Varsity and JV basketball teams both improve in second week

Despite a back-and-forth game throughout, the Manchester Flying Dutchmen ended up on the wrong side of the win/loss column again this past Thursday against the Grass Lake Warriors. The final score was 47-37.

“We battled very hard and I’m very proud of that,” said head coach Zach Neal. “Our improvement over week one was obvious, and the players are really starting to buy in.”

Senior captain Ryan Mann led the way with 14 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks. Cade VanBogelen followed up with 10 rebounds and two blocks. In addition, Jacob Smith scored his first varsity points in the second quarter.

The junior varsity fought back from a 30-6 halftime deficit to pull within 10 points going into the fourth quarter, but the score was 58-35 at the final buzzer.

“Coach Jack Ignash was proud of his team’s fight,” said Neal. “Ryan Kelly led the young Dutch with 20 points; Luke Blumenauer was great defensively, and was named Defensive Player of the Game.”

This will be a busy week for the Dutchmen with Tuesday night games at Hanover Horton, hosting Napoleon on Thursday night, and Saturday traveling to Addison for daytime games, with JV action starting at 11:30 am. Tuesday and Thursday games start at 5:30 pm for the JV and 7 pm for Varsity games.

Coach Neal also wants to let families of younger players know that the Youth Hoops program resumed this week, and will run for the next four Saturdays.

“If someone wants to join they can reach out to me at zacharyneal@yahoo.com or Jake LaCross jlacross14@gmail.com.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.