D2 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 #9-Sault Ste. Marie</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gladstone (22-2) vs. Sault Ste. Marie (17-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1055698,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/Lillie-Johnson-crop-3226x2118-1721535006-crop-640x421-1731022244.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-1055698" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='734932' first='Lillie' last='Johnson'], 2026, Gladstone, [program_tooltip program_id='715386' first='Great' last='Northern Elite']. </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown: </strong>Gladstone finished the season as Great Northern U.P. Conference champs with a perfect 8-0 record in the conference. After losing to undefeated Negaunee twice during the regular season, 28-45 and 44-58, the Braves pulled off a stunning upset with a 50-47 victory to win the District 33 Championship. Gladstone star wing [player_tooltip player_id='734932' first='Lillie' last='Johnson'] (PGH POY Finalist) stepped up to lead all scorers with 27 points, while sophomore guard Eva Pankonian poured in seven, and senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='886674' first='Mayce' last='Hanson'] added 13 points. Sault Ste. Marie defeated Kingsley 51-39 with x-factor [player_tooltip player_id='1112163' first='Piper' last='Bell'] sparking the Devils with 17 points, seven steals, and five rebounds. [player_tooltip player_id='885003' first='Ahnaka' last='Oshelski'] is a knockdown perimeter shooter and determined rebounder who will be a key player in this matchup also. Sault played a gauntlet of challenging non-conference matchups that included Chelsea, Traverse City Central, Freeland, DeWitt, Harbor Springs, and St. Ignace. They've faced high-level college prospects this season and I expect them to be ready for the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional #10-Belding</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankenmuth (20-4) vs. Freeland (21-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":953395,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/Karie-Keefer-crop-2417x1587-1721866728-crop-640x421-1721870265.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-953395" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='716675' first='Karie' last='Keefer'], 2025, Freeland, [program_tooltip program_id='955650' first='Michigan' last='Drive Express'], Northwood Commit.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown:</strong> The winner takes it all. That's how I'm looking at this game. Turn back the clock to a year ago, when Frankenmuth swept Freeland during the regular season to win the TVC-Red outright before Freeland defeated the Eagles 36-42 in the Regional Semi-Finals. This year, the teams split wins during the regular season with Frankenmuth barely breaking a sweat in their first meeting with a 60-33 win, but Freeland getting revenge in round two with a 55-51 victory. This will be the tiebreaker. Both teams are led by senior guards who have been statistically dominant throughout their careers and were PGH Senior Player of the Year Finalists. [player_tooltip player_id='716675' first='Karie' last='Keefer'] (Northwood) and [player_tooltip player_id='409313' first='Clare' last='Conzelmann'] (Lake Superior State) will both be joining D2 basketball programs after graduation. They both have long and athletic shooting guards who can light it up from beyond the arc: [player_tooltip player_id='932742' first='Macy' last='Donovan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='749646' first='Jozelynn' last='Begick'], who were also PGH Player of the Year Finalists. Frankenmuth has additional depth with two-way contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='1120586' first='Rosemary' last='Brenner'], [player_tooltip player_id='866167' first='Grace' last='Brenner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1059992' first='Izzy' last='Bernthal'], while Addie Seamann is a versatile face-up forward who can take over inside for the Falcons. Since their last bout, Frankenmuth has strung together wins against tough opponents, including Detroit Edison, Goodrich, and St. Mary's Prep. Frankenmuth was able to win District #38 without a struggle, beating Bay City John Glenn 66-35 and Garber 69-20. Freeland defeated Sanford Meridian and SVL champ Midland following their last matchup with Muth and won District #37, beating Swan Valley 59-33 and Alma 74-46. These teams shared the TVC-Red title, but whoever wins tonight will have the better head-to-head record this season and advance to the regional finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional #10-Belding</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portland (21-3) vs. Flint Hamady (20-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":774948,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Madisyn-Aldridge.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-774948" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='750202' first='Madisyn' last='Aldridge'], 2027, Flint Hamady.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown: </strong>Flint Hamady lost to Midland 47-52 in their first game and have not lost since. They won the Genesee Area Conference with an undefeated record. Hamady beat a very good New Lothrop team 43-38 and Genesee Christian 45-37. They can pressure opponents and put points on the board with their transition scoring in a hurry. [player_tooltip player_id='750202' first='Madisyn' last='Aldridge'] is a shifty slasher who is a challenge to keep from scoring off the dribble. Her pressure on the ball results in many steals and transition points. [player_tooltip player_id='502293' first='Analiya' last='Fields'] is a lefty sharpshooter who can take over games from the perimeter. [player_tooltip player_id='499160' first='Aria' last='Dottery'] uses her length to disrupt offenses and she attacks hard to the basket. Hamady won District #39 without much stress as they defeated Birch Run 48-21 and Corunna 49-30. Portland finished the regular season as CAAC White Division champs (10-0) and are battle-tested by non-conference matchups against Frankenmuth, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Holt, and Haslett. Their 57-56 win vs. Frankenmuth and 41-38 win vs. Holt proved how good this team can be on their best night. PGH Player of the Year Finalist [player_tooltip player_id='502309' first='Lilly' last='Thelen'] is their most dangerous offensive weapon and the Raiders will need her to be a leader on both ends against a tough backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='860186' first='Summer' last='Stopczynski'] is a hard-nosed guard who drives hard to the basket, rebounds, and can knock down perimeter shots. [player_tooltip player_id='1098292' first='Kayla' last='Weber'] has the prototypical features of a next-level wing and was crucial to their win against Frankenmuth. [player_tooltip player_id='807309' first='Leigha' last='Roberson'] is a bull inside with her strength and fierce rebounding. She has good footwork and Portland will need her to give them an edge in the paint. Portland won District #40 by defeating Ionia 68-30 and St. Johns 64-45. I'm eager to see who steps up to deliver the win in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->