On Monday the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced the school classifications for the 2025-26 school years and the sport specific division changes.

The MHSAA divides the high schools around the state into four categories, with Class A, being the largest schools in the state.  Schools with 788 students and above are in Class A, with Class B, 787-370, Class C, 369-171, and 170 and below are Class D.

In our area, Niles moves up to Class A from Class B with 805 students.  The increase also moves the Niles football team from Division 4 into the more difficult Division 3.  Division 3 consists of St. Joseph and Lakeshore, as well as fellow Wolverine members Sturgis and Plainwell.  Niles was the state runner up in Division 4 last season,

Lakeshore remains in Class A, however because each sport has an equal distribution of schools, the Lancers girls basketball team will drop to Division 2, after winning the Division 1 District this past season.  The Lancers boys basketball team remains in Division 1.

Another school changing divisions for girls basketball only is Buchanan, who will drop to Division 3 from Division 2.

Other area schools changing classes include Battle Creek Harper Creek dropping from Class A to Class B.

Hartford moves up from Class C to Class B, Fennville will drop from Class B to Class C.

Benton Harbor Countryside Academy, Kalamazoo Phoenix, New Buffalo, move up from Class D to Class C.

Eau Claire and River Valley will drop from Class C to Class D.

The complete list of MHSAA enrollments are at
https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Enrollment%20and%20Classification/202526enrollmentlist.pdf