D1 Regional Semi-Final Previews

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several matchups today between teams who defeated the best challengers in their district after enjoying successful regular seasons. Let's take a closer look at some of the most exciting D2 Regional Semi-Final showdowns today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional #4-Howell</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Lyon (20-2) vs. Hartland (19-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":776592,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/Isabella-Nooe.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-776592" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Izzy Nooe, 2025, South Lyon, Mystics, Bethel Commit.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown:</strong> South Lyon had a Cinderella regular season, winning a shared Lakes Valley Conference title (12-2) while sweeping South Lyon East and splitting wins with Walled Lake Northern and co-champ Lakeland. They beat South Lyon East 45-29 in Districts and knocked off the KLAA West champs Northville 55-47 to take the District, South Lyon beat the Mustangs on the road 51-46 earlier in the season. [player_tooltip player_id='663349' first='Isabella' last='Nooe'] has been an MVP for the Lions all season and she led the squad to victory with 19 points in the finals. [player_tooltip player_id='1052019' first='Sarah' last='Nelson'] added 11 points in the game; her defensive presence and outside shooting will be important against Hartland. Hartland lost both games to border rival Howell during the regular season, but they got their revenge with a 43-33 victory in the District Finals. On the most important night of the season, Hartland's leaders stepped up. Izzy Depestal was shot 60% from the floor with 13 points, freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='981981' first='Brinley' last='Neuer'] added 12, Ava McKaig scored eight, and [player_tooltip player_id='716692' first='Kennedy' last='Tucker'] secured the paint with seven points and 13 rebounds. Hartland defeated Brighton 39-27 in the District Semis and they play a disciplined brand of basketball on both ends that will be tough to beat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional #7-Lapeer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarkston (17-3) vs. Utica Eisenhower (22-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1160601,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/PXL_20250118_220917977.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1737660964.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1160601" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='614650' first='Elliana' last='Robak'], 2026, Clarkston, Michigan Storm Elite.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown:</strong> Survive and advance. That's what Clarkston did against Lake Orion in the District Finals. The Wolves beat Lake Orion 57-42 and 46-37 during the regular season but had to claw their way to a 59-56 overtime win in the third matchup. Clarkston's best guards stepped up for the Wolves as [player_tooltip player_id='614650' first='Elliana' last='Robak'] and [player_tooltip player_id='807284' first='Brooklyn' last='Covert'] each posted 16 points, while senior [player_tooltip player_id='424579' first='Elia' last='Morgner'] added 10. Clarkston won the toughest league in the OAA--the Red, with a 9-1 record, and their tough non-conference matchups with Hartland, Detroit Edison, Powers Catholic, Detroit Country Day, and Northville should have the team ready to face tough playoff opponents. Clarkston adds senior depth at guard with Ellie Hernandez and forward with Marley Mazure, while [player_tooltip player_id='980264' first='Bella' last='Flavin'] gives them a spark off the bench. Utica Eisenhower split wins with Henry Ford this season to earn a shared MAC-Red title at 9-1. They also narrowly escaped their District as they defeated a tough Stoney Creek challenger 49-46 in the Finals. Ike also faced off against Detroit Edison this season, both teams lost to the Pioneers. Three 2028 guards: [player_tooltip player_id='933005' first='Madison' last='Repicky'], [player_tooltip player_id='933527' first='Mackenzie' last='Turner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='933515' first='Janielle' last='Turner'] will be a handful as they can each put the ball in the basket while playing aggressive defense. D1 soccer commit [player_tooltip player_id='1198339' first='Devyn' last='Raymond'] has speed, downhill determination, and toughness around the basket that makes her a challenge to stop. [player_tooltip player_id='982853' first='Natalya' last='Stojcevski'] is a productive face-up scorer who adds another weapon in the paint for Ike. Both teams have shooters and experience competing in tough situations, so I expect this one to be a battle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional #6-Westland John Glenn</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wayne Memorial (18-6) vs. Farmington Hills Mercy (19-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":921847,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240608_165907824.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1718047504.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-921847" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='613942' first='Mariah' last='Cross'], 2026, Wayne Memorial, [program_tooltip program_id='712354' first='1' last='Nation'] Elite, Temple Commit</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown:</strong> Stars have to shine in big games and the winner of there are plenty of breakout candidates competing for both teams in this one. Wayne Memorial was the only team to beat Belleville during the regular season and they earned a shared KLAA East title with a 13-1 record. The Zebras also played Rockford, Goodrich, Detroit Edison, and Howell to prepare for this type of challenge in the postseason. The Zebras beat Dearborn Heights Crestwood 67-26 in their District Finals. Wayne Memorial has something Mercy does not and that's two guards committed to play D1 college basketball in their backcourt. Miss Basketball candidate and PGH Senior Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='419533' first='Colleena' last='Bryant'] and PGH Junior Player of the Year Finalist [player_tooltip player_id='613942' first='Mariah' last='Cross'] have quickness, defensive prowess, and three-level scoring abilities that can put the game out of reach in a hurry. Mackenzie Nelson and [player_tooltip player_id='419535' first='Gabby' last='Gerald'] are strong inside forwards who protect the rim and will be a tough matchup in the paint. [player_tooltip player_id='613944' first='Morgan' last='Smith'] is a scrappy defender who can step up and hit shots for the team in big moments also. Mercy has arguably one of the best shooting guards in the state: [player_tooltip player_id='419534' first='Aizlyn' last='Albanese']. Her pinpoint perimeter scoring can take over games, while her quickness, length, and touch around the rim make her a weapon on the offensive end. [player_tooltip player_id='807922' first='Naimah' last='Kellum'] is very aggressive when defending the ball, is an excellent distributor, and straight-line driver. [player_tooltip player_id='716481' first='Emily' last='Walker'] finishes off the dribble and has an accurate three-point shot, while [player_tooltip player_id='982918' first='Abby' last='Bores'] adds a lanky/mobile presence inside. [player_tooltip player_id='808348' first='Caroline' last='Paluk'] is a long and versatile wing who the Marlins will need to step up on both ends in this one. Mercy also defeated Howell and added impressive wins vs. Detroit Edison and St. Mary's Prep. The Marlins beat Livonia Stevenson 60-45 to win their District and will need to play their best game to pull off an upset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->