News Summary

The Bolton Bears high school basketball team is making waves this season under new coach Mike Jonker. After a tough previous year, the team celebrated a significant playoff victory, winning their first game since 2019. With a focus on growth and a positive culture, the players are showing marked improvements, highlighted by standout performances in their latest game against Livingston Collegiate. The Bears also secured their first district title since 1974, giving them momentum as they prepare for the next round in the Division II select regionals.

Exciting Times for the Bolton Bears Basketball Team!

Bolton, a city known for its vibrant community spirit, is buzzing with excitement as the Bolton Bears high school basketball team gears up for an exhilarating new season. As summer unfolds, the team is busy honing their skills and building camaraderie, all while embracing a fresh start under the guidance of their new head coach, Mike Jonker.

A New Era with Coach Jonker

Coach Jonker is stepping into his first-ever season as a varsity basketball coach, taking the reins after a tenure at Forest Hill. This is not just another coaching job; it’s the beginning of a transformative journey for the Bears. The team is putting a strong emphasis on growth and developing a positive culture after a challenging last season that saw them finish with a 3-25 record.

Young players like seventh-grader Owen Foreman are feeling the benefits of Coach Jonker’s approach. He has been nurturing a positive attitude within the team, encouraging each player to gain valuable insights from their mistakes. Eighth grader Londen Mason shared that this new atmosphere has fostered increased trust among teammates and noticeable improvements compared to last year.

Historic Playoff Win

This season is already looking up for the Bears, who recently celebrated a significant milestone by winning their first playoff game since 2019. In an exciting showdown against Livingston Collegiate, the Bears triumphed with a score of 77-65 in the first round of the LHSAA Division II select playoffs. This big win marks their first playoff appearance since 2007, bringing out a considerable number of enthusiastic fans who cheered for the home team.

Nail-Biting Game Highlights

The playoff game started with a thrilling first quarter that ended in a tie at 18 points. However, the Bears found their groove and dominated the second quarter, outscoring Livingston 17-6. The momentum continued to build when senior Cedric “C.J.” Stanford nailed a last-second 3-pointer, giving the team a crucial halftime advantage. Senior Jaylen Welch was a standout player, racking up an impressive 24 points while dishing out 12 assists. Not far behind, Stanford contributed 20 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists to solidify the team’s lead.

On the opposing side, Livingston’s senior sharpshooter, DeShawn Riley, managed to score 14 points, but it simply wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Bears’ relentless energy.

Achievements and Looking Ahead

This season has been historical not only for the playoff victory but also because the Bears secured their first district title since 1974. Coach Fred Eloi, who expressed immense pride in what the team has accomplished, noted that this playoff win is particularly special as it marks his first as a head coach in a long and rewarding career.

The Bears are now setting their sights on the Division II select regionals, where they will face Archbishop Hannan on Tuesday. With the momentum on their side and a strong sense of community support, the Bolton Bears are ready to shoot for the stars this season.

As the reach for success expands, the Bears are proving that hard work, dedication, and a splash of good old teamwork can lead to incredible achievements. All eyes are now on Bolton as they continue their spirited journey on the basketball court!

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