By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS A
Top teams statewide
Marian, Ann Arbor Huron, Grosse Pointe South
Top area teams
Holt, DeWitt, Waverly, Greenville, Midland
Top area players
Cori Crocker, Brighton; Allie Miller, Heritage; Breanna Mobley, Waverly; Claudia Reed, DeWitt; Kamrin Reed, Holt
A changing of the guard will be in store in the CAAC Blue, as last year’s unbeaten conference champion Grand Ledge suffered heavy player losses. The Orwat twins have graduated, and Cori Crocker is now at Brighton. This season, Grand Ledge is building around senior guard Sophia Guzman. The Comets also have some promising young players, like sophomore guard Vanessa Odlum and twins Jade and Jazmyn Ayers.
Holt, which features one of the most talented backcourts in the area, is looking to take over the top spot in the CAAC Blue. Junior Kamrin Reed is a returning all-state player who averaged over 16 points per game last year, while senior Tara Lierman is a crafty point guard. Senior Rylie Stiles (6’1″) gives the Rams a post presence.
Okemos is led by veteran senior guard Vanessa Nigg. Nigg is back for her fourth season on the varsity and is joined in the backcourt by talented sophomore guard Annisa Whims.
Waverly features one of the most talented all-around players in mid Michigan, senior forward/center Breeanna Mobley. Mobley, who will be playing at Western Michigan University next year, averaged 19 points and 15 rebounds per game last year.
DeWitt is the team to beat in the CAAC Red again this season. The Panthers have a talented one-two combination in senior guard Claudia Reed, who is headed to Princeton University next year, and senior forward Abby Nakfoor (5’10”), who is a talented post scorer.
Mason will challenge DeWitt with a talented duo of its own. Senior Emily Somerville (5’9″) is a good all-around player, while sophomore center Autumn Kissman (6’2″) is a force in the paint.
Greenville captured back-to-back league titles and enjoyed a big run behind Leah Somerfield, who was a four-year starter. A talented core of young players are primed to continue the Yellowjackets’ success. Sophomores Paige Hallock (6’1″) and Landon Kemp (5’7″) both earned all-conference honors last season and have solid all-around games. Greenville also adds talented junior guard Peyton Mout (5’7″), a transfer student.
Cedar Springs is looking for improvement behind talented senior returnee Aubree Mouthaan. An all-conference player, Mouthaan averaged 10 points and six rebounds per game a year ago. Junior guard Sam Taylor is a returning three-year varsity player.
Rockford is poised to make a run in the rugged OK Red this season. The Rams return talented senior Logan McCane, who will be playing her college basketball at Western Michigan. Brianna Young is a talented point guard who also returns.
Lowell has some strong senior leadership this season. Seniors Kate Montgomery and Katie Holchueter are a pair of four-year varsity players.
St. Johns is primed for a big season. The Redwings have plenty of young talent and size. Senior point guard Elizabeth Kebler offers a veteran presence, while freshman Maddie Maloney is an accurate three-point shooter. Sophomores Jamie Carroll (5’10”) and Olivia Trombley (5’10”) will help up front, while junior Brook Mazzolini can score at guard. Sophomore Erika Ballinger offers even more scoring punch.
Owosso is looking for improvement this year behind seniors Courtney Greger and Alyssa Lopez at forward and sophomores Ellie Hood and Kate Jones.
Heritage is led by sharp-shooting senior guard Allie Miller. Fellow senior guard Aubree Snow is a lock-down defender, while sophomore Courtney McInerney (6’1″) is a talented post player.
Both Midland and Midland Dow feature talented sophomores. Dow’s sophomores are Kaylee Wasco (6’2″), a developing post standout, and Ellie Taylor, a skilled wing. Midland’s sophhomores are shooting guard Alex VanSumeren and Jayden Williams and Skylar Howard, who will make a big impact up front.
In Livingston and western Oakland Counties, Novi will again be a team to watch. The defending KLAA Central champion is paced by senior Alex Felice (5’10”), who has a solid inside game. Senior guards Kelsey Miller and Jenna Lowney also return, while junior Allie Lipson (5’11”) will help in the post.
Brighton will benefit from skilled post player Cori Crocker (6’3″), a transfer from Grand Ledge who will be playing volleyball at the University of Michigan, and returning point guard Alexandra Forter.
Howell returns a talented post player of its own in junior Erin Honkala (6’1″).