The start of the Lee Legends basketball season has been filled with overtime thrillers and valuable lessons. Still, the Legends are in search of their first win.
The early season schedule has had the Legends travel to crosstown rival Kelloggsville and D-1 East Kentwood. Lee also has hosted Grand Rapids Union, Forest Hills Eastern and Muskegon Heights.
The game at East Kentwood was a special one for Lee’s first-year coach and East Kentwood alumni Gerard Oray.
“EK was a great experience; it was a chance for our guys to experience playing in one of the biggest schools in Michigan,” Oray explained. “The atmosphere was exciting and not only being an alum, but currently working in the district, it was a great experience to be able to compete in that environment.”
The most recent game resulted in a 75-73 overtime loss to Muskegon Heights.
“It was a great atmosphere and a very exciting game to coach,” Oray said. “Experiencing multiple lead changes and overtime for the second time this year at home has taught this group of guys that we need to execute down the stretch to win ball games.”
Coach Oray emphasized to his team that the season can be divided into three phases: the non-conference schedule, the conference schedule and the playoffs.
“Our non-conference schedule is where we can experience all the lessons we need to grow and learn,” Oray said. “In Alliance League play, our goal is to take what we have experienced and continue the streak of conference championships. Finally, the postseason, in which we take all of our lessons from the first two phases and make a run at the state championship.”
Phase one has already showed areas for improvement, according to Oray.
“Our areas of improvement are definitely limiting our turnovers and making free throws late in ball games,” Oray said. “0 and five has been a challenging journey for sure. We have a lot of new guys getting real varsity experience and figuring out their roles. What I have liked a lot about this group is their determination to get better and compete no matter the score; our guys play hard until the clock says zero.”
The Legends have not been without their share of bright spots in the early going. Braylon Huff, Jaden Potts and Troy Fox have been key contributors so far this season.
Lee Legends Braylon Huff. (Photo Courtesy, Wyoming Lee High School)
“Braylon Huff has been phenomenal this season,” Oray exclaimed. “He’s taking on a big role offensively in the scoring column and defensively crashing the glass hard and defensively becoming a rim protector as well. Braylon is very coachable and spent a lot of time working on his game and competing at a high level.”
Huff filled the stat sheet against Muskegon Heights with 27 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Lee Legends Troy Fox. (Photo Courtesy, Wyoming Lee High School)
“Troy Fox and Jaden Potts have been playing well for the Legends, helping out defensively and in the scoring column as well,” Oray added.
Fox and Potts have registered multiple double-digit scoring games so far this season.
Lee Legends Jaden Potts. (Photo Courtesy, Wyoming Lee High School)
The Legends (0-5) look to get in the win column on the road against Kalamazoo Phoenix (2-1) Friday at 7 pm.
The “FamiLee” motto of Lee High School is not just a catchy phrase without substance behind it, but a rallying cry of the Godfrey-Lee community.
Last Friday, that community came out to The Legends Madness event to celebrate the opening of the winter sports season at Lee. The Boys and Girls basketball, Cheer and Wrestling teams are set to start their seasons.
Lee Legends Madness Winter Sports Kickoff 2024. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)
Attendees enjoyed a live DJ, meet-and-greets with student-athletes, and games for students and parents, which included a mixed-team game between the girls and boys basketball teams. The Lee cheer team also performed for the crowd.
Two new basketball coaches
This event also served as a new beginning for both basketball programs, as both boys and girls teams have new coaches coming into the season.
First-year coach Kevin Hinton will lead the Lady Legends. Most recently, Hinton was the head of the youth basketball program at Wyoming High School. Hinton also coached at Rogers High School before merging with Wyoming Park. Hinton hopes to stir interest in the youth in the Godfrey-Lee district.
“We developed our youth program this summer,” Hinton said. “We had about 30 girls in our youth program, so we’re just going to start there and keep building.”
‘Win the day’
Hinton is excited for the future and what the current team can bring to set a foundation for that future. Coach Hinton has impressed on his team to focus on daily improvements and win the day.
“Just take it one day at a time, one step at a time,” Hinton said. “Right now we have eight girls in our varsity program. We had picture day yesterday so our goal was to win picture day, to be the most focused, to be the most organized for that day.”
The boys and girls joined together for a mixed game at the Lee Legends Madness event Friday, Nov. 22. (WKTV, Ty Marzean)
The back-to-back Alliance League champion boys team also has a new coach at the helm. Gerard Oray replaces Dom Shannon, who left for Ottawa Hills this past summer. Oray played basketball locally at East Kentwood and Grace Christian University, and coached JV at East Grand Rapids last season.
The new Legend coach aims to continue the streak of conference championships.
‘Continue the streak’
“I’m excited for this group of guys to continue the tradition and hopefully win three in a row,” said Oray, who has embraced the tight-knit community of Lee, comparing it to his time at Grace Christian University. “What I learned at GCU is you are who you are and your support is who you have in a small community.”
Marc Whitfield hard to replace; scored over 1,000 points
The Legends will try to replace Marc Whitfield, one of the most prolific players in school history. Whitfield won back-to-back Alliance League Player of the Year awards and scored over 1,000 points in his time at Lee.
Senior Troy Fox will operate as team captain and leader on the floor for the Legends.
Junior Jaden Potts and senior Anthony Blok move from the gridiron to the court for Coach Oray. Braylon Huff also will play a pivotal role on the team.
The Lady Legends will start their season on Monday, Dec. 3, at home against Allegan.
The boys team started the season on Monday night against long-time rival Kellogsville with a 69-59 loss. Fox led with 20 points and four steals. Martez Jackson contributed significantly, scoring 18 points along with three assists and three steals. Huff also had a strong performance, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Lee hosted Grand Rapids Union on Tuesday night in its home opener with a 72-66 overtime loss. Huff led the team with 17 points.
The Legends look to get in the win column when they host Forest Hills Eastern on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Check out the exciting clips above from our latest Friday Night Highlights show of the season featuring many of the local high school football teams in Kentwood and Wyoming.
Just like during basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked
Friday, Sept. 20: Wyoming vs. South Christian (at East Kentwood)
Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)
Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville
Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)
Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of shoulder pads popping, marching bands playing, stadium announcers calling touchdowns, fans loudly cheering.
Can you smell the hotdogs, pizza and popcorn floating through the air?
Imagine the youngsters playing catch behind the goalposts imitating their favorite player.
Sit tight. Local football games under the bright lights are just about here, which means our in-depth coverage of WKTV Truck Games of the Week, WKTV Journal web stories and our exciting Friday Night Highlights show will all be here shortly as well.
The first game of the season is Thursday, Aug. 29, and we’ll be there! Our WKTV Game of the Week is Sacred Heart at Lee at 7 p.m. Thursday. We also will get highlight clips from Hartland at East Kentwood, Mason County Central at Godwin Heights and Wyoming at Sparta on Thursday. On Friday, South Christian hosts Grand Rapids Christian at East Kentwood.
As always, WKTV plans to bring you another great season of local high school football coverage of your favorite area teams, including East Kentwood, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Wyoming Lee, Kelloggsville and South Christian. Tri-unity Christian cancelled its season due to a lack of players.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked
Thursday, Aug. 29: Sacred Heart at Lee
Thursday, Sept. 5: Northview at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 13: Belding at Kelloggsville
Friday, Sept. 20: Wyoming vs. South Christian (at East Kentwood)
Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)
Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville
Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)
WKTV Friday Night Highlights coming soon!
Just like during basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
As a bonus, we’ll occasionally have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and have them join us in studio for a live interview.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Journal Website
And don’t miss our large footprint of local high school football on the WKTV Journal website.
Continuing from last season, we’ll have a huge presence with local high school football and boys and girls basketball. Beyond our fantastic Game of the Week Truck coverage, every week our sports staff will post football game stories, features, roundups and final scores and stats on most teams in the Kentwood/Wyoming area on our Journal website. You can plan on our local football coverage! Thanks for tuning in.
Click HERE for your school’s season football schedule.
Lee baseball Coach Ty Emelander (left) with Detroit Tigers legend Denny McLain during the annual “Stubby Overmire” Sports Card Show and Silent Auction. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)
Lee baseball coach Ty Emelander has been roaming the dugout at Stubby Overmire Field for the last 20 seasons.
The 2024 season marked his final year leading the baseball program at his alma mater.
Emelander took on the head coaching role in the winter of 2004, becoming the third coach in three years.
“It was my dream job,” Emelander said. “I applied at Rogers, and the Lee coach applied as well. So when they gave him the job, I was happy about it. My first call was to Denny Groendyke, the school board president. I was excited I had a chance to go back to my old school, where I wanted to be anyway.”
Lee Coach Ty Emelander (left) and GR Christian Coach Steve Westdorp from the 2024 District tournament. (Courtesy, Ty Emelander)
The Lee baseball program quickly changed under his leadership, as the former Rebels participated in their first spring trip down south to Georgetown, Kentucky, in his first season.
“The first trip down south was Denny Groendyke and John TerBeek wanting to jump-start the baseball program. We raised some funds, but the school board was very supportive and helped us with that first trip.”
A district title in his first season
Emelander’s first season ended with a district title, thanks to a promising young core and only two departing seniors.
“The first day we worked out in the gym, I knew we had some talent. I was told that might not be the case, but we did.”
The 2024 Legends finished the season with a 5-17 record, during which Emelander achieved his 300th career win as a head baseball coach.
“We were about there sometimes, but we just couldn’t get over the hump. I really enjoyed this team.”
Former player Harrison Yang became a standout pitcher under Emelander from 2010 to 2013.
Coach Ty Emelander and Harrison Yang, 2013. (Courtesy, Ty Emelander)
“Coach Ty was/is the most important male role model I had growing up,” Yang explained. “It was God’s grace that he was placed in my life, and it was God’s grace that I had such an incredible man to look up to, whom I saw as another father figure. Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give to Coach Ty is the simple promise that the future generations of my family has been undoubtedly changed thanks to him and his wonderful obedience to the Lord. I owe much of who I am today to that man, and now my children will also reap the great lessons I’ve learned from Coach Ty as a result.”
Emelander said that’s kind of him because he has a great father.
“Harrison is a great kid,” Emelander said. “Harrison is the perfect example of a Lee kid that I watched grow up. I loved coaching him. He was the type of kid who would say, ‘Yes, coach,’ and try as hard as he could.”
From 2008 to 2015, Lee consistently achieved a top-10 state ranking each season and placed second in the OK Silver multiple times.
“In 2008, we had a great team; we went to the regional finals and took second in the conference, but Allendale was state runner-up that year,” Emelander said. “We could just never capitalize; the conference was always strong.”
Decades before taking control of the Lee baseball program, Emelander was a catcher on the 1978-1980 teams. The Rebels picked up a district title his senior year.
“We went 16-5 my senior year, but we lost the regional finals on a walk-off home run against Lansing Catholic Central,” he explained.
All in the family
The Godfrey-Lee community runs deep in the Emelanders’ blood. Cyrus and Amanda, both of Emelander’s children, played at Lee.
“I never coached Cyrus until high school, and I always let others coach him,” Emelander said. “It wasn’t hard for me to coach him, but it was probably harder for him, not wanting to think he was being favored because he was the coach’s son.”
Daughter Amanda in the softball record books
Emelander’s daughter, Amanda, holds the top spot in Michigan with home runs in five consecutive at-bats and is second in the nation.
“She’s all over the state record books,” Emelander said. “They won three consecutive conference titles. Amanda is arguably the best softball player in school history.
“My kids had to share their dad with a lot of other kids growing up. I know they enjoyed it, though, and we don’t have any regrets.”
Also a Lee football coach for a time
Emelander became the head coach of the Lee varsity football team in 2012 after the program had hired head coaches in each of the previous three seasons. During that time, the Lee football program also started a youth league, with as many as 50 elementary players participating in the program.
Emelander has raised over $200,000 in 18 years
Emelander’s impact on the Lee community is far-reaching as he’s raised over $200,000 in 18 years for the baseball program through the “Stubby Overmire” Sports Card Show and Silent Auction.
While coming up through the Detroit Tigers farm system, two-time Cy Young winner and 1968 World Series pitcher Denny McLain was coached by former Lee High School graduate Frank “Stubby” Overmire.
Emelander started the annual fundraiser with a couple calls to former players of Overmire and then came The Call.
“Denny McLain called me up and wanted to come and I didn’t even know it was him,” Emelander said. “I thought it was one of my friends just joking around with me on the phone. Denny was a huge part of getting this event going and keeping it rolling. One day alone in the past he signed over 400 autographs, and has often signed over 200 at our events. And he does it all for free.”
For the entire Stubby Overmire fundraising story, click here.
A photo of Tigers pitcher Denny McLain for sale at the Lee baseball fundraiser. (WKTV/Ty Marzean)
Emelander finishes his time at Lee with 227 wins over 18 varsity seasons, losing one season to COVID-19 and one in which Lee only fielded a JV team. Before coming to Lee, Emelander collected 74 wins in five seasons as head coach at Creston High School.
“So many people have helped me along the way; it’s such a long list; if I start naming them, I know I’d forget a few,” Emelander said. “I had a great time at Lee and will always pull for the Legends.
“I was a player, coach, a parent, and now I’ll be a fan.”
With three school records already as a sophomore at Wyoming Lee High School, Autumn Johnson just might one day reach her Team USA idol’s status down the road.
Johnson currently holds the school record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 8.08 seconds, 100-meter dash at 12.80 and the 200-meter, 26.52.
“Watching Autumn train and compete has been an inspiration to all of us,” said Lee Girls Track and Field Coach Sekayi Bracey, “Her dedication, hard work and passion for the sport are evident in every practice and race. Autumn embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that we strive to instill in all our athletes.”
Understandably, her idol is Team USA track star Sha’Carri Richardson.
“Despite facing setbacks in her career, she never stopped fighting, even when people doubted her,” said Johnson of Richardson. “She made a strong comeback, better than ever, and I feel a connection to her story. At the beginning of this season, I came in injured and had to work my way back up.”
As a freshman at Louisiana State University, Richardson broke the 100-meter collegiate record at the NCAA Division 1 Championships. She has won two gold medals and one bronze in the World Championships for Team USA.
Johnson wins 400-meter dash at regionals
At the Division 2 regional qualifier on May 18 in Sparta, Johnson won the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.51, giving her the second fastest time in Lee history. She also took third place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.80, breaking her previous school record.
Those performances led Johnson to be the only Legends qualifier at the state finals last weekend in Hamilton, where she finished 10th in the 400-meter dash.
“These victories are not just mine, the accomplishments are a reflection of the encouragement and support that I receive from my coaches, teammates, family and the Godfrey-Lee community,” said Johnson, who also has played varsity basketball as a freshman and sophomore. “I am grateful for everyone who has been a part of this journey and I am looking forward to achieving even more.
“One of my goals is to attend Michigan State University to continue my track career. Throughout high school, my aims are to make it into the top five in the state of Michigan and to place first in states within the next year or two. I also hope to attract attention from Division 1 colleges to further my track career at the collegiate level.”
Excels in the classroom as well
Lee Athletic Director Andre’ Sargent said beyond the track, Autumn excels in the classroom (3.9 GPA), in community service and is a role model for peers.
“Autumn’s achievements academically, socially and athletically are commendable, and we are proud to have her as part of our community and athletic program,” Sargent continued. “As she continues to excel, we are excited to support her in future endeavors, on and off the track. Her success is a source of pride for the entire Godfrey-Lee community and a powerful reminder of what it takes to truly ‘Be Legendary.’ That is commitment and hard work.”
After winning the Alliance League championship with a perfect 8-0 record, the Lee Legends opened play in the state tournament with a thrilling win against West Catholic. (Courtesy, Wyoming Lee)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
After winning the Alliance League championship with a perfect league record this season, the Lee basketball team opened the state tournament with a thrilling 49-48 win against West Catholic in the Division 2 district semifinal game Wednesday at the West Catholic district.
In a low-scoring, defensive struggle, the Legends persevered at the end to come away with the win that improved their record to 17-5 for the season. Lee now goes on to Friday’s district title game against Grand Rapids Catholic Central as the Legends go after their first district title since 1995.
“It was a great team win,” said Lee Coach Dominic Shannon. “I’m proud of our effort and proud of our energy. It was a tight game to the end. It was a back-and-forth game from the start to the finish. The biggest lead of the game was eight by us early in the game and at halftime we were up by two at 19-17.”
West Catholic came out playing a zone defense and looked to slow down the pace of the game against the Legends.
“They (West Catholic) tried to slow the game down,” Shannon said. “The opportunities that we did have to run we capitalized on. It was a fun game with great energy and I’m happy we were able to pull it out.”
Lee played a rugged non-conference schedule this season that included games against schools like East Kentwood, Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix and Forest Hills Eastern, and that experience proved valuable in the district.
“The reason we played such a tough schedule is for moments like this,” Shannon said. “Our schedule prepared us for a game like this.”
Lee senior Ny’Zhem Marshall led with 17 points and 14 rebounds. (Courtesy, Wyoming Lee)
Marshall led the Legends with 17 points and 14 boards
Ny’Zhem Marshall led Lee with 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots. Nate Johnson added 11 points.
“Nate hit one of the biggest shots of the game for us,” Shannon said. “We were down 45-42 in the fourth quarter. Marc Whitfield drove to the basket and the defense collapsed on him. Nate is one of our best three-point shooters and Marc recognized that and kicked the ball out to him on the wing and Nate knocked the shot down to tie the game.”
Conference crown two-straight years
The district win comes after the Legends wrapped up a regular season that saw them win a conference title for the second consecutive year and with a perfect league mark for the second straight season.
“I’m so proud of our boys for capturing back-to-back conference championships for multiple reasons,” Shannon said. “One, the boys made history at Lee with back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 1971 and 1972.”
A key to success for the Legends this year is the way the team prepares for each game.
“The key to capturing our conference was trusting our preparation,” Shannon said. “Even though our conference is untraditional with teams only playing each other once, we were able to get film and have a gameplan based on what was shown on film. There were games when we were off, but we also have a strong bench and at times we were able to insert someone from the bench to provide a boost.
Specifically, I can recall the Wellspring game as we were down heading into the fourth quarter. The coaching staff made an adjustment as a starter was having an uncharacteristically off-game and essentially the adjustment aided with the win.”
Lee also did a solid job of handling the adversity it faced during the season.
“We started the season 0-3 and finished 15-5 overall,” Shannon said, “not to mention we dealt with many injuries this year and we are actually full strength in the postseason.”
On the court, the Legends count on strong defense as a major team strong point.
“A strong component of our team is our ability to defend baseline to baseline, regardless of who’s defending,” Shannon said. “We have great versatility in our defense this year and we really pressure the ball which has led to great success. We like to be able to make guards uncomfortable when starting their offense to disrupt rhythm and timing.”
Lee senior Marc Whitfield leading the Legends this year. (Courtesy, Wyoming Lee)
Marc Whitfield leading the team
Leading the way for the legends this season is Marc Whitfield. The reigning conference player of the year, Whitfield averages 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals per game while shooting 40 percent from beyond the three-point arc. Whitfield has five 30-point games this season with a season-high 35 points in the win against Grand River Prep.
Ny’Zhem Marshall all-around production
Ny’Zhem Marshall provides all-around production averaging 11 points, eight rebounds, four blocked shots and two assists per game while shooting 50% from beyond the three-point line. Marshall also recorded five games with seven blocked shots.
Clarence Lewis, who guarded the opposing team’s best player this season, added eight points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals per game and recorded a season-high of six steals in one game. Nathan Johnson averaged nine points and three rebounds per game while shooting 40% from the three-point line. Johnson also scored a season-high 22 points in two games this season.
The 2022 edition of the Lee Legends gave up 60 points per game while scoring 17 en route to an 0-9 season.
The 2023 Legends improved on both metrics, scoring 38 ppg and giving up 32.
Lee football coach Lamar Marshall. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Second-year Coach Lamar Marshall stressed execution and growth from last season’s struggles in the off-season.
“Maturity, experience, and knowing how varsity football operates,” Coach Marshall said. “Every down is meaningful. Executing on all three phases of the game is crucial.”
On Friday night, the Legends secured their first winning season (5-4) since 2006 with a record-setting 62-0 win over Bloomingdale.
The Legends’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Damion Gregory, scored a school-record four touchdowns.
“My hats off to my defensive coordinator, Damion Gregory,” Marshall said. “He did an incredible job with that unit.”
Sophomore wide receiver Aidan Merriweather showed his defensive skills with two interceptions returned for a touchdown and a recovered fumble for a score.
Hybrid linebacker Jaden Potts also took an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.
The Legends set another record in the blowout win.
Quarterback Anthony Blok from an earlier game this season. (Courtesy, Shafi Subhan)
Lee QB Anthony Blok sets passing TD record in a season
Junior quarterback Anthony Blok went 4-for-7 for 154 yards and three passing touchdowns to set a Lee record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 29.
Senior running back Clarence Lewis finished his lone football season with 147 yards from scrimmage and two scores.
“Clarence was huge for us,” Marshall said. “He made plays when we needed him, too. He was a vocal and emotional leader.”
The Legends will lose three graduating seniors: Lewis and defensive standouts Issac Delgado and Kameron Washington.
The 2024 Legends will look to build upon the gains they made this season. Lee will return many key starters, including Blok and Merriweather, among others.
“Aidan set the confidence tone this December with his dedication to the weight room. He got stronger, and it motivated the team to follow suit.
“Without a doubt, he will be the vocal leader next year. Players tend to get behind him, especially when he’s assertive.”
Marshall also anticipates significant growth from freshmen Jaden Sanchez and Ziere Feast.
“I expect Jaden and Ziere to lead us on defense next year,” Marshall said of his young talent.
The Legends are ineligible for the MHSAA 8-Man playoffs due to enrollment limits and will finish the 2023 season with a 5-4 record.
After a successful basketball season, Lee Coach Dominic Shannon said it’s an understatement to say he’s proud of the boys.
“Words truly can’t express the love and respect we have for this special group of boys,” said Lee, whose team finished 19-2 overall and 8-0 in the Alliance League. “We accomplished the first conference championship in 43 years and lost by a total of four points all season. In my second year as head coach, we are well on our way to revitalizing a program which once upon a time had rich basketball history.
“The goal coming into this season was to continue to reshape the culture and for the student-athletes to understand what must be accepted or received in order to have a memorable season. I’m not surprised that we were successful, but I did not expect us to win 19 games this year. My staff and I, once fall league started, we began to see the team form and we all believed we would have the first winning season since 2010-2011, in which that Lee team finished 12-11.”
Last year, the Legends were 5-16 overall and 2-6 in the League.
Shannon’s highlight this season?
“Seeing the boys accept accountability and holding their brothers accountable,” Shannon said. “The 19 wins and two losses are impressive, the first conference championship in 43 years is extremely impressive, but as a coach I understand that the ball stops bouncing after so much time has passed.
“Once that ball stops bouncing all they’ll have left is their character and values and principles that they’ll stand on. We definitely want to win and compete, but the growth and maturity of the boys is essentially the driving force behind the success. This season was a success on several levels.”
Overtime loss to Godwin Heights in the districts
Shannon said the overtime loss to Godwin was and still is tough to swallow.
“We executed the game plan as we were up five points with under 40 seconds left in regulation and not to mention we missed 16 total free throws while being in position to win the game in regulation,” Shannon explained. “Execution late in the game was not what we’re capable of, essentially leading to an early playoff exit. I am already preparing for next season as I see where I can sharpen as preparation is key.
“The environment was very fun and I hope this game has restored the rivalry between Lee and Godwin.”
Scoring leader junior Marc Whitfield
Whitfield averaged 20 points, 5 assists and 3 steals this season. He had three 30-point games with a season high of 36 points against Lansing Eastern.
Lee guard Marc Whitfield. (Courtesy, Lee High School)
“Marc came into the season as our best player and I believe he exited the season as a more well-rounded player,” Shannon said. “The challenge for Marc this season was leading vocally the correct way. Marc’s energy and passion is felt each day in practice. So as coaches we evaluate what a student-athlete can do to improve themselves on and off the court, and for Marc it was communication.
“We’ve seen him accept ownership in not so pleasant times, lift up his teammates when they get down on themselves and show full maturity in the Godwin game. We believe he is a special athlete and his senior year is going to be fun to watch.”
Lone senior starter Joe Russau
“We sincerely appreciate the example he set as a senior by maintaining a 3.5 GPA all season and the presence he had as a captain,” Shannon said. “As a captain, there’s certain expectations the coaches have and he absolutely met them and it’ll be tough to see him go. He has yet to make a decision on where he’ll be playing college basketball next year, but whichever school he commits to will be receiving an awesome young man.”
Expectations for next year?
Shannon said they will keep building upon the foundation laid two years ago.
“We are only losing one starter and three seniors total entering next season which provides comfort for the coaching staff as our senior class will be strong and understanding of expectations,” he explained. “We are expecting next season to be a battle in our conference and we’ll likely have a target on our back as defending conference champions.
“It would definitely be sweet to repeat as conference champs, but to meet those expectations, the work begins now.”
The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” planted 20 trees with funds from a DTE Foundation grant administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The original spring planting dates were moved to fall due to COVID-19.
On Sept. 26, seven trees were planted in the Godfrey-Lee neighborhood in parkways in front of residents’ homes. On Oct. 10, another seven trees will be planted in the neighborhood and eight trees in Oriole Park, where many trees have had to be removed. Each tree represents a $500 investment. Excavation and permitting are being provided by the City of Wyoming. In addition to the Tree Amigos volunteers, five youth volunteers from Lee High School National Honor Society are helping with the plantings this fall.
Community members and students from Wyoming Lee High School have worked to add more trees to the Godfrey Lee neighborhood. (Courtesy photo by Tree Amigos)
The Tree Amigos have focused on the Godfrey Lee neighborhood the past two years because it has lost many trees to storms and development. On Arbor Day 2019, Wyoming Lee High School Ecology Club joined the Tree Amigos for the City’s 2019 Arbor Day Ceremony. To open the event, members of the Club planted two tulip trees on school property bordering Lee Street. The trees were provided by The Tree Amigos.
“We absolutely have some areas that need this resource,” said Vlad Borza, a Lee High School teacher who leads the Ecology Club. “I actually worked on a project just last year with high school ecology students to identify this very need.
“Due to disease and windfall, several of the trees along the (school’s) front parking area and along the side had to be removed in recent years. We would love to re-populate this area with some preferably native trees that can begin to complete the void left behind by these removals.”
The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has also noted the need for increasing tree canopy in this area where Wyoming and Grand Rapids share a boundary. This City of Grand Rapids organization has been a helpful resource for The Tree Amigos. Its Urban Forest Project also offer resources and tree education classes, which are open to Wyoming residents.
“There is no arguing the significant environmental and economic benefits that trees bring to our communities,” said Lauren Davis, urban forest coordinator for the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and who serves as The Tree Amigos volunteer consulting certified arborist. “As we continue to lose mature trees from natural causes and development, the need to plant new trees has never been greater.”
The Tree Amigos also added six fruit trees to the City of Wyoming Tree Commission’s Beverly Bryant Community Orchard at West Elementary this fall.
For more information about The Tree Amigos, visit the organization’s Facebook page.
The Tree Amigos and area residents will be out again on Oct. 10 to plant more trees. (Courtesy Photo by Tree Amigos)
