D3 Regional Finals Previews

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have reached the Sweet 16 of MHSAA playoff basketball—the Regional Finals! The winners of tonight's games move onto the Quarterfinals, needing merely one win to advance to Semi-Final play at the Breslin Center. At this point, it's win or go home, and nobody wants to see their journey come to an end. Let's take a closer look at several interesting Division Three matchups taking place tonight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional #20-Brandywine</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brandywine (25-0) vs Kalamazoo Christian (21-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":385356,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/10/24-Jordyn-Bonnema-scaled-crop-1707x1121-1644246128.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-385356" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='336005' first='Jordyn' last='Bonnema'], 2025, Kalamazoo Christian, [program_tooltip program_id='713442' first='MBA' last='UAA']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown: </strong>Brandywine ended Kalamazoo Christian's playoff run in the Regional Finals last year and they come into this game looking for a repeat performance. The Panthers made it to the State Finals in 2024, where they lost to Ypsilanti Arbor Prep 30-33. Brandywine defeated Bronson by a healthy 28-point margin in the semifinal and Stevensville Lakeshore was their only opponent within single digits at the end of regulation. Their dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='424573' first='Adeline' last='Gill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='502316' first='Miley' last='Young'] challenge opposing ball-handlers on the defensive end and create scoring with their uptempo style on the offensive end. [player_tooltip player_id='1219268' first='Lily' last='Gill'] is an athletic sophomore who races down the floor to score in transition and creates steals on the defensive end. Kalamazoo Christian cruised to a 51-point win vs. Waterlivet and will be led by one of the purest scorers in the 2025 class--[player_tooltip player_id='336005' first='Jordyn' last='Bonnema']. She demands attention from opposing defenses and sophomore teammate [player_tooltip player_id='866189' first='Elliana' last='VanDusen'] has demonstrated her ability to produce big numbers against tough opponents. This will be Brandywine's best test and should be an intriguing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional#21-Springport</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Lothrop (22-3) vs. Jackson Lumen Christi (18-6)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":954994,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/PXL_20240716_205613398.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1722042073.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-954994" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='807313' first='Katelyn' last='Wendling'], 2027, New Lothrop, Mystics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakdown:</strong> Both teams come into this game after besting good challengers in their semifinal matchups. New Lothrop defeated a tough Hemlock team 43-38, while Lumen Christi defeated a talented Leslie team 61-41. New Lothrop features a pair of wings who are tough assignments for defenders to contain. [player_tooltip player_id='807313' first='Katelyn' last='Wendling'] is athletic, long, and capable of hitting perimeter shots or driving hard to the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='614705' first='Kelsey' last='Kohlmann'] is lanky and a sniper from beyond the arc. Their point guard [player_tooltip player_id='954008' first='Laina' last='Yates'] handles the ball with poise and can do a bit of everything. Lumen Christi has an ace in their hand with top-ranked freshman of the year [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'] leading the squad. Her dynamic scoring skills and athletic abilities will be an extreme challenge to stop. [player_tooltip player_id='928228' first='Lucy' last='Wrozek'] has been impactful all season and gives the team another offensive weapon. [player_tooltip player_id='632112' first='Ruby' last='Boyce'] and [player_tooltip player_id='716679' first='Kathleen' last='Doane'] are two other productive players who could have an important role in this game. This should be an exciting matchup and it'll be interesting to see how New Lothrop game plans to stop Hunt and company. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->