2025 Pre-Season State Rankings: Bell's Best D2 Teams 6-10

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, Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard was the clear pre-season favorite to win it all. The Irish breezed through the regular season, with their only defeat coming at the hands of D1 State champion Belleville (45-46). After that game, it felt like the Irish were a lock to make it back to the Breslin, but Tecumseh had other plans. The Indians defeated Gabriel Richard 50-39 in the Regional Finals, then finished the job to emerge as State Champions. With many programs graduating college prospects, the separation between teams is less, which means this could be anyone's year. One team joined the pre-season top ten (Flint Powers Catholic), and South Christian moved from #10 in 2024 all the way up to the #1 spot. The 2025-26 postseason will be electric, and all ten programs have enough talent to make a run to the Breslin Center. Below, I will break down teams 6-10, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Detroit Edison Prep</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Nichole-James.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-774953" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='751162' first='Nichole' last='James'], 2027, DEPSA, Michigan Crossover, PGH Freshman Showcase.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 19-7, State Semifinals Appearance   Key Players: Isis Johnson-Musah (2025, Cal-Berkley), Pria Johnson-Musah (2025, Schoolcraft), Moriyah Goudy (2025), Jaidyn Woods (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='614647' first='Marianna' last='Jones'] (Detroit Mercy), [player_tooltip player_id='751162' first='Nichole' last='James'], [player_tooltip player_id='614648' first='Kamaria' last='Lowe'], [player_tooltip player_id='751164' first='Rihanna' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='1120208' first='Caitlyn' last='Green'], and [player_tooltip player_id='969789' first='Madison' last='Johnson'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Detroit Edison won it all in 2024 and made it back to the State Semifinals last season before losing a nail-biter to West Catholic 48-54. The Pioneers graduated Michigan's #1 2025 prospect and Miss Basketball Finalist Isis Johnson-Musah (Cal-Berkley). Her athleticism, skill, and clutch presence will be irreplaceable. Productive seniors Pria Johnson-Musah (Schoolcraft) and Moriyah Goudy gave Edison an edge with their defense, rebounding, and downhill scoring. However, the Pioneers have plenty of talent coming back to make another deep playoff run. [player_tooltip player_id='614647' first='Marianna' last='Jones'] (Detroit Mercy) is one of Michigan's top forwards. She's a physical rebounder, an effective scorer, and an outstanding post defender. [player_tooltip player_id='969789' first='Madison' last='Johnson'] came in as a freshman and handled the ball with poise, contributing as a perimeter scorer and facilitator. [player_tooltip player_id='751164' first='Rihanna' last='Young'] is a shifty guard who creates space to drive and penetrates the defense to score layups. She shoots well from three-point range and has excellent vision. [player_tooltip player_id='751162' first='Nichole' last='James'] is a top-five prospect in the 2027 class. She's long, strong, athletic, and a fierce rebounder who protects the rim. Nichole finishes with power off two feet and has a non-stop motor. [player_tooltip player_id='614648' first='Kamaria' last='Lowe'] is another long and mobile forward who disrupts passing lanes and swats shots away in the paint. [player_tooltip player_id='1120208' first='Caitlyn' last='Green'] is a lockdown defender who adds a rebounding presence, and [player_tooltip player_id='980245' first='Makayla' last='Campbell'] is a very skilled guard who I expect to break out this season. Detroit Edison will be a serious postseason contender yet again.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Grand Rapids West Catholic</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/PXL_20250510_222255803-crop-3024x1986-1747660703.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1248124" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='865141' first='Alexis' last='Asekomeh'], 2027, West Catholic, MBA.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 24-4, OK Gold Champs, State Runner-Up   Key Players: Elisha Dykstra (2025, Toledo), Anna Ignatoski (2025, Adrian), [player_tooltip player_id='865141' first='Alexis' last='Asekomeh'], [player_tooltip player_id='800599' first='Kenley' last='Slanger'], [player_tooltip player_id='982818' first='Katelyn' last='Adams'], Paige Seeley-London (2025), and [player_tooltip player_id='502323' first='Taylor' last='Lyon']   2025-26 Breakdown   West Catholic made it back to the Breslin Center for the fourth straight year and finished as the State runner-up, defeating Edison Prep in the Semifinals (54-48). After graduating key seniors from the lineup, they'll need the returners to take another step forward to make it back. The production of Elisha Dykstra (Toledo), Anna Ignatoski (Adrian), and Paige Seeley-London will be tough to replace, but the Falcons still have plenty of talent. [player_tooltip player_id='800599' first='Kenley' last='Slanger'] made an immediate impact as a freshman last year and will need to become a focal point of the offense. Her defensive prowess, poised ball-handling, and scoring abilities will be invaluable. [player_tooltip player_id='865141' first='Alexis' last='Asekomeh'] possesses physical strength, athleticism, and versatility that make her a top-ten forward prospect in the 2027 class—few can match up with her. [player_tooltip player_id='982818' first='Katelyn' last='Adams'] contributes in every category, handles the ball well, finishes at the rim, makes the effort plays, and plays lockdown defense. [player_tooltip player_id='502323' first='Taylor' last='Lyon'] knocks down perimeter jumpers, distributes accurate passes, and works hard to secure rebounds. West Catholic will be a division and postseason contender.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 Powers Catholic</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/08/PXL_20250717_002820033-crop-3024x1986-1756179244.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1308553" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='613424' first='Kendyl' last='Smith'], 2026, Powers Catholic, Northwood Team Camp.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 18-6   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='613424' first='Kendyl' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='502319' first='Paige' last='Ringwelski'] (Davenport), [player_tooltip player_id='932758' first='Evah' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='794388' first='Isabella' last='Harley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1232596' first='Giselle' last='Wolschleger'].   2025-26 Breakdown   The Saginaw Valley League has been divided into a North and South division; Powers Catholic is the clear favorite to win the South. They bring back SVL MVP and Miss Basketball candidate [player_tooltip player_id='613424' first='Kendyl' last='Smith']. She's one of the most lethal three-point shooters in the state and stuffs the stat sheet in every category. [player_tooltip player_id='502319' first='Paige' last='Ringwelski'] (Davenport) has developed her perimeter game, attacks downhill, and rebounds. Her length, toughness, versatility, and mobility create an advantage for the Chargers on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='932758' first='Evah' last='Smith'] came in as a freshman and immediately proved why she's a top 20 prospect. She's an athletic forward with physicality few can match inside. Bella Harley is an additional perimeter scoring threat who rebounds, defends, and makes smart decisions with the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1232596' first='Giselle' last='Wolschleger'] has an accurate three-point shot, handles the ball with poise, and makes the effort plays. Multiple freshman guards will immediately add depth to the Powers Catholic backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='1264270' first='Presley' last='Schriner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1279822' first='Chandler' last='Patton'] can rip the nets with their three-point shooting, distribute the ball to open teammates, and turn up the heat on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1292285' first='Emylia' last='Jacobs'] is another confident perimeter threat with a promising future at Powers Catholic. The Chargers have the potential to make a deep playoff run next March.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/10/PGH-POTYWinner-VanessaRodriguez.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1349816" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='613426' first='Vanessa' last='Rodriguez'], 2026, Fa. Gabriel Richard, Mystics-P24, PGH Junior Player of the Year. </figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Key Players: Charlotte Miller (2025, Ferris State), Cora Williams (2025, Indiana State), Saige Edmondson (2025, Lake Superior State), [player_tooltip player_id='613426' first='Vanessa' last='Rodriguez'] (Western Michigan), [player_tooltip player_id='613427' first='Ava' last='Rodriguez'] (Western Michigan),   2025-26 Breakdown   Gabriel Richard's 2024-25 starting lineup included two D1 basketball prospects, two D2 basketball prospects, and a D1 track prospect with NAIA basketball offers--the Irish were loaded, and their 71-7 record over three seasons reflects that. After two straight Breslin appearances, the Irish will have an uphill climb in March, but they still have possibly the most talented backcourt in the state. PGH Junior of the Year, BCAM Player of the Year, and Miss Basketball candidate [player_tooltip player_id='613426' first='Vanessa' last='Rodriguez'] (WMU) is ready to add an exclamation point to her illustrious career. She eclipsed 1,000 points and should graduate as FGR's all-time leader in most categories. Twin sister [player_tooltip player_id='613427' first='Ava' last='Rodriguez'] (WMU) is an efficient sharpshooter with outstanding ball-handling control and a high basketball IQ. These twins will need to put up monster numbers in points, assists, and steals for the Irish to make a deep postseason run, but they're certainly capable of doing so. The Rodriguez sisters have winning experience, quickness, dynamic skills, and a two-way impact few teams can match up with. [player_tooltip player_id='1326734' first='Allison' last='Nielson'] is a skilled freshman guard who looked fantastic at BCAM. Gabriel Richard will be out to prove doubters wrong this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Michigan Center</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/301-Mayrese-Vieau-crop-4800x3152-1725245279.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-984404" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='808352' first='Mayrese' last='Vieau'], 2028, Michigan Center, [program_tooltip program_id='714462' first='Michigan' last='Premier'], Freshman Showcase.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 19-3   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='751161' first='McKynley' last='Gaddy'], [player_tooltip player_id='808352' first='Mayrese' last='Vieau'], [player_tooltip player_id='502306' first='Kara' last='Straub'] (Trine), Hailey Mees (2025, SAU), and [player_tooltip player_id='805372' first='Karsyn' last='Smith']   2025-26 Breakdown   Michigan Center had a brutal district draw last year (Parma Western) after a very successful regular season in which they finished second to Grass Lake in the Cascades East (12-2). Based on their returners, I believe the Cardinals are in position to either earn a shared division title or win it outright. They graduate productive senior guard Hailey Mees (SAU), but bring back a very talented lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='751161' first='McKynley' last='Gaddy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='808352' first='Mayrese' last='Vieau'] are two lightning quick guards with advanced ball-handling control, excellent court vision, accuracy from three, and the ability to finish off the dribble. Their defensive effort and toughness stand out. [player_tooltip player_id='502306' first='Kara' last='Straub'] (Trine) has length, footwork, rebounding production, and skills that make her a game changing stretch forward. [player_tooltip player_id='805372' first='Karsyn' last='Smith'] is a compact guard with a relentless motor who can shoot, pass, handle the ball, and make impact plays on defense. The Cardinals are not a team to be taken lightly and they'll be difficult to beat this winter.

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, Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard was the clear pre-season favorite to win it all. The Irish breezed through the regular season, with their only defeat coming at the hands of D1 State champion Belleville (45-46). After that game, it felt like the Irish were a lock to make it back to the Breslin, but Tecumseh had other plans. The Indians defeated Gabriel Richard 50-39 in the Regional Finals, then finished the job to emerge as State Champions. With many programs graduating college prospects, the separation between teams is less, which means this could be anyone's year. One team joined the pre-season top ten (Flint Powers Catholic), and South Christian moved from #10 in 2024 all the way up to the #1 spot. The 2025-26 postseason will be electric, and all ten programs have enough talent to make a run to the Breslin Center. Below, I will break down teams 6-10, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.