2006-07
Finish:A Look at the CAAC-2
By Gavin Raath
9 April 2007
greatlakeshoops.com
CAAC-2
2006-07
Finish:
Jackson Lumen Christi
Mason
Lansing Waverly
St. Johns
Ionia
Jackson Northwest
Charlotte
Eaton Rapids
All Conference Team:
Stevan Trisic 67 Senior Charlotte
Jason Hill [right] 66 Senior Mason Conference Player of the Year
Keith Manning 62 Senior St. Johns
Adam Hiday 61 Senior Jackson Lumen Christi
John Balice 61 Senior Ionia
Zack
Bontrager 64 Senior Mason
Alex Gauna 67 Freshman Eaton Rapids
Jon Guerriero [left] 64 Senior Jackson Lumen Christi
Zach Saylor 68 Junior Lansing Waverly
Matt Slater 63 Junior Lansing Waverly
Drew Walterhouse 60 Senior Eaton Rapids
Terrence Willis 60 Senior Jackson Lumen Christi
Review:
The CAAC-2 was split between Jackson Lumen Christi and Mason. It looked like JLC had a firm grip on the conference, but a few late season losses opened the door to Mason. I still think the most talented team was Lansing Waverly, but they settled for third. The CAAC-2 is one of those conferences thats a bit of a non-factor. These teams have to pretty much settle for the conference championship because postseason success isnt much of an option. Their best bet with some of class B schools that should benefit from playing the multiple class A teams in conference.
2007-08 Outlook:
Lansing
Sexton
Lansing Waverly
St. Johns
Jackson Northwest
Jackson Lumen Christi
Owosso
Mason
All Conference Team:
Zach Saylor 68 Senior Lansing Waverly
Drew Valentine 6'3" Junior Lansing Sexton
Andrew Lerg 60 Sophomore St. Johns
Javaughn Manuel [right] 6'0" Senior Lansing Sexton Conference Player of the Year
Eric Bannan 6'0" Senior Owosso
Brandon Holmes 60 Senior Jackson Northwest
Bryan Horn 58 Senior Lansing Waverly
Tyler Kramer 6'4" Junior St. Johns
Brent Malloch 6'4" Junior Jackson Northwest
Matt Slater 63 Senior Lansing Waverly
Eric Stage 60 Junior Mason
Matt Zantop 6'3" Senior Jackson Lumen Christi
Jackson Lumen Christi
Im not sure how they will improve upon last seasons success. They lost their entire starting line-up that was good enough to elevate them to a share of the conference championship. The cupboard isnt dry with seven returning varsity players, but none were true competitors last season. Matt Zantop, a 63 senior, had moments last year and will be counted to step up. Two more names worth knowing are 62 senior Kenny Gallant and 511 senior Alex Bellfly. I think they will be solid, but dont expect a conference championship unless the JV can provide some studs. I do know that theres another Hiday in Aaron, a 60 junior, which could bring a similar presence to his brothers.
Jackson Northwest
The Mounties had one of the roughest starts possible in basketball this year, but that should change next season. They return one of the deepest group of senior guards in 60 Brandon Holmes, 511 Ryan Soles, 511 Derek Tripp and 510 Jake Greer. Also, be on the look out for a pair of juniors in 64 forward Brent Malloch and 510 guard Drew Wilcut. Casey Ludwig, a 64 senior, should help out at forward. This could be a year for them to move forward in the CAAC-2.
Lansing Sexton
Sexton will likely expect to come into the CAAC-2 and dominate right off the bat and those expectations will likely come to fruition. They return an experienced group at guard with Deleon Dearing and Javaughn Manuel, and the expected return of 60 junior-to-be Jordan Howenstine could vastly improve this teams talent. Drew Valentine [left] can be expected to take a larger role for Sexton this season as well. The junior has all the tools necessary to succeed. Dearing and 62 senior-to-be Dunell Murchison are two of the finest defenders in the area. Waverly and Sexton will duke it out for the conference next season.
Lansing
Waverly
Waverly will be extremely tough next season. The Warriors return a ridiculous nine players from last years roster including three of their top players in 58 senior Bryan Horn, 63 senior Matt Slater and 68 senior Zach Saylor. Javier McIntyre-Jordan [right], a 62 senior, and Joe Sumpter, a 63 senior, should round out an impressive starting five. I also expect a big season out of 62 junior Sergio Griffin who will probably crack that line-up sometime next season. The CAAC-2 could be theirs to lose.
Mason
After a fantastic season, the Bulldogs will be brought back down to earth next year. Jason Hill and Zack Bontrager are finally gone and the team is now 60 senior Ben Richards and 60 junior Eric Stages to run. With very little help available, it should be a rough season.
Owosso
After a rough road in the Big Nine things should become a little smoother in the CAAC-2. The Trojans are set to have a pretty good season as they return their top player from last season in 6'0" senior Eric Bannan. Bannan averaged nearly 15 points per game last season. Owosso will also enjoy a good second season on the varsity from their 6'0" sophomore Joe Blanchett. Nick Jenc, a 6'3" senior, gives them some size and 5'10" senior Ron Fesko is a quality guard. In addition, rumors abound about a couple of tall transfers.
St. Johns
St. Johns is a program on the rise. Andrew Lerg, a 60 sophomore, was one of the better freshmen in the area last season and should only improve next year. He will have a reliable post to rely on with 64 junior Tyler Kramer and possibly 64 sophomore Mitch Jewell. Garrett Thelen, a 61 forward, and Joseph Whitaker, a 60 guard, should provide senior leadership for this young crew. Theyre a year away from making some noise.