Breslin Bound: Girls Report Post-Break
January 6, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Welcome to 2020 as we charge full steam ahead into the post-holiday portion of a girls basketball season that has begun with the usual mix of predictability and surprises – and will end with a bit of a twist.
Remembering that this season will see the top two teams in each District seeded for the first time, we’d like to take this week to introduce the Michigan Power Ratings (MPR) on MHSAA.com. Teams are searchable and comparable both by division and District number, and every Monday during the regular season we’ll also pull a top 20 in each division and post them on our Second Half rankings page.
There’s a full explanation of how MPR is calculated, and for the rankings teams were considered this week that had played at least four games against opponents that also are eligible for the MHSAA Tournament, since MPR includes only those opponents in its calculation. So you won’t see undefeated Detroit Edison or Menominee in this week’s Second Half rankings – but those teams are sure to join the list over the next week or two as they play more MHSAA opponents.
Below is a look at some of what you may have missed in holiday hoops during the break. “Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com. Send corrections or missing scores to [email protected].
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Grass Lake 43, Pewamo-Westphalia 40 – The Warriors continued building what’s shaping up as a special season by edging the reigning Division 3 champion at the Grand Valley State Holiday Classic.
2. East Grand Rapids 42, Southfield Arts & Technology 41 – The Pioneers should be dangerous contenders in league play and more after finishing their 2019 part of the schedule with a win over last season’s Division 1 runner-up.
3. Detroit Edison 68, Columbus Africentric Early College 59 – The reigning Division 2 champion avenged its lone loss of 2018-19 to move to 6-0 this winter.
4. St. Ignace 65, Ann Arbor Huron 52 – Even with a loss two days later to Ann Arbor Pioneer, Division 4 St. Ignace had to be happy heading home having dealt Division 1 Huron its only defeat.
5. Ypsilanti Arbor Prep 53, Southfield Arts & Technology 50 (2 OT) –Arbor Prep finished a tough couple of days for A&T. But although the Gators also lost two days later by two to Division 1 Brighton, in both games they showed they’ll again be tough against the teams in their Division 3.
Watch List
With an eye toward March, here are two teams in each division making sparks:
DIVISION 1
Midland (6-0) Dow has most recently ruled the Midland area in girls basketball. In fact, Midland High went only 5-16 last season. But the Chemics have bounced all the way back, with double-digit wins in all but one game – their 38-31 victory over Dow on Dec. 19. Also impressive was a 15-point win over another Division 1 team on the rise, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, at the Motor City Roundball Classic.
Temperance Bedford (6-0) The Kicking Mules’ Southeastern Conference Red is loaded, with Saline also unbeaten and Ann Arbor Huron and Pioneer with just one loss apiece. But after opening with a seven-point win over Flat Rock, Bedford has won its next five by an average of 29.4 ppg – a big return after last season’s Quarterfinal run.
DIVISION 2
Grand Rapids Christian (7-0) After 13-9 and 11-11 finishes the last two seasons, respectively, this one could see the Eagles take a step back into the elite. They earned a Cornerstone Holiday Tournament title with wins over Forest Hills Central and Zeeland East and have only one other single-digit win among their first five – a 54-46 overtime avenging of last season’s loss to Holland Christian.
Menominee (7-0) The Maroons followed up two straight .500 finishes by going 15-9 with a District title last winter, and the surge has continued. A 52-47 win over otherwise-unbeaten Ishpeming Westwood on Dec. 18 was impressive, and Menominee spent part of its holiday break winning a tournament in Gillett, Wis., with a pair of double-digit victories.
DIVISION 3
Manton (6-0) Manton is one of two Highland Conference teams entering 2020 unbeaten – rival Lake City being the other – and the reigning league champion Rangers have won six straight by double digits after opening with a 52-49 win over Charlevoix. Along the way, they also handed the lone losses to Kingsley and McBain Northern Michigan Christian – and get another major test Wednesday against Maple City Glen Lake.
Niles Brandywine (6-0) Solid wins over Berrien Springs and Kalamazoo Christian highlight Brandywine’s perfect start as it looks to build on last season’s Quarterfinal run. The Bobcats headed into the break with a 71-23 win over last season’s Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph Conference Red champion Comstock, and they’ll see co-leader Buchanan for the first time Jan. 16.
DIVISION 4
Fruitport Calvary Christian (5-2) The Eagles’ season has been book-ended so far by a pair of losses to Division 3 teams, the most recent to one-loss Hart on Saturday. But a 50-46 win over Division 2 Central Montcalm the day before can’t be overlooked – the Hornets are 4-2 but hadn’t lost a regular-season game for two straight heading into this winter. Senior Kelsey Richards’ scoring gives Calvary a shot to make a run at any time.
Pickford (7-0) The Panthers closed the 2018-19 regular season with seven straight wins and 13 over their final 14 games to claim the Eastern Upper Peninsula Athletic Conference title by a victory ahead of Cedarville and Rudyard. They don’t see either of those teams until later this month, but they’ve set the standard so far with all double-digit wins and four by 30 points or more. A 62-46 win over Gaylord St. Mary on Dec. 4 remains the Snowbirds’ only defeat.
Can't-Miss Contests
Be on the lookout for results of these games coming up:
Monday – Southfield Arts & Technology (4-3) at West Bloomfield (5-1) – This will surely affect the Oakland Activities Association Red race; both are perfect in league play, and both teams’ losses have come against some of the state’s best.
Tuesday – Detroit Edison (6-0) at East Lansing (5-0) – Contenders in Divisions 2 and 1, respectively, face off with one accepting its first defeat of this season.
Tuesday – Bloomfield Hills Marian (5-0) at Farmington Hills Mercy (6-0) – These Detroit Catholic League Central rivals could set the conference pace again after Marian finished first and Mercy second last season.
Wednesday – Manton (6-0) at Maple City Glen Lake (4-1) – These two sit No. 5 and No. 4, respectively, in Division 3 MPR as of Monday afternoon.
Thursday – Calumet (5-1) at Ishpeming Westwood (4-1) – These two are looking early like two of the Upper Peninsula’s best in any division, and that means they could see each other in the Division 3 postseason as well.
Second Half’s weekly “Breslin Bound” reports are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Midland earned a 38-31 win over rival Midland Dow on Dec. 19 to help spark a perfect start this season. (Photo courtesy of the Midland girls basketball program.)
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.
MHSAA.com's weekly “Breslin Bound” reports are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and X @mistudentaid.
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.)