Grand Rapids, MI – As we enter the eighth week of the 2025 Michigan high school girls basketball season, many top teams have already made their mark. However, there are some surprising teams in the Grand Rapids area that have managed to turn their seasons around, proving it’s never too late to get on a winning streak.
With the season in full swing, here’s a look at five teams that have shown remarkable improvement and are making waves in the area. Additionally, we take a close look at the 10 best teams in the Grand Rapids area according to the latest MLive/Grand Rapids Press power rankings.
Five Teams on the Rise
- Hamilton (4-6)
Hamilton girls’ basketball team had a rocky start, losing six of their first seven games. However, the team has bounced back in a big way, winning their last three games. One of the standout performances was a 40-33 upset over Unity Christian on January 19, which helped keep Hamilton in the OK Black Conference title race. The Hawkeyes have been led by star player Kaitlyn Geurink, who has been putting up impressive numbers, averaging over 20 points per game during the win streak. Their upcoming match against Holland Christian could be another chance for the team to showcase their progress. - Lowell (5-7)
Lowell started their season with a tough 1-6 record, but the team has started to find its rhythm. After replacing their head coach and losing three of their best players, the Red Arrows had a challenging beginning to the season. But they’ve rallied with four wins in the last five games. A key victory came against Greenville, who had a strong 10-1 record at the time. The team is now leading the River Cities Alliance with a 3-0 record and will face Kenowa Hills in an important upcoming conference game. - Hudsonville (6-5)
Hudsonville has faced a tough schedule this season, playing against some of the toughest teams in the area, including West Catholic and Grand Haven. Although the team hasn’t been able to win every tough matchup, they’ve been able to handle weaker opponents with ease. Senior Josie DeSmit has been playing at an all-state level and recently helped Hudsonville win a crucial game against East Kentwood with a 20-point performance. The Eagles are expected to win their next five games before a key match against Grand Haven on February 7, which will be important in determining their standing in the OK Red Conference. - Wayland (9-3)
Wayland girls’ basketball team has quietly emerged as one of the top Division 2 teams in the Grand Rapids area. After a close loss to Caledonia in December, the Wildcats have gone on a four-game winning streak, including victories over conference rivals Wyoming and Northview. They are now challenging West Catholic for the top spot in the OK Gold Conference. A big upcoming game against South Christian on January 26 will be a key opportunity for Wayland to prove their continued growth. - Holland Christian (9-1)
The Maroons have had an outstanding season so far, with just one loss to South Christian back in December. Since then, they have gone on an eight-game winning streak, defeating quality opponents such as Wayland, Lowell, and Spring Lake. University of Toledo recruit Camryn VandenBosch has been leading the charge for Holland Christian, contributing an average of 15.5 points per game. What makes the Maroons especially tough is their well-rounded team, with veteran players like point guard Brooklyn Phelps and forwards Kierea Smits, Adelynn Nyhof, and Kate VanAppledorn. If Holland Christian continues their winning streak, they are in a great position to secure their first league title since 2013.
Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams in Grand Rapids Area
Here’s a look at the top 10 teams in the area according to the latest MLive/Grand Rapids Press power rankings:
- Rockford (12-1)
- West Catholic (10-1)
- South Christian (9-2)
- Forest Hills Northern (10-1)
- GR Catholic Central (8-2)
- Holland Christian (9-1)
- Caledonia (9-2)
- Hudsonville (6-5)
- Wayland (9-3)
- Zeeland East (9-3)
In addition to these top-ranked teams, some squads are still fighting for their place among the best, with teams like Wyoming (8-3) and East Kentwood (6-5) remaining on the bubble.
Conclusion
The girls’ basketball scene in Grand Rapids is packed with exciting stories of teams overcoming early struggles and finding their rhythm. From Hamilton’s recent success to Wayland’s strong run, there’s no shortage of drama. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which of these rising teams can continue their strong performances and make a run for the top spots in their respective conferences. Whether you’re a fan of the powerhouse teams or rooting for the underdogs, it’s a great time to follow girls’ high school basketball in the Grand Rapids area.
(Source : mlive.com)
