Super duo: Onaway's Veal, Mix are Tribune's 2023-24 boys basketball co-players of the year

CHEBOYGAN – Every single year, it seems like we have a ton of talent when it comes to boys basketball players in the Cheboygan area.

This year was no different, as we saw several players deliver enormous seasons on the court and lift their respective teams to success . With the 2023-24 season now complete, here’s a look at the Daily Tribune’s all-area boys basketball team, led by Onaway seniors Austin Veal and Jadin Mix, the Tribune’s co-players of the year.

ALL-NLC GIRLS: Mackinaw City's Gracie Beauchamp named NLC's girls basketball player of the year

ALL-SAC BOYS: Cheboygan’s Goodrich, Smith, Thater earn spots on All-SAC boys basketball team

2023-24 Daily Tribune All-Area Boys Basketball Team

First Team

Austin Veal, Onaway, Senior – The best pure scorer in the area, Veal surpassed 1,000 career points and became the program’s all-time leading scorer. Was named the Ski Valley Conference’s player of the year and helped lift the Cardinals to a fourth consecutive district title. Averaged 22.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 steals in his final season.

Jadin Mix, Onaway, Senior – A defensive powerhouse, Mix became the MHSAA’s new record holder for steals in a career. Made the All-Ski Valley first team, hit 1,000 career points, and fueled the Cardinals in their district triumph. Averaged 17.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.2 steals and 4.7 assists. Was recently named as a Division 4 all-state honorable mention by the Associated Press.

Sam Schoonmaker, Inland Lakes, Senior – Another consistent campaign for this Inland Lakes senior, who averaged nearly 18 points and eight rebounds in his final season as a Bulldog. One of the best all-around players in the area, Schoonmaker made the Ski Valley second team.

Trystan Swanson, Mackinaw City, Senior – Delivered a fantastic senior season for the Comets, one that allowed him to earn All-Northern Lakes Conference first team honors. A dynamic scoring machine all season, Swanson was vital in another winning campaign for Mackinaw City.

Lucas Bergstrom, Mackinaw City, Senior – Once again, a dominant post presence for the Comets. Earned NLC first team honors for a second consecutive season and was pivotal in helping Mackinaw City finish with a winning record.

Second Team

Kaleb Goodrich, Cheboygan, Senior – Cheboygan’s floor general had a solid final season and earned All-Straits Area Conference second team recognition.

Connor Wallace, Inland Lakes, Senior – Averaged over 15 points and six rebounds during his last season with the Bulldogs. Made the Ski Valley second team.

Gavin Smith, Cheboygan, Freshman – What a debut varsity campaign for this talented freshman, who earned a spot on the All-SAC second team. Delivered a career-high 32 points against Gaylord and 27 in a victory over Onaway.

Jackson Chaskey, Onaway, Senior – Showed so much consistency in his last season with the Onaway program and knocked down some big shots.

Josiah Brabson, NMCA, Senior – Capped off an outstanding career by surpassing 1,000 points at NMCA. Earned All-NLC first team accolades.

ALL-NLC BOYS: Mackinaw City's Bergstrom and Swanson, NMCA's Brabson make All-NLC basketball first team

Third Team

Brennen Thater, Cheboygan, Senior – Had some big all-around games for Cheboygan and made the SAC’s all-defensive squad.

Aidan Fenstermaker, Inland Lakes, Junior – Averaged over 11 points and made the All-Ski Valley team as an honorable mention.

Mason Beebe, Onaway, Junior – Another one of Onaway’s talented shooters, Beebe came up with a career-high 31 points in a win at JoBurg and also secured All-Ski Valley honors.

Joshua Grondin, Pellston, Sophomore – Was a bright spot on a Pellston team that struggled all season. Earned an All-Ski Valley honorable mention nod.

Justin Kramer-St. Germain, Onaway, Senior – Delivered a solid all-around game and provided toughness during another successful Onaway campaign.

Honorable Mention: Daniel Hudson (Cheboygan), Jake Willey (Inland Lakes), Noah Shugar (Inland Lakes), Myran Thompson (Mackinaw City), Luke Lovelace (Onaway), Jack Schmalzried (Pellston), Connor Keller (Pellston), Josh Ferraiuolo (Burt Lake NMCA), Jeremiah Tucker (Burt Lake NMCA)

DAILY TRIBUNE CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Austin Veal (Onaway), Jadin Mix (Onaway)

COACH OF THE YEAR: Eddy Szymoniak (Onaway)

BEST NEWCOMER: Gavin Smith (Cheboygan)

BEST GAME: Onaway vs. St. Ignace (MHSAA Division 4 regional semifinal)

BEST MOMENT: Jadin Mix hitting 1,000 points and breaking MHSAA steals record on the same night.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Super duo: Onaway's Veal, Mix are Tribune's 2023-24 boys basketball co-players of the year