2025 Pre-Season State Rankings: Bell's Best D1 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, 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 teams 6-10, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 St. Mary's Prep</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/08/Allie-Crighton-crop-3120x2049-1693491691.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-752906" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='751130' first='Allie' last='Crighton'], 2027, St. Mary's Prep, Mystics, PGH Freshman Showcase.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 18-5   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='751130' first='Allie' last='Crighton'] (Northwood), Stella Poota (2025), Mia Moss, [player_tooltip player_id='615150' first='Brooke' last='Shockey'], [player_tooltip player_id='807303' first='Reese' last='Holton'], and [player_tooltip player_id='865145' first='Jessica' last='Asmussen'].   2025-26 Breakdown   St. Mary's Prep had a very successful regular season last year and they bring back the bulk of their talent. All four of the Eaglets' regular-season losses came against top 15 opponents. 1,000-point All-Catholic scorer Stella Poota graduated, but transfer [player_tooltip player_id='927982' first='Laney' last='Larsen'] (Our Lady of the Lakes) is ready to make a huge splash. Her three-point accuracy, off-the-ball instincts, and ability to finish will help the team. St. Mary's Prep brings back All-Catholic juniors [player_tooltip player_id='751130' first='Allie' last='Crighton'] (Northwood) and [player_tooltip player_id='807303' first='Reese' last='Holton'], with All-League senior [player_tooltip player_id='615150' first='Brooke' last='Shockey'] also returning. Crighton is a court general with great vision and passing abilities. She lights it up from beyond the arc and attacks gaps. Holton protects the rim, wins rebounding battles, and finishes with power in the paint. She has good footwork and isn't afraid to shoot outside. Shockey is a versatile forward who can pop outside to hit threes, score in the paint, defend inside or outside, and knock down pull-up jumpers. [player_tooltip player_id='865145' first='Jessica' last='Asmussen'] is a scrappy guard who sets up teammates, hits timely jumpers, and works hard on the defensive end. St. Mary's Prep lost a nailbiter 36-41 to State Semifinalist West Bloomfield in districts--they'll be looking to make a deep run this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Utica Eisenhower</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/302-Madison-Repicky.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-981197" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='933005' first='Madison' last='Repicky'], 2028, Utica Eisenhower, Mystics P24, PGH Freshman Showcase. </figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 22-3, MAC-Red Conference Champs   Key Players: Devyn Raymond (2025, Akron), [player_tooltip player_id='933005' first='Madison' last='Repicky'], [player_tooltip player_id='982853' first='Natalya' last='Stojcevski'], [player_tooltip player_id='933527' first='Mackenzie' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='933515' first='Janielle' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1227380' first='Leah' last='Poggiolo'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1227390' first='Megan' last='Hawkins'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Eisenhower is a program built for immediate and future success. After splitting with Henry Ford (9-1) to earn a shared MAC-Red title and finishing with a 22-3 record, Eisenhower is the clear division favorite. The Eagles graduate Devyn Raymond (2025, Akron Soccer), but bring back an ultra-talented core of underclassmen. Versatile small forward [player_tooltip player_id='982853' first='Natalya' last='Stojcevski'] has a multidimensional impact on both ends as an inside-outside player. [player_tooltip player_id='933005' first='Madison' last='Repicky'] is a top ten 2028 prospect with crafty ball-handling, keen court vision, compact strength, and three-level scoring abilities. Sisters Janielle and [player_tooltip player_id='933527' first='Mackenzie' last='Turner'] cause havoc with their all-out defensive pressure. They handle the ball with poise, push the tempo, get downhill, and pepper the net with three-point buckets. [player_tooltip player_id='1227380' first='Leah' last='Poggiolo'] gives Eisenhower an advantage with her length, creates transition scoring, and accelerates through gaps to score off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1227390' first='Megan' last='Hawkins'] is another long and physical prospect who adds interior depth. She finishes with strength and touch around the basket. Eisenhower is a dangerous team capable of making a deep playoff run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 Muskegon</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Mariah-Sain-crop-2225x1461-1695754301.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-772113" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'], 2026, Muskegon, [program_tooltip program_id='1229267' first='Michigan' last='Crossover EYBL'], PGH Expo.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 11-12   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'] (Charlotte), [player_tooltip player_id='614713' first='Cece' last='Bonner'] (Oakland), [player_tooltip player_id='807918' first='Dy'Nasti' last='Bell'], [player_tooltip player_id='734976' first='Jaila' last='Martin'], Kennedi Loudermill, Shamari Hamilton (2025, Muskegon CC), Kamrin Ward (2025, Muskegon CC)   2025-26 Breakdown   Muskegon is a top-ten team when healthy. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, they're back to full strength. The Big Reds graduated two of their most impactful guards from last year's team, but they have three D1 prospects back in the starting lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'] (Charlotte) is the top guard prospect in Michigan's 2026 class. She's explosive off the dribble, and her athleticism creates a constant mismatch. [player_tooltip player_id='614713' first='Cece' last='Bonner'] (Oakland) changes directions quickly, finishes with strength at the rim, and distributes the rock. These two guards combine to form possibly the most athletic and dynamic backcourt in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='807918' first='Dy'Nasti' last='Bell'] is a 6-foot disruptor in the paint who gives Muskegon a clear advantage with her height, power, finishing, rebounding, and shot-blocking. [player_tooltip player_id='734976' first='Jaila' last='Martin'] has the skills and physicality to excel as a forward or a guard. Kennedi Loudermill impacts games with her defense and adds another rebounding presence. If Muskegon avoids the injury bug, they'll be one of the best and most dangerous playoff teams on the West side.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Saginaw Heritage</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/1000000363-rotated-crop-3060x2010-1733677499.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1099803" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='613943' first='Alesia' last='Ode'], 2026, Saginaw Heritage, Mystics, Michigan POTW, Dec. 1-7, 2024. </figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 21-4   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='613943' first='Alesia' last='Ode'], [player_tooltip player_id='933013' first='Joslyn' last='Ode'], [player_tooltip player_id='908135' first='Jayla' last='Laster'], [player_tooltip player_id='933016' first='Zariya' last='McCrary'], [player_tooltip player_id='981985' first='Londyn' last='Newton'], and [player_tooltip player_id='615174' first='Breeghan' last='Hamilton'] (CMU Lacrosse)   2025-26 Breakdown   Heritage suffered only one defeat in the SVL last season to conference champion Midland (11-0). The Hawks brought everybody back and will look to win the SVL North under new Head Coach Taryn Taugher. [player_tooltip player_id='613943' first='Alesia' last='Ode'] is one of the best wings in the state when healthy, and she looks ready for a very productive senior year. [player_tooltip player_id='933013' first='Joslyn' last='Ode'] and [player_tooltip player_id='908135' first='Jayla' last='Laster'] earned First Team All-League honors, while [player_tooltip player_id='615174' first='Breeghan' last='Hamilton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='933016' first='Zariya' last='McCrary'] earned Second Team All-League honors. [player_tooltip player_id='908135' first='Jayla' last='Laster'] set a single-game record with 34 points and averaged a potent 15.3 points per game as a freshman. She averaged nearly five rebounds and three steals to make an extreme impact on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='933013' first='Joslyn' last='Ode'] was the best defender for the Hawks last season, holding her assignment to under double-digits in every game, while turning in a comprehensive impact in every statistical category, averaging over 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='615174' first='Breeghan' last='Hamilton'] is a hard-nosed player who sets the tone with her toughness, facilitates the ball, impacts the game with her defense, and breaks pressure with her confident dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='933016' first='Zariya' last='McCrary'] has length and athleticism few can match. She scores at all three levels, closes passing lanes, can handle the rock, and attacks gaps to score layups. [player_tooltip player_id='981985' first='Londyn' last='Newton'] is a scrappy defender who distributes the ball to open teammates, accelerates downhill to score off the dribble, and adds a perimeter threat. Heritage will be in contention for a conference title and a scary team to face in the postseason.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Grand Haven</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240615_154436101.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1718541613.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-925633" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='807315' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'], 2027, Grand Haven, MBA, Michigan, BCAM Reaching Higher, June 15th, 2024.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 22-4, Quarterfinal appearance   Key Players: Gillian Sorrelle (2025, Hope), Abby Sponaas (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='807315' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'], [player_tooltip player_id='943220' first='Georgia' last='Reinecke'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158070' first='Bria' last='Hogeboom'], [player_tooltip player_id='982821' first='Kendall' last='Gillis'], and [player_tooltip player_id='982813' first='Mara' last='Streng'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Grand Haven won 22 games last season and pushed Rockford to the brink in a 49-54 Quarterfinals defeat. The Bucs lost a pair of productive seniors who will be difficult to replace. Gillian Sorrelle (Hope) came through in the clutch and sparked the team with her defensive and offensive presence. Abby Sponaas gave Grand Haven another effective front-court scorer and defender with difficult height to match up with. However, Grand Haven is still loaded with depth and talent. [player_tooltip player_id='807315' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'] has multiple D1 offers and is the best forward prospect in her class. Her mobility, ability to shoot from the perimeter, footwork, and shot-blocking give the Bucs an interior advantage against every team on the schedule. Mallory shot an absurd 69% from the floor (school record) and led the team in steals (4.1), blocks (3.3), and rebounds (8) per game. [player_tooltip player_id='943220' first='Georgia' last='Reinecke'] gives the team a spark from beyond the arc, secures rebounds, works hard on defense, distributes the rock, and plays complementary basketball. [player_tooltip player_id='1158070' first='Bria' last='Hogeboom'] adds a perimeter scoring presence and active defender to the lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='982821' first='Kendall' last='Gillis'] uses her athleticism and high motor to secure rebounds and makes the effort plays. She knocks down timely threes, gets downhill to score layups, creates space with her dribble, and is a very effective post defender. [player_tooltip player_id='982813' first='Mara' last='Streng'] adds depth at the guard spot and contributes with her disciplined defense, precise passes, and ability to push the tempo. The Buccaneers will be a dangerous team to face next March.

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 teams 6-10, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.