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2024 MHSAA Basketball
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Beecher 46, Cass City 35
March 07, 2024 // Region 24 Championship // Bad Axe, Michigan
The defending state champions showed their true pedigree as the Beecher Bucs shut down Cass City in the regional championship to defeat the Red Hawks 46-35 on Thursday, March 07, 2024.
Cass City hung tough with Beecher through the first half, even tying the ball game 16-16 halfway through the second quarter, before the Bucs would finish the second quarter on a five-to-zero run to lead at halftime 21-16. Beecher outscored Cass City in the 3rd quarter, 10-4 and would extend their lead out to 20 points with 2:21 remaining, 43-23. The Red Hawks applied pressure in the final minutes to bring the game closer. Braylon LeValley would hit a three at the buzzer to cut the deficit to 11 points at the end of regulation.
The Bucs were led by Damarcus Burke, Jr's 14 points, followed by Wasir James and Eric Jones each with 11 points. Cass City was paced by Trent Patrick hitting three beyond the arc for nine points and Tyler Cumper's seven points. Carter Patrick was held to just six points in his final game as a Red Hawk.
Beecher has now won every regional championship since losing to USA in the regional final in 2018, their 11th since 2012. Cass City finishes the season with a 24-2 record, back-to-back district champions and back-to-back Greater Thumb West champions.
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Cass City 50, Brown City 31
March 05, 2024 // Region 24 Semi-Final // Bad Axe, Michigan
Cass City entered regional play and never trailed the Brown City Green Devils, sailing to a 50-31 victory on Tuesday, March 05, 2024. With the win, the Red Hawks advanced to their first regional final appearance since 2000 against Flint Beecher.
The Red Hawks scored 16 points in each of the first two quarters to take a 32-16 lead at halftime and extended that lead out to 19 by the end of regulation. Carter Patrick led Cass City with 20 points while Tyler Cumper added 11 for the 24th Red Hawk victory of the season. Brown City was paced by Braden Bayliss' 14 points and Thomas Geiger with five points.
The Green Devils finished the 2024 campaign with a 12-14 victory and a district championship. Cass City advanced to take on Flint Beecher on Thursday for the Regional Championship in Bad Axe, MI.
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Cass City 51, Harbor Beach 48
March 01, 2024 // District 95 Championship // Harbor Beach, Michigan
The District 95 Championship lived up to its hype and was capped off by Cass City's Carter Patrick hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Red Hawks to a 51-48 victory over Harbor Beach on Friday, March 01, 2024.
Cass City avenged their only blemish on their record this season in a game that saw six lead changes, four ties and massive swings of momentum in both teams' favors throughout the entirety of the game. The Red Hawks led at the end of the first quarter by five points, 16-11 and by eight at the half, 29-21. Harbor Beach started the third quarter by turning up the defensive pressure, forcing four Cass City turnovers and converting them into instant points. As a result, the Pirates outscored the Red Hawks in the third quarter 16-5 to lead by one point 36-35 entering the final quarter.
Harbor Beach led for the majority of the fourth quarter, extending their lead to six points just 34 seconds into the final quarter. Cass City would crawl back and take the lead with 2:22 left, 46-45 on two free throws from Carter Patrick but it was answered by a Pirate three-point play from Benson Harper 39 seconds later to make it Harbor Beach 48, Cass City 46. Junior Red Hawk Mason Gniewek hit a jump shot with 1:18 on the clock to tie the game at 48-a-piece, with Harbor Beach holding the ball at midcourt to go for the last shot. With 18 seconds remaining, Cass City's Cohen Sherman popped the ball loose from Harper, setting up the Red Hawks for the win. Sherman eventually got the ball to Patrick with less than two seconds remaining, when Patrick elevated and sunk a three-pointer as time expired.
With the 51-48 victory, Cass City secures the school's first back-to-back district championships in 43 years, dating back to the 1980-1981 seasons. Cass City was paced by Patrick's 22 points. Sherman finished the game with nine points while Carson Anthes added seven. Harbor Beach's offense was anchored by Benson Harper with 28 points. Skiler Kruse added 11 points, including going 7-7 from the free throw line.
Cass City now advances to the Region 24 semi-finals hosted by Bad Axe to take on Brown City. The Green Devils defeated Capac 38-33 on Friday in Sandusky, MI. Harbor Beach finishes the season with a 20-4 record, their most wins in a season since 2013.
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Harbor Beach 43, Lakers 31
February 28, 2024 // District 95 - Harbor Beach
It was the best of times and it was the worst of times, all in about a half-hour's time. The Lakers were shot out of a cannon to start the game against Harbor Beach, even leading by double digits partway through the first quarter and sinking a circus-like and acrobatic buzzer-beater. But from the last second of the first quarter through the first two minutes of the third quarter, the Lakers were unable to connect on a single shot.
The Pirates took advantage of the Lakers' misfortunes and early foul trouble, eliminating a 17-9 first-quarter deficit to lead at halftime 24-17 and 33-24 entering the final quarter of play. Harbor Beach was led by Benson Harper's 19 points and Skiler Kruse coming off of the bench and adding 10. Lakers were led in tandem by Layton Krohn and Graham Shepherd, each with eight points. After the first quarter, the Lakers made just four total shots in the final 24 minutes of play.
Harbor Beach now improves to 20-3 on the season and makes their first district final appearance in four seasons. The Pirates' last district championship came 12 seasons ago in 2013.
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Cass City 43, Caro 32
February 28, 2024 // District 95 - Harbor Beach, MI
The Cass City Red Hawks completed their three-game sweep of the Caro Tigers on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 with a 43-32 district semi-final victory in Harbor Beach.
The Tigers led at the end of the first quarter, 12-8 with balanced scoring but it was Cass City that would lead entering halftime 23-18. Cass City was once again led by Carter Patrick, who ended up with 20 points, part in shooting 17 free throws and making 11 of them. Caro's scoring attack was steered by Jaidan Buniack's 10 points and Evan Langmaid with eight.
With the win, Cass City improves to 22-1 and advances to defend their district title. The Red Hawks will face off with Harbor Beach, looking to avenge their only loss of the season. Caro finishes the season at 13-10, their first above-.500 campaign in eight years.
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Lakers 56, Bad Axe 37
February 26, 2024 // District 95 - Harbor Beach, MI
Lakers never trailed and sailed to a 19-point victory over their Greater Thumb West rival, Bad Axe 56-37 on Monday, February 26 in the opening round of the MHSAA Tournament. It marked the third straight victory for the Lakers who have now won nine of their last 11 games, while Bad Axe finishes the year on a 12-game losing streak.
Lakers' Caden Carriveau led all scorers with 21 points, including going 7-9 from the free throw line. Lucas Wehner added 14 points for the Lakers. Bad Axe was paced by Grady Seltz's 14 points, while the Hatchets' season-long leading scorer Michael Janssen was held to just four points (averaged 15.5 entering the game). Layton Krohn missed the previous seven Laker games due to injury and added eight points to the winning effort.
The Green Machine now advances to take on District 95 host and #2 seed, Harbor Beach on Wednesday, February 28 at 7pm. The two teams previously met back on December 13, 2023 with the Pirates throttling the Lakers, 57-26.
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Caro 53, USA 39
February 26, 2024 // District 95 - Harbor Beach, MI
The Caro Tigers used a huge third quarter to overcome a first half deficit and cruise to a 53-39 victory over the USA Patriots in the first round of the MHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament. The Patriots outscored the Tigers in the first quarter to lead 18-14, but Caro crawled their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to just three points at half and were leading by nine points by the end of the 3rd quarter, 40-31.
Caro was paced by sophomore Connor McGarry's 14 points, while USA also was led with 14 points from junior Landen Bursick.
With the victory, Caro now advances to take on the #1 seed in District 95, the Cass City Red Hawks, a team they have fallen to twice this season already. In the previous meeting, Cass City narrowly defeated Caro by just two points, 62-60 on February 02, 2024. The District Semifinal matchup takes place Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Harbor Beach High School; tip-off at 5:30pm.
For a postgame recap, listen to the second game broadcast of the evening: Lakers vs Bad Axe.
Cass City 40, Lakers 37
February 16, 2024 // Pigeon, Michigan
Any time that Lakers and Cass City meet, it is bound to be a close game; such was the case on Friday, February 16 with the Red Hawks hanging onto a 40-37 road victory. Cass City now enters the final week of the regular season at 18-1 with three home games in five days.
Cass City's Carter Patrick led all scorers with 13 points with all but one point coming in the second half. Lakers, who were without Layton Krohn for the fourth game in a row, were paced by Caden Carriveau's 10 points. The loss for Lakers was their first since January, snapping a six-game win streak.
Harbor Beach 57, Cass City 45
February 09, 2024 // Harbor Beach, Michigan
It was the game that has been circled on everyone's calendar since November and the matchup stood up to the hype. Harbor Beach handed Cass City their first loss in the 2024 campaign with a head-turning 57-45 victory.
The Pirates came out and scored the first five points, while holding Cass City scoreless through the first four minutes of the game. Harbor Beach didn't look back and never let the Red Hawks lead, outscoring Cass City in each quarter (11-6, 14-12, 14-10 and 18-17) of the game.
Sophomore Pirate, Benson Harper led all scorers with 31 points, while Cass City was led by Carter Patrick's 19 points, most of which came in the final few minutes. Harbor Beach controlled the boards, outrebounding Cass City 27-20, while not allowing the Red Hawks a single offense rebound in the first half.
With the win, Harbor Beach has won five games in a row, improving to 16-3 on the season. Cass City falls to 16-1, their first loss in 333 days, dating back to the Regional Semi-Finals last year.
Cass City 62, Caro 60
February 02, 2024 // Cass City, Michigan
The M-81 Clash has its namesake for a reason and on Friday, February 02, 2024, it was the Cass City Red Hawks who were able to hold off the Caro Tigers 62-60 for their fifteenth victory of the season.
Cass City's Carter Patrick paced all scorers with 39 points on the same night he was crowned Snowcoming King. Matt Mellendorf added 13 points with all other Red Hawks in single digits. It was the McGarry brothers leading the way for Caro, Connor McGarry at 24 points and Logan McGarry with 14 points. Valin Buniack finished the game with 10 points.
With the win, Cass City clinches at least a share of the Greater Thumb West title, now with a three-game lead in the standings with three divisional games remaining.
Reese 44, Bad Axe 33
January 26, 2024 // Reese, Michigan
The Reese Rockets started slow but held off the Bad Axe Hatchets for a 44-33 victory on Cominghome night on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Reese's Luke Foco paced the Rockets with 19 points, with 13 coming in the second half. Bad Axe was led by Michael Janssen's 22 points, including six three-pointers. Janssen's efforts brought Bad Axe within three points with under four minutes to play, but Reese would outscore the Hatchets 11-3 in the final 3:29 to secure their third straight victory and eighth of the year.
With the win, Reese improves to 8-6 overall and remains in second place in the Greater Thumb West at 5-2, two games behind Cass City. The game marks Bad Axe's second straight loss and seventh of the season, falling to 6-7 overall.
Cass City 52, Lakers 44
January 19, 2024 // Cass City, Michigan
Lakers came out hot and jumped out to an early lead, but it was Cass City who took control halfway through the second quarter and didn't look back, winning 52-44. The Red Hawks used a 10-0 run in just 98 seconds in the second quarter to take a 14-14 ballgame and turn it into a double-digit lead that stuck for the majority of the game’s remainder.
Carter Patrick led the Red Hawks and all scorers with a 31-point performance. Cohen Sherman finished with nine points. Lakers were led in tandem by Layton Krohn and Caden Carriveau each with 12 points.
Cass City now improves to 12-0 on the season and 6-0 in the GTW, Lakers falls to 5-6, with just one win in their last six games.
Bad Axe 54, Lakers 50
January 10, 2024 // Bad Axe, Michigan
It wasn't the prettiest of games, but the Bad Axe Hatchets made it two wins in a row with a hard-fought 54-50 victory over the EPBP Lakers. A total of 17 lead changes and seven ties took place throughout the game.
Bad Axe's Michael Janssen led all scorers with 26 points, with 18 of them coming in the second half. Grady Seltz pumped in 12 points, all on three-pointers. Lakers were led by sophomore Caden Carriveau with 14 points, despite fouling out in the 4th quarter. Layton Krohn and Graham Shepherd each had 10 points for the Green Machine.
Bad Axe improved to 4-5 on the season, winning their last two games after a five-game losing streak. Lakers has now lost four in a row and is 4-4 for the 2024 campaign.
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Harbor Beach 51, Ubly 39
January 05, 2024 // Harbor Beach, Michigan
In a game that saw six lead changes and four ties, the Harbor Beach Pirates put together a 17-1 run in the final 3:12 to snag their first victory in four years over rival Ubly, 51-39. Harbor Beach's sophomore Benson Harper led all scorers with 26 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter alone. Ubly was paced by Brayden Franzel's 16 points.
With the win, Harbor Beach has already tied last year's win total of eight with 12 regular season games still to go. The Pirates improve to 8-2 overall and 3-0 in Greater Thumb East (GTE) play. Ubly falls to 4-4 and 1-2 in the GTE, having lost three of its last four games since December 28, 2023.
2023 MHSAA Football
Photo provided by Quad N Productions. All photos from the 2023 State Championship can be viewed here.
Ubly 21, Whiteford 6
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP // Ford Field // Detroit, Michigan
It may have taken four appearances to Ford Field, but the Ubly Bearcats left no question of who was the best team in Division 08 across the entire state of Michigan. Ubly defeated Whiteford 21-6 for their first state title in school history, avenging a loss from a year ago in the state championship.
It was a total team effort by the Bearcats, as it has been all season long, with four ball carriers totaling 281 yards on the ground. The Bearcats controlled the line of scrimmage and thus, the tempo of the game; Ubly's offense was on the field for 66% of the game for 31:51 of the 48 available minutes. Whiteford held the ball for just 16:09 (34%) and had just five total drives in the entire game.
Seth Maurer paced the backfield with 137 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown. Luke Volmering ended with 77 yards from 16 carries, resulting in one score. Canden Peruski and Evan Peruski each had eight carries for 35 and 32 yards, respectively. Through the air, Peruski was 2-3 for 29 yards and a score with both catches brought in by Ryan Learman. Brett Mueller was 3-3 in extra points, bringing his season total to 76-81 (93.8%) and his final high school career tally to 220-232 (94.8%).
With the win, Ubly completes the 2023 season with a perfect 14-0 record and Eric Sweeney retires as head coach after four memorable seasons, leading the Bearcats to a 48-5 record in that span. The Ubly Bearcats have not lost a regular season game since October 02, 2020 and made it to Ford Field in three of the last four seasons.
Editor’s note: It’s been a pleasure and an honor to cover the Ubly Bearcats’ run to the State Championship. Thank you to everyone in Ubly for representing the entire Thumb in such a positive light. -Clark
All game photos will be posted by Quad N Productions on their website here.
Ubly 24, Beal City 6
Week 13 // MT MORRIS, Michigan
It may have taken three times, but the Ubly Bearcats defeated the Beal City Aggies for the first time, 24-6 in the State Semi-Finals to return to Ford Field for a chance at the 2023 State Championship.
Ubly scored points on each of their first four drives, including a 54-yard field goal from Brett Mueller in the final seconds of the first half. All three touchdowns were 20 yards or longer for the Bearcats including Seth Maurer's 36-yard run to start the game, Brett Mueller's 35-yard catch from Evan Peruski and then his second catch of the day, 20 yards, also for a score. The game began with plenty of action, including Beal City responding to Ubly's first touchdown just 58 seconds and three plays later. It would mark the only score of the day for the Aggies.
The Bearcat rushing attack was led by Seth Maurer with 114 yards on 19 carries for one touchdown. Through the air, Brett Mueller brought in two receptions both for scores and 55 yards. Mueller's 54-yard field goal ties the fifth-longest field goal in MHSAA history.
Ubly now moves on to the State Championship against Whiteford, a rematch of last year's state final in which Whiteford defeated Ubly 26-20.
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Ubly 41, Ithaca 20
Week 12 // Herp Field // Ubly, Michigan
On their way to their fifth straight regional championship, Ubly scored on their first four drives to eventually defeat Ithaca 41-20 and punch their ticket to the state semi-finals.
To start the game, Ubly marched 79 yards down the field on a 16-play, 7:26 drive and capped off with an Evan Peruski one-yard dive into the endzone. Ithaca would respond on the very next drive to tie the game at 7-7, but would not be able to keep pace for the remainder of the game. Ubly's defense picked off two passes from Ithaca's Jackson Conn, converting each turnover into a touchdown.
As a team, the Bearcats rushed for an impressive 451 yards for six total touchdowns. Canden Peruski led Ubly's rushing attack with 197 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. He also co-led the team on defense (with Ryan Learman) for seven tackles, including one for a loss. Seth Maurer carried the ball 23 times for 158 yards and two scores. Brett Mueller brought in the only reception for Ubly, which was a 40-yard catch.
Ubly now moves on to take on Beal City in the state semi-finals, taking place in Mt Morris on Saturday, November 18 at 1:00pm. Coverage begins at 12:00pm on Sports Radio 102.1FM and wlewsports.com.
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Ubly 35, Harbor Beach 14
Week 11 // Herp Field // Ubly, Michigan
The 75th edition of the Backyard Brawl found the Ubly Bearcats controlling the tempo of the game and in doing so, they secured their fifth straight district championship with a 35-14 victory over Harbor Beach.
Ubly scored on their first drive to go ahead 7-0, before their defense held strong and forced a turnover-on-downs at Ubly's own 8-yard line. The Bearcats responded by marching down the length of the field to go ahead 14-0. Altogether, Ubly would score on their first five drives of the night. Seth Maurer led the way for Ubly with 29 carries for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Evan Peruski, who started at quarterback for the first time in four weeks was 2-2 in passing for 63 yards, both to Brett Mueller. Mueller was a perfect 5-5 on extra points, putting him at 209 career PAT's, a new MHSAA all-time record.
Harbor Beach was paced by quarterback, Caden Bucholtz who ended up with 54 yards on 10 carries. He was 8-14 for 203 yards through the air with two interceptions and one score. Dustin Emerick hauled in 4 catches for 139 yards and the passing touchdown.
With the win, Ubly improves to 11-0 and advances to the Regional Championship where they will host the Ithaca Yellowjackets in Ubly, Michigan. Ithaca defeated New Lothrop by one point after kicking a field goal with just eight seconds remaining.
Please note: the date & time (Friday or Saturday) for the Ithaca at Ubly game will be confirmed by Monday, Nov 06
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Cass City 28, Sandusky 0
Week 10 // Cass City, Michigan
A defensive and scoreless first half turned into a four-score second half for the Cass City Red Hawks en route to a 28-0 victory over the Sandusky Wolves on Friday, October 27, 2023.
The first half featured six combined drives, resulting in four turnovers-on-downs, a punt and a fumble due to strong defense on both sides of the ball. Cass City ignited their offense after halftime, finding the end zone on each of their first four drives in the second half. Landyn Schott led the way for the Red Hawks with 21 carries resulting in 151 yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard score that saw Schott shed multiple defenders. Ryker Wallace ran the ball seven times for 39 yards and a score, while Cohen Sherman rushed the ball five times and 32 yards. Carter Patrick ran in the other touchdown of the night, finishing with 24 yards.
Sandusky put together 122 yards on 47 total plays, led by Chase Green with 10 carries for 47 yards. Jackson Reinke ran the ball 9 times for 40 yards, while Carter Krause was held to 31 yards on 13 carries.
Cass City now advances to the District Championship to take on the undefeated Millington Cardinals in the Division 07 MHSAA Playoffs. Sandusky concludes the 2023 season with a 7-3 record after missing the playoffs for the last two years.
Photo courtesy of The Minden City Herald
Harbor Beach 17, Beal City 8
Week 09 // Harbor Beach, Michigan
On another rain-filled Friday night, Harbor Beach punched Beal City in the teeth early and never looked back, securing a 17-8 victory and handing the Aggies their first loss of the season. Entering the game, Beal City had allowed just two touchdowns in the first half all season, but the Pirates would double that, scoring twice before halftime to lead 14-0. The Aggies scored first in the 3rd quarter to make it 14-8 and set up a potential shootout finish, but the Pirates responded with a Skiler Kruse 25-yard field goal to go up by nine and would hold Beal City scoreless for the remainder of the game.
The Pirates were paced by Rogan Messing with 81 yards on just eight carries (11.4yd/carry average) and Caden Bucholtz's 18 totes for 63 yards and a score. Bucholtz would throw for the other touchdown to Benson Harper for 29 yards. Entering the final week of the regular season, Beal City was averaging 271 rushing yards per game, but were held to just 120. Jamisen Latham led the Aggies with 67 yards on seven carries and their lone score.
With the win, both teams finish the regular season with 8-1 records and enter the Division 08 playoffs next week. The MHSAA playoff field will be announced on Sunday evening, October 22, 2023.
Harbor Beach 18, Lakers 6
Week 08 // Laker Field // Pigeon, Michigan
On a rain-drenched Friday night, the Harbor Beach Pirates used a big fourth quarter, scoring twice to pull away from the EPBP Lakers and win 18-6. The Pirates scored on the very first drive of the night to lead 6-0 with Lakers responding halfway through the 2nd quarter to tie the game and enter halftime, 6-6. No scoring would take place in the 3rd quarter before Harbor Beach would score a minute into the fourth quarter to take the lead 12-6, followed by blocking Lakers' punt on the next drive and tacking on another touchdown with 6:21 remaining.
Harbor Beach was led by Shea Woodke with 14 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. Benson Harper added 54 carries and a score on 13 totes, quarterback Caden Bucholtz ran the ball 11 times for 42 yards and the other touchdown. The Laker offense was led by Caleb Nieten who ended with 19 carries for 63 yards and the lone Laker touchdown. Luke Good ran the ball 10 times for 31 yards.
With the win, Harbor Beach has made it four straight wins since losing to Ubly back in Week 04, now facing off with Beal City in the final matchup of the regular season. Lakers has now lost two games in a row for the second time this season and falls to 4-4 overall.
Cass City 26, Lakers 12
Week 07 // Cass City, Michigan
Cass City struck the first blow just 13 seconds into the game and secured their first GTW title in three years with a 26-12 victory over Lakers on Friday, October 06, 2023. It marks the first victory for the Red Hawks over the Lakers since 2019. Tyler Cumper brought in the opening kick at the 1-yard line and returned it for a score to put Cass City up and despite the Lakers making it a close numerous times, the Red Hawks never trailed in the game. Lakers would score twice in the second quarter for a two-point game at halftime, 14-12 Cass City, but wouldn't score again as the weather worsened and Quarterback Jayce Sears would leave the game with an injury.
Cohen Sherman ran the ball 16 times for Cass City for 103 yards and all three offensive touchdowns for the Red Hawks. Ryker Wallace carried the ball 46% of the time with 26 totes for 89 yards. Carter Patrick was 2-4 in passing for 38 yards going to Ryker Wallace (1 for 30 yards) and Tyler Cumper (1 for 8 yards). Lakers were paced by Jayce Sears with 11 carries, 100 yards and a touchdown. He was 6-11-1 through the air for 58 yards and a touchdown, brought in by Lucas Wehner. Bryson Finkbeiner caught two passes for 33 yards.
With the win, Cass City improves to 6-1 on the season and finishes 5-0 in divisional play. Lakers fall to 4-3 overall and 4-1 in the GTW, snapping a four-game win streak. Since 2017, the Greater Thumb West has been won/shared by either Lakers or Cass City every year.
View the full stat summary here
Greater Thumb West Champions:
2017 -- Lakers
2018 -- Cass City
2019 -- Cass City
2020 -- Cass City/Bad Axe
2021 -- Bad Axe/Lakers/Reese
2022 -- Lakers
2023 -- Cass City
Harbor Beach 42, Sandusky 12
Week 06 // Harbor Beach, Michigan
Harbor Beach scored five times before the Homecoming festivities at halftime, en route to a 42-12 victory over the Sandusky Wolves to improve to 5-1 on the season. The Pirates were paced by Benson Harper's 10 carries, 122 yards and three touchdowns; Shea Woodke was close behind with nine carries for 81 yards and three scores, as well. Woodke led the team on defense, totaling 12 tackles -- over 25% of the team's total. Harbor Beach attempted just two passes, completing one for 18 yards.
Sandusky was held scoreless in the first half, but found the endzone twice in the third quarter. They were led by Carter Krause's 12 carries for 64 yards. Jackson Reinke and Chase Green combined for 61 yards on the ground and both scores. The Wolves completed just two of its 10 third down attempts and 3/6 on fourth down. Sandusky falls to 4-2 on the year and now hosts Ubly next week.
Ubly 56, Harbor Beach 20
Week 04 // Herp Field // Ubly, Michigan
The Ubly Bearcats made it four wins in a row against rival Harbor Beach for the first time since 1960 with a commanding 56-20 victory on Friday, September 15, 2023. Four-year starting quarterback Evan Peruski led the Bearcat attack with 175 yards and two scores on just nine carries, averaging over 19 yards per tote. Altogether, seven ball carriers would account for 458 yards from 42 carries, producing eight rushing touchdowns while Brett Mueller put all eight point-after attempts through the uprights.
Harbor Beach would have success through the air in the second half, but Ubly had the game in hand by that point already. The Pirates threw nine passes with six being caught for 166 yards and a score with one interception. 29 rushes by Harbor Beach would muster only 90 yards, but two rushing touchdowns.
With the win, Ubly has now beaten Harbor Beach 5 of the last 6 times, dating back to the 2019 playoffs. The Bearcats have won 25 straight regular season games.
Harbor Beach 57, Bad Axe 12
Week 03 // Harbor Beach, Michigan
Bad Axe scored first, but Harbor Beach responded with nine total touchdowns, earning the Pirates a 57-12 victory over the Hatchets on Friday, September 08, 2023. Harbor Beach would accumulate 335 rushing yards on 38 carries, averaging nearly 9 yards per carry for 7 touchdowns, led by Benson Harper with 112 yards and a score on just 7 carries. Through the air, Caden Bucholtz, Harbor Beach's sophomore quarterback was 3-6 for 22 yards and a touchdown to Dustin Emerick. Benson Harper would also return a kickoff 83 yards for a special teams touchdown.
The Hatchets were led by Logan Miles with 112 yards rushing on 11 carries and 1 touchdown. Alex Andrich was 4-14-1 in the passing attack with 1 touchdown, also to Logan Miles.
With the win, Harbor Beach improves to 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in the Greater Thumb East. Bad Axe falls to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in divisional play (GTE). The Pirates now travel to Ubly to take on the undefeated Bearcats in the Backyard Brawl, a team they have not defeated since 2020 (0-3). Bad Axe continues their road trip to Memphis to take on the 1-2 Yellowjackets.
Ubly 42, Lakers 0
WEEK 02 // Herp Field // Ubly, Michigan
The Bearcats wasted no time in taking control of the game scoring on their first drive and returning a punt for a score just two minutes later, defeating and shutting out the Lakers 42-0 in the second week of the regular season. Ubly ran the ball 43 times for 323 yards, led by Luke Volmering with 78 yards and two scores on just 10 totes. Evan Peruski ran the ball 9 times for 68 yards and was 1-4-0 through the air for 18 yards, the lone completion also brought in by Luke Volmering.
Lakers showed some life in the 2nd quarter, forcing a punt from Ubly, but the Green Machine's ensuing drive stalled at the Bearcat 32-yard line -- the closest the Lakers would get to the endzone for the night.
Lakers' offense was limited to 138 yards on 42 plays, led by QB Jayce Sears with 20 carries for 72 yards. Sears was 6-16-0 in the passing game for 47 yards.
With the win, Ubly improves to 2-0 for the fifth time in seven seasons. Lakers falls to 0-2 after facing off with previous Division 06 foe, Millington in Week 01 and the Division 08 State Runner-Up, Ubly in Week 02.
Harbor Beach 22, Cardinal Mooney 13
East China Stadium // Marine City, michigan
With the Week 01 broadcast being on Thursday, Clark Ramsey shot down to grab some slow motion footage from the Harbor Beach at Cardinal Mooney game. As time allows, we will be releasing a recap video of this game.
Cass City 38, Bad Axe 08
Week 01 // Cass City, Michigan
The 2023 football season began with a bang...of thunder...as lightning delays pushed the game late into the night before Cass City rolled to a 38-8 victory over Bad Axe. The Red Hawks began the game quickly with a 79-yard kickoff return before punching it in two plays later to take a 6-0 lead. Bad Axe would move the ball well and find the endzone once before the half was over, cutting the deficit to just 4 points, 12-8, but the Hatchet defense would allow a touchdown with just one second left in the half, making for a 18-8 Cass City lead at halftime.
Cass City would add three more scores in the second half en route to beginning their campaign with a 1-0 start. The Red Hawks now travel to Harbor Beach in the final week before divisional play begins. Bad Axe will look to find their first win as they host the Reese Rockets on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
2023 MHSAA Basketball
Region 24 Semi-Final — Beecher 57, Cass City 33
March 13, 2023 // USA HIGH SCHOOL
The Cass City Red Hawks gave it their all and only trailed by one point at halftime to the 9-time state champions, but Beecher pulled away in the second half to win 57-33 in the Region 24 Semi-Final game. Despite a slow start, it was a low-scoring affair benefiting Cass City with the Red Hawks actually taking the lead 15-14 less than two minutes before the end of the second quarter. Beecher blew the game open in the second half, going on a 12-0 run in less than two minutes and the Bucs never looked back, getting back to the Regional Championship game for their 14th straight season.
Cass City was led by Carter Patrick with 13 points and Mike Fernald added 7 points. Trent Patrick made two three-pointers for 6 points, Riley Swiderski 3 points and Cohen Sherman and Evan Clark each finishing with two points.
The Red Hawks finish the season 21-3 with their first district title since 2000 and co-champions of the Greater Thumb West, the first divisional title in a decade.
Be CC
Q1 8 3 Beecher: 8-3
Q2 10 14 Beecher: 18-17
Q3 22 12 Beecher: 40-29
Q4 17 4 Beecher: 57-33
District 96 — Cass City, Michigan
Lakers 49, Cass City 35
February 24, 2023 // Cass City, Michigan
Lakers needed a win over Cass City to remain in the Greater Thumb West race and they did just that, plus a whole lot more with a commanding 49-35 victory on Friday in front of a packed Cass City gymnasium. Now, the Lakers need just one more win at Vassar on Monday to force a split in the league title with the Red Hawks.
The Green Machine came out and were leading 13-0 to start the game before Cass City's Trent Patrick scored the lone points in the first quarter on a three-pointer with just 52 seconds left. At halftime, Lakers led by nine points, maintaining an approximate 10-point lead for the majority of the game. Cass City would make a run to start the second and actually tie the game 29-29 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter, but Lakers would finish the quarter on a 5-0 run to lead 34-29 entering the fourth. In the final quarter, the green and white would outscore Cass City 15-6, making 5 of their 8 free throw attempts in the waning moments.
Lakers were led by Mikel Good with 20 points and Hunter Krohn with 16. Caden Carriveau came off the bench to score 7 points, while Layton Krohn added 4 and each Logan Carr and Ethan Wissner with one made free throw. Lakers shot 44% for the game, including 66% (10-15) in the second half. Rebounding was also heavily in favor of Lakers, outrebounding Cass City 37-21.
The Red Hawks' scoring attack was hampered by poor shooting as well as Lakers' defense and height, making just 17% of shots on their home floor in the first half and 27% for the entire night. Cass City's offense was paced by Carter Patrick with 11 points, Michael Fernald 7 points, Riley Swiderski and Cohen Sherman each at 5, Evan Clark with 4 points and Trent Patrick 3.
The last conference title for the Elkton Pigeon Bay Port Lakers came 25 years ago in 1998. Their game against Vassar was originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, but was moved to this coming Monday due to weather.
Lk CC
Q1 13 3 Lakers 13-8
Q2 5 6 Lakers 18-9
Q3 16 20 Lakers 34-29
Q4 15 6 Lakers 49-35
Brown City 53, Ubly 33
February 17, 2023 // Brown City, Michigan
The Brown City Green Devils staved off multiple attacks to remain in first place in the Greater Thumb East with a 53-33 over the Ubly Bearcats. Brown City can clinch the GTE title outright with a win on Wednesday against Sandusky.
For the majority of the game, Brown City led by nearly 10 points. The Bearcats would put together a number of runs to bring it down to one possession, but never had enough firepower to take the lead. The Green Devils outscore Ubly in the fourth quarter 15-4 to take the 20-point victory at home.
Brown City's 6'4" guard, Gaden Muxlow led all scorers with 22 points with Callen Hagey adding 17 and Clint Ford 8 points. Brandon Kohler and Ethan Worrell rounded out the scoring each with three points. Ubly's offense was paced by Brayden Franzel who finished the night with 16 points, 14 of them coming before halftime. All other Bearcats scored four points or less: Austin Gentner 4, Caden Osentoski 4, Mitchell Foote 3, Luke Volmering 2, Aiden Mackowiak 2 and Canden Peruski 2.
Despite just two weeks remaining in the regular season, Ubly has six games remaining before the MHSAA Tournament. Brown City has three games to complete, including hosting Sandusky on Wednesday, February 22 to clinch the Greater Thumb East title.
Ub BC
Q1 6 14 Brown City: 14-6
Q2 14 14 Brown City: 28-20
Q3 9 10 Brown City: 38-29
Q4 4 15 Brown City: 53-33
Lakers 66, Bad Axe 64 (OT)
February 10, 2023 // Pigeon, Michigan
Lakers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders and had to fight off a pesky Bad Axe squad that forced overtime, but eventually, the Green Machine hung on to win 66-64 and remain in the Greater Thumb West race.
The Lakers led 18-3 at the end of the first quarter and extended their lead out to 18 halfway through the 2nd quarter, before Bad Axe would put together a 21-4 rally to finish the first half and make it just a one-point lead for the Lakers at halftime, 27-26. The Green & White led at the end of the third quarter 42-38. The Hatchets would erase that deficit in a matter of just 2:09 with a 12-0 run to take the lead with five seconds left in regulation, leading 56-53 after a pair of free throws from Keaton Braun on a technical foul and a Michael Janssen three-pointer. Lakers fed the ball up the court to Ethan Wissner who hit a three as time expired to force overtime at 56 points, a piece.
Overtime would see three lead changes and one tie. Lakers went ahead, 66-64 with a pair of free throws from Layton Krohn with 10 seconds left. Bad Axe had one more chance in the waning seconds but failed to get a shot off before time expired.
Ethan Wissner pumped in 6 of Lakers' 10 points in the extra four minutes on a night he led the team with 18 points. Hunter Krohn and Mikel Good each added 12 points, Layton Krohn chipped in 11 and Caden Carriveau with 10 points. Logan Carr made his only points, a three-pointer to start the second half.
Bad Axe was led by Keaton Braun with 28 points, 19 of which came after halftime. Micahel Janssen fired for 15 points, including the go-ahead score in regulation with five seconds left. Griffin Meinhold added nine with Grady Seltz and Jake MacPhee each with six points.
With the win, Lakers remains just one game out of first place in the Greater Thumb WEst behind Cass City and improves to 12-3 on the season (7-2 GTW). Bad Axe falls to 13-3 and 7-3 in divisional play.
BA Lk
Q1 3 18 Lakers: 18-3
Q2 23 9 Lakers: 27-26
Q3 12 15 Lakers: 42-38
Q4 18 14 TIE: 56-56
OT 8 10 Lakers: 66-64
Bad Axe 60, Reese 53
February 03, 2023 // Bad Axe, Michigan
The Reese Rockets led for all but 92 seconds of the game, but it was the Bad Axe Hatchets who came away with the win, 60-53 on Friday, February 03, 2023. Bad Axe used a 14-0 run in the final 2:51 of the game to erase a 7-point deficit and win by seven over their Greater Thumb West nemesis.
Reese led by four at the end of the first quarter, six at halftime and eight after three quarters, but the Hatchets outscored the Rockets 26-11 in the 4th quarter, including a 14-0 run in the final 2:51 of the game. Bad Axe's sophomore, Grady Seltz scored 9 of his 12 points in the 4th quarter to lead the charge back.
Bad Axe was led in scoring by Keaton Braun with 22 points. Grady Seltz scored 12, while Chase Walker and Jake MacPhee each chipped in 9. Michael Janssen rounded out the scoring with 8 points. Reese was paced by Beck Shores with 18 points, Konner Kratz at 12, Mitchell Stricker 9 points, Luke Foco added 8 and Brady Benson pumped in 6 points.
There were roughly 30 turnovers between the two teams in a scrappy and fast-paced game. Bad Axe shot just 32%, but made up for it by attempting 67 shots over the course of 32 minutes of play (2pt: 13/37 - 35% | 3pt: 9/30 - 30%). Reese finished with a 42% shooting rate (2pt: 19/35 - 54% | 3pt: 3/18 - 17%).
With the win, Bad Axe improves to 12-2 overall and 6-2 in divisional play, remaining in second place with Lakers, both just one game behind the Cass City Red Hawks. Reese falls to 9-6 overall and 5-3 in the GTW.
Rs BA
Q1 12 8 Reese: 12-8
Q2 13 11 Reese: 25-19
Q3 17 15 Reese: 42-34
Q4 11 26 Bad Axe: 60-53
Cass City 44, Lakers 43
January 27, 2023 // Pigeon, Michigan
In a game that did not see a lead change until the fourth quarter, it certainly finished in a flurry with Cass City walking away with a 44-43 victory over Lakers. Red Hawk sophomore Trent Patrick hit a half-court shot as time expired to put Cass City up for good.
Cass City began the game on a 15-2 run before Lakers started to claw its way back into the game. The Red Hawks led through the third quarter of the game; Lakers tied the game for the first time in the 4th quarter and exchanged blows for the remaining four minutes. Lakers' Ethan Wissner was fouled with just three seconds left and made both free throws to put the green and white ahead 43-41. Cass City inbounded the pass to Cohen Sherman who was able to get it over to Trent Patrick just across mid-court and he let the ball fly just before time expired. The half-court shot banked off the backboard and through the net for the Red Hawk victory.
Carter Patrick led Cass City in scoring with 16 points (four 3-pointers, 2 field goals) and Michael Fernald added 12 points, mostly in the first half. Riley Swiderski finished with 8 points and Trent Patrick made two three-point shots, including the game-winner for 6 points.
Lakers' leading scorer was once again their big man, Hunter Krohn who compiled 16 points and Ethan Wissner chipped in 13, including going 7-7 from the free throw line. Freshman Caden Carriveau added 9 points, all in the second half and Mikel Good scored 5 points.
With Cass City's win, they remain tied for first place in the Greater Thumb West with the Bad Axe Hatchets, their only loss this season.
CC Lk
Q1 18 6 CC: 18-6
Q2 5 13 CC: 23-19
Q3 11 10 CC: 34-29
Q4 10 14 CC: 44-43
Lakers 61, Bad Axe 53
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 // BAD AXE, MICHIGAN
The Lakers snapped an 11-game losing streak to GTW rival Bad Axe on Wednesday, January 18, 2022 with a 61-53 road victory. The Green Machine was able to cut an eight-point first quarter deficit to just four points at halftime, before turning the tide in the 3rd quarter. Lakers shot 56% in the second half (2pt: 14/22, 3pt: 0/3) compared to Bad Axe's 22% (2pt: 4/16, 3pt: 3/16).
Laker's Hunter Krohn led all scorers with 23 points (11 baskets and 1-1 free throws) and freshman Caden Carriveau chipped in a critical 12 points, mostly on offensive rebound putbacks. The Hatchets were led by sophomore Michael Janssen's 20 points and Keaton Braun who finished with 18 points.
With the Laker victory, it created a 4-way tie for first in the Greater Thumb West standings between Bad Axe, Cass City, Lakers and Reese, each with just one loss in divisional play.
Lk BA
Q1 15 23 BA: 23-15
Q2 13 9 BA: 32-28
Q3 16 8 Lk: 44-40
Q4 17 13 Lk: 61-53
Ubly 47, Harbor Beach 40
Friday, january 13, 2023 // UBLY, michigan
The Ubly Bearcats erased a nine-point halftime deficit to take a 47-40 victory over Greater Thumb East rival, Harbor Beach on Friday, January 13, 2023.
Ubly was paced by junior Evan Peruski with 22 points, including six three-pointers. Brayden Franzel was the next highest scorer at 7 points. Canden Peruski scored 8 points, all in the 3rd quarter, to lead the charge back for the Bearcats. Harbor Beach's freshman Benson Harper impressed everyone in attendance with smooth shooting, compiling 19 points in the first three quarters of the game. Jack Bischer chipped in 11 points for the Pirates, as well.
With the win, Ubly improves to 3-2 on the season and 3-0 in divisional play. Harbor Beach has lost four straight games and currently stands with a 2-6 record.
UB HB
Q1 12 14 HB: 14-12
Q2 3 10 HB: 24-15
Q3 18 8 Ub: 33-32
Q4 14 8 Ub: 47-40
Bad Axe 50, Cass City 41
Friday, january 06, 2023 // cass city, michigan
Cass City controlled the game's tempo through the first half, but the Bad Axe Hatchets used a 16-0 in just over 4 minutes to take the lead entering the 4th quarter and didn't look back. The Hatchets defeated the Red Hawks 50-41 for their 7th victory of the season and are now 1-0 in divisional play.
Griffin Meinhold neutralized Cass City’s leading scorer, Carter Patrick with tough defense from start to finish. Meinhold also scored a three-pointer just before the half with 0.4 seconds remaining to tie the game 20-20 after two quarters. He finished the game with 11 points.
Bad Axe was led in scoring by sophomore Michael Janssen with 14 points, which included three 3-pointers. Keaton Braun pulled down 10+ rebounds to go along with his 13 points and 6-8 free throw shooting. The Red Hawks’ scoring duo of Carter Patrick and Michael Fernald each finished with 12 points to lead Cass City. Riley Swiderski also pitched in 9 points.
BA CC
Q1 8 8 TIE: 8-8
Q2 12 12 TIE: 20-20
Q3 19 11 BA: 39-31
Q4 11 10 BA: 50-41
2022 MHSAA Football
Division 08 - State Championship // Whiteford vs Ubly
FORD FIELD // DETROIT, MICHIGAN
It was a 14-week-long collision course between the top two teams in Division 08 and it came down to the last two minutes for the state title to be decided. Whiteford would take a 12-0 lead in the first quarter before the Ubly Bearcats rallied back to tie the game 20-20 in the 4th quarter. However, the Whiteford Bobcats hung on to win 26-20 over Ubly for their second state championship in school history.
Whiteford's 4-year starting quarterback Shea Ruddy would finish with 17 carries for 68 yards and 2 scores; while through the air, he was 9-13 for 115 yards and 1 interception. Ruddy converted on a 4th down from midfield to continue their 4th quarter drive for Whiteford, which resulted in the go-ahead and game-winning score with 1:59 remaining in regulation.
Ubly was led by Seth Maurer with 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 15 carries. Mark Heilig ran in the other score for the Bearcats on a day in which he ran for 82 yards on 18 totes.
Ubly finishes the season with a 13-1 record and the State Runner-Up in the MHSAA Division 08 Playoffs.
Division 08 - State Semi Finals // Iron Mountain vs Ubly
Northmen Stadium // Petoskey, Michigan
In a setting that resembled a snow globe more than a football stadium, the Ubly Bearcats scored on the very first play of offense and never looked back, defeating Iron Mountain 41-14 in the state semi-finals and punching their ticket to the state championship game. Mark Heilig rumbled 65 yards into the snow-filled endzone on the very first play for his first of three scores and led the Bearcats with 202 yards on just 18 carries. Aiden Mackowiak had the other three touchdowns for Ubly with 11 carries for 144 yards. Heilig averaged 11 yards per carry while Mackowiak posted a 13-yard per carry average.
With the win, Ubly advances to the State Championship for the third time in school history to face off with Whiteford High School of Ottawa Lake. Petoskey, Michigan received 23" of snow in the two days leading up to the state semi-final and had another 6-10 inches fall before the game began.
Coverage for the Division 08 State Championship will begin at 9:00am on Friday, November 25, 2022 from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Listen on Sports Radio 102.1FM and wlewsports.com.
Division 08 - Regional Championship // Fowler at Ubly
Herp Field // Ubly, Michigan
If last week was the Mark Heilig Show, this week featured Evan Peruski who led the team in rushing, en route to a 49-7 victory for Ubly's fourth straight regional championship. Peruski carried the ball just 10 times, but accounted for 267 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Peruski returned an interception for a touchdown.
With their 12th victory of the season, Ubly advances to the state semi-finals to take on Iron Mountain, which will be hosted by Petoskey High School on Saturday, November 19 at 1:00pm.
Division 08 - District Championship // Michigan Lutheran Seminary at Ubly
Herp Field // Ubly, Michigan
Mark Heilig led the Bearcats with 13 carries for 193 yards and 5 touchdowns in a dominating 49-14 victory over Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Ubly would not even attempt a pass in a game that saw a running clock for nearly the entire second half of the game. With the win, Ubly now advances to the Regional Championship where they will host Fowler. The Eagles defeated Beal City 28-27 -- with the Fowler victory, Ubly retains home-field advantage for another game.
Fowler at Ubly will take place Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 1:00pm. Coverage begins at 12:00pm on Sports Radio 102.1FM and wlewsports.com
Week 09 // Lakers at Bad Axe
LAKER Field // Pigeon, Michigan
In the first week of the postseason, the EPBP Lakers defeated Bad Axe for the second time this season with a hard-fought 21-14 victory. Lakers' Ethan Wissner led the way with 29 carries for 143 yards and all three scores for the Green Machine. Wissner had to assume quarterback duties after starting play-caller Connor McCain went down with a lower leg injury.
Bad Axe led through the first three quarters 14-6, but Lakers scored two unanswered touchdowns in the 4th for the playoff victory. Lakers now advance to the District Championship at Montrose.
2022 MHSAA Basketball
2021 MHSAA Football
2021 MHSAA Basketball
2021-03-15 // Harbor Beach at Ubly
We apologize that there is no audio from the Harbor Beach at Ubly basketball game. As the broadcast was concluding, our broadcast setup lost power and as a result, the audio file was corrupted.