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Emeralds boys want to surprise M-PC

Manistique's Nolan Armock, left, looks for a teammate to pass to while Westwood's Connor Hanlon attempts to block during the first period of the MHSAA Class C district tournament at Westwood High School Wednesday evening March 9, 2016. (Journal photo by Elizabeth Bailey)

MANISTIQUE — After an up-and-down 8-13 campaign last season, Manistique High School boys basketball coach Ed Marietti thinks the Emeralds can build off that learning experience. After their season was ended by a Westwood team that put together improbable Class C district and regional championships, Marietti sees no reason his team can’t attempt to do the same. “We battled a tough Westwood team who was good despite their record,” Marietti said. “We saw a run they put together for a state championship, and I told our guys that we can be a team like that and anything’s possible.” Manistique returns three starters, including fourth-year varsity starting point guard Darien Nichols. “Nichols is our main offensive threat,” Marietti said. “He’s not real tall, but he’s a good ball handler at the perimeter and is very aggressive underneath the basket.” Seniors Nolan Armock and Jake Arnold enter their second years on varsity. “Arnold started half our games last year, and to us we know he has to be more consistent with his shooting,” Marietti said. “He’s worked hard this summer and I’m expecting him to pick it up.” Armock, the team captain, will also be in his senior year at power forward, adding size, and brings an aggressive style from hockey. Marietti said the season will come down to the team building chemistry. “We’re learning to play together and searching for who we are,” Marietti said. “All five of our top guys understand they’re going to have to be on the same page and work on the same level without any letdowns. “We’re not going to be able to show up any day and assume we’re going to win. We need to bring effort and outwork teams mentally. I like where we’re at right now, but it’ll still take a few weeks to get even better.” Ray Bressette can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. His email address is rbressette@miningjournal.net.

 

Manistique boys 2016-17 schedule All times Eastern

Dec. 6 — Iron Mountain, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 — Norway, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 — at Gwinn, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 — Negaunee, 6 p.m.

Jan. 3 — at BR-Harris, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Bay de Noc, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Munising, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 — at Norway, 8 p.m.

Jan. 19 — at Iron Mt., 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Newberry, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 — at Negaunee, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 — Gwinn, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Westwood, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Ishpeming, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 — at Westwood, 6 p.m.

Feb. 14 — at Engadine, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 — at Ishpeming, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 — Escanaba, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 — Munising, TBA

Feb. 28 — Gladstone, 7:30 p.m.

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