March 2024 Issue of Varsity Monthly Thumb Magazine

FREE 

PROUD TO COVER HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS IN THE THUMB 

March 2024 | Volume 12 Issue 3 

FREE 

Check out more 

photos here: 

MARCH

Owner Jason Parmenter 

Magazine Design Alyssa Buhl 

Photo Editor Kaitlin Gunsell 

Office Manager Brenda Tomlinson 

Regularly Contributing Photographers 

Kaitlin Gunsell - Kaitlin’s Klicks 

Jason Parmenter - Quad N Productions 

Paul P. Adams 

Find our photos for sale at: 

www.misportsphotos.com 

View online at: 

www.varsitymonthlythumb.com 

Varsity Monthly Thumb has no liability for 

content, representations in advertisements, 

and articles may not express the opinion 

of the editors/publishers/owners. It is the 

buyer’s sole responsibility to clarify any and 

all advertising representations. Any burden 

of proof rests solely on the advertisers. 

Varsity Monthly Thumb reserves the right 

to edit or refuse any advertising or articles 

submitted for publication. We do not 

assume any liability for errors, but will 

correct it in next issue or a credit will be 

negotiated. 

Designs by Varsity Monthly Thumb are 

the property of Varsity Monthly Thumb/ 

Quad N Productions. 

Articles, editorials opinions in Varsity 

Monthly Thumb do not necessarily reflect 

the opinions of the staff of Varsity Monthly 

Thumb or the publishers. 

Copyright by Quad N Productions, LLC. 

All or part of Varsity Monthly Thumb, 

including photographs, stories and logos, 

cannot be reprinted without permission. 

Varsity Monthly Thumb is published 12 

times a year by Quad N Productions, LLC, 

189 N State St., Caro, MI 48723 

PHONE: 989-673-5826 

••••••••••••••••• 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE 

VARSITY MONTHLY THUMB 

AT YOUR BUSINESS? 

JUST E-MAIL US AT 

BRENDA@VARSITYMONTHLYTHUMB.COM 

••••••••••••••••• 

6 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

14 

16 

18 

20 

22 

24 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

36 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

Caro 

FNV 

Valkyrie 

Lakers 

Millington 

Sandusky 

Bad Axe 

Caro 

Reese 

Cass City 

North Branch 

Marlette 

Harbor Beach 

Lakers 

Akron-Fairgrove 

Deckerville 

CPS 

North Huron 

Peck 

Ubly 

Cros-Lex 

Vassar 

Kingston 

Brown City 

Caseville 

Owen-Gage 

Cass City 

USA 

Caro 

Mayville 

Frankenmuth 

QR Code to 

www.misportsphotos.com 

COVER IMAGE: 

Frankenmuth senior point guard, Carson Knoll, marches down 

the floor for a layup against Swan Valley on February 2nd. 

Photo by Jason Parmenter 

MARCH 

March is here! That means the 

regular winter sports seasons are done 

and teams are taking part in playoffs 

games. We have enjoyed seeing teams 

improve throughout the season, and 

are honored to cover so many athletes 

playing on their home floor for the last 

time. We wish the best to the area 

teams in the playoffs. Please be sure to 

thank our advertisers for their support 

so we can continue making the long 

trips as our teams advance.

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH 

Athletes are selected as the Players of the Month for their athletic 

accomplishments, leadership roles, and community impact. 

BRAD 

COLEMAN 

MILLINGTON 

BASKETBALL 

MIA 

MCLAUGHLIN 

FRANKENMUTH 

BASKETBALL 

BRAD COLEMAN’S MILLINGTON BASKETBALL 

CAREER SAW HIM ON VARSITY AS A 5-FOOT-8, 

130-POUND FRESHMAN. NOW, A JUNIOR, COLEMAN 

HAS TRANSFORMED INTO ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS 

IN THE THUMB AND HAS A CHANCE TO GO DOWN AS 

PERHAPS THE TOP PLAYER MILLINGTON HAS EVER 

SEEN. 

“He was kind of thrown onto the varsity team as a freshman 

out of necessity,” said Millington coach Brandon Coleman, 

who is also Brad’s father. “We needed a guard and he had 

to work through the struggles of the bigger, stronger, faster 

players.” 

Through hard work and natural maturation, Coleman is now 

6-3, 170. “Every day, he has been focused on weightlifting, 

what he eats and taking care of his body,” Brandon Coleman 

said. “It’s been beneficial to take those guard skills and 

translate it to a 6-3 frame. He gives us a lot of options and 

the guys around him play so hard and well together.” 

Through 19 games, Coleman had scored 469 points for a 

24.7 points per game average, to go with 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 

assists, while shooting 53% from the field. 

With good health, Coleman has an opportunity to become 

Millington’s all-time leading scorer. Austin LeVan has the 

record at 1,714 points, with Coleman at 1,262. 

The majority of Coleman’s points 

come at the basket, or from mid-range. 

“The mid-range game really developed 

when he was a smaller freshman,” 

Coach said. “He could beat guys off 

the dribble, but once he got under 

the basket, that’s dangerous territory. 

So, the mid-range game became a 

weapon.” 

Coach Coleman credited AAU coach 

Rodney Woods for developing Brad’s 

ability to finish at the basket. 

Coaching a son can be difficult, but 

coach Coleman enjoys every moment. “This year I am trying 

to enjoy it and make it fun. It’s been awesome to watch him 

really take off and lead our team.” 

FRANKENMUTH HAS HAD A LONG LINE OF TALENTED 

GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYERS. MIA MCLAUGHLIN IS THE 

LATEST TO JOIN THOSE RANKS. THE SENIOR WILL GO 

DOWN AS ONE OF THE BEST SHOOTERS THE PROGRAM 

HAS EVER SEEN. 

A four-year player for the Eagles, she hit the ground running 

as a freshman and never stopped. “The first time I got to 

meet her, it was outstanding how advanced she was as an 

eighth grader,” said Frankenmuth coach Joe Jacobs. “It was 

early during her fresham year; we were playing No. 3-ranked 

Bay City John Glenn on the road. She came down with three 

seconds left and hit a game-tying 3, which sent us into 

overtime, where we eventually won. The stage wasn’t too big 

for her.” 

Out of necessity, McLaughlin played point guard as a 

freshman, but has flourished in her role as a shooter. 

“She’s not really a point guard,” Jacobs 

said. “She’s a kid who can catch and 

shoot or catch and make decisions 

based on of how people are defending 

her.” 

McLaughlin has scored over 1,000 

points during her career. One of her 

career highlights came this season 

during a win at Birch Run, where she set 

a new school record for 3-pointers in a 

game, with nine. 

Making that record even more 

impressive is that it came in just over 

two quarters of play, due to the margin 

of victory. 

McLaughlin will continue her career at Ferris State University. 

Jacobs reflected on his time coaching her. “We’ve been 

blessed with some pretty good basketball players,” he said. 

"We’ll sit and think back about what a special career and player 

she is. Kids like her don’t come along very often.” 

Added Jacobs: “She’s been great for this program, she’s a 

good leader on and off the floor. She’s everything I would want 

my daughter to exemplify.” 

ARTICLES BY PAUL ADAMS 

4 March 2024 CONTACT US AT 989-673-5826 VIEW FREE ONLINE AT WWW.VARSITYMONTHLYTHUMB.COM PURCHASE PRINTS AT WWW.MISPORTSPHOTOS.COM 

VIEW FREE ONLINE AT WWW.VARSITYMONTHLYTHUMB.COM PURCHASE PRINTS AT WWW.MISPORTSPHOTOS.COM CONTACT US AT 989-673-5826 March 2024 5

CARO 

WRESTLING 

1-26-24 CASS CITY AT CARO 

Photography by Kaitlin Gunsell 

When protecting what matters most, the 

EXPERIENCE 

MATTERS. 

Call the Soper Norris Agency today! 

(989) 673-5588 | lnorris@fbinsmi.com 

1701 W. Caro Rd., Caro, MI 



FNV 

HOCKEY 

2-14-24 LEGION AT FNV V 

Photography by Jason Parmenter 

Includes Players from Frankenmuth & Reese 

VALKYRIE 

HOCKEY 

1-5-24 TRAVERSE CITY VS VALKYRIES 

AT DOW EVENT CENTER 


Includes Players from Cass City & Bad Axe 



LAKERS 

MILLINGTON 

WRESTLING 

1-13-24 WAYNE BRADY CLASSIC 

Photography by Paul Adams 

WRESTLING 

12-16-23 MILLINGTON INVITE 




SANDUSKY 

BOWLING 

2-17-24 UPPER THUMB CONFERENCE TEAM MEET 


WRESTLING 

1-10-24 CASS CITY QUAD 




BAD AXE 

BOWLING 

2-1-24 BAD AXE AT CASS CITY 


BASKETBALL 

2-12-24 MILLINGTON AT BAD AXE 




CARO 

CHEER 

2-19-24 KINGSTON AT CARO 


BOWLING 





REESE 

BASKETBALL 

2-20-24 REESE AT CARROLLTON 

Photography by Jackson Harris 

BASKETBALL 

2-6-24 SAGINAW UNITED AT REESE 

Photography by Jackson Harris 



CASS CITY 

BOWLING 

2-1-24 BAD AXE AT CASS CITY 


GYMNASTICS 

1-20-24 GYMNATSICS AT VASSAR 

Photography by Kaitlin Gunsell & Jason Parmenter 

Reggie Ignash 

covers Michigan 

Auto, Home, Life, Business, 

Farm and more 

(989) 872-4432 

6505 Main St., Cass City 

rignash@fbinsmi.com 

ReggieIgnashAgency.com 



NORTH 

BRANCH 

COMPETITIVE CHEER 

2-17-24 CHEER DISTRICTS AT CROS-LEX 




MARLETTE 

BASKETBALL 

2-13-24 UBLY AT MARLETTE 


BASKETBALL 

2-14-24 UBLY AT MARLETTE 




HARBOR 

BEACH 

BOWLING 

1-25-24 HARBOR BEACH AT CARO 

LAKERS 

BOWLING 



Photography by Kaitlin Gunsell & Jason Parmenter 

Orthopedic Services 

Dr. Branislav Behan 

Harbor Beach Medical Clinic 

(989)479-3291 

Services Include: 

• Joint Injury • Fracture Care • Joint Revisions 

• Joint Replacements • Arthroscopic Procedures 

• Hand Surgery • Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery 

Your Safe Harbor for Great Healthcare! 



AKRON- 

FAIRGROVE 

BASKETBALL 

1-22-24 ASHLEY AT AKRON-FAIRGROVE 

DECKERVILLE 

BASKETBALL 

2-20-24 DECKERVILLE AT MAYVILLE 



LOANS 

CUSTOMIZED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS 

We know loans aren’t one size fits all. That’s why we offer 

a variety of loan programs along with personalized service 

to find a loan that meets your unique needs. 

Agriculture • Auto • Commercial 

Home Equity • Mortgage 

Loans are subject to credit approval. Member FDIC 

GUIDING THE WAY 

NorthstarAtHome.com 



CARSONVILLE 

PORT SANILAC 

CHEER 

2-22-24 ALL SAINTS AT CPS 


NORTH 

HURON 

BASKETBALL 

2-1-24 NORTH HURON AT OWEN-GAGE 




PECK 

UBLY 

BASKETBALL 

2-22-24 PECK AT NORTH HURON 


WRESTLING 

1-10-24 CASS CITY QUAD 




CROS-LEX 

COMPETITIVE CHEER 

2-17-24 CHEER DISTRICTS AT CROS-LEX 




VASSAR 

BASKETBALL 

1-30-24 KINGSTON VS VASSAR AT DELTA COLLEGE 


WRESTLING 

2-1-24 CARO QUAD 




KINGSTON 

BASKETBALL 

1-30-24 KINGSTON VS VASSAR AT DELTA COLLEGE 


BROWN 

CITY 

WRESTLING 

1-13-24 WAYNE BRADY CLASSIC 




CASEVILLE 

OWEN-GAGE 

BASKETBALL 

1-18-24 CASEVILLE AT OWEN-GAGE 


BASKETBALL 

1-18-24 CASEVILLE AT OWEN-GAGE 


Helping you 

achieve 

financial clarity 

Getting your finances in order isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re here. 

Together, we can assess your financial picture and personalize your 

strategy. We can help connect you to the following solutions: 

• Financial services 

• Education funding 

• Retirement savings 

• Investments and mutual funds 

Let’s connect to get you where you want to go. 

• Insurance 

• Annuities 

• Charitable giving solutions 

Generational Wealth Advisors 

Cody L. Pfaff, RICP ® , FIC 

Financial Advisor 

47 Westland Dr 

Bad Axe, MI 48413 

989-269-2208 | 

cody.pfaff@thrivent.com 

connect.thrivent.com/cody-pfaff 

Andrew Booms 

Financial Producer I 

429 N. State St, Suite 100 

Caro, MI 48723 

989-293-4615 

andrew.booms@thrivent.com 

connect.thrivent.com/andrew-booms 

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products 

issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory 

services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment 

adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/ 

producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. 

Thrivent.com/disclosures. 

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by 

appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only 

individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory 

services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s Broker Check for more information about our 

financial advisors. 

20328 R3-22 



CASS CITY 

WRESTLING 

2-1-24 CARO QUAD 


USA 

BOWLING 



TUSCOLA 

Behavioral Health Systems 

Emergency Services 

available 24/7 

Mobile Crisis Services 

available for eligible youth 

up to age 21 

Contact Information 

989.673.6191 

or 

1.800.462.6814 



CARO 

MAYVILLE 

BASKETBALL 

2-16-24 BAD AXE AT CARO 


WRESTLING 

12-16-23 MAYVILLE INVITE 

Photography by Kaitlin Gunsell & Gracie Bell 



FRANKENMUTH 

BASKETBALL 

2-2-24 SWAN VALLEY AT FRANKENMUTH 




48 March 2024 CONTACT US AT 989-673-5826 VIEW FREE ONLINE AT WWW.VARSITYMONTHLYTHUMB.COM PURCHASE PRINTS AT WWW.MISPORTSPHOTOS.COM

March 2024 Issue of Varsity Monthly Thumb Magazine

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?