2024-25 SEASON PREVIEW: CAAC-BLUE

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school tryouts are quickly approaching. 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.&nbsp;The Capital Area Activities Association consists of 21 teams separated into three divisions. The Blue Division includes DeWitt, East Lansing, Holt, Grand Ledge, Lansing Everett, Okemos, and Lansing Waverly. The Red Division includes Fowlerville, Haslett, Lansing Eastern, Mason, St. Johns, and Williamston. The White Division includes Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, Ionia, Lakewood, Lansing Catholic, Lansing Sexton, Olivet, and Portland. Each division has its own champion with divisional opponents playing twice. 2023 results, 2024 predictions for the CAAC Blue, and previews for each team in the division are included below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Division Champion: DeWitt (12-0), Red Division Champion: Williamston (10-0), White Division Champion: Lansing Catholic (11-1) and Portland (11-1). Darkhorse Teams: Olivet and East Lansing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 CAAC BLUE PRE-SEASON POWER RANKING</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. DeWitt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. East Lansing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. Holt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Grand Ledge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Okemos</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Lansing Waverly</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. Lansing Everett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, let's take a much closer look at how each CAAC Blue team looks heading into the 2024 season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DeWitt</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeWitt has dominated the CAAC Blue Division for the past two years, winning two titles with a 21-1 record against divisional opponents. The Panthers beat every Blue team by double-digits during the 2023 season before losing to Holt in the regional playoffs. DeWitt appears ready to contend for another division title, bringing back every All-League selection: [player_tooltip player_id='424564' first='Madi' last='Uyl'] (2025, GVSU), [player_tooltip player_id='613010' first='Tara' last='Kurncz'] (2025), and [player_tooltip player_id='860190' first='Carly' last='Dennis'] (2026). The Panthers have depth with [player_tooltip player_id='751141' first='Golden' last='Nicholson'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='751148' first='Jessica' last='English'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='751147' first='Jaynie' last='English'] (2027), and Honorable Mention [player_tooltip player_id='924016' first='Sophia' last='Beland'] (2026) contributing as well. DeWitt is my pick to win the CAAC Blue in 2024 and they could make a deep playoff run in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751141"],"_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-67251b1364b42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Golden climbed the 2027 rankings during the off-season because of her peak performance at competitive events during travel, summer team camps, elite camps, and showcases. Golden uses her aggressiveness, athleticism, and quickness to make impact plays on both ends. She uses a variety of combination dribbles to create separation to score at all three levels; Golden works hard to block shots and create steals on defense. She looks ready to have a breakout season for DeWitt in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/highest-platform-skillcase/">Read More About Golden</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Lansing</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Lansing took a quantum leap forward under the guidance of new Head Coach Tori Brooks. The Trojans improved from a 2-8 divisional record in 2022 to a second-place 9-3 record in 2023. The Trojans had a backcourt advantage against most teams with tandem of All-League guards Sophia Klinger (2024, Calvin) and [player_tooltip player_id='773848' first='Ariyana' last='James'] (2024) leading the way on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='751168' first='Sydney' last='Black'] (2027) had a very productive breakout season as a freshman earning Honorable Mention recognition. Losing Klinger and post-presence Carmel Eiland (2024) to graduation would be more challenging if the Trojans didn't have several underclassmen ready to make a difference. East Lansing adds freshman forward [player_tooltip player_id='933467' first='Nyah' last='Wright'] (2028), guard [player_tooltip player_id='980276' first='Nandi' last='Gordon'] (2028), and guard [player_tooltip player_id='978525' first='Jordan' last='Mendenhall'] to the program. Their versatile small forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1039119' first='Sydney' last='Hutson'] (2027) and [player_tooltip player_id='1002381' first='Maeve' last='Hadden'] (2025) look ready to increase their contributions. East Lansing can expect strong interior play from centers [player_tooltip player_id='801857' first='Kaylee' last='King'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='964299' first='Maddox' last='Guerrant'] (2025) with shifty point guard [player_tooltip player_id='854681' first='Nevaeh' last='Vasquez'] (2025) sparking the team with her court presence. The Trojans will be a contender in the CAAC Blue again in 2024 and will be an exciting team to watch this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773848"],"_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-67251b1364bed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ariyana helped change the course for East Lansing in 2023, earning an All-League selection as a result of her exceptional performance. Ariyana has explosive downhill quickness as a scorer off the dribble and wreaks havoc as an on-ball defender to create steals. Ariyana demonstrated progress as a perimeter shooter during the off-season and will be lethal by adding 3-point consistency to her game. Ariyana energizes her team as a go-to scorer, confident ball handler, and aggressive defender. She is a must watch college prospect who will be an All-League caliber player again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/08/michigan-jam-east-lansing-freeland-grand-haven/">Read More About Ariyana</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Holt</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holt has been a consistent contender in the CAAC Blue winning nine games the past two years and finishing as the runner-up. In 2023 they lost twice to DeWitt during the regular season but won the third matchup in the playoffs. The Rams defeated Portage Central to win the Regional Championship before losing to Belleville in the quarterfinals by five points. Holt will need to replace production from key All-League selections Rhema Dozier (2024, Aquinas), Claire Tobias (2024, Lansing Community College), and Honorable Mention Presley Pazitka (2024, Lansing Community College). Despite these losses, I expect Holt to be a contender again as they return productive All-League selection [player_tooltip player_id='919121' first='Allison' last='Metzger'] (2025), impactful paint presence [player_tooltip player_id='904434' first='Genevieve' last='Nagel'] (2025), and several skilled underclassmen. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='750259' first='Olivia' last='Gadson'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='751143' first='Grace' last='Gaudard'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='751142' first='Grace' last='Atkinson'] (2027), and [player_tooltip player_id='889482' first='Victoria' last='Palmer'] (2027) look solid, while versatile forward [player_tooltip player_id='912515' first='Maya' last='Barker'] (2027) gives the Rams an interior/perimeter threat. The Rams will be a tough team to beat in the CAAC Blue this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750259"],"_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-67251b1364c6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia shot up the 2027 rankings this off-season by consistently performing at a high level at different events. She is an explosive two-way player who creates scoring for herself and others off the dribble. Olivia has a smooth pull-up jumper from outside and the mid-range. She causes turnovers with her ball pressure and will be a breakout player for Holt in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/west-michigan-drive-fall-training-camp-standouts/">Read More About Olivia</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grand Ledge</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grand Ledge has consistently finished in the upper half of the CAAC Blue winning six games in 2021, six games in 2022, and five games in 2023. The Comets hope to shoot ahead of teams in the standings this winter, but must do so without their All-League post player Alayna Armstrong (2024, Lansing Community College) and Honorable Mention Olivia Navin (2024). However, Grand Ledge has several solid prospects who are more than capable of stepping into a key role this season. [player_tooltip player_id='502308' first='Lexi' last='Raska'] (2026) is a dynamic guard with unique length, [player_tooltip player_id='892940' first='Aviana' last='Skinner'] (2026) is a shifty guard who can score anywhere on the court, and [player_tooltip player_id='806963' first='Genevieve' last='Ketola'] (2026) is a powerful paint presence for the Comets. All three prospects have impressed our scouts this off-season and should be All-League candidates in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["502308"],"_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-67251b1364ce5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's not common to have a 5'11 point guard on your roster, but that's exactly what Grand Ledge has with Lexi. She scans the floor to find open teammates in transition and quickly pushes the ball to generate transition offense. Lexi creates space from defenders with her footwork and combination dribble moves. She finishes with excellent balance and control around the basket. Lexi has a high-releasing jumper that has become more consistent from 3-point range and she uses her length to make stops on the defensive end. Lexi has the physical measurements and skills to be a highly recruited college guard; she will be exciting to watch with the Comets in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lansing Everett</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lansing Everett is looking to have a bounce back season in the CAAC Blue after their last place 0-11 finish in 2023. The Vikings graduate Honorable Mention selection Alawiya Mahamat (2024), but do return Honorable Mention Alayah Miller-Graham (2027). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lansig Waverly</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lansing Waverly has won four games in the CAAC Blue each of the past two seasons and will look to increase their victory total in 2024. Waverly brings back their powerful All-League forward prospect [player_tooltip player_id='621320' first='Xandaija' last='Scott'] (2026) and scrappy two-way Honorable Mention guard [player_tooltip player_id='734925' first='Natalia' last='Suddeth'] (2026). The Warriors should be a competitive team again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734925"],"_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-67251b1364d5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Natalia earned an Honorable Mention selection last season, but she appears ready to have an even bigger junior year. Natalia uses her length and quickness to generate steals on defense, then quickly pushes the ball for transition layups. Natalia has the range to hit shots on the perimeter and will be an exciting prospect to watch with Waverly this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18958561/65b6f75bab9d8106f08f0c1f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67251b136500a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Okemos</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a winless 2022 season, Okemos showed progress in 2023, winning two divisional games. The Wolves have competed very well at summer and fall games against good teams during the off-season, which is why I believe they will be a Darkhorse in the CAAC Blue this winter. Okemos loses All-League senior guard Maya Kiyak (2024), but versatile Honorable Mention wing [player_tooltip player_id='773851' first='Elizabeth' last='Schafer'] (2026), point guard [player_tooltip player_id='796698' first='Arabella' last='Lee'] (2025), guard [player_tooltip player_id='847403' first='Natalia' last='Hawks'] (2027), and forward [player_tooltip player_id='1052697' first='Kendall' last='Idomir'] (2026) all return. Okemos has continued to improve as a team and I expect them to take another step forward in the standings in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773851"],"_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-67251b1365086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elizabeth earned an Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore, but based on how she has performed during the off-season, I expect her to be an All-League caliber player as a junior. Elizabeth uses her length and determination to block shots in the paint. She secures rebounds on both ends, finishes through contact at the rim, and knocks down 3-point jumpers. Elizabeth has a quick burst off the dribble when she drives and sets a standard of toughness/effort for her teammates. Okemos will be a dangerous team to play this winter and Elizabeth will be a key factor in their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/highlighting-2026s-the-mitten-summer-showdown/">Read More About Elizabeth</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>&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;&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 -->