The recently concluded girls basketball season saw several teams in the Jackson area take big steps forward, and others appear ready to take another step in the right direction next season.
Here are teams from the Jackson area where things are trending in the right direction.
The Cardinals opened the season with a 14-game winning streak that catapulted them into contention for the Cascade East Division, and ended the year with a district championship, but lost in the district final against New Lothrop by five points.
The Cardinals had a balanced team where anyone could be a leading scorer at any time, but the emergence of freshman McKinley Gaddy could be the key to long-term success for the Michigan center.
The Warriors, who had to share the conference title last year, didn't have to share it with anyone this time and won the conference title game in Spring Arbor with a resounding victory.
Although their postseason run was cut short by being in the same district as eventual state champion Arbor Prep, the Warriors had Kate Starkey regaining her scoring and defensive ability for her senior season and Reese. I can go into next season knowing that Rape has joined. Mix as another potential weapon.
Another team with a lot of balanced scoring, another team with a big win to put them in the middle of the Cascade East race, and the Blackhawks winning the district title, and late in the district semifinals. It might have gone further if he hadn't been injured.
The fact that much of the Blackhawks' scoring comes from the junior class means Riley Burley, Reese DeRose, and Lilly Smieska all average double-digit points, and all return next year. , which could bring great optimism to 2025.
Despite being a young team, the Panthers finished third at Interstate 8 and won the district title.
The Panthers will have a lot coming back next year. Raya Hitt has grown even more into her role this season as a sophomore, with her skills complemented this year by Aubrey Allen's rebounding and Bayli Stewart's extra scoring punch. Add contributing players like JJ Lewis and Kami Bolt and they could be a tough Western team in 2025.
The Comets went from a nine-win team last year to 13-10 this season.
Hanover Horton will bring back Morgan Kuhl's rebounding skills, Molly Soper's scoring, and Maggie Soper's assists and defense next season.
The 10-win improvement over last year was driven by a defense that allowed the team very little offense.
Orchard Lake St. Mary's, East Jackson and Springport were the only teams to reach the 40-point mark against Lumen Christi this year.
Few teams have shown as much improvement as Arshawn Parker's Yellow Jackets, who won four games last year and won a district championship this year.
Despite losses to Hanover Horton and Michigan Center in the season opener, Concord started with five straight wins, and despite a two-point loss to Bronson, went on to win 11 straight.
And the Yellow Jackets will return strong post play from Grace Solace, strong scoring from Sierra Barrett, and the guard duo of Brady Lehman and Hannah Steamer.