LBI Watch List: Top 3 Breakout Teams for 2015-16 Season
Every year in the world of sports from professional to college and high school, there are always teams that have worked hard, added new pieces, and show signs of having a breakout year. LBI takes a look at three teams that have a serious chance to take the next step by winning a league, district, regional or even a state championship.

Bellville Tigers Class A
Coach Brodie has the Tigers headed in the right direction. After taking over a winless team two years ago, Belleville has had consecutive winning seasons and I don’t see the Tigers taking a step backwards anytime soon. Led by junior wing Victoria Perez and sophomore point guard Katleyn Sherwood, the Tigers should do very well with a favorable schedule in which they play arch-rival division championship contender Romulus only once in the regular season, but could possibly face them again in districts.  In addition, due to league realignment, the Tigers will not play Robichaud who is the defending WWAC Blue division champion. Belleville will undoubtedly be the heavy favorite to win the WWAC Red division title this year. If the Tigers can get some inside scoring to take the pressure off of Perez and Sherwood, they have a chance at an undefeated season and could also capture their first district championship in quite some time.

Southfield Blue Jays Class A
The Blue Jays are coming off one of the best seasons in head coach Jamie Glinz’s tenure posting an 18-3 record and capturing the OAA Gold division title. Seniors KristLynn Defoe, Stromeigh Mattison and sophomore D’Layna Holliman, return to make Southfield the league favorites once again. Newcomer Alexis Johnson, who is one of the top 10 2019 players in the state of Michigan, gives the Blue Jays a legitimate low post threat. January 5th, 2016 is a key date as they will take on arch rival Southfield Lathrup for the last time in the regular season before the schools merge in the fall of 2016. I know it has been a long time since they have beaten the Chargers, so it would be a huge accomplishment for the Blue Jays to end this rivalry on a high note before a possible square off again in districts. 

Howell Highlanders Class A
Howell will challenge 2014-15 KLAA West league champions Brighton, and runner-up, district and regional champions Hartland this year for the league title. The Highlanders will be led by 6’2” senior Erin Honkala and 5’7” sophomore point guard Alexis Miller. To go along with a smothering man-man defense, the Highlanders also rebound the ball very well. If everything goes according to plan and they get a little luck, watch for the Lady Highlanders to make a serious run come March.

This story was written by LBI Scouting Director Jason Wilkins he can be reached via email jwilkins428@lbiscouting.com also follow him on twitter @LBInsider