Varsity basketball begins its season with two close games

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

Stats and scores provided by Varsity coach Zach Neal

The varsity basketball team opened its season against Clinton last Wednesday and came up short in two close games.

Against Clinton, the Dutchmen started out strong and “really played our game from the tip,” said head coach Zach Neal. “Unfortunately, Clinton closed the game equally strong and we lost 47-41.”

The Dutch were led by Aiden Kelly’s 15 points and 15 rebounds; Jaxon McGuigan had 10 points and Andrew Campbell nine. Neal noted that Manchester had played Clinton twice during the summer, and both were close games. “We will likely have to play them again in the district,” Neal said. The next time the Dutchmen will be prepared.

On Friday the team traveled to Adrian Madison. “Madison has been a really successful program over the last five years, so it was a great test for us,” Neal noted.

Manchester led throughout the game until a late run by Madison handed the Dutch a surprise. McGuigan had a steal and made a layup with a minute to go, giving the Dutch a one-point lead. However, Madison made two free throws to grab the lead back with 35 seconds to go. Manchester was unable to score again, and lost 45-44.

“We were led by Kelly’s 20 points and 12 rebounds; McGuigan had 10 points and multiple steals, and Anthony Bargardi played fantastic defense on their best player,” Neal said.

He added, “Although we went 0-2 this week, I am thrilled with how we played against two strong opponents. We’re not going to back down from anybody we play and our goals are still directly in front of us.”

This week the team travels to Napoleon on Thursday night before having nearly three weeks off until January 4, when they will meet Stockbridge at home.

Keep up the good work, Dutchmen!

The Dutchmen huddle with coaching staff during their game last week.

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

Photo credit Roger Chandler @MegaAveragePhotos

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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.