Sports

In the picturesque town of Munising, nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, high school basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Generations of passionate fans fill the bleachers of the Mustangs’ gymnasium, cheering on their beloved team with unwavering enthusiasm. Among the standout players who have etched their names into the annals of Munising High School basketball history is junior sensation Trevor Nolan—a young athlete whose talent, dedication, and leadership have propelled him to the forefront of the sport.

With the third season of local high school hockey complete, the 2023-2024 Manistique Emeralds came together to celebrate their season. The annual endof- season awards banquet was hosted at the Munising High School on Monday. The ceremony honored top performers from this past season and also served as a farewell to Coach John Nutkins, who has announced he will no longer be coaching the program. Team MVP - Alex Noble, senior; Goalie MVP Offense - Gavin Nutkins, senior MVP Defense Matthew Rahilly, junior Coach’s Award - Blake Walther, senior; Forward Special Teams Award - Carsyn Hinkson, senior; Defensemen and Cameron Skeans, senior; Forward Players of Tomorrow - Carter Deatsman, junior, Forward and Jackson Goudreau, sophomore, Goalie Most Improved Carter Lavigne, junior, Forward Playmaker Award Austin Hinkson, senior, Forward Team Captains: Carsyn Hinkson, Captain; Alex Noble and Ryan McEvers, Assistant Captains

Proving to be a hard out in the post-season once again, the Munising boys basketball team certainly battled in their Division 4 district championship game with St. Ignace on Thursday, March 7. The Mustangs fell too far behind in the second half however, and this eventually led to a 58-42 loss at the hands of the Saints, in Sault Ste. Marie.

Admittedly, Munising’s Division 4 district championship win over host Big Bay on Friday wasn’t all that dramatic; a 62-21 victory tends to take the stress out of things. However, that is just how the defending state champion Mustang want things at this point as they go after another lengthy playoff run.

Back in the middle of January, the Munising girls basketball team lost a disappointing one point game at home to Manistique. On Thursday, Feb. 29, Munising played down at Manistique, and they were able to get some revenge on the Lady Emeralds, claiming a 57-41 victory in what was their final contest in regular season play.