2024-25 SEASON PREVIEW: CHSL-CENTRAL

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school tryouts have arrived and the season is just around the corner. 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.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Catholic High School League is split into four conferences (AA, Central, Intersectional 1, Intersectional 2) with a conference champion determined by the CHSL playoffs. The CHSL has its own First Team list for standout players in the league known as the All Catholic team. Other great players in the league are given All-League recognition, which is the equivalent of Second Team. The CHSL Central conference split into two divisions for the 2024 season with Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, Toledo Notre Dame Prep (OH), Toledo Ursula (OH), and Jackson Lumen Christi in one division. Bloomfield Hills Marian, Dearborn Divine Child, Farmington Hills Mercy, Warren Regina, and Orchard Lake St. Mary's make up the other division. There are no official crossovers, but the top two teams in each division will play in an end of the season tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continue reading to learn more about Michigan's CHSL Central teams, 2023-24 season results, and impact players heading into the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CHSL Bishop Champion: Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (11-0), Runner-Up: Toledo Central Catholic (8-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 PRE-SEASON POWER RANKING (Michigan Teams)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. Farmington Hills Mercy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. Warren Regina</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Jackson Lumen Christi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Orchard Lake St. Mary's Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Bloomfield Hills Marian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. Dearborn Divine Child</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 28-1, Conference: 11-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-CATHOLIC: [player_tooltip player_id='613427' first='Ava' last='Rodriguez'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='613426' first='Vanessa' last='Rodriguez'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='423695' first='Cora' last='Williams'] (2025, Madonna Track &amp; Field), [player_tooltip player_id='420487' first='Saige' last='Edmondson'] (2025, LSSU), [player_tooltip player_id='419532' first='Charlotte' last='Miller'] (2025, Ferris State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: Veronica Fredericks (2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["420487"],"_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-673e2eb09e408"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saige is an essential inside presence for AA Fa. Gabriel Richard and her contributions will be counted upon again as a senior to make a state title run in 2024. She earned All-Catholic Honors as a junior, consistently putting up double-double totals in points and rebounds. Saige muscles through defenders to score off two in the paint and knocks down mid-range jumpers. She committed to Lake State for basketball and will be a college prospect to watch on the best D2 team in the state heading into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/01/svsu-mlk-classic-eagles-soar/">Read More About Saige</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bloomfield Hills Marian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 11-12, Conference: 6-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-CATHOLIC: Mckenzie Swanson (2024, Butler)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: [player_tooltip player_id='419540' first='Molly' last='McLeod'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='751160' first='Mckenley' last='Reid'] (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751160"],"_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-673e2eb09e46b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marian had a roster full of upperclassmen depth at the guard spot last season, but that didn't stop Mckenley from earning a significant role in the starting lineup. Mack uses a variety of combo dribbles to beat defenders off the dribble with a quick burst. She finishes layups from difficult angles in contested situations and has excellent footwork. Mack shoots with accuracy off the bounce in the mid-range and is a dangerous 3-point shooter off ball screens. Her anticipation of passes creates steals on defense and she dishes strong passes to open teammates. I expect Mack to follow up her All-League freshman season with an even better sophomore year for the Mustangs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/the-national-championship-2027-notebook/">Read More About Mckenley</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dearborn Divine Child</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 7-19, Conference: 0-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: [player_tooltip player_id='1060074' first='Lexi' last='Hansen'] (2025 Loyola Softball)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["665472"],"_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-673e2eb09e4b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sam stepped into a contributing role for Divine Child as a freshman and has only improved during the off-season. Sam eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. Seeing her dedication to training, interest in learning about the recruiting process, and performances at different competitive events has been enjoyable to watch. Sam is a knockdown 3-point shooter who has developed her ball-handling, footwork, and finishing to become a threat driving to the basket. She earned Second Team All-Showcase Honors at our Expo and was a top performer at several showcase events during the summer. Sam is an All-League caliber prospect who I expect to lead the Falcons to conference wins in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/10/danyles-expo-first-second-team/">Read More About Sam</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Farmington Hills Mercy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 12-12, Conference: 6-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-CATHOLIC: [player_tooltip player_id='419534' first='Aizlyn' last='Albanese'] (2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: [player_tooltip player_id='716481' first='Emily' last='Walker'] (2025, Bentley), [player_tooltip player_id='807922' first='Naimah' last='Kellum'] (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419534"],"_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-673e2eb09e4f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aizlyn combines length, quick dribbles, and pinpoint 3-point shooting to stuff the stat sheet for Mercy. She earned All-Catholic Honors as a junior and continued to impress during travel, summer games, and fall ball. Aizlyn blows by defenders with fast crossovers and finishes with touch at the rim. She buries triples with a balanced platform and quick release. Aizlyn slides laterally to cut off drives, keeping her arms active to cause steals, deflections, and blocks. She scans the floor to find open teammates and pushes the ball in transition. Aizlyn will be a top guard in the CHSL again as a senior and I'm excited to find out where she will be playing college ball following graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/u-of-m-team-camp/">Read More About Aizlyn</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jackson Lumen Christi</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 18-6, Conference: 9-3 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-CATHOLIC: Kathleen Doane (2025, UNC Asheville Soccer), Allison O'Dowd (2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: Ruby Boyce (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1158095' first='Codi' last='Ruge'] (2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932733"],"_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-673eb6c90011f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kenna secured multiple D1 college offers from MAC schools after an outstanding travel circuit season and after watching her dominate in summer team camps, we felt confident naming her the #1 overall prospect in Michigan's 2028 class. Kenna has explosive speed driving to the basket and shifts defenders out of her way using various combination dribbles. She has an accurate pull-up jumper and pours in shots from 3-point distance. Kenna uses her athletic quickness to put ball-handlers in a box and create steals. Adding Kenna to the backcourt gives Lumen Christi an All-Catholic caliber playmaker who will help the Titans compete against elite competition in a loaded Central Conference this winter.</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 Kenna</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Orchard Lake St. Mary's</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 23-1, Conference: 12-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-CATHOLIC: Allie Crighton (2027), Stella Poota (2025), Layla Stewart (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: Reese Holton (2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["716693"],"_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-673eb6c9001bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stella earned All-Catholic Honors as a junior and will play a pivotal role at St. Mary's in 2024. Stella creates separation with her crossover dribbles and drives with a hard burst to the basket. She finishes layups through hard contact with either hand and buries perimeter 3s with smooth mechanics. Stella scores with soft touch on her floaters and swipes the ball away on defense for steals. She is a guard college coaches should take a look at this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22855791/66a52f4a2a4763f0e3695882' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673eb6c9003bd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Warren Regina</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023-24 Overall Record: 13-14, Conference: 3-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-CATHOLIC: Maddy Mlynarek (2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ALL-LEAGUE: Kennedy Roskopp (2024), [player_tooltip player_id='1060102' first='Ella' last='Sikorski'] (2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933030"],"_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-673e2eb09e53a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emersen received a ton of attention during the spring, summer, and fall months from our scouts, and rightfully so. She earned a top-ten ranking by consistently competing at an elite level on both ends of the floor against talented prospects. Emersen uses crossover jabs and hesitation moves to shift gears with her dribble, which makes her a challenge to contain for defenders. She buries 3s using a smooth step-back jumper and will hit several in any given game. Emersen finishes tough layups at the basket, creates steals with her ball pressure, and dishes strong passes to open teammates. Her physical profile and fundamentals are beyond most freshmen and I expect Emersen to be an All-Catholic caliber player from game one in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/10/compound-fall-league-week-five/">Read More About Emersen</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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[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;&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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->