2024 SEASON PREVIEW: CASCADES EAST

<!-- 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 to 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 Cascades Conference consists of 12 teams separated into an East and West division. Teams play two games against divisional opponents and one crossover game against the other half of the Cascades. The Cascades West and East champions face off at Spring Arbor University to determine the conference champion. Grass Lake won the East Division title and defeated the West Division winner Brooklyn Columbia Central in the 2023 championship game. Five head coaches from the Cascades Conference participated in the preseason coaches poll and those results will be shared below. Each Cascades East team has a brief team preview featured below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">COACHES POLL (5 Responses of 12)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the Cascades Conference Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: Grass Lake 40%, Columbia Central 20%, Michigan Center 20%, Leslie 20%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Grass Lake, (runner-up Hanover-Horton)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the Cascades East Division Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: Grass Lake 60%, Leslie 20%, Michigan Center 20%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Grass Lake, (runner-up Michigan Center)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the Cascades West Division Champion?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: Columbia Central 80%, Hanover-Horton 20%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Hanover-Horton, (runner-up Columbia Central)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who is the Cascades Conference Pre-Season MVP (The best player in the conference)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: [player_tooltip player_id='423700' first='Kate' last='Starkey'] 80%, [player_tooltip player_id='502317' first='Mya' last='Viegelahn'] 20%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: [player_tooltip player_id='423700' first='Kate' last='Starkey'] (runner-up [player_tooltip player_id='912516' first='Reese' last='Lape'])</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the 2024-25 Darkhorse team in the East? (A team that wins and significantly performs better than expected compared to last season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: East Jackson 40%, Leslie 40%, Michigan Center 20%</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: East Jackson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Q: Who will be the 2024-25 Darkhorse team in the West? (A team that wins and significantly performs better than expected compared to last season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Coaches: Hanover-Horton 80%, </em>Jonesville 20%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell: Hanover-Horton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cascades Conference Champion: Grass Lake, runner-up Columbia Central, Cascades East Division Champion: Grass Lake, Cascades West Division Champion: Columbia Central, Cascades MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='423700' first='Kate' last='Starkey'], Darkhorse Teams: Leslie and Michigan Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Jackson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Jackson tied for a conference-best 9-3 record in 2022, but stumbled to a 4-11 conference record in 2023. Despite their struggles last season, East Jackson is a Dark Horse favorite in the Coaches Poll and I agree that they will return to form in 2024. Their senior trio of explosive All-Conference First Teamer [player_tooltip player_id='425130' first='Mariah' last='Kerley'] (2025), sharpshooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='420735' first='Priya' last='Mericle'] (2025), and stout defensive forward [player_tooltip player_id='716678' first='Kennedy' last='Goodwin'] (2025) should spark the Trojans to more conference victories this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["425130"],"_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-670ee34ff11cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mariah earned East Division First Team Honors in 2023 and based on her performance during the travel season, I expect her to have an even better senior season for East Jackson. Mariah eclipsed 1,200 career points as a junior, averaging 16.9 pts, 6.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2.3 assists per game. Her determination on the court makes a statement. Mariah drives hard off the dribble to score through contact, finish off two feet, and earn free throws. She hits perimeter jumpers, battles for rebounds, and puts her body on the line to make effort plays. Mariah contributes in all areas and her passionate style of play will be a great addition at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/pgh-live-17u-bells-best-wings/">Read More About Mariah</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grass Lake</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grass Lake won the East Division and Conference Championship in 2023. Stopping them from repeating that success once again this winter will be a tall task indeed. The Warriors bring back Dream Team and Cascades MVP point guard [player_tooltip player_id='423700' first='Kate' last='Starkey'] who averaged 17.1 pts, 4 steals, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game, setting a school record for steals with 93 as a junior. [player_tooltip player_id='502317' first='Mya' last='Viegelahn'] (2026) is an offensive weapon in her own right and disrupts opposing guards on defense with her length. [player_tooltip player_id='912516' first='Reese' last='Lape'] (2027) was a dominant player for the Warriors during the summer, and [player_tooltip player_id='751138' first='Elise' last='Bullock'] (2027) won all-showcase honors at The PGH Expo with her all-around brilliance at the event. Grass Lake loses power forward [player_tooltip player_id='502306' first='Kara' last='Straub'] (2026 transfer to Michigan Center), which may create difficulties defending inside. However, they add [player_tooltip player_id='928027' first='Adalyn' last='Jarchow'] (2028) who is an impressive guard prospect already as a freshman. This team is loaded with ability at every grade level and I expect them to repeat as Cascades East and Conference champs again in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912516"],"_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-670ee34ff1228"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reese has been one of the most exciting underclassmen to watch at events during travel and team events. Her leaping ability, downhill quickness, physicality, and toughness grabbed my attention instantly the first time I saw her at a tournament with Mystics. Reese was the most impactful player on the offensive and defensive end for the Warriors multiple times against elite varsity opponents during the summer. Her shot-blocking, relentless rebounding, perimeter shooting, strong finishing at the basket, footwork in the paint, confidence handling the ball, and determined defensive impact against forwards or guards are why Reese is an MVP candidate. Reese could be the most impactful player for the Warriors this winter and her potential is through the roof.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/sau-shootout-dynamic-duo/">Read More About Reese</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leslie</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leslie had an outstanding 2023 season, finishing 2nd in the Cascades East with a 12-3 record. The Blackhawks will be a serious threat in the conference again this winter with a host of senior standouts returning to the hardwood. Their Dream Team point guard Reece Derose (2025) and East Division First Team guard [player_tooltip player_id='422004' first='Rylie' last='Burley'] are both back. Gritty combo-guard prospects [player_tooltip player_id='919187' first='Ella' last='Locke'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='716677' first='Lily' last='Smieska'] (2025) also return for the Blackhawks. Leslie tied East Jackson in the Darkhorse voting and will be a conference contender again in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["919187"],"_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-670ee34ff128d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella is an aggressive guard who has been very impressive at travel tournaments and elite camps. Ella creates separation off the dribble using a variety of combination moves, drives hard through the defense to score layups, and finishes well off two feet; she has a smooth mid-range and perimeter jumper. Ella battles for rebounds and works hard to create steals on the defensive end. Her strong physical stature and toughness give her a college-level presence on the court. Ella will have a significant role for the Blackhawks this season and has All-Conference potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/memorial-day-shootout-the-jackson-8/">Read More About Ella</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Manchester</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manchester had a difficult 2023 season, finishing with a winless 0-14 record in the Cascades and 4-20 overall. The Flying Dutchmen faired better in 2022, finishing with a 5-7 conference record, and will look to get back on track in 2024 with a new head coach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michigan Center</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an average 6-6 conference record in 2022, Michigan Center elevated their play to earn a second place finish at 9-3 in 2023. The Cardinals move into Division Two this winter and will be a major conference contender as they combine key seniors with new contributors. They lose Dream Team selection Samantha Wynn (2024) and East First Team selection Julia Reynolds. However, the Cardinals have two dynamite guards in East First Team selection [player_tooltip player_id='751161' first='Mckynley' last='Gaddy'] (2027) and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='808352' first='Mayrese' last='Vieau'] (2028): both have looked outstanding the past few months. They add Grass Lake transfer [player_tooltip player_id='502306' first='Kara' last='Straub'] (2026), a forward presence who gives the Cardinals an offensive and defensive advantage. Michigan Center has an experienced senior leader [player_tooltip player_id='613001' first='Hailey' last='Mees'] (2025, Spring Arbor) who will spark the team on both ends. The Cardinals will be a contender in the conference and a tough team to beat in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["613001"],"_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-670ee34ff12d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hailey committed to play basketball at Spring Arbor following her senior year and I expect her to be a breakout player for Michigan Center this winter. Hailey is a shifty ball-handler who beats defenders off the dribble and drives by for layups in transition. She pushes the tempo, generates steals with her defensive effort, and demonstrates toughness on the court. Hailey will be a significant senior leader for the Cardinals and she has All-Conference potential 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/2024/06/sau-shootout-head-advisory-hoopers/">Read More About Hailey </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Napoleon</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an impressive 9-3 conference record in 2022, Napoleon sputtered in the Cascades, finishing 4-11 in 2023. With new Head Coach Trevor Huttenlocker guiding the ship, the Pirates look to sail back on track 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":927202,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Gracie Tallman","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_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":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Napoleon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_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-670ee34ff1376"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gracie combines her length and vertical athleticism to make a positive impact on both ends of the court. She shows off her middle-hitter skills as a frequent shot-blocker, secures rebounds, converts shots in the paint, and hits the deck for 50/50 balls. I expect Gracie to be a key contributor for the Pirates in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/sau-shootout-heat-advisory/">Read More About Gracie</a></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>&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;&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 -->