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Magic in Mio

By Richard Silverman

Trustee, Board of Trustees

Something strange and wonderful is happening in Mio. A magical basketball season is unfolding for the Firebirds and the ‘Lady Birds. It is clear that what many hoped for, and what many skeptics and cynics said would never happen, has happened. Kirtland has established a bona fide intercollegiate basketball program that is not only competitive, but that has become one of the elite programs in one of the elite community college basketball conferences in the country.

As of this date, the Lady ‘Birds sport an impressive 7-3 conference record, which ties them with Mott Community College for second place in the ten-team MCCAA Eastern Conference. The men’s team has a gaudy 8-2 conference record, which puts them in second place behind defending national champion Mott and two games ahead of third place Wayne.

How has all this been accomplished? Well, for starters, both the men and women began the January part of their schedule with exactly the same players that were on their teams in the fall. No injuries! And more significantly, neither team lost a player to academic ineligibility. So, kudos to the players for putting the “student” back into “student athletes.” And we all should give big thanks to coaches Tom Ritter and Ty McGregor for emphasizing academics over athletics.

Of course, success in the classroom doesn’t automatically transfer to success on the court.
It depends on good players, teamwork, coaching, conditioning, and just plain, old hard work. And both teams have plenty of these.

Ty McGregor has developed a rigorous training regimen that has prepared his team to play forty (40) minutes of up-tempo basketball, without letting up for a moment. It’s obvious to fans who have watched the Firebirds that superior conditioning is one of the reasons why they have beaten teams that are physically superior.

The men have responded well to McGregor’s intense, in-your-face, zealous coaching style, which emphasizes selfless play and accountability for mistakes and lack of effort. His two best players, Brian Christian (Detroit Mumford) and Steven Sidebottom (Mio), have led their team with a rare combination of great individual scoring ability and solid, selfless team play. Torey Throop (Vestaburg) has developed into a reliable three-point shooter, while Nick Simpson (Bay City All Saints), despite being only 5’11”, has chipped in with hard-earned points inside the paint and jump shots from the perimeter. Leroy Allen (Detroit Henry Ford) is a quick jumper who has provided rebounding and defense within the paint, along with a few timely baskets. Pierson Szubelak (Fairview), Corey Wright (Mio), Marc Wallace (Kalkaska), and Mark Schafer (St.Ignace) are all gaining confidence and playing time as important substitutes. All of these Firebirds play fanatical team defense for every minute they’re on the court. If they don’t, they’re immediately benched.

In stark contrast to Ty Mcgregor, coach Ritter’s approach to leading the ‘Lady ‘Birds is much more subdued, quiet and relaxed. But don’t be fooled. He demands the same kind of discipline, conditioning, and team work that McGregor does. Just stop by the MAC and see how intense and well-organized the women’s practices are.

The women are lead by freshman guard/forward Kaylon Leslie (Whittemore-Prescott), who, when she’s playing within the team concept, makes the offense click. She is versatile enough to break the press, shoot from the outside, and create shots by driving to the basket. In my opinion, she’s most effective playing a quick forward position rather than directing the team at point guard.

Kaylon is surrounded by very capable teammates. Brooke Robinson (Standish-Sterling) is a lithe, lanky forward who is the team’s best rebounder and defender. Her anticipation for where the ball is going is uncanny. She is also a capable, streak shooter from the outside. And she’s fast enough to take the ball to the basket and create scoring chances.

The most physical starter, and in my opinion the most improved player, is forward Whitney Bonham (Evart). Whitney is not afraid to use her body to bang inside for rebounds and points. And she also has a nice soft jump shot from the top of the key.
The ‘Birds can always count on her for points, rebounds, and very aggressive defense.
Whitney is supported in the paint by Sarah Ostroski, who, when she avoids foul trouble, can use her strong, athletic body for timely points and rebounding near the basket.

The women get reliable play at guard from Natasha Dewald (Augres) and Trisha Petersen (Grayling). Both are adequate ball handlers who have pretty good three-point shots when they choose to shoot them, which is not very often. Natasha is very quick with the ball and is very good at beating people down court for fast break baskets. Jessica Smith, a forward/guard, provides timely minutes and points from the bench. And Jo’ell Cruse (Inland Lakes) provides backup for Ostroski and Bonham.

As successful as the men and women have been, they are still both works in progress.
The under-sized men have to somehow improve their rebounding. And the women really have to work at reducing their high turnover rate. If they continue to improve, they will both make the MCCAA playoff tournament for the first time. Pretty special, isn’t it?

So come out to Mio and join the large crowds who love this magic show. The remaining home games are February 9, 13 and 23. Of course, that doesn’t include the playoffs.