2024-25 SEASON PREVIEW: CAAC-RED

<!-- 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 Red, 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 RED PRE-SEASON POWER RANKING</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. Haslett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. St. Johns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. Williamston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Fowlerville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Mason</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Lansing Eastern</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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fowlerville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a 2-8 record in the CAAC Red Division in 2022 and 2023, Fowlerville looks to fight its way up the standings in 2024. The Gladiators have a team with plenty of battle-tested armor heading into the winter season. They lose important facilitating guard and Division 1 softball commit Tori Briggs (2024, CMU). However, Fowlerville has several guard and forward prospects including [player_tooltip player_id='927527' first='Mariah' last='Kirby'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='982809' first='McKenna' last='Maybee'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='982757' first='Izzy' last='Cox'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1054342' first='Tommi' last='Kleinschmidt'] (2025), and [player_tooltip player_id='1054344' first='Michaela' last='Gulledge'] (2026) ready to compete. Fowlerville's combination of upperclassmen depth makes them a dangerous team heading into the winter season. The Gladiators are a team I expect to win more games against divisional opponents in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["927527"],"_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-67291cd3dafa9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mariah displayed qualities during the travel and summer season that show she is ready for a breakout junior season at Fowlerville. Mariah earns praise for her defensive communication and effort on the floor. She uses her length and lateral mobility to deflect passes, block shots, and create steals. Mariah buries 3s, beats defenders using a variety of dribble combinations, and finishes around the rim with touch. Mariah looks ready to have a very productive junior year and I am eager to see this Gladiators team compete in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read More About Mariah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Haslett</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After winning a division title with a perfect 10-0 record in 2022, Haslett finished as runner-up with an 8-2 record in 2023. Their only losses were to division winner Williamston, but the Vikings enjoyed revenge by defeating Williamston in the district finals. Haslett is the clear favorite to win the CAAC Red in 2024, with Williamston losing their top guns and the Vikings bringing back a loaded roster. The Vikings graduate two key contributors from last year's team: Jadelyn Trotter (2024) and Durrgen Mcintosh (2024) whose clutch play helped the team make a memorable postseason run to regionals. However, with capable guards [player_tooltip player_id='734944' first='Alexis' last='Turner'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='502298' first='Christina' last='Dixon'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1105912' first='Danielle' last='Cleveland'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='751132' first='Avery' last='Hannah'] (2027), and versatile forwards [player_tooltip player_id='734961' first='Calista' last='Blue'] (2026), and [player_tooltip player_id='773894' first='Kaitlyn' last='Johnson'] (2026), this Vikings team looks ready to dominate the division and make a deeper playoff run in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751132"],"_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-67291cd3db00b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avery jumped into a complementary role for Haslett as a freshman and appears ready for a breakout season in 2024. Avery is a lethal 3-point shooter, burying an eye-popping six triples in a travel game during the spring. Her ability to create separation off the dribble, drive hard downhill for layups, and effort on defense makes her an effective all-around player. Avery is a passionate competitor with a confident presence that I am eager to see this winter for Haslett. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/lbiasc-2027s-raining-buckets/">Read More About Avery</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lansing Eastern</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lansing Eastern has had a tough time competing in the CAAC Red the past three years, with a 0-29 record against divisional opponents. When the Quakers break that losing streak, the program will have a special memory to celebrate together: the greater the adversity, the greater the triumph. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mason</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason has been a consistent competitor in the CAA Red, winning a respectable five games against division opponents in 2022 and 2023. The Bulldogs graduate their formidable 6-foot power forward Ashlynn Putman (2024, Lansing Community College), but bring back production from seniors [player_tooltip player_id='773847' first='Jenna' last='Sheldon'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='782967' first='Grace' last='O'Berry'] (2025), and [player_tooltip player_id='1002340' first='Ava' last='Ruster'] (2025). [player_tooltip player_id='982829' first='Josilyn' last='Lator'] (2026) is a wing who should take another step forward, which will help the Bulldogs be competitive again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1002340"],"_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-67291cd3db050"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava is a determined point guard prospect who makes plays to help Mason succeed on both ends of the court. Her scrappy ball pressure creates steals and she works hard to make the effort plays. Ava was a clutch performer during the travel season. She knocked down triples, finished contested layups through contact, beat pressure with her dribble, and found teammates for open shots. Ava will be a key contributor for the Bulldogs in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/r4tr-championship-2025-mitten-prospects/">Read More About Ava</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Johns</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Johns has competed the past two seasons, finishing with a 5-5 record against CAAC Red Division opponents. The Redwings must replace productive senior guard Isabel Thelen (2024) and forward Maddy Robinson (2024). The Redwings return two versatile players to their starting lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='459082' first='Jocelyn' last='Kotowicz'] (2025) has the skills and strength to play positions 1-4, while wing [player_tooltip player_id='716687' first='Taylor' last='Cook'] (2025) is extremely effective as a perimeter scorer and defender. St. Johns adds a promising freshman prospect named [player_tooltip player_id='982006' first='Rowan' last='Mattice'] (2028) to their roster who has the potential to be an impactful guard immediately. I expect the Redwings to have a very competitive season once again in the CAAC Red and they are my Dark Horse favorite to become a contender in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["459082"],"_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-67291cd3db091"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jocelyn had a breakout travel season for [program_tooltip program_id='715424' first='The' last='Naturals'] and was one of the most complete prospects on the court at many tournaments. Jocelyn has physical strength and a competitive demeanor that stands out on the floor. She makes the effort plays, hits shots on the perimeter, finishes drives through contact, rebounds, and creates steals on defense. Jocelyn shares the ball and makes strong passes for assists from sideline to sideline. I have enjoyed seeing her compete many times throughout the high school off-season and I expect her to have her best season as a senior. Jocelyn will be a great addition to whichever college program she joins after graduation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/r4tr-championship-2025-mitten-prospects/">Read More About Jocelyn</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Williamston</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williamston won the CAAC Red Divison with a perfect 10-0 record in 2023 and finished as the runner-up at 8-2 in 2022. The Hornets have won two Divison championships in the past four seasons with no finishes outside of the top two. They are led by highly respected Head Coach Pete Cool and under his guidance I expect them to finish top three in the standings once again despite the loss of very talented seniors. The Hornets graduate star forward Reese Gaytan (2024, GVSU), explosive guard Claire Casey (2024, Georgia Southern Soccer), and productive guard Ellie Thorburn (2024). Williamston returns junior forwards [player_tooltip player_id='982827' first='Madyson' last='Bush'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='735838' first='Kylan' last='Dillingham'] (2026) who appear ready to contribute in an expanded role. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='928009' first='Abby' last='Brannan'] (2027) has competed well against seniors on the travel circuit and she will be a go-to player for the Hornets in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["928009"],"_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-67291cd3db0d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Abby used her sharpshooting from 3-point distance to make an immediate impact for Williamston as a freshman and I expect her to have a monster sophomore season for the Hornets. Abby competed against seniors during the travel season and that competition will be extremely valuable as she becomes a featured player in her second season. Abby showed poise when handling the ball against pressure and confidence to take (and make) clutch shots in key moments for her travel team. Abby is a fierce competitor who battles inside for rebounds and finishes strong around the rim. She will be an exciting prospect to watch this winter and a breakout player for Williamston in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/september-rankings-update-2027-two-guards-rising-pt-1/">Read More About Abby</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>&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;&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 -->