Michigan High School Esports Federation (MiHSEF) '24 Fall State Finals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FLINT, MI - More than ever was on the line for several teams competing on December 7th. HSEL Spring Premier League invites and a trip to compete against the best in Wisconsin added another level of thrill to some of the game finishes. Over 70 schools came to compete for over 9 hours in the UM-Flint Recreation Center, where 15 high school and middle school champions were crowned. Vendors, sponsors and local colleges were on site to help show support for the students throughout the day, including the title sponsor, the College of Innovation and Technology at the University of Michigan-Flint. Students across a range of games were also offered scholarships to continue with esports in their collegiate careers, in person at the event!
Key Things:
Dual Path to National Exposure (In Person, College Scouts Present)
HSEL Premier League
The top Rocket League team, Valorant team and Smash Solo player all qualify for the HSEL Premier League in the spring. The top 12 in the nation are invited, and the top 8 from the season compete in person in Kansas City for the trophy. The HSEL Premier League is considered the highest tier of competition in the nation currently.
Wisconsin ESSE
The top three Rocket League teams from the fall get invites to compete in Wisconsin in late May and represent Michigan against the other top teams from around the Midwest. Put on in conjunction with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Association, this will be an amazing chance for our teams to travel and be seen in person by Colleges.
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (SSBU) Solos
Top 64 students from the fall season competed in person in a double elimination bracket. After completing the season on top, LegendaryLance (Lance) from Detroit Catholic Central sat atop the podium, followed by AdvancedPlacement (Logan) from Caledonia and KNLeaf (Kenny) from Kelloggsville. In dominating fashion, Lance earned a spot in the HSEL Premier League in the spring where he will represent Michigan competing against the top players in the nation.
Final Results:
- Lance (Detroit Catholic Central)
- Logan (Caledonia High School)
- Kenny N. (Kelloggsville High School)
Valorant
16 Teams Total in person
6x Regional champions from fall season got autobid
10x Qualifiers from playoffs
East Kentwood High School continued its dominating legacy, thoroughly running through the competition to another state title over Rockford High School. Some of the most talent-stacked games of the event, East Kentwood got past Detroit Catholic Central in the semi finals to beat Rockford High School in a best-of-five series 3-1. EKHS will represent Michigan in the HSEL Premier League with an opportunity to compete for a national title!
Final Results:
- East Kentwood High School Red
- Rockford High School
- East Kentwood High School Black
- Detroit Catholic Central
Rocket League (3v3)
12 Total in person
4x Regional Champions
8x Qualifiers from playoffs
Three teams from the Metro Detroit region came out on top, showing that the east side of the state still dominates when it comes to Rocket League. Mason-Bedford edged out Detroit Catholic Central in a thrilling series to end the day.
Final Results:
- Mason-Bedford
- Detroit Catholic Central
- Shorian Esports of Lake Shore High School
- Grand Rapids West Catholic
League of Legends
East Kentwood defended the crown again here, inching out Hillsdale over the season. East Kentwood also dominated against the New Jersey state champions (2-0) in a showmatch held in late October.
Final Results:
- East Kentwood High School
- Hillsdale High School
Fortnite
16 Teams Total in person
4x Regional Champions
8x Qualifiers from playoffs
Fortnite was a tough battle until the end, where Mona Shore edged out Clintondale for a title. Crestwood ended up in third with East Kentwood in fourth.
Final Results:
- Mona Shores
- Clintondale
- Crestwood
- East Kentwood
EA College Football 25
4 Players Competed in Person
This year was the inaugural year for EA College Football 25 in MiHSEF. After a hard fought season East Kentwood continued their winning ways.
Final Results:
- Pixel_Killer21 - East Kentwood
- zctusmuve - Portage Northern
Apex Legends
15 Schools Competed in Person
18 Schools Competed Throughout the Season
This year was the first year for Apex Legends in MiHSEF. With extremely exciting games all season, each school fought hard to earn their spot in the playoffs.
Final Results:
- Linden High School
- East Jackson High School
- Ecorse High School
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
4 Schools Competed in Person
5 Schools Competed throughout the Season
Zeeland came in as the favorites with the most wins throughout the season. However, East Kentwood was able to pull out the victory.
Final Results:
- East Kentwood High School
- Zeeland High School
Mario Kart
16 Teams Competed at States
21 Teams Competed Throughout the Season
Every school raced hard all year to compete at the state finals. By the end of the day it was clear who was on top.
Final Results:
- Loy Norrix High School
- Shorian High School
- Pentwater High School
Special Awards
- Coach of the Year - Coach Bill Dixon, East Kentwood High School
- Scholar Athlete - Aymen Salah, Hamtramk
- Scholar Athlete Honorable Mention - Bode Powell, Pentwater
- Leadership Excellence - Vivian Warner Pewamo-Westphalia
- Leadership Excellence Honorable Mention - Kiet Vuong - Grandville
- Sportsmanship - Jaylaund Knight - Mona Shores
- Sportsmanship Honorable Mention - Bailey Case - Pentwater
Special Guest
The esports competition ran from 8am until 6pm, with special guests including the GVSU Gamechangers Valorant teams, the GVSU and Davenport Rocket League teams, and Great Leakes Esports. Students were impressed with skills showcased at their event. A huge thank you to the teams and programs for showcasing their skills.
Special Thanks
A special thanks to all of our sponsors and partners who made this event possible. Bravo LT, Spectrum Industries, McDonalds and Poverty Box Customs at our Gold Level. Steelcase at our Platinum level, and Inacomp as our season long Diamond Sponsor. Our largest partner though is the University of Michigan-Flint, without their support none of this would be possible. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and contributed throughout the day.
About MiHSEF
MiHSEF is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages academic and competitive excellence through esports. Join us in celebrating the talents and achievements of Michigan's young esports athletes this spring!
Contact Information
For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact
MiHSEF Board President Dakota VandenToorn at:
Dakota VandenToorn
dakota@mihsef.org
+1 (616) 259-2020
https://www.mihsef.org