Welcome to the CatchMark SportsNet: Player of the Week, where we celebrate the unsung heroes and rising stars who light up the local sports scene! Each week, we put the spotlight on three extraordinary athletes who not only rack up impressive stats but also inspire their teammates and elevate their game.
At the end of this article, you’ll find a poll where you can cast your vote for the athlete you believe deserves the title of Player of the Week. The poll will be open for one week, starting today and ending on the following Friday (March 7th, 2025). Spread the word, share this article, and rally your friends and family to vote for their favorite athlete! Let’s make some noise and show our local sports stars the appreciation they deserve!
A huge shoutout to Harbor Light Credit Union for their incredible support of our athletes and programs! As a trusted financial partner in our community, Harbor Light Credit Union has always been committed to helping people reach their goals—whether it’s saving for the future or that new boat, check them out at harborlightcu.org. Again, thank you, Harbor Light Credit Union!
A huge shoutout to Shoreline Restoration and Construction for their incredible support of our athletes and programs! Whether they’re building homes, restoring properties after fires, their work helps keep our community strong—just like they do for our teams. Their commitment goes beyond construction; it’s about rebuilding lives and creating lasting foundations, both on and off the court. If you’re looking for expert craftsmanship and reliable service, check them out at shorelinerestorationmi.com. Again, thank you, Shoreline Restoration and Construction!
Huge shoutout to Park Place Sports for always having our backs! Their banner program is a game-changer, helping schools and athletic programs bring in much-needed funding for teams, equipment, and facilities. They’re all about supporting local sports and making sure our athletes have what they need to succeed. If your school or business wants to get in on the action and make a real impact, check them out on their Facebook page! Big thanks to Park Place Sports for keeping our programs going strong!
Darryl Thompkins Jr., Senior, Muskegon Boys Basketball
Darryl Thompkins Jr. has been a key playmaker for Muskegon this season, stepping up when his team needs him most. The 5’10” guard put on a standout performance in the district semifinal, dropping 17 points to lead the Big Reds to a 66-43 victory and their 13th straight trip to the finals.
Jaden Core, Senior, Spring Lake Boys Basketball
Spring Lake’s own Jaden Core has been stepping up big time this season, showing he’s a top playmaker when it counts. The 6’2″ senior guard dropped 20 points in a thrilling 46-44 district semifinal win over Whitehall, including a crucial 7-0 run to tie the game and a go-ahead tip-in late in the fourth quarter. He continued his stellar play in the district final against Oakridge, contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to secure a 63-44 victory and the Lakers’ third consecutive district championship.
Gavin Craner, Senior, Whitehall Boys Wrestling
Whitehall’s own Gavin Craner has been straight-up unstoppable on the mat, proving he’s one of the best to do it. The 190-pound senior just capped off a perfect 58-0 season, locking in his second straight individual state championship and extending his insane 110-match win streak. His dominance has been a game-changer for Whitehall wrestling.
Conner Raeth began his journey at CatchMark as an intern in October 2020, while studying Internet, Network, and Security Technologies at the Muskegon Career Tech Center. His dedication and expertise led him to a full-time role as a Help Desk Technician in mid-2022, post-graduation. Today, he excels as the Digital Content Lead for CatchMark’s SportsNet platform, leveraging his technical knowledge to drive its success.
