Girls Basketball Playing at a Championship Level

Good things take time. After a few seasons spent building patiently and deliberately, Greenhills girls varsity basketball is beginning to see the rewards of that work. This winter’s team is still young in spots, still learning how to close out tight games—but it’s also deeper, more connected, and more competitive than it has been in recent years.

Head coach Taylor Parker sees it clearly.

“We have a really good group of kids this year,” Parker said. “We used to be a very young team, but now those players have developed. They’ve found themselves in our system, and they’re growing in confidence and leadership.”

That growth has shown early in the season. The Gryphons opened the year 1–2, with close losses against strong opponents, including a competitive matchup with Whitmore Lake just before winter break. While the record may not yet reflect it, the team’s progress has been unmistakable.

“We didn’t get the win, but Whitmore Lake is a really good team,” Parker said. “I saw a lot of really positive things. We put in a lot of skill work over break, and I think we’re ready for the second half of the season.”

One of the biggest differences this year is continuity. Greenhills returns a strong core of players, including senior captain Alexi Magdich and junior captain Libby Schuster. After several seasons of rebuilding with small rosters and limited experience, those players are now stepping confidently into leadership roles.

“I think we’ll be pretty good this year because those players are getting better and growing into themselves,” Parker said. “They’re becoming leaders.”

Parker also highlighted the development and play of Cate Alumkal ’27, who is averaging 10 points and five steals per game; Quinn Maldonado ’28, who averages 12 points and three steals; and Grace Momoh ’28, who is shooting the ball well and playing with a lot more confidence.

Just as important as skill development has been the team’s chemistry. Parker points to camaraderie as one of the most meaningful improvements from last season.

“They spend time together outside of basketball,” she said. “They have real friendships, and that translates on the court. When you trust each other off the court, you trust each other in game situations. You know your teammates have your back.”

That trust has been built through consistent work. Practices begin with individual skill development, like shooting, ball-handling, guard and post breakdowns, before shifting into team concepts later on. And for the first time in years, the program has grown enough to fully invest in the offseason.

“This past summer was huge for us,” Parker said. “We played summer league, went to team camps at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan, and got meaningful preseason reps. That experience really helped.”

The confidence gained from that work showed up early, particularly in a season-opening home win over Lutheran Westland, which is a team that had beaten Greenhills on the road last year.

“That was a big one for us,” Parker said. “Getting that first win at home built confidence right away.”

Now, the Gryphons turn their attention to league play, beginning with a road game at Cranbrook on Friday, January 9. The matchup brings back memories of a thrilling overtime, come-from-behind win last season, which is a feeling the players haven’t forgotten.

“They remember how fun that game was,” Parker said. “We don’t want to always be coming back from 20 points, but seeing what they’re capable of sticks with them.”

Looking ahead, Parker is candid and optimistic.

“I really do think we’ll be competitive in our league this year,” she said. “That hasn’t been the case in the past. I think we have the talent to make a run. We just need to play four full quarters and stay confident when things get tough.”

After years of laying the foundation, Greenhills girls basketball is no longer just building. This season, the Gryphons are ready to compete, and ready to take on anyone.