Girls Basketball Preseason Preview

As the winter season approaches, anticipation builds for another exciting year of Catholic High School League (CHSL) girls' basketball. With defending champions returning and key division realignments shaking up the competition, this season promises to deliver plenty of drama and standout performances.

Bishop Division

Defending Bishop Champion Fr. Gabriel Richard enters the season as the team to beat in the league’s top division. Coming off a stellar 2023 campaign that saw them reach the MHSAA Division 2 state finals, the Pioneers bring back a battle-tested roster looking to build on last year’s success. Their journey to another Bishop crown will not be without challenges, as St. Mary’s Prep, last year’s Cardinal Champion, joins the division. Known for their physicality and disciplined play, St. Mary’s Prep will aim to make an immediate impact in their first season competing for the Bishop title.

Cardinal Division

With St. Mary’s Prep moving to the Bishop Division, the Cardinal Division features a competitive field led by Bishop Foley, Cabrini, Shrine, Lutheran North, and St. Catherine of Siena. These teams will battle for the division crown in what promises to be an evenly matched-race. Cabrini, an MHSAA district champion last year, brings momentum into the season, while Bishop Foley and Shrine have the talent and depth to contend for the title. Lutheran North and St. Catherine of Siena also feature strong rosters capable of making noise in the Cardinal Championship.

Ste. Anne Division

Defending Ste. Anne Champion Everest Collegiate returns with high expectations after an impressive 2023 campaign that included an MHSAA district championship. The Mountaineers’ balanced attack and disciplined defense make them a strong contender to repeat. The Ste. Anne Division also features rising teams eager to dethrone Everest and establish dominance in this competitive grouping.

MHSAA Success Stories

CHSL teams had an outstanding showing in the 2023 MHSAA tournament, capturing seven district championships across various divisions. Along with Fr. Gabriel Richard, other district champions included:

• Regina
• St. Mary’s Prep
• Divine Child
• University Liggett
• Cabrini
• Everest Collegiate

This collective success underscores the league’s depth and talent. The Pioneers’ runner-up finish in Division 2 set the standard, and CHSL programs will look to build on this momentum in 2024.

Players to Watch

The CHSL is home to some of the state’s top talent, with many players on the radar of college scouts. Key returners from last year’s championship squads and emerging underclassmen will undoubtedly shape the season’s narrative. As the season tips off, watch preseason standouts from Fr. Gabriel Richard, St. Mary’s Prep, Everest Collegiate, Cabrini, and Bishop Foley.

Outlook

With established powerhouses and promising contenders in all divisions, CHSL girls basketball is set for a thrilling 2024 season. Fr. Gabriel Richard’s quest to defend their Bishop title while returning to the state finals headlines the storylines, but surprises will unfold as teams vie for division supremacy and postseason glory.

The road to the CHSL championships and beyond starts now. Let the games begin!

Link to current scores and standings, https://www.chsl.com/sports/ba...