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Praski earned Honorable Mention All-State honors in addition to being named to the GAC-Blue First Team. The senior guard was a solid all-around player who excelled at both ends of the court. Praski averaged 11 points per contest while pulling down six rebounds and dishing out five assists per outing. He also came up with an average of two steals per game.

"Ryan is the best on-the-ball defender I have coached at New Lothrop," praised Hornet coach Joe Corkran. "He led us all season offensively, but he really doesn't get enough credit for how hard he plays defensively. I think the best part of Ryan's game is his court vision-he is a true point guard."

Brandon Baryo, also earned a spot on the GAC-Blue First Team. The senior sharpshooter was deadly accurate, connecting on an impressive 57% of his field goal attempts while averaging 11 points a game. He was an NBA-quality free throw shooter, making 39 of 44 charity tosses for a remarkable 90% average.

"Brandon is the best mid-range shooter I have coached here," remarked Corkran. "He hit some huge shots, including the game-winner at Goodrich. You couldn't leave Brandon open or he would make you pay for it."

Junior Brian Sheridan gave his team a strong presence in the post. Sheridan was named to the GAC-Blue Second Team for his efforts. He averaged 10 points, 8 boards and blocked 25 shots during the season.

"Brian brought a lot of toughness in the post this season," Corkran commented. "He was a great rebounder and truly plays the game with a lot of passion. Brian did a great job offensively in the post. " Senior Tyler Henige was accorded Honorable Mention by the conference coaches. Henige average 10 points an outing and sank 33 treys in the process.

"Tyler was a three-point weapon for us all season," said Corkran. "He had a knuckle injury that put him out for eight games and he still had 33 treys for us."

These four Hornet players were integral parts of a New Lothrop squad that won a district title and posted an impressive 20-4 record in 2007-08.

Roosa receives TVC-West recognition

Sophomore Dugan Roosa landed a spot on the TVC-West Second Team in recent voting by conference coaches. The St. Charles stand-out put up some impressive numbers during the 2007-08 campaign.

Roosa averaged 15 points per game and pulled down six rebounds a contest. He also came up with three steals an outing.

"Dugan is probably going to be the best player to come out of here when all is said and done," praised second-year 'Dawg coach Sean Williams. "He was just a sophomore, yet he was our hardest worker in practice and he is a relentless competitor at all times."

McSweyn tops trio of Lady 'Dawg honorees

St. Charles' varsity girls basketball team landed three players on the TVC-West All-Conference team in recent voting by the league's coaches.

Megan McSweyn earned top honors among three St. Charles juniors who played for Coach Larry Mishler in 2007-08. McSweyn was named to the TVC's First Team and was joined by classmates Kaleigh Bashans and Jordan Mishler, who were both accorded Honorable Mention.

McSweyn led the young Lady Bulldogs in many statistical categories while averaging 10 points and 9 rebounds per contest. She also led the team in shooting percentage, connecting on 41% of her shots, and assists (31). McSweyn was second on the team in steals.

"Megan was the one person other teams always tried to stop, because she had the capability of putting up a bunch of points in a hurry for us," praised Coach Mishler. "She was voted by our players as co-MVP at the end of the year and we counted on her a lot."

Bashans, who was the other player voted as co-MVP by her teammates, earned Honorable Mention in the league. She averaged nine points, three steals and three rebounds a game while running the 'Dawg offense from her point guard position. Bashans sank 27 treys on the season to lead the team in that category. She also was the team's best free throw shooter and was tops in steals.

"Kaleigh handled the ball 75% of the time and she was the one player we could least afford to take off the floor," remarked Mishler. "She was a solid all-around player for us and she really picked it up, getting better and better as the season progressed."

Mishler also garnered Honorable Mention, posting seven points and seven rebounds an outing. She was second on the team in field goal percentage (40%) and third in steals. Mishler was also third in free throw accuracy.

"Jordan was probably the most knowledgeable player on the floor and she was our best post defender," Mishler said. "She was the team's vocal leader and like a second coach on the court for us."

Coach Mishler pointed out that these three juniors were part of a squad that returns five of its top six scorers next year.

"With such a nice nucleus coming back, we have the potential to really do something next year," concluded Mishler.

Owosso Speedway news

OWOSSO -- Bighause, Inc. is pleased to inform everyone that Rick Miracle will be returning this season full time, as announcer at the Owosso Speedway track.

Miracle and his wife, Jenny, who will be working in the tower scoring races, are well-informed and awesome supporters of racing. Miracle is also looking for some National Anthem singers, individual or groups, to sing at the pre-race festivities.

For those interested in becoming drivers, a great way to start is in the Mini Stock Division. Find an inexpensive four cylinder and come racing. To help get new racers started, the "Big O" is offering a great deal -- mini stock car and driver get in the pits free on race night.

Everything is falling in line for 2008. Racing isright around the corner. Test and tune start April 12 and 16.

Summer ball registration extended to April 10

CHESANING -- Due to the dates of the Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break, registration for Chesnaing Parks and Recreation summer ball has been extended until April 10. Completed forms should be returned to the player's school. Each player needs an individual form.

Boys Minor and Major League baseball teams will be selected on Tuesday, April 15 at the Chesaning Middle School. Minor League will be at 6 p.m., and Majors at 7:30 p.m.

The girls softball teams will be selected on Wednesday, April 16 at the Chesaning Middle School. Minor girls will be at 6 p.m., and Majors at 7:30 p.m.

T-ball and Coaches Pitch will be selected the following week.

Those who volunteered to coach will be notified.

Registration forms are available at area schools and online at www.chesaningp-r.org. For further information, contact Dave Richardson at (989) 845-8099, ext. 1377.

Big Rock Rockers try-outs set

CHESANING -- Try-outs for the Big Rock Rockers AAU 18-under team will be held at the Chesaning Union High School gym on Sunday, April 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Try-outs will be open to all high school girls interested in playing AAU this spring within the senior division.

The try-out fee is $10. Checks should be made payable to Big Rock Rockers and brought to try-outs on Sunday, April 6.

Contact Jori Pacek at (989) 737-6499 for more information.