MHSAA TOURNEY PREVIEW: District 5-8

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 5-8.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/02/mhsaa-tourney-preview-district-1-4/">Read About Districts 1-4</a>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #5-Holland</h2>   PGH Favorite: Grand Haven   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240615_141053881.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1718475510.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-925104" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='716471' first='Gillian' last='Sorrelle'], 2025, Grand Haven, MBA, Hope Commit, BCAM Reaching Higher, June 14, 2024. </figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: Zeeland West   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/PXL_20240717_005755562-crop-3024x1986-1721838453-crop-640x421-1721872685.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-953420" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='964387' first='Georgia' last='Kuyers'], 2025, Zeeland West, Lansing C.C. Commit, Northwood Team Camp.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: Holland West Ottawa, featuring 2024 Miss Basketball Gabby Reynolds (George Washington), defeated Grand Haven 60-50 to win the district last year. This time, Grand Haven is in the driver's seat. The Buccaneers currently hold a 16-3 record and are 2-0 against district opponents (West Ottawa). Two losses happened against OK-Red champion Rockford and the other against District 6 favorite Hudsonville. Grand Haven defeated Forest Hills Northern and Midland; both are top-ten teams in D1. [player_tooltip player_id='807315' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'] ('27) is the best 2027 center prospect and she's proven it statistically against elite competition this season. Her length, mobility, and interior presence result in double-digit outputs of points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='716471' first='Gillian' last='Sorrelle'] ('25, Hope) creates steals with her keen defensive awareness and active hands. She pushes the ball in transition to score layups, knocks down jumpers, and facilitates the offense with poised ball-handling. [player_tooltip player_id='943220' first='Georgia' last='Reinecke'] ('27) plays pesky defense, creates penetration layups off the dribble, and adds perimeter shooting. [player_tooltip player_id='982821' first='Kendall' last='Gillis'] ('26) is a high-motor guard with versatility that sparks the team on offense and defense. The Zeeland West Dux are not to be taken lightly and present a real threat to the favorite. They are 14-4 and 4-0 against district opponents. The Dux lost three games by five points or less and are on an eight-game winning streak. [player_tooltip player_id='424159' first='Jordyn' last='Klaasen'] ('25, Ball State Soccer) is a dynamic point guard with athleticism to drive by defenders or bury triples from the perimeter. Her passing and defensive prowess are an advantage for the Dux. [player_tooltip player_id='964387' first='Georgia' last='Kuyers'] ('25, LCC) is a relentless rebounder, powerful finisher, and strong shot blocker with mobility that is a challenge for traditional bigs to match up with. [player_tooltip player_id='921955' first='Hannah' last='Stroebe'] ('26, Wooster) blocks shots, cleans up the boards, and finishes in the paint.   Teams: Grand Haven, Holland, Holland West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='807315' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'], [player_tooltip player_id='716471' first='Gillian' last='Sorrelle'], [player_tooltip player_id='943220' first='Georgia' last='Reinecke'], [player_tooltip player_id='982821' first='Kendall' last='Gillis']; Grand Haven, [player_tooltip player_id='1092530' first='Hadleigh' last='Hilgert']; Holland, [player_tooltip player_id='933010' first='Jana' last='Honeycutt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1194296' first='Brooke' last='Villemure']; Holland West Ottawa, [player_tooltip player_id='424161' first='Mirra' last='Fenlon'], Elizabeth Ridson, [player_tooltip player_id='796712' first='Emily' last='Wierenga']; Zeeland East, [player_tooltip player_id='424159' first='Jordyn' last='Klaasen'], [player_tooltip player_id='921955' first='Hannah' last='Stroebe'], [player_tooltip player_id='964387' first='Georgia' last='Kuyers']; Zeeland West   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #6-Jenison</h2>   PGH Favorite: Hudsonville   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/PXL_20240511_131848064.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1715537383-crop-640x421-1717729136.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-919937" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='424160' first='Josie' last='DeSmit'], 2025, Hudsonville, MBA, Hope Commit, MBA Mother's Day Classic.</figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/Melanin-Holman-e1696229726297.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-776596" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='716473' first='Melanin' last='Holman'], 2025, Kenowa Hills, [program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier'], PGH Expo.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: This district has been renovated as all teams played in either District 5 or 7 last season. Kenowa Hills won District 5, defeating Forest Hills Northern 46-44. District 6 has two lead horses in the race, but Hudsonville appears to be in front. Hudsonville is 13-6 with a 2-0 record against district opponents. They defeated ranked opponents Grand Haven 49-34 and Grand Rapids South Christian 41-39. [player_tooltip player_id='424160' first='Josie' last='DeSmit'] ('25, Hope) is one of the best senior point guard prospects in the state and her 25-point performance against Grand Haven propelled the Eagles to an upset win. She is a master facilitator, crafty ball-handler, pesky defender, and pinpoint shooter. [player_tooltip player_id='1039085' first='Lakelyn' last='Weber'] ('27) emphasizes making hustle plays and sprints to the ball for rebounds. She has quality footwork inside, scores off the dribble, and is a determined defender. [player_tooltip player_id='734926' first='Ryan' last='Vanderbeek'] (26') disrupts passing lanes with her active defense, wins 1 on 1 matchups inside to score around the rim, and delivers points from the perimeter. [player_tooltip player_id='1158141' first='Brielle' last='Reed'] ('28) protects the rim with her shot blocking, secures rebounds, and cleans up around the basket. Kenowa Hills is also 13-6, winning against district opponents Coopersville earlier this season. The strength of Kenowa Hills is their dynamic backcourt duo of [player_tooltip player_id='716473' first='Melanin' last='Holman'] ('25) and [player_tooltip player_id='751131' first='Ashlyn' last='Flint'] ('27). Melanin is one of the shiftiest point guards in her class and her unique athleticism can take over games. Melanin puts ball-handlers in a box with her quick feet and turns steals into layups. She's a strong finisher with an explosive burst off the dribble and creates open looks for teammates with her passes. Ashlyn led the team with 20 points in a win against Northview and has the dual-threat ability to score off the dribble or with her 3-point shooting. She makes excellent passes, good reads/cuts playing off the ball, and pressures opposing ball-handlers. [player_tooltip player_id='994745' first='Raina' last='Glanzman'] ('27) is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, hitting 4 triples against Caledonia, and a productive rebounder. [player_tooltip player_id='838240' first='Ruby' last='Gustinis'] ('27) makes an impact with her determined drives, outside shooting, and rebounding.   Teams: Coopersville, Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, Grandville, Hudsonville, and Jenison   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='802591' first='Addilyn' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='802589' first='Olivia' last='Berghorst']; Coopersville, [player_tooltip player_id='1194303' first='Ella' last='Thayer'], [player_tooltip player_id='716473' first='Melanin' last='Holman'], [player_tooltip player_id='751131' first='Ashlyn' last='Flint'], [player_tooltip player_id='838240' first='Ruby' last='Gustinis'], [player_tooltip player_id='994745' first='Raina' last='Glanzman']; Kenowa Hills, [player_tooltip player_id='1158074' first='Brynnly' last='Mann'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158075' first='Grace' last='Richardson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158077' first='Izzy' last='Cuncannan']; Grandville, [player_tooltip player_id='1158141' first='Brielle' last='Reed'], [player_tooltip player_id='734926' first='Ryan' last='Vanderbeek'], [player_tooltip player_id='1039085' first='Lakelyn' last='Weber'], [player_tooltip player_id='424160' first='Josie' last='DeSmit']; Hudsonville, [player_tooltip player_id='854665' first='Rudy' last='Maynard'], [player_tooltip player_id='716695' first='Selena' last='Titus'], [player_tooltip player_id='801858' first='Reese' last='Stedman'], [player_tooltip player_id='751136' first='Brynn' last='Butler']; Jenison   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #7-East Grand Rapids</h2>   PGH Favorite: Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/PXL_20240511_180837786.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1715614439.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-908242" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='615942' first='Abby' last='Sietsema'], 2026, FHN, MBA, GVSU Commit, MBA Mother's Day Classic.</figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: East Grand Rapids   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/20250218_081826-crop-1638x1076-1739885196.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1195281" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='420494' first='Reagan' last='Weaver'], 2025, EGR, West Michigan Drive.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: Lowell won District 8 last year, defeating East Grand Rapids 57-31. Forest Hills Northern lost to Kenow Hills 44-46 in the District 5 finals, but are the clear favorite to win District 7. The Huskies are 17-2, tied for the OK-White lead, and have a 4-0 record against district opponents. They defeated District 6 favorite Hudsonville and ranked CAAC-White champion Portland. Forest Hills Northern has top-ranked 1,000 point scorer [player_tooltip player_id='615942' first='Abby' last='Sietsema'] ('26, GVSU) who is lethal as a downhill finisher and perimeter shooter. Sister [player_tooltip player_id='848305' first='Molly' last='Sietsema'] (28') has jumped into a lead role as a freshman, contributing as a defensive playmaker, rebounder, finisher, and perimeter shooter. [player_tooltip player_id='1158139' first='Evie' last='Brown'] ('25) creates steals with her quick hands, dishes strong passes, dribbles with confidence, and has an accurate outside shot. Emma O'Connor ('26) does everything to help the team with her aggressive defense and shot blocking. East Grand Rapids lost by nine to FHN earlier in the season, but has the best chance to spoil the party. After beginning the season 0-7, the Pioneers have completely turned a corner, going 10-2 in their last 12 games. With wins against East Kentwood and Grand Rapids Catholic Central, East Grand Rapids is a dangerous challenger heading into the playoffs. They have two sharpshooters can kill teams from three-point range if left open. [player_tooltip player_id='420494' first='Reagan' last='Weaver'] ('25) ripped the net with four triples in the first half of their win against G.R.C.C. and she led the way with 25 points. [player_tooltip player_id='424565' first='Mollie' last='Brandstadt'] ('25) exploded for five 3s against Grand Rapids Christian and Forest Hills Northern. [player_tooltip player_id='735330' first='Sienna' last='Gills'] ('26) makes a difference with her fierce shot blocking, hard work rebounding, and finishing inside. [player_tooltip player_id='424566' first='MC' last='Millman'] ('25) is an all-around contributor: accurate perimeter jumper, pursues rebounds, good handles, active defender, and excellent passer.   Teams: East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, Grand Rapids Northview, Grand Rapids Union, Lowell   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='424566' first='MC' last='Millman'], [player_tooltip player_id='420494' first='Reagan' last='Weaver'], [player_tooltip player_id='735330' first='Sienna' last='Gills'], [player_tooltip player_id='424565' first='Mollie' last='Brandstadt']; East Grand Rapids, [player_tooltip player_id='734917' first='Kenzie' last='Manders'], [player_tooltip player_id='716676' first='Addison' last='Reuter'], [player_tooltip player_id='982811' first='Alexys' last='Scarlato']; Forest Hills Central, [player_tooltip player_id='615942' first='Abby' last='Sietsema'], [player_tooltip player_id='848305' first='Molly' last='Sietsema'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158139' first='Evie' last='Brown'], Emma O'Connor; Forest Hills Northern, [player_tooltip player_id='659282' first='Hannah' last='Gillette'], [player_tooltip player_id='982871' first='Janiah' last='Martin']; Northview, [player_tooltip player_id='1092470' first='Vivian' last='Idziak'], [player_tooltip player_id='1092469' first='Tanayah' last='Porter']; Grand Rapids Union, [player_tooltip player_id='898770' first='Mady' last='Hayes'], [player_tooltip player_id='613000' first='Allison' last='Munson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158143' first='Gracyn' last='Hamilton']; Lowell   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">District #8-Byron Center</h2>   PGH Favorite: Wyoming   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/michaela_moore.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-911478" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='886494' first='Michaela' last='Moore'], 2025, Wyoming, BNB, PGH Live.</figcaption></figure>   Darkhorse: East Kentwood   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/PXL_20240713_135050878.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1720923977.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-944783" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='807910' first='Jazanaye' last='Silva'], 2027, East Kentwood, [program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier'], Select Super Showcase, July 13th, 2024.</figcaption></figure>   Breakdown: There are two teams with similar styles and a very good chance to secure a District 8 title. Byron Center defeated East Kentwood 47-44 to win District 7 last year, while Wyoming lost in round one to Hudsonville 43-50: but that was last year. Wyoming is 10-8, but 4-0 against district opponents. They have quality wins against East Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, and Grand Rapids Northview. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='735329' first='Myah' last='Nabors'] ('26) and [player_tooltip player_id='1037474' first='Tamia' last='Gayles'] ('26) are shifty, athletic, and scrappy point guards who cause havoc with their defensive pressure and blow by defenders off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='886494' first='Michaela' last='Moore'] ('26) is the perimeter killer, burying five triples against Grand Rapids Union in her 22-point outburst. [player_tooltip player_id='894896' first='Shakya' last='Anderson'] ('25) is a strong back-to-the-basket post player with excellent footwork and touch around the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='888781' first='Paityn' last='Bauman'] ('27) adds a shot-blocking and rebounding presence on the floor. East Kentwood is very talented and has an excellent opportunity to compete for the district title. They are 8-11, but have played a very tough non-conference schedule and play Rockford, Grand Haven, and Hudsonville twice in the OK-Red. East Kentwood defeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central and has the roster depth to match up with Wyoming. [player_tooltip player_id='807910' first='Jazanaye' last='Silva'] ('27) is an extremely tough rebounder, downhill driver, and finisher. [player_tooltip player_id='866016' first='Sophie' last='Cobb'] ('27) pressures the ball to create turnovers on defense and attacks hard off the dribble with strong finishing around the basket. [player_tooltip player_id='716685' first='Landen' last='Smith'] ('25) is an aggressive rebounder, powerful finisher, and mobile defender. [player_tooltip player_id='808342' first='Makya' last='Buggs'] ('27) is a very active defender who dishes assists to teammates and has multiple double-digit scoring performances this season. [player_tooltip player_id='866015' first='Ari'es' last='Branch'] ('27) tracks the ball like a hawk on defense, scores layups off the dribble, hits perimeter shots, and is an effective distributor. [player_tooltip player_id='430939' first='Aanzhenii' last='Dandridge'] ('25) has length and versatility that makes her an excellent wing. She rebounds, disrupts shooters with her length, finishes contested layups, and has a smooth perimeter jumper.   Teams: Byron Center, Caledonia, East Kentwood, Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, Wyoming   Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='734928' first='Madisyn' last='Meissner'], [player_tooltip player_id='981998' first='Ashtyn' last='Stuck'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158142' first='Raya' last='Kooiker']; Byron Center, [player_tooltip player_id='796699' first='Lakely' last='Bottum'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158087' first='Emily' last='Stauffer']; Caledonia, [player_tooltip player_id='807910' first='Jazanaye' last='Silva'], [player_tooltip player_id='866016' first='Sophie' last='Cobb'], [player_tooltip player_id='808342' first='Makya' last='Buggs'], [player_tooltip player_id='716685' first='Landen' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='866015' first='Ari'es' last='Branch'], [player_tooltip player_id='430939' first='Aanzhenii' last='Dandridge']; East Kentwood, [player_tooltip player_id='1194419' first='Semaj'' last='Robertson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1194431' first='Avery' last='Sper']; Ottawa Hills, [player_tooltip player_id='898814' first='Reece' last='Ritsema'], [player_tooltip player_id='1036775' first='Taylor' last='Lloyd']; Thornapple Kellogg, [player_tooltip player_id='735329' first='Myah' last='Nabors'], [player_tooltip player_id='1037474' first='Tamia' last='Gayles'], [player_tooltip player_id='886494' first='Michaela' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='894896' first='Shakya' last='Anderson'], [player_tooltip player_id='888781' first='Paityn' last='Bauman']; Wyoming

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 5-8.