PREVIEW: SVL South 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 southern 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">Grand Blanc</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bobcats finished 10-1 in the SVL last year, and have been selected by the coaches as the favorite to take home the hardware this season with new head coach Bob Taylor leading the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417883"],"_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 [player_tooltip player_id='417883' first='Chelsea' last='Bishop'] is the SVL coaches choice for pre-season MVP. She finished runner up in the MVP voting following an impressive junior campaign for the Bobcats averaging 17.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.7 steals in games against SVL competition last season. Chelsea scores at all three levels with explosive bursts of quickness and acceleration. Her length causes havoc on defense and she is a fiery competitor. Chelsea is an exceptional next level athlete who will do great for the Bobcats again this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537d7dfba707"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Flint Carman-Ainsworth</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carman won the SVL last season with a perfect 11-0 record in league play. Their physical, fast, and aggressive style of play makes them a challenge to compete against on the floor. They graduated top seniors who are playing at the next level, but still have plenty of horses in the stable to make another quality run this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612088"],"_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='612088' first='Ravyn' last='Guy'] will be the floor general for the Cavaliers this season. She averaged 15.5 pts and 4 steals in SVL games as a junior. Ravyn earned all conference honors and has the quickness to win games on both ends of the court. She has downhill speed to get to the rim and finish in traffic, but can also utilize step back dribble moves to create space for long range 3's. Ravyn will play a crucial role this winter.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537d7dfba77c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Flint Powers Catholic</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powers Catholic finished the 2022 campaign with a 7-3 record against SVL opponents and with the addition of the Smith sisters and [player_tooltip player_id='499160' first='Aria' last='Dottery'], they will be the most dangerous team in the conference this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["613424"],"_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='613424' first='Kendyl' last='Smith'] had a Freshman season for the record books last year for Lake Fenton. Perspective on how good this girl really is. As a Freshman, she was voted BCAM's BEST for Division 2 and was also #6 in the state for her 3 point accuracy. She shot 44.25% from beyond the arc and made 50 3 point field goals. Kendyl was First team All-Conference leading the Blue Devils to an undefeated season. Kendyl will be a must see prospect every time she touches the floor this winter.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537d7dfba7d8"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Davison</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davison finished 3-8 in SVL games last season, but are the coaches favorites to play "spoiler" as the darkhorse team this winter. They have their squad healthy and back together again determined to climb the valley and have shown great strides already during off-season competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["716704"],"_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 Mari Dixon is the gas pedal for the Davison Cardinals. She made huge shots and plays for the Cards during the 2022 season; she plays the game with passion and toughness. Mari can score at all three levels with an effective pull up jumper and downhill burst that creates fouls and buckets for herself and teammates. She has continually played in high pressure situations this off-season and performs at a high level in those situations. Marionna is an exceptional prospect for the Cards who will lead her team on both ends of the court this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537d7dfba833"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lapeer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lightning finished 3-8 in SVL games last season, which was their best performance ever in the SVL under the current format. Like Davison, they look to climb the valley this season and close the gap. The Bolts look to make a strong push this year with three key seniors playing their final year of high school basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["710817"],"_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 Wing [player_tooltip player_id='710817' first='Madison' last='Spanicciati'] powers the electricity for Lapeer. She was nominated for all conference honors last season, averaging 12.4 pts, 9 rebounds, and 1 block in SVL games. Her relentless pursuit of the ball on both ends and determination to win led the team to new heights during the 2022 season. She scores at all three levels and has the speed to burn defenders at any moment. Maddie is a top offensive performer and shot blocker in the conference and will be a great value for the OCC Raiders in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537d7dfba88b"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saginaw Arthur Hill</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arthur Hill finished 5-7 last season in the SVL and new head coach Eugene Seals looks to help them turn a corner and reach their potential this season. The Lumberjacks have an athletic group that will cause challenges for SVL opponents this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["244280"],"_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":"PG Raegan Byrd is one of the most athletic playmakers in the SVL. She has the ability to take over games and lead her team on both ends of the court. Raegan averaged 15 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 assists in SVL contests last season. She has the defensive awareness and quickness to create turnovers and convert them into transition points. Raegan uses her vision, deep 3 point accuracy, and effective downhill drives to carve up defenses in the conference. Raegan will be an impact player in the conference and is a must see prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6537d7dfba8e3"} /--> <!-- 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>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&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 -->