Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Girls Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 17, 2026
The return of winter – in a massive way – has made getting into this final week of the MHSAA girls basketball season a little complicated, to put it more lightly than the snow has been falling.
But plans are set, and all Quarterfinals are a go – to be played tonight and Wednesday – with one more win needed to keep the road trip going all the way to East Lansing.
Below are quick glances at all 16 matchups. Games tip off at 7 p.m. today unless noted. Details on tickets, brackets and more can be found on the Girls Basketball page. To watch all 16 games online, visit the NFHS Network.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com. (Abbreviations below denote ppg - points per game, rpg - rebounds per game, apg - assists per game, and spg - steals per game.)
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Cass City 54, Sandusky 30 Cass City (19-5) in Division 3 clinched its first Regional championship in this sport while avenging a regular-season loss to Sandusky (23-2).
2. Onekama 49, Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 47 A last-second basket over the Irish (19-6) gave the Portagers (18-7) this Division 4 win and their first Regional title since 1997.
3. Detroit Renaissance 62, Wayne Memorial 60 (2 OT) Renaissance (21-2) advanced to this week by winning this Division 1 thriller, avenging a 22-point regular-season loss to the Zebras (21-3).
4. Ishpeming 40, Ewen-Trout Creek 29 The Hematites (22-3) clinched their Regional title by downing last season’s Division 4 runner-up in E-TC (22-4).
5. Fraser 47, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 43 Fraser (24-2) claimed its first Regional title since 2006 by coming back from 11 points down to catch Anchor Bay (23-3).
Quarterfinals at a Glance
DIVISION 1
Muskegon (23-2) vs. Grand Haven (23-3) at Hudsonville
These two met Jan. 28, with Grand Haven winning 47-46. The Big Reds haven’t lost since, and they have a big-time scorer in senior guard and Miss Basketball Award finalist Marian Sain (20.2 ppg, 42 3-pointers) – who is making nearly 48 percent of her 3-point tries. Grand Haven does damage in the post led by 6-foot-4 junior center Mallory Woiteshek (15.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.3 bpg), one of the state’s top volleyball players.
Utica Eisenhower (23-2) vs. Fraser (24-2) at Detroit Mercy
Eisenhower is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 1982, and Fraser in its first since 2006. Guard Janielle Turner is one of three sophomore Eisenhower starters and leads four Eagles scoring in double figures at 13 ppg. Senior forward Brynn Norbeck (13 ppg, 9.1 rpg) and 6-3 freshman center Nylah Bell (11.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 3.1 bpg) are a powerful pair in the post for the Ramblers.
DeWitt (21-4) vs. Belleville (25-1) at Mason
This is a rematch from a year ago, when Belleville won 59-54. The reigning Division 1 champion Tigers this winter have avenged their lone loss to Howell with a 58-44 Regional Semifinal win last week and again boast Miss Basketball Award finalist Se’Crette Carter and 2027 favorite Sydney Savoury. DeWitt graduated two 1,000-point scorers after last season but has made it all the way back with senior forward Carly Dennis (12.1 ppg) leading a balanced lineup.
Dearborn (14-11) vs. Detroit Renaissance (21-2) at Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
Dearborn is coming off its first Regional championship and notably achieved that starting four sophomores and junior, with that junior – 6-2 center Zeinab Homayed – leading the way at 14 points, 11 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Renaissance got past Wayne Memorial 62-60 in overtime to advance, avenging a 22-point loss from December. Senior forward Jaebri’an Autry sets the pace at 15 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
DIVISION 2
Petoskey (22-3) vs. Flint Powers Catholic (23-3) at Lake City, Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Petoskey won its second Regional title this week and will play in its first Quarterfinal since 1999. Three Northmen – all underclassmen – score between 10-13 points per game, with freshman guard Elaina Flynn tops at 13 ppg and joined by sophomore guard Lyla Janes (10.3 ppg) and freshman forward Ella Sulitis (10 ppg). Two of Powers’ losses came to teams playing in Division 1 Quarterfinals. Senior guard Kendyl Smith was a Miss Basketball Award finalist and averages 17.8 points, 4.7 assists and three assists per game.
Tecumseh (24-2) vs. Carleton Airport (24-2) at Chelsea
Reigning Division 2 champion Tecumseh has given up more than 39 points only once over its last 14 wins and has five players scoring at least nine points per game led by sisters freshman Avery (13.3 ppg) and junior Addi Zajac (13.2). Airport is making its first trip to the Quarterfinals and riding a 16-game winning streak. Junior Sophia Mator (16.7 ppg) and senior Olivia Gratz (15.4) are the lead scorers from a potent guard-driven attack.
Detroit Country Day (15-9) vs. Goodrich (26-0) at St. Clair County Community College
Goodrich is playing in a Quarterfinal for the fourth-straight season and hasn’t lost since last year’s against Tecumseh. Junior guard Baylor Lauinger scores a team-high 15.5 ppg with a team-best 4.2 assists per contest for the Martians. After losses the last two seasons to Detroit Edison – including in last season’s Quarterfinal – and another in December, Country Day defeated the Pioneers 51-43 in a Regional Semifinal on the way to this week. Senior guard Naiya Krispin scores a team-high 14.9 ppg and is a strong outside shooter.
Grand Rapids West Catholic (20-5) vs. Grand Rapids South Christian (26-0) at Hudsonville Unity Christian
This will be the third meeting this season between the Ottawa-Kent Conference Gold champion Sailors and runner-up West Catholic, with South Christian winning the first two by 11 and six points. The Sailors have four players scoring between 10-13 points per game, and also four who have made at least 30 3-pointers this season – senior guard Lizzie Wolthuis is on both lists at 12 ppg and 64 3s. Sophomore guard Kenley Slanger is the top perimeter threat for the Falcons at 16.8 ppg while making 35 percent of her 3-point attempts.
DIVISION 3
Cass City (19-5) vs. Pewamo-Westphalia (24-2) at Millington
After taking its only loss last season in its Regional Final, P-W has advanced a step farther. Sophomore forward Adrianna Eklund (12.8 ppg) and senior guard Elly Bengel (12) lead a balanced lineup with several strong 3-point shooters. Cass City won its first Regional title last week, avenging a 17-point loss to Sandusky from the regular-season finale. Sophomore Skylar Ignash (19.2 ppg) and freshman Isabella Bennett (13.5) are a talented one-two scoring punch who make the future bright as well.
Roscommon (20-3) vs. Morley Stanwood (22-3) at Lake City
Roscommon is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 1996 and has advanced by winning all of its postseason games by at least 16 points. Morley Stanwood is back for the first time since winning the Class C title in 2012, with senior forward Katelynne Nawrot (17.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) setting the pace in the post and potentially matching up with Roscommon senior forward Alex Carper (11.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg) near the basket.
Jackson Lumen Christi (22-3) vs. Plymouth Christian Academy (21-5) at Ypsilanti Lincoln
The Titans are playing in a Quarterfinal for the second-straight season, with sophomore point guard Kenna Hunt (19.9 ppg, 3.8 spg) continuing to establish herself among the top players in her class statewide. PCA has made a nice jump this season from 12-12 a year ago, paced by four senior starters and leading scorer Lauren Scott, a freshman guard averaging 16.1 ppg with 58 3-pointers.
Hart (16-9) vs. Niles Brandywine (25-1) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
Hart won its first Regional title since 2023 and rebounded from a few stumbles at the end of the regular season, avenging losses to Shelby and Kent City along the way. Junior guard Rilynn Porter leads at 15.3 ppg with 59 3-pointers and also more than three assists and three steals per contest. Brandywine is seeking to reach Breslin for the third-straight season and with two starters back from a year ago in junior Lily Gill (13.7 ppg) and senior Karleigh Byrd (9.3).
DIVISION 4
Morenci (25-1) vs. Kingston (26-0) at West Bloomfield
This may be the most intriguing Quarterfinal of all, with the only loss between these teams Morenci’s to Brooklyn Columbia Central two months ago. Kingston fell a game short of reaching the final week last season but is back led by senior guard Molly Walker (29.1 ppg, 71 3-pointers), who went over 2,000 career points in the team’s Regional Final win. Morenci has a top perimeter scorer as well in senior guard Emersyn Bachelder (18.1 ppg).
Ishpeming (22-3) vs. Indian River Inland Lakes (22-3) at Gaylord, Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Ishpeming is just two years removed from winning the Division 4 title and is one game away from playing at Breslin again, with senior guard Jenessa Eagle (24.4 ppg) and senior center Mya Hemmer (16.6) starters from that previous run. Inland Lakes is playing in its first Quarterfinal after playing into Regionals the last three seasons. Senior forward Chloe Robinson leads a balanced attack at 13.1 ppg.
Frankfort (17-7) vs. Onekama (18-7) at Cadillac
Both posted some of last week’s biggest headlines, Frankfort downing Mio and then handing Gaylord St. Mary just its second loss and Onekama winning its first Regional title since 1997. Frankfort defeated Onekama by six and four in their meetings this season. Senior forward Addie Jarosz (11.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg) is a stat-sheet filler for the Panthers, and junior guard Ava Mauntler leads a balanced Portagers lineup in scoring (10.5 ppg) and assists.
Portland St. Patrick (21-5) vs. Concord (24-2) at Mason
Concord is playing to reach the Semifinals for the second-straight season as it seeks a first championship to go with that won by its boys team Saturday. Senior guard Cieara Barrett (18.7 ppg) and junior guard Bradie Lehman (18.6) have both reached 1,000 career points this season. Portland St. Patrick is playing its first Quarterfinal since 2012, with junior guard Gracelyn Rockey (15.5 ppg) a force leading the team in scoring, 3-pointers, rebounds (6.8), assists, steals (3.4) and blocks.
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PHOTOS (Top) Kingston senior Molly Walker (left) leads a rush up court during her team’s Regional Final victory over Deckerville on Wednesday. (Middle) Utica Eisenhower’s Madison Repicky (0) walls off the lane during her team’s Regional Final win over Clarkston. (Below) Ewen-Trout Creek's McKayla Basel (30) and Bree Besonen (2) and Ishpeming's Mya Hemmer go after a loose ball during their Division 4 Regional Final. (Kingston/Deckerville photo by Kolleth Photo. Eisenhower/Clarkston photo by Terry Lyons. Ishpeming/Ewen-Trout Creek photo by Cara Kamps.)
Riley Sisters, Fowler Hold Off Baraga Rush to Earn Repeat Opportunity
By
Dean Holzwarth
Special for MHSAA.com
March 17, 2022
EAST LANSING – With Thursday night’s Division 4 Semifinal hanging in the balance, Fowler coach Nathan George knew who he could count on.
In fact, he knew two players he could look lean on in tense moments, and they happen to be from the same family.
Emma and Mia Riley made clutch free throws during the final minute to stave off a furious comeback attempt from upset-minded Baraga.
The Eagles hung on to defeat the Vikings 51-45 at the Breslin Center and advance to the Finals for the second straight year as they seek to repeat as Division 4 champions.
“They play a lot of basketball, so there’s not a lot of situations where they get truly overwhelmed,” George said. “So I had confidence in them that they were going to hit free throws. It got crazy late, but we were lucky the ball bounced our way and we were able to put the game away.”
Mia Riley, a senior, delivered a double-double with a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Emma, a junior, had 17 points and nine rebounds.
Clinging to a one-point lead (45-44) with 54 seconds left, Mia Riley made a pair of free throws to extend the lead.
After Baraga’s Reide Osterman made 1 of 2 free throws, it was Emma Riley’s turn with 29 seconds left, and she too calmly knocked down both to give the Eagles a four-point cushion.
“It’s like everything you’ve ever practiced for and it makes all that hard work pay off when you can be in that position and finally get the chance to prove yourself,” Mia Riley said. “That was the time to step up, and I’m thankful that I did it.”
Said Emma Riley: “It was pretty scary to be up there and just knowing that we needed the free throws, but we just had to do exactly what we always practice and they should fall.”
Fowler (23-3) will have the opportunity to repeat as Division 4 champion facing Plymouth Christian Academy in Saturday’s 10 a.m. Final.
“Since we've been here before, we’re somewhat used to playing at the Breslin so it’s kind of a comforting thing to know that we’ve been here and we’ve done it before,” Mia Riley said. “We can do it again, and we have those capabilities. It’s a lot nicer since we can have the stands filled and it's not so quiet like last year.”
Fowler built a commanding first-quarter lead as its defense forced turnovers that led to easy baskets on the other end.
Avery Koenigsknecht knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap a 12-0 run as the Eagles held a 17-4 advantage.
Baraga trimmed the deficit to 28-18 by halftime and got as close as one from the lead twice during the decisive fourth quarter.
“Give Baraga a lot of credit because they played a good game and probably worked harder than us overall,” George said. “That's something I didn’t expect, and we need to be much more focused and play with more energy come Saturday. I fully believe we will, but I hope this was a wake-up call for the girls and I know it was for me.”
Baraga (23-2) was making its first trip to the Semifinals since 1992, and was the only Upper Peninsula school to make it this far this week.
First-year coach Tyler Larson was proud of his team’s effort in nearly erasing the early double-digit deficit and upsetting the reigning champion.
“Just a tough one,” Larson said. “We didn’t come out the way we wanted to, but we kept it close enough where we could hang around in the second half.
“It was like a boxing match with taking turns swinging and landing punches. We climbed our way back, and I’m very proud of the way the girls handled a little adversity on such a big stage. We just fell a little short in the end.”
Osterman, a senior, led the Vikings with 17 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Makenna Hendrickson added eight points and eight rebounds.
PHOTOS (Top) Fowler’s Mia Riley (25) drives the lane during Thursday’s Division 4 Semifinal win at Breslin Center. (Middle) Baraga’s Kylie Michaelson (15) gets a shot up over the Eagles’ defense. (Click for more from Hockey Weekly Action Photos.)