Boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams look to finish season strong

The girls’ basketball team playing against Vandercook Lake on February 5, 2025. Photo by Will Gross.

submitted by Will Gross

This has been a season of growth for Manchester’s boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams. Featuring new coaches and rosters loaded with young talent, each team has seen their share of highs and lows as they battle through the Cascades Conference. However, both squads have had some of their strongest performances recently.

The Lady Dutch are coming off a week that saw them beat Vandercook Lake 56–13, a nice bounce-back win after suffering a tough 23–25 loss to Grass Lake.

A shorthanded boys’ varsity squad traveled to undefeated Grass Lake last week, jumping out to an 8–2 lead before falling 15–42. But in recent weeks the boys have scored a pair of wins against conference rivals Napoleon and Leslie.

The boys are on the road this week versus East Jackson and Napoleon before their final home game on February 20 versus Summerfield. The Lady Dutch go on the road for a rematch with Vandercook Lake before a pair of home games on February 12 versus Grass Lake and February 14 versus Napoleon.

The community is encouraged to come out and support the teams in their final home games as they look to finish their seasons strong.

Photo by Will Gross.

Photo by Will Gross.

Larger fan crowds are needed to encourage the teams! Photo by Will Gross.

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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.