Macomb Township

Lutheran North basketball hopes to contend for league title

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Zach Roose, pictured, is Macomb Lutheran North’s only returning starter. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Zach Roose, pictured, is Macomb Lutheran North’s only returning starter.

Macomb Lutheran North boys basketball coach Gary Gutenkunst believes it has been five years since the program last won a league title, and he is hoping to change that.

If the Mustangs are to change it this season, they will have to do so with just one returning starter, senior Zach Roose.

Despite the heavy roster turnover, Gutenkunst is hoping that the Mustangs can make a competitive run for a Catholic High School League title.

“We’re trying to win our division in the Catholic League,” he said after the team’s second league game. “I think that’s within reach. Our juniors are getting better, and our sophomores.”

Gutenkunst thinks his players also have ambitions of reaching for the top of the league.

“They’re (a) very competitive group of guys,” he said. “That’s one of their main goals for the year. “

Regardless of how this season plays out, Gutenkunst is hoping there are some good days ahead for the basketball program. The Mustangs have eight juniors and two sophomores on the roster, and he is optimistic about what may lie ahead.

“We have a number of them that are really playing well,” he said. “Andrew Bielecki is our point guard. He’s a sophomore. We have Travis McConnell. Trevor Mason is doing well for us, too. He’s an undersized big guy (6-foot-1).”

At press time, North was 5-7 overall, 2-4 Catholic High School League East.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112. Follow Mark on Twitter.