In the latest episode of Ferris Sports Update, our host Rob Bentley is joined by Men’s Basketball Senior Forward Reece Hazelton, Assistant Hockey Coach Dave Cencer, and Women’s Basketball Coach Kurt Westendorp.
Men’s Basketball: A Strong Start and Key Matchups
Ferris Sports Update host Rob Bentley opened it up by welcoming senior forward Reece Hazelton to discuss the current men’s basketball season and recap last week’s games against Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech. The Bulldogs have had an impressive season so far, holding an 18-3 overall record with 10 games left. Reece expressed optimism about maintaining their winning streak.
Rob asked Reece how the team had adjusted after losing six seniors last season. Reece acknowledged that it was tough to lose key players but emphasized the major improvements from the new team members. One standout player is freshman Jaxson Whitaker, who has become an integral part of the lineup. Reece himself has been working through injuries from last season, including a minor back issue, but he remains focused on returning to top form.
Recapping last week’s games, Ferris secured a hard-fought victory over Northern Michigan on Thursday night with a final score of 85-79. Reece noted that games against Northern are always a battle, and he enjoyed competing against players like Dylan Kuehl, whom he has played with throughout his career. The Bulldogs led at halftime and stuck to their game plan to close out the win. Junior center Nathan Claerbaut played a significant role in filling the gaps left by last year’s graduating seniors.
Photo Credit: Kevin McDermott & Abe Kraus
On Saturday, Ferris faced Michigan Tech in a tough contest that ended in a narrow 88-85 loss. Reece admitted that the team struggled with execution and decision-making. He also highlighted the challenge of defending Marcus Tomashek, one of the state’s best players, who scored an incredible 45 points.
One unique storyline from the Michigan Tech game was Reece playing against his brother, Luke Hazelton, a freshman forward for the Huskies. Reece described it as an interesting experience, particularly with their family watching from the stands.
Looking ahead, Ferris State will travel to face Lake Superior State this Thursday in what Reece described as a crucial game.
Hockey: A Hard-Fought Series Against Minnesota State
Next, Rob welcomed assistant hockey coach Dave Cencer to discuss the team’s recent performance. The Bulldogs entered last weekend’s series against Minnesota State with confidence after a strong showing against Bowling Green the weekend before.
Friday’s game started at a frantic pace, but Ferris settled in quickly and struck first. The team maintained their intensity, playing with both physical and mental strength, leading to a big 2-0 upset victory.
Saturday’s game began in Ferris’ favor, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead. However, Minnesota State responded strongly in the third period, overtaking the Bulldogs with a final score of 7-2. Despite the loss, Coach Cencer remains optimistic as the Bulldogs prepare to face Bemidji State on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1. He believes the two teams match up well and is eager for the challenge.
Photo Credit: Kevin McDermott & Abe Kraus
Women’s Basketball: Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Rob then welcomed women’s basketball head coach Kurt Westendorp to discuss the team’s season. Coach Westendorp acknowledged that early injuries posed challenges, but the adversity helped the team grow. With key road victories, the Bulldogs gained confidence, securing a spot in second place in the conference. Now entering the second round of league play with seven road games ahead, they are focused on maintaining their momentum.
After reaching the Elite Eight and national semifinals last season, this year’s team features several new players stepping into big roles. While the team’s dynamic has changed, they continue to uphold their core values and goals. The new players have embraced leadership opportunities, bringing a strong offensive presence to the squad.
Photo Credit: Kevin McDermott & Abe Kraus
One of the team’s strategies has been experimenting with different lineups to find the best combinations. They’ve found success in fast-paced transitions, outside shooting, and strong defense.
This past weekend, the Bulldogs faced Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech. Friday’s game against Northern Michigan resulted in a tough 78-48 loss. Coach Westendorp credited Northern for their strong defense and offensive execution. However, the team responded impressively the next day against Michigan Tech, a team on a three-game winning streak. Ferris State dominated from start to finish, securing a 75-49 victory. The coach praised his team’s energy and aggressive approach in bouncing back from the previous night’s defeat.
The Bulldogs now prepare to face Lake Superior State on Thursday for a second time around, followed by Roosevelt on Monday and a stretch of back-to-back road games. With one key player sidelined due to injury, new faces will have the opportunity to step up. Coach Westendorp highlighted three standout offensive players—Mia Riley, Mya Hiram, and Kenzie Bowers—who will play key roles in the second half of the season. He remains confident in the team’s depth and talent as they push forward.
With an exciting slate of games ahead for Ferris State basketball and hockey, fans have plenty to look forward to as the Bulldogs aim to finish their seasons strong.