“With a proven track record of dedication, leadership, and passion for the game, Neff brings a wealth of experience to the Alpena High School basketball program,” Alpena Public Schools said in a news release.

Neff has a diverse basketball coaching and player development background, with experience working with student-athletes at various levels.

He previously served as the assistant dean/director of basketball operations at Bay Shore Camp, basketball trainer at Cramer Basketball, basketball coach/personal trainer at The Program, and basketball coach/skills class leader at The Factory. He also coached 17U, 13U, and 14U AAU basketball clubs in Michigan.

Neff’s achievements include being named All-State First Team for basketball, accumulating more than 1,400 career points at Kingston High School, and being a scholarship athlete for Concordia University’s men’s basketball program.

Courtesy Photo The winners of awards at Alpena High School’s track and field end-of-season banquet pose for a photo on May 30.

“Neff’s diverse background in basketball coaching, player development, and community involvement makes him a valuable addition to the Alpena High School athletic staff,” the school district said in its news release. “His dedication to the game and passion for mentoring young athletes align perfectly with the values of Alpena High School.”

TRACK AND FIELD AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The Alpena High School track and field team held its end-of-season banquet on May 30 and announced the following awards:

Making the All-Big North Conference first team was Joe Sheridan, who made the team for the 300-meter hurdles and was named BNC Champion. Sheridan also made third team for the 100-meter hurdles and John Kurowski, Braeden Mathis, Charles Renard, and Carson Heath made the third team for the 4×800-meter relay.

Making the All-Region team were Mathis (400-meter), Kurowski (1600-meter), Sheridan (110-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles, both with state-qualifying times), Kurowski, Mathis, Heath, and Sheridan (4×400-meter relay), Kiera Prue (shot put), and Melody Kauffman (shot put and discus).

Earning Alpena High Track and Field Special Awards were Sheridan (Boys MVP), Kauffman (Girls MVP), Thorin Rogers (Boys Sprints MVP), KesLee Jex (Girls Sprints MVP), Kurowski (Boys Distance MVP), Samantha Zolnierek (Girls Distance MVP), Mathis (Boys Mid-Distance MVP), Emma Dickins (Girls Mid-Distance MVP), Ty Dever (Boys Field Event MVP), Prue (Girls Field Event MVP ), Sheridan (Boys Hurdles MVP), Heath (Boys Rookie of the Year), Evelyn Ruemenapp (Girls Rookie of the Year), Renard (Boys Coaches Award), and Elizabeth Barnhill (Girls Coaches Award).

The 2024 Boys Elite Eight (top eight point scorers) were Sheridan, Dever, Kurowski, Mathis, Rogers, Braeden Schaedig, Heath, and Brady Carlson.

And the 2024 Girls Elite Eight were Dickins, Prue, Kauffman, Natalie Maychen, Zolnierek, Ruemenapp, Kacie Sobeck, and Clare LaCross.