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2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST

2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Kensington Lakes Activities Assocation, 2023-24 Pre-Season Power Ranking & All-Conference Teams, Oct. 17, 2024.
Evan Bell
Evan Bell October 12, 2024 @ 01:42 PM
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In this article:

Sydney Hartke
Sydney Hartke 5'10" | SF | 2027
MI
Izzy Depestel
Izzy Depestel 5'6" | PG/SG | 2025
MI
Annie Flavin
Annie Flavin 6'1" | C | 2026
MI
Mackenzie Dicken
Mackenzie Dicken 5'4" | PG | 2026
MI
Carly Pelon
Carly Pelon 5'3" | CG | 2026
MI
Brinley Neuer
Brinley Neuer 5'4" | PG | 2028
MI
Gracyn Houck
Gracyn Houck 5'8" | SG/SF | 2027
MI
Sophia Fraas
Sophia Fraas 5'8" | SF/SG | 2027
MI
McKinsey Berlin
McKinsey Berlin 6'2" | PF | 2027
MI
Sydney Savoury
Sydney Savoury 5'11" | SG | 2027
MI
Kylie Pung
Kylie Pung 5'10" | SG | 2025
MI
Hannah Ralko
Hannah Ralko 5'7" | CG | 2026
MI
Peyton Sivier
Peyton Sivier 5'9" | CG | 2027
MI
Anna Minnick
Anna Minnick 5'5" | CG | 2027
MI
Ellie Pierson
Ellie Pierson 5'9" | SF | 2025
MI
MacKenzi Duthie
MacKenzi Duthie 5'11" | PF | 2026
MI
Gabby Piepho
Gabby Piepho 5'8" | SG | 2026
MI
MJ Mikus
MJ Mikus 5'7" | PG | 2025
MI
Ava Mckaig
Ava Mckaig 5'6" | PG | 2025
MI
Sophia Heady
Sophia Heady 6'0" | PF | 2025
MI
Alison Farr
Alison Farr 5'5" | CG | 2025
MI
Leilah Howard
Leilah Howard 5'11" | PF | 2025
MI
Colleena Bryant
Colleena Bryant 5'6" | PG | 2025
MI
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school tryouts are on the horizon, just over a month away. Growing up, I remember the excitement of reading preview magazines for my favorite sports teams and learning about key players before the season started. The enthusiasm and excitement I have for the Michigan Varsity Girls Basketball season has been building since the end of AAU, which leads into my endeavor to write these conference preview articles. Every coach and team in the state has the desire to perform better than they did the previous season in their conference and in the playoffs. Each year there are coaching changes, graduations, transfers, and varsity additions that shift the dynamics of teams in the conference. The Kensington Lakes Activities Association consists of 16 teams separated into an East and West division. Teams play two games against division opponents and a KLAA Conference crossover game to end the season. Belleville won the East division title and KLAA Championship game, while Howell won the West division title. Six head coaches from the KLAA conference participated in the preseason coaches poll and those results will be shared below. Each KLAA West team has a brief team preview and impact player featured below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">COACHES POLL (6 Responses of 16)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the KLAA Conference Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: Belleville 83.3%, Howell 16.7%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Belleville, (runner-up Howell)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the KLAA East Division Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A: Belleville 100%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Belleville, (runner-up Wayne Memorial)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the KLAA West Division Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: Howell 100%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Howell, (runner-up Hartland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who is the KLAA Conference Pre-Season MVP? (Best Player in the conference)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'] 83.3%, Gabrielle Piepho 16.7%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'] (runner-up [player_tooltip player_id='419533' first='Colleena' last='Bryant'])</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the 2024-25 KLAA West Darkhorse team? (A team that wins and significantly performs better than expected compared to last season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: Northville 50%, Brighton 16.7%, Plymouth 16.7%, Salem 16.7%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Northville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the 2024-25 KLAA East Darkhorse team? (A team that wins and significantly performs better than expected compared to last season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A: Dearborn 50%, Livonia Stevenson 50%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Livonia Stevenson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KLAA Conference Champion: Belleville, runner-up Howell, KLAA East Division Champion: Belleville, KLAA West Division Champion: Howell, KLAA MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='807274' first='Sydney' last='Savoury'], Darkhorse Teams: Dearborn and Canton. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brighton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brighton is a consistent contender in the KLAA West. The Bulldogs went 9-5 in 2023 and have finished top three in the standings for five of the past six seasons. They will face an uphill climb to reach that landmark once again this season, losing two college basketball players and All-Conference selections to graduation: Noelle Ebel (2024, Alma) and Sophia Moir (2024, Kalamazoo College). Brighton returns senior leader and future college basketball commit [player_tooltip player_id='716470' first='Ellie' last='Pierson'] (2025, Olivet) and their All-Conference power forward [player_tooltip player_id='425128' first='Sophia' last='Heady'] (2025, SVSU Lacrosse). [player_tooltip player_id='735635' first='Anna' last='Minnick'] (2027) is a two-way guard to be excited about because of how effective she has played on the travel circuit and PGH Expo during the off-season. Honorable Mention nominee [player_tooltip player_id='866217' first='Gracyn' last='Houck'] (2027) is the player I expect to jump the fence for the Bulldogs and become a go-to playmaker in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["866217"],"_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-67096f23cb0bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gracyn frequently demonstrated playmaking abilities against tough competition on the travel circuit and looked like a top dog on the court this fall. Gracyn competes aggressively on defense to create steals and battles for rebounds. She has excellent balance and accuracy shooting mid-range or 3-point jumpers off the dribble. Gracyn uses her fancy footwork inside to create space for floaters and is very effective at scoring contested shots around the basket. Gracyn's ball-handling poise under pressure, court vision, and awareness cutting without the ball make her an effective combo guard. Gracyn is a breakout candidate who I anticipate to be in the conversation for an All-Conference nomination this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/september-rankings-update-2027-two-guards-rising-pt-2/">Read More About Gracyn</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Canton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Canton had an outstanding 2023 season. After a 5-9 finish in 2022, the team flipped the script with a 9-5 record in the division and district title against their border rival Salem. The Chiefs will have a very new-looking team in 2024. They graduate multiple college-level basketball players including dominant All-Conference Select Team member Justice Tramble (2024, South Carolina State). All-Conference selections Marisa Cribari (2024) and Maya Joiner (2024) have graduated as well. Honorable Mention multi-sport athlete Ava Murphy (2025) will step into a leading role for the Chiefs with promising underclassman sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='1039058' first='Devyn' last='Reiger']. The Canton Chiefs have one of the top post prospects in the 2027 class, [player_tooltip player_id='807917' first='McKinsey' last='Berlin']; she appears ready to grab the baton and become a premier prospect in the West division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807917"],"_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-67096f23cb150"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKinsey has a physical stature that clearly towers above others, she's over 6 feet tall and runs like a wing in transition. McKinsey was clutch for the Chiefs last season, scoring a team-high 18 points in her first district playoff game. She has good foot speed, which gives her an advantage attacking off the dribble and defending post players. McKinsey extends her range outside to hit perimeter shots and is an excellent shot blocker. I expect her to be a dominant double-double performer and All-Conference candidate in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/september-rankings-update-2027-two-guards-rising-pt-2/">Read More About McKinsey </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hartland</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hartland made a historic run in 2021, winning the conference championship and finishing as state runner-up to West Bloomfield in the finals. The program has a 14-14 division record the past two seasons and will be looking to contend once again for a division championship in 2024. The Eagles will have to do so without their two towers in the paint, Sarah Rekowski (2024, WMU) and All-Conference Selection Aubree Meyer (2024, Siena Heights), both of whom will be playing college basketball this winter. However, they bring back All-Conference guard [player_tooltip player_id='1049536' first='Izzy' last='Depestel'] (2025) and Honorable Mention Jaylen Nokovich (2027). Hartland will bounce back this season: they have the senior leadership, head coaching experience, and roster depth to do so. Incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='981981' first='Brinley' last='Neuer'] has been electric this fall and I expect the Eagles to be a serious contender in the West this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["502296"],"_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-6709c1144ac0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava has battled back from injury and looks as good as ever heading into her senior season. Ava has shifty handles and blows by defenders off the dribble to score layups in traffic. She is an efficient 3-point shooter off the dribble and a scrappy defender who creates steals with her pressure. Ava is an effective court general who creates offense for teammates and sets a standard for excellence in the classroom with a 4.3 GPA. She will be an All-Conference candidate in 2024 and an impact player for the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/cage-fall-league-recap-week-one/">Read More About Ava</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Howell</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howell ended the regular season as West Division champions in 2023 with a 10-4 division record. They have won the West two of the past three years and are the favorites to do so again in 2024, according to the Coaches Poll. The Highlanders bring back the bulk of their starters including All-Conference selections [player_tooltip player_id='424155' first='Alison' last='Farr'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='613940' first='Gabby' last='Piepho'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='502313' first='MJ' last='Mikus'] (2025, Aquinas), and [player_tooltip player_id='796703' first='Kylie' last='Pung'] (2025). Howell loses versatile Honorable Mention forward Lexi Le (2024, Ferris State XC &amp; Field), but 2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='780107' first='Hannah' last='Ralko'] and 2026 forward [player_tooltip player_id='635277' first='MacKenzi' last='Duthie'] look ready to take a giant leap this season for the Highlanders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["424155"],"_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-6709c1144ac62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alison earned All-Conference Select honors in 2023 and her contributions on both sides of the ball will be significant for Howell to repeat as division champions. Alison hits timely shots in big moments, is an efficient perimeter shooter, and finishes well around the rim. She pushes the offensive tempo and handles the ball with poise. Alison provides defensive intensity, verbal communication, and leadership that sparks the team. She will be an All-Conference Select candidate once again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/the-national-championship-2025-notebook-part-2/">Read More About Alison</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northville is looking to rebound after a 2-12 division record in 2023. They struggled against divisional opponents, but ended the season on a high note, winning two playoff games against LVC teams. The Mustangs head into the new season without two important graduates: All-Conference Select Nikki Grech (2025) and Honorable Mention Miranda Link (2025). Northville is the clear Darkhorse favorite to gain ground in the West this winter according to the Coaches Poll. Their promising group of pesky guards provided plenty of reasons for optimism during the off-season. [player_tooltip player_id='982789' first='Carly' last='Pelon'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='866211' first='Sophia' last='Fraas'] (2027), and [player_tooltip player_id='751163' first='Peyton' last='Sivier'] (2027) led their team to success at Northwood during the summer, including some solid victories against respectable teams in the OT tournament. Although summer basketball does not guarantee future success, I've seen enough from this hungry team to feel confident in predicting a noticeable improvement in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751163"],"_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-6709c1144aca5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton made a great impression on both of our scouts at Northwood Team Camp in July. She pressured the ball on defense to create turnovers and dished accurate passes to teammates. Peyton has good ball-handling control, knocks down outside shots, and scores downhill off the dribble. She is a breakout candidate for Northville this winter and will have a significant role in their 2024 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/september-rankings-update-2027-point-guards/">Read More About Peyton</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Novi</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Novi has enjoyed playoff success, despite their 7-21 division record the past two seasons. The Wildcats have played their best ball in March, making a run to win two straight district titles in 2022 and 2023. They will have an uphill battle this winter after losing two college-level prospects and leaders on the court: All-Conference Select Jordyn Popyk (2024, Gannon) and Honorable Mention Anna Lindsey (2024). The Wildcats will have a new look this winter and I am interested to see who steps up in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":913570,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1050224' first='Sydney' last='Hartke']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Novi","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Always 100 [program_tooltip program_id='715924' first='Michigan' last='Anarchy']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-670aad415bab7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sydney is an intriguing player who made a great impression when I saw her compete at [program_tooltip program_id='715924' first='Michigan' last='Anarchy'] practice last spring. She set the standard for effort, focus, and determination in practice. Sydney showed her range to knockdown perimeter jumpers, finish around the basket, and versatility as a ball-handler. Her dedication will have a great impact on teammates this winter and I expect her to be a Wildcat on the rise in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plymouth</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a winless season against divisional opponents in 2022, Plymouth turned the tide by winning 7 divisional games in 2023. They were the clear Darkhorse team in the West last year and have the potential to climb another step with wins against the heavy hitters. The Wildcats lose a foundational piece with All-Conference power forward Elena DiMaria (2024, Madonna) graduating. However, their dynamic duo of Honorable Mention guard [player_tooltip player_id='982795' first='Mackenzie' last='Dicken'] (2026) and center [player_tooltip player_id='1049528' first='Annie' last='Flavin'] (2026) give them an edge on both ends. I expect Plymouth to finish in the top half of the division standings in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["982795"],"_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-670aad415bb48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mackenzie earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention nomination in 2023, but she appears ready for a breakout season in 2024. Mackenzie is a deadly 3-point shooter and she keeps herself squared to fire away at any time. Mackenzie finds open space off the ball, blows by defenders off the dribble, and muscles her way to rebounds. She works hard on the defensive end and I expect Mackenzie to be a top point guard in the league. I expect her to be an All-Conference level performer in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/peyton-sivier/">Read More About Mackenzie</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Salem</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salem won the West Division title in 2022 and finished in the upper half of the standings with an 8-6 record in 2023. They look to repeat that success without Miss Basketball finalist, All-Conference Selection, and the best 2024 college basketball prospect in the division: Madison Morson (2024, CMU). The Rocks also graduate key contributing forward Abby Resovsky (2024), but they bring back outstanding power forward an All-Conference selection [player_tooltip player_id='423690' first='Leilah' last='Howard']. Several guards will need to step up for Salem to achieve similar success in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423690"],"_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-670ac1fa5996e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leilah has played a significant role during Salem's success in the West and she will be their unquestionable leader on both ends in 2024. Leilah is a versatile forward with excellent footwork, length, shot-blocking, and rebounding abilities. She is effective as a back-to-the-basket post or face-up player. Leilah dribbles the ball with confidence and uses different attack moves to drive by defenders. She finishes efficiently off two feet and demonstrates leadership qualities that make her an undeniable college-level prospect. I expect Leilah to be a premier post prospect in the West and an All-Conference selection again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at coachevanbell@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

High school tryouts are on the horizon, just over a month away. Growing up, I remember the excitement of reading preview magazines for my favorite sports teams and learning about key players before the season started. The enthusiasm and excitement I have for the Michigan Varsity Girls Basketball season has been building since the end of AAU, which leads into my endeavor to write these conference preview articles. Every coach and team in the state has the desire to perform better than they did the previous season in their conference and in the playoffs. Each year there are coaching changes, graduations, transfers, and varsity additions that shift the dynamics of teams in the conference. The Kensington Lakes Activities Association consists of 16 teams separated into an East and West division. Teams play two games against division opponents and a KLAA Conference crossover game to end the season. Belleville won the East division title and KLAA Championship game, while Howell won the West division title. Six head coaches from the KLAA conference participated in the preseason coaches poll and those results will be shared below. Each KLAA West team has a brief team preview and impact player featured below.

Gracyn Houck

Gracyn Houck

MI
SG/SF
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS SG/SF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Gracyn
Houck SG/SF
Class
2027
Height
5'8"
HS
Brighton
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Gracyn frequently demonstrated playmaking abilities against tough competition on the travel circuit and looked like a top dog...
Written by Evan Bell
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Gracyn Houck

State: Michigan
School: Brighton
Club: Michigan Mystics
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Highlights

McKinsey Berlin

McKinsey Berlin

MI
PF
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS PF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
McKinsey
Berlin PF
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
HS
Canton
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
McKinsey has a physical stature that clearly towers above others, she’s over 6 feet tall and runs like...
Written by Evan Bell
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

McKinsey Berlin

State: Michigan
School: Canton
Club: Lady Gym Rats EYBL
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Highlights

Ava Mckaig

Ava Mckaig

MI
PG
HEIGHT 5'6"
POS PG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Ava
Mckaig PG
Class
2025
Height
5'6"
HS
Hartland
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Ava has battled back from injury and looks as good as ever heading into her senior season. Ava...
Written by Evan Bell
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Ava Mckaig

State: Michigan
School: Hartland
Club: Michigan Vice
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Highlights

Lansing CC
Alison Farr

Alison Farr

MI
CG
HEIGHT 5'5"
POS CG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Alison
Farr CG
Class
2025
Height
5'5"
HS
Howell
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Alison earned All-Conference Select honors in 2023 and her contributions on both sides of the ball will be...
Written by Evan Bell
Lansing CC
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Alison Farr

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: Howell
Club: Michigan Drive Express
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Highlights

Peyton Sivier

Peyton Sivier

MI
CG
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS CG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Peyton
Sivier CG
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
HS
Northville
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Peyton made a great impression on both of our scouts at Northwood Team Camp in July. She pressured...
Written by Evan Bell
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Peyton Sivier

Instagram Twitter
State: Michigan
School: Northville
Club: Michigan Goonies E40
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Highlights

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(1,183,255, 0.95) 0%,rgba(1,183,255, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/10/2024-season-preview-klaa-west/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/PGH-KensingtonLakesActivitiesAssociation.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">2024</span>
                    <span class="last-name">SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Sydney Hartke Sydney Hartke Sydney Hartke 5'10" | SF Novi | 2027 MI

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS SF
CLASS 2027

Sydney Hartke Sydney Hartke Sydney Hartke 5'10" | SF Novi | 2027 MI

School: Novi
Club: Always 100 Michigan Anarchy
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Mackenzie Dicken

Mackenzie Dicken

MI
PG
HEIGHT 5'4"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Mackenzie
Dicken PG
Class
2026
Height
5'4"
HS
Plymouth
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Mackenzie earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention nomination in 2023, but she appears ready for a breakout season in...
Written by Evan Bell
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Mackenzie Dicken

State: Michigan
School: Plymouth
Club: Michigan Vice
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Highlights

Madonna
Leilah Howard

Leilah Howard

MI
PF
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS PF
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Leilah
Howard PF
Class
2025
Height
5'11"
HS
Salem
|
MI
2024 SEASON PREVIEW: KLAA WEST
Leilah has played a significant role during Salem’s success in the West and she will be their unquestionable...
Written by Evan Bell
Madonna
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Leilah Howard

State: Michigan
School: Salem
Club: Michigan Anarchy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

415 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Lilly Williams

    Lilly Williams

    Howell

    Michigan State
  • 2
    Mariah Sain

    Mariah Sain

    Muskegon

  • 3
    Kendyl Smith

    Kendyl Smith

    Flint Powers Catholic

    Central Michigan
  • 4
    Vanessa Rodriguez

    Vanessa Rodriguez

    Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard

    Western Michigan
  • 5
    SeCrette Carter

    SeCrette Carter

    Belleville

    Marquette
View Full Rankings

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