Cascades Conference Standouts Set for Big Seasons

The Cascades Conference is loaded with elite talent once again, featuring some of the top girls basketball players in the state. From proven veterans to rising underclassmen, the league is stacked with athletes poised for breakout performances. With so much skill and competitive fire across the board, fans can expect a season filled with marquee matchups, standout stat lines, and players who are ready to elevate their teams — and their own games — to new heights.    Reese, a Grand Valley commit from Grass Lake, is a long, athletic guard who plays with nonstop energy. Her size and agility make her a handful on both ends of the floor, and she's expected to be a major force in Grass Lake's push for another conference title. She consistently hunts for extra possessions, crashing the boards hard and turning rebounds into easy points. Her ability to slice to the rim, finish strong off two feet, and put pressure on defenders with her downhill drives makes her one of the most dynamic playmakers in the conference heading into the season.     Mya, a Davenport University commit, continues to be a key piece for Grass Lake after securing Cascades Conference Second Team recognition last season. Her speed and wingspan make her a disruptive presence defensively, where she frequently alters shots and jumps passing lanes. Offensively, she's dangerous when driving, using smooth crossovers to get downhill and finish confidently with either hand. Mya also stretches the floor with her reliable three-point stroke and shows strong mechanics and court awareness, making her a versatile playmaker poised for another standout season.     McKynley, a returning Cascades Conference Dream Team selection, will once again be the catalyst for a Michigan Center squad with championship aspirations. The fiery point guard plays with relentless intensity, influencing the game on both ends with her hustle and grit. She can knock down perimeter shots, pull up confidently off the dribble, and thread sharp passes that ignite fast-break opportunities. Her blend of toughness, poise, and playmaking ability allows her to create offense for herself and her teammates, making her one of the most impactful leaders in the conference heading into the new season.     Mayrese is one of the key pieces behind Michigan Center's success, and she's poised to play an even bigger role this season. She's the type of player who elevates everyone around her with her smart, steady presence on the court. Mayrese reads the game exceptionally well—knowing when to drive, dish, or space out for a clean look—and she's more than capable of hitting shots from long range. On defense, her hustle stands out as she fights for loose balls and disrupts opponents with active hands. Her composure, work ethic, and high basketball IQ make her a tone-setter for the Cardinals on both ends of the floor.     Gabby continues to shine for Columbia Central with a blend of speed, polish, and nonstop energy. A crafty guard with excellent handles, she uses sharp changes in direction and well-timed hesitations to free herself from defenders and create offensive opportunities. Her feel for the game is evident—she turns defensive pressure into fast-break chances and shows impressive creativity when finishing at the rim. Gabby also competes hard on the glass, grabbing second-chance rebounds and extending possessions for her team. Whether she's setting up teammates with well-placed passes or making plays herself, her decision-making and competitiveness make her one of the most impactful players on the court.     Alivia provides Homer with a strong presence in the paint, using her physicality and relentless effort to control the interior. She battles for position on both ends, secures key rebounds, and finishes efficiently around the basket. Her toughness and determination make her a consistent force inside, helping set the tone for her team on both offense and defense.     Cecelia makes a difference on both ends of the court for Columbia Central with her energy and smart defensive play. She applies relentless pressure on ball-handlers, anticipates passes, and generates turnovers that ignite her team. On offense, she can score with confidence, knocking down jumpers from the perimeter and helping to keep the attack flowing.     Leelyn is emerging as a dominant presence in the paint for Columbia Central. The talented post player controls the boards, securing rebounds on both ends and creating extra opportunities for her team. She finishes with poise and balance around the basket, using either hand to score through contact. With her mix of strength, effort, and skill, Leelyn is poised for a breakout sophomore season.     Elise continues to prove why she's one of Grass Lake's most energetic and impactful guards. She plays with a constant spark, influencing the game on both ends of the court. Her quick instincts help her find openings to score, and she finishes with confidence when she attacks the rim. Defensively, her active hands and awareness create mistakes for opponents, and she's always ready to push the ball up the floor to ignite fast-break opportunities. Elise's hustle, alert decision-making, and relentless effort make her a valuable catalyst for the Warriors every time she steps on the court.

The Cascades Conference is loaded with elite talent once again, featuring some of the top girls basketball players in the state. From proven veterans to rising underclassmen, the league is stacked with athletes poised for breakout performances. With so much skill and competitive fire across the board, fans can expect a season filled with marquee matchups, standout stat lines, and players who are ready to elevate their teams — and their own games — to new heights.