2026 Senior Player of the Year Special Mention

These seniors were nominated by their head coach, and we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge their impact and legacy on the court for their respective schools. Each player is an all-area, all-league, or all-state caliber prospect.    Jensyn was a key contributor as Midland earned quality wins against Grand Haven, Saginaw Heritage, New Lothrop, Powers Catholic, and Clarkston on the path to a 17-5 record. Jensyn averaged 8.5 points (49% 2FG%), 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. She received SVL Honorable Mention recognition and will continue her basketball career at Adrian College.     [player_tooltip player_id='632112' first='Ruby' last='Boyce'] made a major impact for Jackson Lumen Christi on the defensive end of the court. She is also one of the team's top rebounders. Ruby embraces the task of defending the opponent's best forward and excels in that role. She has great helpside awareness, positioning, rotations, and leads the team in charges taken this season. Ruby will be an Honorable Mention selection.     Chloe is described as "the glue that holds everything together" by Head Coach Kristy Zajac. Her composure, leadership, and ability to run the offense as a facilitator at an elite level were areas of emphasis. Chloe averaged 9.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and three steals per game for Tecumseh this season. She also became the program leader in career assists with more than 400. This milestone would be impressive in itself if Chloe played the lead guard for all four years. However, this is Chloe's first year as the primary point guard for Tecumseh's offense. Chloe broke Tecumseh's all-time steals record with 258 in her career, passing a record that had stood since 1985. She's a personal press breaker, advanced passer out of traps, poised under pressure, and an expert creator. Chloe embraces the task of defending the opposing team's best player, regardless of size, and excels in that role. Zajac mentions, "Her leadership, defensive dominance, and ability to elevate everyone around her make her invaluable and one of the top all-around players in her class." Tecumseh ended the season 20-2 and is headed back to the Regional Final.     Hailey was described by Head Coach Nichol Fellows as "the driving force" for Catholic Central this season as the Cougars finished 18-4 with multiple wins against tough opponents. Hailey guided Catholic Central to an undefeated record in the conference while averaging a productive 16 points and six assists per game. Fellows continues, "She has consistently led our team on both ends of the floor with poise, toughness, and leadership." Hailey came through in big games for Catholic Central, scoring 21 points with 10 assists during an MVP performance in a win against Greenville. She posted 25 points in a win against Holland Christian, 21 points vs. Forest Hills Northern, and poured in 21 against #4 Pewamo-Westphalia. Hailey creates for herself and teammates, posting a double-double in assists and points twice this season. Hailey became the first Catholic Central player since 2017 to reach 1,000 career points. She posted a triple-double during a playoff win against Kelloggsville to do it (23 points, 14 assists, and 11 steals).     Sadie graduates as Yale basketball royalty, leading the Bulldogs to a 76-23 record in four years. Head Coach Jason Leonard mentioned, "Yale girls basketball has been very successful, and one key contributor in all of those seasons was [player_tooltip player_id='613947' first='Sadie' last='Dykstra']." Yale has won the BWAC the past three seasons and three district titles. Sadie's accomplishments include: BWAC Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025, D2 All-State, BCAM Team, PGH Junior Player of the Year Finalist, PGH Player of the Week, over 1700 points, and a school record of more than 780 career rebounds. Sadie averaged 23 points (60% FG%), 10 rebounds, 4.7 steals, 4.5 assists, and .8 blocks per game during the regular season. Coach Leonard described Sadie as "very athletic, but her work ethic is what sets her apart." She guided Yale to a 19-2 record with wins over multiple D1 schools. Sadie had two 30-point performances and will continue her athletic career at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, competing in track and field for the Wolverines.     Peyton led McBain to a top-three ranking, a 20-0 record, and a Highland Conference championship (14-0). She was described by Head Coach Tim O'Malley as the team's best player and earned an All-Conference First Team selection for her performance this year. Running the point, Peyton averaged 13 points (49% 2FG%, 30% 3FG%, 83% FT%), four assists, four rebounds, three steals, and one block per game. She poured in 47 threes for the Ramblers this season and was highly praised by her head coach. Peyton's impact on the culture, influence, leadership by example, verbal communication, work ethic, dedication to improving her craft during practice, and habitual consistency of excellence in character were all mentioned. Coach O'Malley states, "Peyton stands out as an exceptional leader, an inspiring role model, and a team captain whose presence has a lasting and meaningful impact. Her leadership is not merely a title; it is demonstrated consistently through behavior, attitude, and influence—qualities that set her apart from her peers and shape the team culture in deep and positive ways." From what I've seen of Peyton on the court and descriptive details about Peyton's character from Coach O'Malley, I can say without a doubt that Mid-Michigan is adding an All-Conference caliber person and player to their 2026 team.     Kyrah is the only player listed in the top 10 of every statistical category in the area leaderboard. In six games against ranked opponents, Kyrah was at her best, averaging 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.2 steals, 4.7 assists, and 5.3 blocks per game. She shot an efficient 46.7% from three and 74% from the free throw line. Kyrah surpassed 1,500 career points and will graduate in the top 10 of the MHSAA record book for career steals. As a junior, Kyrah had the 7th most steals in MHSAA history. She's been a phenom for Evart again as a senior, averaging 17.9 points (80% FT%, 39% 3PT%, 51% FG%), 9.2 rebounds, 6.2 steals, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game (16 games). Kyrah led the team in every statistical category other than made threes and is a 2x Free Press All-State and 2x BCAM Best selection. At Northwood Team Camp in the summer, a local head coach said Kyrah was the best player in the region, without a doubt. For a team not traditionally known as a state contender or basketball school, Kyrah has put them on the map. Evart has been a giant slayer this postseason. After losing to McBain and Beaverton during the regular season, they completely flipped the script, knocking out undefeated #3 McBain 45-37 in the District 70 Finals and #10 Beaverton 50-36 in the Regional 18 Semifinal. Kyrah will continue her softball career at Ferris State following graduation and is leading Evart on a magical run in her final campaign.     Victoria averaged 14.9 points (44% 2FG%, 37% 3FG%, 82%FT%), 4.1 steals, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game for Hemlock, leading the Huskies to a 20-2 record, Tri Valley Blue title (10-0), wins against Beaverton, Cass City, Alma, and Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and a top ten D3 ranking. Victoria accomplished great individual accolades and team success throughout her career. She's been named First Team All-Conference every season since sophomore year, BCAM's Best Honorable Mention, Detroit Free Press 3rd Team, MLive Saginaw News Dream Team in 2025, scored 1,000 career points (6th all-time in program history), made over 200 career threes, and was a top ten free-throw maker in 2025. Victoria scored a season-high 28 points, including the game-winner at the buzzer, to beat Midland Calvary Baptist. She led Hemlock to an 83-16 record in four years, including four conference championships, a regional championship, and a 2023 state championship. Victoria had many opportunities to play D3 and NAIA basketball, but has chosen to study Business at the University of Michigan, which is a very difficult program to get accepted into.     Kate averaged eight points and seven rebounds per game for Rockford this season. Head Coach Brad Wilson described Kate as a "matchup nightmare for teams", which is spot on. Her mobility, brute strength, crafty handles and finishing, toughness, face-up game, perimeter shooting, relentless motor on both ends, outstanding defense in the post, and court vision have been a joy to watch throughout her career. Everyone has their favorite players to watch, and Kate has been one of mine. Not just because she used to play rugby, which immediately struck a chord with me as a former rugby player myself, but also because of how she plays the game. Kate never stops working hard and is a selfless player who couldn't care less about being in the spotlight. She just goes about her business and gets the job done. Kate was a steal for Northwood and one of the biggest rankings risers in her class from the first time I saw her play at the Breslin Center as a sophomore in 2024 (D1 All-Breslin Team) until now. She is pound for pound and inch for inch the strongest forward with the highest motor and the fiercest rebounder I've ever evaluated. I've seen Kate clamp down on a basketball with a kung-fu grip and swing a 6-foot post through the air like a helicopter propeller. Kate has developed her craft as an offensive player and graduates as a three-time all-conference selection. She will be an outstanding player in the GMAC and has a bright future ahead of her at Northwood.     Head Coach Robert Leadley describes Nyla as "a true competitor who can score at all three levels and a top student." I'm not sure if the Lakes Valley Conference gives out an MVP award, but if they did, Nyla would be the recipient. She led the Cougars to a 21-1 record (12-0 in conference) with their only loss coming to a ranked Farmington Hills Mercy squad. Nyla contributed in every statistic, averaging 16 points (52% FG%, 35% 3FG%), 6.5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3.1 assists per game. In the postseason, she has continued to deliver for the Cougars, leading the team with 24 points during their District Final victory against Northville and pouring in 20 points in a double-overtime win against Saline in the Regional Semifinal.     Analeis earned a First Team All-Conference selection and helped Au-Gres earn a shared North Star League-Little Dipper league title (11-1). This is only the third time Au Gres has accomplished that feat. Analeis was described as a contributor on both ends of the court who is excellent at anticipating passes and applying ball pressure. She finished second on the team in 3-point shooting and was very effective as a decision maker in the fast break. Analeis contributed to varsity all four years, reached 1,000 career points in February, and led the team as a captain. She averaged 13 points, 5.4 steals, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.     Head Coach Tyler Larson stated, "Kara is a lethal shooter. She can hit from outside but can also finish crafty shots around the rim. She has a great ability to get open off the dribble and knock down the three. She draws the opposing team's best defender every game, including junk defense and double teams, to try to slow her down. Kara still finds ways to get it done." Kara is currently in the MHSAA record books for three pointers made in a season with 74 as a sophomore (23-24) and 70 as a junior (24-25). She's made 77 as a senior in 22 games. Kara will also etch herself in the MHSAA record books for threes made in a career. She reached 1,000 career points as a junior. Kara has 11 games this season with 4 or more three pointers made, averaging 18.5 ppg, and leading her team in this category. Kara guided Baraga to a 19-3 record and the number one seed in their district.   Coach Larson shared that, "Kara helped lead the team to multiple dramatic finishes this season. The ball is in her hands at the end of the game when we need a bucket. A clutch player who lives for the big moment. She hit a buzzer-beater three from deep to take down Hancock earlier this season. She helped our team climb the rankings throughout the season as one of the top in Division 4. A true leader and competitor on the floor, Kara has earned a spot on UW-Eau Claire's team for next season. They are getting a steal with Kara as one of the best ball handlers and purest shooters in Michigan".   Having seen Kara play multiple times in person, I completely agree with Coach Larson. Kara shot up our rankings and proved herself to be a top ten point guard prospect in Michigan. She was underrecruited and would be considered in the same category as other D2 point guards in this class had she played downriver. Kara received Copper Mountain Conference Elite-Team honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior. She earned All-UP, AP All-State, and BCAM's best honors as a junior. Coach Larson added, "Being one of the smallest enrollments in the state, Kara provides an elite skill set and big play ability to keep Baraga on the map!"     Head Coach Alison Hidey states, "Bella is a four-year varsity player, 3 year all conference select player, and 1 year captain. The last two years, I have coached Bella, she has helped lead us to a third-place finish in our league (losing only to top-ranked teams, Belleville and Wayne Memorial) and back-to-back city championships vs Franklin and Churchill." As a junior, Bella guided Livonia Stevenson to a 16-8 record, while only losing to top 25-ranked programs. As a Senior, Bella helped Stevenson improve to 17-5 with losses to Belleville, Wayne Memorial, and Hartland. Livonia Stevenson traditionally has not been ranked statewide, but that changed this year. The Spartans were ranked by me, BCAM, and MaxPreps as a top 20 program at various points throughout the year. Coach Hidey says, "Bella not only is one of our best bigs, but she can also handle the ball and has great court vision against the press and double teams. She pushes herself incredibly hard in practice." Bella is averaging 11 points, 6.5 rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game, making her the team leader in almost every statistical category. She's been one of the biggest rankings risers in the past year and is certainly one of the most underrecruited prospects with her 6-foot-1 frame, inside-outside abilities, versatility to play positions 1-4 at the high school level, solid build, and guard-like abilities. Bella helped Stevenson win their District, defeating Farmington Hills Mercy 58-53 to advance to the Regional Semifinal. This feat is something the Spartans haven't accomplished in over a decade. Saginaw Valley State got an absolute gem, and I'm expecting Bella to have a very productive career in the GLIAC.     Mya has been a foundational member of a Grass Lake team that has done nothing but win throughout her high school career. She helped the Warriors win four straight Cascades Conference Championships, was selected to the Cascades Conference Dream Team as a senior, and earned All-Conference Second Team honors as a junior. Mya had a huge 25-point performance against Michigan Center in their second meeting and was the MVP against Brooklyn Columbia Central in the Cascades Conference Championship. Mya inspired a second-half comeback, posting 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists in the 52-42 win. Her smooth pull-up game, instincts and vision as a passer, competitive fire and finesse as a finisher will be missed. Mya will continue her career at Davenport and will be a great addition to their program.

These seniors were nominated by their head coach, and we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge their impact and legacy on the court for their respective schools. Each player is an all-area, all-league, or all-state caliber prospect.