The West Michigan Conference–Rivers Division is gearing up for another intense season, headlined by defending champion North Muskegon, which returns major talent and enters as the clear team to beat after last year’s dominant 23–2 run. Right behind them is a determined Hart squad—deep, connected, and motivated by last season’s district heartbreak—ready to make a serious push for the top spot. With every team trending upward, the Rivers Division is set for a fast, physical, and highly competitive winter.
HART PIRATES
The Hart Pirates enter the 2024–25 campaign following an impressive 16–8 season that featured one of the most competitive stretches in school history. In just three seasons under Head Coach Nick Bronsema (52–21), the Pirates have become a consistent force in the West Michigan Rivers Conference. Last year’s strong finish has set the tone for an offseason fueled by urgency, chemistry, and a collective commitment to closing the gap in big-game moments.
Returning Starters
- Caleb Ackley – (Jr.), 6’5″, Guard – A long, smooth playmaker who can score at all three levels and guard multiple positions. Ackley brings experience, leadership, and the versatility to take another major leap this season.
- Jagger Lenon – (Jr.), 5’11”, Guard – A steady ballhandler who provides toughness, poise, and perimeter defense. Lenon’s ability to stabilize pace makes him essential to Hart’s backcourt.
- Miguel Escamilla – (Jr.), 5’11”, Guard – A quick, physical guard who excels on both ends. Escamilla adds on-ball pressure defensively and has the ability to score in bunches when he gets hot.
- Kolton Rockwell – (Fr.), 6’3″, Guard – One of the most intriguing young talents in the conference. Rockwell’s size, athleticism, and guard skills make him a breakout candidate.
Newcomers
- Bryce Vanderkodde – (Jr.), 5’11”, Guard
- Luke Vanderwilk – (So.), 6’6″, Guard
- Grant Ackley – (Fr.), 5’10”, Guard
- Trevor Vanderkodde – (Fr.), 6’0″, Guard
- Lorenzo Furlan – (Fr.), 5’9″, Guard
- Allen Alcala – (So.), 5’8″, Guard
- Mason Guikema – (So.), 6’2″, Guard
This incoming group is deep, skilled, and collectively competitive. Their commitment to playing their roles and elevating teammates has stood out early.
Season Outlook
Hart’s greatest strength may be its cohesion — a genuine love for playing together and a willingness to embrace coaching, roles, and accountability. With returning talent blending with a motivated group of newcomers, the Pirates expect to compete at the top of the WMC Rivers. Their willingness to “seek discomfort in practice” has fueled noticeable growth.
SHELBY TIGERS
Shelby returns nearly its entire core from last season and enters this winter with renewed confidence following a deep football playoff run. With added size, experience, and skill, the Tigers believe they can make a meaningful climb up the Rivers Division standings.
Key Returnees
- Eli Kelley – (Sr.) 5’10”, Guard – Second-leading scorer and veteran guard presence.
- Trevor Weiss – (Sr.) 6’4″, Wing/Inside – Versatile scorer and rebounder.
- Leighton Belasco – (So.) 5’11”, Guard – Last season’s leading scorer as a freshman.
- Evan Waller – (Sr.) 6’3″, Inside
- Dayday Garcia – (Sr.) 5’11”, Guard
- Isaac Garcia – (Sr.) 5’10”, Inside
Key Newcomers
- Chase Oakes – (Jr.) 6’5″
- Andrew Arquette – (Jr.) 5’9″, Guard
- Tristan Johnson – (Jr.) 5’7″, Guard
Season Outlook
Shelby expects to be competitive in a league where nearly every top team returns star players. With improved depth and maturity, the Tigers believe they can consistently challenge the conference’s best. Even with some early season injuries from Isaac Garcia,
NORTH MUSKEGON NORSEMAN
The reigning Rivers Division champions (12–0 conference, 23–2 overall) enter the new season as the clear favorites once again. North Muskegon returns major talent and adds a deep class of newcomers to reload an already elite roster.
Key Returnees
- Adam Dugener – All-State, Captain
- Braylen Burrell – All-Conference
- David Markiewicz
- Bryce Colbert
- Brody Frees
Key Newcomers
- Ameere Layton
- Teddy Lamiman
- KJ Houston
- Cam Hurst
- Bronson Hurst
- Beckett Hoppa
- Cullen Bartos
- Jace Thompson
- Seth Gunby
- Bobby Gaston.
Season Outlook
North Muskegon’s chemistry, depth, and high-level returnees make them the team to beat. With tough non-conference tests such as the Benzie Tournament and the Fowler Showcase, the Norsemen should be more than battle-tested when March arrives.
RAVENNA BULLDOGS
Ravenna looks to build on a strong finishing stretch from last season, returning key pieces and adding a selfless, disciplined group of newcomers. The Bulldogs aim to compete nightly while developing the consistency needed to challenge the top of the conference.
Returning Players
- Dylan May – (Sr.) 4-year starter – Nearing 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds, May enters his final season as the program’s anchor. His leadership growth will determine Ravenna’s ceiling.
- Brady Karchinski – (So.) – A breakout freshman who helped spark Ravenna’s late-season momentum. His competitive mentality and growing confidence make him essential on both ends.
Newcomers
- Jaxson Wilburn
- Steve Lemkie
- Aiden Ford
This group isn’t flashy — but they are tough, disciplined, and impactful. Early statistical contributions from all three are expected.
Season Outlook
Chemistry is the defining strength of this Ravenna team. Their ability to master details, play disciplined basketball, and keep games in the low 50s will make them a difficult out. If they execute, they believe they can hang with the conference’s elite teams, including Hart and North Muskegon.
Tristan Johnson, and Andrew Arquette, the Tigers are hopeful to have a healthy team by Christmas.
MASON COUNTY CENTRAL SPARTANS
MCC enters the season with a young but competitive roster that features strong senior leadership and several key returners. The Spartans expect to continue improving daily while competing with the top of the conference.
Returning Players
- Cole VanderHaag – (Sr.) – All-Conference, All-State HM, team captain, entering his third year as a varsity leader.
- Trent Hawke – (Jr.) – All-Conference returner, high-motor captain, two-way impact.
- Tyler Norton – (Sr.) – Steady, physical contributor entering year three of varsity play.
- Kyle Peters – (Sr.) – Leadership, versatility, strong work ethic.
- Grayden Etchison – (Sr.)
- Caleb Bennetts – (Sr.)
Newcomers
- Michael Chye – (So.) – Competitive, gritty guard.
- Gannon Hansen – (Fr.) – Crafty, poised, high-IQ guard.
Season Outlook
MCC values growth, accountability, and chemistry. With practices being highly competitive – guys pushing each other every day – that intensity is what is going to help them reach their full potential and compete with anyone on the schedule. They expect to be highly competitive hosting districts this season — a motivating factor for the entire group.
HESPERIA PANTHERS
Hesperia finished last season 6–17 overall, but the record doesn’t reflect the progress the Panthers made down the stretch. With returning experience and a deeper, more confident roster, Hesperia looks to take a meaningful step forward.
HOLTON RED DEVILS
Holton battled through a challenging 3–20 season but enters this year with renewed energy and optimism. A young roster gained valuable varsity minutes, and the experience should pay off immediately.
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