HARBOR SPRINGS — When first-year Harbor Springs girls basketball head coach Ethan McCarthy looked at his team’s schedule to begin the season, pinpointing that first win was a bit tough.

Opening against a pair of northern Michigan powerhouses in Gaylord St. Mary and St. Ignace isn’t exactly a welcoming start and ease into things.

But, life’s what you make it and McCarthy and his team made it a start to be proud of.

After competing with the Snowbirds in a tight loss in the opener Monday, the Rams put on a full-court display of excellence against the Saints, culminating in a 58-44 victory for Harbor Springs.

“It’s awesome,” McCarthy said. “It’s cool to establish what our winning culture and success looks like this time.”

A fourth-grade teacher at Shay Elementary in Harbor Springs, McCart

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