Free Press high school sports guru Mick McCabe selects the top 20 girls basketball teams in the state (Last season’s records in parenthesis; all players are seniors unless noted.):
1. West Bloomfield (25-1)
The defending Division 1 state champs are overwhelming favorites to repeat. The reasoning is simple, the Lakers return junior twin sisters Indya and Summer Davis, who have both committed to Michigan State. Both are 5 feet 10, Indya averaged 14.9 points, Summer 14.7, and they are terrific players. Making it better is 5-11 Sydney Hendrix (Florida A&M), who is a physical inside player who finds ways to get things done. Her junior sister, Kendal (Loyola, Ill.), 5-11, missed most of last season with an ACL, and she can be effective at any position. Junior Destiny Washington is the team’s defensive stopper and she can handle both guard spots.
2. Rockford (23-2)
The Rams were leading West Bloomfield midway through the fourth quarter in the semifinals last season and they are loaded again. Alyssa Wypych (Michigan Tech), 5-10, hit six 3-pointers and scored 27 points against Byron Center, attacks the basket and plays good defense. Sophom*ore Ann Wypych, 5-11, is a natural scorer from the arc all the way inside and is a budding star.
Junior Grace Lyons made five 3s in that semifinal game last season and made 47% of her triples last season. Freshman Sienna Wolfe, 6-0, comes off the bench and adds scoring in transition.
3. Wayne Memorial (23-3)
An outstanding support player on successful teams in the past, Mayla Ham (Georgetown), 5-10, is the main focus of this team. She averaged 14.7 points and 9.8 rebounds as a junior and is more aggressive this season. She can hit the perimeter jumper and rebounds well. Sophom*ore Colleena Bryant is much more comfortable heading into her second season as the point guard. Paris Bass (North Dakota), 5-11, will become a better scorer and rebounder this season.
Junior Alex Halley is the glue player and is an excellent defender. Two freshmen — Mariah Cross and Morgan Smith — will both contribute toughness and perimeter shooting.
4. Grand Rapids Christian (17-6)
This team had no seniors last season and added Pace Rickard (Rice), who had moved in before last season but tore her ACL. She is fine now and is a tremendous creator, fitting passes into a small pockets and knows how to draw the defense to her and find a teammate. Kaitlyn Larue averaged 16 points last season and can penetrate and shoot from the outside and is at her best in transition. Twins Hannah and Lydia Sall, both 6-2, are the inside players and with their long arms they shrink passing lanes and block shots.
Sophom*ore Sofie Hulst started at the point a year ago and she and Rickard are a perfect combo on this positionless team.
5. Holt (13-6)
Kent State-bound Janae Tyler, 6-0, is coming off a terrific junior season in which she averaged 18.7 points 14 rebounds. She is even stronger this season and her perimeter shooting has improved drastically. Junior Rhema Dozier is a good shooter and excellent defender, Junior Claire Tobias is a classic point guard and she can shoot. Sophom*ore Allison Metzger was on the varsity last season and knows how to get to the basket. Kaylin Howard, 6-2, operates inside, but can float out to the perimeter and hit open jump shots.
6. East Grand Rapids (12-10)
Macy Brown (Michigan), 6-0, is coming off a season in which she averaged 22.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. She runs the point, but also scores from 3-point range and is big enough to be effective in the post. Reagan Weaver, 5-10 sophom*ore, has expanded her range to the 3-point line, and has the footwork to play in the post. Jasmine Honicutt, 5-10, adds a physical presence inside where she will rebound and play strong defense.
Claire Weaver is a lockdown defender and is the fastest player in the league, which helps her score in transition. Junior Vivian LaMange is a lefty shooter whose ability helps stretch the floor for her teammates.
7. Detroit Renaissance (19-5)
First-year head coach DaShaun Wood inherits the best team in the Public School League and it will be even better next season. Junior point guard Christian Sanders can shoot from the perimeter, finish at the basket and get her teammates involved. Junior Nevaeh Otis, 5-10, is a fine combo guard and defends the other team’s best player. Junior Anaya Hardy, 6-3, is a rim runner, racing down the floor for layups. She can score inside, protect the paint and block shots. Junior Makayla Johnson, 6-1, is a stretch-four and scores in bunches.
Sophom*ore Imani Johnson, 6-2, can play the off guard and both forward spots and scores in a variety of places.
8. Grand Rapids West Catholic (25-2)
Abbey Kimball, who lest West Catholic to last season’s D-2 final is at Michigan State now, but there is still a wealth of talent here. Cadence Dykstra (Toledo), 5-10, runs the show and is a tough-as-nails defender. Her outside game is developing and she takes the ball to the basket with the best of them. Elisha Dykstra, 6-0 sophom*ore, averaged 12 points a year ago and she is capable of playing four positions. Junior Reese Polega, 5-11, comes off the bench and puts her long arms to good use keying the press.
Ellie Bies is a steady contributor and sets the tone with her all-out hustle. Junior Emma Tuttle, 5-10, does all of the dirty work inside and rebounds well.
9. Ann Arbor Richard (15-7)
The Irish employ a five-guard offense and that fits this team perfectly. Sophom*ore Charlotte Miller averaged 15 points as point guard and is a good passer and has improved her defense. Freshmen twins Vanessa and Ava Rodriguez are fearless in the way they attack the basket and let it fly from 3-point range. Mikaela Waroway (Calvin soccer), 5-10, is an outstanding athlete. Danielle Hehmann, who had been homeschooled the last three years, will make an immediate impact with her dribble-drive game.
10. Detroit Edison (19-3)
Since 2016, Edison has won four state championships and been knocked out of two tournaments by COVID-19. It has also produced the last four Miss Basketball winners, but that streak should end this season. Dakota Alston (Morgan State) can play three perimeter positions and has become a better defender. Junior Devin Hagemann will add scoring to her point guard duties. Junior Myana Cooksey showed her potential last season with a few breakout scoring games. Junior Bailey Pickens is a lockdown defender and will pick up her scoring this season. Freshman Mariana Jones, 5-11, will provide rebounding and solid defense.
The best player on the team won’t play a minute. That is sophom*ore Isis Musah-Johnson, who along with her twin sister Pria, is sitting out after transferring from Westfield Academy.
11. Byron Center (19-3)
There are some new pieces here, but another successful season is on the horizon. Lily Zeinstra, 6-0, averaged 16.6 points and 7.9 rebounds last season and now takes over the point guard spot. She has excellent vision which allows her to push the tempo and create shots for herself and others. McKenna Ferguson (Wayne State) plays on the wing and can shoot, drive and slash her way to the basket. Makenna Crandall is aggressive and physical and can be an inside force even at 5-7.
Junior Avery DePagter has oodles of defensive energy and she can nail shots from the perimeter.
12. Chelsea (20-4)
One of the best one-two scoring combinations in the state — junior Leila Wells (16.5 points) and Meg McCalla (19.5 points) — lead the Bulldogs, who are talented enough to compete for the D-2 state title. Wells is a strong point guard who plays good defense and scores when needed. McCalla (Saginaw Valley) is a knock down shooter, who scores in a variety of ways. Sophom*ore Avery Lay, 6-1, averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman and can play the point.
Sophom*ore Braiden Scheffler, 5-10, is a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. A killer schedule will likely hamper the won-loss record, but it will prepare the Bulldogs for March.
13. Flint Carman-Ainsworth (18-5)
Chicago Sky assistant coach and former Flint Northwestern legend Tonya Edwards is Ainsworth’s head coach and she has a talented group. Armoni Strozier (Bradley), 6-1, has the size and strength to dominate inside where she is a force. But she can also roam outside and hit jumpers. DeAndre Smith is a slasher and is now able to finish at the rim. Sierra Robinson is the floor general and defends the opposition’s best player. Junior Ravyn Guy is a knockdown three-point threat.
Sophom*ore Armoni Smith is extremely talented with a good jump shot and the ability to attack the basket.
14. Dearborn Divine Child (19-5)
Behind the play of Kennedy Blair (Bowling Green), the Falcons will contend for the Catholic League title are more. Blair averaged 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and is stronger now and absorbing contact and still finishing. Cecilia Vitti (Howard lacrosse) is a lock down defender who will become a better scorer. Sydney Bourdon (Ferris soccer) has a tremendous work ethic and will be a good defender. Hannah Glowinski is finishing better inside and will block shots. Junior Emma Brewis will take some pressure off the rest of her teammates with her perimeter shooting.
15. Saline (17-5)
The young Hornets are going to be a lot better than people think because of their 3-point shooting abilities. Junior Kate Stemmer (Northwood) is one of the top defensive players in the state. She can dictate games with her defensive efforts. She also shares the ball well and has improved her offensive game. Taylor Kangas is explosive off the dribble and is a creative passer. Freshman Keira Roehm is a prolific shooter from beyond the arc. Sophom*ore Kadyn Maida is an athletic wing who is at her best in transition and slashing to the basket.
16. Farmington Hills Mercy (18-5)
The Marlins will have quite a post presence from 6-2 Maya White (Grand Valley State), who is a pass-first player, which makes Mercy better balanced. Sophom*ore Aizlyn Albanese, 5-10, had oodles of potential and is a solid shooter and tough on drives to the basket. Returning point guard Lauren Smiley is experienced and makes good decisions with the ball. Fran DeNardo is capable of playing either guard spot. Junior Ava Lorraine, 5-10, is fundamentally sound and will help inside. Sophom*ore Emily Walker is a good shooter and capable of playing four positions.
17. Grosse Pointe North (18-6)
Anabel Ayrault (Wayne State), 6-0, averaged 15.3 points last season and will add to that this season. She scores in every way possible and is especially good attacking the basket. Junior Natalie Babco*ck, 5-10, runs the floor like a deer and gets a lot of points that way. She has improved her perimeter shooting and making her a threat outside. Sophia Borowski, 5-11, is an absolute workhorse and it shows up in her rebounding and the way she does all of the little things to help North win games.
Junior Jenna Winowiecki will help with the rebounding and has improved her offensive game. Mia Stephanoff protects the ball and adds solid defense.
18. Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (24-2)
Prep graduated the best player in school history, Mya Petticord, but it will be in position to defend its D-3 state championship. The team will revolve around the Utomi twins, who are juniors and were important cogs in the title team. Stacy, 5-10, averaged 11 points and is physical and aggressive and a standout defender and rebounder. Stephanie, 5-11, averaged 10 points and is a strong inside force and rebounder who will defend the other team’s top inside player. Junior Taylor Wallace is a shooting guard who is one of the top 3-point shooters around.
Sophom*ore Eliza Rush is a heady player who plays good defense and will help on the perimeter. Kayla Covington, 6-0, will be a rebounder and shot blocker.
19. Birmingham Detroit Country Day (13-8)
Former all-stater Amber Deane returns to coach her young, but extremely talented alma mater’s team. Jayla Jackson is a tremendous freshman who could be the real deal in all that she does. Junior Emma Arico is the emotional leader of this team that has advanced to the D-2 semifinals the last two seasons. She can run the point and is the best on-the-ball defender. Junior Jaidyn Elam, 5-10, is quick in transition and can block shots. Naiya Kristin is another standout freshman who is a ball handler and a fine shooter.
Sophom*ore Ari’Yana Wiggins is the best finisher at the basket and has excellent hands. Aysia Yokey is another ball handler and good passer.
20. Birmingham Marian (15-7)
Former assistant Michelle Lindsey replaces Mary Lillie after 39 years running the Marian show. Lindsay inherits a young team, which she hopes will continue playing Marian’s tough defense. Mackenzie Swanson, 6-2 junior, will start in the post, but the plans are to move her outside a bit to take advantage of her shooting touch. Sophom*ore Charlie Bingham, 5-10, is another perimeter shooting and she will share a lot of the ball handling duties with sophom*ore Molly McLeod, who nailed four 3-point shots in the opener. Sophom*ore Ruby Jansen, 6-1, is developing into a fine post player.
Mick McCabe is a former longtime columnist for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him atmick.mccabe11@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1. Save $10 on his new book, “Mick McCabe’s Golden Yearbook: 50 Great Years of Michigan’s Best High School Players, Teams & Memories,” by ordering right now atMcCabe.PictorialBook.com
