2026 Senior Player of the Year Finalists Pt 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The BCAM Mick McCabe Miss Basketball Award is the crown jewel of Michigan High School Girls' Basketball individual awards. There is a thorough voting and narrowing process to determine who the finalists are, depending on the year.&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613939' first='SeCrette' last='Carter']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain']</strong>,<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613424' first='Kendyl' last='Smith']</strong>, and<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613422' first='Lilly' last='Williams']</strong> are the 2026 finalists; they have all had remarkable careers at their respective schools. All four are ranked inside the top 5 of this class and will be wearing a D1 college uniform next season. Inspired by the Miss Basketball award, which seeks to honor the best senior basketball players in the state, we wanted to add our own flavor to Michigan's postseason awards. Danyle and I have collaborated to determine a list of deserving high school prospects from every grade that we wish to nominate as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Player of the Year Finalists. Two Players from each grade will be selected as Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This award emphasizes individual accomplishments and performances during the 2025-26 season. Prospects who compete on teams that excel in their division, conference, and against competitive teams were prioritized.&nbsp;<strong>To be included as a finalist, a player must have played for a high school team ranked by an authoritative girls'</strong></em> basketball resource and demonstrated <strong>consistent</strong>, <em><strong>impactful performances throughout the season.&nbsp;</strong></em>Two Player of the Year Finalists will be selected for each grade. The girls chosen are those who we believe impact their team with such significance that their team would not be in the same competitive category without them. Their performance throughout the scope of this season are separators and makes them the most deserving recipients of what we hope will be a highly respected award for years to come. This is our attempt to offer a fresh award to several of the best basketball players in the state, on the best teams in the state. Here are eight of our 2026 Senior Player of the Year Finalists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/03/2026-senior-player-of-the-year-finalists-pt-1/">Read Senior Player of the Year Finalists Pt 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["613425"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b5473"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After playing a supporting role behind D1 superstars and Miss Basketball candidates, Sheridan stepped onto center stage as a junior. In a year when most considered West Bloomfield an afterthought, Sheridan led the Lakers back to the State Semifinals. During her All-State junior campaign, Sheridan "Real Deal" Beal averaged 16 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. In the State Semifinals against eventual State Champion Belleville, she scored a team-high 17 points, and was a difference maker with five steals on defense, earning a D1 All-Breslin Team selection. Sheridan's been even better for the Lakers as a senior. She poured in 34 points and secured nine rebounds in a win vs. Birmingham Groves, 28 points in a win vs. Detroit Edison, 28 points plus eight rebounds in a win vs. Detroit Mumford. Against OAA Red foe Clarkston, Sheridan delivered a memorable 28-point performance to propel West Bloomfield to victory and surpass 1,000 career points. She graduates as an elite talent and a premier guard in her class. Sheridan will be remembered as one of the greats. She is continuing her basketball career at North Alabama University following graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801857"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b552d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaylee was exactly what Wayne Memorial needed to put a State Championship caliber team on the court again this season. In her first year for the Zebras, Kaylee became a formidable force in the paint. Her MVP performance in a statement win against Muskegon made it undeniably clear that Kaylee belonged in the top five of our rankings. She led the Zebras with 20 points and secured nine rebounds. Kaylee's robust strength, skilled footwork in the post, shot-blocking, finishing touch around the basket using either hand, mid-range game, passing instincts, and defensive effort are separators as a D1 forward prospect. Kaylee led Wayne Memorial to a win against Plymouth with 12 points in the KLAA runner-up game and posted 14 points with seven rebounds during a win vs. Detroit Renaissance. The Zebras finished the season 19-2 with their only losses coming against #1 Belleville. Wayne Memorial defeated Livonia Stevenson, Detroit Renaissance, Muskegon, Grass Lake, West Bloomfield, Muskegon, and Holt. They are one of the top contenders again in the postseason tournament. Kaylee was selected to the KLAA All-Conference Select Team, and I'm excited to see where she decides to continue her basketball career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["919220"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b5584"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophia is the court general for undefeated and D2 favorite Grand Rapids South Christian. In their biggest game of the season, Sophia commanded the Sailors to a thrilling victory against Rockford. She scored a team-high 24 points with five three-pointers. Sophia showed her poise in the closing seconds, delivering the knockout punch with an explosive downhill drive to the rim for the go-ahead bucket. Her slashing ability, toughness, three-point accuracy, quickness, court vision, compact strength, facilitating, instincts, and scrappy defense are all separators on the court. Sophia became the fifth player in school history to reach 1,000 points with style, scoring a career-high 27 points in the win against Thornapple Kellogg. South Christian earned signature wins against Unity Christian, Holland Christian, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Grand Rapids West Catholic, Wyoming, Wayland, DeWitt, and Rockford on path to their O.K. Gold title. Sophia has a bright future ahead of her at Hope College.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["614650"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b560a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliana has been nothing short of magnificent for Clarkston. After leading the Wolves to an OAA Red Division title as a Junior (9-1), Ellie wasted no time getting Clarkston off to a hot start as a senior. She led the team to a 3-0 record in week one, producing 76 points (85% FT%), 12 steals, 11 rebounds, and nine steals to win Prep Girls Hoops x Foster Swift Sports Player of the Week. She made 13 of 14 free throws to seal the win against Northville. Elliana passed 1,000 career points in December and set a new single-game scoring record with 43 points (5 3PT) during a win vs. Oxford. Elliana poured in 36 points during a win vs. Lake Orion and led the team with 18 points in a win vs. West Bloomfield. Against a tough Midland opponent, Elliana led the Wolves with 26 points, shooting a perfect 7 of 7 from the charity stripe, while sinking five three-pointers. Clarkston defeated Northville, Lutheran Northwest, Detroit Country Day, West Bloomfield, Detroit Edison, and Stoney Creek, winning their second-straight OAA Red Division title (8-2). Elliana graduates as one of the most prolific scorers and deadly three-point shooters in the state. Her fierce competitiveness, toughness, refusal to lose mentality, sharp handles, court vision, perimeter range, and advanced fundamental skills have been exciting to watch over the past few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["502307"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b568b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keira graduates as the most accomplished basketball player in Saline history, and her school records are extensive to say the least! She is 2nd in Scoring for a Career (approaching&nbsp;1500 career points), 1st in 3's in a Game (8 - 4 times), 1st in 3's in a Season (100 last year), 1st in 3's in a Career (317 and counting), 1st in 3PT% (49% last year), 1st in assists in a game (10 - 3 times), 2nd in assists in a season (133+), 1st in career assists (333), 1st in number of career wins (78). Keira is only the 2nd player in school history to earn 1st Team All-State. Her MHSAA State records include: 1st in D1 history with 100 3s in a season and 1st in MHSAA History, regardless&nbsp;of class, for made 3s in a career with 317+. One of my most memorable moments as a scout was seeing Keira break the MHSAA D1 single-season record for made threes in person during her junior year at Howell. Keira is one of only five D1 girls in the top 30 for career threes. She represents three of the five single-season three-point D1 MHSAA record holders (sophomore, junior, and senior years). Saline won the SEC Red Championship with an 11-1 record (19-3 overall). Keira contributed in every statistical category for the Hornets, averaging 15.5 points, 6.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. She shot an efficient 41% from beyond the arc, making 79 threes, and had a 58% EFG%. Keira averaged 19 points per game as a junior and has adapted her game to fit Saline's scheme. Averaging 6 assists per game speaks volumes to her dynamic impact as an elite scorer and passer. With a triple-threat of 1450+ career points, 300+ assists, and 300+ made threes, Keira has accomplished a remarkable feat. Shot efficiency breaks down as shot volume increases, and Keira's numbers defy that algorithm. Her 179/399 3PT attempts for a 45% 3PT% is unheard of. Keira won Prep Girls Hoops Player of the Week as a junior and a senior, breaking MHSAA records on both occasions. She committed to Wayne State early as a Sophomore and will graduate with more than 79 career wins. Keira has the stats to support the claim that she is the greatest shooter in MHSAA history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["666667"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b5726"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makayla is the lightning rod for Tecumseh. Her passion, competitiveness, scrappy defense, court vision, passing IQ, slashing ability, toughness, mamba mentality, ruthless effort, and three-point proficiency have been crucial to Tecumseh's rise as a D2 powerhouse. Her peak performance at the Breslin Center as a junior was crucial to securing the school's first State Championship. After posting eight points in the Semifinals, Makayla ignited Tecumseh with 11 points in the opening quarter of their State Finals victory. She added seven rebounds and three steals, earning a D2 All-Breslin selection. As a senior, Makayla averages 12.1 points, 2.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. She shoots an efficient 40% from beyond the arc and became Tecumseh's most prolific three-point scorer, setting a school record with 139 career threes. It's always telling when a prospect plays in front of PGH scouts in another state for the first time and makes a lasting impression. In Ohio, Makayla's multidimensional impact, winning energy, perimeter accuracy, and effort resulted in a write-up. Tecumseh believes in spreading the ball around and unselfish play; as a team, they average 18 assists per game. The Indians ended the season as SEC White Champs (3rd Straight) with a perfect 12-0 record, 21-2 overall, and wins against Dexter, Chelsea, Saginaw Heritage, Blissfield, Coldwater, Midland, and Detroit Edison. No moment is too big for Makayla, and she plays her best against top competition. Makayla scored 16 points and added six rebounds in a win vs. Blissfield. She was the Player of the Game in a win against Midland, leading the team with 24 points (7/8 FTs) and five three-pointers. Makayla will continue her career at SVSU following graduation, having won 20 games or more every year of high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["622562"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b5777"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Molly scored 25 points with six rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a 51-36 win against Caro. Molly became one of the best D4 players as a sophomore, leading Kingston to the State Finals in 2024, where they finished as the runner-up to Ishpeming. Her 22 points in the semifinals put Kingston in the Championship Game, where Molly led the team again with 14. She passed 1,000 points as a junior and earned a TSA Girls All-Thumb selection, averaging 20.6 ppg, 8.6 Rebounds, 4.0 Assists, 3.4 Steals per game. As a senior, Molly has been spectacular for the Cardinals, averaging 29.2 points, 10 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 3.1 assists per game. She's been efficient, shooting 40% from 3PT, 55% from 2PT, and 75% from the free throw line. Against Cass City, Molly scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Cardinals to victory. She scored 34 points during a win against Brown City to pass Delaney St. George as the all-time leading scorer in program history and is Kingston's career scoring leader (girls and boys). Molly set a new single-game scoring record with 44 points in a win vs. Croswell-Lexington and became the Thumb Area's all-time leading scorer with more than 1,746 career points. Molly graduates having never lost a conference game and has at least 21 wins in every season. The Cardinals are a top D4 contender again this March at 22-0. Spring Arbor is getting a great player and person in [player_tooltip player_id='622562' first='Molly' last='Walker']. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["613428"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69a9e7a8b57c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sienna earned recognition as the Prep Girls Hoops Michigan Freshman of the Year and was a key contributor to Rockford's first state championship in 2023. She was selected to the O.K. Red All-Conference First Team and delivered 20 points in the regional championship game. As a freshman, Sienna shot 60% from the floor, 36% from 3PT, and averaged 9.6 points per game. She set a single-season rebounding record with 176 rebounds, which is an unbelievable feat for a freshman to accomplish. As a sophomore, Sienna averaged 14.5 points and seven rebounds per game, shooting a BCAM's best 43.3 percent from beyond the arc. She also set a new Rockford record with seven three-pointers in a game. If there were a comeback player of the year award, maybe there is, Sienna would be the unanimous winner. She missed most of her junior year with a torn ACL and has worked her way back to pre-injury form. Sienna led Rockford in scoring this season with 16 points per game and won the West Michigan Summit MVP award in a win against Grand Rapids Catholic Central, scoring 21 points. Some of her career accomplishments include: Miss Basketball Top 10, over 900 career points, four all-conference selections, and over 100 three-pointers made in her career. Rockford ended the season 19-2, 10-0 in the O.K. Red, with wins against Jackson Lumen Christi, Grand Haven, Wayland, Haslett, East Kentwood, Midland, Coldwater, Howell, Grass Lake, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The Rams have made four consecutive trips to the final four and are projected by most to make a fifth straight appearance at the Breslin Center. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->