The hardwood hectic is almost here and the Big Rapids Radio Network has their team selected for full Big Rapids Cardinal Basketball play-by-play broadcasts and area coverage for CSAA hoops. Here’s a look at the team and their respective roles:

 

Lead Play-By-Play: BRANDON WIRTH

In what will be his second consecutive season on the headset with Big Rapids Basketball, Wirth returns as the front man for calling this season’s action on NewsRadio WBRN. Wirth will head nearly 70% of the season’s scheduled broadcasts this winter in complement with his final indoor track and field season at Ferris State.

Wirth serves as the news and sports director for the Big Rapids Radio Network and previously called the Reed City Football season this fall on Y102 as well as Chippewa Hills a year ago in his debut season.

When asked about the upcoming season, Wirth is looking forward to additions in radio interactive elements for this years’ games and bringing the fans even more excitement in year two.

“This year, we are adding a lot of cool features to the broadcasts that will hugely benefit our fans following along from inside the arena or driving several cities away,” Wirth said. “Bringing in studio game updates along with a more structured pregame and postgame show is something I am looking forward to bringing to this season. After a successful year in 2022-2023 and great feedback from the fans, I know we are going to crush it and raise our standards heading into 2024.”

 

Lead Studio Correspondent: JOE NAGY

Former Tri-County standout Joe Nagy will serve as the lead board operator and studio analyst for this season. Nagy made his debut on the boards this fall for Reed City football on Y102, including managing score bug updates, social media coverage, and program management.

Nagy serves as the afternoon radio host for Big Country 100.9 and personality for various commercial campaigns at the network. Nagy will also handle play-by-play duties for Wirth in his absence for the second straight year.

When asked on the upcoming season, Nagy said he expects some big time plays from Big Rapids this year.

“Last year, there were a lot of seniors who made a big impact, but I'm most excited to see the young guys step up and continue winning based on what we saw last year,” Nagy said. “A lot of high-flying theatrics went down all season and I'm hoping to see more to bring some electric calls for the fans.”

 

Lead Conference Analyst: J.T. SCARPELLI

With the newly announced basketball extension of the Big Rapids Media Network’s program, “The RunDown,” Scarpelli will take the role as the lead analyst for the CSAA this winter.

Scarpelli, who knows many of the players and teams as the varsity baseball coach for Big Rapids, also served as the lead play-by-play man for Big Rapids football this past season. He will not only keep track of results but will track the CSAA standings and report on postseason implications later in the season.

When asked about the upcoming season, Scarpelli is also excited to follow how the new Cardinal players settle into their roles on this year’s squad.

“I'm looking forward to seeing how the new starters do,” Scarpelli said. “Last year, the team was loaded with talent. This year’s guys are unproven, but arguably just as talented. I'm excited to see Gabe Njenga and Ty Gielczyk down low and how Kinnally and Haist handle the ball. Their roster is deep as well, so I will be interested to see who earns time off the bench and if those guys can wrangle playing time as the season progresses.”

 

Broadcast/Coverage Information: WBRN.com

Each Cardinal game will be aired live on NewsRadio WBRN all season long. Fans can listen to it on 1460 AM, 96.5 FM, 107.7 FM, WBRN.com, and the WBRN mobile app. Each game will have pre-game coverage starting 15-20 minutes prior to the scheduled tip off time. All these times will be available weekly at WBRN.com.

The West Michigan Sports Show, a weekly local sports coverage program hosted by Brandon Wirth, will also have basketball and other winter sports coverage. These 20–25-minute programs will be aired live on WBRN starting between 3:30 P.M. – 3:35 P.M every Saturday.

For The RunDown, a new in-depth program debuted during the football season, will also return weekly on Big Country’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels. Hosted in majority by Erik Etchison; J.T. Scarpelli, Brandon Wirth, and Joe Nagy will serve as analysts for all things CSAA basketball this season.