South Haven News

By Claire Minor

On Feb. 6, 2026, the South Haven Cardinals played against the Cedar Vale/Dexter Spartans. Unfortunately, the Cardinals lost with the closest score possible of 58-59. The loss was quite upsetting since it was South Haven’s Homecoming night. Luckily, the Lady Cardinals helped with that. Yeah, you read that right. The South Haven Lady Cardinals came in clutch and secured a win with a final score of 57-47!

A senior attending South Haven high school, Adele Helsel (#30), is a starter and an all around player for the South Haven Lady Cardinals. According to Helsel, she made around 8 points in the game. Helsel’s favorite part of the game was winning because the last time the Lady Cardinals played against CVD, even though they still won, the score was closer (39-36) and it was a harder game to win. Helsel said that she was prepared but she wishes that she stayed out of foul trouble and did more for her team. Helsel thought that the team was prepared as well and that they did great saying that everybody did their jobs, ran the floor, and did well on defense.

The only thing that she thought they could do to improve was to talk more. If Helsel could change one thing about the game it would be for her not to get into foul trouble as it was her least favorite part of the game. She had a total of 3 fouls within the first and second quarters. As described, CVD is a very aggressive team with a strong post and point guard. Helsel said that nobody on the team made it very difficult for her this game, but the last time they played them, junior for the Spartans, Zoe Davidson (#4), was a tough competitor for her. Helsel didn’t think that this was her best game but she was glad to be a contributor to and a part of the winning team. 

ABOUT OUR HOCO WINTER 2026 CANDIDATES:

FRESMEN

Blaine Carroll: Blaine Caroll is the child of Seth Carroll and Darien Sisson. Caroll is involved in yearbook, FCCLA, STUCO, track & field and SCCDAT. The thing Caroll loves most about SHS is the people. After high school, he plans to go to Kansas State University for a bachelors in business, get his license in real estate, and “make that moneyyyyy.” Caroll’s favorite movie is “The Blind Side” because it shows that even when life is hard, things can turn around if you don’t give up.

Carlee Heater: Carlee Heater is the daughter of Mike and Rheann Heater. Heater competes in basketball, cross country, volleyball, track, and softball. Heater says the best thing about SHS is “That it’s a small school, which gives me the opportunity to have a class with my sister.” Heater’s favorite movie is Pitch Perfect because it is never not funny.

SOPHOMORES

Kody Wartick: Kody Wartick is the son of John and Elise Wartick. Wartick participates in folkstyle wrestling, math relays, FFA, and powerlifting. Wartick’s favorite thing about SHS is the support from the school and community in wrestling. After high school Wartick hopes to get scholarships for wrestling in college, and study stocks, bonds, and investing. Wartick’s favorite movie is “The Goonies” because of the truffle shuffle.

Sage VanZant: Sage VanZant is the daughter of Garrett and Tally VanZant. VanZant is in FFA, SCCDAT, FCCLA, FCA, and on the volleyball, basketball and softball teams. VanZant’s favorite thing about SHS is the memories she is making with her friends. VanZant’s favorite show is “Hawaii Five-O” because it makes her laugh.

JUNIORS

Seth Hallman: Seth Hallman is the son of Lance Hallman and Brittany Caudill. He is involved in scholars bowl and the Dungeons and Dragons Club. Hallman’s favorite thing here at SHS is his friends.

Jessica Broyles: Jessica Broyles is the daughter of David and Annette Broyles. Broyles is involved in cheerleading, volleyball and scholar’s bowl. Broyles’ favorite thing at SHS is her teammates. Broyles enjoys art and plans to become an art teacher. Her favorite movie is “Anaconda” because….”Paul Rudd.”

SENIORS

Ruger Shore: Ruger Shore is the son of Brian Shore and Sarina Stewart. Shore is manager for the basketball team and plays baseball. Shore enjoys the school spirit of SHS and how everyone picks each other up. Shore’s go-to movie is “Tombstone.”

Adele Helsel: Adele Helsel is the daughter of Latrice and Allan Helsel. She participates in Cardinal volleyball, basketball, and FFA. Helsel’s favorite thing about SHS is that “there is always someone you know showing up to support you, if it’s family or friends you will always have someone on your side cheering you on.” After high school, Helsel plans to play college ball and major in behavioral science. Helsel’s favorite movies are any Barbie movie because “I watched all of them on my princess TV growing up.”

FORMER WINTER HOCO WINNERS

Landon Kuchar: Kuchar is the son of Lewis and Lisa Kuchar and a senior at SHS.

Makenzie Callison: Callison is the daughter of Kevin and Michelle Callison and a junior at SHS. 

FIRST GRADE ATTENDENTS

Merrick: Merrick is the son of Michael and Emily. He wants to be a highway patrolman when he grows up.

Evelyn Metzinger: Evelyn Metzinger is the daughter of Jeff and Chelsea Metzinger. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

Even though it wasn’t a perfect win night for the Cardinals, South Haven had one victory and a successful Homecoming night, making up for the loss!