CLASS A

Top teams statewide: Clarkston, Detroit Pershing, Muskegon, Ypsilanti

Clarkston won the D1 state title in football and has the athletes to do it in basketball, as well. Senior point guard Press Kampe is a coach on the floor, and Michael Nicholson (6’8″) is a talented post player.

Pershing is again a power in the Detroit Public School League. Senior Justin Tillman (6’7″) is a talented front court player, while Mory Diane (6’3″) is an explosive guard.

Muskegon is not just a football school, and quarterback Deshaun Thrower is one of the leaders of the hoops squad at a guard spot. Junior Deyonta Davis (6’8″) is a national top-100 recruit and may be the second-best junior in the state.

Ypsilanti has an excellent big man in University of Louisville recruit Jaylin Johnson. Sophomore point guard Corey Allen is another high-profile recruit in the making.  

 

Top area teams: Holt, Lansing Eastern, Mt. Pleasant, Rockford, Saginaw, Saginaw Arthur Hill

Holt is one of the top teams in the Lansing area this year. Senior point guard Don’Quall Jackson (5’10”) is a talented floor general. Senior forward Colin Jones (6’3″) is a steady offensive threat, while freshman Jaron Faulds (6’8″) has potential and gives the Rams a presence in the post.

Lansing Eastern will give Holt a challenge. The Quakers have an experienced team, led by the inside-outside duo of senior guard Tameron Williams-Baker (6’4″) and senior forward DeQuandre Dentmond (6’8″).

Mt. Pleasant is another senior-dominated team and will be the best non-Saginaw team in the valley. Senior Jaleel Hogan (6’7″) is a load in the post and is a University of Detroit commitment. Anton Cotton, Aaron Leasher, and TJ Johnson add more talent to the Oiler lineup.

Rockford has a veteran squad, with seven seniors back. The Rams are solid up front, led by senior Chris Sunday (6’6″), who is a load in the post.

Saginaw captured the Class A state title in 2012, reached the state semifinal last year, and has the talent for another deep tournament run this year. Senior Keyon Addison is one of the best point guards in the state. Sophomore Algevon Eichelberger (6’7″) is a talented young big man who will team up with senior Jerry Smith (6’4″) up front. The backcourt is deep, with Malik Jordan (6’1″) returning and with promising freshman Ronquavious Southward (5’10”).

Arthur Hill is led by Eric Davis (6’3″), who is the premier junior in the state and who is being recruited by the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, and Kentucky. A host of veterans return along with Davis, and newcomers like 6’8″ center Josh Jones and explosive freshman Brian Bowen (6’6″) promise to make this a memorable season for the defending league champions, who will battle it out with Saginaw High once more in the league and at the district.    

 

Top players in the state:

Daryl Bingham, sr., Detroit Southeastern; Deyonta Davis, jr., Muskegon; Jaylon Johnson, sr., Ypsilanti; Justin Tillman, sr., Detroit Pershing; Cassius Winston, soph., University of Detroit Jesuit

 

Top area players:

Keyon Adddison, sr., Saginaw; Brad Brechting, jr., Cedar Springs; Brian Bowen, fr., Saginaw Arthur Hill; Eric Davis, jr., Saginaw Arthur Hill; Algevon Eichelberger, soph., Saginaw; Jaleel Hogan, sr., Mt. Pleasant; Don’Quall Jackson, sr., Holt; Tameron Williams-Baker, sr., Lansing Eastern

 

CLASS B

Top teams statewide: Detroit Country Day, Detroit Douglass, Milan, Wayland Union

Country Day won the Class B state title last year, but change has come to the program. New coach Mark Bray is on the bench, and four starters are gone from last year. The Yellowjackets do return Edmond Sumner (6’4″), who is headed to Xavier University and is one of the top players in the state.

Detroit Douglass has a dynamic backcourt, with Darrell Davis (6’4″) and Terrell Hales (6’2″).

Milan has one of the top young teams in Class B. Junior guard Latin Davis (5’10”) is a talented point guard, while Nick Perkins (6’7″) is a dominating front court player.

Wayland Union has a talented one-two punch, with junior point guard Dilon Aten and junior power forward LJ James (6’7″).

  

Team area teams: Alma, Big Rapids, Corunna, Flint Southwestern, Lansing Catholic, Millington, Portland, Williamston 

Alma captured a district title last year, and plenty of talent returns this year. It has a deep team with good all-around athletic talent.

Big Rapids reached the Class B state quarterfinals last season before falling to Cadillac. The Cardinals return a number of key players this year, led by sharp-shooting senior guard Quinn Tyson, who can fill it up from three-point land. Senior guard Nick Baldwin also returns to the backcourt.

Corunna turned in a 17-4 record last year and, with the bulk of its key players back, is primed for another big season. Senior MJ Myles and junior Mikhail Myles (6’3″) give the Cavaliers a dynamic one-two punch. Senior guard Josh Fattal is another talented backcourt player.

Flint Southwestern returns a talented squad this winter. Senior point guard Malik Young is a four-year veteran, while junior Jaire Grayer (6’5″) is an explosive wing who can fill it up in a hurry.

Lansing Catholic returns a veteran crew with plenty of size. Senior David Poljan (6’8″) is a force in the middle, while sophomore Tony Poljan (6’7″) is a multi-talented forward who can hit from outside. Junior Matthew Fata (6’0″) is a talented guard with experience.

Millington has the most talented team in the TV East and is poised for a breakout year. The Cardinals have a solid senior class , and junior guard Austin Levan (6’2″) is one of the premier junior guards in the area. Levan averaged 20 points per game last year and is an outstanding all-around athlete.

Portland has a sizable lineup, led by 6’7″ guard Brodie VanRyper. The Raiders also feature a sizable front line, with senior Zac Gustafson (6’6″) and senior Jacob Pohl (6’5″).

Williamston may have the top big man in the CAAC White in senior Tom Cotter (6’7″). Sophomore guard Riley Lewis is a talented backcourt player who gives the Hornets a productive one-two, inside-outside game.

  

Top players in the state:

Jalen Brooks, sr., Cadillac; Darrell Davis, sr., Detroit Douglass; Nick Perkins, jr., Milan; Edmond Sumner, sr., Detroit Country Day; Khari Willis, jr., Lumen Christi Catholic

 

Top area players

Tom Cotter, sr., Williamston; Tommie Henderson, sr., Carrollton; Austin LeVan, jr., Millington; Mikhail Myles, jr., Corunna; MJ Myles, sr., Corunna; Tony Poljan, soph., Lansing Catholic; Corey Townsend, soph., Powers Catholic; Quinn Tyson, sr., Big Rapids; Malik Young, sr., Flint Southwestern

 

By BUTCH HARMON

While the Laingsburg football team just missed qualifying for the playoffs this year, the future looks bright for the Wolfpack, with players like junior Cole Franks coming back next season.

Franks, a 6’1″, 160-pound wide receiver/defensive back, was voted Laingsburg’s team MVP this season and was also a first-team all-CMAC wide receiver. He led the Wolfpack in receiving, as he caught 33 passes for 754 yards (22.8 yards/reception average) and six touchdowns. Franks had 873 all-purpose yards this year and scored eight total touchdowns. Defensively, he totaled 27 tackles and intercepted three passes.

“Cole is a very talented athlete,” Laingsburg coach Brian Borgman said. “He has tremendous speed and agility. We test our players on their speed in the 40-, pro-agility, and L-drills, and Cole had the fastest time out of anyone in the program.”

Cole helped the Wolfpack to a 4-5 overall record this year. Laingsburg improved as the season went on and finished the campaign with three wins in a row.

“Our passing game improved as the season went on, and we look at the last three wins we had to close the season as leading into next year,” Franks said. “We have a lot of juniors coming back, and the sophomores coming up have been successful. These classes have been successful in the past. We lost some close games this year, and that kept us out of the playoffs, and our goal next year is to make the playoffs.”

Franks knows what it takes to have a successful team, as he was part of Laingsburg’s basketball team that made it to the Class C state championship game last season. The leading scorer on the junior varsity team, Franks was called up to the varsity last year for the final quarter of the regular season and for the state tournament. “It was an unbelievable experience,” he said. “We were all like brothers last year, and we played as one. It was something I will never forget.”

Franks is part of a strong junior class that is teaming up with some talented sophomores to keep the Wolfpack basketball team rolling this year.  

“Cole is a very skilled and talented basketball player as well as football player,” Borgman said. “As good of an athlete as he is, he is an even better person.  He is charming and well-respected by his teachers. He is a well-rounded, humble, and great young man.”

 

 

I’ve known and have been friends with Terry Hessbrook for almost my entire life. We graduated together back in 1985 from Ithaca High School. We played Little League baseball and basketball together. We were best friends growing up. As I look back, it doesn’t surprise me that Terry has had incredible success with a remarkable Ithaca Yellowjackets football program that is now celebrating 56 straight wins and four straight state championships.

Terry’s a hard worker, and he’s always been a winner. He and I were captains of the baseball and football teams together. He was captain of basketball and I was captain of wrestling. We were leaders of our respective sports. His desire many years ago to become a coach stems from the leadership roles of having been a captain and a winner growing up.

I’m very proud to say that Terry’s been a life-long friend. I can safely say that he got the most out of my son, Garrett, who played for the 2010 and 2011 state championship teams. Garrett had the utmost respect for Terry and, obviously, so have hundreds of other Ithaca football players.

Terry has always received great respect as a player, leader, and coach. The competition has been envious of him, and teammates, players, and fans have loved him. But above everything else, he has always cherished being a member of the Ithaca Yellowjackets family.

Yellowjackets football fans can be very proud that they have a unique championship football program. They can also be very proud that they have a unique championship football coach in Terry Hessbrook.

Thank you Yellowjackets, and thank you, Terry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Team

Addie Schumacher, Beal City, senior, Middle Hitter, 5’11”

Schumacher, as a hitter, compiled 630 kills and 164 blocks. She also had 412 digs, 55 aces, and 13 assists as a third-year varsity player and earned all-conference and all-state honors.

“From her sophomore to her junior season, she improved a ton,” said Beal City coach Kelly David. “She kept on improving this year. She’s just a very smart hitter. She just finds open spots on the court. She’s aggressive. She swings for the kill every time she goes up.

She knew this was her last year and put everything she can into it.”

 

Kayla Rosman, Morley Stanwood, junior, Outside Hitter, 5’10”

 All-conference and all-state. Rosman had 39 blocks, 516 digs, 54 service aces, 564 kills, and 19 assists. “Kayla’s teammates look to her to help lead them to success in matches,” said Morley Stanwood coach Robin Kozich.  “She knows that if she shows that she has confidence in herself and her teammates, the team will perform well. She will be a valuable asset to some college program in the future.”

 

Bri Alspaugh, St. Louis, senior, Middle Hitter, 6’0″

Alspaugh was the team block leader with 126, team attack leader at .297, and fourth in career blocks at 462. Her career attack efficiency was .303, and she had 430 kills and 35 assists and  earned all-Conference and all-state honors. “Bri is present at the net with her ability to attack the quick set and stretch defenses with the slide attack,” said St. Louis coach Gary Stanglewicz. “Her blocking causes teams to have to adjust their offense away from what they want to do.”

 

Brooke Tubbs, St. Louis, senior, Outside Hitter, 5’8″

Tubbs was team leader in kills with 634, aces with 126, digs with 406, and receptions with 884. “Brooke was a key component of our team’s success this year,” said coach Gary Stanglewicz. “As an attacker, she is a dynamic player with a terrific arm swing able to hit for power and place shots. When she rotates to the back row, she scores points with a wicked jump top spin serve at an incredible 28 percent rate and with her ability to attack from behind the spiking line.”

 

Sara Hansen, Sacred Heart Academy, senior, Setter, 5’6″

Hansen is a four-year varsity player as a setter and was all-conference and all-state for two years. She had 1,160 assists; 123 kills; 204 digs; 85 aces; and 19 blocks; and she served at 97 percent.

Sara led her team to four conference championships, three district titles, and two regional titles in her four years,” said Sacred Heart coach Mike Kruscke.

 

Shannon Winicki, Rockford, senior,  Outside Hitter, 6’1″

Winicki tied the school record for kills in a match with 25. She broke the school record for kills in a season with 560 and had a .234 hitting percentage with 17 aces, 94 digs. and 71 blocks. “Shannon was an offensive powerhouse for us this year,” said Rockford coach Kelly Delacher. “Shannon was incredible down the stretch for us, averaging 17.5 kills per match over our last 20 matches of the season.”

 

Courtney Reinhold, Swan Valley, senior, Middle Hitter, 5’10”

Reinhold had 552 kills, 109 blocks, 346 digs, 25 aces, 271 service points, and 121 service receive passes as a fourth-year varsity starter. She was first team all-conference, honorable mention all-state, and academic all-state. “Courtney is an all-around athlete, extremely consistent, and is always reaching to step on the court and play. She wants the ball in the most difficult situations,” said Swan Valley coach Kristin Palmer.

 

Makenna Ott, Haslett, junior, Middle Hitter, 5’10”

Ott was a key force behind Haslett’s season and led her team to the Class A state quarterfinals, where it lost to eventual state champion East Grand Rapids. Haslett finished at 54-4-3. Ott’s totals included 29 aces, 304 kills, 36 blocks, and 237 digs. She was second team all-state class A and a unanimous pick for first team all-conference. She was also all-state class B as a sophomore. “She is a very special athlete,” said Haslett coach Wendy McCann.

 

 

Morrice netted a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win 53-50 over Portland St. Patrick Tuesday night in a non-league season opener for both boys basketball teams.

The Shamrocks fought back from double-digit figures during the night and had a 47-42 lead. Morrice came back to tie it 50-50 and both teams tried 3-pointers at the end. But Morrice prevailed.

St. Patrick coach Mark Scheurer said he was pleased with his team’s effort.

Joe Mackowiak had 24 points and 11 rebounds while John Carley had 17 points for St. Patrick. 

I was very pleased with their perseverance throughout the game after a very sluggish start,” Scheurer said. “We only scored 22 points in the first three quarters but bounced back with 28 in the fourth alone.”

 

St. Patrick is home Monday against Bellevue.

By BUTCH HARMON

After turning in a season to remember last winter, what will the Laingsburg basketball team do for an encore this season?

Last year, the Wolfpack turned in a thrilling tournament run that culminated in a spot in the Class C state championship game, where they dropped a 40-39 thriller to Beecher. Laingsburg finished the season with a 24-3 overall record and placed second in the CMAC with a 15-1 mark.

While a number of key players from that team have graduated, veteran coach Greg Mitchell has plenty of talent returning and is excited to build on last year’s success. “Last year was certainly rewarding and exciting,” he said. “Obviously, ending the year in the State Final game, with a chance to win it on the final possession, was a monumental accomplishment for our team and our program. Even though we lack experience and size this year, I’m hopeful we will dig down and find a way to reach our potential and make this a rewarding year. We have a long way to go, but I believe if we commit to playing the right way, we have a chance at getting there.”

Four players return from last year’s team, led by junior guard Ryan Wade (5’9″). A second-team all-CMAC selection as a sophomore, Wade started on last year’s team, including in the state title game. 

Laingsburg was solid in the backcourt, and it again looks to have a collection of strong guards. Senior guard/forward Matt Cyrus (6’1″) is an excellent three-point shooter. Senior Adam Wickham (6’0″) is a solid defensive guard.

Junior Cole Franks (6’0″) is another talented guard who is returning. Franks, who was moved up to varsity during the tournament run, was the top player on the junior varsity team last year. He is an excellent scorer, who had a season-high 43 points against Fowler on the junior varsity level.

“We should get very solid guard play out of Wade, Cyrus, and Franks,” Mitchell said. “I think our young guys will be able to step up and give us very good contributions both defensively and offensively. It just may take time.”

Franks is just one of several talented players up from the junior varsity who are poised to make an impact this season.

Junior Grant Young (6’3″) is an athletic forward with very good rebounding skills. Junior forward Jagger Richard (6’2″) is another strong rebounder. 

The Wolfpack also have a pair of sophomores up from junior varsity who will be key additions up front. Forward Jake Rouse (6’3″) is a heady player who is very active and is a good offensive rebounder. Josiah Hayes (6’2″) is an athletic guard/forward who offers versatility. He is a good shooter and is also effective slashing to the basket.

A lack of size and overall experience are a couple hurdles that need to be overcome this season. “Our biggest concerns are our lack of quality varsity experience and depth as well as a lack of size,” Mitchell said. “Bigger teams could give us some challenging matchups, however, I still think our guard play, if it reaches its potential, could cause a lot of problems for our opponents.”

Mitchell anticipates another interesting season in the CMAC and believes that the Wolfpack can be in the thick of the title hunt. “Pewamo-Westphalia will be a very strong favorite, and then the league will be pretty wide open after that,” he said. “For us, we are trying to survive several injuries as we bring along a very inexperienced, young team. I expect us to be extremely competitive and to collectively reach our potential as the season progresses. I’m excited about how committed our young players are and how hard they are working to fill the void following the graduation of an outstanding senior class last year.”

 

  

 

CLASS C

Top teams statewide: Reese, St. Ignace, Arbor Preparatory

Reese has turned in back-to-back perfect regular seasons. The Rockets went 23-1 last year before losing to Nouvel Catholic Central in the regionals. Junior center Reyna Frost (6’0″) is a dominating post player who averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks per game last year. The team also has a standout senior point guard in Paige Gotham.

St. Ignace turned in a perfect 27-0 record enroute to the Class D state title last March. This year it moves up to Class C but has plenty of talent back. Senior Kelley Wright (5’10”) is one of the top players in the state in Class C, while sophomore Abbey Ostman (5’9″) averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds a game last year.

Arbor Preparatory in Ypsilanti has a dynamic one-two combination in junior Zakiya Wells and sophomore Nastassja Chambers. 

     

Team area teams

Beal City, Carson City-Crystal, Montabella, Hemlock, Pewamo-Westphalia, Nouvel Catholic Central

Beal City is gearing up for a big season. The Aggies welcome back a trio of all-state players, led by senior center Addie Schumacher (5’11”). Junior Jordan Schneider (5’11”) is another returning all-state player as is senior guard Melanie Schafer (5’5″). They also return senior guard Anna Reihl.

Carson City-Crystal has won back-to-back district titles, and it is looking to add another this year. Junior guard Mikayla Duflo (5’5″) is a returning all-state player. The Eagles are solid up front with returning all-conference forwards Tori Christiansen (5’9″) and Mackenzie Gesiter (5’9″).

Montabella also has a veteran team led by a pair of all-state players. Seniors Taylor Smith (5’6″) and Sarah Miller (5’5″) give the Mustangs a pair of talented players around whom to build.    

Senior Karli Herrington (6’2″) leads the way for Hemlock. One of the top centers in the state, Herrington is a Miss Basketball candidate who is headed to Central Michigan University next year. She averaged 19 points and 15 rebounds per game last season.

Pewamo-Westphalia won the CMAC last year with a 15-1 record and finished 18-5 overall. The Pirates suffered heavy graduation losses but do return senior forward Marlena Klein (5’11”), who earned all-state honors last season.

Nouvel Catholic Central made it all the way to the Class C state final last year before falling to Manchester. Plenty of talent returns from that team, led by senior Rachel McInerney (6’2″). The Ferris State University commitment averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game last year and gives Nouvel a dominating player in the paint. Junior forward Nicole Buckingham (5’10”) added nine points and six rebounds, while sophomore guard Laurel Jacqmain added eight points per game.

   

Top players in the state

Micheala Dekilder, sr., Gobles; Reyna Frost, jr., Reese; Meredith Hamlet, jr., McBain; Elisa Jurmu, sr., Houghton; Zakiya Wells, jr., Arbor Preparatory

 

Top area players

Mikayla Duflo, jr., Carson City-Crystal; Karli Herrington, sr., Hemlock; Marlena Klein, sr., Pewamo-Westphalia; Rachel McInerney, sr., Nouvel; Sarah Miller, sr., Montabella; Melanie Schafer, sr., Beal City; Jordan Schneider, jr., Beal City; Addie Schuacher, sr., Beal City; Emily Severn, sr., New Lothrop; Taylor Smith, sr., Montabella

 

CLASS D

Top teams statewide: Forest Park, Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral, Our Lady of the Lakes

Crystal Falls returns all five starters from a team that reached the state quarterfinals before falling to St. Ignace. Included in the group is perhaps the premier player in the entire state in senior Lexi Gussert (6’0″). One of the most highly recruited players in the state, Gussert finally selected Michigan State University. Last year, she averaged 32.5 points per game. Forward Kendra Campbell averaged 10 points per game, while point guard Maria Stankewicz also returns.

 

Top area teams

Fowler, Fulton, Lansing Christian, Sacred Heart Academy, Portland St. Patrick Catholic

Fowler turned in a 13-8 record last year and is primed for another strong season. Senior center Kelsie Feldpausch (5’8″) is a two-time all-conference player. The Eagles also return junior guard Kara Schafer.

Fulton enjoyed success last year. It won a district title and advanced to the regional final while going 13-10. Senior forward Gabi Seida (5’9″) leads the returnees along with senior guard Amanda Madden.

Lansing Christian went 22-2 last year and reached the regional final. While the Pilgrims graduated a number of key players, they do return senior Mikayla Terry (5’10”), who gives the team a strong presence in the post.

Sacred Heart Academy captured a regional championship last year and has plenty of talent on hand for a similar run this year. Junior point guard Sara Hansen (5’8″) is a returning all-state player who averaged 13 points per game. Junior guard Riley Terwilliger (5’6″) is another all-around athlete returning in the backcourt. The Irish also have plenty of size up front. Junior Lexie Methner (6’0″) is a strong rebounder and defender, while sophomore Averi Gamble (6’3″) has outstanding size and is a potential impact player.

Portland St. Patrick went 15-1 in the CMAC last year and 20-2 overall. The Shamrocks graduated a number of talented players but do return senior Danielle Simon (5’8″), who is one of the top players in the area. 

    

 

Top players in the state

Cassidy Boensch, so., AuGres-Sims; Kari Borowiak, sr., Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral; Emiliegh Ferguson, sr., Bear Lake; Vanessa Freberg, sr., Superior Central; Emily Gerulis, sr., Plymouth Christian Academy; Charity Godbold, sr., Southfield Christian; Alexis Gussert, sr., Forest Park; Koryann Hincka, sr., Posen; Brooke Howard, sr., Mendon; Kristen Massey, sr., Franklin Road Christian; Taylor Richards, jr., Calvary Christian

  

Top area players

Malory Carlson, sr., Crossroads Charter Academy; Kelsie Feldpausch, sr., Fowler; Sara Hansen, sr., Sacred Heart Academy; Gabi Seida, sr., Fulton; Danielle Simon, sr., Portland St. Patrick Catholic; Mikayla Terry, sr., Lansing Christian; Courtney Wolf, jr., Morrice

 

CLASS A

Top teams statewide: Detroit King, Marian, Muskegon, Grosse Pointe South

King has one of the tallest teams in the state and plenty of players coming back from a squad that went 22-1 last year.

Marian has been one of the most consistent teams in the state the past several years and has an athletic squad led by Laura Burton (6’1″), who can score inside or out.

Grosse Pointe South has been the Class A runner-up the last two years and will make another run at the state title, led by junior point guard Cierra Rice.  

 

Top area teams

DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Greenville, Midland, Rockford

DeWitt went 17-4 last year and also has a deep and talented squad. Senior Hannah Stoll (6’0″) is headed to Michigan Technological University next year and is an excellent shooter. Senior Natalie Knauf (5’6″) is an athletic guard, while junior Claudia Reid is another excellent shooter. Lexi Banaszak (5’11”) and junior Abby Nakfoor (5’10”) offer size and rebounding up front.

Grand Ledge reached the state quarterfinals last season and finished the year with a 21-5 record. The Comets return a host of talent this season. Senior twins Lindsay and Hannah Orwat averaged a combined 31 points per game last year and are dangerous either shooting from the perimeter or driving to the bucket. Junior Cori Crocker (6’3″) is an outstanding athlete who nearly averaged a double-double in points and rebounds last year. Cori Drake (6’1″) adds more size up front, while Lauren Bachert and Sophia Guzman are skilled point guards.

Greenville returns a load of talent from a team that turned in an 18-5 record last year and captured the OK Bronze title. Senior post Leah Somerfield (6’1″) is a four-year starter who averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game a year ago. Senior Nikota Howe (5’10”) is another veteran back for a team with good size and quickness.  

Midland is led by senior Jessica Walter (5’11”), who is one of the best players in the state and a Miss Basketball candidate. She is a versatile talent who averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game last year. Lily Hami (5’10”) is another offensive threat who averaged 15 points per game a year ago, while Emily Reser (5’9″) returns in the post.

Rockford finished second to state champion Grand Haven in the OK Red last season. The Rams have seven veterans back from a team that went 15-6. Junior Logan McCane (5’9″) is an outstanding guard, while Megan Datema (5’10”) makes big plays on both ends of the floor. Senior Lauren Imhoff (5’11”) is a force in the post.

 

Top players in the state:

Ariel Bethea, jr., Ann Arbor Huron; Erika Davenport, jr., Clarkston; Candice Leatherwood, sr., Mercy; Sade’ Lemons, jr., Sterling Heights; Kerri McMahan, sr., Novi; Cierra Rice, jr., Grosse Pointe South; Asia Robeson, sr., Kalamazoo Central

   

Top area players

Cori Crocker, jr., Grand Ledge; Tara Lierman, jr., Holt; Logan McCane, jr., Rockford; Hannah Orwat, sr., Grand Ledge; Lindsay Orwat, sr., Grand Ledge; Kamrin Reed, so., Holt; Claudia Reid, jr., DeWitt; Leah Somerfield, sr., Greenville; Hannah Stoll, sr., DeWitt; Jessica Walter, sr., Midland

  

CLASS B

Top teams statewide: Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids South Christian, Three Rivers, Wayland Union

Benton Harbor has one of the top one-two scoring punches in the state in the Gondrezick sisters. Junior Kalabrya averaged over 17 points per game last year, while sophomore Kysre averaged over 29 points per game as a freshman. It adds another talented freshman this year in Kaniya Washington (6’3″).

South Christian has an athletic squad that reached the final four last year. Senior Cassie Vredevoogd (6’0″) is an athletic post player. Senior Rene Broekhuizen (5’11”) is a versatile forward who can do a number of things.

Three Rivers center Teagan Reeves (6’2″) is another Miss Basketball candidate. The Western Michigan University recruit averaged 21 points and 11 boards last year. Wayland Union junior Presley Hudson (5’5″) is a talented point guard with unlimited range on her shot. She has already committed to Central Michigan University.  

 

Team area teams:

John Glenn, Clare, Corunna, Eaton Rapids, Powers Catholic, Goodrich, Haslett, Ionia, Bullock Creek, Portland

John Glenn has one of the most talented young teams in the area. The Bobcats reached the district finals last year, where they fell to Bullock Creek. Sophomore Jenai LaPorte is one of the top sophomores in the state and is joined by fellow sophomore Jamie Brisson.

Clare suffered heavy graduation losses last year, but with all-everything guard Lindsay Winter (5’7″) back for her senior year, the Pioneers will still be a force. Last year, Winter averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. Senior center Corinne Wezensky (5’11”) and senior forward Alex Stark (5’8″) also return.   

Corunna turned in a 14-7 record last year and finished second in the CAAC White. Senior center/forward Payton Birchmeier (6’1″) is a multi-dimensional player and a force in the paint. The Cavaliers have plenty of experience returning. Senior guard Lauren Ruess (5’7″) heads up the backcourt along with talented sophomore guard Skylar Napier (5’5″).

With nine seniors back from a team that turned in an 18-3 mark last year, Eaton Rapids has big aspirations heading into the season. Senior post Allie Dittmer (6’1″) is a dominating center who averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds last year will play at Hillsdale College. The Greyhounds have plenty of size with Bailey Baker (5’10”) back up front along with point guard Emily Reinecke (5’11”) and Kathryn Mills (5’11”) on a wing.

Powers Catholic returns a trio of starters from a team that went on a sizzling tournament run and reached the Class B state final. Senior point guard Sarah Ruhstorfer (5’5″) is a talented floor general who can also drain the three-point shot. Ally Haran is an athletic player who can play any of the five positions on the court. Michela Coury (6’1″) gives the Chargers a low-post threat. She averaged 10 points and 14 rebounds per game last year. 

Defending Class B state champion Goodrich suffered heavy graduation losses but still has plenty of talent. Junior guard Tania Davis (5’5″) is one of the top juniors in the state and averaged 17 points per game last year. Junior Isabella O’Brien (6’1″) gives the Martians good size in the post, while sophomore Lexi Sevillian is an outstanding all-around player. 

Haslett has a wealth of talent returning from a team that went 19-4 last season before fallng to eventual state champion Goodrich in the regional semifinal. All five starters return, led by athletic junior post Makenna Ott (5’10”). Sophomore Karson Tripp (6’0″) adds more size up front. Junior point guard Kenzie DeCook runs the offense, while junior Adrianna Stolicker (5’8″) is an outstanding three-point shooter. 

Ionia turned in a 15-9 record last year and returns a talented senior core. Senior guards Taylor Bovee (5’8″) and Sarah Swartz (5’9″) both earned all-state honors last season. Up front, junior post Anna Riccius (5’11”) earned all-league honors and gives the Bulldogs a potent inside-outside game. 

There may not be a more talented young team in the area than Bullock Creek. Last year, it turned in a 23-4 record and reached the state semifinals. Four starters return from that team, and this year’s starting lineup will have three juniors and two sophomores. Junior guard Ellie Juengel (5’8″) is the top returning scorer at 14 points per game. Fellow junior guard Hannah Heldt added 10 points per game. Up front, junior forward Halee Nieman (5’10”) averaged 13 points and six rebounds. Sophomores Alyssa Mudd at forward and Madison Hill at guard add even more talent.

Portland captured the CAAC White with a perfect 10-0 record last year and finished 17-4 overall. The Raiders return a pair of all-conference players in senior forward Allison Russell (5’9″) and senior guard Madison Adams. Senior forward Allie Grys (5’9″) is another returning veteran.

       

 

Top players in the state:

Kalabrya Gondrezick, jr., Benton Harbor; Kysre Gondrezick, so., Benton Harbor; Teagan Reeves, sr., Three Rivers; Madison Valko, sr., Marysville; Hayley Walkowski, sr., Olivet

 

Top area players

Payton Birchmeier, sr., Corunna; Taylor Bovee, sr., Ionia; Michela Coury, sr., Powers; Tania Davis, jr., Goodrich; Allie Dittmer, sr., Eaton Rapids; Allison Haran, sr., Powers; Hannah Heldt, jr., Bullock Creek; Ellie Juengel, jr., Bullock Creek; Jenai LaPorte, so., John Glenn; Halee Nieman, jr., Bullock Creek; Makenna Ott, jr., Haslett; Adrianna Stolicker, jr., Haslett; Sarah Swartz, sr., Ionia; Lindsay Winter, sr., Clare

 

 

 

Amanda Madden scored 22 points to lead Fulton-Middleton over Ithaca 49-43 on Friday. Fulton is 1-0. Ithaca was up 13-5 after the first quarter and 22-18 at halftime. But Fulton had a 10-5 scoring edge in the third quarter and 21-16 in the fourth. Madden had seven field goals for Fulton including four 3-pointers and hit four free throws. Gabi Seida had three field goals and four free throws for 10 points. Connor Proctor had two field goals, plus a 3-pointer and two free throws for seven points.

 

Ithaca girls basketball team fell to 0-2 with a 49-43 loss to Fulton-Middleton on Friday. Ithaca was up 13-5 after the first quarter and 22-18 at halftime. But Fulton had a 10-5 scoring edge in the third quarter and 21-16 in the fourth. Ithaca was led by Kylee Chaffn with 10 points, followed by Lacie Mates with in points, Courtney Cooley with eight points and Colby Cramer and Mikayla Borrows with four points apiece.