PREVIEW: SVL North Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With high school tryouts less than a month away the time has arrived to preview conferences from around the mitten. The fall basketball season has provided constant action at high school leagues and showcase events. In this preview edition, we look at prospects from the northern region of the Saginaw Valley League who will lead their teams into battle this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midland Dow</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For over a decade, Dow has performed at a high level and set the golden standard for discipline and team basketball. They finished 9-2 against SVL opponents last season and are a front-runner to win the conference this season following a very strong performance at the Cage this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["614649"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='614649' first='Melanie' last='Kolnitys'] made herself known as a top prospect in the SVL during her freshman season, earning 2nd team all-conference. She averaged 11.3 points, 2.8 steals, and 4.9 assists in SVL games last year. Melanie was a top performer at our Top 250 Expo, proving herself one of the best guards at the event on both sides of the court. Her hesitation dribble drive and explosive bursts make her nearly impossible to guard straight up; she creates foul trouble and open shots for shooters. Melanie creates turnovers on the ball and in help because she has excellent awareness. Melanie is Dow's floor general and a top prospect in the SVL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65381c6f0b06f"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saginaw Heritage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heritage finished 7-4 in SVL competition last season with multiple college prospects and an outstanding young squad leading the charge. They have the talent and offensive firepower to compete against anybody when they get rolling and the quickness at guard to apply relentless ball pressure. Heritage should be a dangerous team this season in the SVL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["613943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='613943' first='Alesia' last='Ode'] has made a big splash during the off-season with offers coming from schools like Oakland University and Harvard. This winter, she will look to live up to those high expectations and step into a leading role. As a freshman, Ode averaged 10.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals during SVL competition. Ode has the length and quickness to create space against guards or fowards with deadly accuracy from 3. Her high release and long strides give her the offensive advantage at all times. Ode will be a top performer in the conference and a must see prospect for the Hawks this winter.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65381c6f0b0d2"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mt. Pleasant</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Oilers finished the 2022 campaign with a 6-5 record against SVL opponents. They have a new head coach in Josh French who will look to build on their 14-win season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["336004"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2025 PG [player_tooltip player_id='336004' first='Jordyn' last='Egger'] is a terrific offensive prospect who can take over games and cause trouble for defenses any given night. She averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 3.5 assists during SVL games in 2022. Jordyn has excellent court vision and finds teammates in transition or the half court game for assists. She converts difficult finishes around the rim and can score with deadly accuracy from behind the arc. Jordyn made the all conference second team as a sophomore and will be a top guard in the conference this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65381c6f0b12c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bay City Western</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BCW earned a 6-5 record in the SVL last season with a very impressive first half of the season. Western was the clear dark horse team, unexpectedly defeating many teams in the conference, and finishing with a respectable 15 wins. Western will look to build on that success and continue to challenge opponents this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["792674"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2024 CG [player_tooltip player_id='792674' first='Brooke' last='Swartz'] of Bay City Western is possibly the most underrated prospect in the entire Saginaw Valley Conference. She averaged 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 steals in SVL games last year. Brooke was voted 1st team all-conference by coaches after leading her team to an outstanding season. She shoots accurately from behind the arc, has great court vision, and converts drives to the rim in traffic. Brooke is a multi-sport athlete who will look to finish her high school career off on a high note; she is a prospect who has slipped through the cracks that coaches at the next level should be targeting this winter.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65381c6f0b180"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bay City Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolves were very competitive last season, losing close games. They finished 2-8 in SVL games and I expect them to take a leap forward this season. Bay City Central looks to flip the script this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tiareyona Holmes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bay City Central","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2025 SG Tiareyona Holmes is an underrated athletic prospect for the Wolves who is a sleeper of mine to make all conference this season. She averaged 10 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. Holmes can jump out of the gym and turn a defensive steal into a transition layup. She has shifty jump cuts and a tough pull up jumper. Holmes is a prospect who can put herself on the map with the Wolves this season if she can step into a lead role on both ends of the court.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65381c6f0b23e"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midland</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chemics did not have the year they were hoping for in 2022, but they certainly improved and progressed in the second half of the season. Midland will certainly bounce back from their 0-10 record in conference play last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["424147"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2025 CG [player_tooltip player_id='424147' first='Payton' last='Palmer'] is one of the deadliest outside shooters in the SVL. She makes three point attempts look like layups when she gets hot and can fire up 3's off the catch or dribble. Payton handles the ball effectively and creates open looks for teammates. Payton will be counted on to turn the tide for Midland in her junior season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65381c6f0b295"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of<strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you have knowledge of a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->