1995-1996 Boys Basketball

The 1995-1996 DeWitt Boys Basketball team embraced the challenge of high expectations and dominated opponents with its only regular season loss to reigning Class B State Champion Detroit Country Day. In front of a sold-out DeWitt High School gymnasium, the Panthers came back from 24 points down at the half to tie the game before losing 64-60 in the first of two classic battles. The team’s depth was showcased as DeWitt overcame multiple injuries throughout the season, most notably in a 68-55 victory over league rival Williamston with two starters out. In the rematch at Williamston, DeWitt’s 78-65 win ended the regular season as the Panthers completed their second consecutive undefeated league championship. DeWitt defeated Williamston for a third time in the opening round of the state tournament 62-57 and cruised by Perry and Ovid Elsie to clinch its fourth straight Class B District crown. Victories over Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (61-44) and Alma (75-62) led to a second straight Class B Regional title. An impressive win over Petoskey (71-65) in the quarterfinals secured a return trip to the Class B Final Four and another shot at Detroit Country Day. Fans from across the state packed the arena for the highly-anticipated match-up between the #1 ranked Yellowjackets and the #2 ranked Panthers, but once again DeWitt fell just short 70-62. DeWitt’s talented senior class completed an amazing 51-3 run over two seasons. The 1995-1996 Boys Basketball team included the following members: Marvin Beland, Robert Bobeda, Matt Dodson, Ben Drayton, Robb Elliott, Scott Elliott, Ted Hollenbeck, Chris Johnson, Jason Kreider, Jay Larner, Casey Laughlin, Sean Merrill, Nate Powell, James Schwartze, Dan Weeks, Head Coach Jim Lutzke, and assistant coaches Sam Dalman, Bill McCullen and Scott Palmer.