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After a slow start in their nonconference schedule, the Montcalm Community College women’s basketball team rebounded in a big way for conference play, working its way to a 7-7 record and making the first postseason appearance in team history. 

More good news came for the team on Wednesday, March 11, when the MCCAA postseason awards were announced as four Centurions players received All-Conference recognition — sophomore Emily Putnam (Sheridan, Mich.) and freshmen Kendall Stout (Stanton, Mich.), Baylor Syrjala (Lakeview, Mich.) and Emma Rehkopf (Belding, Mich.). Second-year head coach Scott Pedigo also received MCCAA Coach of the Year honors. 

Stout was named to the MCCAA 2nd Team All-Conference and the MCCAA All-Freshman Team. Stout was the Centurions leading scorer this season, averaging 14.1 points per game, in part due to her three-point shooting prowess, leading the team with 72 made three-pointers. Stout added 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Stout also finished with 28 blocks this season — establishing a new team record for most blocks in a season. Pedigo was impressed with how quickly Stout became one of MCC’s top players. 

“What a great season Kendall had,” he said. “To do all of this as a freshman is unbelievable. She is a hard worker and is dedicated to getting better. We are lucky to have her playing for us at MCC and I am excited about what she will accomplish next year.” 

Putnam earned MCCAA 3rd Team All-Conference honors this season. The team's leading rebounder posted 7.6 boards per game along with 10.8 points, 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. The former Central Montcalm High School standout ends her two-year career at MCC as the Centurions’ all-time leader in career points (563), rebounds (339), steals (73) and three-pointers scored (109). 

“She helped create a great foundation for our program and I will be forever grateful for her leadership and dedication she has shown to MCC basketball,” Pedigo said. “She is an excellent person and student and she has a bright future.” 

Syrjala and Rehkopf were both named MCCAA Honorable Mention All-Conference. Syrjala was an immediate spark plug for the Centurions, leading the team in scoring in five of the first six games. Syrjala averaged 12.6 points per game with a team-high shooting percentage (41.2 percent) and stuffed the stat sheet by adding 5.8 rebounds per game and team-highs in assists per game (3.9) and steals per game (1.9). After one season, Syrjala already holds school records for career assists (110) and free throws made (67). She also earned MCCAA Northern Player of the Week honors twice throughout the season. 

“She continues to improve her skills by spending extra time in the gym,” Pedigo said. “I am excited to see what she will accomplish in the future as she is a great leader and teammate. Her hard work and drive have made her successful and I believe she’ll continue to get better.” 

Rehkopf had a slow start in her first season as a Centurion but found her role as a three-point specialist coming off the bench. She was second on the team in three-pointers made with 59, posting 8.7 points per game. 

“Emma is a great shooter and was able to display her talent this season,” Pedigo said. “She is a hard worker who has the drive to win and wants to continuously get better. Emma showed up in big moments all season for us that helped lead to the success we had. She’s a scoring threat every time she has the ball.” 

Pedigo was very thankful and honored to receive the MCCAA Northern Coach of the Year award and made sure to give thanks to those around him who helped the Centurions to such a successful year No. 2. 

“The recognition for this award belongs just as much to my assistant coaches, Andrea Rautio and Chance Wells, and the players as it does to me,” Pedigo said. “Thank you to my assistant coaches for your commitment, preparation and support every single day, and to our players for your hard work, trust and dedication to the program and to me. I would also like to thank Athletic Director Hunter Redman for his support and dedication to the women’s basketball program. I’m grateful to be part of such a special group.”