The Munising girls basketball team had a successful season last winter. The Mustangs went 21-5 overall and claimed a district championship before bowing out to St. Ignace in a regional title game.

They lost one of their best scorers from that team to graduation — Emmy Crisp — but they’ll return plenty of experience this season, leaving them hopeful for more good times ahead.

“We bring back four starters, two others with playing experience and added some talent, so we should be pretty good,” 14thyear head coach Matt Mattson said. “But there’s always some early-season rust to knock off. I think our practices have been very productive so far with our five seniors leading the way. They understand the standards that have been set by teams before them and have done a great job leading our younger players.”

Returning to the team will be seniors Tessa Salo, Bailey Corcoran, Elizabeth Wing, Kate Mattson, Dayne Behning and junior Olivia Cotey.

“With five seniors who all have playing experience and a junior who played some as a sophomore, we have a pretty experienced team,” Mattson said. “Bailey Corcoran was an all-conference player last year, so we’ll lean on her for scoring.”

Joining the team will be junior Madelyn Richardson and freshman Addi Bowerman. Sophomore Kaylen Kienitz and freshman Kiera Curtis will split time between the JV and varsity teams as part of the five-quarter rule.

“I’m not big on team goals that have to do with number of wins,” Mattson said. “I’m more worried about effort and trying to get the full potential out of each player. If we play with great effort, we’ll have a great season. Our conference is always tough, with Bark River winning the last couple of conference championships. I’d probably rank us in the top three or four, so hopefully if all goes well, we have a chance.”

The Mustangs opened their season on Wednesday at Superior Central, and they’ll head to Brimley on Tuesday. Next Friday, Dec. 13, they’ll travel to Powers North Central. Munising’s home opener will take place Dec. 30 against Pickford.

“Superior Central is always a tough place to play, and [their head coach] Skip Rutter will have his team ready,” Mattson said. “After that, we have four away games, so not a very easy start with five straight on the road.”

“
I think our practices have been very productive so far with our five seniors leading the way. They understand the standards that have been set by teams before them and have done a great job leading our younger players.

—Matt
Mattson

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