MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
Basketball
Conf. Champs: 2007, 2006, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1987, 1986,
1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1977, 1976, 1975 (2008, 2005 independent)
District Champs: 2009, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1987, 1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978,
1977, 1976
Regional Champs: 1994, 1993, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1978
Final Four: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1978
State Champions: 1982 (26-1 record) State Academic Champions: 1999-00
POST SEASON HONORS
Manistee junior guard Rose Savela has once again been selected to several All-State teams in 2008-09.
Savela was chosen All-State in the Associated Press, the Detroit Free Press and the Basketball Coaches of Michigan. She was also selected Academic All-State for her 4.0 grade point average. Congratulations Rose!
Senior McKenzie Majchrzak signs
with WEST POINT
It was an offer she couldn't refuse. MHS senior McKenzie Majchrzak signed a letter of intent to attend the Academy of West Point next year. Actually, Majchrzak will be heading there this summer to begin basic training and move right in to the Academy.
Majchrzak, besides being a standout for the MHS Girls basketball team, is also an All-State track star. She has qualified for State in High jump and Long jump at the Class B level.
She will be part of the West Point track team while attending the military school. Congratulations to McKenzie!!!
MANISTEE'S TOURNEY RUN ENDS IN REGIONALS
The Kingsford Flivers ended the Chippewas tourney run, 76-62 in the regionals held at Cadillac. The Class B Flivers hit for 10 three point shots in the contest on their way to the victory. Manistee meanwhile was also hot from the outside, putting in 7 three pointers.
For Manistee, Rose Savela led with 16 points, while Ashley Tiefenthal put in 10. Senior McKenzie Majchrzak added 8 in her final contest as a Chippewa.
Manistee finishes the season with a 20-4 record and the district title.
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CHIPPEWA'S ARE DISTRICT CHAMPIONS
It was a busy week on district tournament action for the Manistee team, but in the end, the Chippewas were winners of three games, and the district title.
It all started with an opening night win over Mason County Central. The final was 64-38.
In the second round of the tournament, Manistee faced a tough Reed City squad. The Coyotes boasted a senior-laden lineup and a 14-6 record. However, the Chips once again held court to down Reed, 49-42.
In the district championship contest, Manistee faced long-time rival Ludington, who they had already defeated earlier in the season. The Orioles showed they were much improved, but behind a team effort, Manistee finished off the contest with a 60-51 win!
The Chips are now 20-3 on the season and head to the regionals at Cadillac against highly ranked Kingsford.
More district info and pictures will be forthcoming....
CADILLAC IS DEFEATED ON SENIOR NIGHT
In the final home game of their careers, McKenzie Majchrzak, Sarah Solberg and Xing Zhang were treated to a great night of basketball and a Chippewa victory, 48-36 over Cadillac.
The Chippewas never trailed in the contest on their way to victory number 17 to end the regular season.
MANISTEE DOWNS BENZIE CENTRAL
Facing a team with only one loss, the Chippewas trailed most of the game but rallied to defeat Benzie Central, 63-60 in Benzonia. It was a great, exciting high school basketball game by two quality teams.
Manistee overcame a great performance by the Huskies Maria Blazjewski who hit for 24 points. The Chippewas had a big performance of their own in Rose Savela's game high 36 points. Also scoring for the Chips was Ashley Tiefenthal with 12 points and 7 assists.
The Chippewas are now 16-3 on the season.
ANOTHER CLOSE ONE WITH PINE RIVER
Things didn't get much easier for the Chippewas taking on 14-2 Pine River. The tough Bucks grabbed an early lead, 27-22 at half. In the third quarter, they held that lead heading into the fourth quarter, 36-31.
However, behind Rose Savela's 9 points in the quarter, and a 4 for 4 solid free throw performance from Sophomore Alex Niemi, the Chips grabbed the lead for good with about 2 minutes left. Savela finished with a game high 25 points, while Julia Maksym and Ashley Tiefenthal each added 7. McKenzie Majchrzak also put in 6.
The Chips are now 14-3 overall.
FREMONT DOWNS CHIPPEWAS
Despite holding the lead throughout most of the game, Manistee lost a close won to Fremont, 48-46 in Fremont. The Chips outplayed the Packers for 3 quarters, leading 25-16 at half and 37-27 at the end of the third quarter.
However, in the fourth, things started going Fremont's way. The Chips didn't help matters, missing 6 free throws in the quarter. Junior forward Julia Maksym hit the game tying layup with 2 seconds on the clock, but it was nulified by the referee who called traveling.
Savela and Ashley Tiefenthal each put in 17 points for Manistee, who now sports a 13-3 record.
MANISTEE OVER SHELBY IN A CLOSE ONE
The Chippewas were victorius at home once again after defeating Shelby 51-50. The score was tied at 24 at the half, but Manistee sprung out to a 42-38 lead after the third quarter.
In the fourth, defense dominated, but although the Tigers outscored the Chips 12-9, Manistee hung on for the victory. Junior guard Rose Savela led in scoring with 27 game high points. Running mate Ashley Tiefenthal added 12. The Chips are now 13-2 on the season.
Chips down the Spartans for back to back wins
Playing their second game in as many nights, Manistee overcame a sluggish start to rally and defeat the much improved Mason County Central team, 52-38.
The Chips were down early, but came from behind to grab the lead by 3 at halftime. From there Manistee keep the flow going and wound up with back to back wins on consecutive nights.
Junior Guard Kristen Merkey was the leading scorer with 14 points, while junior guard Ashley Tiefenthal added 12. The Chips are now 12-2 on the season.
MANISTEE DOWNS REED CITY
In an exciting game between two good teams, the Chippewas prevailed in the end, 63-59 over the Coyotes at Manistee. The tough Reed City team held the lead through much of the contest, including a 30-26 lead at half-time.
The four point lead was still intact as the fourth quarter began, but Manistee outscored Reed, 19-13 in the final period to grab the victory.
Rose Savela led the Chips with 21 game high points, followed by Ashley Tiefenthal with 17. Kristen Merkey had 9 to help the team to the win.
Manistee is now 11-2 overall on the season.
Chippewas defeat the Lady Stags
Behind three players in double-figures, Manistee defeated Kingsley, 66-48 for their 9th win of the season. It was a special night as well, with Junior guard Rose Savela hitting for her 1,000th point of her career with a three point shot in the second quarter.
Savela ended up with 14 points and 13 assists. Junior guard Kristen Merkey found the range inside and out with 16 points, and senior guard Sarah Solberg also added 13. Julia Maksym led in boards with 6, while Maksym and Krista Cabot each picked off three steals.
The Chippewas are at home Tuesday against Montabella.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN, MANISTEE DEFEATS FRANKFORT
Bouncing back the next night after losing to TC West, the Chippewas hit the road for a nice 63-54 victory at Frankfort. The home team Panthers played an excellent game, although Manistee led pretty much throughout the contest. Still Frankfort cut the lead many times in the second half.
Rose Savela led the Chips with 27 points, while Kristen Merkey added 9 and Ashley Tiefenthal put in 8. The Chips are now 8-2 at the half way point of the season.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES....CHIPS LOSE TO WEST
After falling behind early again, Manistee was defeated 54-41 by Traverse City West. The Chips were behind 15-5 after one quarter and 24-16 at half time. That lead pretty much stayed, although the Chippewas did cut it to 7 points in the fourth quarter.
West used the one-two punch of Entz and Wagner who hit for 17 and 16 points each. For Manistee, Rose Savela hit for 19 points, followed by McKenzie Majchrzak with 7.
The Chips are now 7-2 on the season.
RETURNING HOME, MANISTEE GETS PAST TRAVERSE CITY CENTRAL
Despite trailing by 7 points at half-time, the Chippewa varsity girls basketball team again came from behind to defeat a stubborn Traverse City Central squad, 68-64.
It was the first home game for Manistee since game one against Mason County Central and a large crowd was treated to a great game. The Trojans, 7-3, shot well from the floor in the first half, and played good defense as well in jumping out to a 31-24 lead after two quarters.
However, the Chips mounted a comeback in the third quarter to tie the score at 46 heading into the fourth, where they held a 22-18 advantage. Lots of Manistee players contributed in the victory.
Junior Rose Savela led all scorers with 30 points, while Junior Guard Ashley Tiefenthal added 15. Sophomore Alex Niemi dropped in 8, and junior Kristen Merkey added 7.
Inside the Chippewas battled on the boards with Tiefenthal, Julia Maksym, Krista Cabot and Niemi working hard for every rebound. Savela led in assists with 7.
Manistee is now 7-1 on the season, and play again at home Monday night against Traverse City West.
CHIPS DOWN BIG RAPIDS
The Manistee girls recovered from a tough first half to defeat Big Rapids on their home floor, 69-57. The home team Cardinals executed a well-coached game plan to perfection in the first half, hitting on most of their shots and jumping to a 12 point lead.
However, in the second half, the Chips stepped up the defensive pressure and behind some great shooting by Junior guard Kristen Merkey (3 -three pointers) worked their way to an even score.
In the fourth quarter, guard Rose Savela found her way to the hoop inside and out to put the Manistee team in position to win. Savela led with 34 points, while Merkey added 15 points.
The Chips are now 6-1 on the season and have two home games next week with Reed City and Traverse City Central.
MANISTEE WINS THE WOODHAVEN CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT
Riding three players in double-figures, the Manistee Chippewas won the Championship Game of the Woodhaven Christmas Tourney, 65-53 over Belleville.
A 16-16 tie in the first quarter, was turned around by the Chips with a 17-8 advantage in the second period to take a 33-24 halftime lead. In the third, the tough Belleville team grabbed 13-12 lead, but Manistee held strong in the fourth with a 20-16 finish for the victory.
Junior Guard Rose Savela fought off early foul trouble hitting for 28 points, and pulling down 7 rebounds. Junior Guard Ashley Tiefenthal was right behind with 17 big points, 8 assists and 4 steals. Senior McKenzie Majchrzak was also in double-figures with 11 points, playing a key role in the victory.
Playing tough underneath against the taller Tigers, Julia Maksym and Krista Cabot each grabbed 6 rebounds.
The Chips are now 5-1 on the season and will face undefeated Fremont, at Fremont on January 5th.
The Chip girls with the hardware!!
more on the Woodhaven trip in the "Photo Section"
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CHIPS WIN OVER HOST WOODHAVEN TEAM
Jumping out to an 11-0 lead in the first quarter, the Chippewas rode that start to a 53-37 victory over Woodhaven in the first game of the Holiday Classic in Woodhaven.
Rose Savela led the Manistee team in scoring with 23 points, hitting 3 - 3 pointers along the way. Also scoring for the Chips were Junior guard Kristen Merkey with 7, Ashley Tiefenthal and Julia Maksym with 6 each, while Tiefenthal dished out 8 big assists.
The Chippewas will now face Belleville in the Championship Game, after the Tigers defeated Taylor Kennedy in game one of the tournament.
MANISTEE FALLS IN McBAIN
The Chippewas made the trek to McBain to begin their Christmas break, only to fall to the Ramblers, 66-55. Junior All-State guard Rose Savela led Manistee with 26 points, despite being hounded all night by the Rambler defense.
Seniors Sarah Solberg and McKenzie Majchrzak each put in 8 and 7 points respectively.
Junior All-State guard Ashley Tiefenthal sat most of the game in foul trouble, and the Chippewas failed to get another player in double figures to support Savela. Manistee was 6 of 8 from the free throw line, compared to the McBain team shooting 23 and making 18.
Next up for the 3-1 Chippewas will be the Woodhaven Christmas Classic tournament the week of Dec. 27th.
CHIPPEWAS DEFEAT LUDINGTON
In a matchup of unbeaten teams, Manistee held serve on the "Orioles home court with a 63-30 victory Tuesday night. Ludington came into the game with a 3-0 record and honorable-mention in Class B polls. Manistee was 2-0 to start the season.
Junior guards Ashley Tiefenthal and Rose Savela each hit for 20 points to scorch the nets and lead Manistee to the win. Tiefenthal dropped in 4 three point shots, while Savela also added 10 rebounds.
The Chippewa defensive inside front of Julia Maksym, Krista Cabot and Alex Niemi also limited Oriole All-Stater Nikki Arner to just 10 points. Also scoring for the Chips were Maksym with 7 and Sarah Solberg with 6 (2-3's).
Manistee looks ahead to another matchup with a ranked team, Kingsley on Friday.
Warriors no match for the Chippewas
Behind a 37-14 halftime lead, the Manistee Chippewas won their second straight of the season, 60-15 over Remus-Chippewa Hills. The contest played at Chip Hills saw Junior Guard Rose Savela score 19 points, while sophomore post player Alex Niemi added 10. Wing Sarah Solberg and guard Ashley Tiefenthal each put in 8 points as well.
Manistee is now off until a road matchup with Ludington. The Chips are 2-0 overall in 2008.
CHIPPEWAS OPEN SEASON WITH WIN...
With a great crowd on hand, the Manistee Varsity opened the new campaign with a 56-30 win over Mason County Central. The Chips jumped out to a 23-13 halftime lead, and expanded on that in the third quarter outscoring the Spartans 18-7.
Leading the way for Manistee was Rose Savela with 26 points. Also scoring were Ashley Tiefenthal with 9 points and McKenzie Majchrzak with 7. Tiefenthal led with 10 rebounds in that department.
Manistee is now 1-0 on the young season.
Look on the Summer of 08 page for details on this brave group...
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To contact Coach Kott:
Conference Champs: 2007, 2006, 2002, 2001, 1996, 1995, 1993,1991, 1990, 1987,
1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979,
1977, 1976, 1975 (2008 & 2005 independent)
District Champs: 2009, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1987, 1986, 1984, 1983,
1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1977, 1976
Regional Champs: 1994, 1993, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1978
Final Four: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1978
State Champions: 1982 (26-1 record) State Academic Champions: 1999-00