Girls basketball notebook: Imlay City is reloading; Armada adjusts to adversity

ARMADA — Conference play began for two girls basketball teams in the Blue Water Area Tuesday, as Imlay City cruised past Armada, 66-37.

Here's a look at where the Spartans and Tigers stand two weeks into the regular season.

Imlay City hopes to reload rather than rebuild

At 6-0, the Spartans have picked up where they left off from last year's 19-4 finish. But unlike the previous season, Imlay City is rolling with a much younger cast.

"We lost 80% of our scoring from last year," Imlay City coach Bill Lengemann said. "So I'm very pleased with what's going on."

"A majority of our players are in the younger grades," said senior Lily Lengemann, who is also Bill's daughter. "Like Makayla Bruman, she's a freshman, she's playing really good. Honestly, all of our players are young — Alexa Lengemann, Chloe Bruman, Brie Hund — (they're) making shots so we can dish it to them and it just brings the momentum to our side."

Lily Lengemann is the only returning starter from last year's team. She's one of just four seniors on the roster.

"One of the things with a young team is that they're going to grow and get better," Bill Lengemann said. "And you can literally see them (getting better)."

The Spartans' growth began way back in offseason. They've been playing at full speed for awhile now.

"We played 25 games this summer," Bill Lengemann said. "We won 20 out of the 25 and played some pretty good teams. So I saw that we have potential, but we're a young team and we're athletic. So we've been able to make up for some of our mistakes."

Imlay City, which has won the last three BWAC championships, may not be as dominant as it was in the past. But so far, the Spartans appear poised for another run at the title.

"(We want to) win the league, regionals and go as far as we can," Lily Lengemann said. "And just keep the positive energy and confidence."

Despite early challenges, Armada embraces 'no excuses' approach

The Tigers were dealt a major blow before the season even began. Last year's leading scorer, Claire Sniesak, suffered a knee injury during volleyball season that'll keep her sidelined until next fall.

"We knew we had to change," Armada coach John Baerwolf said. "But again, no excuses. Next player up, it gives them the next opportunity. Players want to play more and they want more minutes ... we've got to try and fill in the roles. And so far, I think our effort has been pretty good."

"It's an opportunity for other players to take on her spot," senior Ellen Sutton said. "We have the players that can do that — if we pull through with it ... I think we can."

Armada is 2-3 following Tuesday's loss. It's been an inconsistent start for the Tigers, which was to be expected given Sniesak's absence.

"We're trying to play at faster pace and a faster speed," Baerwolf said. "And I think because of that, sometimes you have the great nights where you score a lot, and sometimes you have the nights where you're not."

But several players have answered the call, including sisters Ashlyn and Sydney Upton.

"(Ashlyn) is handling the ball most of the time for us," Baerwolf said of the sophomore. "She's been in tough spots sometimes, but I think she's stood out right now."

"Sydney is a killer for scoring," Sutton said of the junior. "She is a really good 3-point shooter."

Junior Darrah McKenzie has also impressed. She's been one of the team's top rebounders along with fellow junior Jenna Maday.

"There are moments when you see what we can do," Baerwolf said. "Certain players are in a little bit different roles than the year before, (but) I know my players can do it."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Girls hoops: Imlay City is reloading; Armada adjusts to adversity