Coach Mike Hudson’s Wayland boys’ varsity basketball team has been plagued by unlucky breaks in the post-season tournament draws, but things may be looking up for March 2017.
The Wildcats in the past two seasons were very unlucky in having to play Wyoming Godwin Heights in the Class B district tournament. Two years ago they lost to Godwin in the district finals and last year they lost in the district opener, despite owning an impressive 18-1 record overall. The Wolverines two years ago won the state Class B championship and they were runners-up in March 2016.
But next March Wayland will be host school for the district. Its opponents will be Fennville, Allegan, Plainwell, Otsego and Hopkins.
Obviously, the games still have to be played, but it had to be a relief not to face Godwin so early. The Wolverines have been tearing it up on the hardcourt again this year. Having to face them in the districts next March will be Kelloggsville, Wyoming Lee and South Christian.
Wayland will play two games in the annual Cornerstone Holiday Tournament. The Wildcats will take on Rockford at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28 and will back to work on Dec. 30, with times depending on whether they win or lose in their opener.
Interestingly, Martin’s boys’ team will play in the same tournament, opening at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, against Forest Hills Eastern. The undefeated Clippers will be testing their abilities as a Class D team against a Class B opponent.
PHOTO: The 2016-17 Wayland boys’ varsity basketball squad with coaches Mike Hudson and Chris Jasinski.
