By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS B
Top teams statewide
John Glenn (Bay City), Benton Harbor, Bullock Creek, Goodrich, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Top area teams
Bullock Creek, Frankenmuth, Freeland, Goodrich, Haslett, Williamston
Top area players
Tania Davis, Goodrich; Makenna Ott, Haslett; Anna Riccius, Ionia; Alexis Sevillian, Goodrich; Taryn Taugher, Freeland
In Class B girls’ basketball, the more things change, the more they remain the same. Long-time Class B powerhouse Goodrich is again loaded and ready for a run at another state title. The Martians return a boatload of talent, led by last year’s Class B Player of the Year Tania Davis. She is joined by junior Alexis Sevillian, who, like Davis, will be playing college basketball at the University of Iowa. The Martians also return senior center Isabella O’Brien, who will be playing in college at Michigan Technological University.
Bullock Creek has reached the state semifinal round the past two years, and with all five starters back, another deep tournament run looks to be in the cards. Senior guard Ellie Juengel is a lights-out shooter with a strong all-around game. Junior Madison Hill returns to run the point. Senior forward Halee Nieman, who has committed to Saginaw Valley State University, is a talented all-around player who can score. Senior guard Hannah Heldt adds to the depth in the backcourt of a loaded team.
Haslett has been one of the premier Class B teams in the state the last several years, and this season, it has the talent to win a state title. Senior Makenna Ott (5’10”) is an outstanding all-around player who is headed to Hillsdale College. Senior guards Kenzie DeCook and Adrianna Stolicker will both be playing their college ball at Northwood University. Junior forward Karson Trip (6’1″) gives the Vikings a dominant presence in the paint.
Freeland reached the regional final last season, where it fell to Bullock Creek. With Taryn Taugher back for her senior season, Freeland will again be a factor. Taugher, who is headed to Northern Kentucky University, averaged 18 points per game last season.
Powers Catholic suffered heavy graduation losses, but the return of junior center Francesca Coury gives the Chargers a talented player around whom to build.
Frankenmuth is primed to extend its string of conference championships to nine in a row and has the talent to sustain a deep tournament run. Seniors Keri Frahm (6’0″) and Brayene Brenner (6’1″) provide a great inside game, while senior Kendra Kujat and junior Madison Walter are outstanding on the perimeter or driving to the hoop.
Clare has won four consecutive Jack Pine Conference titles. While just one starter returns, the Lumberjacks will still be a dangerous team, led by senior guards Olivia Cooper and Kenzie Humphrey. Senior forwards Mackenzie Thayer and Morgan English give the team a strong front court as well.
Chippewa Hills is also primed for a strong season. The Warriors return senior point guard Emily Starck along with senior forward Kendall Boone (6’0″). Boone averaged nearly a double-double last year in points and rebounds.
Birch Run will have one of the top up-and-coming teams this season. The Panthers are paced by sophomore Savannah Gibson, who earned all-conference honors last year and averaged 14 points per game. Sophomore Kyla Breckenridge also earned all-conference honors last season and is joined on the varsity by her twin sister Kalyn Breckenridge.
Alma won a district title last season but will be without all-stater Maddy Seely, who graduated. Alma fans need not worry, as senior Alicia Seely and sophomore Kenzie Seely do return. Kenzie averaged 11 points per game last season and scored 25 points in a win early this season. Senior Kendall Vedrode is another sharp-shooting senior guard who will provide Alma with plenty of offense.
Perry won 19 games last year, and the Ramblers have a ton of talent returning this season. Junior point guard Lindsay Crim and junior shooting guard Kelsey Finch anchor an outstanding backcourt that includes junior Katie Figueras. Senior Victoria Bell is another talented player, and senior Chasity Potter (5’10”) provides an inside game.
Williamston tied for the CAAC White title last year and is poised for even more success this season. Senior forward Sarah Schultz earned all-state honors last season and returns, along with talented junior guard Renee Sturm. Sophomore Elana Lycos is an outstanding outside shooter, while freshman center Allison Peplowski (6’0″) made a big impact in her first varsity game with 17 points. She will give the Hornets the inside presence they need for a big season.
Lansing Catholic is looking for improvement and is paced by senior center Maria Repichowski. A returning all-conference player, Repichowski averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds per game last year.
Ionia won 19 games last season and has a talented core of players once again. Senior Anna Riccius (6’0″) is a skilled forward/center who can score. Sophomore Jaylynn Williams (5’9″) will help with the offense up front, while sophomore Camryn Klein is a talented young guard.
Lakeview is led by the dynamic backcourt of Sadie Massie and Maddie Shurlow.
Corunna suffered heavy graduation losses and moves to a new conference this season. Junior guard Skylar Napier (5’5″) leads the way for the Cavaliers and is a solid all-around player who will also lead the offense.
Durand looks to be improved behind the play of Sarah Dunavant, Meaghan Nanasy, and Alexis Ayala.
In Livingston and western Oakland Counties, South Lyon East is one of the top Class B teams. It returns Central Michigan University recruit Gabrielle Bird (6’0″), who averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game last year.
Fowlerville has an improving young team led by junior center Lexa Elzerman (6’2″) and freshman forward Sara Matlock (5’6″).