MHSAA State Finals Crystal Ball (D1-D2)

<!-- 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 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:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D1-Belleville and Rockford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Semifinals</strong> <strong>Prediction</strong>: Rockford, Orchard Lake St. Mary's Prep, Belleville, and Wayne Memorial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1479763,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240608_211136957.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1764695404.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1479763" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'], 2027, Belleville, Sports City Angels.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belleville came into the season ranked number one overall, and they haven't flinched. The Tigers had the most talented roster in 2025 and have only gotten better in 2026. Going into this week, their narrowest margin of victory was a 62-52 win against Detroit Renaissance. However, Wayne Memorial and KLAA East foe responded with vigor in their second meeting of the season after losing the first matchup 44-79. Belleville escaped with a narrow 56-54 victory at home against the Zebras. The Tigers will likely face Howell in the KLAA West championship game, which will be a good measuring stick as to how their Regional Semifinal matchup will go. The Highlanders have the best forward prospect in the state, but Belleville's athleticism and talent at guard give them a clear advantage on the perimeter. Detroit Renaissance and Wayne Memorial are projected to meet in the regional finals. The winner of that matchup will likely face Belleville in the State Semifinals. Both teams have proven they can challenge the Tigers. Belleville's roster is loaded with top-tier talent, including Michigan's top prospect and #9 overall in the country by ESPN, [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury']. [player_tooltip player_id='613939' first='SeCrette' last='Carter'], [player_tooltip player_id='807281' first='Layla' last='Stewart'], and Mo'Riyah McKinney all have D1 offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":963629,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/PXL_20240627_174542341-crop-3024x1986-1723072054.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-963629" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'], 2026, Rockford, [program_tooltip program_id='1226083' first='West' last='Michigan Drive']-P24, MSU Team Camp, 2024. </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockford has a daunting road ahead to make it back to the State Finals. They will need to beat Muskegon in districts, a team that upset them 58-51 in week three. The Rams will potentially face Saginaw Heritage, Midland, East Kentwood, and St. Mary's Prep prior to the championship game. One misstep will end their chances to make a fifth consecutive trip to the Breslin Center. Despite the tough road ahead, Rockford appears up to the challenge. The Rams have double-digit wins against several ranked opponents, including Grass Lake, Howell, East Kentwood, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Haslett, Midland, and Grand Haven. Rockford features two of the top forwards in the 2026 class with [player_tooltip player_id='924008' first='Kate' last='Higgins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='613428' first='Sienna' last='Wolfe']. [player_tooltip player_id='890718' first='Addison' last='Wypych'] and [player_tooltip player_id='939083' first='Kendall' last='Bires'] are both top 11 prospects in the 2028 class. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1220767' first='Audrey' last='Muterspaugh'] steps up in big moments and contributes in every category. The Rams feature an endless supply of depth on the bench. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D2-Tecumseh and Grand Rapids South Christian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Semifinals</strong> <strong>Prediction</strong>: Powers Catholic, Tecumseh, Goodrich, and Grand Rapids South Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":898440,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/PXL_20240420_162024616.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1714000033.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-898440" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='666667' first='Makayla' last='Schlorf'], 2026, Tecumseh, [program_tooltip program_id='1312033' first='Michigan' last='Premier-S40'], The Clash, SVSU Commit.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tecumseh ran the table in the 2025 postseason to earn their first state championship, defeating top-ranked Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard in the regional finals, and Grand Rapids West Catholic in the State Finals. After losing BCAM Miss Basketball Finalist Allie Zajac and key seniors from the starting lineup, there were questions about whether the Indians could repeat last season's success. The Indians have answered the bell, with their only loss to a Michigan team coming in a narrow 54-52 defeat to Grand Rapids West Catholic. Tecumseh has double-digit wins against Saginaw Heritage, Midland, and Detroit Edison--all ranked opponents. To get back to the finals, they'll need to roll up their sleeves. The Indians will likely face three teams that have been ranked in the top 25 this season: Haslett, Fa. Gabriel Richard, and Flint Powers Catholic. Tecumseh holds the trump card with their physically imposing top-ten forward [player_tooltip player_id='807288' first='Addi' last='Zajac'] commanding the paint, while senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='666667' first='Makayla' last='Schlorf'] and [player_tooltip player_id='614714' first='Chloe' last='Bullinger'] create a mismatch on the perimeter. Freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='1310112' first='Delaney' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1257667' first='Avery' last='Zajac'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1262735' first='Reese' last='Grounds'] have immediately made a huge impact in their inaugural varsity campaign. Their poise under pressure will be crucial to making it back to the finals, and they've proven themselves against formidable opponents during the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":907029,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/Lizzie-Wolthuis-e1696229838687-crop-3184x2091-1715392668.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-907029" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='615162' first='Lizzie' last='Wolthuis'], 2026, South Christian, MBA-GUAA, Hope Commit, PGH Expo.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grand Rapids South Christian fell to state-runner-up Grand Rapids West Catholic by a meager two points (37-39) in the quarterfinals last year. I believe the Sailors are going to get the job done this time around. South Christian is currently the top-ranked team in Division Two with an undefeated record (17-0), boasting several wins against ranked opponents. They've beaten Holland Christian, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, DeWitt, Wayland (twice), and Grand Rapids West Catholic (twice). Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='615162' first='Lizzie' last='Wolthuis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='919220' first='Sophia' last='Prins'] both hit the 1,000-point mark this season. They are the rudders that guide the ship. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1236900' first='Kinley' last='Regnery'] is a top ten prospect, and she's made an immediate impact for the Sailors as expected. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='938391' first='Meredith' last='Helmus'] ignites the team with her all-out effort, while 6-footer [player_tooltip player_id='1249879' first='Avery' last='Lutke'] protects the rim, adding an imposing forward to the lineup. South Christian has a cupboard full of talent, skill, and speed at the guard spot. [player_tooltip player_id='1122943' first='Abby' last='Prins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1227398' first='Natalie' last='Wolthuis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1227403' first='Lexi' last='Vermaas'], [player_tooltip player_id='1249738' first='Kenlee' last='Copeland'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1292999' first='Isla' last='Ogle'] are all difference makers. South Christian has a hard road to the finals. District 45 features three top 15 teams (South Christian, Holland Christian, and Wayland). The Sailors will potentially face Otsego, a rematch with Grand Rapids West Catholic, and the undefeated Flint-Metro powerhouse Goodrich (currently ranked #5). It's a gauntlet, but South Christian appears ready for the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->