Here is a piece of advice to the parents whose daughters play basketball for the Howell Highlanders.
Make those East Lansing hotel reservations early next year for the Division I state semifinals at Breslin Arena. Your daughters are taking the next step. I say this on an evening where the Highlanders got frazzled at times against Grand Blanc’s full court pressure and 1-2-2 trapping dense.
I say this on an evening where the Highlanders could not complete simple passes. And I say this when shots these girls normally make in their sleep would not fall during a 45-39 regional semifinal loss to Grand Blanc.
Howell, at times played with poise and maturity this season. Sometimes they made you forget that these are babies. Of the 14 roster spots, 13 were held by juniors, sophomores or freshmen. The Highlanders best player and one of the best in Livingston County, is just a sophomore.
“There is a lot to be proud of,” said Coach Jason Piepho. “This is a group that works hard and doesn’t quit and that showed tonight.”
When these girls were fourth and fifth graders they talked about making varsity one day and winning a state championship. They are knocking on the door to greatness and the biggest thing next season will be trying to live up to expectations.
There is an interesting team with interesting pieces. Gabby Piepho is the Caitlin Clark of the KLAA, able to launch three’s as soon as she crosses the half court line.
Maurisa Mikus is an interesting player also. She doesn’t score often but seems to get a mitt on every ball that comes her way. Kylie Pung is listed as a guard with good handle, but she also works inside the post scoring and defending it.
Alison Farr is talented enough to lead a good team far into the playoffs.
Howell (17-8) is 35-15 the last two seasons. It won the KLAA West Division title and two consecutive district titles. The Highlanders lost tight games in the regional semifinals twice, however.
“I think we are going to come back more hungry next year,” said Gabby Piepho.
The biggest obstacle for Howell is its rivals in Brighton and Hartland. Every game against them seems to be a roll of the dice. Hartland has a winning record against the world but is only 5-6 against its rivals.
In previous years Hartland was that team that emerged to bask in greatness. From 2017 to 2022 Hartland went 132-16, made three state quarterfinals and lost in the championship game in 2022 to West Bloomfield.
“We understand our potential,” Jason Piepho said. “We talked about how good we can be and the things we can do. I think we walk away looking at the potential we can have. But it is about consistency. We must consistently rebound, defend and take care of the ball. We can’t just turn it on in spots.”