2025 Pre-Season State Rankings: Bell's Best D1 Teams 1-5

Four state champions are crowned each year in Michigan (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The state tournament provides thrilling matchups and memorable moments every postseason. Cinderella stories captivate the community, and elite teams separate themselves from the competition. Last year, Belleville and Rockford were the preseason favorites to compete for a state championship, which is exactly what happened. The 2025-26 D1 landscape hasn't changed much. One new team has moved into the pre-season top ten (Utica Eisenhower), and all ten of these squads have the talent to make a run to the Breslin Center. Below, I will break down the top five teams, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Belleville </h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240608_211136957.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1762981024.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1361252" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'], 2027, Belleville, Sports City Angels EYBL.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 28-1, KLAA Conference Title, State Champion (def. Rockford 61-48)   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'] (PGH Sophomore of the Year), [player_tooltip player_id='859826' first='Paisley' last='Stephens'], Iyana Stephens (2025, Schoolcraft), [player_tooltip player_id='613939' first='SeCrette' last='Carter'] (Marquette), [player_tooltip player_id='982844' first='Jaida' last='Quinn'], and [player_tooltip player_id='734978' first='Christine' last='Chinemelu'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Belleville already had the most talent in the state, which is why their lineup appears unbeatable heading into the 2025 season. They graduated fierce interior forward Iyana Stephens (Schoolcraft), whose performance in the Breslin Center helped solidify their state championship. However, with elite freshman prospects Mo'Riyah McKinney, [player_tooltip player_id='1236908' first='Janiah' last='Batchelor'], and former St. Mary's Prep star [player_tooltip player_id='807281' first='Layla' last='Stewart'] joining the lineup, they're taking another step forward. 2028 phenom [player_tooltip player_id='859826' first='Paisley' last='Stephens'] has a year of varsity basketball under her belt, sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='613939' first='SeCrette' last='Carter'] is now a senior (Marquette), and Michigan's best prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'] (PGH Sophomore Player of the Year), is coming off a monster AAU campaign. Guard [player_tooltip player_id='982844' first='Jaida' last='Quinn'], forwards [player_tooltip player_id='734940' first='Victoriah' last='Boyd'], and [player_tooltip player_id='734978' first='Christine' last='Chinemelu'] all provide valuable depth for the Tigers. It's not far-fetched for Belleville to run the regular season and postseason table this year. They'll be the favorite in every game and are my preseason pick to win it all again.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Rockford</h2>   <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, [program_tooltip program_id='1226083' first='West' last='Michigan Drive'] P24, Northwood Commit.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 27-2, OK-Red Title, State Runner-Up   Key Players: Anna Wypych (2025, Miss Basketball, Butler, PGH Senior of the Year), [player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'] (Northwood), [player_tooltip player_id='613428' first='Sienna' last='Wolfe'] (Wofford), [player_tooltip player_id='860210' first='Jordan' last='Mateer'] (Calvin), [player_tooltip player_id='890718' first='Addison' last='Wypych'], [player_tooltip player_id='939083' first='Kendall' last='Bires'], [player_tooltip player_id='1220767' first='Audrey' last='Muterspaugh'], Desirae Donley (2025), and Aubree Villareal (2025).   2025-26 Breakdown   The 2024-25 season marked the end of an era. During Anna Wypych's career, Rockford made four straight State Semifinal appearances, including a State Championship in 2023. She graduated as Michigan's Miss Basketball Award winner and led the Rams to a runner-up finish in 2025. Rockford has been the premier powerhouse in the West. Losing their unquestioned leader, most talented player, and big moment performer will present a new challenge. But anyone who thinks Rockford can't make it back to the finals isn't paying attention. They have a phenomenal group of seniors, depth, and booming underclassmen with the talent and experience needed to compete against anybody. Top 20 senior prospects [player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'] (Northwood) and a healthy [player_tooltip player_id='613428' first='Sienna' last='Wolfe'] (Wofford) give Rockford a clear edge in the front-court and on the wing with their polished skill set and length. Swiss-Army-Knife [player_tooltip player_id='860210' first='Jordan' last='Mateer'] (Calvin) is a lockdown defender who rebounds and contributes in every category. Senior guard-wing [player_tooltip player_id='1220767' first='Audrey' last='Muterspaugh'] and forward [player_tooltip player_id='982870' first='Annika' last='Drolema'] impact games with their versatility. Three 2028s appear ready for huge seasons. [player_tooltip player_id='890718' first='Addison' last='Wypych'] will have the opportunity to step into a primary role as the lead guard. Her shooting accuracy, facilitating, confidence handling the ball, defense, and length are reasons why she's a top-five prospect in the 2028 class. [player_tooltip player_id='939083' first='Kendall' last='Bires'] was one of the biggest stock risers during AAU--she's developed into a top ten prospect. Kendall is a complete player poised for a huge season. [player_tooltip player_id='1036782' first='Brooke' last='Hambelton'] has length, versatile skills, and a high motor that stand out. [player_tooltip player_id='807304' first='Audrey' last='Zollman'] is another do-it-all guard who adds depth for the Rams, and freshman Quinn Leblanc looks like a talented prospect who can contribute immediately. I expect to see this team in a rematch with Belleville for the 2026 State Championship.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Wayne Memorial</h2>   <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, 1 Nation Elite, Temple Commit</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 21-7, State Semifinals   Key Players: Colleena Bryant (2025, Western Michigan, Miss Basketball Finalist, PGH Senior of the Year), Zoe Hightower (2025, Tyler JC), Gabby Gerald (2025, Virginia State), [player_tooltip player_id='613942' first='Mariah' last='Cross'] (Temple), [player_tooltip player_id='613944' first='Morgan' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1120241' first='Leyana' last='Nemer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='734959' first='Micah' last='Darling'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Wayne Memorial did something no other team in the state was able to do last year--beat Belleville. The Zebras charged their way through the field to a State Semifinals appearance. They graduated Miss Basketball Finalist Colleena Bryant (West Michigan), who has been their unquestioned leader and most clutch performer. Imposing interior presence Gabby Gerald (Virginia State) and do-it-all defensive stopper Zoe Hightower (Tyler JC) are also gone. However, Wayne Memorial should be more than capable of making another deep postseason run. They have two top ten senior prospects. [player_tooltip player_id='613942' first='Mariah' last='Cross'] (Temple) is one of the best guards in Michigan. Her elusive handles, vision, dynamic driving ability, and lockdown defense give the Zebras a major advantage at the point guard spot. East Lansing transfer [player_tooltip player_id='801857' first='Kaylee' last='King'] is playing her best basketball, coming off a huge travel and summer season. Her strength, height, and scoring presence in the paint will be unstoppable for most defenders. [player_tooltip player_id='613944' first='Morgan' last='Smith'] is another senior guard who turns up the heat on defense, handles the ball with poise, and can put the ball in the basket. [player_tooltip player_id='1120241' first='Leyana' last='Nemer'] energizes the team with her defensive pressure and rips the nets from beyond the arc. [player_tooltip player_id='734959' first='Micah' last='Darling'] competes hard and fills a key role on both ends. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='887208' first='Maleah' last='Pringle'] is a dynamic guard prospect who will make an immediate impact for the Zebras this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Howell </h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/07/PXL_20240711_222847848.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1720756134.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-943485" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='613422' first='Lilly' last='Williams'], 2026, Howell, Mystics P24, MSU Commit.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 17-7   Key Players: Alison Farr (2025, LCC), [player_tooltip player_id='613940' first='Gabby' last='Piepho'] (Northwood), Kylie Pung (2025), MJ Mikus (2025, Aquinas), MacKenzie Duthie (Trine), [player_tooltip player_id='780107' first='Hannah' last='Ralko'] (Olivet), [player_tooltip player_id='860203' first='Emma' last='Kanka'], [player_tooltip player_id='927978' first='Gabrielle' last='Fischhaber'].   2025-26 Breakdown   The Highlanders must have been singing "Joy to the World" when they realized [player_tooltip player_id='613422' first='Lilly' last='Williams'], Michigan's top 2026 prospect, and HEA Firebirds teammate [player_tooltip player_id='938438' first='Lyla' last='Valentine'] would be enrolling at Howell High School for the 2025 school year. After a second-place finish in the KLAA West, it looked like a tough climb ahead to compete for a division title after graduating three key guards from their lineup. MJ Mikus (Aquinas), Alison Farr (LCC), and Kylie Pung each played an integral part in Howell's success throughout their career. [player_tooltip player_id='613422' first='Lilly' last='Williams'] (MSU) is ranked #1 in Michigan's 2026 class and #15 in the country by ESPN. At 6-5, Lilly towers over every post in the state. She takes away layups with her length and covers ground in a hurry. Lilly's shot blocking, rebounding, and ability to bully defenders in the post will give Howell an interior edge in every matchup. She'll demand a double team, which will open up the perimeter for their snipers. [player_tooltip player_id='938438' first='Lyla' last='Valentine'] joins the program and immediately fills their need for a point guard. She's a crafty ball-handler, gritty defender, and an efficient sniper from beyond the arc with outstanding court vision. [player_tooltip player_id='613940' first='Gabby' last='Piepho'] (Northwood) is the first girl in Livingston County history to make 150 3-pointers in a career, and her 47 consecutive free throws made as a freshman are the second most in MHSAA history. Gabby won the Livingston County Player of the Year Award for the second straight year and will reach the 1,000-point milestone as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id='780107' first='Hannah' last='Ralko'] (Olivet) is a swiss-army-knife guard who contributes in every category: she rebounds, works hard on defense, sets up teammates with her unselfish passes, handles the ball with poise, and provides a perimeter threat from three-point range. [player_tooltip player_id='635277' first='MacKenzi' last='Duthie'] (Trine) is a versatile stretch forward who steps outside to hit threes, drives hard to the basket, and battles for rebounds. Her effort and toughness energize the team. [player_tooltip player_id='927978' first='Gabrielle' last='Fischhaber'] should be a perfect complement to Williams as another 6-foot forward. She's polished her offensive game and has good passing instincts. [player_tooltip player_id='860203' first='Emma' last='Kanka'] is a strong forward who makes a difference with her rebounding and defensive effort. The Highlanders should win the West and make a deeper postseason run in March.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Detroit Renaissance</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/PXL_20240504_170932855.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1715123767.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-905468" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='617318' first='Jaebri'an' last='Autry'], 2026, Detroit Renaissance, [program_tooltip program_id='962114' first='Lady' last='FVV'], Cagers Invitational. </figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 22-3, Detroit PSL Champion   Key Players: Imani Johnson (2025, Ranger), [player_tooltip player_id='617318' first='Jaebri'an' last='Autry'], [player_tooltip player_id='932753' first='Kassidy' last='Cain'], [player_tooltip player_id='921229' first='Maddy' last='McChester'], [player_tooltip player_id='617317' first='Victorya' last='Gambles'], [player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Jayla' last='Adams'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Renaissance ran the table in the Detroit Public School League (8-0) and proved themselves time and again against tough non-conference competition. They made a deep playoff push to the Regional Finals before losing a 47-51 classic to State Semifinalist Wayne Memorial. The Phoenix graduated their most prolific scorer, Imani Johnson (Ranger), after a statistically dominant and successful career. However, they're bringing back everyone else and adding more depth to the lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='617318' first='Jaebri'an' last='Autry'] stuffs the stat sheet in every category. She has the versatility, length, athleticism, and quickness to defend guards or forwards. JB is extremely effective as a downhill scorer and rebounder. [player_tooltip player_id='932753' first='Kassidy' last='Cain'] is an elusive point guard with shifty handles, plus court vision, three-point accuracy, and great finishing control at the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Jayla' last='Adams'] has developed into a formidable forward. She's a rim protector who cleans up around the basket, wins rebounding battles, and works hard post-up inside. [player_tooltip player_id='921229' first='Maddy' last='McChester'] causes turnovers on defense with her active hands and quick feet. She provides a three-point threat and finishes through contact. [player_tooltip player_id='982912' first='Maria' last='Walker'] is healthy and ready to have a breakout season for the Phoenix. She's a poised ball-handler who will create challenges for opposing guards with her defensive pressure. [player_tooltip player_id='617317' first='Victorya' last='Gambles'] gives Renni a spark with her three-point shooting and does a great job distributing the rock to open teammates. Renni's relentless style and talent could result in an even further postseason run this year.

Four state champions are crowned each year in Michigan (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The state tournament provides thrilling matchups and memorable moments every postseason. Cinderella stories captivate the community, and elite teams separate themselves from the competition. Last year, Belleville and Rockford were the preseason favorites to compete for a state championship, which is exactly what happened. The 2025-26 D1 landscape hasn't changed much. One new team has moved into the pre-season top ten (Utica Eisenhower), and all ten of these squads have the talent to make a run to the Breslin Center. Below, I will break down the top five teams, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.