The West Michigan Conference–Lakes Division enters the 2025–26 season with a fresh landscape marked by major roster turnover, rising underclassmen, and several programs confident they can make a push toward the top. With Whitehall graduating its star core and Oakridge retooling after significant losses of its own, the door has opened wider for contenders like Ludington, Manistee, and a rapidly improving Montague squad.
Here’s a team-by-team look at how the Lakes Division shapes up for the new campaign.
LUDINGTON ORIOLES
Ludington returns as one of the most complete and dangerous teams in the Lakes Division. With nearly every key contributor back from last season, the Orioles enter 2025–26 with the talent and experience to challenge for a conference title and make noise in March.
Returning Standouts
- Taj Williams (Jr.) – dynamic scorer, athletic finisher, three-year varsity leader
- Messiah Himes (Jr.) – versatile guard with big-game experience
- Steele Stowe (Jr.)
- Cam Gunsell (Sr., 3-year varsity veteran)
Add in strong rotational pieces like Zac Graham and JT Keith, plus rising underclassmen Kyle Himes Jr. and Mikey Himes, and Ludington brings the deepest roster in the division.
Season Outlook
Skill, depth, and athleticism position Ludington firmly among the preseason favorites. Their perimeter play and defensive versatility could make them one of the hardest matchups statewide.
MANISTEE CHIPPEWAS
Fresh off a strong season, Manistee returns a veteran lineup with championship aspirations. With four of five starters back last year and much of that core returning again, the Chippewas bring continuity that few teams in the division can match.
Key Returner
- Landi Sowa – elite guard, multi-year All-Conference standout, and the engine of Manistee’s offense
A supporting cast of returners and an injection of young talent like Adam Olson a sophomore who played JV last year will provide a strong foundation.
Season Outlook
Manistee expects to challenge Ludington and Whitehall for positioning at the top of the division and should be considered a legitimate contender for both conference and district hardware.
OAKRIDGE EAGLES
Oakridge wrapped up last season with an impressive 17–8 overall record and an 8–4 mark in West Michigan Conference Lakes play, finishing 3rd in a highly competitive division. While the Eagles graduated key contributors like Peyton Ruel and Michael Wambaugh, the program remains poised for another strong year. With experienced returners stepping into bigger roles and a promising group of younger talent ready to make an impact, Oakridge is determined to stay competitive and continue its tradition of success. The foundation is strong, the roster is hungry, and the Eagles are ready to rise to the challenge once again.
MONTAGUE WILDCATS
Montague is one of the most intriguing teams entering 2025–26. A strong group of returners combined with impactful newcomers has raised optimism around the program.
Key Returners
- Cole Herremans
- Logan Hansen
- Elijah Eilers
- Cooper Bradley
- Karter Johnson
- Kyle Earnest
- Noah Raeth
Immediate-Impact Additions
- Jeremiah Plumhoff
- JJ Atchison
- Cole Moss
Season Outlook
The Wildcats have talent, depth, and improved offseason development. If their chemistry continues to grow, Montague could be a dark horse challenger in 2025–26, capable of upsetting any team in the division.
FREMONT PACKERS
Fremont continues to build on the foundation established over the past two seasons. With six strong contributors returning the Packers are positioned to be competitive once again.
Key Returners
- Mossen Green (Jr.) – Starting forward and Captain last year
- Brayden Crosley (Jr.) – Starting point guard and Captain last year
- Logan McLain (Sr.) – Starting center with over 65 blocks last year
- Gabe Hulst (So.) – Played big minutes and made impact as a freshman last year
- Breckin Kooistra (Jr.) – Started some games but contributed off the bench last year
- Noah Hansen (Sr.) – Struggled with injuries last year can do all the little things
Immediate Impact Players
- Collin Truslot (Jr.)
- Javon Basso (Jr.)
Season Outlook
Team chemistry has become a major strength for Fremont. If their offensive consistency improves, they could climb into the top half of the division standings.
ORCHARD VIEW CARDINALS
Orchard View made strong strides last season, finishing with an 8–15 overall record and going 4–8 in West Michigan Conference Lakes play, good for 5th place in the division. This marked a clear improvement from the 2023–2024 campaign, where they went 6–17 overall, 2–10 in conference play, and finished at the bottom of the standings. With measurable growth already behind them, the Cardinals are looking to build on that momentum and continue their upward trajectory as they prepare to compete in the Rivers Division this year. Their progress shows promise—now they’re focused, motivated, and ready to take the next step forward.
WHITEHALL VIKINGS
Whitehall enters the 2025–26 season as a legitimate contender in the Lakes Division. With a strong core of senior leadership and a deep group of emerging underclassmen, the Vikings have the talent, toughness, and chemistry to chase a conference title and make a postseason run.
Returning Standouts
The Vikings bring back multiple key contributors who are expected to anchor this year’s squad:
- Corde Anderson (Sr.) – Physical, battle-tested guard who started many games last season; has grown into a vocal leader and all-around competitor.
- Hunter Osborne (Sr.) – Honorable Mention in the West Michigan Conference a year ago; a steady, confident leader poised for a breakout season.
- Evan Thomas (Sr.) – Made major strides in the offseason; expected to take on a bigger role and provide meaningful impact as a senior.
New Impact Players
Whitehall’s depth is fueled by a strong group of hardworking and skilled newcomers ready to contribute immediately:
- Pierce Westerlund (Jr.) – Elite shooter and one of the hardest workers on the roster.
- Elijah Smith (Jr.) – Big, athletic guard with underrated scoring and disruptive defensive instincts.
- Rex Pumford (So.) – Earned his way into the point guard role with an impressive offseason; potential multi-year starter in the Vikings’ tradition of standout PGs.
- Alex Winczweski (Jr.) – Natural scorer and strong defender who will add instant offensive punch.
- Isaiah Lewis (Jr.) – Dynamic playmaker with elite transition speed and open-floor creativity.
Season Outlook
Whitehall’s chemistry is one of its greatest strengths—this is a group that genuinely enjoys competing together, and it shows. With senior leadership up top and talented, hard-nosed underclassmen filling out the rotation, the Vikings have the pieces to be one of the most dangerous teams down the stretch.
If the continued growth carries into conference play, Whitehall is firmly positioned as a Lakes Division contender with the upside to make noise in March.
The 2025–26 Lakes Division promises to be competitive, physical, and deep with storylines. With major turnover at some traditional powers and rising talent across the league, fans can expect a season full of unpredictable matchups and new stars emerging weekly.
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