 state title game, the Lansing Christian soccer standout was met with arguably the highest expectations of her playing career coming into her sophomore year. Most of which she forced onto herself.

“Obviously, this year, I thought I had a lot to live up to with me being a high-impact player (last season),” said Jamieson, whose 49-goal season last year put her in the top 20 in state history. “The pressure I put on myself is good. It makes me want to get better and play better.

“I put it on myself to live up to my own expectations. And once I live up to it, the pressure can go away.”

Jamieson, who was a State Journal Dream Team and first team all-state selection last year, has answered her own call in the beginning stages of the girls soccer season. The sophomore has scored 20 goals through 13 games and has helped the No. 1-ranked Pilgrims (11-1-1) become an early-season favorite to return to the sport’s final weekend.

Last season’s combination of both individual and team success is what generated the self-imposed burden for Jamieson. But as the season has taken off, she’s seen the continued improvement within herself and by her team, which ushered in several freshman this season, and it’s eliminated some of the weight.

“We have a better team that helps score goals, and I don’t have to score as much,” Jamieson said. “I’ve been getting a lot more assists than I did last year. It’s a different way of contributing overall.”

Still, if Jamieson doesn’t score in a match she said she doesn’t “feel like I lived up to my potential.” And it’s not because of any personal accolades, she added. It’s because that’s how she is accustomed to contributing to the team’s success.

“One of the things that stands out about Kasey, besides that she’s an extremely talented player, is that she always puts the team above her individual stats,” Lansing Christian coach Joel Vande Kopple said. “I think it’s typical of the really good athletes (to put pressure on themselves). They’re their own worst critic.”

With having played such a big role in last year’s run, despite still being an underclassmen, Jamieson said she’s taken over the role of bridging the gap between the newcomers and the veterans.

“She’s not afraid to put her arm around somebody,” Vande Kopple said.

Jamieson has embraced the pressure, as well as her new role, and now she just wants to put her arms around the championship trophy.

“We know how many people wants us to make it to the state championship,” she said. “We all have that heart to win. …All of us have that passion for winning. And, if we lose, we’re all upset about it.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Former East Lansing High School and Lansing Community College men’s basketball guard Javon Haines earned Most Valuable Player honors at a junior college all-star game in Las Vegas Saturday.

East Lansing native Javon Haines spent most of his sophomore season on the Lansing Community College men’s basketball team helping the Stars garner national attention.

He did it in a big way, for the last time, this past weekend.

After averaging 24.8 points per game this season, which was second highest in the country, and leading LCC to a fifth-place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II tournament in March, Haines scored 24 points and dished out six assists in Saturday’s NJCAA Coaches Association All-Star Game in Las Vegas and earned the Most Valuable Player award for his team.

Haines, who earned Division II first team All-American honors in April, and the Division 2-3 squad fell to the Division 1 all-stars, 104-100, in the annual event.

East Lansing grad’s path leads him to thriving LCC hoops program

“Going out there, competing with guys from all over the country was an honor in itself,” Haines said via Twitter. “To be considered as one of the top players in the nation is a blessing as well.

“I did set out to represent Lansing and my family as well. Glad I can give the city more to talk about.”

The high-scoring point guard will finish his collegiate career at NCAA Division II Armstrong State in Savannah, Georgia, where former University of Michigan and NBA hoopster Cazzie Russell is an assistant coach.

Couch: With local stars and a mellowed coach, LCC chases elusive title

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Okemos senior goalie Caroline Serkaian signed to play at Division I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee earlier this year.

Here’s a look at the girls soccer leaders in the Lansing area. This list reflects stats submitted by coaches. Stats should be submitted to jledwards@lsj.com by noon Friday each week.

GOALS

Player, school – goals

Kasey Jamieson, Lansing Christian – 18

Mallory Durham, Lakewood – 16

Olivia Trombley, St. Johns – 16

Juliana Figuieredo, Lansing Christian – 11

Ally Melvin, Lansing Christian – 11

Mckalyn Zigler, Portland – 10

Chelsie Smith, St. Johns – 9

Taylor Bishop, DeWitt – 8

Tait Hosford, Bath – 8

Eliza Lewis, Lansing Christian – 7

Isabelle Poupard, Lansing Catholic – 7

Kate McElhone, Mason – 6

Sydni Metzmaker, Bath – 6

Taylor Porter, Owosso – 6

Rilyn Ross, Lansing Christian – 6

ASSISTS

Mackenzie Dawes, DeWitt – 14

Ally Melvin, Lansing Christian – 9

Eliza Lewis, Lansing Christian – 8

Kasey Jamieson, Lansing Christian – 8

Juliana Figueiredo, Lansing Christian – 7

Tait Hosford, Bath – 7

Danielle Stephan, DeWitt – 6

Sydni Metzmaker, Bath – 6

Kali Thompson, Mason – 5

Kai Dotson, East Lansing – 5

Abigail Gilmore, Lansing Catholic – 5

Olivia Tromble, St. Johns – 5

Chelsie Smith, St. Johns – 5

SAVES

Autumn Aiken, Stockbridge – 122

Erin Vielbig, Fowlerville – 111

Madeline Chom, East Lansing – 59

Larisa Herdus, Lansing Catholic – 45

Brooklyn Holly, DeWitt – 38

Alexandra Swackhamer, Haslett – 36

Claudia Spence, Lansing Catholic – 21

SHUTOUTS

Caroline Serkaian, Okemos – 3

Alexandra Swackhamer, Haslett – 2

Larisa Herdu, Lansing Catholic – 2

Madeline Chom, East Lansing – 1.5

Claudia Spence, Lansing Catholic – 1

Jordyn Spitzley, Portland – 1

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

DeWitt sophomore Joey Croley is one of the Panthers’ returning starters from last year’s Division 2 state championship team.

Here’s a look at the boys golf leaders in the Lansing area. This list reflects stats submitted by coaches. Stats should be submitted to jledwards@lsj.com by 2 p.m. Monday each week.

9-HOLE AVERAGES

Rhet Schrauben (Portland)…36.7

Eric Nunn (St. Johns)…37.3

Todd Mieske (Owosso)…38.3

Parker Jamieson (Lansing Christian)…38.8

Owen Rush (Lansing Catholic)…39

Charlie DeLong (DeWitt)…39

Holden Kuhnert (Lansing Catholic)…39

Bubba Chester (Grand Ledge)…39.1

Zach Rosendale (St. Johns)…39.3

Luke Bunting (Grand Ledge)…39.6

Ethan O’Farrell (Lansing Catholic)…40

 Alex Keilen (Pewamo-Westphalia)…40.3

Drew Thelen (Pewamo-Westphalia)…40.3

Viani Magaswaran (Lansing Catholic)…40.5

Zeke Ely (St. Johns)…40.7

Lansing Catholic golfer chasing fourth state title

18-HOLE AVERAGES

Zach Rosendale (St. Johns)…73.3

Owen Rush (Lansing Catholic)…73.8

Rhet Schrauben (Portland)…74

Parker Jamieson (Lansing Christian)…75.5

Eric Nunn (St. Johns)…76.5

Viani Magaswaran (Lansing Catholic)…78

Holden Kuhnert (Lansing Catholic)…78.3

Charlie DeLong (DeWitt)…78.8

Ethan O’Farrell (Lansing Catholic)…79.8

Ian Helm (DeWitt)…80.6

Brendan Kahl (DeWitt)…82.6

Jack Horan (DeWitt)…83

Peter Kramer (Lansing Catholic)…83.5

Joey Croley (DeWitt)…84

Todd Mieske (Owosso)…85

Zeke Ely (St. Johns)…85

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

St. Johns fans cheer against Detroit King during their MHSAA Class A semifinal game Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. St. Johns fell 56-48.

Jenny (Poff) Pruett, left, will be one of eight individuals inducted into the St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 9.

ST. JOHNS – The inaugural class for the St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame has been announced, and it will feature current and former coaches, athletes and teams that left a mark on the school’s athletic history.

Jim Makarauskas, Paul Sternburgh, Beth Swears, Dale Knight, Gina Mazzolini, Anne (Brocker) Pierson, Jenny (Poff) Pruett and Levi Rost will be inducted into the hall of fame on Sept. 9, as will the 1949-51 football teams and the 1978-79 boys swim team.

The event will feature a “Welcome Back Ceremony” and will be followed by recognition at the Redwings’ varsity football game against Mason.

“The Hall of Fame will recognize both individuals and teams for exemplary accomplishments, contributions and service to St. Johns High School athletics,” said Director of Athletics Chris Ervin. “We look forward to enshrining this impressive inaugural class and many more in the future to celebrate the history and tradition of St. Johns athletics.”

Tickets for the inaugural induction will go on sale in August and can be purchased at the St. Johns athletic office.

Information on the inductees, which was provided by St. Johns, can be found below:

Coaches

Jim Makarauskas:  Former swim and dive coach who coached the boys for 25 seasons and the girls for 16 seasons; coached a combined 49 seasons as head coach and assistant coach over a 40 year stretch; honored with the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Matt Mann Award (’98); inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame (2009).

Paul Sternburgh:  Current golf coach who has coached the boys for 36 seasons; inducted into Michigan Intercollegiate Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame (’11); previously coached softball for 19 years earning a 363-140 overall record.

Beth Swears:  Former basketball coach who coached the girls for 26 seasons earning a 380-199 overall record; Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Coach of the Year (1990); inducted into the BCAM Hall of Fame (2007).

Former St. Johns swim and dive coach Jim Makarauskas, center, will be one of three coaches inducted into the school’s inaugural athletic hall of fame class on Sept. 9.

Teams

1949, ’50 & ’51 football teams:  Completed three consecutive undefeated seasons with a 26-game winning streak; inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame (2006). Team was coached by Terry Carey.

1978-79 boys swim team:  Completed 11-1 season and earned first conference championship in school history; outscored its opponents by average of 42 points per meet; finished in 7th place in the state. Team was coached by Jim Makarauskas.

Student-athletes

Dale Knight (football, basketball):  Earned 13 varsity letters during high school; four-year starter in football; member of the 1952 Michigan State University national championship football team; member of the 1953 MSU Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship team; 1950 SJHS graduate.

Gina Mazzolini (girls basketball, volleyball):  First ever SJHS Female Athlete of the Year (1974); four-year letter winner at Central Michigan University in basketball and volleyball; inducted into the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame (1992); 1974 SJHS graduate.

Anne (Brocker) Pierson (girls basketball, track and field): SJHS Female Athlete of the Year (1989); All-State basketball player (1988); four-year letter winner at Canisius College; inducted into the Canisius Athletic Hall of Fame (2005); 1989 SJHS graduate.

Jenny (Poff) Pruett (basketball, softball):  SJHS Female Athlete of the Year (’05); Current SJHS record holder in assists, steals, 3-point field goals, free throw percentage and second in points scored; Runner up in Miss Basketball Award (2004); two-time All-State in softball; played basketball at Michigan State University and Ohio University; 2005 SJHS graduate.

Levi Rost (basketball, baseball):  Basketball standout who played two years at Lansing Community College and earned junior college All-American honors; played two years at Western Michigan University earning All-MAC honors; played professionally in Europe for 10 seasons; 2001 SJHS graduate.

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Donations to the Hall of Fame

Although associated with St. Johns Public Schools, the St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame is privately funded with the support of local community members and businesses. Individuals and businesses interested in making a donation to this effort are urged to contact the SJHS Activities Office at (989) 227-4134 or view the Hall of Fame website at http://www.sjredwings.org/athletics

Leah Davis (right) has 11 assists for Division 3 No. 4-ranked Williamston this season.

Here’s a look at the girls soccer leaders in the Lansing area. This list reflects stats submitted by coaches. Stats should be submitted to jledwards@lsj.com by noon Friday each week.

GOALS

Kasey Jamieson, Lansing Christian – 25

Olivia Trombley, St. Johns – 18

Renee Sturm, Williamston – 18

Ally Melvin, Lansing Christian – 16

Paige Lonier, Williamston – 14

Juliana Figueiredo, Lansing Christian – 14

Chelsie Smith, St. Johns – 12

Sara Lee, Okemos – 9

Shannon Crilley, Lansing Catholic – 9

Tait Hosford, Bath – 9

Alex Eibler, Stockbridge – 9

Alexis Lindig, Fowlerville – 8

Isabelle Poupard, Lansing Catholic – 8

Sophie Wilsey, Laingsburg – 8

Taylor Bishop, DeWitt – 8

Eliza Lewis, Lansing Christian – 8

Rilyn Ross, Lansing Christian – 8

ASSISTS

Mackenzie Dawes, DeWitt – 17

Kasey Jamieson, Lansing Christian – 12

Abigail Gilmore, Lansing Catholic – 12

Eliza Lewis, Lansing Christian – 12

Leah Davis, Williamston – 11

Ally Melvin, Lansing Christian – 11

Tait Hosford, Bath – 9

Danielle Stephan, DeWitt – 9

Juliana Figueiredo, Lansing Christian – 9

Ollie Updike, Fowlerville – 8

Hannah Hughes, Okemos – 7

Kloe Hitchcock, Williamston – 7

Lexi Russell, Williamston – 6

Lexi McPherson, St. Johns – 6

Sydni Metzmaker, Bath – 6

Olivia Trombley, St. Johns – 6

Kali Thompson, Mason – 5

Chelsie Smith, St. Johns – 5

Whitney Luks, Mason – 5

SAVE PERCENTAGE

Alex Hanks, Lansing Christian – 94%

Erin Vielbig, Fowlerville – 91%

Caroline Serkaian, Okemos – 90.5%

Larisa Herdus, Lansing Catholic – 89%

Brooklyn Holley, DeWitt – 84.6%

Grace Kraft, Williamston – 84%

Kylie Steingreaber, St. Johns – 81.8%

SHUTOUTS

Alex Hanks, Lansing Christian – 13

Caroline Serkaian, Okemos – 5

Brooklyn Holley, DeWitt – 5

Autumn Aiken, Stockbridge – 4

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Angela Palmer, 8, of Okemos is looking to help the Chiefs capture their first state title in six seasons.

OKEMOS – For Angela Palmer and the Okemos girls lacrosse team, the last three seasons were successful, yet, frustrating.

A tease, if you will.

Palmer, a four-year varsity standout, has helped the Division 2 Chiefs make multiple deep postseason runs – reaching the semifinals twice (2013 and 2015) and the state finals once (2014) – throughout her high school career.

However, that feeling of supremacy, the one every competitor seeks, has eluded the program since the start of the new decade, and East Grand Rapids will gladly take the blame, as the four-time defending state champions have eliminated Okemos the past three years.

But, before she leaves, Palmer is keen on getting the Division 2 No. 4-ranked Chiefs (11-4) on the right side of the hump and end her career on the highest of notes.

LSJ high school girls lacrosse preview

“It makes you want to work harder and harder every year because you want to get to that one goal,” said Palmer, who will continue her playing career at Central Michigan next season. “As a sophomore, I was able to play in the state championship. Talking about it, and that experience, makes everyone else want to get there as well.

“The adrenaline … It’s a life changer making it there.”

Palmer has kicked off her final year doing what she’s done most of her career: scoring goals. The senior has 29 goals and 12 assists through 14 games and has been a big reason Okemos is ranked No. 8 overall in the state.

But there was some uncertainty coming into the season, as the program ushered in several new underclassmen, which she labeled as “very good,” and named its fourth different head coach in as many years.

“It’s a lot to adapt to their type of style, new plays, conditioning…,” she said of having a new coach every season.

Palmer has responded nicely, however, to the demands of first-year coach Brandon Schwind. Schwind said he didn’t know much about the players he was inheriting, but he was familiar with the program’s success because of lacrosse magazines he read while living in Ohio.

• 
  Olivet College hires Okemos lacrosse coach
  

“I knew it was a great program, great tradition, that was putting out good players,” said Schwind, who moved to Michigan in 2010, the last time the Chiefs won the state title.

And when he saw Palmer for the first time, he was able to confirm all the hearsay.

“Angela is one of those athletes that’s just a step above the rest,” Schwind added. “The way she runs, the way she moves, it’s at a different level – a collegiate level here in high school. It’s a noticeable difference on the field. Her explosiveness, her reactions, she’s got a great passion for the game and you can tell.”

Both Palmer and Schwind believe Okemos is on the right path to reaching the ultimate goal, but said it will take continuous improvement from the underclassmen. Palmer said Schwind’s “competitive” nature has been good for this young team.

“He wants to win so bad, which makes us work so hard,” she added.

With the postseason less than two weeks away, the Chiefs are gearing up for what’s to come. And so is East Grand Rapids, which sits atop the Division 2 rankings.

Palmer is looking forward to one more meeting.

“Playing all three years and ending the season to them, it would feel a lot better beating them,” Palmer said. “Even if we made it there and beat them, that would be awesome.”

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Vote for the Lansing State Journal prep video of the year award. The winner will be announced at the inaugural Greater Lansing Sports Awards banquet June 7.

With the Greater Lansing Sports Awards fast approaching, we would like for you to decide who will win the State Journal’s inaugural Prep Sports Video of the Year award.

Four videos from this school year – which can all be viewed below – are up for consideration, and the winner will be announced during the Greater Lansing Sports Awards banquet, June 7, at the Lansing Center. All four nominees will be invited to attend the event.

The videos to vote for come from Clay Soule (Dansville), Carter Frantz (Dansville), Jake Lyon (Lansing Christian) and Josh Ward (Williamston), all of whom won our weekly search for the best videos coming from any high school sports-related event. The voting poll – which is found below the videos – will be open from 8 a.m. Monday to midnight Friday.

Tickets to the dinner and awards show are $50 and may be purchased here.

DANSVILLE’S CLAY SOULE SHOWS SPORTSMANSHIP, TIES RIVAL’S SHOE

Sportsmanship

DANSVILLE’S CARTER FRANTZ MAKES A DIVING CATCH

POTW1

LANSING CHRISTIAN’S JAKE LYON NETS A BICYCLE KICK

JLyon_Goal3_LCSvsLBurg#LSJVOW

WILLIAMSTON’S JOSH WARD HITS A LONG-DISTANCE GOAL VS. MASON

Josh Ward Williamston
Vote for the LSJ prep sports video of the year

Contact James L. Edward III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.

Take a look at the top high school golf performers in mid-Michigan so far this season.

Here’s a look at the high school boys golf leaders in the Lansing area. This list reflects stats submitted by coaches. Stats should be submitted to jledwards@lsj.com by 2 p.m. Monday each week.

9-HOLE AVERAGES

Tony Fuentes (East Lansing)…34.5

Rhet Schrauben (Portland)…35.5

Ian Carroll (East Lansing)…35.5

Scott Campbell (East Lansing)…36

Chand Rajendra Nicolucci (Okemos)…36

Charlie DeLong (DeWitt)…37.6

Owen Rush (Lansing Catholic)…37.8

Eric Nunn (St. Johns)…37.8

Viani Magaswaran (Lansing Catholic)…38

Zach Rosendale (St. Johns)…38.3

Bubba Chester (Grand Ledge)…38.4

Todd Mieske (Owosso)…38.8

Holden Kuhnert (Lansing Catholic)…39

Luke Bunting (Grand Ledge)…39.1

Ethan O’Farrell (Lansing Catholic)…39.3

Jack Bouck (St. Johns)…39.5

Cam Carroll (East Lansing)…40

Miles Crutcher (East Lansing)…40

Wyatt Moll (Lakewood)…40.3

Zach Fraser (Okemos)…40.5

Connor Horstmanshof (Grand Ledge)…40.9

18-HOLE AVERAGES

Zach Rosendale (St. Johns)…73.4

Ian Carroll (East Lansing)…73.6

Owen Rush (Lansing Catholic)…73.6

Tony Fuentes (East Lansing)…73.8

Rhet Schrauben (Portland)…74.3

Eric Nunn (St. Johns)…76

Chand Rajendra Nicolucci (Okemos)…78

Scott Campbell (East Lansing)…79

Viani Magaswaran (Lansing Catholic)…79.6

Ian Helm (DeWitt)…79.7

Ethan O’Farrell (Lansing Catholic)…79.8

Cam Carroll (East Lansing)…79.8

Charlie DeLong (DeWitt)…80

Miles Crutcher (East Lansing)…80

Holden Kuhnert (Lansing Catholic)…80.3

Christian Jordan (Mason)…81

Todd Mieske (Owosso)…82

Peter Kramer (Lansing Catholic)…82.6

Zeke Ely (St. Johns)…83

Kaleb Peterson (Mason)…83

Alex Jordan (Mason)…83

Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.