2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA EAST

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school tryouts are on the horizon, just over 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 into 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.&nbsp;The Kensington Lakes Activities Association consists of 16 teams separated into an East and West division. Teams play two games against division opponents and a KLAA Conference crossover game to end the season. Belleville won the East Division title and KLAA Championship game, while Howell won the West Division title. Six head coaches from the KLAA conference participated in the preseason coaches poll and those results will be shared below. Each KLAA East team has a brief team preview, which is included below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">COACHES POLL (6 Responses of 16)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the KLAA Conference Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: Belleville 83.3%, Howell 16.7%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Belleville, (runner-up Howell)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the KLAA East Division Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A: Belleville 100%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Belleville, (runner-up Wayne Memorial)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the KLAA West Division Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: Howell 100%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Howell, (runner-up Hartland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who is the KLAA Conference Pre-Season MVP? (Best Player in the conference)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A:&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-savoury/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;83.3%, Gabrielle Piepho 16.7%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell:&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-savoury/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(runner-up&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419533' first='Colleena' last='Bryant']</strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/colleena-bryant/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the 2024-25 KLAA West Darkhorse team? (A team that wins and significantly performs better than expected compared to last season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: Northville 50%, Brighton 16.7%, Plymouth 16.7%, Salem 16.7%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Northville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the 2024-25 KLAA East Darkhorse team? (A team that wins and significantly performs better than expected compared to last season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: Dearborn 50%, Livonia Stevenson 50%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Livonia Stevenson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KLAA Conference Champion: Belleville, runner-up Howell, KLAA East Division Champion: Belleville, KLAA West Division Champion: Howell, KLAA MVP:&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury']</strong>, Darkhorse Teams: Dearborn and Canton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Belleville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After three straight second-place finishes in the standings, Belleville earned the crown of KLAA East champion and KLAA Conference champion in 2023. The Tigers had a perfect 14-0 record against division opponents and defeated KLAA West winner Howell 54-46 in the conference title game. Belleville became a D1 powerhouse last season with the addition of freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'], making a deep postseason run to the semifinals. The Tigers return All-Conference Select players [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='419558' first='Rylan' last='Buschell'] (2025, CMU), and [player_tooltip player_id='613939' first='SeCrette' last='Carter'] (2025, Marquette). They lose All-Conference Select guard Daria Shelby (2024, Omaha-Nebraska), Honorable Mention forward Jordan Peterson (2024, Rochester Christian), and center Mia Wright (2024, Schoolcraft). Regardless, anyone paying attention to the Tigers during the summer knows they are a favorite to compete for a state title this season. Belleville has upgraded their roster with St. Mary's transfer [player_tooltip player_id='807281' first='Layla' last='Stewart'] (#1 ranked point guard in the 2027 class), [player_tooltip player_id='859826' first='Paisley' last='Stephens'] (top 5 ranked 2028 prospect), [player_tooltip player_id='982844' first='Jaida' last='Quinn'] (2026 guard), and [player_tooltip player_id='734978' first='Christine' last='Chinemelu'] (2026 forward). I expect [player_tooltip player_id='921969' first='Iyana' last='Stephens'] (2025) to be a strong interior presence for the Tigers and a potential All-Conference candidate. Belleville is the Coaches Poll favorite to win the KLAA championship again in 2024. There aren't many teams with championship expectations, but I fully expect to see the Tigers battle Rockford in the finals come March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807274"],"_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-670d9f1f0e7ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sydney boosted Belleville to new heights in 2023, helping her team win a KLAA championship and reach the state semifinals. Sydney averaged 26 pts, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game as a freshman. She backed up her #1 ranking in the 2027 class, earning First-Team All-State honors, and recognition as a MaxPreps All-American. Sydney appears ready to double down on her electric freshman year with a special sophomore season. She dropped 38 points in a summer league game against a solid team and has earned countless Power Five offers heading into the winter season. Sydney leads an extremely talented Tigers team towards their goal of winning the 2024 state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/ss16-shootout-underclassmen-making-a-statement/">Read More About Sydney</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dearborn</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dearborn finished the 2023 season with a respectable 7-7 record against division opponents. The Pioneers tied Stevenson in the Coaches Poll voting for KLAA East Dark Horse and will have the chance to climb into the #3 spot in 2024 if they can improve their record against crosstown rival Fordson. Dearborn loses All-Conference Honorable Mention guard Katya Salame (2024), but they bring back All-Conference forward Tia Charafeddine (2025) and guard Sienna Mroue (2026). The Pioneers have looked like a competitive and cohesive group this fall and I expect them to be a top-four team in the East this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["825218"],"_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-670d9f1f0e862"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tia earned an All-Conference selection in 2023 and looks ready to carry a bulk of the offensive load in 2024. Tia has a quick burst off the dribble and finishes strong through contact around the basket. She knocks down perimeter shots and uses excellent footwork in the paint. Tia exhibits leadership and confidence on the court for the Pioneers. She will be an All-Conference candidate this winter and an exciting prospect to watch in the East. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/10/dcdhs-fall-league-recap-week-one/">Read More About Tia</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dearborn Fordson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dearborn Fordson has been a consistent winner in the KLAA East, finishing top four in the standings the past three seasons. The Tractors mowed their way to an impressive 8-5 record against East opponents in 2023, but have an uphill climb ahead replacing five senior starters. Fordson loses All-Conference Select center Sarinnah Ajami, All-Conference forward Rokaya Ajami, All-Conference guard Celina Bazzi, and Honorable Mention guard Tia Basma. The Tractors have an opportunity for new faces to make an impact in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Livonia Churchill</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Livonia Churchill improved their 2-12 division record in 2022 to a 5-9 record against East opponents in 2023. The Chargers should continue that positive momentum as they return All-Conference point guard [player_tooltip player_id='716476' first='Averi' last='Collins'] (2025) and All-Conference Honorable Mention power forward [player_tooltip player_id='716688' first='Charlotte' last='Minor'] (2025). Averi is a crafty ball-handler and scorer who sparks the offense and defense with her quickness, while Charlotte provides an advantage in the paint. I expect the Chargers to catch some teams by surprise this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["716688"],"_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-670debaf73bc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Charlotte is a post prospect who made a strong statement about her college potential during the travel season for Always 100 [program_tooltip program_id='715924' first='Michigan' last='Anarchy']. She demonstrated excellent vocal leadership, effort, and fundamentals at travel practice; then continued to impress in spring games. Charlotte is a tough rebounder and aggressive defender in the paint. She uses quality footwork with her back to the basket and finishes well off two feet. Charlotte has the range to knock down perimeter jumpers, is an effective screener, and I expect her to be an All-Conference caliber player again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/practice-edition-always-100-michigan-anarchy/">Read More About Charlotte</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Livonia Franklin</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a 9-5 record in 2021, third best in the East, Livonia Franklin has struggled to find similar success the past two seasons. The Patriots ended the 2023 season at 2-12 against conference opponents and will look to rebound in 2024. Franklin loses All-Conference guard Emmy Nordbeck (2024), but they return Honorable Mention forward [player_tooltip player_id='1096036' first='Kinsey' last='Nordbeck'] (2026) and many varsity returners who add a year of experience. </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='1096036' first='Kinsey' last='Nordbeck']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_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":"Livonia Franklin","_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-670debaf73c4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kinsey is a post-player who shows off her cross country and track quickness on the court for Livonia Franklin. Kinsey agitates post players as a shot blocker with her long arms. She works hard to pursue rebounds on both ends and produces points in the paint. Kinsey is a double-double threat any given night with her determined effort on the offensive glass. Kinsey earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention nomination in 2023 and she will have a significant role this winter for the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18863078/65a9bc385b3d3c0bf0a22775' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670debaf73db0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Livonia Stevenson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Livonia Stevenson ended the 2023 season middle of the pack with a 6-7 record against East opponents. With former Birmingham Groves Head Coach Alison Hidey taking over, they hope to climb the standings this winter. The Spartans tied Dearborn as the Dark Horse East favorite in the Coaches Poll and it appears they have the talent to be a dangerous team on the court. Stevenson brings back their trio of guards: All-Conference Select [player_tooltip player_id='734919' first='Bella' last='Sapia'] (2026), All-Conference [player_tooltip player_id='734922' first='Gabriella' last='Yancura'] (2026), and All-Conference Honorable Mention Carley Piergentili (2025). The Spartans also have versatile 6-footer [player_tooltip player_id='734923' first='Maddie' last='Lowry'] who I anticipate to breakout as an All-Conference candidate this season. Stevenson has the talent and depth to finish as a top-four team in the East this season and they are my 2024 Dark Horse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734923"],"_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-670debaf73df5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maddie has been an exciting prospect in the program for a couple of years now and I expect her to break out as an All-Conference caliber player in 2024. Maddie has the length and aggressiveness to play inside but also hits shots from the perimeter. Maddie provides a shot-blocking and rebounding presence for the Spartans while giving an offensive spark when she attacks the basket. Maddie will have a significant role this winter for a surging Stevenson squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/11/headliners-invitational-girls-basketball/">Read More About Maddie</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wayne Memorial</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few programs have experienced dominance like Wayne Memorial leading up to the 2023 season. The Zebras won every KLAA East Division title (5 straight) since it's formation in 2018. Wayne Memorial finished second in the East with an 11-2 record in 2023 with their only defeats coming against divisional champion Belleville. The KLAA East is a two-team race again in 2024 and the Zebras are one of the few opponents who have a starting lineup capable of competing with the Tigers athletically. They bring back the bulk of their firepower with All-Conference Select guards [player_tooltip player_id='419533' first='Colleena' last='Bryant'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='613942' first='Mariah' last='Cross'] (2026), and All-Conference Honorable Mention [player_tooltip player_id='613944' first='Morgan' last='Smith'] (2026). Center [player_tooltip player_id='419535' first='Gabby' last='Gerald'] (2025) returns to provide a strong interior presence, but the Zebras lose All-Conference guard Alexis Halley (2024, Tennessee Southern) to graduation. Wayne Memorial can challenge Belleville for a KLAA East title if they split wins this winter and those matchups will be intense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419533"],"_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-670debaf73e33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='419533' first='Colleena' last='Bryant'] has had an electric high school career at Wayne Memorial and looks ready to end her career with an exclamation point. Colleena earned All-Conference Select Honors in 2023 and Second Team All-State, averaging 17.1 pts, 8.2 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game. Colleena is the #1 ranked point guard in her class, giving the Zebras the advantage as a court general, scorer, defender, and leader on the floor. I expect Colleena to have a dominant senior season and earn a First Team All-State selection in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/ss16-shootout-2025s/">Read More About Colleena</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Westland John Glenn</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westland John Glenn is seeking their first KLAA East win since they defeated Churchill in February of 2022. After a winless 2022-23 season, the Rockets were able to win three non-conference games during the 2023-24 campaign. John Glenn will rely heavily on All-Conference sophomore forward Ays'ja Golden (2027) to guide them to an East Division victory in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a>&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 -->