Crème de la Crème

Last week we featured the scholar athletes from our coverage schools who earned a spot on the CSAA All Conference Girls Teams. This week we turn to the Boys AC Squads and again, share the words of their coaches. Some are seniors and have played their last game for their school. Some will be returning for another season or two to compete in the high school battles  that fill the gyms during the lengthy Michigan winters. Either way we congratulate them for being selected to represent their schools as the  premier players on the court this season.
 
Taylor Bode, White Cloud
Coach Jones: “Taylor is one of those Seniors you hate to see leave. If we needed a score or a rebound, we  looked to Taylor. A great leader on and off the floor. The only thing that tops how good of a Basketball player he is, is how great of a Young Man he has become!!
 
Carter Brant, Holton
Coach Swanson: “Carter took a giant leap this year.  He is a talented kid full of basketball skill and IQ.  He led us in assists per game and was our second leading scorer.  His progress was a huge factor for our success this season, and is critical for our program going forward.”

Bryce Decker, Newaygo
Coach Long: “Bryce had a very good junior year this season averaging 15 points, more than 10 rebounds and more than 2 blocks per game.  He played the back line of  our defense altering shots and cleaning up the boards.  Bryce worked hard and was not only an inside presence but a good three point shooter as well. Bryce came every day ready to get better and proved himself to be one of the better big guys in the area.”

Joey DeLong, Fremont
Coach Bowen: “Joey really came on in the second half of the season finishing second on the team in scoring at 9 1/2 per game and also 2 steals per game.”  
Great leader, worked extremely hard, and always represented our team and our program with class.”

Armando Escobedo, Hesperia
Coach Worcester: “During the 21-22 season Armando was paired with Gabe Gould in the back court where he had major contributions to a dynamic defensive duo. I felt that Armando’s quickness and ability to anticipate passes helped our defense tremendously throughout our season.” 

Austin Fowler, Holton
Coach Swanson: “ Austin came off a record setting football season at QB to play a big role for us in the backcourt.  He continued to be an incredibly efficient and competitive player for us.  Lead us in assist/turnover ratio and 2pt shooting percentage.”

Chase Geers, Grant
Coach Schuitema: “Chase averaged 3 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal per game.  He worked his way into the starting lineup halfway through the season because of his work ethic and defensive prowess.  
"Chase has a smile on his face and a kind heart, but you don't want him to guard you.  His value to the team didn't always show up in the scorebook.  He was charged with the task of guarding the opponent's best player along with making all of the hustle plays."   

Gabe Gould, Hesperia
Coach Worcester: “Over the 21-22 season Gabe has proved to be very effective defensively in the back court. His ability to disrupt and cause turnovers helped our team every game. Most coaches chose a player based on offensive production; I chose to reward our defensive standouts.” 
 
Josiah Long, Newaygo
Coach Long: “Josiah averaged over 11 points, 3 assists and more than 4 rebounds per contest during his sophomore year this season.  Josiah has a good basketball IQ which enabled him to be used in a lot of different ways.  He worked hard and became a multi-threat player this year which not only opened up his game but also opened up his teammates.”

Jordon McDonald, Fremont 
Coach Bowen: “Jordon had a fantastic year for us averaging over 20 points per game, 6 1/2 rebounds, and 2 1/2 steals. Great leader, worked extremely hard, and always represented our team and our program with class.”

Wyatt Monette, Holton
Coach Swanson:  “Wyatt had an incredible year.  We all could see it coming toward the end of last year and through the offseason.  He led us in pretty much everything.  We asked so much of him every game and he followed through for us and some. Couldn't be prouder of him.”

Logan Nelson, Fremont 
Coach Bowen: “Logan was our leader on the floor and averaged almost 5 assists per game along with 6 1/2 points and 2 1/2 steals. Great leader, worked extremely hard, and always represented our team and our program with class.”

Seth Schuitema, Grant
Coach Schuitema: “Seth averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block per game.  He was a 4 year starter, 3 time All-Conference player and All-State Honorable Mention player.  He concluded his career with 1,371 points, 3rd all-time.
"Seth is calm, cool and collected with a high level of basketball IQ.  At 6'6", Seth has great length to go along with his skill set for a combo guard.  He can score at all three levels and find the open man."
 
Jared Watson, White Cloud
Coach Jones: “He's only a sophomore and already a two year starter. He can play any position on the floor. One of those players that can score at will. First in the gym and last to leave. His dedication to the game and the team are matched by few. He's definitely one of those players you're going to want to keep an eye on the next two years.