The Varsity Dutch basketball team played three games in four days last week, finishing its regular season with an 8-12 record.

On Monday, the team traveled to Addison and brought home a well deserved 50-35 win. Senior Tyler Horky scored 21 and sophomore Aiden Kelly chipped in 8 points. Junior Cody Guernsey snagged 10 rebounds in the game. Horky, Braeden Caszatt, and Kelly all played very good defense and had a major role in holding the Panthers to 35 points.

The next night, Tecumseh came to town for Senior Night, and rallied with 28 points in the final quarter for 65-59 win. In a losing cause, Horky scored 29 points and Kelly chipped in 14 points. Senior Caszatt contributed with 12 rebounds and earned “Defensive Player of the Game” honors.

State-ranked third, the Hanover Horton Comets visited with a 18 – 1 record Thursday.

“Hanover Horton’s opponents this season have averaged scoring only 39 points against the Comets and the Dutch managed 64,” said Coach Mike Ahrens. “But the Comets exploded for 24 points in the fourth quarter to earn the 91-64 victory.” Luc Laketa led the Comets with 23 points. Ahrens complimented his team’s effort and stamina in playing such a tough team after two games already in the week.

Horky knocked down 35 points, including five – 3 pointers and made 8 of 9 at the free throw line. Kelly followed with 13 points. Horky and Guernsey combined for 14 rebounds. The Dutch now stands at 8-12 and is preparing for the MHSAA District Tournament this week in Clinton.

On Monday night, Manchester faced Clinton at 7 pm, pulling out a nail-biter victory 60-56, so will advance to play Ann Arbor Greenhills at 5 pm Wednesday.  That game will be followed by Whitmore Lake vs. Ypsilanti-Arbor Prep at 7.

On Friday, the championship game will be held at 7 pm in Clinton and the winner will advance to Regional No. 22, vs. the winner of Morenci District 85, which will be played at Adrian Madison.

Coach Ahrens and staff wish to thank the following people whose support has been integral to the team’s success this season. Jennifer and Brad Caszatt for handling the scorebook and game film, Team Trainer Lon Pinhey, Jim Sewell, who has run the scoreboard for 25 years, Dan Tar for transportation assistance, Andy Spencer (HUDL Stats Availability), Paul Heinrich for numerous volunteer assignments, Lavell Blanchard & Shannon Cajic of the Manchester Athletic Department, Gordon McCalla for building maintenance, Kim Ahrens for media communication, the Manchester Men’s Club, and all of the volunteer parents.

An end-of-season banquet is being planned for March 23. Time to be determined.