MHSAA TOURNEY PREVIEW: District 1-4

The road to the state finals begins on March 3rd. Teams from four divisions will compete for 128 district titles across two peninsulas and only one team from each district will add a trophy to their case. District previews will be released in the weeks leading up to the state MHSAA tournament to provide all-access insight into the teams and prospects that make up each district. Here is a look at Districts 1-4.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #1-Alpena</h2>   PGH Favorite: Traverse City Central   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/PXL_20240712_220207068.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1721407595.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-949555" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='613011' first='Lucia' last='France'], 2025, TCC, [program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier'], ETSU Commit, Select Super Showcase, July 12th, 2024.</figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: Marquette, Petoskey   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/Brianna-Anderson-rotated-crop-479x315-1737060727.jpg?w=478" alt="" class="wp-image-1145619" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='885644' first='Brianna' last='Anderson'], 2025, Marquette, [program_tooltip program_id='715386' first='Great' last='Northern Elite'].</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240627_001008685.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1719782586.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-935256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1158041' first='Lauren' last='LaHaie'], 2026, Petoskey, MSU Team Camp.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: Traverse City Central defeated Alpena 56-46 last year to win the district and they are the favorite to win the district again in 2025. As of today, Traverse City Central sits atop the Big North Conference and is 6-1 against district opponents; Marquette beat the Trojans 47-36 in a non-conference December contest. Traverse City Central has two top-shelf senior prospects who will continue their basketball careers at the college level next fall: [player_tooltip player_id='424152' first='Jakiah' last='Brumfield'] (2025, Alma) and [player_tooltip player_id='613011' first='Lucia' last='France'] (2025, East Tennessee State). Jakiah is a slashing guard who can light it up from beyond the arc and harass ball-handlers sideline to sideline' she earned MVP at our PGH Expo. Lucia is a mountain of physicality inside that few forwards can matchup with, she's ranked #1 for a reason. The Trojans started off slow, but are rolling with nine consecutive wins. Marquette played D2 contenders Gladstone and Negaunee close and handed D4 contender Munising their second loss in a 58-53 win. They're 1-1 against district opponents, but have three players who can lead them to a district run if they're in sync. [player_tooltip player_id='885644' first='Brianna' last='Anderson'] (2025) is a high-motor two-way inside player, [player_tooltip player_id='886857' first='Lexi' last='Curran'] (2026) is a shifty/scrappy guard who can get downhill and hit perimeter jumpers, while [player_tooltip player_id='902905' first='Aubree' last='Blackburn'] (2025) gives the team a rebounding, shooting, and driving threat. Petoskey is 4-3 against district opponents with two losses against Traverse City Central and one against Gaylord. They won their second matchup against Gaylord 56-40 and lost their first game against T.C.C. by a mere two points. [player_tooltip player_id='1158041' first='Lauren' last='LaHaie'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='1158040' first='Haidyn' last='Wegmann'] (2026) keep their hands active to create steals on the defensive end, while giving Petoskey a boost with their 3-point shooting.   Teams: Alpena, Gaylord, Marquette, Petoskey, Traverse City Central, Traverse City West   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='1002349' first='Natalie' last='Maychen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1073616' first='Faith' last='Dragiewicz'], [player_tooltip player_id='918940' first='Kiera' last='Prue'], Alpena; [player_tooltip player_id='982885' first='Karlee' last='Pretzlaff'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158048' first='Makayla' last='Kozlowski'], [player_tooltip player_id='982883' first='Addison' last='McDonald'], Gaylord; [player_tooltip player_id='885644' first='Brianna' last='Anderson'], [player_tooltip player_id='902905' first='Aubree' last='Blackburn'], [player_tooltip player_id='886857' first='Lexi' last='Curran']; Marquette, [player_tooltip player_id='929461' first='Sadie' last='Corey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158041' first='Lauren' last='LaHaie'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158040' first='Haidyn' last='Wegmann'], Petoskey; [player_tooltip player_id='424152' first='Jakiah' last='Brumfield'], [player_tooltip player_id='613011' first='Lucia' last='France'], [player_tooltip player_id='1122377' first='Lorelai' last='Zielinski']; Traverse City Central, [player_tooltip player_id='914852' first='Grace' last='Bohrer']; Traverse City West   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #2-Midland Dow</h2>   PGH Favorite: Midland   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240608_185356827.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1717894302.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-920766" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='424147' first='Payton' last='Palmer'], 2025, Midland, Mystics, Trine Commit</figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: Midland Dow, Mount Pleasant   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/Allie-Stockton-crop-3226x2118-1719880732.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-936072" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='866019' first='Allie' last='Stockton'], 2027, Midland Dow, Mystics.</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/PXL_20240406_141213331-crop-3024x1986-1712436639.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-887484" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='336004' first='Jordyn' last='Egger'], 2025, Mount Pleasant, Mystics, Rollins Commit.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: Midland Dow beat Bay City Western 52-22 last year to win the district, but it's Midland High who has gone from first loser in 2024 to district favorite in 2025. The Chemics are 16-1 with an undefeated record against Saginaw Valley League opponents and a league championship in sight. They are 4-0 against district opponents with two wins coming against crosstown rival Midland Dow. Midland plays a fast brand of basketball. They press and push the tempo to score transition layups, swinging the ball around to get three-point looks. Four freshmen start and have a heavy impact on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='898878' first='Kaiya' last='Mahabir'] (2028) facilitates the offense, pressures the opponent's point guard, and is the team's energizer. Sisters Ella and [player_tooltip player_id='933025' first='Emma' last='McLaughlin'] (2028) are quick, aggressive, and dynamic two-way players. [player_tooltip player_id='932751' first='Ellee' last='Arnold'] (2028) uses her length to block shots and is a tough matchup inside. [player_tooltip player_id='424147' first='Payton' last='Palmer'] (2025, Trine) is a deadly sniper from beyond the arc. Midland Dow is 2-2 against district opponents and only lost to Midland by two points in their first meeting. Playoff history is on their side and they have a fast-paced style that can put up huge offensive numbers. The Chargers scored a staggering 91 points against Carman-Ainsworth and 71 against Mount Pleasant: it's hard to keep up when the Chargers are hitting from beyond the arc. They defeated Tri-Valley Conference Red powerhouses Frankenmuth and Freeland, while also defeating Tri-Valley Conference Blue leader Hemlock. Their dynamic duo of guards [player_tooltip player_id='614649' first='Melanie' last='Kolnitys'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='866019' first='Allie' last='Stockton'] (2027) are shifty, scrappy defenders, and explosive when they drive downhill. [player_tooltip player_id='613004' first='Dalton' last='Deboer'] (2025, SVSU Tennis) is well-known for her deadly 3-point accuracy and she will be a factor in their playoff matchups. Mount Pleasant has a 1,000-point scoring next-level sharpshooter in [player_tooltip player_id='336004' first='Jordyn' last='Egger'] (2025, Rollins) and breakout front-court prospect [player_tooltip player_id='932749' first='Elizabeth' last='Laney'] (2028). Laney gives the Oilers an edge with her shot-blocking, rebounding, and finishing. The Oilers have quality wins against Flint Powers Catholic and Big Rapids, losing to district favorite Midland by eight points. They have the potential to be a major spoiler in March.   Teams: Bay City Western, Cadillac, Midland, Midland Dow, Mount Pleasant   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='1047239' first='Alexis' last='Schlatter'], [player_tooltip player_id='1067368' first='Claire' last='Robinson']; Bay City Western, [player_tooltip player_id='919124' first='Kaleigh' last='Swiger'], Sanna Jalovaara; Cadillac, [player_tooltip player_id='424147' first='Payton' last='Palmer'], [player_tooltip player_id='898878' first='Kaiya' last='Mahabir'], [player_tooltip player_id='932751' first='Ellee' last='Arnold'], [player_tooltip player_id='933020' first='Ella' last='McLaughlin'], [player_tooltip player_id='933025' first='Emma' last='McLaughlin']; Midland, [player_tooltip player_id='866019' first='Allie' last='Stockton'], [player_tooltip player_id='614649' first='Melanie' last='Kolnitys'], [player_tooltip player_id='613004' first='Dalton' last='Deboer']; Midland Dow, [player_tooltip player_id='336004' first='Jordyn' last='Egger'], [player_tooltip player_id='854703' first='Ava' last='Petrino'], [player_tooltip player_id='932749' first='Elizabeth' last='Laney']; Mount Pleasant   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #3-Flint Carman-Ainsworth</h2>   PGH Favorite: Saginaw Heritage   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/PXL_20250121_011331884.MP_-crop-2420x1589-1738087043.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1167383" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='908135' first='Jayla' last='Laster'], 2028, Saginaw Heritage, Mystics, SVSU MLK Classic.</figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: Flushing   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/PXL_20240716_230419409.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1721771438.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-952507" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1106094' first='Alexis' last='Woodbeck'], 2025, Flushing, Northwood Team Camp.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: Saginaw Heritage won the district last year, beating Flushing in a tight 40-37 game; their roster has been completely upgraded since then. Heritage is currently 15-3, 3-0 against district opponents, with their losses coming against Frankenmuth, Howell, and Midland. Several freshmen have stepped into lead roles for the Hawks and three of them are ranked top 20 in the state. Their length, speed, and athleticism cause havoc for teams who lack poise against pressure. [player_tooltip player_id='908135' first='Jayla' last='Laster'] (2028) was our Feb. 2nd-8th Player of the Week after setting the single-game scoring record with 34 points: she's been the engine on offense all season. [player_tooltip player_id='933016' first='Zariya' last='McCrary'] (2028) has a unique combination of length, quickness, and multidimensional scoring abilities that gives the Hawks an advantage on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='613943' first='Alesia' last='Ode'] (2026) sprinted out of the gates in week one, winning Dec. 1st-7th Player of the Week with 44 points and 19 rebounds in two games. An injury sidelined her for much of the season, but she is back in action stride in time for the playoffs. Younger sister [player_tooltip player_id='933013' first='Joslyn' last='Ode'] (2028) has the versatility to defend inside and on the perimeter. She is an acrobatic finisher who can lead the team in points, assists, and rebounds on any given night. [player_tooltip player_id='615174' first='Breeghan' last='Hamilton'] (2026) is a glue player for the Hawks who contributes in all areas and gives the team a gritty presence at the guard spot. Flushing is 12-4 and currently in first place of the Flint Metro League-Stripes (8-1). They probably have the best chance of anyone to compete with Heritage in the district. Flushing nearly pulled off the upset last year and will rely on their group of seniors to lead them into battle. The Raiders have length and versatility with combo guard/wings [player_tooltip player_id='1106094' first='Alexis' last='Woodbeck'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='519159' first='Brooklyn' last='Wells'] (2025). Both players are aggressive and active on defense. They drive hard to the basket, crash the boards, and can hit perimeter shots. [player_tooltip player_id='1105885' first='Makenzie' last='Jones'] (2025, Mott Softball) is a wing with a good pull-up jumper who can finish around the rim.   Teams: Bay City Central, Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Flushing, Saginaw Heritage, Saginaw United   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='908941' first='Tiareyona' last='Holmes']; Bay City Central, [player_tooltip player_id='912522' first='Maraeyah' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='716690' first='Armonie' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='424156' first='Harmony' last='Turner']; Flint Carman-Ainsworth, [player_tooltip player_id='1105885' first='Makenzie' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='1106094' first='Alexis' last='Woodbeck'], [player_tooltip player_id='519159' first='Brooklyn' last='Wells'], [player_tooltip player_id='519160' first='Maddie' last='Burdis']; Flushing, [player_tooltip player_id='613943' first='Alesia' last='Ode'], [player_tooltip player_id='933013' first='Joslyn' last='Ode'], [player_tooltip player_id='933016' first='Zariya' last='McCrary'], [player_tooltip player_id='908135' first='Jayla' last='Laster'], [player_tooltip player_id='615174' first='Breeghan' last='Hamilton']; Saginaw Heritage, [player_tooltip player_id='1191867' first='Brittany' last='Johnson'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='908195' first='Destiny' last='Clark'] (2027); Saginaw United   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #4-Muskegon</h2>   PGH Favorite: Rockford   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240627_174542341-crop-3024x1986-1723072054.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-963629" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'], 2026, Rockford, MSU Team Camp. </figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: Muskegon   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Mariah-Sain-crop-2225x1461-1695754301.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-772113" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'], 2026, Muskegon, Michigan Crossover, PGH Expo.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: Rockford has made three straight trips to the Breslin Center and I expect them to make it four come March. Last year, they defeated Mona Shores 69-27 to win the district after beating Muskegon by ten in the semis. Rockford is 18-1 with their only loss coming against D3 front-runner Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard. [player_tooltip player_id='420486' first='Anna' last='Wypych'] (2025, Butler) is having a Miss Basketball caliber senior season, averaging 22.3 points per game heading into February. She was named our Dec. 15th-21st Player of the Week and owns Rockford records for points, assists, steals, and made free throws in a career. Anna also became the single-game record holder for 3s with seven against Grandville. [player_tooltip player_id='613428' first='Sienna' last='Wolfe'] (2026) is back on the hardwood after a long absence; she's possibly the best wing in her class. [player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'] (2026) is a Bulldog power forward who has been a fierce interior presence on both ends for the Rams and has proven herself against highly respected forwards all season. [player_tooltip player_id='890718' first='Addison' last='Wypych'] (2028) has sprung into action as a freshman to give Rockford another perimeter threat and capable ball-handler. [player_tooltip player_id='860210' first='Jordan' last='Mateer'] (2026) is an active defender who can rip the nets from outside. Muskegon has spent a large part of this season without their star guards [player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='614713' first='Cece' last='Bonner'] (2026). Both girls are amongst the most athletic, quick, and shifty guards in the state, so if they are back for the playoffs it will give the Lady Reds a huge boost. [player_tooltip player_id='1138137' first='Kamrin' last='Ward'] (2025) has stepped offensively and been effective against tough competition, while [player_tooltip player_id='1039059' first='Dy'Nasti' last='Bell'] (2027) is an intriguing prospect who gives the team valuable contributions as a finisher, shot blocker, and rebounder.   Teams: Cedar Springs, Greenville, Muskegon, Muskegon Mona Shores, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, Rockford   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='854708' first='Poet' last='Scheuneman'], [player_tooltip player_id='860231' first='Faith' last='Carlson']; Cedar Springs, [player_tooltip player_id='982815' first='Alix' last='Court'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158133' first='Sophie' last='Clevenger'], [player_tooltip player_id='918936' first='Annabelle' last='Willhite']; Greenville, [player_tooltip player_id='1138137' first='Kamrin' last='Ward'], [player_tooltip player_id='1039059' first='Dy'Nasti' last='Bell'], [player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'], [player_tooltip player_id='614713' first='Cece' last='Bonner']; Muskegon, Maddie Russell, [player_tooltip player_id='989300' first='Logan' last='Clausen'], Katie Phillips; Mona Shores, [player_tooltip player_id='933008' first='Raquel' last='Walker']; Reeths-Puffer, [player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'], [player_tooltip player_id='890718' first='Addison' last='Wypych'], [player_tooltip player_id='420486' first='Anna' last='Wypych'], [player_tooltip player_id='860210' first='Jordan' last='Mateer'], [player_tooltip player_id='613428' first='Sienna' last='Wolfe']; Rockford

The road to the state finals begins on March 3rd. Teams from four divisions will compete for 128 district titles across two peninsulas and only one team from each district will add a trophy to their case. District previews will be released in the weeks leading up to the state MHSAA tournament to provide all-access insight into the teams and prospects that make up each district. Here is a look at Districts 1-4.