2025 Pre-Season State Rankings: Bell's Best D3 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. The 2024 pre-season favorite was Grass Lake. On paper, the Warriors appeared to have superior talent that few, if any, D3 could match up with man for man. Niles Brandywine finished the regular season with an undefeated record and made it back to the Breslin, where they met a familiar foe. The Bobcats lost a thriller to Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (29-31) in the semifinals, which resulted in a thought-provoking post-game press conference that sparked a statewide social media soundboard for the age-old debate of whether private schools, charter schools, and public school athletics should compete in separate postseason tournaments. The Gators bested Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest 32-21 to secure a second straight State championship. Every team in the top ten has quality college prospects and depth needed to compete for a title. Depending on the draw, I could see any of these teams making a playoff push to the Breslin Center. Here are my top five D3 contenders heading into the 2025 season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Jackson Lumen Christi</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240617_194455202.MP-1-crop-3024x1986-1718721528.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-927234" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'], 2028, Jackson Lumen Christi, Legends U, SAU Shootout, June 17, 2024.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 19-7, Quarterfinal Appearance   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'], [player_tooltip player_id='928228' first='Lucy' last='Wrozek'], [player_tooltip player_id='980267' first='Erin' last='O'Dowd'], [player_tooltip player_id='632112' first='Ruby' last='Boyce'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158095' first='Codi' last='Ruge'], and Kathleen Doane (2025, UNC-Asheville Soccer).   2025-26 Breakdown   Head Coach Scott Stine led Ypsilanti Arbor Prep to consecutive state championships (2024, 2025). Now at the helm of Lumen Christi, he'll be looking to repeat that postseason success. Point guard sensation [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'] (PGH Sophomore Player of the Year, P24 Circuit MVP) is a top-five prospect in the state, and #1 overall in her class. Her athleticism, explosive quickness, dynamic offensive skills, and defensive impact will give Lumen Christi an advantage over every team in the division. [player_tooltip player_id='928228' first='Lucy' last='Wrozek'] is the perfect complementary guard for the Titans. Her high motor, toughness, three-level scoring, ability to create for teammates, determination on the glass, and defensive impact keep opponents honest. [player_tooltip player_id='980267' first='Erin' last='O'Dowd'] provides a spark with her perimeter shooting, while seniors [player_tooltip player_id='632112' first='Ruby' last='Boyce'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1158095' first='Codi' last='Ruge'] give the team important depth on both sides of the ball. They graduated productive power forward and rim protector Kathleen Doane (UNC-Asheville); she will be tough to replace. The Titans have the right combination of talent, roster depth, and coaching expertise to win it all in March, which is why they are my top-ranked team heading into the season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Pewamo-Westphalia</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/user-uploads/PXL_20250206_012936932-crop-3024x1986-1739279835.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1187816" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='895711' first='[player_tooltip player_id='893890' first='Elly' last='']' last='Bengel'], 2026, Pewamo-Westphalia, Michigan Drive Express.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 25-1, CMAC Title, Regional Finals Appearance   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='895711' first='[player_tooltip player_id='893890' first='Elly' last='']' last='Bengel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1180533' first='Peyton' last='Eklund'], [player_tooltip player_id='801852' first='Alonna' last='Thelen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1113138' first='Adrianna' last='Eklund'], Trinity Pohl   2025-26 Breakdown   Pewamo-Westphalia went undefeated against CMAC play last year, which included a regular-season sweep of D4 state champion Fowler. Their season ended prematurely after a close defeat (36-39) at the hands of Calvin Christian in the Regional Finals. Pewamo-Westphalia brings back a loaded core, and I expect them to repeat last season's regular-season dominance, while making an even deeper run in the postseason tournament. Pewamo-Westphalia looked phenomenal against elite programs at Northwood Team Camp during the summer. [player_tooltip player_id='895711' first='[player_tooltip player_id='893890' first='Elly' last='']' last='Bengel'] stuffs the stat sheet and has a second gear when she attacks downhill. Her aggressive defense and confident perimeter shooting help the team win against tough opponents. [player_tooltip player_id='801852' first='Alonna' last='Thelen'] can do it all. She knocks down threes, finishes layups through contact, and adds a strong rebounding presence. [player_tooltip player_id='1113138' first='Adrianna' last='Eklund'] possesses length and physicality that are difficult to match. Her determined rebounding creates second-chance points, and she can step outside to hit three-pointers. [player_tooltip player_id='1180533' first='Peyton' last='Eklund']'s pinpoint accuracy from three-point range, clutch scoring, passing vision, defensive prowess, and all-around impact against Fowler blew me away last year. Trinity Pohl picks off passes on the defensive end, distributes the rock, and pushes the tempo. The Pirates are in position for a run to the Breslin next March.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Grass Lake</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/Resse-Lape-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1718541722.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-925634" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='912516' first='Reese' last='Lape'], 2027, Grass Lake, Mystics, Michigan. </figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 19-4, Cascades Title   Key Players: Kate Starkey (2025, Alma), [player_tooltip player_id='912516' first='Reese' last='Lape'], [player_tooltip player_id='502317' first='Mya' last='Viegelahn'] (Davenport), Grace Bullock (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='928065' first='Adeline' last='Stormont'], and [player_tooltip player_id='751138' first='Elise' last='Bullock'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Grass Lake was my pre-season #1 team and favorite to win the D3 State championship in 2024. The Warriors proved those expectations were well-founded during the regular season, defeating elite programs like Detroit Renaissance and Parma Western, while also winning the Cascades Conference Championship with a perfect 13-0 record. However, Lumen Christi ended any hopes for a deep postseason run by defeating Grass Lake 59-52 in the district finals. Hopefully, the MHSAA moves towards seeding the state tournament sooner rather than later to prevent the best teams from meeting in districts. The Warriors graduated Cascades MVP and superstar point guard Kate Starkey (2025, Alma), but will have no shortage of skill in their lineup. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='502317' first='Mya' last='Viegelahn'] (Davenport) can light it up from beyond the arc, disrupt the passing lanes on defense, and take it hard to the rack for two points. [player_tooltip player_id='912516' first='Reese' last='Lape'] is a top ten 2027 prospect with explosive athleticism and a relentless motor that makes her a daunting matchup on both ends of the floor. Sisters Leah and Brooke Starkey energize the team with their hustle, poised ball-handling, scoring, and scrappy defense. [player_tooltip player_id='928065' first='Adeline' last='Stormont'] is a productive rebounder and impactful defender who cleans up around the basket. [player_tooltip player_id='751138' first='Elise' last='Bullock'] has been on a heater, standing out at multiple showcases leading up to the season. She's a dynamic guard ready for a huge Junior year. Grass Lake has the talent to make another trip to the Breslin this year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 McBain</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/PXL_20250510_142812600-crop-3024x1986-1758208776.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1317059" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='734971' first='Peyton' last='Grant'], 2026, McBain, [program_tooltip program_id='713450' first='REAL' last=''], MBA Mother's Day Classic.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 16-5   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='734971' first='Peyton' last='Grant'], [player_tooltip player_id='1279590' first='Jane' last='Koetje'], [player_tooltip player_id='1279269' first='Ahnica' last='Hoitenga'], [player_tooltip player_id='1268275' first='Ashlyn' last='Hoitenga'], Adria Rozeveld, and Adilynn Ridgway.   2025-26 Breakdown   McBain tied for second place in the Highland Conference (11-3) last year, and I expect them to be contending with the #5 team below for a title this season. [player_tooltip player_id='734971' first='Peyton' last='Grant'] is an uber-talented guard with length who can score at all three levels and get to the rim. Her comprehensive impact gives the Ramblers an edge on both sides of the ball. Versatile forwards Ashlyn and [player_tooltip player_id='1279269' first='Ahnica' last='Hoitenga'] are strong rebounders who finish well around the basket. They'll be a tough matchup for opponents in the paint. Adria Rozeveld creates steals with her active hands on defense, and Adilynn Ridgway knocks down perimeter jumpers with confidence. The Ramblers have the potential to make a deep tournament run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Manton</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/Aubrey-Hiller-rotated-crop-2582x1695-1751047207.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1263882" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='866209' first='Aubrey' last='Hiller'], 2027, Manton, Mystics-P24.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 21-5   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='866209' first='Aubrey' last='Hiller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1172516' first='Lillian' last='Chittle'], and Rylyn Wilder   2025-26 Breakdown   Manton has one of the best backcourt duos in D3, and that will make them a very dangerous team next March. The Rangers finished second in the Highland Conference (11-3) and should be in contention for the title again this year. [player_tooltip player_id='866209' first='Aubrey' last='Hiller'] is a sniper from three-point range, has outstanding court vision, throws dimes to open teammates, is a lockdown defender, and has the ball on a string. She's a top 15 prospect in the 2027 class with a pair of D2 offers. [player_tooltip player_id='1172516' first='Lillian' last='Chittle'] had a big travel season with [program_tooltip program_id='1239258' first='HB' last='Elite']. She's an elusive ball-handler who gets downhill, finishes with touch in traffic, knocks down perimeter jumpers, and creates turnovers with her defensive pressure. Rylyn Wilder sinks shots from the perimeter and produces steals with her pesky defense. Manton will be a tough team to beat this season.

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. The 2024 pre-season favorite was Grass Lake. On paper, the Warriors appeared to have superior talent that few, if any, D3 could match up with man for man. Niles Brandywine finished the regular season with an undefeated record and made it back to the Breslin, where they met a familiar foe. The Bobcats lost a thriller to Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (29-31) in the semifinals, which resulted in a thought-provoking post-game press conference that sparked a statewide social media soundboard for the age-old debate of whether private schools, charter schools, and public school athletics should compete in separate postseason tournaments. The Gators bested Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest 32-21 to secure a second straight State championship. Every team in the top ten has quality college prospects and depth needed to compete for a title. Depending on the draw, I could see any of these teams making a playoff push to the Breslin Center. Here are my top five D3 contenders heading into the 2025 season.