Leelanau Sports Guy’s World at sportspig.com

Suttons Bay topped Bridgman 52-38 for the right to face Melvindale ABT for the Class C State Championship. Dwuan Anderson led the way with 16 points.

Here’s the best recap I found from 9&10 Sports – Suttons Bay Advances to State Championship Game

I was fortunate enough to be at those games in 1982 (as a 10-year old and future basketball star) and it’s hard to believe that Suttons Bay never got that far again before last night’s 80-60 win over Mason County Central in the Class C Regional at Traverse City West.

“I can’t even describe it,” Norsemen senior David Wheelock said of winning the regional. “It’s priceless. At the beginning of the year there were all these expectations. I’m just happy. These are the best group of guys I’ve ever played with. It just so happens we all love basketball. Going to practice every day is like hanging out with friends.”

Dwaun Anderson led the Norse with 27 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Wheelock had 17 points, Chase Palmer scored 11 to go with nine rebounds and Jared Orban added 10 points.

“As always, Dwaun is our best player, but we’ve had other guys step up all season long,” Hursey said.

You can see some video of the first half from 9&10 Sports.

Suttons Bay now advances to the Quarterfinals against Rudyard at Lake Superior State University on Tuesday.

Read Norsemen win first regional since ‘82 in the Record Eagle

Suttons Bay started fast and never looked back in cruising to a 81-58 Class C regional semifinal win over Boyne City. The Norsemen will now battle Mason County Central on Wednesday for the regional title. Suttons Bay was led by Dwaun Anderson’s 18 points, while Jared Orban and Noah Rehyl each had 10 points for the 22-1 Norsemen.

“I was proud of the way we started,” Suttons Bay coach Todd Hursey said. “Our focus has been strong defense, and we got off on that note tonight. This time of year, it’s all about how you play on defense.”

Read Norsemen put on a show, beat Boyne City in the Record Eagle

Leland, now 16-8, used big games from Sam Scott (22 points); Galen Whittaker with 16 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks; Calvin Gibson’s 16 points and Nate Sneed’s 11 points to hold off Manistee Catholic Central 69-64 in overtime. They now get a third game against Northwest Conference Rival Buckley for the Class D Regional Title.

Leland won the more exciting game, as Scott’s bucket with 35 seconds left knotted it up and Whittaker’s block with two ticks left sent the game into an extra session.

“I was really proud of our team,” Whittaker said. “We were down and we just didn’t quit. All of us. On that block at the end of regulation, I saw my career flash before my eyes.”

Read Leland, Buckley to collide for title in the Record Eagle

Suttons Bay carries a 19-game winning streak into the Class C Districts next week at Traverse City St. Francis. The Norsemen capped the regular season with senior David Wheelock hitting nine 3-pointers as Suttons Bay topped Buckley 87-65.

“To play like that in your last home game, that’s pretty special,” Norse coach Todd Hursey said.

Wheelock was 9-of-13 behind the arc. Ben Walters had the previous record with eight 3-pointers.

Dwaun Anderson added 18 points, Stephen Wheelock and Chase Palmer 10 and Marcus Russell nine points and nine rebounds for Suttons Bay (19-1, 14-0), which finished the regular season with 19 consecutive wins.

Suttons Bay drew a bye in the first round of districts and awaits the winner of Forest Area and Elk Rapids on Wednesday night. Glen Lake (who finished the season 16-4) awaits the winner of host Traverse City St. Francis and Kalkaska. District Final is set for Friday at 7:00pm.

Read Basketball Roundup: School record set in win in the Record Eagle

Tom Izzo was the latest coach to visit Suttons Bay basketball star Dwaun Anderson this fall. Anderson, just a junior, is receiving plenty of attention after his breakout sophomore season.

“It went pretty good,” Anderson said. “He told me he was impressed and that he would like to see me work out some more.”

Anderson has scholarship offers from Central Michigan and Utah on the table. Several other schools are showing interest. A University of Dayton coach watched Anderson during an open gym on Sunday.

“September is the month when (college) coaching staffs are on the road trying to see guys play,” Hursey said. “My phone’s been ringing off the hook. Coaches are trying to find time to come up and watch him play — Michigan, Michigan State, Dayton, Oakland, Detroit. Eastern Michigan just called (Monday). Butler called today.”

I’m already planning some games to go watch this year. Some words I’ve heard describe him are: talented, unselfish, explosive, quick, and strong. Can’t wait!

Read Izzo keeps eye on Suttons Bay’s Anderson in the Record Eagle

Updated! – Another article and a video of Anderson dunking at Gang Green Blog.

Wow! That was a word I was using alot in the 4th quarter of the Class D Quarterfinal game between Ellsworth and defending state champion Muskegon West Michigan Christian at Traverse City Central on Tuesday night. Overcoming a 24 point third quarter deficit with a never quit attitude and some clutch shots, the Ellsworth Lancers cut the lead to 3 with 1:17 to go. I don’t believe I have ever seen a team play harder then the Lancers did and I give them tons of credit for that. Muskegon WMC also impressed me very much, especially their clutch free throw shooting and big-time 3-point shots in the first half.

When the score was 49-33 at the half in favor of WMC, the only thought on my mind was if the Warriors would make it to 100 points. Needless to say with Ellsworth’s half court trap and some scrappy rebounding they made it a game and had the entire gym on it’s feet.

Ellsworth was led by Jarod Steenwyk’s five early three-pointers (he finished with 22 points) and Jared Danbert with a game-high of 24 points. All-Stater Tyler Ingalls finished with 18 points, all in the 2nd half. Muskegon WMC was led by Evan Bruinsma’s 23 points (including a couple of big 3-pointers) and London Burris’ 20.

Congrats to both on a great game, I’m glad I got to see it.

Read Ellsworth’s late rally falls short in the Record Eagle

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Tigers are done – It’s all over but the cryin’ in 2008. Another blown lead last night puts the Tigers 8.5 games back in the divsion race. Sheffield was put on waivers and the moves looking to slash payroll and ready the team for a run in 2009 will start now!

2. Kwame Brown? – The signing of Brown has brought opinions saying it’s a waste of money and that it’s a good deal for the Pistons. It’s hard to argue either side, but I think Joe D may have found another diamond in the rough and if the solid veteran leadership of Chauncey, Rip and McDyess can bring Kwame along, he could be a pleasant surpise and really help shore up the depth on the frontline.

3. Lions over .500 – That’s my official prediction, I have this weird feeling that the Lions are going to finish 9-7 and contend for a wild card berth. While this isn’t a new prediction around these parts, I think this is really, finally, positively, the year they get over that hump. I know on paper they seem less talented, but I think that head coach Rod Marinelli has finally gotten the roster where he wants it and has gotten rid of the players he’s needed to. I still think they will struggle to run the ball, but they won’t be so quick to abandon it either. A healthy Calvin Johnson is going to be huge for quarterback Jon Kitna. Johnson and Roy Williams should provide some offensive sparks this season. I’m looking forward to it!

4. College Football – It’s finally almost here! I can’t wait. I like Michigan and Michigan State to both have solid years and for the first time in a while MSU will have the better record. I just love Mark Dantonio and think he’s got the Spartans heading up, up, up and will be a mainstay in the Big Ten title race for years to come. Rich Rodriguez is still looking for quarterbacks but will have his team competitive and tough to play against defensively.

5. Shock visit TC – A neat experience on Monday for some Traverse City area youth girls basketball players as the Detroit Shock (minus Katie Smith who is playing in the Olympics) visited during the Olympic break for a camp and clinic at Traverse City West. I love to see stories like this and I am sure it’s something those girls won’t forget anytime soon.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Detroit Red Wings forward Dallas Drake will be bringing the Stanley Cup to the Open Space in Traverse City on Labor Day, September 1, 2008. The event is being called “Stanley by the Bay” and will help support the Grand Traverse Hockey Association.

Here’s a sampling of what to expect…

It will include an opportunity to have photos taken with the Cup, autographed pictures and T-shirt of Drake and raffle prizes that include autographed Red Wings jerseys and sticks and regular-season tickets.

Food will be provided by the U&I Lounge, and hockey-related activities for children will be available.

Read Stanley Cup visit slated in the Record Eagle
Learn more about the Grand Traverse Hockey Association at TCHockey.com

The Northwest Conference and Lake Michigan Conference have completed a 2-year contract to square off in next year’s Lake Michigan Conference/Northwest Conference Challenge. Both Boys and Girls teams will be matched up according to how they finished in the conference the previous season, so we will see some very exciting matchups, and some we don’t see very often. The Girls games are scheduled for December 6th and the Boys games for December 13th. The games will tip-off the 2008-09 seasons.

Here’s the Boys Matchups…

Charlevoix, which won the Lake Michigan boys championship and advanced to the Class C regional, will take on Northwest co-champion Benzie Central. The Frankfort Panthers, who also earned a share of the crown, will draw St. Francis, the runner-up in the Lake Michigan. Other match-ups include: Leland vs. East Jordan, Kingsley vs. Boyne City, Suttons Bay vs. Grayling, Glen Lake vs. Elk Rapids, Mesick vs. Kalkaska and Buckley vs. Harbor Springs. The boys games will be hosted by the Lake Michigan Conference schools.

And the Girls…

Since Charlevoix and Kingsley won the Lake Michigan and Northwest girls titles, respectively, they’ll meet in the marquee game. Frankfort, which tied Benzie Central for second in the Northwest, will face East Jordan, which was second in the Lake Michigan. Benzie will take on Boyne City, the third-place finisher in the Lake Michigan.

Other match-ups include: Glen Lake vs. Kalkaska, Suttons Bay vs. Harbor Springs, Buckley vs. Elk Rapids, Leland vs. St. Francis and Mesick vs. Grayling. The girls games will be hosted by the Northwest Conference schools.

Sounds like a whole lot of fun!

Read Basketball challenge set to tip off in the Record Eagle

Muskegon West Michigan Christian was bigger, faster and stronger as they cruised to a 72-45 win over Leland in the Class D Quarterfinals at Traverse City West. After Leland started the game on a 9-0 run, it was all WMC after that as they advance to take on Cedarville in the Class D Semifinals at the Breslin Center. Marcus Whittaker led the way for the Comets with 22 points as they finished 21-5.

Read WMC swarms Leland in the Record Eagle
Read Warriors roll on to Breslin at MLive.com

Photo: Leland’s Eric Larsen (10) hits the game winning shot over Bellaire’s Riku Lempio with seconds left. Photo by Jan-Michael Stump of the Record-Eagle

Leland used two clutch plays from junior Eric Larsen to capture the Class D Regional title at Traverse City Central with a 48-46 win over Bellaire. The Eagles had knocked the Comets out of the tournament in the regionals last year and had won 4 of the last 5 regionals. Larsen intercepted a Bellaire pass with under a minute to give the Comets a 1-point lead and then later hit the game-winner with seconds left.

“This feels great,” Larsen said. “Bellaire beat us in the first round (of the regionals) last year so it feels nice to come back and beat them. Bellaire played a great game. I tip my hat to them.”

Leland (21-4) now advances to Tuesday night’s Quarterfinal at Traverse City West to face Muskegon West Michigan Christian.

Read Larsen lifts Leland to regional title at the Record Eagle

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Lions vs. Packers – This is definitely what a Thanksgiving matchup should be! Two division rivals squaring off. The division is virtually locked up for the Packers, but a Lions win keeps some hope alive. Plus you need to watch in case Roy Williams does get 300 yards receiving!

2. Michigan State Football – That was a big win against Penn State for many reasons, but the way the Spartans did it impressed me the most. Down 24-7, they didn’t quit and that says more than anything else to me about Mark Dantonio and his staff. The future at MSU is very bright.

3. Lloyd Carr – I always enjoyed his conversations at halftime with sideline reporters, I would not have wanted to be in their shoes. He will be missed, but it was time for him to step down. I know alot of U of M fans that are happy, but if I was a Michigan fan, I wouldn’t be. He ran a great program and really coached some high-quality kids. They had better make the right decision about the next coach, and I’m not sure that means Les Miles.

4. Football at The State – Michael Moore has opened up the State Theatre in Traverse City on Saturday morning and will be showing Traverse City St. Francis playing for a state title. A great idea for those who can’t make the trip. I am sure it’s going to be a packed house.

5. Leelanau Sports Guy’s World – I plan on spending some more time getting things cranking again, so look for a new design and more frequent posts in the near future. Thanks to all who visit and send me emails, I appreciate it!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Mark Urban of the Record Eagle breaks down Montague’s 23-20 win over Suttons Bay in a Division 6 District Final. Suttons Bay finished the year 9-2.

Read Montague boots Suttons Bay from playoffs in the Record Eagle

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

I’m not including it in the five, but my overall Beach Bums record with me in attendance is now 6-1 as I attended the season finale, a 8-5 loss in 11 innings to the Windy City Thunderbolts. I thought I was going to keep my perfect record as the Beach Bums rallied for a 5-4 lead after 8 innings, but they couldn’t hold on. Congrats on another fun season in Traverse City!

1. Wolverines upset by Mountaineers – If you say it that way it doesn’t sound as bad because I could be referring to West Virginia. I am still in shock of this outcome, but I can’t say I’m disappointed, and as a State fan I loved this…

In East Lansing, after plowing for four touchdowns in Michigan State’s 55-18 beatdown of Alabama-Birmingham, Spartans running back Jeehu Caulcrick said, “It felt like we won two games today.”

Here’s a great article on the game from Michigan Football Saturdays.

2. Spartans look good in Dantonio’s debut – Mike Dantonio has some big plans for Michigan State and his Spartans got off to a good start with a 55-18 win over UAB. Lots of power football and great passing from Brian Hoyer led the way to victory. The Spartans will struggle to finish .500 this season, but Dantonio should lay the foundation for a nice turnaround in East Lansing.

3. Tigers continue to struggle – It’s looking more and more like 2007 isn’t going to be the Tigers year. They can’t seem to get a winning streak going. Inconsistent pitching, injuries, and the lack of clutch hitting have all played a big part. Rogers returns tonight and Sheffield tomorrow to hopefully give the Tigers a spark for one last run at the Indians.

4. Norsemen vs. Lakers – The Leelanau County rivals go head to head this Friday for bragging rights for the following year. Suttons Bay is off to a 2-0 start including a big win over Traverse City St. Francis. Glen Lake is 1-1 and coming off a loss. Kickoff is Friday at 7:00 in Suttons Bay.

5. Michigan In Play Magazine – Check out their latest issue featuring 2007 Roberto Clemente Award Winner Curtis Granderson on the cover. I just emailed Jack Rosenberg and told him to keep up the great work. This magazine is a great source for Detroit and Michigan sports fans!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Each Tuesday and Friday (no promises), I am going to take a quick peek into the world of Leelanau County prep sports.

Boys Soccer
Suttons Bay topped Northport 4-2 and Glen Lake defeated T.C. Christian 5-2 in Monday’s soccer action. Suttons Bay is now 3-1 on the young season, while the Lakers improved to 3-2.

On Saturday Suttons Bay captured the Harbor Springs Soccer Cup with a 2-0-1 record. The Norsemen tied Harbor Springs 1-1, defeated Glen Lake 3-2 and Sault Ste. Marie 6-0. Glen Lake beat Sault Ste. Marie 2-1 to finish the tourney 1-2.

Last week Suttons Bay couldn’t keep up with Elk Rapids as the Norsemen fell to the Elks 6-2.

Boys Football
Suttons Bay wasn’t the only county school with a big win in it’s football opener, Glen Lake defeated East Jordan 27-12 behind two big plays by Ryan Dyksterhouse, a 35-yard touchdown catch and a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Norsemen and Lakers meet in less then two weeks in what is shaping up to be a great game, with both teams showing big play capability in their opening games.

Girls Volleyball
Suttons Bay and Glen Lake welcome Leland to the Northwest Conference as county volleyball just got a little more interesting. You can check out the conference preview in the Leelanau Enterprise and the area preview in the Record Eagle.

The Lady Norsemen have gotten off to a fast start by winning the Pellston Volleyball Invitational. Suttons Bay defeated Charlevoix 25-18, 27-25 to capture the title after posting wins over Kingsley in the quarterfinals and Boyne City in the semifinals.

Leland has a new coach, but found some similar results with a strong second place finish at the Traverse City Central Invitational. The Lady Comets, led by head coach Angie Shinos, fell to the Lady Trojans 25-12, 25-12 in the finals. Leland topped St. Francis (25-13, 25-22), Glen Lake (25-8, 25-12), ElK Rapids (25-13, 25-14), and lost to T.C. Christian 26-24, 25-15 in pool play. Leland responded to it’s lone loss by topping the Sabres 25-20, 25-23 to reach the finals.

Have scores or game details to report, don’t hesitate to email them to me at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com.