CTA wraps up up the basketball season

The 20-21 season for the Varsity Lady Chargers was a great one filled with many learning opportunities. The Lady Chargers started the season with five returning players. Many players were new to basketball or had to fill new roles. Overall, the girls learned a lot as a team and their unity remained strong and spirits were high, despite the many challenges. Captains Ruby Tompkins and Molly Wortz led the Chargers with their positive energy and focused on the job ahead of them. Sophomore Taylor Dells stepped into the point guard role and led the Chargers in scoring. Alison Fisk led in rebounds, and first year player Lydia Romancky earned herself a starting role. The Lady Chargers look forward to working hard for next season, as well as learning and growing together as a team. All-conference Awards went to senior Ruby Tompkins, junior Molly Wortz, and junior Alison Fisk.

The 20-21 CTA boys Varsity basketball team endured injuries and missing players throughout the season to persevere through practices and games. Coach Eric Besmer had one returning starter from last year: senior John Wortz. Besmer noted that several players including juniors Evan Besmer and Ethan Watson; sophomore Parker Tompkins; and freshman Jake Perry stepped up their game this year in various ways. “We had newcomers this year that showed lots of growth, and I am looking forward to the years ahead,” shared Coach Besmer. CTA had a 2-8 league record and 1-1 tournament record.

The 2021 CTA middle school girls basketball team had a great season for their second year in the program. The girls finished 4-4 and 1 tied game. Coach Justin Harding was impressed with how the girls responded to the challenges of having minimal practice time and so many games in a short time span. The Middle School Lady Chargers were led by team Captains, eighth graders Alyssa Bishop and Katie Christie. “I am proud of the team,” commended Coach Harding. “They stayed focused in every game and they never stopped giving 100%. I look forward to the future of the Lady Chargers Basketball program at CTA”.

The Chargers are off to a great start this season. The boys lost a hard-fought battle to Libertas Christian 0-1, but bounced back with a 8-1 victory over Barry County Christian. Goalie Jesse Benson has done an excellent job keeping the ball out of goal. Goals have been scored by Ivan Winters, Brett Kooienga, and Cody Holman. The team had a huge win Monday when they defeated Zion Christian 3-2. The boys look forward to taking on Algoma Christian this week.

Creative Technologies Academy had two teams win conference championships this past week. Both the CTA women’s varsity basketball team and the CTA boys varsity basketball team earned the Great Lakes 6 League Conference Championship title.

The girls finished 7-1 in the league and hope to bring home the district title next week. The team swept the series 2-0 versus West Michigan Lutheran, Libertas Christian, and West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science. The girls split the series with Algoma Christian giving them their only loss. “The Lady Chargers have developed into a strong team led by returning captains, seniors Faith Watson and Hannah Hofstra,” shared Coach Lisa Perry. “Both girls have been leaders both on and off the court and will be missed next season.”

The boys finished 8-2 in league play and look forward to their district tournament. The boys are being led by senior caption Luke Hubbard who averaged 25.7 points per game and sophomore Ivan Winters who averaged 21.1 points per game. The conference came down to the last game where the Chargers defeated Barry County Christian by a score of 59-56. The Chargers swept the series 2-0 versus Algoma Christian, West Michigan Lutheran, and Hudsonville Libertas Christian. The boys split the series with West Michigan Academy of Environmental Sciences and Barry County Christian. Good luck to the Chargers as they look to bring home a district title next week.

The boys basketball team pose with their first place post-season tournament trophy.

Seniors line up on the court with their parents to commemorate their final year in sports.

The CTA Charger boys ended the basketball season with a record of 15-4. After a rough 2-3 start in 2017, the Chargers went on an impressive 12-game win streak to start off the 2018 part of the season. After suffering a tough loss in the final regular season game, the Chargers bounced back to win their first post-season tournament in school history with a combined score of 142-45 in two games.

In addition to one of the best seasons the team has ever had, numerous records were broken for scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks for both individual seasons and for players’ careers. Some of the records that were set include: Career Scoring, Single Season Assists, and Single Season Steals by Dawson Armstrong; Single Season and Single Game Scoring by James Hofstra; Single Season Rebounds by Collin Bishop; and Single Season Blocks by Charles Wortz.

The Lady Chargers wrapped up a great season and ended on two back-to-back wins. Their overall record was 5-11. However, the true victories for the team came from their progress as a team and the sportsmanship they exhibited. High school sports have so much to teach about life, and this team came together and learned lessons that many teams never learn about: attitude, teamwork, work ethic, and sportsmanship. Our team was led by senior captain Autumn Watson and junior captain Brin Calkins. The team will lose two seniors as well as two first year, foreign exchange students. All four will be greatly missed, but the rest of the team is excited to continue their growth next season. High scorers for the season were sophomores Faith Watson and Hannah Hofstra and junior Brin Calkins. Great defensive efforts were shown by senior Autumn Watson and 8th grader Molly Wortz. In the words of our team: “T.E.A.M., together everyone achieves more!” Great job, Lady Chargers!

chargers basketball: Front (L to R): Tony Buchanan, Avery Bishop, Casen Armstrong, Jordan Brown, Ivan Winters, Landon Winters. Back (L to R): Assistant Coach Kyle Knarr, Tobius Potter, Luke Hubbard, James Hofstra, Dawson Armstrong, Charles Wortz, John Wortz, Collin Bishop, Head Coach Todd Bowmar

Lady Chargers: Front (L to R): Haven Nguyen, Hannah Hofstra Middle (L to R): Gam Puttakerd, Elizabeth Jahns, Ruby Tompkins Back (L to R): Head Coach Lisa Perry, Tori Wierda, Brin Calkins, Autumn Watson, Faith Watson, Molly Wortz, Assistant Coach Kyle Knarr

The Chargers have entered 2018 on a tear, winning all eight games they have played, including a nail-biter against Big Rapids Home School. The Chargers are paced on offense by Seniors James Hofstra and Dawson Armstrong, while Junior Charles Wortz commands the defense from the middle. Sophomores Luke Hubbard and Collin Bishop have provided the team with a balanced scoring attack. With five regular season games left, the Chargers are in a great position to finish the season off strong with a strong showing in a post-season tournament in Lansing the weekend of March 3rd.

With two weeks left in the regular season, the Lady Chargers have come a long way. They had a big win over the Big Rapids Homeschool team. The girls have been working hard on finishing shots and have increased their team shooting percentage. The Lady Chargers have also caused a lot of turnovers for opponents on a scrappy defense. As the season draws to a close, seniors Autumn Watson and Haven Nguyen look to finish strong. Both seniors have contributed a great deal to the team and will be missed next year. The Lady Chargers hope to add a few more wins to their record in these last two weeks of the season and finish strong.

Senior James Hofstra shoots a 3-point.

Team captain, Brin Calkins runs the ball down the court to run the next play.

This year’s Chargers are led by Senior Captains James Hofstra and Dawson Armstrong, and Junior Captain Charles Wortz. The Chargers opened up the season with a 10-point victory over Algoma Christian and a thrilling 1 point loss to Wellspring Prep. The Chargers play 17 more games this season.

The Lady Chargers are focusing on fundamentals and what it means to play as a team. There is so much potential on the team that it will be exciting to watch the growth throughout the season. The team unanimously picked junior Brin Calkins and senior Autumn Watson as team captains, and they will be a positive influence on the team with their skill sets both on and off the court.

Character Education: Students enjoyed Subway lunch with Mrs. Mattson.

During the month of October, CTA focused on the character trait: RESPONSIBILITY. K-5th grade students received responsibility cards when they were caught being responsible. Each student that received a card, placed the card in an envelope and 6 students were randomly chosen to have a special lunch with the Principal, Mrs. Mattson! Congrats t o all our Chargers that were caught being RESPONSIBLE!

Front (L to R): Austin Fisk, Dawson Ingersoll, Jordan Brown, James Hofstra, Collin Bishop, Les Miner, Molly Wortz, Hannah Nickelsen. Back (L to R): Assistant Coach Ben Fredrickson, Ethan Slock, Kevin Miner, Faith Watson, Hannah Hofstra, Autumn Watson, Casen Armstrong, Brin Calkins, Head Coach Todd Bowmar.

The CTA cross country season is drawing to an eventful conclusion. With two races remaining, 12 of 15 runners have achieved lifetime Person Records including Autumn Watson and Hannah Nickelsen who have taken nearly 10 minutes and 5 minutes off their times respectively. As the Chargers move into championship season, they are primed with early successes. Les Miner was runner up in the conference championship race while seven runners medaled, just two days after conferences at the Montabella Mustang Invite. Faith Watson, Hannah Hofstra and Brin Calkins led the Girl’s HS team to a 3rd place finish while Les Miner, Collin Bishop and James Hofstra paced the Boy’s HS team to a solid team finish. Jordan Brown also medaled in the MS race. The Chargers will look for even better Career Personal Records on Sat. Oct. 21st and Sat. Oct. 28th at the Class D and Independent State Championships.

The boys team puts their strongest foot forward at the Hill and Bale Invitational.

Captain Brin Calkins, doesn’t miss a step as she hurdles the straw bales at the Hill and Bale Invitational.

CTA’s cross country season is off to early successes for both the team and its individual athletes. The Chargers have had individuals medal in each of its first three invitationals; Baker Woods, Hill and Bale and Spartan. The Chargers boy’s team is led by Senior Captain Les Miner and Sophomore Collin Bishop. The Lady Chargers have a mix of returning runners and first time runners led by Sophomore Faith Watson and Captain Brin Calkins. The Chargers look to continue their success after a week off with a conference dual meet on 9/27 and the Falcon Invite in Allendale on 9/30. The Chargers Cross Country teams are both coached by Head Coach Todd Bowmar and Assistant Coach Ben Fredrickson.

CTA Chargers let their voices be heard as they joined other charter schools at the Capitol.

Chargers had the opportunity to meet with Senator MacGregor during their visit to Lansing.

Every year, the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA) facilitates a charter school advocacy day. This year CTA was able to bring approximately 60 individuals – students in 8th – 12th grades, parents and staff members. During the day, they had the opportunity to let members of our Michigan government know that our ability to choose our schools matters. We heard Representative Kelly speak, saw the Michigan Supreme Court in session, and spoke with Senator MacGregor.

CTA Spelling Bee: Brenna Jibson, Middle School English Teacher Jenny Bangma and Conner Warner.

In January, 23 students in grades fourth through eighth competed in the second annual CTA School Spelling Bee!

For several weeks prior to the Bee, participants practiced, practiced, and practiced lists of spelling words in preparation for the School Bee. These same participants also attended the weekly CTA Chargers Spelling Club hosted by sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Jenny Bangma; it was here that participants gained strategies for spelling words, remembering letter patterns, and etiquette for the actual Bee. Lots of hard work was put in by our Charger Spellers over the last few months in preparation for this event!

The CTA School Spelling Bee went nine rounds, resulting in a Champion and a Runner-up. The Bee Champion is fifth grade student, Conner Warner; the Runner-up is sixthgrade student, Brenna Jibson. The winners will head to the Regional Spelling Bee competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 16. Our entire school community is so proud and excited for our Chargers!

The CTA Lady Chargers headed into the 2016-17 season looking to improve on last year’s 4-11 record.

Lady chargers have 9 returning players, including senior captain Holly Fahling. “We are looking to Holly’s leadership to continue to help our younger players grow,” head coach Steve Washington commented. Along with Fahling, the Lady Chargers returning starters are sophomore Brin Calkins, and freshmen Hannah Hofstra and Faith Watson. The Ladies are rising to the challenge so far, and have started off with 3 wins and 5 losses so far this season.

The boys basketball team is developing an offensive system (with only a single court practice with new head coach Todd Bowmar), they have a strong defensive presence and the boys have bought into the idea of team success. Coach Bowmar shared that when he joined CTA, there was a lot of talk of the CTA Way, which he understood the concept of. “Today was a demonstration of that philosophy – Chargers don’t quit. Chargers play the game the right way. Chargers hold themselves to the highest expectations,” shared Bowmar as he referenced a recent game against an incredibly talented team. “I am proud to be a part of the CTA Way.”

Bowmar, who is also CTA’s high school english teacher, is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the students outside of the classroom, “ I would like to thank the players and parents of CTA for such a wonderful opportunity to work for these young men. As a team, we are growing so rapidly. I have high hopes for the rest of the season.”