By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com

Western Michigan Christian senior Owen Varnado was one of six basketball players recognized by the Associated Press on the Division 3 second-team all-state boys basketball team.

Varnado, committed to play at Calvin University next winter, is set to sign his letter of intent April 14.

The Warrior center, who sat out part of the 2021-22 season due to injury, averaged 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.6 blocked shots per game.

“Anytime you are recognized in such a large pool of kids, that’s always a great thing,” WMC coach Kurt Gruppen said. “Owen worked really hard for this and it is nice to see him get recognized.”

Kyler Larson

Kyler Larson from Kent City was an honorable mention selection.

Larson led the Eagles averaging 16.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.

“Kyler was not only our best offensive player, he also guarded the opposing teams best player every night,” Kent City coach Dave Ingles said. “He knows that our program is built on defense and he embraces that and leads by example. “

Larson was a dual threat at the offensive end with his ability to hit the 3-pointer as well as take the ball to the basket.

Holton’s Wyatt Monette was named to the honorable mention team.

Wyatt Monette

Monette led the Red Devils scoring 18.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.3 steals per game.

“I’m happy to see Wyatt get recognized as one of the best players in the state,” said Holton coach Keith Swanson. “He had a truly outstanding season for us and is extremely deserving of this honor.”

Mason County Central Spartan Will Chye was an honorable mention selection.

Chye, a junior, averaged 16.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Will Chye

“I think it is a very nice honor for Will,” Mason County Central coach Tim Genson said. “He’s worked hard on his game and gets better each year. Being acknowledged as an honorable mention all-state player as a junior can be a big confidence booster going into his senior year.”

Kyle Beebe’s honorable mention status after Ravenna’s regional run, became the school’s third player to ever be named to an Associated Press all-state basketball team.

Beebe led the Bulldogs this season averaging 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

“Just want to say about Kyle, is that he is rarified air as far as basketball recognition goes in Ravenna,” Bulldog coach Courtney Kemp said.

Kyle Beebe


The other two Ravenna honorees were Mark Jacobs, who was a second-team choice in 1989 and Tim Coletta, who was a second-team choice in 1973.

“We can’t say enough about how Kyle has represented Ravenna basketball this season,” Kemp said. “We here in Ravenna know how special of a player he was, but it’s nice for the rest of the state see his name alongside the best in Michigan.

Shelby’s leading scorer, senior Joseph Hayes, was an honorable mention selection.

Joseph Hayes

Hayes led the West Michigan Conference in scoring at 22.9 points per game. Hayes also hauled down 8.7 rebounds and dished out 2.3 assists per game. He was voted as the top player in the WMC this past season.

“Joseph Hayes was a pleasure to work with,” Shelby coach Rick Zoulek said. “Joseph worked hard at being as good as he could be. He was always focused and worked hard in practice every day. Joseph is what I call an internal competitor.

“Joe is a ‘team first’ player,” Zoulek said. “He’s a good passer, rebounder, defender, and ball handler. Joseph isn’t just a gifted athlete, He’s a gifted human being. He’s right up there with the best of the best.”