Top Talent Returns in the River City Alliance Conference

The River City Alliance Conference is shaping up for another exciting season, with several teams bringing back key pieces from last year's competitive race. Cedar Springs, last year's conference champion at 10-2, looks poised to defend its title with four returning starters who bring a mix of experience, leadership, and confidence. Kenowa Hills, which finished close behind at 9-3, will once again be in the hunt — their returning core of young, skilled players could make them a serious threat to take the top spot. Meanwhile, Greenville, coming off a solid 7-5 campaign, returns a group of talented athletes ready to build on last year's success and make some noise in the standings. With so much returning talent across the board, expect a tight race for the conference crown once again this winter.    Faith enters her senior season as one of the top uncommitted prospects still available — and any college program looking for a reliable scorer should be paying attention. A composed and efficient guard, she's known for her effortless shooting stroke and deep range that forces defenders to extend far beyond the arc. Her ability to knock down shots in rhythm or under pressure makes her a constant threat to shift the momentum of a game. Beyond her scoring, Faith plays with exceptional basketball IQ — she makes sound decisions, takes care of the ball, and elevates her teammates with her poise and precision. As an all-conference and all-state returner, she's primed for a standout senior campaign and could be in for a big year that turns even more heads at the next level.     Elliana, an all-conference standout, combines size and skill to make a major impact on both ends of the floor. She excels in transition, pushing the pace and converting efficiently around the rim. On defense, she battles for position inside, grabs rebounds on both ends, and uses her length to alter shots and protect the basket. Her athleticism and effort make her a consistent presence in the paint and a key contributor for her team.       Emory is a versatile and athletic guard who uses her size to impact the game on both ends of the floor. After an impressive summer with Cedar and strong performances at elite camps, she has proven she can compete with top-tier talent. Her length and defensive instincts make her a disruptive force, while her offensive skill and court awareness allow her to create opportunities for herself and teammates. With her confidence and game continuing to grow, Emory is a player poised to make a big impact this season.     Ella is a lightning-quick guard who excels on both ends of the court. Her speed allows her to blow by defenders and create scoring opportunities, while her defensive intensity makes her a tough matchup for anyone. A true floor general, she can knock down shots from deep and has the vision to set up her teammates, making her a dynamic playmaker on every possession.     Ashlyn is a dynamic point guard who can take control of a game at any moment. She excels at generating her own offense, scoring from inside, midrange, and beyond the arc, and consistently delivers in high-pressure situations. Her knack for taking over on the offensive end has made her one of the most impactful guards on the floor.     Ruby is a guard who makes her presence felt in multiple ways, whether it's attacking the basket with purpose, knocking down shots from outside, or crashing the boards. After earning honorable mention all-conference honors last season, she's poised to take on a larger role this year for Kenowa and be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.     Sophie, a 1st-team all-conference selection as a freshman, returns as a year older and will look to help lead Greenville toward a conference title. A physical and assertive guard, she impacts the game on both ends of the court. Offensively, she attacks the basket with poise, finishing through contact and displaying excellent control in traffic. Defensively, her length, anticipation, and quick hands make her a constant disruptor, forcing turnovers and challenging every pass. Sophie also crashes the boards with determination, securing extra possessions for her team. Her combination of strength, awareness, and consistent effort makes her a key contributor in every game.     Briana, a 1st-team all-conference freshman, is back and poised for a huge sophomore season as her team pursues a conference championship. She's a sharpshooter from long range, capable of hitting multiple threes in a single game, and her scoring extends beyond perimeter shots. Briana makes her presence felt defensively, chasing down boards, contesting shots, and creating fast-break opportunities with key blocks. Her fluid hesitation dribble keeps defenders off balance, opening lanes for her to attack the basket and finish with confidence. Her all-around game makes her a major threat on both ends of the floor.     Alix, a 1st-team all-conference performer last season, is set for a standout senior year and already has several college offers, making her future one to watch. She thrives in competitive situations, using her strength and tenacity to disrupt passes and defend larger post players. Alix is vocal and organized on the floor, navigating screens effectively and staying locked in defensively. Her commitment to doing whatever it takes for her team's success, combined with her skills as a guard, makes her a player to keep an eye on this season.     Avery, a 1st-team all-conference point guard from Allendale, is a dynamic force on both ends of the floor. She uses quick first steps and crafty crossover moves to attack the rim, finishing with confidence off the dribble. Avery's court vision allows her to find open teammates with precise passes, while her relentless on-ball pressure creates turnovers and disrupts opponents. A true two-way playmaker, she's a player who can change the game and is one to watch for college programs this winter.     Olivia enters this season ready to be a force in the paint, using her strength and physicality to control the boards on both ends. She'll battle for position and secure rebounds, creating valuable second-chance opportunities for her team. Defensively, Olivia is expected to hold her ground against tough post matchups and mix it up inside, providing a strong interior presence. With her effort, toughness, and ability to consistently win battles on the glass, she's poised to be a key anchor for her team this year.     Taylor is set to make a big impact again this season and is poised to be one of the conference's guards to watch. Known for her relentless work ethic and strong defensive presence, she consistently disrupts opponents on that end of the floor. Offensively, Taylor excels at attacking the middle of the court, finishing at the rim or setting up teammates for easy scoring opportunities. She's also a dependable shooter from the perimeter, giving her team a consistent threat from beyond the arc.     Mady is set to be Lowell's go-to scorer this season and will be a central offensive threat for her team. She's a versatile player who can make an impact both around the basket and from the perimeter. Mady's strength and smart positioning allow her to control the boards and generate valuable second-chance opportunities. She's also a confident shooter, knocking down shots from multiple spots on the floor with ease. With her ability to stretch defenses while still being a force inside, Mady is a dynamic player who can seamlessly contribute in any lineup.

The River City Alliance Conference is shaping up for another exciting season, with several teams bringing back key pieces from last year's competitive race. Cedar Springs, last year's conference champion at 10-2, looks poised to defend its title with four returning starters who bring a mix of experience, leadership, and confidence. Kenowa Hills, which finished close behind at 9-3, will once again be in the hunt — their returning core of young, skilled players could make them a serious threat to take the top spot. Meanwhile, Greenville, coming off a solid 7-5 campaign, returns a group of talented athletes ready to build on last year's success and make some noise in the standings. With so much returning talent across the board, expect a tight race for the conference crown once again this winter.