The basketball community is currently abuzz with discussions surrounding the talented guard, Austin Veal, from Onaway, who has recently been honoured with the title of Ski Valley Conference’s boys basketball player of the year. With an impressive senior season, Veal has certainly earned this well-deserved accolade. Averaging 22.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 steals during his final year with the Cardinals, he has left an indelible mark on the court. His stellar play was instrumental in helping the team maintain its position as one of the top contenders in the conference, ultimately leading Onaway to secure their fourth consecutive district title. Veal also achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 1,000 points and becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer.
Joining Veal on the All-SAC first team is his senior teammate, Jadin Mix, who also achieved the milestone of reaching 1,000 points and setting a new record for steals in a career according to MHSAA.
The talented players earning Ski Valley’s second team spots are Inland Lakes seniors Sam Schoonmaker and Connor Wallace, with impressive statistics of close to 18 points and eight rebounds, and over 15 points and six rebounds respectively in their final season with the Bulldogs.
Honourable mention recognition was also given to Onaway’s Jackson Chaskey and Mason Beebe, Inland Lakes’ Aidan Fenstermaker, and Pellston’s Jack Schmalzried and Joshua Grondin, further highlighting the outstanding talent present within the Ski Valley Conference.
The Ski Valley boys basketball first team was rounded out by Bellaire’s Drake Koepke and Jayden Hansen, Mancelona’s Aiden Dixon, Gaylord St. Mary’s Daniel Jacobson, and Central Lake’s Drayton Evans.
Meanwhile, the All-NLC boys and girls basketball teams also recognised some exceptional talent, with Mackinaw City’s Bergstrom and Swanson, and NMCA’s Brabson making the All-NLC basketball first team. Gracie Beauchamp from Mackinaw City was named NLC’s girls basketball player of the year, adding to the array of talent in the region.
Congratulations are certainly in order for the teams who shared the Ski Valley title, with Bellaire and Mancelona achieving identical 14-2 records, followed by Onaway at 12-4, and Inland Lakes at 10-6.
Now that the dust has settled and the final accolades have been handed out, all eyes turn towards the future seasons of basketball. The talent, skill, and sportsmanship displayed by these exceptional athletes will surely continue to inspire and shape future generations of basketball players in the Ski Valley Conference and beyond.
For more information, please contact the sports editor, Jared Greenleaf, at [email protected] or connect with him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT.