Bark River-Harris senior Marissa Ives (front row, middle) signs her letter of intent to play basketball at Bay College on March 18, 2025 at Bark River-Harris School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

HARRIS — For Marissa Ives basketball has always been the sport of choice and on March 18, 2025 Ives received the opportunity to play the game beyond high school as she signed her letter of intent to Bay College.

“I’m super excited to go to the next level of basketball,” Ives said. “Being offered this once in a lifetime opportunity is truly amazing and I’m very excited to start this new chapter.”

Ives plans to study in the X-Ray technology field. She chose this field as her Father has brain cancer and she said that the field has given her dad ways to help him along and is looking to give back to the field.

“I want to give back to the field,” Ives said. “I want to be able to help others who are going through the same fight and help make a difference to people who need help.”

Ives was All-Conference second team in the Skyline Central Conference this season and was also on the All-Defensive team in the Skyline Central this season. She’s also a player with multiple strengths, but her ability to play strong on the defensive side of the ball makes her stand out to Bay College coach James Fassett.

“Marissa is a great player from the first time I saw her play against Menominee,” Fassett said. “Her energy and ability to play sound defense will make her a good addition to the team.”

Ives also claims to be the family type person and is excited to stay close to home to watch her sibling play sports and is looking forward to a reunion with former teammates Lauren Zawada and McKenzie Hoffmeyer.

“We have so much chemistry together,” Ives said. “We know where each other are on the floor at all times.”