Lilly Williams, MSU commit, pushes Howell to upset of No. 1 Belleville

Howell star center Lilly Williams led the Highlanders to a 59-51 win over the defending Division 1 champions.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Lilly Williams, a Michigan State commit and 2026 Mick McCabe Miss Basketball finalist, had 27 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks as No. 6 Howell beat No. 1 Belleville 59-51 in the KLAA conference championship. Howell snapped Belleville's 35-game winning streak.

Why it matters

This win is a major upset in Michigan high school girls basketball, as Belleville was the defending Division 1 champion and the top-ranked team in the state. Howell's victory over the Tigers shows they are a force to be reckoned with heading into the state playoffs.

The details

Howell took an early lead and never let it slip, despite a furious Belleville comeback in the second half. Williams dominated inside, making 10 free throws and hitting a contested 3-pointer. Belleville's Se'Crette Carter (22 points, 5 3-pointers) and Sydney Savoury (21 points) kept the Tigers close, but Howell's backcourt trio of Gabby Piepho, Hannah Ralko and Lyla Valentine protected the ball and found Williams for easy looks.

  • Howell took an initial lead on a 3-pointer from freshman guard Savannah Hohn.
  • Howell went on a 13-2 run in the first quarter to take a nine-point lead over the defending Division 1 champs into the second quarter.
  • Howell's lead grew to as many as 14 points early in the second quarter, and the Highlanders had a 32-22 advantage at halftime.
  • Belleville whittled the deficit to five points by the end of the third quarter.
  • Belleville and Howell will start their playoff runs in district semifinals on Wednesday, March 4.

The players

Lilly Williams

A Michigan State commit and 2026 Mick McCabe Miss Basketball finalist who had 27 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in the win.

Se'Crette Carter

A Marquette commit and Miss Basketball finalist who had a team-high 22 points with five 3-pointers for Belleville.

Sydney Savoury

A star junior for Belleville who scored 12 straight points to trim Howell's lead to two points in the fourth quarter.

Gabby Piepho

A senior guard for Howell who had 14 points and helped control the ball against Belleville's pressure defense.

Jason Piepho

The head coach of Howell, who praised his backcourt trio for their ball security and playmaking.

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What they’re saying

“It means so much. It is my first time [winning the conference] through my four years. It is a hard thing to do.”

— Gabby Piepho, senior guard (freep.com)

“Just give it your all. Every single game matters. It has been a great run overall. We've been working really hard the last few weeks preparing for this game and the state tournament.”

— Lilly Williams (freep.com)

“She is a load in the paint. She got good position, caught the ball well and turned very well. I think we did very well guarding her at times and sometimes we lost her in the post.”

— Jason Wilkins, Belleville coach (freep.com)

“Gabby has been All-State and no one ever talks about her. She did a great job controlling the ball. Hannah and Lyla made big play after big play.”

— Jason Piepho, Howell coach (freep.com)

“We've got a good team. Howell has a good team. And let's just hope, if the chips fall, we will see them at the same place, same time of 7 o'clock. Trust me, Belleville will be ready.”

— Jason Wilkins, Belleville coach (freep.com)

What’s next

If Belleville and Howell both win their district semifinals on March 4, they will face off again in the regional semifinals on March 9 at Northville High School.

The takeaway

This upset win over the defending state champions shows that Howell, led by star center Lilly Williams, is a legitimate contender for the Michigan high school girls basketball state title. The Highlanders' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the highly-touted Belleville squad, setting the stage for a potential rematch in the regional playoffs.