Junior-led Mason County Central boys basketball team driven to compete in 2021-22

Mason County Central’s 2021-22 boys basketball team was unable to attend the VanDyk Mortgage West Michigan Conference media day on Wednesday, Nov. 24, at the Viking Athletic Center (VAC) in Whitehall.

Through correspondence with coach Tim Genson, CatchMark SportsNet developed the season preview for the Spartans.

COACH: Tim Genson (23rd season).

LAST YEAR’S RECORDS: 3-14 overall (0-11 West Michigan Conference, 8th place).

KEY RETURNEES: Will Chye (Junior, Guard, 6-2); Jayden Peronne (Junior, Guard, 5-11); Nick Trivisonno (Junior, Forward, 6-1); Jack VanderHaag (Junior, Forward, 6-1); Kolden Myer (Junior, Forward, 6-1); Zach Draper (Senior, Forward, 6-1)

NEW PROSPECTS: Tyler Thurow (Junior, Guard, 6-0); Kaiden Cole (Junior, Guard, 5-11); Landon Smith (Forward, 6-1); Dakota Sterley (Forward, 6-2); Simon Shimel (Guard, 5-10).

STRENGTHS: MCC’s bench players will help to keep fresh legs on the court at all times. In addition to the depth, the Spartans’ overall team speed could cause problems for league opponents.

WEAKNESSES: An abundance of juniors make up the Spartans team, leaving them mildly unexperienced compared to other squads in the league.

SEASON OUTLOOK: After finishing winless in the regular season against league opponents last year, the Spartans will fight to shed that image and tally some wins.

Despite the regular-season struggles, Mason County Central was able to earn a district championship. The Spartans took down Shelby and Hart en route to the district title after losing to both teams earlier in the season.

The Spartans will work to compete in the league and fight for a chance at their second consecutive district title.