Written Friday March 21st at 1:48 PM
These are the shortcomings for girls basketball for 2024-2025. Waterford will also be added with the news they are coming into the league.
This will be updated.
Clarkston: The Wolves are built for the next few years to be a force despite some questions and major concerns. Clarkston won the Red and districts but lost in the regional final for the second straight year falling 47-42 to West Bloomfield. They lose Ellery Hernandez, Ella Morgner, Marley Mazur, and Kiera Zorski. The Wolves have Lexie Fry, Elianna Robak, Brooklyn Covert, Kayla Butki, Bella Flavin, Makayla Bond, Brooke Bond, Claire Alexander, and Ava Waslik coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Program strength is solid. They do have a few names to watch in Kylin Cumberworth and Sydney Miles. Clarkston should be back with a ton of proven experience and program strength but staleness is a concern next season.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had an up and down year playing a really tough schedule starting 1-4 on the year but went 19-5 along with winning a district and regional crown making it to Michigan State for the fourth straight year falling 60-55 to Belleville in the Division One State Finals. They lose Ava Lord, Breanna Gamble-Jones, Breasia Gamble Jones, and Jaylee Head. West Bloomfield has Sheridan Beal, Londyn Hall, Tiara Hopkins-Butler, Rio Kuronita, Lanie Williams, Samiya McPherson, Kaela Hall, Ese Uwedjojevwe, Sydni Shinaul, and Kumi Takatsu coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Program strength looks to be solid for McAllister. Ball handling will be something to watch this offseason with the Lakers.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have a ton of questions despite winning 14 games this season. They fell 49-46 on a very controversial call on their home floor to Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. They lose Merrick Schwalbach, Mikayla Gendich, Sophie Bodzick, Taylor Fulkerson, and Jenna Cook. Stoney Creek has Abigail Ivezaj, Izzy Ivezaj, Calista Ivezaj, Kendall Collier, Jessica Kennedy, Zara Nigl, Samantha Fulkerson, and Jadelynn Freeman coming back for Coach Columbus Williams. Program strength is a big concern for Williams. The Cougars will be a team to watch this offseason especially with the internal issues.
Lake Orion: This is going to be a huge offseason for the Dragons when it comes to development. Lake Orion won 13 games but fell in a tough 59-56 district finals to Clarkston in overtime for the second straight year losing in heartbreaking fashion. They lose Izzy Wotlinski, Charlotte Peplowski, and Mel Guccione. The Dragons have LaLa Hill, Riley House, Dani Heck, Kara Veeder, Jasmine Randolph, Liz Crawford, Brooke Armstrong, and Audrey Heist coming back for Coach Bob Brydges. House is out for the summer and fall because of an ACL/MCL tear in her knee which is a huge loss. Program strength looks solid for Brydges with the freshmen going unbeaten and players like Abby Neering, Addi Wotlinski, and Mary Graves are players to watch. This summer will be key for Lake Orion when it comes to development.
Oxford: The Wildcats are in a really interesting spot this offseason. Oxford had three coaches during the offseason and despite all of that Oxford managed to be very competitive with the circumstances and earned the second seed in their district but fell 36-33 to Davison in the district semifinals. They lose Sophia Rabb, Allison Hufstedler, Emma Beggs, Nina Kraft, Vivian Cruz, Teagan Lepping, and Brynley Cardona. The Wildcats have Tegan O'Connor, Mia Champagne, Kaitlyn Brockway, Cameron Quidort, Jayden Jacobsen, and Clare Bruski coming back for Coach Trevor Marshall. Program strength looks solid. Oxford is a really interesting team to watch this offseason.
Ferndale: Things did not go as planned for the Eagles being in the Red despite getting the top seed and won their district but lost 77-27 to Detroit Edison in the regional finals. Ferndale lost to everyone in the division at least once and they had a coaching change midseason with Devon Pettaway taking over the program but he had stepped down from the program. The Eagles had Kamara Paige and Gabrielle Brooks who were transfers from Southfield Arts and Tech and Macomb Dakota respectably leave the team. Ferndale has a lot of questions this offseason. They lose Demi Bolton and Niyah Rapley. The Eagles have Zahra Richardson, Iyana Davis, Kaniya Watts, JaNiya Larry, and Malia Taylor coming back. It's unknown if they will be together or they could transfer out of Ferndale. Program strength is a serious concern for the new coach. It's clear Ferndale needs to go down at least two divisions with the questions that surrounds this program.
Rochester: The Falcons had a really strong year winning the White, 19 games, and earning the second seed in their district but they had a really tough 35-32 loss to Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. They lose Alice Max and Kiley Robinson, both were four year players along with Marissa Wilkens. Rochester had some key players step up in Stella Marlow, Taylor Parsons, Emma Max, Madelyn Hillmer, Angela Cichowski, and Arisara MacDonald coming back for Coach Andrew Toppie. Program strength looks to be solid for the Falcons. Rochester is likely in line to be back in the Red but they will need to likely change their approach without Max and Robinson who were stalwarts for the Falcons.
Troy: The Colts had a really interesting season that saw a ton of ups and downs winning eight games this season which included an upset 45-43 win over Utica Ford II in their final regular season game. Troy got back at their arch rivals after falling to them in the regular season but fell 45-33 to Berkley in the district semifinals. They lose Reagan Zeiter, Sophia Kaltsounis, Kelsey Block, Savannah Oddy, Aly Matuza, and Victoria Siegan. Troy has Diamond Prince, Maci Zeiter, Carly Higginbottom, Srujana Uppalapati, and Olivia Spangler coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Higginbottom and Zeiter play softball for Guzman. Prince is coming off knee surgery and will look to have a bounce back season. Prince's injury and health will be something to watch this offseason as will be Zeiter, Spanger, and Higginbottom's development. Program strength looks to be solid as the Colts have a very strong freshman class going to be sophomores heading into next season. Troy will be a program to watch this offseason.
Seaholm: The Maples had a ton of expectations coming into the season but they did not meet them not winning the White or did they win their district which they fell 53-43 to Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals. They have a boatload of experience they lose in Ella Gifford, Mary Gumbus, Addy Flynn, Taylor Hartwig, Emma Weber, Sophie Sullivan, and Ella Koosis. Seaholm has Addy Kitzman, Hazel Guffey, Jada Josifovski, Leah Stanford, Shea Simpson, and Erin Sheckell coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Program strength will be something to watch for the Maples. Seaholm will be a different team next season that is for sure.
Groves: The Falcons were a really young team this season despite winning six games and falling 55-33 to Bloomfield Hills in the first round. They lose Rose Strauda which is a big loss however they have the majority of their team coming back which is huge for the second season of a new coaching staff. Groves has Jacey Roy, Harlem Simpson, Sophie Schwanik, Kinley Roy, Cece Cardenas, Genevieve Meihn, Sofia Acuna, Charlie Gress, Sam Kacin, and Julie Audebeau coming back for Coach Jessica Duebla. Program strength is a concern for Duebla along with size in the interior. The Falcons could be a team that could take a huge step heading into next season.
Royal Oak: The Ravens were around 500 this season which was unusual for their standards. They won their district however they fell 55-21 to Warren Cousino in the regional semifinals. They lose Chelsea Thelen, Jordan Hills, Hannah Saunders, Lucy Freytag, and Maddie Lawrence. Royal Oak has Dimyah Jackson, Alyssa Rozycki, Lydia Dickens, Mia Maccini, Allie Hills, and Vivian Lawrence coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. Program strength is a concern for Sopota and will be something to watch this offseason.
Bloomfield Hills: It was a really interesting year for the Blackhawks after winning the district crown last season but fell 54-45 to Birmingham Marian in the district finals. They lose a lot of proven experience in Brianna Young, Giselle Haddad, Elisa Mina, Eva Micallef, Dasceel Basmajian, Parus Dhillion, Kaynna Jordan, and Sadie Douglas. Bloomfield Hills has Sophie Laramie, Summer Alhimiri, Brielle Brooks, Isabella Papa, Liana Le, Iris Jenney, and Evia Barbu coming back for Coach Renardo Brown. Program strength will be really interesting to watch this offseason. Bloomfield Hills will be a team to watch next season.
Avondale: It was a great bounce back year for the Yellow Jackets winning 18 games and the Blue this season but fell 59-50 to Lake Orion in the district semifinals. They lose Khalia Bradley, Amaria Daniel, Morgan McPherson, Anchal Watson, Madison Manyweathers, and Lauren Mango. Avondale has Sasha McClellan, Mariah Wood, Janaye Richardson, Anai Collier, Omaryah Hardie, and Raven Caldwell coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Program strength is something to watch and a concern for the Yellow Jackets. It will be a really interesting offseason to see what Avondale has especially replacing a strong senior class and more pressure will likely be on McClellan to do more as well.
Adams: The Highlanders had an injury filled season but they were much improved winning 10 games however fell 37-33 to Romeo in the first round. They lose Neveah Williams, Lena Schehr, Isabelle Bass, Molly Snook, Kaliee Huffman, Taryn Dalton, and Savannah Hawkins. Adams will have the balk of their scoring and experience in Faith Zoldus, Jordan Jarrell, Layla Tomezak, Regan Moore, Alyssa Stephens, Nora Camaj, and Nadia Heppner coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Program strength looks to be solid but took a bit of a step back as Malburg mentioned on the podcast. Adams is one of those programs on the rise and will be a team to watch this offseason.
Berkley: The Bears have been one of the most successful programs in the last two years. Berkley couldn't get over the district funk falling to arch rival Royal Oak 42-35 in the district finals. They lose Veah Green, Hailey Kirkwood, Lily Larson Wolbrink, Avery Wintergarden, and Madi Bonsall. The Bears have Olivia Church, Amastou Diop, Caliegh Tracy, Nadia Watt, Molly McAskin, Blessing Nweke, and Katelyn Stills coming back for Coach Clay Shaver. Program strength looks solid for Shaver. The Bears will be a team to watch this offseason.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a very successful season winning 15 games and getting the top seed in their district but fell 52-47 to Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. They lose Christen Banks, Jordan Ushery, and Kneiya Ellison. Southfield Arts and Tech has Samiyah Ashford, Desiree Battle, Quimara Salter, Daryn Thompson, Kianna Harrison, and Erica Sheridan coming back for Coach and Athletic Director Shaquita Coltrane. Program strength is a serious concern for the Warriors next season. Southfield Arts and Tech will be a team to watch this offseason.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers were up and down this season despite falling 57-49 to St. Clair Shores South Lake in the district semifinals. They lose Alexis Woods, Taniyah Raymore, NaShanti Reeder, Teonna Gillette, Zaria Hall, KaNya Deer, Kennedy Brown, and Ashley Hunt. Harper Woods has Jayda Davis, Laniyah West, Adorie Stewart, and Amari Hutchinson coming back for Coach LaTonya Tate. Program strength is a concern for the Pioneers. Harper Woods will be a team to watch this offseason.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a really inconsistent season which they fell 41-32 to arch rival Troy in the first round. They lose four seniors in Alex Link, Gabby Putrus, Yasmen Dabbish, and Farida Youseff. Troy Athens has Katrina Tasich, Katie Malone, Vsyanavi Narayan, Lily Cavatito, Erica Obra, Jaya Jackson, Annabelle Beaubien, Taryn Fritzsching, Madi Stencel, Asahari Daram, and Annalise Lorenz coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Program strength looks to be solid. Troy Athens will be a team to watch this offseason.
North Farmington: It was a really challenging season for the Raiders however there was a ton of growth with this team. They fell 62-31 to Birmingham Marian in the first round. North Farmington loses five seniors in Vanessa Cantor, Jane Spears, Elianna Kassab, Melanie Thomas, and Hannah Richardson. They have Shylah Tarin, Hailey Webley, Lucy Nemeth, and Juila Nothstein coming back for Coach Michael Allin. Program strength is a concern and something to watch with the Raiders this offseason.
Farmington: The Falcons made strides winning the Gold and 10 games however they fell 46-39 to Livonia Franklin in the first round. They lose Edimari King and Anna Toranchuk which are big losses. Farmington has Sydney Nogas, Kate Martin, Jaden Kuderka, Anaya Carter, Gaia DeMeester, Sophia Potterfield, Grace Lamott, Brittany Perry, Breanna Drake, and Emma Mohr coming back for Coach Natalie Nowak. Program strength looks concerning despite the majority of their program was on varsity this season. The Falcons will be a team to watch next season.
Pontiac: The Phoenix had a winning season winning nine games and stayed healthy during the season despite falling 60-26 to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood in the first round. Pontiac will look to have back to back seasons of having strong years with everyone including Jordyn Cooley, Essence Thomas, Maliyah Lee, Germani Hall, Dariah Jones, Telaina Lyles, K'Nila Lawerence, Aniyah Shaw, and Chrisah Ratcliff coming back for Coach Christopher Wright next season. The Phoenix could be a team to watch next season.
Ferndale University: The Eagles had a remarkable turnaround going winless last season and winning 10 games under first year coach Bennie Szczepkowski this season but fell 48-20 to Madison Heights Lamphere in the district semifinals. They lose Kayla Sanders and LeAnna Spencer. Ferndale University has Taniyah Cranford, Kadejah Miller, JiNayah Reynolds, Jayda Wilson, TaMayah Hill, TaMary Powell, Kendall Spencer, SuHunye Green, Nuraya Pryor, and Aria Matthews coming back. Program strength looks solid but the majority of the kids were on varsity. It will be Szczepkowski's job to get the athletes to come out and grow this program heading into next season.
Oak Park: It has been a rough few seasons for the Knights and for Coach Tyler Washington. They lose Janielle Lee. Oak Park is 7-27 in the last two years and lost 46-11 to Hamtramck in the first round. The Knights have the majority of their team in Cherish Faulkner, Katelyn Downer, Israel Logan, Zahira Shaw, Zaria Cook, Aliyah Hunter, JaKayla Howard, Honesty Hathorn, Kamara Davis, Dajora Burke, De'Nyah Lloyd, Zatoria Martin, Lanuya Hendon, Aundreya Watkins, and Miniyah Andrews coming back. The Knights have some serious concerns especially with program strength. A rebuild might be in order this offseason especially with what has been going on with the program.
Waterford: It was a really interesting first year for Waterford which combined Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott. Waterford was middle of the pack winning 10 games in the Lakes Valley Conference but fell 57-22 to Clarkston in the district semifinals. They lose Kahri Koskinen, Juliana Lemus, Kylie Nickerson, Natila Santia, Ella McCall, Elle Dripps, and Marissa Trevino. Waterford has Morgan Koskinen, Sophie Munro, Ahmya Gulley, Paytin Eakin, and Savannah Sartorius coming back for Coach Andrew Wellman. Sartotius has been getting a ton of attention for Waterford and will be a player to watch. Program strength is a concern for Waterford and something to also watch. It could be a really interesting year for Waterford next season.
