The West Michigan Conference Rivers Division is gearing up for another highly competitive girls basketball season, and expectations are high across the board. Ravenna, Hart, North Muskegon, Shelby, and Mason County Central all enter the winter with renewed energy, strong returning talent, and hungry newcomers ready to make their mark. From experienced senior-led squads to rising underclassmen groups aiming to break through, every program brings its own storyline into what promises to be an intense and unpredictable race. With elite matchups, rising stars, and deep rivalries on tap, the Rivers Division once again looks poised to deliver some of the best basketball in the area.
RAVENNA BULLDOGS
Ravenna enters the season focused on competing with a relentless mindset, emphasizing full-effort basketball, toughness, and steady improvement. The Bulldogs return a strong nucleus and add depth that could push them into the upper tier of the Rivers Division.
Returning Starters
Ravenna returns a deep, experienced group filled with defense, scoring, leadership, and hustle.
- Emily Postema – A four-year varsity player whose speed, strength, and leadership make her the team’s anchor.
- Sophia Rosel – A quick, aggressive defender in the backcourt.
- Macy Nelson – A level-headed leader and tireless worker.
- Natalie Rosel – Last year’s top scorer; resilient and steady on both ends.
- Sydney Morrissey – A fierce defensive guard with knack for rebounding.
- Addy Woodring – Determined, energetic, and effective on both sides of the ball.
- Abby May – A strong post player with an outside shot that stretches defenses.
Newcomers/New Players
The Bulldogs add two newcomers who will immediately deepen the rotation:
- Taylor Nutt – A versatile guard with two-way potential.
- Joslyn Nutt – A natural playmaker with strong court vision and basketball IQ.
Season Outlook
This is a tight-knit roster that pushes each other daily, creating strong chemistry and a competitive edge. With experience, scoring balance, and multiple defensive standouts, Ravenna has the tools to challenge anyone in the Rivers Division this season.
HART PIRATES
Hart continues to build on a proud winning tradition, entering the season with a defense-first identity and expectations of competing at a high level. With returning All-Conference talent and players coming off a 21-1 JV season, depth and athleticism will be key strengths.
Returning Starters
- Rilynn Porter (Jr.) – A dynamic point guard and returning All-Conference First Team selection. She averaged 10.8 points and 4 assists last season and already holds the school’s assist records. She returns as the primary ball handler and offensive catalyst.
Newcomers/New Players
Hart adds multiple pieces expected to contribute:
- Natalie Rosema (Jr.) – Returning varsity player capable of stretching the floor.
- Macey Riley (Jr.) – Another experienced returner with strong upside.
- Three players promoted from the 21-1 JV squad – Their energy, athleticism, and coachability will be key to building depth.
Season Outlook
The Pirates are excited about their athletic potential and defensive ability. Early-season matchups against Fremont (Dec. 8) and Shelby (Dec. 11) will provide immediate tests. If their young talent blends with returning leadership, Hart could once again be a contender in the Rivers Division.
NORTH MUSKEGON NORSEMEN
North Muskegon enters the upcoming season focused on effort, teamwork, and continuing to build a strong program culture. Hustle and fun are foundational goals, and with several returning leaders, the Norsemen look to take another step forward.
Returning Starters
North Muskegon brings back a large senior class along with junior contributors:
- Maddie Friesner (Sr.)
- Caroline Lamiman (Sr.)
- Sylvia Skujins (Sr.)
- Grace Miller (Sr.)
- Regina McCollum (Sr.)
- Emmy Creed newcomer senior
- Delaney Young (Jr.)
- Bella Sima (Jr.)
- Ani Weaver (Jr.)
- Rowan Staley(Jr.)
Newcomers/New Players
The Norsemen expect all newcomers to make an immediate impact, reflecting the coaching staff’s confidence in their depth and versatility.
Season Outlook
Team chemistry is built on their program word: Family. These multi-sport athletes have grown up competing together, giving them a strong foundation of trust and unity. In a deep WMC, every game is a big one, and North Muskegon is ready to battle each night with energy and resilience.
SHELBY TIGERS
Shelby enters the year with lofty expectations: winning the conference, capturing a district title, and continuing the growth that has defined the program. With every player returning, the Tigers have experience, motivation, and depth.
Returning Starters
Shelby’s returning talent provides strong leadership and scoring across the board:
- Kylie Brown – A defensive anchor and vocal leader.
- Ava Lamberg – Another standout defensive presence.
- Lydia Soelberg – Expected to return shortly after the holiday break and offer key minutes.
- Jayna Burmeister – The offensive focal point who will draw heavy defensive attention.
- Michelle Peterson, Annabelle Stark, Jordan Wolting, Emma Stovall – Skilled scorers who round out a well-balanced returning unit.
Newcomers/New Players
While there are no brand-new players, the entire roster is expected to take on larger roles due to offseason improvement and the team’s small size. Every returner is expected to contribute significantly.
Season Outlook
Shelby may boast one of the strongest chemistry groups in the area. Despite being underclassmen-heavy, the team fully understands roles and values every player on the roster. With buy-in and talent at every position, the Tigers have the potential to be one of the best teams in West Michigan. Matchups against Hart will be major highlights this winter.
MASON COUNTY CENTRAL SPARTANS
Under new head coach Brent Lyon, Mason County Central is entering a fresh chapter with high energy and renewed expectations. The goal is clear: secure a winning season and make a push for a district title.
Returning Starters
The Spartans return a trio of senior leaders with strong varsity experience:
- Jessica Petersen (Sr.) – A four-year varsity player expected to play a starring role.
- Jaycee Myer (Sr.) – A dynamic, two-way player who brings scoring and lockdown defense.
- Aubrey Chye (Sr.) – High-motor competitor who impacts every possession.
Newcomers/New Players
With roster decisions still in progress, it remains unclear which young players will step into varsity roles. MCC is expecting a blend of youth and experience this season.
Season Outlook
The Spartans showed promising chemistry this summer, and that cohesion is expected to grow as the season progresses. With several rivalry and conference battles ahead—including marquee non-conference matchups with Manistee and Ludington—MCC will have ample opportunities to prove itself under new leadership.
HOLTON RED DEVILS
Holton looks to take a step forward this winter after finishing 4-8 in the WMC Rivers Division and 9-14 overall last season. With competitive stretches throughout the year and several close games, the Red Devils now aim to convert that experience into more consistent results. The foundation is in place for growth, and Holton enters the season focused on tightening execution, improving scoring balance, and competing night in and night out in one of West Michigan’s toughest leagues.
HESPERIA PANTHERS
Hesperia enters the new season with a fresh mindset and the determination to build from the ground up after a challenging 2023-24 campaign in which the Panthers finished 0-12 in conference play and 0-20 overall. With player development, culture building, and steady improvement at the forefront, Hesperia aims to take measurable steps forward. The Panthers know they’ll be tested every night in the Rivers Division, but they’re embracing the process and working to establish a stronger competitive identity.
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