NILES — The Michigan High School Athletic Association released its classifications for the 2018-19 school year and only Lakeshore and New Buffalo are changing classes in southwest Michigan.

The Lancers will be moving back to Class B, while New Buffalo is dropping from Class C down to Class D.

“Next year Lakeshore joins us in Class B, so it will be interesting to see if the MHSAA makes a new district for our area,” said Niles Athletic Director Jeff Upton. “The basketball match-ups for the district tourney were so nice — with great crowds for the Niles vs Buchanan game and Niles vs. Berrien Springs game, in the girls district. And of course, in the boys tourney, the gym was packed every night. I’m sure these crowds will continue with the addition of Lakeshore. It is good for our area schools, and a great experience for our students.”

In the SMAC, Battle Creek Lakeview is also returning to Class B next season.

In the Southwest 10 Conference, Mendon is dropping back to Class D.

Niles remained in Class B after moving down for the 2017-18 school year.

The Viking athletic teams took advantage of playing in Class B instead of Class A by reaching the state quarterfinals in volleyball and winning its first district girls basketball championship since 2005 and its first title of any kind since 2011.

“Obviously with our Class A league, we have plenty of Class A competition. However for the two class B sports this year, volleyball made a great run to the quarterfinals, and girls basketball won the district championship,” Upton said. “These were both very rewarding experiences for our student athletes and fans. The Niles teams benefit from playing really tough competition, and that certainly helped us in some close MHSAA playoff games this year.”

A total of 22 schools moved up from one class to another, while 15 schools dropped down a classification.

Classifications are decided following the second semester student count, which this year was held Feb. 14.

The enrollment figures are based on those submitted for school aid purposes and does not reflect the number of students participating in athletics.

Also, beginning next fall, traditional classes (A, B, C and D) will be used only for MHSAA elections and football playoff purposes.

All other sports will be divided into equal or nearly equal divisions for postseason competition, including volleyball and basketball for the first time.

Effective with the 2018-19 school year, schools with 885 or more students are in Class A. The enrollment limits for Class B are 398-884, Class C is 194-397, and schools with enrollments of 193 and fewer are Class D. The break between Classes A and B increased four students from 2017-18, the break between Classes B and C decreased eight students, and the break between Classes C and D is nine students fewer than the current school year.

LOCAL ENROLLMENT FIGURES

School Enrollment

Brandywine 352

Buchanan 453

Cassopolis 261

Dowagiac 580

Edwardsburg 838

Niles 884