Local teams getting state recognition
Published 5:02 pm Monday, January 14, 2013
Dowagiac senior Dontel Highsmith was honored for becoming the Chieftains’ all-time leading scorer. Highsmith currently has 1,586 points. He is seen here with coach Danum Hunt (left) and with Dowagiac Athletic Director Brent Nate (right). (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)
While most coaches would like to understate the fact that their teams are appearing in the state rankings, there is no ignoring the fact that Brandywine, Niles and Dowagiac are all making a name for themselves.
The Brandywine girls basketball team is appearing in a pair of state rankings.
The undefeated (9-0) Bobcats are No. 1 in Mick McCabe’s Detroit Free Press and No. 2 in the latest Associated Press poll (a new pole will be released today).
The Niles wrestling team is currently ranked No. 6 in the latest MichiganGrappler.com team rankings in Division 2. Rival Lakeshore is a spot below the Vikings in seventh.
Individually, Casey Burandt is No. 7 at 140-pounds, Fritzel Findeisen No. 8 at 152-pounds, Ryan Casey No. 4 at 189-pounds and Derek Scott No. 7 at 285 pounds.
The Dowagiac boys basketball team is currently ranked No. 4 in the McCabe Detroit Free Press poll.
All the teams will be putting their state rankings on the line this week.
The Bobcats will face No. 7-ranked (Class D) Mendon Thursday in a battle of undefeated teams, while Dowagiac will host Plainwell in a Wolverine Conference non-division contest Tuesday night.
Niles will travel to Portage to compete in the Big 16 Quad against the host Mustangs and Portage Northern.
The Vikings will also compete in the Lakeshore Super Duals Saturday.
