2024-25 SEASON PREVIEW: Lakes Valley Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school tryouts are on the horizon, just under a month away. Growing up, I remember the excitement of reading preview magazines for my favorite sports teams and learning about key players before the season started. The enthusiasm and excitement I have for the Michigan Varsity Girls Basketball season has been building since the end of AAU, which leads to my endeavor to write these conference preview articles. Every coach and team in the state has the desire to perform better than they did the previous season in their conference and in the playoffs. Each year there are coaching changes, graduations, transfers, and varsity additions that shift the dynamics of teams in the conference. The Lakes Valley Conference consists of 9 teams: Milford, South Lyon, South Lyon East, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Western, Waterford Kettering, Waterford Mott, and White Lake Lakeland. Each team plays twice (home and away) and the team with the best conference record is named the LVC champion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LVC Champion: South Lyon East (14-2) and White Lake Lakeland (14-2), runner-up South Lyon (13-3), Darkhorse Team: White Lake Lakeland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 LVC PRE-SEASON POWER RANKING</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. South Lyon East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. Walled Lake Northern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. South Lyon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Milford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. White Lake Lakeland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Waterford Mott</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. Waterford Kettering</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. Walled Lake Western</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. Walled Lake Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, let's take a much closer look at how each OAA Red team looks heading into the 2024 season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Milford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Milford increased their LVC win total to double digits in 2023 (10-6) under new guidance from Head Coach Tim Olszewski. Coach O establishes a culture where winning and hard work are the standard, so I expect the Mavericks to be extremely competitive again this winter. They will need underclassmen to step up as many senior contributors graduate including All-Conference First Team selection Madison Stevens (2024, Alma), All-Conference Second Team selection Riley Mitchell (2024), and All-Conference Third Team selection Mira Kelley (2024). Justice Yang (2024) was a very productive guard as well and will be missed. However, the Mavericks bring in one of the most talented guards in the 2028 class, [player_tooltip player_id='919618' first='Ashlyn' last='Lutz'], and their coach knows how to design plays to get her scoring chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["919618"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da40319d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ashlyn has been an exciting point guard prospect to watch leading up to the winter season and she will be an immediate game-changer for Milford as a freshman. Ashlyn has multi-level scoring efficiency as a driver and shooter, which demands double teams from opponents. She has led the Mavericks to wins against tough opponents during the summer with her determined performance on both ends of the court. With her explosiveness offensively and defensive determination, I have no doubts that Ashlyn will earn All-Conference First Team honors in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/2028-rankings-update-11-15/">Read More About Ashlyn</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">South Lyon</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Lyon has been a consistent contender for the LVC crown, finishing as runner-up in 2022 (12-4) and 2023 (13-3). The Lions lose Honorable Mention seniors Abby Fischer (2024) and Olivia Leshok (2024) but return their two best players. All-Conference First Team point guard [player_tooltip player_id='663349' first='Isabella' last='Nooe'] (2024) and All-Conference Second Team selection [player_tooltip player_id='1052019' first='Sarah' last='Nelson'] (2026) should lead the Lions to another year of contention in the conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["663349"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da403236"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Izzy helped South Lyon to the doorstep of a conference title in 2023 and she is the fiercest Lion on the court. Izzy has earned a reputation in the coaching world as a scrappy defender, determined downhill scorer, and clutch perimeter shooter. She has excellent ball-handling, off-loading passing skills when she drives, and a soft touch on her finishes. Izzy dives on the floor to wrestle for 50/50 balls and plays with passion. Izzy is a top point guard in the LVC and will be a conference Player of the Year candidate in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/june-rankings-update-rising-2025-point-guards/">Read More About Izzy</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">South Lyon East</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Lyon East has owned the Lakes Valley Conference winning four consecutive league titles with a 53-3 conference record. The Cougars have a more challenging road ahead if they wish to repeat as champs in 2024, losing All-Conference First Teamer and LVC Player of the Year Anna Lassan (2024, Detroit Mercy). However, SLE brings back a strong core with All-Conference First Team guard [player_tooltip player_id='860192' first='Nyla' last='Lake'] (2026), All-Conference Third Team guard [player_tooltip player_id='982783' first='Brooke' last='Moyer'] (2026), and All-Conference Third Team wing [player_tooltip player_id='728271' first='Megan' last='Fannon'] (2025) all returning. Add Honorable Mention slashing guard [player_tooltip player_id='982793' first='Aliah' last='Coppock'] (2026) to the mix and the Cougars should have plenty of depth to repeat as Lakes Valley Conference champs for the fifth consecutive season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["860192"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da4032a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nyla used her athleticism, quickness, three-level scoring ability, and defensive determination to help SLE win a fourth consecutive LVC title in 2023. She was a breakout player in the conference, earning All-Conference First Team honors. With Anna graduating, Nyla will shoulder a heavier offensive load this winter. She is a lethal scorer and passer in transition after creating steals. Nyla blows by defenders when she attacks off the dribble, dishes assists to teammates, and knocks down perimeter jumpers. I expect Nyla to have an elite season as a junior and receive LVC Player of the Year consideration. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/12/prospects-at-airport-take-flight/">Read More About Nyla</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Walled Lake Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a competitive 8-8 record against LVC opponents in 2022, the Vikings dropped to a last place 1-15 finish in 2023. The good news is that Walled Lake Central returns All-Conference Second Team selection [player_tooltip player_id='1051213' first='Lillian' last='Miracle'] (2025) as they look to have a more competitive 2024 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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1051213' first='Lillian' last='Miracle']","_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":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Walled Lake 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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da40339c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lillian gave the Vikings something to be excited about in 2023, earning LVC All-Conference Second Team honors. Lillian is a nightly double-double producer in points and rebounds. She finishes well with her left around the basket, outworks opponents to secure rebounds in the paint, and confidently pushes the ball with either hand in transition. Lillian uses her active hands in the paint to force misses and block shots. She splits defenders off the dribble and scores through contact. Lillian has the effort and potential to be a solid post-player at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17134311/65ce4e7c664b70093c094c65' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da40375e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Walled Lake Northern</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walled Lake Northern has finished as the LVC runner-up in 2022 with an impressive 12-4 record. They took a slight step backward in 2023, ending the season in fifth place at 9-7. The Knights look to return as a conference contender in 2024, bringing back most of their production. Northern graduates All-Conference Second Team selection Aleena McCullough (2024, Adrian), but bring back two major contributors: LVC All-Conference First Team and Player of the Year candidate [player_tooltip player_id='424562' first='Amal' last='Younes'] (2025) in addition to All-Conference Third Team forward [player_tooltip player_id='1052015' first='Macie' last='Hunter'] (2025, GVSU soccer). With feisty senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1052025' first='Brooklyn' last='Zeleny'] (2025) chipping in as well, I expect the Knights to be in the mix for an LVC crown in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["424562"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da4037f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Amal as I see it, is the best point guard prospect in the LVC. Amal has continued to show next-level perimeter accuracy, ball-handling control, decision-making, and passing precision while competing during the off-season. Amal has a deadly step-back jumper from beyond the arc and also beats defenders off the dribble using a variety of attack moves. She throws one-handed passes on a rope for assists and creates turnovers on defense. Amal earned All-Conference First Team honors in 2023 and will be in the conversation for LVC Player of the Year in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/seniors-shine-at-the-gvsu-team-camp/">Read More About Amal</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Walled Lake Western</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walled Lake Western matched their win total from 2022 with another 5-11 LVC record in 2023. The Warriors had competitive moments but will need to replace a few key seniors in 2024: All-Conference Second Team point guard Makenna Krzisnik (2024), guard Kelsey Beck (2024), and versatile wing Emma Hoffmeyer (2024). Western does return All-Conference Honorable Mention guard [player_tooltip player_id='734920' first='Taylor' last='Phelps'] (2026) and will need her to take another leap forward as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734920"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da4038cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor showed promise as a sophomore, earning an Honorable Mention nomination. She has a smooth shot from 3-point range and a quick burst downhill off the dribble. Taylor flies around on defense to generate steals and creates space with her crossovers. Taylor will be counted on to lead WLW on both ends of the floor in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18820755/657f917eb3d35c021858be94' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da4038ff"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Waterford Kettering</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since Waterford Kettering finished fourth in the LVC with a 9-7 record in 2021, they have struggled to compete. The Captains have a 2-30 record the past two seasons. On a positive note, Kettering returns All-Conference Honorable Mention nominees [player_tooltip player_id='1117481' first='Elle' last='Dropps'] (2025) and Kylee Nickerson (2024). The Captains enter a new era with Rochester Christian University alum and Holly basketball legend Allyssa Copley steering the program in a positive direction. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Waterford Mott</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waterford Mott gained ground in the LVC, winning three more games during the 2023 season than they did in 2022. The Corsairs hope to continue that progress, but will need to do so without their top contributor: All-Conference Third Team forward Kelsey Palmer (2024). The Corsairs bring back Honorable Mention forward [player_tooltip player_id='423706' first='Julianna' last='Lemus'] (2025) and will rely on her to lead the way in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423706"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da40396d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Julianna sparked Mott offensively in 2023 and will be a primary scorer again this winter. Julianna drives hard through the paint to score layups and pushes the ball quickly in transition. She knocks down perimeter jumpers and crashes the boards to secure rebounds. Julianna leads the Corsairs in scoring often and is a double-double threat on any given night. Julianna creates steals on the defensive end and should have a big season in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16132839/65dd3f8319a5e30b6866b336' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da40399c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">White Lake Lakeland</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a respectable 9-7 record in 2022, Lakeland leaped ahead of the pack in 2023. The Eagles ended their magical season with a 14-2 conference record and an LVC championship. They lose a few key seniors from that team: All-Conference First Team guard Parker Ostach (2024, WMU softball), Second Team selection Molly Marino (2024), and Honorable Mention forward Skylar Halbrook (2025). The Eagles will rely heavily on sharpshooting All-Conference Third Team guard [player_tooltip player_id='773849' first='Aubrin' last='Miller'] (2026), Honorable Mention wing [player_tooltip player_id='1052021' first='Brynn' last='Taliercio'] (2025), combo-forward [player_tooltip player_id='734973' first='Peyton' last='Baer'] (2026), and Kearsley transfer [player_tooltip player_id='927964' first='Kassidy' last='Johnson'] (2027) as they defend their LVC title in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773849"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671a8da403a05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aubrin stepped up as a sophomore to provide clutch perimeter shooting, poised ball-handling, and effective passing that helped Lakeland secure an LVC title in 2023. She pushes the ball to create transition scoring and is a deadly accurate 3-point shooter. Aubrin has excellent finishing touch at the rim, anticipates passes on defense to create steals, and handles the ball with confidence under pressure. Aubrin earned an All-Conference Third Team selection as a sophomore and she looks ready for an even better 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/09/top-250-expo-team-2-evaluations/">Read More About Aubrin</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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 and Director of&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;. 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 know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at coachevanbell@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->