Varsity hoops end season in first round of District play

Manchester’s senior varsity basketball players.

The Manchester Varsity Dutchmen finished out their season in the first game of District play on Thursday night against Lenawee Christian.

Despite starting the game strong, leading 8-4 behind “some of the best execution of the year,” according to coach Zach Neal, the Dutch soon found that Lenawee was “very skilled and could really shoot.”

“They extended their lead in right before halftime and we couldn’t catch back up,” Neal added. The game ended with an 86-40 score in favor of Lenawee.

Jaxon McGuigan led the team with 10 points and four assists, while seniors Ryan Mann and Cade VanBogelen each had seven points, going against Lenawee’s two 6’6″ centers.

“I’m super proud of our entire program for how we handled this very difficult season,” Neal said. “We had seven seniors, but most of them were new to basketball. They each gave everything they had, and helped establish a foundation for years to come.

“The future is bright for Manchester basketball, and I’m ready to get to work with our off-season workouts after students return from spring break.”

Congratulations, Dutch, on surviving a very challenging and growth-oriented season.

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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.