By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor 

Those who regularly contend for MHSAA titles or monitor high school sports statewide always are on the lookout for surprise teams making an impression at the beginning of a season or showing signs of contending at the end. 

A number of teams making this week’s report would qualify. Read on for why.

1. Pittsford (4-0, Class C) – The Wildcats have won their last three games by at least 18 points apiece, including by 18 over last season Class D Semifinalist Climax-Scotts. 

2. Ann Arbor Huron (4-1, Class A) – Huron has rebounded from an opening loss against powerful Goodrich to put up some solid wins including a 26-pointer over Temperance Bedford.

3. Jackson (4-1, Class A) – The Vikings also started last season 4-1, but look a lot better this time with a big win over perennial power East Lansing. 

4. Flat Rock (4-0, Class B) – The Rams are on another run after going 22-2 last season, already posting an impressive win over Flint Southwestern.

5. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (5-0, Class D) – The Irish have cruised after an opening two-point win, and beat reigning Class D runner-up Waterford Our Lady by 30 last week. 

6. Mackinaw City (5-0, Class D) – The school has only 61 students but five girls hoops wins including three by 40 or more points.

7. Flint Southwestern (3-2, Class B) – Southwestern won only five games last season; its victories so far include an impressive one over Muskegon, while the losses were to Flat Rock (mentioned above) and last season Class B runner-up Flint Powers. 

8. Plymouth (3-0, Class A) – The Wildcats have beaten three teams with winning records to reverse paths after opening last season 1-3.

9. Hemlock (4-0, Class C) – The Huskies have won their first four games by 50, 19, 40 and 43 points, respectively, after opening last season 2-4. 

10. Twining Arenac Eastern (4-0, Class D) – The Eagles have beaten soundly some bigger opponents already, with three victories by 25 or more points.

PHOTO: Saginaw Heritage, in green, got past Saginaw 61-48 last week and stood at 2-1 entering this week. (Click to see more at HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)