Despite Graduation, OK Gold Still Loaded with Talent

Despite heavy graduations across the conference, the OK Gold still boasts plenty of returning firepower heading into the new season. South Christian and West Catholic tied for the top spot at 11-1 last winter, and both programs remain firmly in the mix—South Christian brings back its top two playmakers, while West Catholic reloads with promising young talent ready to step into larger roles. Wayland, which finished 7-5 a year ago, also has the pieces to shake up the standings and challenge the league's usual contenders.    Sophia returns as the experienced leader of South Christian's backcourt, and the Hope College commit is poised for a standout senior season. A First Team All-Conference selection last year, she brings composure, vision, and a natural command of the offense that keeps the Sailors organized and dangerous. Her ability to handle pressure, set the pace, and make the right read at the right time will once again make her one of the most influential guards in the OK Gold.     Lizzie enters her senior year as one of the OK Gold's premier returners, bringing experience, competitiveness, and a polished all-around game to South Christian's lineup. A Hope College commit and a First Team All-Conference selection, she provides steady scoring, toughness, and a presence that elevates everyone around her. With years of varsity experience and a relentless drive to win, she's positioned to be a major force for the Sailors once again this season.     Alexis returns to West Catholic as a powerful interior presence with the tools to impact games on both ends of the floor. Her combination of strength, agility, and touch around the basket makes her a tough matchup, and she has the ability to finish through contact, attack with either hand, and carve out space for second-chance points. She can also step out and knock down perimeter shots when needed, adding another layer to her offensive versatility. With her motor on the glass and her physical style of play, Alexis is poised for a standout junior season for the Falcons.     Kenley returns to West Catholic ready to elevate her game after an impressive freshman year. As a young point guard, she has the instincts and awareness to control the tempo, find teammates in stride, and keep the offense flowing with sharp decision-making. Her defensive presence is equally valuable—she reacts quickly in passing lanes, stays active on the ball, and disrupts opponents with her energy. With her composure, feel for the game, and competitive edge, Kenley is positioned for a standout sophomore season.     Addison enters her senior year as one of the most dependable forces in the OK Gold. A powerful interior presence with the ability to score both on the block and from the perimeter, she gives Wayland a versatile offensive anchor. Her size, reach, and touch allow her to finish through contact, stretch defenses, and control the paint on both ends. With her experience and proven production, Addison is poised to lead the Wildcats once again and deliver a standout final season.     Marissa heads into her junior season as one of Wayland's most dynamic backcourt threats. With her burst and ability to change direction on a dime, she can break down defenders and get into scoring positions with ease. She's comfortable shooting from the perimeter, creating her own looks, and sparking the offense when the Wildcats need a lift. Defensively, her energy translates into tight pressure and turnover opportunities. Marissa's speed, competitiveness, and growing skill set put her in line for an impressive year.     Myah returns as one of the OK Gold's most explosive guards, and Wyoming will once again rely heavily on her playmaking. She has the quickness to tear through openings in the defense, create scoring opportunities, and keep her team's offense flowing. On the other end, she brings toughness and relentless on-ball pressure, making life difficult for opposing ballhandlers. With her experience, speed, and competitive edge, Myah is poised for a strong senior campaign.     Tamia enters her senior year as one of Wyoming's most dynamic two-way players, and her impact should be felt all over the floor. Her burst and physicality make her a constant threat in transition, where she can finish through contact and push the pace for her team. With the ball in her hands, she's steady and confident, capable of navigating pressure and keeping the offense organized. Defensively, her intensity and relentlessness set the tone, giving Wyoming a true anchor on the perimeter. Tamia has all the tools to put together a standout final season.     Michaela is set to make a major impact for Wyoming in her senior season, bringing a well-rounded and dynamic game to the floor. She can knock down shots from deep with confidence and consistently sets up teammates with precise passes in transition. Attacking the rim with strength and control, she uses quick moves and crafty footwork to finish through traffic. On the defensive end, her alert hands and smart positioning create turnovers, while her dedication to rebounding gives her team valuable extra possessions. With her combination of skill, energy, and basketball intelligence, Michaela is poised for a standout final season.     Reece is poised for a big season at Thornapple Kellogg as a rising junior after earning First Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore. She combines length, athleticism, and high energy on both ends of the floor, consistently pushing the pace and creating scoring opportunities. Reece can stretch defenses with her three-point shooting, attack the rim with confidence, and clean the glass with determined put-backs. Her relentless effort and defensive intensity make her a force her team can rely on all season.

Despite heavy graduations across the conference, the OK Gold still boasts plenty of returning firepower heading into the new season. South Christian and West Catholic tied for the top spot at 11-1 last winter, and both programs remain firmly in the mix—South Christian brings back its top two playmakers, while West Catholic reloads with promising young talent ready to step into larger roles. Wayland, which finished 7-5 a year ago, also has the pieces to shake up the standings and challenge the league's usual contenders.