Girls’ Lacrosse Preview
DIVISION 1
Teams to watch statewide: Rockford, Birmingham United, Ann Arbor Pioneer
Top local teams: Rockford, Waverly
Preview: Rockford defeated Birmingham United in last season’s state title game, and Rockford coach Mike Emery expects his team to again challenge for the top spot. “We have good skills, top to bottom, on our roster,” he said.
Top local players: Kyleigh Egnatuk, Rockford; Megan Darema, Rockford; Abby Neeley, Waverly
State final prediction: Birmingham United gets its revenge with a win over Rockford in the title game.
DIVISION 2
Teams to watch statewide: East Grand Rapids, Ladywood
Top local teams: Okemos, Williamston-Haslett, East Lansing
Preview: East Grand Rapids defeated Ladywood in last year’s final. “We have a strong senior nucleus coming back that bring a lot of experience. They will also be key in mentoring our younger players,” said Ladywood coach Kris Sanders. “All facets of our game will be important to our success (offense, defense, and our transition game). We also have first time juniors and sophomores who will contribute to our team in key roles.”
Top local players: Taylor Merony, East Lansing; Laura McKee, Holt
State final prediction: Ladywood will take the title over East Grand Rapids.
Boys’ Lacrosse Preview
DIVISION 1
Teams to watch statewide: Detroit Catholic Central, Brother Rice, Forest Hills Eastern-Northern
Top local teams: Holt, Rockford
Preview: Brother Rice won its ninth straight title last year with a 14-10 win over Forest Hills Eastern-Northern in the final.
Top local players: Connor Butch, Holt; Cade Butch, Holt; Jack Flanagan, Midland Dow
State final prediction: Brother Rice will make it a perfect 10 with another state title.
DIVISION 2
Teams to watch statewide: Forest Hills Central, Cranbrook Kingswood, Detroit Country Day
Top local teams: Haslett, Okemos
Preview: Cranbrook Kingswood beat Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central for the title last year.
“Finding players who will put the ball in the back of the net and having some new players accelerate their learning and become, not survivors, but thrivers, on the gamefield,” is the key to success this season, said East Lansing coach Mark Foster.
Top local players: Grant Borgan, East Lansing; TQ Hoban, East Lansing
State finals prediction: Detroit Country Day wins the title over Cranbrook Kingswood.