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.)
Performance: Edison's Rickea Jackson
March 27, 2019
Rickea Jackson
Detroit Edison senior - Basketball
One of the most celebrated basketball careers in MHSAA history came to a close Saturday, as Jackson in her final high school game led Edison to a 77-58 win over Freeland at Van Noord Arena that clinched the Division 2 championship. The 6-foot-3 guard had 28 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals in earning the Michigan Army National Guard “Performance of the Week.”
Jackson, who also had 26 points and eight rebounds in Friday’s Semifinal win over Haslett, previously had keyed the Pioneers’ runs to back-to-back Division 3 titles in 2017 and 2018. Edison became just the sixth school to win at least three straight MHSAA girls basketball championships. The Pioneers finished 27-1 this winter and went a combined 71-7 over the last three. Jackson leaves a massive legacy, with an interesting side note that she also was continuing a family hoops legacy – her mother Caryn (Shinn) Jackson starred for Detroit Murray-Wright during the early 1990s and played at University of Kansas.
Earlier in the week, Rickea Jackson was selected as the 38th Miss Basketball Award winner by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. She finished this season averaging 22.4 points, eight rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 steals and a blocked shot per game and averaged at least 21 points and eight rebounds per game all four seasons of high school. Jackson will play as one of 24 selections for the McDonald’s All-American Game and has signed to continue her career at Mississippi State University, which entered the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 4 nationally and has advanced to this weekend’s Sweet 16. She also excels academically, carrying a GPA above 3.0 into this school year according to her USA Basketball bio.
Coach Monique Brown said: “Just the competitiveness that she has – just pushing in practice, always getting everyone going – that’s the biggest attribute that she really gives us as far as preparing for games. She’s always pushing and pushing, talking and creating practice wars in practice. That makes games look a little easy for us because we’ve been working so hard in practice.”
Performance Point: “I believe my teammates and I have left a huge legacy,” Jackson said of the three-title run. “They’re letting me go off to college with three championships, and I can’t do nothing but thank them for that. It's bittersweet. I'm going to definitely, definitely miss high school, but time goes fast and now I'm going off to college."
Every day against the best: “It started in practice with the major DI (college) prospects we have on our team, it just makes it easier when we go against these other (teams). We’re going against DI prospects every day in practice, and they’re pushing me and not letting up on me, so it definitely takes pressure off me in the game, because I do it in practice every day, so in a game it’s no different.”
All special, in different ways: “The first (championship) was definitely the one that was crazy for us, with all the doubters that we had, but we just fought through adversity and no one thought we could do it. So I would have to say our first championship was the one that really hit me. But this championship means a lot, too, because there was an even bigger target on our back and everyone knows who we are, everybody can see our games on the internet. This is probably one of the hardest ones.”
The next chapter: “My high school career is officially over, which is crazy to say. But I just can’t wait to get down there, show them what I can do and play on a big court.”
- Paul Costanzo, Second Half correspondent
Every week during the 2018-19 school year, Second Half and the Michigan Army National Guard recognizes a “Performance of the Week" from among the MHSAA's 750 member high schools.
The Michigan Army National Guard provides trained and ready forces in support of the National Military Strategy, and responds as needed to state, local, and regional emergencies to ensure peace, order, and public safety. The Guard adds value to our communities through continuous interaction. National Guard soldiers are part of the local community. Guardsmen typically train one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer. This training maintains readiness when needed, be it either to defend our nation's freedom or protect lives and property of Michigan citizens during a local natural disaster.
Past 2018-19 honorees
March 21: Noah Wiswary, Hudsonville Unity Christian basketball - Read
March 14: Cam Peel, Spring Lake swimming - Read
March 7: Jordan Hamdan, Hudson wrestling - Read
February 28: Kevon Davenport, Detroit Catholic Central wrestling - Read
February 21: Reagan Olli, Gaylord skiing - Read
February 14: Jake Stevenson, Traverse City Bay Reps hockey - Read
February 7: Molly Davis, Midland Dow basketball - Read
January 31: Chris DeRocher, Alpena basketball - Read
January 24: Imari Blond, Flint Kearsley bowling - Read
January 17: William Dunn, Quincy basketball - Read
November 29: Dequan Finn, Detroit Martin Luther King football - Read
November 22: Paige Briggs, Lake Orion volleyball - Read
November 15: Hunter Nowak, Morrice football - Read
November 8: Jon Dougherty, Detroit Country Day soccer - Read
November 1: Jordan Stump, Camden-Frontier volleyball - Read
October 25: Danielle Staskowski, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep golf - Read
October 18: Adam Bruce, Gladstone cross country - Read
October 11: Ericka VanderLende, Rockford cross country - Read
October 4: Kobe Clark, Schoolcraft football - Read
September 27: Jonathan Kliewer, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern soccer - Read
September 20: Kiera Lasky, Bronson volleyball - Read
September 13: Judy Rector, Hanover-Horton cross country - Read
PHOTOS: (Top) Detroit Edison's Rickea Jackson brings the ball upcourt during Saturday's Division 2 Final against Freeland. (Middle) Jackson launches a shot from the baseline.