MHSAA D3 State Finals Crystal Ball

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the coming weeks leading up to the 2026 MHSAA State Tournament, I will be previewing select Districts from across the state in each division, putting teams and prospects under the microscope. In the meantime, I'd like to zoom out and survey the entire postseason scene. Some of the top-ranked teams will have an arduous road to the finals, making upsets very possible. We've seen a rise in competition and a narrowing of the talent gap between the leading contenders. Below, I have selected the Division 3 teams that I believe have the best odds to make the State Finals based on their postseason path and regular-season performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/02/mhsaa-state-finals-crystal-ball-d1-d2/">Read D1 and D2 Postseason Preview</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D3-Jackson Lumen Christi and McBain</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Semifinals Prediction: </strong>Pewamo-Westphalia, McBain, Jackson Lumen Christi, and Niles Brandywine</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1317059,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBain finished second in the Highland Conference last year at 11-3 and entered the 2026 season as a leading contender. The Ramblers have beaten every opponent in their path, currently standing tall with a perfect 17-0 record. McBain is battle-proven, posting double-digit wins against three ranked opponents: Beaverton, Roscommon, and Evart. The Ramblers are led by dynamic and athletic guard [player_tooltip player_id='734971' first='Peyton' last='Grant']. Versatile forwards Ashlyn and [player_tooltip player_id='1279269' first='Ahnica' last='Hoitenga'] create mismatches with their skill set and length--they're having a breakout sophomore campaign. Adria Rozeveld, [player_tooltip player_id='1212983' first='Mikayla' last='Blood'], Adilynn Ridgway, and Makala Vanpolen are all difference makers in the Ramblers lineup. McBain will have a tumultuous path to the State Finals, facing familiar foes with payback on their minds. They're on a collision course with a ranked opponent in every round: Evart, Beaverton, Morley Stanwood, Roscommon, and Pewamo-Westphalia. McBain has proven they can beat the best this season. If the Ramblers can survive the gauntlet, they'll have no shortage of confidence in the finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":927234,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest stories coming into the 2026 season was Jackson Lumen Christi's addition of four-time State Champion Head Coach Scott Stine. Stine led Ypsilanti Arbor Prep to titles in 2016, 2022, 2024, and 2025. Pairing Stine with Michigan's #1 2028 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'], and a strong supporting cast, sent expectations through the roof. After the Titans beat Belleville in a pre-season scrimmage, it became undeniable that they would be the team to beat this year and the overwhelming D3 favorite. Lumen Christi entered the season number one, and they've stayed there all season. They haven't lost to a Michigan opponent yet, beating ranked opponents Mio, Michigan Center, Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard, and Farmington Hills Mercy. The Titans will face #2 Grass Lake in the district finals, and I believe the winner of that game will be playing for a State Championship. Lumen Christi defeated Grass Lake 59-52 in the 2025 district finals, and I'm expecting an instant classic. The Titans will likely face Monroe St. Mary's CC, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest (2025 state runner-up ), and Niles Brandywine (2025 State Semifinalist) on their path to the State Finals. [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'] is explosive, athletic, and has elite skills. She'll give the Titans a clear advantage on both ends of the court in every matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='928228' first='Lucy' last='Wrozek'] is a two-way playmaker who stuffs the stat sheet, and [player_tooltip player_id='980267' first='Erin' last='O'Dowd'] rips the nets from beyond the arc. Lily Ganton and [player_tooltip player_id='632112' first='Ruby' last='Boyce'] are two seniors who have been very productive for the Titans. Lumen Christi looks poised for a memorable postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->