BIRMINGHAM — For first-year Birmingham Groves swim and dive head coach Nick Valice, the state meet had his emotions in the front seat of an endless roller coaster.

WARREN — If there’s one thing Warren Lincoln basketball players know about head coach Wydell Henry, it’s that defense is the glue to the basketball program.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — In a journey to the state title game, there’s sometimes a point where one win can make you feel unstoppable heading onto the brightest stage of the season.

TROY — Four Everest Taekwondo students were recently recognized by the Troy City Council for their recent and upcoming achievements, including at the national and international levels.

ROCHESTER HILLS — For the past three seasons, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek’s senior group has watched its neighborhood rivals celebrate at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 Competitive Cheer State Championship.

NOVI — For the third-straight season, Brighton High School attempted to stop Detroit Catholic Central’s reign in Division 1 hockey, but for the third-straight time, Brighton learned that the well-oiled machine of DCC just plays a different type of hockey.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — There are some images you just can’t shake out of your head, and for Grosse Pointe South girls hockey, that was neighborhood rival Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett celebrating its state championship win over South last season.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — For some athletes, their routine to prepare for a game or a meet means everything to them.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Don’t let the smell of perfume or the bright smiles fool you when you step into the gymnasium.

BIRMINGHAM — A former Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout is making waves for Groves, and she’s bringing a plethora of girls on board with her.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Whatever it takes to keep your mind right in the face of adversity, you think about it.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica Eisenhower senior Sammy Agnello is one of those wrestlers you only get in your school once a decade, or 12 years to be exact for Eisenhower’s case.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — It’s a special moment for two sisters to achieve something special together, especially when they’re twins making school history on one of the biggest stages in girls wrestling.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — If you would have polled various bowling coaches throughout Macomb, Wayne and Oakland Counties prior to this season and asked them, “Who’s the top bowler in the class of 2025,” it wouldn’t have been a surprise if Utica Eisenhower junior Dylan Harnden was mentioned multiple times.

FARMINGTON — The Farmington swim and dive program has been around for 54 years, and for 54 years the swim and dive team has longed for a state finals trophy.

FARMINGTON HILLS — It was a surreal feeling for Farmington United junior Leah Hodge as she was crowned the Division 1 all-around Individual State Champion.

FARMINGTON — Someone had to be a trailblazer for the girls side at North Farmington, and junior Lorelei Shrum has assumed that role to perfection.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Don’t let the smell of perfume or the bright smiles fool you when you step into the gymnasium.

WARREN — Warren Mott gained substantial traction on the boys side for an incredible season, but the girls showed that they’re right on par with their abilities.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Lakers were one of many girls wrestling teams to witness a historic season as freshman Eva Zimnicki, junior Tamari Khizanishvili and junior team captain Alexa Hampton all punched their state finals ticket this season, becoming the most female state finals qualifiers in West Bloomfield history.