Sports journalist Brandon Folsom has unveiled the Hometown Life’s All-Area girls basketball team for the recent season.
Note: HTL focuses on teams in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Canton, Commerce Twp., Farmington, Farmington Hills, Garden City, Livonia, Milford, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Redford, South Lyon, Wayne, Westland, White Lake, and Wixom.
Previous Players of the Year selected by Folsom:
2021-22: Anna Fernandez, Plymouth Christian Academy
2022-23: Madison Morson, Salem
FIRST TEAM
Justice Tramble, Canton
Player of the Year
Justice Tramble, a signee for South Carolina State, possesses an unfair advantage in size. She combines the height and strength of a physical post player with the exceptional ball-handling skills of top point guards in the KLAA. Not to mention, her leadership qualities shine through, reminiscent of former star Jeanae Terry from Wayne Memorial.
Madison Morson, Salem
Folsom’s prediction of Madison Morson becoming a Michigan Miss Basketball finalist came true. As a Central Michigan University signee, Morson’s exceptional performance throughout her career speaks volumes, despite not sharing the Co-Player of the Year title due to an early postseason exit.
Jaidyn Elam, Detroit Country Day
Heading to Oakland University, Jaidyn Elam, a 1,000-point career scorer, showcases versatility on the court. Her ability to score in the post, sink jump shots, and convert defensive plays into offense sets her apart. Elam’s adaptability to any position makes her a standout player.
Colleena Bryant, Wayne Memorial
Known for her exceptional passing skills, Colleena Bryant, the point guard for Wayne Memorial, embraced a leadership role following the departure of key players. Despite challenges, Bryant exceeded expectations, proving her prowess on the court.
Anna Lassan, South Lyon East
Committed to Detroit Mercy, Anna Lassan continuously enhances her game during the offseason, evolving into a formidable scorer. Leading her team to four consecutive Lakes Valley Conference titles, Lassan’s ability to carry her team is commendable.
Aizlyn Albanese, Farmington Hills Mercy
A standout junior in Michigan, Aizlyn Albanese overcame an early-season injury to lead a young Marlins team. Alongside Emily Walker, Albanese played a crucial role in guiding the team through a competitive season.
Mckenzie Swanson, Bloomfield Hills Marian
With a commitment to Butler University, Mckenzie Swanson, a 6-foot-3 forward, dominates in the post with exceptional skills. Her experience facing top-tier competition has honed her abilities, making her a force to reckon with.
Ashley Forner, Bloomfield Hills
A key player in the OAA-White division, Ashley Forner’s scoring threat is unmatched. Her versatility in scoring from various positions on the court poses a challenge for defenders, making her a crucial asset in critical game moments.
Mary Gumbis, Birmingham Seaholm
In a well-rounded team, Mary Gumbis stands out as a reliable player in clutch situations. Gumbis’s ability to drive to the hoop, draw fouls, and secure rebounds proved instrumental in Seaholm’s success.
Elena DiMaria, Plymouth
Elena DiMaria, a dominant 6-foot-2 post player for Plymouth, showcased her skills alongside a talented roster. With a healthy team supporting her, DiMaria’s prowess on the court was truly evident.
Jordan Popyk, Novi
Despite facing career-threatening injuries, Jordan Popyk, a Gannon University signee, maintained her reliability as a scorer in the KLAA-West. Her perseverance and dedication to the game are commendable, setting a strong foundation for her future in college.
Izzy Nooe, South Lyon
Undersized but fierce, Izzy Nooe’s relentless playstyle sets her apart on the court. Nooe’s focus on performance rather than physical stature propelled South Lyon’s success in the LVC, showcasing her elite level of play.
Maddie Stevens, Milford
A skilled shooting guard, Maddie Stevens, set to join Alma College, demonstrates elite off-ball movement and scoring capabilities. Stevens’s teamwork and strategic playstyle elevated her performance on the court.
Parker Ostach, White Lake Lakeland
With exceptional athleticism and leadership qualities, Parker Ostach, a Western Michigan University softball signee, played a pivotal role in White Lake Lakeland’s success. Ostach’s determination and skill set her apart as a foundational player for her team.
Averi Collins, Livonia Churchill
Junior point guard Averi Collins’s seamless transition to Livonia Churchill showcased her ball-handling skills and leadership qualities. Collins’s impact on the team’s competitiveness highlights her talent on the court.
Kristen Massey, Bloomfield Hills (coach)
Kristen Massey’s coaching prowess was evident as she led Bloomfield Hills to success in the OAA-Blue and OAA-White divisions. Massey’s strategic guidance culminated in the team’s first district title, despite facing challenges during the season.
Kayla Bridges, Canton (coach)
Returning to her alma mater, Kayla Bridges, Canton’s coach, led the team to remarkable achievements, including a district championship and 21 wins. Bridges’s coaching acumen and the team’s talent combined to nearly clinch the KLAA-West title.
SECOND TEAM
For the complete list of the Second Team and beyond, please refer to the original source.