STATE CHAMPS! Top 25 Rankings – Week of December 16th, 2024
 
Sean Baligian – @seanpbali

1. Detroit Catholic Central (9-0 – Division 1)

The Shamrocks start the year at the top spot after a 9-0 start that includes wins over ranked Livonia Stevenson, Brother Rice, Cranbrook, Warren De La Salle and Brighton.

2. Hartland
(8-0 – Division 1)

The argument can be made that the Eagles deserve the top spot after their 8-0 start that includes wins over ranked Trenton, Brighton, Forest Hills Central, Northville and Brother Rice.

3. Flint Powers (8-0 – Division 2) 

Coach Travis Perry has his Chargers off to an 8-0 start and looking like the team to beat early in the Division 2 ranks.

4. East Grand Rapids (8-1 – Division 3)

The Pioneers are off to an 8-1 start and looking like the team to beat in Division 3 early on. Well wishes to Coach Chris Newton after his recent surgery, and hope to see you back behind the bench soon

5. Livonia Stevenson (7-1-1 – Division 2)

Coach David Mitchell has his Spartans riding a 7-game win streak.

6. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (6-1-1 Division 3) 

The Eaglets have ripped off four straight wins and are again one of the biggest threats in Division 3.

7. Grandville (6-0 – Division 2)

The Bulldogs are 6-0, and outscoring opponents 38-4 early on.

8. Trenton (5-2-2 – Division 2)

The Trojans are off to a 5-2-2 start with one of the toughest schedules out there. 

9. Byron Center (6-2-1 – Division 2)

The defending Division 2 champs are off to a 6-2-1 start and remain a “usual suspect” after years near the top.

10. Howell (4-2-1 – Division 1)

The Highlanders always seem to get stellar goaltending, and Henry Lansky is the latest in a now long line.

11. Marquette (7-4 – Division 2)

The Sentinels have been on a tear winning 5 of their last 6.

12. Warren De La Salle (4-4 – Division 3)

The Pilots only losses have come against #1 Catholic Central, #6 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and #8 Trenton.

13. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (5-2 – Division 3)

The Knights are off to a 5-2 start, with the only losses coming against #3 Flint Powers and #12 Warren De La Salle.

14. Jackson Lumen Christi (5-1-1 – Division 3)

The Titans are off to a 5-1-1 start, and Wall Award candidate Zach Jaakkola is one of the best goalies in the state.

15. Houghton (8-1 – Division 3)

Coach Micah Stipech has his Gremlins off to a 6-3 start, and once again a real threat in Division 3.

16. Cranbrook (5-3-1 – Division 3)

The Cranes are the defending Division 3 Champs, and getting great goaltending once again with the tandem of Steven Louiselle and Blake Tice.

17. Brighton (6-3-1 – Division 1)

Coach Kurt Kivisto has his young Bulldogs off to a 6-3-1 start.

18. Alpena (7-2 – Division 3)

The Wildcats are off to a 7-2 start and forward Gavin Winterstein has 24 points in 8 games with 9 goals and 15 assists. 

19. Caledonia (7-1-1 – Division 2)

Multiple coaches told me to look out for the Scots before the season, they were right, as the Scots are off to a 7-1 start.

20. Brother Rice (3-6-1 – Division 2)

The Warriors remain a yearly threat in the Division 2 ranks, as they always play a schedule that allows them to be at their best come playoff time.

21. Forest Hills Central (4-3 – Division 1)

The Rangers seem to be coming into form after a big win at Byron Center Saturday.

22. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (5-2 – Division 3)

Coach Mike Slobodnik has his Cougars off to a 5-2 start, and have a big game looming this Thursday against #21 Forest Hills Central. 

23. Capital City Capitals (4-4-1 – Division 1)

The Capitals have shown they can play with anybody so far this season, and are being led by Junior Chase Potter with 5 goals and 11 assists. 

24. Northville (3-6 – Division 1)

The Mustangs are a team on the rise, and reinforcements are coming as they are getting healthy soon.

T-25. Muskegon Mona Shores (6-1 – Division 2) & Grosse Ile (8-1 – Division 3)

Tough to pick one, so I’ll recognize the 8-1 Red Devils and the 6-1 Sailors at our lost spot.