Brethren boys hoops shows progress through ‘up and down year’ – Manistee News Advocate

BRETHREN The Brethren Bobcats ended the 2021-22 season 11-10 overall, fourth in the West Michigan 'D' League, and one game away from the regional semifinals.

Most of their accomplishments came after losing senior point guard Kenny King to a season-ending shoulder injury.

In turn, Brethren needed numerous freshmen and sophomores, including Jack Meszaros, Kaylon Tighe, Connor Wojciechowski, and Garret Mobley, to step up.

"It was an up and down year, but I definitely saw the progression of the team at the end of the year," Bobcats boys coach JJ Randall said. "Unfortunately, we didn't play our best in the district final game against Frankfort as the season went on, it was really cool to see the potential coming with these kids.

"Our varsity was younger than our JV team, which doesn't happen very often it was good to have the kids watch Frankfort win the district medal. A lot of them were upset, and hopefully, that motivates them going into this summer and the fall."

For Wojciechowski, the responsibility on both ends of the court significantly increased, but Randall was impressed with how he embraced his new role.

"He put some fear into some ball handlers' eyes as the season went on," said Randall. "He got into foul trouble here and there, but he picked it up, especially as an underclassman."

Randall continued, saying he's excited for the future, considering a large portion of the returning talent has significant room to grow.

"That's the best part at the end of the year, I felt we were the second or third best team in the conference. I wish we could go back and play Mesick a third time just because we got adjusted to the speed. You look at Mobley, he's a 6-foot-7 big who is getting his feet underneath him, and he almost had a triple-double in the semifinal.

"Jack took over at point guard and did a great job while Tighe came off the bench at the end of the year, and he was always a spark. We're going to be scary, hopefully in a couple of years."

However, Brethren is graduating six seniors featuring Nico Postigo, Logan Gossett, Logan Baldwin, Nick Wilson, Ethan Dean, and King.

Randall says he will miss their presence around the program.

"He (King) was one of my naturally intense kids at practice; I didn't have to come in and ramp it up. He was already doing that he is probably one of the best defenders I've ever coached," he said. "Nick and Ethan put in a lot of time with us, and it was very hard to see them come off the floor on Friday night.

"Nico was such a great personality to have around our practices and games. Both Logans, not once did they complain throughout the year about not getting a ton of playing time. They showed up to practice every day, ready to work. I was very grateful to have their experience this season."

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Brethren boys hoops shows progress through 'up and down year' - Manistee News Advocate