BCAM Reaching Higher Teams stood out last weekend. Let’s take a look at a few of them and break down their roster and what the early projections look like. PART 1

AA Gabriel Richard, Division 2, Head Coach Tim Cain
FGR’s success this season will go as far as their standout WMU commits, Ava and Vanessa, can take them. With their experience and leadership, the team has a strong foundation to make a deep run. The key will be how quickly their new rotation players develop and adapt to the pace and intensity of varsity play. One major boost comes from rising star Allie Nielson (Class of 2029), whose skill and poise at such a young age already set her apart. If this group gels as expected, FGR will be firmly back in the mix for a Division 2 title.

Belleville, Division 1, Head Coach Jason Wilkins
Belleville enters the season as the unquestioned top team in the state, and they might be even better than last year’s championship squad. With a core that could compete with small colleges, the Tigers are loaded with talent, experience, and depth. Leading the charge is nationally ranked 2027 Sydney Savoury, one of the most unstoppable scorers in Michigan. She's flanked by elite level talent, including sharpshooter Se’Crette Carter (Marquette commit), the #1 rated prospect in Michigan’s 2028 class, Paisley Stephens. Add in top 5 2027 Layla Stewarts’ all-around versatility, and this group has star power and cohesion. The rotation gets a boost from the steady play of Christine Chinemulu and Jaida Quinn, giving Belleville flexibility and toughness on both ends of the floor. As if that weren’t enough, two rising 2029 standouts Mo McKinney and Janiah Batchelor bring even more firepower to an already stacked roster. The Tigers aren’t just defending Division 1 State champions, they're a powerhouse on a mission to repeat, and they’ve got the talent to make it look easy.

Clarkston, Division 1, Head Coach Aaron Goodnough
This young team is quietly building something special. Led by intriguing 2026 prospect Elli Robak and tough, high-motor guard Brooklyn Covert, the group has a strong foundation of leadership and competitive fire. They’re joined by a pair of 2028s ready to make an impact Bella Flavin and Ava Waslik, who bring skill, energy, and upside to the floor. The team plays unselfishly, shoots the ball well, and takes pride in its defense. With chemistry growing and young talent stepping up, this is a group that could surprise a lot of people. If the pieces continue to develop, they have a real chance to be something special, not just in the future, but as soon as this season.

Detroit Country Day, Division 2, Head Coach Amber Deane
Country Day is ready to make noise once again, led by nationally ranked, do-it-all guard Cece Arico an elite talent who sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Supporting her is sharpshooter Naiya Krispin, who can stretch the defense, and the ultra-aggressive Sanyiah Blackwell, bringing toughness and relentless energy to the lineup. The future is just as bright, with a talented group of 2029s Evelyn Horner, Taryn McNeil, Makayla Sykes, and Sydney Wallace already showing they can contribute at a high level. With a blend of star power, shooting, grit, and youth, look for Country Day to be right back in the thick of things come March.

Detroit Edison, Division 2, Head Coach Monique Brown
Detroit Edison may start slow, but history shows they’re always built for March. A perennial contender, the program knows how to peak at the right time, and this year looks no different. The team’s foundation starts inside with 2027 Nichole James, a force in the paint who anchors both ends of the floor. Kamaria Lowe brings athleticism and energy on the wing, while Rihanna Young and Ayana Love handle the perimeter duties with poise and skill. With a mix of size, speed, and championship experience, Edison remains a threat to make another deep run. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Expect to see Detroit Edison in the mix at Breslin once again.

Detroit Renaissance, Division 1, Head Coach Dashaun Wood
Outside of Belleville, no team in Michigan may boast more pure talent than Detroit Renaissance. Loaded at every position, this group is built to make serious noise. Leading the way is electric guard Jae’bri Autry an explosive scorer in transition who’s nearly impossible to contain in the open floor. The backcourt is stacked with young firepower, featuring 2028 standouts Kassidy Cain, Maddy McChester, and Maria Walker, along with experienced 2026 playmaker Victoria Gambles. With depth, athleticism, and versatility throughout the roster, Renaissance has waves of talent ready to contribute. What will separate them is their defense, tough, relentless, and physical. If they can turn stops into points, look for Detroit Renaissance to ride that intensity deep into March.

Grand Rapids South Christian, Division 2, Head Coach Erika Brown
South Christian has it all great teamwork, a complete skill set across the board, and the toughness to make a serious run. They’re led by 2026 point guard Sophia Prins, a floor general who plays with grit and composure, and dynamic wing Lizzie Wolthuis, a smooth scorer who can create her own shot and finish in traffic. Surrounding them is a deep and talented roster with the tools to go the distance. One name to watch: 2029 Kinley Regency, who looks ready to make an immediate impact with her poise and high basketball IQ. After a strong showing this weekend, they’ve earned the nod as my top team in Division 2. Don’t be surprised if they’re still standing when championship weekend arrives.

Grand Rapids West Catholic, Division 2, Head Coach Derek Paiz
With a strong core returning from last season’s state finals run, West Catholic is poised to be right back in the mix this year. Experience, chemistry, and high-level talent give this group everything they need to make another deep push. Key returners include 2028 rising star Kenley Slanger, dynamic 2027 recruit Alexis Asekomeh, and a tough, skilled 2026 duo in Katelyn Adams and Taylor Lyon. This team is loaded at every level, blending youth and experience with a competitive edge. Don’t be surprised to see West Catholic playing deep into March once again, they have the pieces to finish the job.

Howell, Division 1, Head Coach Jason Piepho
Christmas came early for Howell with the addition of two major talents: nationally ranked 2026 star Lilly Williams and her highly skilled sidekick, 2028 standout Lyla Valentine. Both transferred in and immediately elevated the program’s ceiling. They join an already strong core featuring one of the best shooters in the state, Gabby Piepho, and tough, dual-threat wing Mackenzie Duthe, and very skilled forward Gabrielle Fischhaber, giving Howell a balanced, dangerous lineup on both ends of the floor. With elite talent, shot making, and toughness, Howell has all the ingredients for a deep playoff run. The key will be how quickly they build chemistry, but if things click, they’re absolutely in the conversation for a state championship.

Midland, Division 1, Head Coach Elaine Mahabir
Midland is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young teams to watch in the state—fearless, fast, and full of high-motor players with the skill to match. The tone is set by a dynamic group of 2028 guards: Kaiya Mohair and the do-it-all McGlaughlin twins, Ella and Emma. Whether it’s pushing the pace, locking down defensively, or making big plays in the clutch, this trio leads with intensity and poise beyond their years. Holding it all together is 2028 post presence Ellee Arnold, the team’s glue player who brings toughness, rebounding, and a steady inside game. Add in the guidance and stability of a few experienced vets, and this team has the perfect blend of youth and experience. The sky's the limit for Midland—they’re not just fun to watch, they’re built to win.

Rockford, Division 1, Head Coach Brad Wilson
When you combine some of the top talent in the state with one of Michigan’s most respected programs and systems, you get a team like Rockford—reloaded, refocused, and ready for another run to Breslin. Leading the charge are two of the best players in the 2026 class, Kate Higgins and Sienna Wolfe, a dynamic duo who can score at all three levels and take over games. Emerging alongside them is 2028 standout Addison Wypych, who’s quickly coming into her own and turning heads with her growth and confidence. Sharpshooter Jordan Mateer adds floor spacing and offensive firepower, while a deep supporting cast gives Rockford the depth and flexibility to compete with anyone. Once again, Rockford has all the tools to be one of the top teams in the state, and they look ready to prove it.

Orchard Lake St. Marys, Division 1, Head Coach Brad Crighton
There’s a lot to love about this team’s potential. With a balanced backcourt that can both score and facilitate, they’re led by the dynamic 2027 duo of Allie Creighton and Jordan Ratliff both smart, skilled guards who can control the game and make plays in big moments. On the wings, 2027 standouts Laney Larson and Reese Holton bring athleticism and versatility, consistently getting to their spots and making things happen on both ends. Add in 2026 forward Brooke Shockey a tough, physical presence with a high motor and this team has all the pieces to make a serious run. Well rounded, well coached, and full of upside, this group is one to watch closely.

Parma Western, Division 2, Head Coach Jeff Beckman
When you’ve got an explosive guard like 2026 Rayah Hitt and a dominant post presence in 2026 Aubree Allen, you can compete with anyone in the state. This inside-out duo gives Parma a dynamic foundation built for big moments. What makes this team even more dangerous is the steady rise of key contributors like Calley Spitzer, who continues to elevate her game and strengthen the overall lineup. With talent, toughness, and chemistry all trending upward, Parma is a team that could be peaking at just the right time. Watch out for them in March, this group has a real chance to be something special.

Saginaw Heritage, Division 1, Head Coach Jaden Clobe
The babies are growing up, and they’re becoming a serious problem. Heritage is turning heads with a young core that’s maturing fast and playing with confidence. Veteran 2026 leaders Alesia Ode, a versatile all-around threat, and the highly skilled Breeghan Hamilton anchor the team with experience and poise. Behind them is a dynamic 2028 group featuring Jayla Laster, Zaria McCray, Joslyn Ode, London Newton, and Brooklyn Isom, each bringing athleticism, energy, and upside to the floor. Health will be a key factor for this group, but if they stay on the court, Heritage isn’t just dangerous, they’re here to stay. Don’t be surprised if they make a serious push as the season unfolds.

Saline, Division 1, Head Coach Leigh Ann Roehm
Saline is loaded with firepower, and now they’ve added a strong inside presence to match. With shooters everywhere and a growing post game, this team is built to win now. Anchoring the paint is 2027 Harper Backus, giving Saline the interior balance it’s been missing. On the perimeter, they’re led by 2026 Kiera Roehm, one of the best shooters in the state, and 2028 guard Halle Powell, a skilled, crafty playmaker who can control the tempo. Add in the versatility of 2028 forward Myla Talliday, and you’ve got a team that can beat opponents in a variety of ways. With talent at every level and a championship mindset, Saline looks like a serious contender on a mission this season.

Tecumseh, Division 2, Head Coach Kristy Zajac
The defending Division 2 state champs are picking up right where they left off. Tecumseh returns with a loaded roster, hungry to defend their title and make another deep run. Powerful 2027 forward Addi Zajac continues to dominate the paint, bringing physicality, touch, and toughness inside. On the perimeter, guards Makayla Schlorf and Chloe Bullinger can match up with anyone in the state, skilled, smart, and battle tested. And the tradition continues with 2029 Avery Zajac, who already looks poised to carry on the family legacy of high-level play. With talent, experience, and a winning culture, Tecumseh is back—and ready to make more noise in Division 2.

Wayne Memorial, Division 1, Head Coach Jarvis Mitchell
Wayne is one of the toughest, most defensive-minded teams in the state. This squad knows its way around Breslin, and they’re determined to get back. They’re led by lightning quick 2026 guard Mariah Cross, who controls the tempo on both ends of the floor, and skilled post presence 2026 Kaylee King, who brings toughness and touch in the paint. Add in the elite shooting trio of 2026 Morgan Smith, 2026 Micah Darling, and 2027 Layanna Nemer, and you’ve got a team that can beat you inside or out. With championship DNA, depth, and grit, this program remains one of the best in Michigan, and they show no signs of slowing down.