Perspective Picks
By: The Perspective Staff
Girls Swim
Quarterback- Chris Walls (Plymouth)
Running Back- Marcus Sanders (Canton)
Running Back- Cam Stella (Plymouth)
Wide Reciever- Calin Crawford (Salem)
Wide Reciever- Jared Stephens (Canton)
Wide Reciever- Victor Abraham (Plymouth)
Tight End- Jesse Warner (Canton)
Offensive Lineman- Michael Jordan (Plymouth)
Offensive Lineman- Ben Phillips (Canton)
Offensive Lineman- Devin Obrec (Canton)
Offensive Lineman- DeAngelo Meredith (Salem)
Offensive Lineman- Tim Armstrong (Plymouth)
Defensive Lineman- Eric Daniels (Salem)
Defensive Lineman- Elie Atallah (Plymouth)
Defensive Lineman- Jake McKinnon (Canton)
Defensive Lineman- Christian Pearson (Salem)
Linebacker- Trevor Nowaske (Salem)
Linebacker- Lou Baechler (Canton)
Linebacker- Shane Prevo (Salem)
Defensive Back- Darwin Filey (Plymouth)
Defensive Back- Chase Timko (Plymouth)
Defensive Back- Shaw Lyall (Salem)
Defensive Back- Colin Troupe (Canton)
Kicker- Van Nguyen (Plymouth)
Punt Returner- Isaac Emminger (Plymouth)
Kicker Returner- Freddie McGee (Salem)
Girls Golf
Nicole Dawson (Canton)
Hope Warkoczeski (Salem)
Darby Scott (Salem)
Alaina Strzalka (Plymouth)
Ariana Strzalka (Plymouth)
Katie Chipman (Plymouth)
Football
200 Yard Medley Relay:
Backstroke- Katie Xu (Salem)
Breast- Linda Zhang (Salem)
Butterfly- Emily Osika (Canton)
Freestyle- Lisa Zhang (Salem)
200 Yard Freestyle:
Allison Lennig (Plymouth)
Meghan Mans (Canton)
Patricia Freitag (Salem)
200 Yard IM:
Linda Zhang (Salem)
Katie Xu (Salem)
Jessica Clark (Canton)
50 Yard Freestyle:
Lisa Zhang (Salem)
Isabella Giacobone (Canton)
Jenna Chen (Salem)
1 Meter Diving:
Camille Burt (Salem)
Jordyn Williams (Salem)
Beth Henderson (Plymouth)
100 Yard Butterfly:
Lisa Zhang (Salem)
Emily Osika (Canton)
Kathryn Waters (Plymouth)
100 Yard Freestyle:
Allison Lennig (Plymouth)
Patricia Freitag (Salem)
Jessica Clark (Canton)
500 Yard Freestyle:
Meghan Mans (Canton)
Kathryn Waters (Plymouth)
Sarah Griffiths (Salem)
200 Yard Freestyle Relay:
Lisa Zhang (Salem)
Isabella Giacobone (Plymouth)
Jenna Chen (Salem)
Meghan Maikowski (Salem)
100 Yard Backstroke:
Katie Xu (Salem)
Molly Rowe (Salem)
Emily Osika (Canton)
100 Yard Breast Stroke:
Linda Zhang (Salem)
Kelsey Peregord (Plymouth)
Grace Harding (Salem)
400 Yard Freestyle Relay:
Allison Lennig (Plymouth)
Patricia Freitag (Salem)
Jessica Clark (Canton)
Jenna Chen (Salem)
Girls Cross Country
Mary Galm (Canton)
Anna Negelhout (Canton)
Annie Bonds (Plymouth)
Hannah Jeffress (Salem)
Kayla Hughes (Salem)
Madelyn Simko (Salem)
Boys Cross Country
Brandon Boyd (Plymouth)
Jacob Kubinski (Salem)
Shane Andrews (Canton)
Zac Claire (Canton)
Ethan Byrnes (Plymouth)
Chaz Jeffress (Salem)
Volleyball
OH/DS- Tess Ganich (Salem)
MB- Hannah Madis (Canton)
MB- Lydia Bell (Plymouth)
RS/DS- Kendall Gillen (Salem)
Libero- Charley Irvin (Plymouth)
Setter- Daniella Barielle (Plymouth)
Photos courtesy of Canton, Plymouth and Salem Athletics
Player Profiles
By: Liz Perry and Ashley Hegener
Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief
The Canton Girls Varsity Basketball team had a good year last year, making it to the state tournament once again before losing to park-rival Salem in the district finals 42-29 in a defense heavy game. Canton’s team last year was quite young, but they figure to be even better this season. The Chiefs only had two graduating seniors; Alexa Lagola and Alanna Brown. The top players figure to be the three captains; seniors Natalie Winters and Madison Archibald, as well as junior Erin Hult, along with a whole host of other returning players that look to play a role in helping Canton make another run in the state tournament. Canton won’t add much new talent to the mix this season, but the returning talent they have will be very high quality and ready to make another run at a state title and get revenge on Bloomfield Marion for their loss two years ago.
Canton’s hardest competition the last few seasons has been Park rivals Salem and Plymouth. This year, Canton added some very high quality teams to their non-conference schedule to provide some early season previews of the teams they plan to see in the state tournament. Among the tough games Canton has scheduled is a season opener on Dec. 1 at Bloomfield Marion, the current back-to-back state champion. Just three days later they host Grosse Point South, who lost in the state championship game in both 2012 and 2013. The remainder of their non-conference play is taken up by two more elite teams in a road game at Divine Child, and a game at home versus Mercy before they start a stretch of somewhat easier games from January through February, where the most difficult competition will be playing Plymouth twice.
“To win games, we have to have solid man-to-man defense, stop teams from getting penetration to the key, and stop outside shots. We also need good ball movement and shot selection, which will be crucial on offense,” said Erin Hult. She added, “The team’s ultimate goal is to get back to the Breslin Center (site of the state championship) like we were two years ago.”
This Canton team may have a chance to replicate that performance. “This team feels to me a lot like the one we had my freshman year (two years ago) when we made it to the state championship.” Hult also said.
Madison Archibald said, “I think we will have a very good shot of going far in states. The whole team works well with each other, and everything clicks naturally. To win games, we will have to rebound the ball well, force a lot of turnovers on defense, and finish around the rim on offense.”
A key to a good team in basketball is teamwork and communication. The Chiefs hope to build that with a new coach, Rob Heitmeyer. If Canton’s coaching staff can get the team to communicate well, continue putting up one hundred percent effort and get his team practicing well, Canton might have a good enough team to bring at least one trophy to the Canton High School halls once again this season.
The Salem Girls Varsity Basketball team last year had a great team, lead by the “Senior Six” of Shara Long, Katie Latack, Hayley Rogers, Alison First, Jamyra Wilson and Miranda Armstead. While the loss of the six seniors will certainly be huge for this year’s squad, the Rocks bring back many key players including Leah Moss, Marisa Martin, Zoe Talley and the Petree sisters, Lasha and Jala. Also coming back for the Rocks is third year coach and former alumni Lindsey Klemmer, who won Class A Coach of the Year last year.
Salem ended up defeating several high caliber teams last year on their way to the regional final loss 58-42 against Hartland last year. Salem won 20 plus straight games last season behind their star seniors, including defeating Canton and Plymouth among others last season. The returning members and coaching staff now know what it takes and have gained valuable experience, but now must move on to a new era where they follow a similar path to what the Park rival Canton Chiefs took, getting good, young talent while still maintaining strong senior leadership.
The Rocks also are looking to gain some of that new young talent from last year’s junior varsity team. Some of the players that might be moved up include Jala and Lasha’s third sister Mahri Petree, Jayna Lenders, Emily Stewart, and Darby Scott. The team will rely on their depth once again, as that was one of the many reasons they went quite far in the state tournament last season, as well as winning a KLAA Conference Championship.
For the Rocks to have another long playoff run like they did last season, it is going to have to start with the senior guards Marisa Martin and Leah Moss. After having a year learning from last year’s senior class, the two are going to get their chance to shine this year, and likely become the leaders of this year’s team. The Petree sisters, in particular Lasha, who will likely be a starter this season as a sophomore, will also need to play a key part in the squad this upcoming season.
Celeste Thomas, a senior who missed last season due to injury, said, “We all have the drive to win and put in all the hard work to go far this year. It will be a great season to watch and be a part of.” She added that Salem should go far in states this year with good leadership. Salem should have little trouble winning a division title this year under coach Klemmer, and making another strong run in the state tournament.
Their biggest challenges will come from their Park rivals, as well as a difficult opening schedule, which includes Plymouth as well as a home game against Mercy, and a tough road game versus Divine Child prior to their conference schedule. Overall, if the Rocks can get some momentum rolling similar to last season, they very well could be a threat once again deep in the state tournament. Salem has to get good play from everyone from the seniors to the freshman once again to make another big impact in the state tournament in hopes of making the state finals for the first time in school history.
The Plymouth Wildcats Girls Varsity Basketball team last year had a solid squad, led by senior Kendall Rose, amongst others. While the loss of her, as well as other seniors, might hurt Plymouth, they have a strong core of their team last season coming back and looking to improve in their journey to a state championship. Cassidy Lewis and Hannah Badger are both seniors coming back for the Wildcats who figure to be leaders on this year’s team.
Plymouth also looks to gain some talent to make up for their senior graduates last season. The list of new players is likely to include Mikayla Rose (Kendall’s cousin) and Alexa Ebling, who both previously starred on the JV squad. Plymouth is known for their teamwork and getting good contributions from everyone on the court, and they look to do that again this season.
Senior Hannah Badger said, “Everyone on the team contributes, and every player is vital to our team’s success. We communicate well, work hard, and play with a lot of energy and intensity. We are relentless Cats who aren’t afraid to back down from any challenge,” also adding that she hopes to improve defensively as a whole team, and learn the new playbook that coach Ryan Ballard will bring to the team this year.
Senior Cassidy Lewis added that coach Ballard is a great addition to the program.
This Plymouth team in general gives off a strong, positive vibe. Lewis said, “Every game requires mental and physical determination, and passion is key.” She added, “Plymouth girls basketball will bring energy, passion and determination to the floor every game,” and that supporters of the team will not be disappointed this season with the teamwork and energy Plymouth shows on a nightly basis.
Plymouth showed that energy and determination last year going 17-4 and 10-0 in the division before a loss to Salem sent them home early in the state playoffs. They look to rebound from that loss early, opening with a game against the Rocks on Dec. 1. “Some key games for us will clearly be the park rivals (Salem and Canton) as well as Churchill,” said junior Mikayla Rose, as the Wildcats open the season versus Salem and play Canton twice in inter-division play.
They also will likely meet in the state tournament with at least one of the park teams as well, and should see at least one of them in the conference tournament at the end of the season in addition to that. The Wildcats’ non-conference schedule looks to build early momentum for the team, as they take on Mercy, Allen Park, Waterford Kettering and Dexter all on the road. The team’s only true home game prior to division play will be when they host conference rival Livonia Stevenson on Dec. 17.
Plymouth’s most difficult challenge this season should be Salem and Canton; however, the Wildcats should be a threat to any team in their path this season, with their tough physical play and good teamwork and communication. The ‘Cats have the ability to make a strong run this year and can go on the floor any night and defeat any team with their level of talent.
Girls Basketball Previews
By: Chris Robbins
Sports Editor
Canton
Salem
Plymouth
Darby Scott
Sport: Salem Girls Golf
Grade: Junior
Level: Three years on varsity
Are you committed to a university/college or are you interested in recruiting?
“Yes!”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“I hope to have a good job.”
How long have you been playing this sport?
“I started before my freshman year; I have played three high school seasons.”
How did you become interested in your sport?
“My dad and my grandpa play golf all the time and they introduced me to it.”
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
“I go to the driving range beforehand.”
What school is your biggest rival?
“Definitely Northville.”
What was your best performance?
“74 at Kensington Metropark.”
What is your favorite warm-up song?
“’Remember the Name’ by Fort Minor”
Photo by Hannah Saad
Danya Raza
Sport: Canton Girls Swim and Dive
Grade: Senior
Level: Two years on varsity
Are you committed to a University/College or are you interested in recruiting?
"I'm not interested in recruiting."
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
"I hope I graduated and have a steady job. I don't know in what yet."
How long have you been playing this sport?
"I’ve been in competitive swimming since I was 10 years old. I used to be in a club called PAC when I lived in Kalamazoo for three years before I moved to Canton."
How did you become interested in your sport?
"I didn't want to swim when I was 10. My dad accidentally signed me up for the team instead of the classes and since it was nonrefundable, I had to stay for the season. From then on I just stayed."
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
"I don't have one. I'm just naturally awesome."
What school is your biggest rival?
"Plymouth."
What was your best performance?
"It was just before I stopped doing year-round swim when I was 13 and swam a 50 free in 30 seconds. I can't beat it anymore since I wear about 2 pounds of drag."
Photo courtesy of Danya Raza
Plymouth Boys Varsity Soccer had a successful year overall, finishing the regular season with 14 wins and four losses. The team was led by head coach Jeff Neschich and assistant coach Glenn Liguouri. Although everyone on the team contributed to the season, standout Wildcats were seniors Mike Blake, Jayden Huxtable, Dylan Dwyer, Andrew Liakos and goalkeeper Damon Favero, juniors Van Nguyen, Keaton Hegarty and Adam Saunders, and sophomore midfielder Bennett Brooks. Plymouth fell to Salem in double overtime in the second round of districts to end their season. Since the Wildcats have many young players returning next year, they should be ready for another strong season.
Plymouth
Canton Boys Varsity Soccer finished second in the state, falling 2-0 to Grand Rapids Forest Hills. Canton had a strong season, winning their division for the sixth year in a row to go on to be district champions, and then regional champions. The team had a close call in semi-finals, beating Rochester Adams 3-2 in a penalty shoot out. The team was led by head coach Mark Zemanski and assistant coaches Alex Walton and Kai Walther. While the team successfully survived the season together, there were many standout players including seniors Hunter Olson, James Walkinshaw, Jordan Percy, Beaumont Hoffman and Josh Posuniak, juniors Matthew Rockafellow, Ryen O’Meara, Luke Kurili and goalkeeper Steven Page. With strong offense, talented midfielders, and solid defense and goalkeeping, Canton had the perfect combination to make it to state finals.
Canton
Boys Varsity Soccer Recap
By: Jordan Anheuser
Staff Writer
Salem Varsity Soccer finished Park champions, with an overall record of 14 wins, and four losses. The team was led by head coach Scott Duhl. After Salem beat Plymouth in penalty kicks in the second round of districts, they fell short to Canton to finish their season. While the Salem team was strong in general, Rocks that really made an impression were seniors Nick Massey, Max Kummer, Jordan Salhani, Hunter Gibbons, Jay Lee and Austin Siterlet and junior Mikey Schwartz. Salem finished second in their division, just points behind Northville.
Salem
Photo courtesy of Plymouth Athletics
Photo courtesy of Canton Athletics
Photo courtesy of Salem Athletics
The 2015-2016 season for the National Football League is already past its halfway point as teams start aiming to clinch a playoff berth. One team struggling to win is the Detroit Lions.
A poor offensive line and coaching staff and a lackluster defensive line have crippled the Lions. Their current record is (1-7) and they have the worst winning percentage of any team in the NFL. The team’s only win thus far was against the Chicago Bears in overtime after a late fourth quarter touchdown extended the game.
Before the regular season started, many fans had high hopes that the Lions would return to the playoffs like they had done the previous year, while others had their doubts based on the team’s troubled past.
Canton Junior Joey Glunt expressed his concern saying, “I don’t have high hopes for the Lions because something always goes wrong for them.” He continues optimistically however, “you got to love your city’s team through thick and thin though.”
With a struggling team many fans blame the quarterback Matthew Stafford who has struggled immensely through the season so far.
Canton sophomore Zach Ziroll weighed in on the situation saying, “I believe the biggest problem they’re facing right now is their quarterback and they need to get a new one. Also, their defense needs to stop getting flagged so much,” Ziroll continues, “they need to stop targeting Calvin Johnson so often and balance the attack.”
Salem senior Damian Serafimovski also had something similar to Ziroll, adding, “The Lions are not executing plays properly, and they are not using their key players.”
On Oct. 26, the team’s record and fans’ uproar over countless disappointing losses lead head coach Jim Caldwell to fire the offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coaches Jeremiah Washburn and Terry Heffernan. Coach Caldwell has spent his year and a half with the team defending his offense, but fans have been growing extremely concerned with his coaching tactics.
With the regular season past its halfway point, the Lions look to keep improving their record as much as they can, trying to not get the worst record in the NFL. If problems for the team continue then the team could see even more losses of players and coaching staff, including Caldwell.
Detroit Lions Horrible Season; Anything New?
By: Alec Middleton
Staff Writer
