This is Week 7 of the CatchMark Catch-Up for the 2023 spring sports season in the West Michigan Conference.
It’s Monday, May 22, and we’re hitting some of the highlights from last week.
Before we get into those things, please read these notes:
- Coaches: It’s very important that you submit your game scores and recaps/details/stats to us. We use that info in a variety of content at CatchMark SportsNet, including but not limited to our Scoreboard, Player of the Week fan polls, and the Catch-Up that you’re reading now. We are not receiving scores and info from a number of coaches across the league. Please help us out, which in turn will help your athletes get exposure.
- Coaches: Please email those game scores, recaps/details/stats in a timely fashion. We are asking you submit them the day/night of the game or event. And that info should be emailed to sports@catchmarkit.com. Multiple people at CatchMark SportsNet have access to the sports@catchmarkit.com email address as we all produce varying content from it.
BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
Montague boys win first regional track title since 1962
Powered by 6-foot-8 sprinter Isaiah Atchison and the rare combo of thrower/sprinter Silas Jancek, Montague’s boys track and field team made history Saturday on its home turf.
For the first time since 1962, the Wildcats captured a regional title in boys track and field.
Montague amassed 117.5 points to fend off runner-up Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (93) for the Division 3 regional title.
CLICK HERE to read the story.
Whitehall cruises to Division 2 regional title
As has been the case all season, it’s not a matter if Whitehall’s boys track and field team will win, but by how many points.
That was the story again last Thursday as the Vikings rolled to a Division 2 regional title at Allendale.
The deep and well-rounded Whitehall squad piled up 168.5 points to easily capture the regional championship and beat runner-up Hamilton by 65 points.
CLICK HERE for the details.
GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD
Hart captures another girls regional track title
Hart’s girls track and field team raced to the Division 3 state championship last season.
In Saturday’s regional at Manton, the Pirates showed they still have plenty left in the tank.
Hart totaled 173.2 points to win the Division 3 regional at Manton. Traverse City St. Francis was runner-up at 93.53 points.
CLICK HERE for more details.
GIRLS TENNIS
Ludington, North Muskegon push each other — now both state finals-bound
Ludington’s and North Muskegon’s girls tennis teams have pushed each other this season, indirectly or not.
Now both are headed to their respective MHSAA state finals.
Ludington punched its ticket to the Division 3 state finals by finishing second in Friday’s regional at Holland. North Muskegon earned its place in the Division 4 state finals by tying for second and reaching the 19-point threshold in Saturday’s regionl at Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian.
Earlier last week, Ludington edged North Muskegon in the Coastal Conference tournament, 50-49.
CLICK HERE to read about the teams’ regional performances.
CLICK HERE for more about the tight conference-title chase.
BASEBALL
North Muskegon sweeps Oakridge in ‘Friday Night Lights’
North Muskegon and Oakridge have been among the top baseball teams in the West Michigan Conference all season.
The Norsemen and Eagles played like it in the “Friday Night Lights” series at historic Marsh Field in Muskegon.
North Muskegon won a pair of close games against Oakridge, 5-4 and 2-1, in a nondivisional doubleheader.
North Muskegon (30-5-1) has won 16 straight games.
CLICK HERE to get details and see dozens of photos and video from the “Friday Night Lights” event.
SOFTBALL
Oakridge, Ravenna sharpen skills at Blue Chip Best of Michigan event
In an event like the Blue Chip Best of Michigan softball showcase, often it’s best to look past the wins and losses and focus on growth.
That’s how Oakridge and Ravenna approached their respective experiences in the Blue Chip Saturday at Byron Center’s Whistle Stop Park.
Oakridge went 0-3 on the day, while Ravenna was 1-2. The Eagles (23-9) and Bulldogs (29-5) both felt it they had productive days, however.
CLICK HERE for photos and videos of both squads.
Holton wins Reed City Crossroads Tournament
Holton’s softball team continued its hot streak, winning its 10th straight game by capturing the title of the Reed City Crossroads Tournament on Saturday.
Holton rallied to defeat Reed City in the finals (7-6) after take care of Pine River in the first game (8-5).
With the Red Devils (23-9-1) trailed 6-5 in the finals, Abbie Fowler delivered a two-run single. She then struck out the side to finish the game.
GIRLS SOCCER
North Muskegon wraps up WMC girls soccer title
North Muskegon’s girls soccer team put away the West Michigan Conference title in convincing fashion on its home field last week.
The Norse blanked Ludington, 3-0, in the CatchMark SportsNet WMC Game of the Week on Thursday. The next day, they downed Orchard View, 4-0, to complete the WMC season unbeaten.
CLICK HERE for Game of the Week coverage. Watch a replay of the game livestream below.
BOYS GOLF
Manistee continues strong season with win at White Lake
Manistee’s boys golf team emerged as the team to beat in the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division.
The Chippewas strengthened their hold on the division with a victory in a WMC Lakes jamboree last Monday at White Lake Golf Club.
CLICK HERE for details on the nine-hole match, which was part of the CatchMark SportsNet WMC Game of the Week series. Watch a replay of game livestream below.
