On Cloud Nine! White Cloud Wins CSAA Championship

Seated from left to right: Landon Edwards, Andi Gorgon, Captain Charlotte Karnes, Brian Loveless, Mason D’Lamater, Captain Wyatt Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, and Liam Povey Standing from left to right: Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, Coach Stephen Smith, Rhoen Wade, Kacie Kailing, Adriana Alvarez-Smith, Captain Arsyn Balke, Brayden Perdue, Trysten Tancock, Alice Hyde, Lukas Huff, Captain Annabelle Bird, Kate McHaney, Captain Leah Vining, Lily, Ulmen, Ayla Faulkner, Quin Rose, Assistant Coach Cameron Karnes, and Assistant Coach Kiranna Reynolds

by Coach Stephen Smith

Launching into another era of CSAA Quiz Bowl dominance in the year 2025, White Cloud’s Quiz Bowl Program ascended to new heights once again. All teams ignited for liftoff in early January, blazing through the competition before safely landing in late February – with new hardware in hand and more titles secured.

Defying gravity and soaring to flawless perfection, White Cloud Varsity A (9-0) captured the CSAA Quiz Bowl Championship in commanding fashion. In the opening evening of match play, the sensational squad completely dismantled the opposition with impressive triumphs over Newaygo 215-105, Grant 425-65, and Reed City 310-95. Throttling their adversaries in the second round, the courageous contingent rocketed past Chippewa Hills 245-145, Big Rapids 210-130, and Morley-Stanwood A 365-115. Reigning supreme over their rivals in the finale, the valiant victors crushed Lakeview 355-0, Kent City 345-75, and Central Montcalm A 240-60. The “quizessential” quartet totaled 2,710 points as a team, averaging an astounding 301.1 ppg in an incredible display of all-around team performance.

The Indians’ meteoric rise was championed by Senior Jarrett Warlick, whose absolutely incredible out-of-this-world 605 points led his team and the conference. Breaking the stratosphere, Mason D’Lamater followed with an astronomical 170 points. Liam Povey catapulted 130 points as an unstoppable force. With commanding leadership, Captain Wyatt Karnes demonstrated poise and excellence, skyrocketing with an additional 90 points. For their sky-high performances, each player received All-Conference accolades and additional hardware in a line-up that featured two seniors, a junior, and two freshmen.

Vaulting over the competition with ease, White Cloud’s Varsity B (6-1) transcended space and time, winning their division within the CSAA. Establishing their authority early in the first outing, the energetic ensemble dispatched Morley-Stanwood B 200-40 and Reed City B 205-90. Continuing with explosive victories in the ensuing night of competition, the varsity players eclipsed Central Montcalm B 215-20 and supercharged Big Rapids B 220-100. In the final evening, the terrific team triumphed over Newaygo B 235-30 and notched another win against Big Rapids B. The courageous contingent faltered (135-155) against Morley-Stanwood B on the final question of the match. Nevertheless, the fearless four garnered 1,210 as a team with a 201.66 ppg average.
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Leading the charge on the Varsity B squad was Brian Loveless, who broke through the atmospheric barrier with an astonishing 405 points. For his outstanding efforts, he received All-Conference Honors as well. Landon Edwards elevated his game into a higher orbit with 140 points. With brilliant poise, Captain Charlotte Karnes ascended to 40 points, and Andi Gordon propelled forward with 30 points. The latter three players each earned All-Conference Honorable Mention for their performances.

Ascending to the top of the White Division and claiming their Junior Varsity Championship, the JV A (4-2) demonstrated their academic excellence by gaining a win against Kent City JV, defeating Lakeview (175-60), and winning in a friendly match versus White Cloud JV C (205-90). In a thrilling contest with Grant JV, the squad held on to a razor-thin lead, earning a triumph 135-120. The Indians faltered against Newaygo JV in an incredibly close match 135-175 and later to Big Rapids JV (75-175). Nonetheless, the team scored 725 points in the league while averaging 120.83 points per game.

Breaking through with the highest point total on JV was Captain Arsyn Balke with an extraterrestrial 180 points. Accelerating at full speed with 115 points, Trysten Tancock followed closely behind his fearless leader. Kacie Kailing surged forward with 40 points while Adriana Alvarez-Smith navigated to 30 more points. Rhoen Wade rounded out the scoring barrage of the team with 20 points.

Gaining traction and lifting off with a 4-3 overall record, the Junior Varsity B group excelled against Morley Stanwood Varsity B in a come-from-behind victory on the last question, winning 140-130. The exuberant ensemble unleashed their mental prowess against Kent City (265-40), Newaygo JV (205-40), and had a close call against Big Rapids JV (140-130). The team experienced setbacks with Big Rapids JV (175-185), Big Rapids Varsity B (50-290), and White Cloud’s JV C (95-160). Climbing the highest with points on his team was Brayden Perdue with 185 points. Kate “the Great” McHaney boosted her point total higher than ever, ending with 170. Captain Annabelle Bird orbited into a new ring of greatness by obtaining 120 points. Kristy Irwin and Alice Hyde both pierced into the league with 10 points apiece. As a JV crew, the players amassed 930 total points with a 132.85 ppg. 

Beaming into action, the Junior Varsity C competitors showcased their intellectual prowess by trouncing Grant JV 130-60. Picking off both White Cloud’s JV A (120-90) and JV B (160-95) in friendly bouts was a highlight for the youthful group. Leaping onto the quiz bowl stage with a brilliant point display was Ayla Faulkner, who amassed a team-high 125 points in her first outing in the league. Enlightening everyone around her, Lily Ulmen continued to impress, adding 90 points. Lukas Huff unleashed 70 points on his foes. Captain Leah Vining escalated her game by tallying 55 points. Quin Rose rounded out the all-around team effort with 10 points.
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Overall, it was an amazing season for White Cloud Quiz Bowl! Coach Stephen Smith and the players would like to thank all the drivers, parents, teachers, staff, donors, and community supporters of our program. Gratitude and appreciation are also extended to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie as well as to the assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, Cameron Karnes and Dallas Dowling. On April 12, Varsity A will look to bring home a state title from Michigan State University at the NAQT Class C-D State Tournament.

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