NEW-LOOK ALMA OFF TO SOLID 4-3 START TO SEASON
They’ve been ever-so consistent for ever-so long.
Over the course of the past decade the Alma High School boys basketball program has been a model of consistency as it has averaged 16 wins per season dating back to 2013-14. During this time frame the Panthers have won 72 percent of their starts, going 161-62 overall.
Those numbers are really, really good. So what’s the story in 2024? Are the Panthers going to be their usual consistent selves or are they rebuilding?
Through the first month of the winter season the Panthers have been up and down as they sport a 4-3 record heading into Wednesday night’s non-conference home contest versus Chippewa Hills.
“We’re quite a bit different from what were the last two years,” said Alma head coach Chris Brown, who led the Panthers
to a record of 18-5 two years ago and a record of 13-10 last year. “We’re going to be a little more up-tempo this year.”
The Panthers graduated three starters from a season ago in two-year starting point guard Sam Rosales and four-year player Michael Howey II. Both were exceptional leaders and players for the Panthers. Also gone is rebounding machine Delvon Pascoe-ward.
Last winter Rosales averaged 12.6 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals per game while Howey II chipped in 11 points and four boards per. Both earned All-state honors from the coaches association.
Senior shooting guard Cade Sutherland returns to the starting line-up as does senior post player Jacoby Dunlap, who stands in at 6-foot-6.
Junior Owen Seeley, who stands in at 6-foot-4, also returns as does 6-foot-5 junior Sam Gadde. Height-wise the Panthers have quite a bit with Dunlap, Seeley and Gadde, thus they should hold their own on the glass.
Sophomore point guards Jack Lemerand and Brayden Truman have also both stepped into bigger roles this winter.
In their seven games to date five different players have led the Panthers in the scoring department which speaks to a balanced offense. Alma averages 56 points per game while allowing 57.
Conference-wise the Panthers will likely be hard-pressed to make a run as the conference crown as Freeland and Essexville-garber are both stacked with talent this winter. Bay City John Glenn is also improved.
Alma hosts Chippewa Hills at 7 p.m. Wednesday.