ESPN RISE

ESPN RISE takes a look at the teams to watch this month in this area:

Boys' Basketball -- Detroit Jesuit

Coach Pat Donnelly is in his first year with Detroit Jesuit, but he's no stranger to the coaching scene, having spent two years at Grosse Pointe North and two decades coaching at the college level. This year, he inherits a team that could be his most entertaining group yet. "The chemistry on this team is great this year," he says. "This group of guys really gets along well. The players have high expectations and certainly I do as well." It's hard not to expect big things from some of the most talented players in the state. Senior Gerald Bridges is one of those players, but might actually be underrated, according to his coach. "He's got a very good shooting touch and he's developing more skills to score off the dribble," Donnelly says. "He's very talented." Fellow senior Jordan Morgan, a Michigan recruit, handles duties down low with his size and strength. "He's worked extremely hard to be in great shape heading into this season," Donnelly says. Mike Wenderski and Blair Ramsey are two other players who can contribute in a big way for the Cubs. Wenderski is also on the football team. Ramsey is a 6- foot point guard with excellent vision. "He's got great court knowledge and a lot of savvy," Donnelly says. "I've been very impressed by him." The coach is preaching an up-tempo but physical style of play, which should suit this team perfectly.

Girls' Basketball -- Detroit Country Day

In a tight battle for last year's Class B state championship, Detroit Country Day edged Detroit Community, 46-40, to claim the title. The defense of that title won't be easy as a number of teams, Community included, are reloading for this season, but the Yellow Jackets are led by two of the state's best players. Seniors Sharena Taylor and Amber Moore will pace the team this year  Taylor has committed to Georgia Tech, while Moore is an Illinois recruit.

Wrestling -- Goodrich

The Martians managed to edge Dundee to claim the Division 3 state crown last year thanks to a number of impressive performances. And many of those wrestlers who fared so well last year have returned this year to help their team defend its crown. Senior Kyler Elsworth has a title to defend at 189 pounds. Also leading the way is senior Kyle March, who was the state runner-up at 171 pounds last year. The team will look to seniors Kirk Britton and Joe Hopkins to add depth.

Girls' Skiing -- Notre Dame Prep

It's always a challenge for the lower peninsula schools to compete with teams in the upper peninsula, but Notre Dame held its own last year and finished third in the Division 2 state championships. This year, the team is hungry for more, and this might be the season the Fighting Irish get the job done. Senior Natasha Kosik leads the Irish after her runner-up finish in the giant slalom last year. Junior Sarah Novotney will also help her team contend.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

BOYS' SWIMMING -- LAHSER
Diver Mark Reedy, a senior, is among the favorites for a state title.

GIRLS' SWIMMING -- SEAHOLM
Senior Lauren Nichols is arguably the state's fastest girls' swimmer.

BOYS' ICE HOCKEY -- MIDLAND
Senior netminder Alex Sepesky hopes to return the Chemics to the title game.

GYMNASTICS -- TROY ATHENS
The Red Hawks are on the rise, led by senior Michelle Mather.