The Hemlock Varsity Boys Basketball team finished the season with a 10-14 overall record, while the junior varsity team posted a 13-8 record and the freshman team finished 13-5. Despite a young roster and limited varsity numbers, the Huskies remained competitive throughout the season and continued to build toward the future of the program.
Head Coach Matt Bauer noted that the team continued to battle throughout the year despite facing challenges. The varsity roster consisted of just eight full time players, and the team also had to navigate the loss of a key player who suffered an injury during the soccer season.
“We never stopped fighting to be a top team,” Bauer said. “Team numbers and youth prevented us from getting there, but the players continued to compete and improve throughout the season.”
One of the season’s most memorable moments came in the opening game of the year against Chesaning. After trailing 34-17 at halftime, the Huskies rallied in the second half and completed the comeback with a 66-57 overtime victory. Another highlight came with a win in the first game played in Hemlock’s new gymnasium.
Although the team finished with a record below .500, the Huskies actually outscored their opponents over the course of the season and were competitive in nearly every game they played. Bauer noted that several close losses kept the team from finishing with an even stronger record.
“We lost quite a few close games and could have easily been 14-10 instead,” Bauer said. “There is a very fine line between winning and losing, and often it comes down to the details.”
Several players stood out for their leadership and performance throughout the season. Junior Gavin Schmidt led the team, averaging 13 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game while also recording a team high 77 steals. Freshman Calan McFadden averaged 10 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and led the team with 57 blocks. Sophomore Kellan Schultz averaged 8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while adding 37 blocks during the season.
In postseason play, the Huskies defeated Bay City All Saints in the opening round of the district tournament before falling to top seeded Sanford Meridian in the district semifinals. Hemlock led for much of the game against Meridian before the Mustangs pulled away late.
The program also earned several academic and individual recognitions. The team was named Team Academic All-State for the 20th consecutive year.
Gavin Schmidt was named First Team All Conference in the Tri-Valley Conference Blue Division and earned Honorable Mention recognition from The Saginaw News. Calan McFadden and Kellan Schultz both received Honorable Mention All Conference honors, while McFadden was also named Honorable Mention by The Saginaw News.
Hemlock High School team awards included the Captains Award for Gavin Schmidt and Kellan Schultz, the Team Spirit and Hustle Award for Ethan Long, and the Team Most Improved Player Award for Kellan Schultz and Bentley Baumer. Calan McFadden received the Chairman of the Boards Award, while Gavin Schmidt was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. Charlie Clark earned the BCAM Team First Award, and senior Brennan Meyer received the BCAM Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete Award.
Despite the challenges of a young roster, Bauer said the team’s chemistry remained strong throughout the season.
“This was another close group that got along well,” Bauer said. “The players stayed loose and supported each other, and the team and parents were very supportive of one another throughout the season.”
Looking ahead, the Huskies return much of their roster and expect to continue improving.
“With only one player graduating and a solid JV team ready to join the group, we should be much improved next year,” Bauer said.
The program hopes that returning players will carry forward the lessons learned during a season filled with close games.
“Our returning players should understand that there is a very fine line between winning and losing,” Bauer said. “Winning those close games comes down to attention to the details.”
The program also celebrated several team accomplishments this season, including strengthening friendships and reinforcing the values of teamwork, work ethic, and commitment to one another.
The Hemlock Boys Basketball program extends its appreciation to Athletic Trainer Cody Forbes, Director of Athletics Angela Pohl, Athletic Secretary Linsey Wardin, and Scott Neumeyer for their support throughout the season. Additional thanks go to Jericho Orange for maintaining the scorebook and to assistant coaches Tony Lyvere and Michael Zolinski for their dedication to the team.