Ludington vs. Freeland: One Game from the Breslin

MHSAA Division 2 Elite Eight — State Quarterfinal

📅  Tuesday, March 10, 2026  ·  7:00 PM

📍  Mt. Pleasant High School — Mt. Pleasant, MI

Ludington Orioles (24–2) vs. Freeland Falcons (23–3)

🏆  Winner advances to: Breslin Center Semifinal  ·  Friday, March 13, 2026  ·  5:30 PM

Tuesday night at Mt. Pleasant High School, the Ludington Orioles and the Freeland Falcons meet in the MHSAA Division 2 Elite Eight with a Breslin Center state semifinal berth on the line. For Ludington, it would be their first trip back to East Lansing since March of 2019 — and a chance to match the run Josh Laman’s buzzer-beater started in 2017, when the Orioles reached the state championship game.

Seven years. One game. Tuesday night.

The Orioles arrive at 24–2, fresh off their 16th regional championship in program history, having won their four playoff games by an average margin of 19.5 points. Freeland brings a 23–3 record and twelve returning seniors from last year’s regional championship team. It will be played in a packed gym with everything on the line.

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Ludington Orioles (24–2)

Head Coach Thad Shank’s Orioles have been dominant from start to finish this season. Ludington went a perfect 12–0 in the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division to claim the conference championship outright and have not lost since a 64–88 defeat to Traverse City West in the regular season.

They have won in overtime, won by blowout, and won the hard way — including a regional final rematch against Kingsford, who beat Ludington in last year’s regional final and went on to reach the Breslin Center. This time, the result was different.

The engine of this team is a pair of players who both joined Ludington’s 1,000-point career scoring club this season — a remarkable achievement to have two players reach that milestone in the same year.

Cameron Gunsell, a senior small forward, is the program’s senior leader. Gunsell reached 1,000 career points this season and delivered his best performance when the stakes were highest — scoring a game-high 19 points in the regional final against Kingsford, including eight points in the first quarter to set the tone and two clutch free throws in the fourth quarter when the Flivvers had pulled within three.

He is an All-State quarterback who signed with Ferris State University to play football, and he brings that same composure under pressure to the basketball floor.

Gunsell is one of four seniors at the heart of this Ludington program — joined by Zac “Moonlight” Graham, Micah Spunar, and Xaine Smith. This senior class has been a cornerstone of what Coach Shank has built, and Tuesday night is their chance to send it out with a trip to East Lansing.

Taj Williams, a junior point guard, reached his 1,000-point milestone in the third quarter of the regional semifinal against Gladwin — finishing that game with a team-high 24 points in one of the dominant individual performances of the postseason.

Two days later in the regional final, he added 10 more points, including two clutch free throws down the stretch. Williams is Ludington’s floor general, and he has proven all postseason that the bigger the moment, the better he plays.

Beyond the two headliners, this team has real depth and real contributors who have stepped up when it mattered most.

Kyle Himes Jr., a sophomore, knocked down one of three consecutive three-pointers that ignited a 14–0 run against Kingsford in the second quarter, then went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to seal the regional title — finishing with 11 points. He also posted 11 points in the regional semifinal against Gladwin.

Steele Stowe delivered 11 points against Gladwin and then came up with arguably the biggest play of the regional final — a rebound and putback in the fourth quarter that stopped Kingsford’s momentum cold when the Flivvers were threatening to take the lead.

Messiah Himes hit one of those three consecutive three-pointers against Kingsford and contributed nine points against Gladwin. JT “Country Strong” Keith hit the other three-pointer in that game-breaking run — a shot that carried extra meaning, as Keith was born in Norway, Michigan, just a 10-minute drive from Kingsford.

Freeland cannot simply lock down Gunsell or Williams and expect to win, because someone else will beat you.

What makes this Ludington roster especially dangerous is the raw athleticism running through it. Taj Williams, Messiah Himes, Kyle Himes Jr., and freshman Mikey Himes are all standout football players who bring track star speed to the basketball floor — and every one of them can get above the rim.

The Himes brothers are three of the most explosive athletes in the WMC, and Williams is cut from the same cloth. That combination of speed and leaping ability gives Ludington a dimension that doesn’t always show up in a box score but that opposing defenses feel every single possession.

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How Ludington Got Here — Playoff Path

Ludington Orioles — 2026 Playoff Results

District Semifinal vs. Big Rapids W 77–44	District Final vs. Hart W 62–49
Regional Semifinal vs. Gladwin W 82–58	Regional Final vs. Kingsford W 50–42

Regional Semifinal Recap: Ludington 82, Gladwin 58

Ludington snapped Gladwin’s 23-game winning streak in emphatic fashion. The game was competitive through the first quarter with Ludington holding a 21–17 edge, but the Orioles delivered a 23–10 second quarter to take a 44–27 halftime lead, then followed with a 28–11 third quarter to push the margin to 72–38. Taj Williams powered the offense with 24 points, scoring his 1,000th career point in the third quarter.

Four Orioles finished in double figures: Williams 24, Gunsell 14, Steele Stowe 11, Kyle Himes Jr. 11. Messiah Himes added nine. Gladwin was led by Ben Verellen’s 20 points.

Regional Final Recap: Ludington 50, Kingsford 42

Inside Jim Mongeau Gymnasium in Gaylord, Ludington showed exactly what championship teams are made of — and avenged last year’s regional final loss to Kingsford, who went on to reach the Breslin Center in 2025.

Gunsell scored eight first-quarter points to set the tone, but Kingsford grabbed a 13–12 lead early in the second quarter. Ludington’s response was three consecutive three-pointers from JT “Country Strong” Keith, Messiah Himes, and Kyle Himes Jr. — igniting a 14–0 run that pushed the lead to 26–16 at halftime.

Kingsford battled back to pull within 43–40 in the fourth quarter, but a key rebound and putback from Steele Stowe steadied the Orioles. Kyle Himes Jr. then knocked down four straight free throws down the stretch while Williams and Gunsell each added two more from the stripe to seal it.

Gunsell led all scorers with 19 points. Kingsford’s Gaige Sorensen led the Flivvers with 15.

Complete Ludington scoring: Gunsell 19, Kyle Himes Jr. 11, Williams 10, Stowe 4, Messiah Himes 3, JT “Country Strong” Keith 3.

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Ludington 2025–26 Season Results

	Opponent	Score
W	vs. Reed City	85–51
W	vs. Spring Lake	55–46
W	vs. Muskegon Orchard View *	70–43
W	vs. Manistee *	71–50
W	vs. Fremont * (OT)	73–67
W	vs. Muskegon Oakridge *	66–30
W	vs. Mason County Central	64–43
W	vs. Traverse City St. Francis	70–54
W	vs. Montague *	75–33
W	vs. Grand Rapids Covenant Christian	66–53
W	vs. Benzie Central	88–75
L	vs. North Muskegon	54–63
W	vs. Fremont *	84–51
W	vs. Elk Rapids (OT)	65–55
W	vs. Muskegon Orchard View *	78–53
W	vs. Muskegon Oakridge *	80–46
W	vs. Whitehall *	84–59
W	vs. Montague *	74–41
W	vs. Cadillac	79–55
W	vs. Whitehall *	78–58
L	vs. Traverse City West	64–88
W	vs. Manistee *	68–55
W	District Semi vs. Big Rapids	77–44
W	District Final vs. Hart	62–49
W	Regional Semi vs. Gladwin	82–58
W	Regional Final vs. Kingsford	50–42

* denotes WMC Lakes conference game

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Freeland Falcons (23–3)

Head Coach John Fattal’s Falcons enter Tuesday’s game ranked third in the state in Division 2 with twelve returning seniors from last year’s regional championship team — plus one critical addition. They finished 10–2 in the Tri-Valley Conference Red, second in their league, and won their four playoff games by an average margin of 24.5 points.

This group has also been here before: Freeland lost to Kingsford 48-46 in last year’s Division 2 quarterfinals. They know what it feels like to be one game away, and they know what it feels like to fall short.

Freeland’s 2025-26 season has been a masterclass in resilience. The Falcons opened the year with dominant non-conference performances against Menominee, Petoskey, and Gaylord before an early overtime loss to Grand Haven served as a wake-up call.

They went on to drop a conference game to Frankenmuth and another late in the year to Alma — but what defines this team is how they answered every setback. They beat Frankenmuth in the rematch 54-48. They knocked off Hudsonville Unity Christian — the 2019 Division 2 state champion that ended Ludington’s own Breslin run that year — 65-60.

They dismantled Wagner’s former Swan Valley squad twice, by scores of 69-33 and 71-31. Every time Freeland was tested, they found an answer.

Wilson Huckeby, a senior shooting guard, has committed to Saginaw Valley State University and sits fourth on Michigan’s all-time boys basketball career three-pointer list with 322. In the regional final against Flint Hamady, he scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, knocking down five three-pointers — including two in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

He is a threat from the perimeter, dangerous off the dribble, and a strong defender. Ludington cannot afford to lose track of him for a single possession.

Tristan Comer, a senior forward, is committed to Michigan State University as an offensive lineman in football and is an All-State selection. He finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds in the regional final against Hamady. On the basketball floor, his ball-handling and shooting skills are as good as most guards, yet he also defends the post and rebounds at a high level.

He scores inside but can also hit the perimeter shot.

The key addition to this year’s Freeland roster is Cooper Wagner, a senior point guard who transferred from Swan Valley, where he averaged 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 steals and 3.0 assists as a junior. Wagner finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds in the regional final against Hamady and has given Freeland a different dimension — a true ball-handler who gets into the lane, distributes, and takes pressure off Huckeby to operate as the off-ball shooter he is at his best.

With Huckeby, Comer, and Wagner all capable of going for 17-plus on any given night, Freeland’s “big three” is as dangerous a trio as any in Division 2.

Regional Final Recap: Freeland 69, Flint Hamady 51

Freeland’s regional final against Flint Hamady was a showcase for that big three.

Wilson Huckeby put on a performance for the ages — 29 points, 12 rebounds, and five three-pointers, two of which came in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good. Tristan Comer was equally dominant in the paint, finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Wagner matched him with 17 points and 7 boards of his own.

The three combined for 63 of the team’s 69 points. The win secured Freeland’s second consecutive regional championship and a return trip to the state quarterfinals — this time with unfinished business in mind after last year’s 48-46 quarterfinal loss to Kingsford.

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How Freeland Got Here — Playoff Path

Freeland Falcons — 2026 Playoff Results

District Semifinalvs. Bay City John Glenn W 70–40	District Finalvs. Essexville Garber W 84–48
Regional Semifinalvs. Portland W 61–47	Regional Finalvs. Flint Hamady W 69–51

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Freeland 2025–26 Season Results

	Opponent	Score
W	vs. Bridgeport *	94–72
W	vs. Menominee	61–39
W	vs. Petoskey	69–54
W	vs. Gaylord	70–47
W	vs. Essexville Garber *	74–41
W	vs. Auburn Hills Avondale	70–56
L	vs. Grand Haven	74–77 OT
W	vs. Harbor Beach	68–52
W	vs. Saginaw Heritage	65–58
L	vs. Frankenmuth *	43–47
W	vs. Alma *	60–43
W	vs. Saginaw Swan Valley *	69–33
W	vs. North Muskegon	75–63
W	vs. Bay City John Glenn *	65–43
W	vs. Bridgeport *	81–42
W	vs. Mt. Pleasant	61–47
L	vs. Alma *	72–76
W	vs. Essexville Garber *	76–54
W	vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian	65–60
W	vs. Frankenmuth *	54–48
W	vs. Bay City John Glenn *	69–51
W	vs. Saginaw Swan Valley *	71–31
W	District Semi vs. Bay City John Glenn	70–40
W	District Final vs. Essexville Garber	84–48
W	Regional Semi vs. Portland	61–47
W	Regional Final vs. Flint Hamady	69–51

* denotes TVC Red conference game

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Five Keys to the Game

1. Stopping Huckeby. Wilson Huckeby sits fourth on Michigan’s all-time boys basketball career three-pointer list with 322. He scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the regional final. He can beat you from three, off the dribble, or at the free-throw line. Whatever Thad Shank draws up defensively for him will be one of the most important decisions of the night.

2. Handling Comer’s versatility. Tristan Comer is a Michigan State football commit who defends the post, rebounds, handles like a guard, and can hit the perimeter shot. He scores inside and outside. There is no simple defensive answer for him.

3. Gunsell and Williams in crunch time. Ludington’s two 1,000-point scorers have both proven they can deliver in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line. Gunsell’s 19 points and Williams’ clutch free throws in the regional final against Kingsford were the definition of players rising to the moment. That composure will need to show up again Tuesday night.

4. Ludington’s depth vs. Freeland’s experience. In the regional semifinal against Gladwin, four Orioles scored in double figures. Against Kingsford, three different players hit three consecutive three-pointers to break the game open. Freeland counters with twelve returning seniors who know what playoff basketball looks like. Whether Ludington’s balance or Freeland’s experience wins out may decide the night.

5. Who sets the tone first. Both programs have won in high-pressure moments this postseason. But neutral-site quarterfinals carry their own energy — a different gym, everything on the line from the opening tip. Whoever establishes their identity first will be playing with the psychological edge for the rest of the game.

The O Zone — Ludington’s Sixth Man

If you have ever been at a Ludington game, you already know — the Orioles travel. Loudly.

The O Zone, Ludington’s student section, is widely regarded as the best student section in West Michigan and the most energetic and well-organized fan group in West Michigan.

Expect a significant contingent of orange-clad Orioles faithful to make the trip to Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday night, filling their end of the gym with noise from the opening tip. In a neutral-site quarterfinal where momentum swings can change everything, the O Zone is not just a crowd — they are a factor.

Freeland will bring their own supporters, but the Orioles’ faithful have a well-earned reputation for being the loudest people in any building they enter.

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The Voice of the Orioles

No Ludington playoff run would be complete without the voice of Todd “Scoop” Hansen calling the action. The beloved and legendary voice of Oriole sports — and someone I’m proud to call my friend — Scoop will be behind the mic Tuesday night as the Orioles take the floor in Mt. Pleasant.

Fans who can’t make the trip can follow along with live audio coverage through the Oriole Sports Network on Facebook. Per MHSAA regulations, coverage will be audio only — but if you know Scoop, you know that’s more than enough to feel like you’re right there in the gym.

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Coach’s Corner — Thad Shank

🎙️ Catching up with Ludington head coach Thad Shank before the biggest game of the season

“What makes this squad different from others you have coached?”

Very fast. Great overall team quickness and athleticism.

“Where has the team made the greatest strides this season?”

On defense, especially half court defense.

“Key adjustment made preparing for Freeland?”

Keep them in front of us and a special focus on where Huckeby is.

💡 Did You Know?

• Ludington’s regional championship was the program’s 16th in school history.
• Taj Williams and Cam Gunsell are both 1,000-point career scorers — two players at that milestone on the same roster at the same time is rare at any level.
• Wilson Huckeby sits 4th on Michigan’s all-time career three-pointer list with 322 — and he still has Tuesday night left to play.
• Ludington snapped Gladwin’s 23-game winning streak in the regional semifinal, winning 82-58.
• Kingsford beat both Ludington and Freeland in last year’s playoffs — Ludington in the regional final, Freeland in the quarterfinals. Both teams are back this year with unfinished business.
• JT “Country Strong” Keith — who hit one of three consecutive three-pointers to break open the regional final — was born in Norway, Michigan, just a 10-minute drive from Kingsford’s home gym.
• Freeland’s “big three” of Huckeby, Comer, and Wagner combined for 63 of the team’s 69 points in the regional final against Flint Hamady.
• Cooper Wagner transferred from Swan Valley — a team Freeland beat twice this season, by scores of 69-33 and 71-31.
• The last time Ludington reached the Breslin Center was 2019 — where they ran into Hudsonville Unity Christian, the eventual Division 2 state champion. Freeland beat Unity Christian this season, 65-60.

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What It Would Mean

To understand what Tuesday night means to Ludington, you have to go back to 2017. The Orioles were at the Breslin Center for a Class B state semifinal against River Rouge — and with the clock running out in overtime, trailing 50–48, they found themselves in chaos.

The rebound was kicked out to Noah Laman. He passed it to his younger brother Joshua — a sophomore center — on the wing. Joshua Laman put it up from outside the arc. It hit nothing but net. Final: Ludington 51, River Rouge 50.

It will go down as “The Shot” in Ludington basketball lore. Extraordinarily, it was Joshua Laman’s first three-pointer of the season. He had been 0-for-9 from deep before he sent the Orioles to the state championship game.

“I couldn’t believe it, I just couldn’t believe it,” Laman said afterward. “I just caught it and shot. I knew there was barely any time left so I went right up with it.”

The Orioles had trailed by nine in the fourth quarter before fighting back to force overtime and ultimately steal the win.

Ludington faced New Haven in the state championship game the very next night and fell 45–36 — state runner-up, one win short of everything. That shot, that run, that team — they are woven permanently into the fabric of Ludington basketball.

Two years later, in 2019, the Orioles made it back to the Breslin — the last time Ludington reached East Lansing. That team beat Escanaba in the regional and rolled past Alma 65–32 in the quarterfinal before running into a buzzsaw in the semifinal: Hudsonville Unity Christian, who beat Ludington 69–30 and went on to defeat River Rouge 58–55 in the state championship game. The Orioles that year lost to the best team in Michigan.

Ludington’s Last Two Breslin Runs

2017 — Class B State Championship Run (25–3)

Dist. Finaldef. Cadillac 51–21

Regionaldef. Gladstone & Lake Fenton

State Semidef. River Rouge 51–50 OT — Joshua Laman buzzer-beater 3-pointer

State FinalLost to New Haven 36–45 — State Runner-Up

Key Players: Calvin Hackert  ·  Joshua Laman  ·  Noah Laman

2019 — Last Breslin Appearance

Regionaldef. Escanaba 49–32

Quarterfinaldef. Alma 65–32

SemifinalLost to Hudsonville Unity Christian 30–69 — Unity Christian won D2 state title

That was seven years ago. And now here are the 2025–26 Orioles — 24–2, WMC Lakes champions, winners of their 16th regional title — standing one win away from going back.

The players on this roster were in grade school when the 2017 Orioles made their run. For them, Laman’s shot is something older fans still talk about — a piece of program mythology, not a lived memory. Tuesday night is their chance to create their own moment.

Win, and the 2025–26 Ludington Orioles write the next great chapter in this program’s history. Win, and the O Zone gets to make noise in East Lansing. Win, and a community feels something it has not felt since those Breslin runs of 2017 and 2019.

That is what is on the line at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mt. Pleasant High School — and every Orioles fan who can get to that gym should be in that gym.

🏆 If Ludington wins — Next Stop: Breslin Center MHSAA Division 2 State Semifinal  ·  Friday, March 13, 2026  ·  5:30 PM
Breslin Center · Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI

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