2025 Pre-Season State Rankings: Bell's Best D2 Teams 1-5

Four state champions are crowned each year in Michigan (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The state tournament provides thrilling matchups and memorable moments every postseason. Cinderella stories captivate the community, and elite teams separate themselves from the competition. Last year, Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard was the clear pre-season favorite to win it all. The Irish breezed through the regular season, with their only defeat coming at the hands of D1 State champion Belleville (45-46). After that game, it felt like the Irish were a lock to make it back to the Breslin, but Tecumseh had other plans. The Indians defeated Gabriel Richard 50-39 in the Regional Finals, then finished the job to emerge as State Champions. With many programs graduating college prospects, the separation between teams is less, which means this could be anyone's year. One team joined the pre-season top ten (Flint Powers Catholic), and South Christian moved from #10 in 2024 all the way up to the #1 spot. The 2025-26 postseason will be electric, and all ten programs have enough talent to make a run to the Breslin Center. Below, I will break down teams 1-5, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/11/2025-pre-season-state-rankings-bells-best-d2-teams-6-10/">Bell's Best D2 Teams Ranked 6-10</a>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Grand Rapids South Christian</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/PXL_20240511_180832936-crop-3024x1986-1715614296.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-908237" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='919220' first='Sophia' last='Prins'], 2026, MBA GUAA, Mother's Day Classic, May 11, 2024. </figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 24-3, OK Gold Champs, Quarterfinal appearance   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='919220' first='Sophia' last='Prins'], [player_tooltip player_id='615162' first='Lizzie' last='Wolthuis'], Kamryn Boonstra, [player_tooltip player_id='938391' first='Meredith' last='Helmus'], [player_tooltip player_id='1122943' first='Abby' last='Prins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1227398' first='Natalie' last='Wolthuis'], and Lily Nitz (2025, Calvin).   2025-26 Breakdown   After seeing South Christian compete at BCAM Reaching Higher and watching their top freshman during the travel season, I believe the Sailors have the most talented roster in Division Two heading into the 2025 season; that's why they're ranked number one. South Christian lost three games last year, and two of them happened against State runner-up West Catholic. The Sailors split with West Catholic during the regular season to earn a shared OK Conference Gold title. With their combination of senior firepower and freshmen reinforcements, the Sailors are in a position to take the next step past the Quarterfinals to the Breslin Center. Two long and productive forwards have moved onto the college level: Lily Nitz (Calvin) and Kamryn Boonstra (Spring Arbor). Court general [player_tooltip player_id='919220' first='Sophia' last='Prins'] (Hope) facilitates, creates off the dribble, turns up the heat on defense, gets downhill, and knocks down perimeter jumpers. [player_tooltip player_id='615162' first='Lizzie' last='Wolthuis'] (Hope) is a deadly three-point shooter who finishes drives and handles the ball with poise. [player_tooltip player_id='938391' first='Meredith' last='Helmus'] energizes the team with her high motor and defensive presence. [player_tooltip player_id='1122943' first='Abby' last='Prins'] has length and a dynamic offensive skill set, while [player_tooltip player_id='1227398' first='Natalie' last='Wolthuis'] adds another perimeter threat to the lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='1249738' first='Kenlee' last='Copeland'] is a scrappy guard who adds a defensive edge, and 6-footer [player_tooltip player_id='1249879' first='Avery' last='Lutke'] is going to be an imposing interior matchup for opponents to stop. The Sailors have a top-five 2029 prospect joining their squad this winter in [player_tooltip player_id='1236900' first='Kinley' last='Regnery']. She's a long guard with a polished game and earned All-Showcase First Team honors in August. [player_tooltip player_id='1292999' first='Isla' last='Ogle'] looked promising at GVSU Elite Camp, and South Christian certainly has the talent to win it all next March.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Tecumseh</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/PXL_20240420_162024616.MP_-crop-3024x1986-1714000033.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-898440" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='666667' first='Makayla' last='Schlorf'], 2026, Tecumseh, [program_tooltip program_id='714462' first='Michigan' last='Premier'], The Clash, SVSU Commit.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 27-1, SEC White Champs, State Champs   Key Players: Allie Zajac (2025, EMU), Ashlyn Moorehead (2025, Adrian), Lauren Killbarger (2025, Adrian Volleyball), [player_tooltip player_id='734953' first='Maddy' last='VanBlack'], [player_tooltip player_id='807288' first='Addi' last='Zajac'], [player_tooltip player_id='666667' first='Makayla' last='Schlorf'] (SVSU), [player_tooltip player_id='614714' first='Chloe' last='Bullinger'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Tecumseh is a team that came into the 2024-25 season as a top-five contender and finished as Division Two state champions. The Indians ran the SEC White table, winning every game by double-digits. To me, there were two statement games during the regular season where I understood how legit Tecumseh's chances were to make a deep run in the playoffs. When they knocked off DEPSA during a 70-65 double-overtime thriller and went toe-to-toe with Rockford (State runner-up) during a 45-51 slugfest, which ended up being Tecumseh's only loss. Tecumseh defeated West Catholic 54-44 in the State Championship game and is aiming to get back to the Breslin. After graduating Miss Basketball Finalist Alli Zajac, Ashlyn Moorehead (Adrian), and Lauren Kilbarger (Adrian), the Indians have some big shoes to fill. However, with talented freshmen and upperclassmen college prospects ready to go, Tecumseh is more than capable of defending their State title. [player_tooltip player_id='666667' first='Makayla' last='Schlorf'] (SVSU) has the ball on a string, pressures opposing guards on the defensive end, finishes at the rim, and has a deadly three-point jumper. [player_tooltip player_id='614714' first='Chloe' last='Bullinger']'s a defensive stopper, strong rebounder, finisher, and knocks down timely jumpers. Top ten 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='807288' first='Addi' last='Zajac'] is a force in the paint. I haven't seen any D2 team show the ability to stop her from getting to her spots around the basket, securing offensive rebounds, and either finishing at the rim or getting to the foul line. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1257667' first='Avery' last='Zajac'], [player_tooltip player_id='1310112' first='Delaney' last='Brown'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1262735' first='Reese' last='Grounds'] are immediate difference makers who add skill and depth to the lineup--they'll help the Indians compete 5v5 against anyone on the schedule. Rotational players [player_tooltip player_id='982823' first='Sophia' last='Torres'] and [player_tooltip player_id='982022' first='Maya' last='Juozapaitis'] work hard on both ends and hit timely perimeter shots, while [player_tooltip player_id='928073' first='Amaria' last='Brown'] adds a strong post presence off the bench. [player_tooltip player_id='734953' first='Maddy' last='VanBlack'] is recovering from her ACL tear and will hopefully be fully recovered at some point during the season. Tecumseh is a serious contender and could very well repeat as State champs come March.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Goodrich</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/Kayla-Hairston-crop-4800x3152-1741798239.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1214758" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='614704' first='Kayla' last='Hairston'], 2026, Goodrich, Michigan Storm, Northwood Commit</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 23-4, Flint Metro League Champs, Quarterfinal appearance   Key Players: Ella Place (2025), Lucy Rafferty (2025), Ella Aegesen (2025, Olivet), [player_tooltip player_id='614704' first='Kayla' last='Hairston'] (Northwood), [player_tooltip player_id='614706' first='Tanner' last='Schramm'], [player_tooltip player_id='807312' first='Baylor' last='Lauinger'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1380767' first='Kaylee' last='Eickhoff'].   2025-26 Breakdown   Goodrich went undefeated in the Flint Metro League (10-0), defeating Linden 50-19 in the championship game. Their dominance in league play shows no signs of stopping. The Martians have reached the quarterfinals three straight years, losing to State Champion Tecumseh and Detroit Edison the past two seasons. This could be the year Goodrich makes it all the way to the big dance. Ella Place, Lucy Rafferty, and Ella Aegesen (Olivet) will be difficult to replace, but the Martians still have a three-headed juggernaut in their lineup and plenty of depth. [player_tooltip player_id='614704' first='Kayla' last='Hairston'] (Northwood) creates space with her shifty dribble, makes shots at a high rate from downtown, pushes the tempo, and contributes in every statistical category. [player_tooltip player_id='614706' first='Tanner' last='Schramm'] has length and versatility as an inside-outside scorer, which makes her extremely difficult for forwards and guards to defend. She secures rebounds, gets to the rim, and pops outside to hit triples. [player_tooltip player_id='807312' first='Baylor' last='Lauinger'] is a glue player who does it all. Her court vision, toughness, effective downhill drives, relentless effort, defensive presence, and determined rebounding help everyone be successful. [player_tooltip player_id='1243019' first='Riley' last='Jock'] is a high-energy point guard who finds the open girl, handles the ball with poise, and works hard on defense. Ceanna Wilson is a strong small forward who adds a rebounding edge and hits the open shot. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1254628' first='Sydney' last='Place'] and Katarina Federick have skills and AAU experience that will put them into a prominent role immediately. [player_tooltip player_id='1380767' first='Kaylee' last='Eickhoff'] energizes the team with her effort; she rebounds, creates turnovers with her on-ball pressure and help side instincts, and makes selfless passes. The Martians are a serious contender, and their fast-paced brand of basketball will be exciting to watch.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Haslett</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/09/118-Christina-Dixon-scaled-crop-2560x1681-1763571647.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1379065" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='502298' first='Christina' last='Dixon'], 2026, Haslett, MBA.</figcaption></figure>   2024-25 Recap   Record: 22-4, CAA Red Champs, Regional Finals appearance   Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='502298' first='Christina' last='Dixon'], [player_tooltip player_id='773894' first='Kaitlyn' last='Johnson'] (SVSU), [player_tooltip player_id='751132' first='Avery' last='Hannah'], [player_tooltip player_id='734961' first='Calista' last='Blue'] (Calvin), [player_tooltip player_id='734944' first='Alexis' last='Turner'], and Danielle Cleveland (2025)   2025-26 Breakdown   Haslett was seconds away from earning a trip to the quarterfinals last year, and they should be in a position to make a deep playoff push this season. The Vikings graduate guard Danielle Cleveland, but bring back everyone else in what shapes up to be an upperclassmen lineup bursting with talent. [player_tooltip player_id='502298' first='Christina' last='Dixon'] is an athletic playmaker who scores at all three levels, steps up in the biggest moments, and contributes in every statistical category on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='773894' first='Kaitlyn' last='Johnson'] (SVSU) is one of the best stretch forwards in her class; her performance in the Regional Finals last year was absolutely clutch. She can face-up and drive, play with her back to the basket, knock down perimeter jumpers, and physically dominate smaller forwards in the post. Kaitlyn's determined rebounding and strong finishing give the Vikings an advantage inside. Sniper [player_tooltip player_id='751132' first='Avery' last='Hannah'] set a single-season record with 57 three-pointers for Haslett as a sophomore, and after an impressive AAU season, she's ready for a monster year. [player_tooltip player_id='734961' first='Calista' last='Blue'] (Calvin) was having a phenomenal junior campaign before injury, and will hopefully be at full strength to start the season. She's an athletic and versatile guard-forward who attacks off the dribble, rebounds, finishes in traffic, and buries threes. [player_tooltip player_id='734944' first='Alexis' last='Turner'] is a scrappy point guard who creates steals, fights for 50/50 balls, distributes the ball to open teammates, penetrates gaps with her dribble, and pours in perimeter jumpers. Haslett looks ready for another CAAC-Red title, and they'll be one of the most talented and dangerous teams to meet in the playoffs.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Detroit Country Day </h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/09/sanyiah_blackwell-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1320771" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='751166' first='Sanyiah' last='Blackwell'], 2027, DCDHS, Michigan Crossover, PGH Expo.</figcaption></figure>   Record: 21-6, Quarterfinal appearance   Key Players: Cece Arico, Jayla Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='751166' first='Sanyiah' last='Blackwell'], [player_tooltip player_id='860239' first='Naiya' last='Krispin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1120201' first='Alina' last='Younes'], Ari'yana Wiggins   2025-26 Breakdown   When a team loses two power four prospects, Cece Arico (LuHi) and Jayla Jackson (Grind Prep Academy), it's normal to assume that the team will be taking a step back. Well, Country Day is going to be the exception to that norm this winter because they're adding three top 20 freshman prospects to the lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='1190317' first='Evelyn' last='Hoener'] already holds an offer from Oakland University; her precise passing, three-point accuracy, ball-handling control, relentless defense, and comprehensive impact will be instantly effective at the high school level. [player_tooltip player_id='1279712' first='Taryn' last='McNeil'] earned All-Showcase First Team honors in August; she's a long, strong, and physical interior prospect who can attack off the dribble. Taryn handles the ball well, is a determined rebounder, and can knock down perimeter jumpers. [player_tooltip player_id='1309897' first='Makayla' last='Sykes'] protects the rim, secures rebounds, and finishes with strength around the basket. Her mobility and high motor will be tough to match for opposing forwards. PGH Expo MVP [player_tooltip player_id='751166' first='Sanyiah' last='Blackwell'] is shifty and explosive off the dribble. She finishes tough layups through contact, delivers great passes to open teammates, and creates turnovers with her relentless ball pressure. Naiya Krisipin sees the floor well, pours in shots from the perimeter, and has the ball on a string; she's a crafty point guard. [player_tooltip player_id='1120201' first='Alina' last='Younes'] provides versatility to the lineup. She makes the effort plays, rebounds, handles the ball with confidence, attacks downhill, and is a perimeter scoring threat. Detroit Country Day is a talented team with a young core, and they'll be a tough out next March.

Four state champions are crowned each year in Michigan (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The state tournament provides thrilling matchups and memorable moments every postseason. Cinderella stories captivate the community, and elite teams separate themselves from the competition. Last year, Ann Arbor Fa. Gabriel Richard was the clear pre-season favorite to win it all. The Irish breezed through the regular season, with their only defeat coming at the hands of D1 State champion Belleville (45-46). After that game, it felt like the Irish were a lock to make it back to the Breslin, but Tecumseh had other plans. The Indians defeated Gabriel Richard 50-39 in the Regional Finals, then finished the job to emerge as State Champions. With many programs graduating college prospects, the separation between teams is less, which means this could be anyone's year. One team joined the pre-season top ten (Flint Powers Catholic), and South Christian moved from #10 in 2024 all the way up to the #1 spot. The 2025-26 postseason will be electric, and all ten programs have enough talent to make a run to the Breslin Center. Below, I will break down teams 1-5, share my predictions for their season, and explain why they belong on this list.