White Cloud Shines Bright at Harris Bunker

From left to right: Coach Stephen Smith, Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie. Captain Wyatt Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, Liam Povey, and Brian Loveless

by Stephen Smith

Finally! The sun is shining! And here comes White Cloud Quiz Bowl (6-4), beaming brightly at the First Annual Harris Bunker Memorial Quiz Bowl Invitational. The namesake of the tournament honors the memory of Harris Bunker, a former captain of the Michigan State Quiz Bowl squad. The commemorative tribute was held under the aegis of Michigan State’s Academic Club. On March 1, 2025, the event featured a competitive field of 14 teams, near and far, looking to continue their growth and development.

Glistening with success in the preliminary matches, White Cloud’s illustrious intellects marvelously dazzled against Lansing Waverly B (455-85) and mercilessly illuminated in opposition to Constantine (435-125). With overwhelming scoring outbursts, the Indians outshined DeWitt (320-215). The valiant vanguard flickered slightly, while engaging Detroit Country Day in razor-tight contest (250-290) and were outlasted in a power battle with Grand Ledge A (255-315). With their early morning performance, the varsity players earned a spot in the championship bracket.

Incandescently entering the fray of the winner’s bracket, the fearless foursome faced ferocious competition in their opening match with Utica Academy for International Studies, falling short 290-360. Undaunted, the exuberant ensemble flashed back against Grand Ledge A (375-210), avenging their morning misstep. Radiating from their previous success, the gallant group flourished with an even higher point total by prevailing over Okemos (395-115). The fantastic four flared up and over Holt with a scintillating score of 405-180.  Vying for a tournament championship, the team squared off in an epic clash with Detroit Country Day that featured multiple lead changes, power barrages, and a blistering finish. At the match’s conclusion, the Yellowjackets outlasted the Indians, winning on the final tossup (335-345) in a completely incredible title fight bout. Nevertheless, the Cloud earned runner-up honors, posting an astonishing 3,530 total points, averaging 353 points per game, with the highest points per bonus of any team with 21.27.

Now it is time to shine a light on the individual acuity of the players. In a starburst of points, senior Jarrett Warlick led his fellow precocious polymaths in scoring with 740, showcasing his illumination in all subject matters. Even more impressively, Warlick ranked third overall in the entire invitational out of 52 players. Liam Povey, emitting his academic brilliance with 220 points, delivered one of his finest performances to date Senior Captain Wyatt Karnes shimmered luminously as he combated his enemies, earning 145 points. Glowing vividly, Brian Loveless gleamed with 60 points, demonstrating a well-rounded team display.  

Finally, Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to extend their gratitude to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie. Additional thanks go to assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, Cameron Karnes, and Dallas Dowling. The team is also deeply appreciative of the parents, teachers, staff, administrators, donors, and community members who continue to support their success. Without your continued commitment, none of this would be possible. 
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Look to see more radiant achievements from the White Cloud Quiz Bowl team on March 15, 2025, as the courageous contingent continues to battle at the Capital City Quiz Bowl Clash in Grand Ledge, MI.