5 Seniors That Could Help Decide State Championships
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High school basketball season is here! It’s time to start hearing the whistles and the shoes squeak on the gym floor. We have an entire season of excitement on our front doorsteps! Every team is starting with the dream of…
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Continue ReadingHigh school basketball season is here! It’s time to start hearing the whistles and the shoes squeak on the gym floor. We have an entire season of excitement on our front doorsteps! Every team is starting with the dream of winning a state championship. There’s a ton of talent across the state of Michigan, but only a select few will end the season with a victory. Let’s take a look at 5 seniors that I think will play a critical role in deciding state championships this high school season.
Lexus Bargesser Lexus Bargesser 5'8" | PG Grass Lake | 2022 State MI (PG, Grass Lake)
We all saw it last year. Bargesser absolutely took over, leading Grass Lake to the Division 3 state title. She did it all, leading her team in scoring and rebounding in a 52-50 championship game win over Kent City. Bargesser is one of the most physically and mentally gifted point guards in the midwest. She’s a coach on the floor and the type of leader that can will her team to big wins.
Ashley Bower Ashley Bower SG Portland | 2022 State MI (SG, Portland)
Portland is the defending Division 2 state champions and Ashley Bower Ashley Bower SG Portland | 2022 State MI is possibly the biggest reason why. She was absolutely terrific throughout the state playoffs last year. Bower was a walking bucket and was shooting the back end off the ball. She scorched the nets in the championship game, dropping in 20 points on 50% shooting from the field. With perennial powerhouse Detroit Edison looming in D2, Portland will look to a red hot Bower to lead the way.
Alaina Diaz Alaina Diaz 5'7" | CG Hudsonville | 2022 State MI (CG, Hudsonville)
I’m such a huge fan of her game and am on my own personal mission to have her included in the preseason Miss Basketball talks. On a super talented Hudsonville squad, she’s like the key that starts the engine. Diaz was magnificent in an instant classic Division 1 title game win over Detroit Renaissance last season. She finished the game with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. The numbers don’t tell the entire story. As Renaissance pushed the pace and pressured the ball, Diaz was relied on as the primary ball handler and the player to set the table offensively. Hudsonville, will need her speed, poise, and defense in their quest to repeat.
Davai Matthews Davai Matthews PF Wayne Memorial | 2022 State MI (PF, Wayne Memorial)
I’m a huge fan of Coach Mitchell at Wayne Memorial and will almost always consider them a contender. This especially true when they feature a skilled player like Matthews. The California State Long Beach signee is a matchup nightmare with her ability to stretch the floor and get out into transition. Matthews is a threat to score from so many spots on the floor and can defend in both the paint and perimeter. Matthews has the length and anticipation needed to be a menace with her ability to alter and block shots.
Madisen Wardell Madisen Wardell 6'0" | PF Detroit Edison | 2022 State MI (PF, Detroit Edison)
I don’t even need to say it, but I will anyways…..Watch out for DEPSA. With all the superstar talent on their roster, they will charging toward a Division 2 state title. Wardell will be a key factor in determining whether they hoist a championship trophy at the end of the year. The DePaul signee is a composed player and student of the game with a very high basketball IQ. Wardell is an elite athlete with incredible versatility on both ends. She’ll battle in the paint as well as face the rim on the perimeter and go to work.