SMAC Brings Back Players Worth Watching

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference featured a competitive race near the top of the standings last season, with Richland Gull Lake leading the way at 13-3 in conference play and finishing 17-4 overall. Kalamazoo Central followed closely at 12-4, while Portage Central finished 11-5 and Battle Creek Lakeview wasn't far behind at 10-6. St. Joseph and Battle Creek Central each finished 9-6, showing just how closely matched several teams were throughout the conference. As teams prepare for another season, there are some familiar faces returning who will look to make their mark on the SMAC. While the conference may not receive as much attention as some others across the state, there are still talented players who deserve recognition for what they bring to the floor. From experienced leaders to younger players looking to build on previous success, the SMAC has some interesting names worth following this winter. Here are some of the returning players I'll be keeping an eye on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319463"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0fe740a72b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aaliyah returns for her senior season at Battle Creek Lakeview after earning First Team All-Conference honors as a junior, and I expect her to be one of the top players to watch in the SMAC this winter. The 2027 guard brings an impressive combination of length, athleticism and explosiveness that allows her to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Aaliyah has excellent ball-handling skills, using quick crossovers and changes of direction to create separation from defenders. She has an explosive first step that allows her to get downhill in a hurry and finish around the basket, while also showing the ability to knock down shots off the dribble. Aaliyah has good court vision and can deliver well-placed passes in transition to create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Defensively, her length and athleticism make her a difference maker, as she can challenge shots around the rim and come away with impressive blocks from the guard position. She put together a strong showing at the PGH Michigan Expo, demonstrating the versatility and next-level potential she brings to the floor. Aaliyah remains uncommitted, and I believe she could be a valuable addition to the right college program. College coaches looking for an athletic, versatile guard should definitely have her on their radar as she prepares for her final high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["604531"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0fe740a778"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Justyce returns for her senior season at Portage Central after earning First Team All-Conference honors as a junior, and I expect her to be an important contributor for the Mustangs this winter. The 2027 guard brings a strong attacking mentality and the ability to put consistent pressure on opposing defenses. One of the things I really like about Justyce's game is her ability to get downhill and find creative ways to finish around the basket. She has good footwork and uses moves like the Eurostep to navigate through defenders and create scoring opportunities in traffic. Justyce also does a nice job absorbing contact while maintaining control, allowing her to finish tough shots or earn trips to the free-throw line. Her ability to consistently attack the paint forces defenders to make difficult decisions and can create problems for opposing teams. She showed those qualities while competing with [program_tooltip program_id='714554' first='Swift' last='Elite'] at the Battle in the Mitten, where her ability to get to the rim stood out throughout the day. With Portage Central coming off an 11-5 conference record and a third-place finish in the SMAC, I expect Justyce's experience and scoring ability to be valuable as the Mustangs look to challenge for the conference title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1249390"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0fe740a8b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lauer returns for her junior season at St. Joseph after earning First Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore, and I expect her to be one of the more intriguing players to watch in the SMAC this winter. The 2028 wing brings an impressive combination of size, strength and athleticism that makes her a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Offensively, Lauer does a great job using her physical tools to attack the basket, showing good footwork and creativity when finishing around defenders. She can get downhill with long strides, finish with either hand and use her strength to draw contact and get to the free-throw line. One of the things I really like about her game is her versatility. She is comfortable pushing the basketball in transition, has good court vision to find open teammates and works hard on the offensive glass to create second-chance opportunities. Defensively, Lauer uses her length and instincts to disrupt passing lanes, creating steals that she can quickly turn into transition baskets. She put together an impressive showing at the PGH Michigan Expo, continuing to demonstrate why she has the tools to develop into a high-level college prospect. With another year of experience under her belt, I'm excited to see how Lauer continues to elevate her game as St. Joseph looks to make some noise in the SMAC this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["928274"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0fe740a8f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia returns for her senior season at Portage Central after earning Second Team All-Conference honors as a junior, and I expect her to once again be a strong presence in the paint for the Mustangs. The 2027 center brings a combination of size, toughness and a high motor that allows her to make an impact on both ends of the floor. One of the things I really like about Olivia's game is her willingness to battle on the glass. She works hard to establish position, competes for rebounds on both ends and helps create extra scoring opportunities by keeping possessions alive. Offensively, Olivia does a nice job running the floor in transition, putting herself in position to receive passes and finish around the basket. Defensively, she provides an important presence in the paint, using her size and timing to challenge shots and make opponents work for opportunities around the rim. Her physicality, consistent effort and willingness to do the little things make her a valuable piece for Portage Central. With the Mustangs looking to build on last season's third-place finish in the SMAC, I expect Olivia's experience and interior presence to play an important role as they look to compete near the top of the conference once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1254617"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0fe740a91d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">De'Niyah returns for her sophomore season at Kalamazoo Central after earning Second Team All-Conference honors as a freshman, an impressive accomplishment for a young player competing at the varsity level. The 2029 forward brings toughness, strength and a competitive mindset that allow her to make her presence felt in the paint. One of the things that stands out about De'Niyah is her work on the offensive glass. She battles for position, attacks rebounds and creates second-chance scoring opportunities with her determination to keep plays alive. Offensively, she uses her strength to establish herself around the basket and finish through contact. Her willingness to compete physically and put in the work inside makes her a challenging matchup for opposing teams. What makes De'Niyah particularly intriguing is that she has already proven she can contribute at the varsity level while still having three seasons of high school basketball ahead of her. With Kalamazoo Central coming off a second-place finish in the SMAC, I expect De'Niyah to be an important part of the team's efforts to compete for a conference championship. I'm looking forward to watching her development as she continues to gain experience and expand her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751137"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0fe740a97c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caitlin enters her senior season at Mattawan after earning Second Team All-Conference honors as a junior, and she brings a well-rounded skill set that allows her to contribute in several different ways. The 2027 guard plays with toughness, energy and a willingness to do whatever her team needs to be successful. I had the opportunity to watch Caitlin compete with [program_tooltip program_id='1849321' first='Kalamazoo' last='Basketball Academy'] at the PGH Michigan State Tournament, where her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor caught my attention. Offensively, she showed a quick first step when attacking from the wing, getting past defenders and finishing strong around the basket. She also demonstrated confidence from the perimeter, knocking down shots from beyond the arc while making smart decisions with the basketball and finding open teammates. One aspect of Caitlin's game that I really appreciate is her effort on the offensive glass. She doesn't shy away from battling for rebounds and creating extra possessions, even from the guard position. Defensively, her active hands and consistent effort help her make plays and disrupt opponents. With Mattawan looking to improve on last season's conference finish, Caitlin's experience, versatility and competitive nature should make her an important player for the Wildcats this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->