Pentwater had a historic season in 2024-25, winning 21 games and bringing home the West Michigan D League championship and a district title.
Most of the key players from that Falcons’ team have graduated now, and with a lot of relatively new faces to work into the rotation, coach Ashley Lubera is focusing her messaging on two simple words: “Play together.”
“As a program we want to defend our conference championship, but know the road will be challenging with a whole new team of experience,” Lubera said. “We will work to make district finals again and this season find a victory. Our goal as a program is to tackle each and every day, moment by moment. We are prepared for any changes.”
Three senior returnees will lead the team: Abram Kieda, Brody Austin and Wyatt Roberts. The Falcons also have a senior exchange student, Jacobo Martin Fernandez de Mera. Roberts and Austin bring athleticism and playmaking skills, and Kieda will anchor the Falcons’ post offense and defense - but can also shoot it from the outside on occasion. Fernandez de Mera will also be able to chip in in several areas.
There are only four other players on the varsity roster, so conditioning and avoiding foul trouble will be important for the Falcons. The other four players are all sophomores: Kyle Oomen, Ben Roberson, Edgar Vazquez and Gavin Macher.
“This season will be exciting because on any given night a different 4-5 athletes can fill out the stat sheet and contribute to big wins,” Lubera said.
The WMD race will feature many teams sure to take aim at Pentwater as revenge for the Falcons’ championship of a year ago. Baldwin, Mesick, Bear Lake and Marion are among the top contenders for the league title, Lubera said. The Falcons have put together a strong non-conference schedule, and will play several larger schools in order to stay sharp for a postseason run. County foes Shelby and Hesperia are among those, along with Oakridge, White Cloud and others.
“With our experience, we need to stay focused on all of our strengths and we could present ourselves as the team to beat in our conference,” Lubera said.
