Division 2 Talent Returns for Another Big Season: Part 1

Division 2 girls basketball in Michigan is once again loaded with talent as teams prepare for another thrilling season. From high-scoring guards to dominant post players, many of last year's top performers are back and ready to make an even bigger impact. With programs across the state returning experienced leaders and adding emerging young talent, this year's competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Expect fierce battles, breakout stars, and plenty of standout performances as these returning athletes look to lead their teams deep into the postseason.   Last season's Division 2 Player of the Year, [player_tooltip player_id='807288' first='Addi' last='Zajac'], left a lasting legacy after a phenomenal senior campaign. The powerful forward was a force on both ends of the floor, combining her strength in the paint with a relentless motor that made her nearly unstoppable. Zajac has now taken her talents to the next level, continuing her basketball career at Eastern Michigan University. With her graduation, the race for this year's Division 2 Player of the Year is wide open — and several returning stars are ready to step into the spotlight.    Vanessa has already built one of the most impressive résumés in Division 2 basketball, and she's not finished yet. A two-time MLive Ann Arbor Player of the Year and former Division 2 Player of the Year as a sophomore, she continues to elevate her game each season. The Western Michigan University commit has already etched her name into program history as just the second player to surpass 1,000 career points — with another full season still ahead. Last year, she averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 steals per game, showing her all-around impact on both ends of the court. After falling in the regional finals to the eventual state champions, Vanessa and the Fighting Irish are determined to make another deep postseason run — this time with their sights set on the Breslin Center.     Kendyl proved last season that she's one of the most dynamic guards in the state, taking full command of Powers Catholic's offense and thriving in every aspect of the game. The junior standout averaged 20.25 points, 6.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per contest, showing off her ability to both create and score at an elite level. Her best performance came in an overtime battle against Mount Pleasant, where she exploded for 42 points while adding seven rebounds and six steals — a true display of her competitiveness and skill. Named the Saginaw Valley League's Most Valuable Player, Kendyl has already proven she can carry her team, and with her recruitment now re-opened, she'll be one of the most sought-after prospects in the state. She's set to lead Powers Catholic on what could be a special postseason run during her senior campaign.     Lilie has cemented herself as one of Michigan's premier frontcourt players and is poised for a huge senior season. The Wisconsin-Green Bay commit already owns Gladstone's all-time records for both points and rebounds — and she's not done yet. Last year, she was dominant on both ends of the floor, averaging 21.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.9 steals per game while leading Gladstone to a district and regional championships. Her combination of size, skill, and motor makes her a matchup nightmare for opponents, and she consistently sets the tone with her energy and leadership. With her sights set on a deep postseason run and a trip to the Breslin, Lilie is ready to make her final high school season her best yet.     Addi has quickly proven herself as one of the most dominant post players in Michigan and will look to lead her team to another state championship after last season's title run. The talented junior controls the paint with her combination of strength, finesse, and basketball IQ. She's a consistent double-double machine, using her soft touch around the rim and excellent hands to finish through contact or kick the ball out to open shooters when defenses collapse. Addi's rebounding instincts are elite — she seems to always be in the right spot to secure second-chance opportunities or end possessions on the defensive glass. With her presence in the middle, Addi gives her team a major advantage every time she steps on the floor.     Ly'Nique made a huge impact for South Haven last season, emerging as one of the top scorers in all of Division 2 during her breakout sophomore year. The dynamic guard surpassed 1,000 career points and set a new school record with a 42-point performance, showcasing her ability to take over games. Averaging an impressive 27.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.8 steals, and 2.4 assists per contest, Ly'Nique consistently found ways to fill the stat sheet while leading the Rams to their second straight SAC-Lakeshore championship. Her quickness, creativity with the ball, and relentless scoring mindset make her a constant matchup problem — and she's only getting better as she heads into her junior season.

Division 2 girls basketball in Michigan is once again loaded with talent as teams prepare for another thrilling season. From high-scoring guards to dominant post players, many of last year's top performers are back and ready to make an even bigger impact. With programs across the state returning experienced leaders and adding emerging young talent, this year's competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Expect fierce battles, breakout stars, and plenty of standout performances as these returning athletes look to lead their teams deep into the postseason.