MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

If the Hallmark channel can run Christmas in July, so can we.

The Michigan prep boys basketball season doesn’t officially start until the end of November, but with district assignments already posted, it’s never too early to look ahead.

We may never get a fully-seeded tournament (for those who want one), but the talent dispersion looks about as even as it could get heading into the 2023-24 season.

All of the D2 quadrants are jam-packed with talented teams, leaving optimism for an exciting Breslin Center weekend.

Let’s take a look at our summer predictions for D2 Final 4:

D2 – Quadrant 1

Winner: Flint Powers

Contenders: Flint Hamady, Freeland, Arthur Hill, Saginaw, Ludington, Bay City John Glenn, Boyne City

Key Players:

Dempsey Ray Cull, 6-6, Flint Powers
Jesse James Cull, 6-6, Flint Powers
Javontae Ross, 5-11, Flint Powers
Jakobie Boose, 6-2, Flint Hamady
Warren Cain, 6-5, Flint Hamady
Tristian Comer, 6-7, Freeland
Wilson Huckeby, 6-3, Freeland
Lyna Brooks, 6-3, Arthur Hill
Boop Hardy, 5-11, Arthur Hill
Sean Wesolek, 6-6, BC John Glenn
Cade Wallaker, 6-0, Essexville Garber
Torrian Stevenson, 6-1, Saginaw
Dave Shillinger, 5-9, Ludington

In addition to the tree mentioned Flint Powers players, they also have four more key contributors. Powers enjoyed a strong run filled with multiple Breslin Center appearances a little over a decade ago, but the well went dry after that. The next two years could bring Powers back on the map as state-title contenders.

Freeland’s sophomore duo of Huckeby and Comer could spoil the party for Powers, while Arthur Hill and Saginaw will be the most athletic team most nights.

D2 – Quadrant 2

Winner: South Christian

Contenders: Grand Rapids Catholic Central, GR Christian, Unity Christian, Whitehall, Spring Lake, Parchment

Key Players:

Durral Brooks, 6-2, GRCC
Carter Meerman, 6-0, GRCC
Jaylan Ouwinga, 6-9, GR Christian
Nathan Johnson, 6-6, GR Christian
Carson Vis, 6-3, South Christian
Jake Vermaas, 6-1, South Christian
T.J. Fisher, 6-3, Unity Christian
Jake Chapman, 6-7, Unity Christian
Camden Thompson Fall, 6-4, Whitehall
Zane Stahl, 6-7, Spring Lake
Adam Hardy, 6-6, Forest Hills Eastern
Jalen Kampen, 6-4, Parchment
Darius Baker, 6-4, Parchment
JJ Frakes, 6-4, Berrien Springs
Isaiah Guyton, 6-6, Godwin Heights

The Grand Rapids area is ripe with exciting teams and players in both Division 1 and 2. GR Christian, South Christian and Unity Christian are all in the same district. Whoever escapes that will likely cruise to the quarterfinal to face either GRCC or Whitehall. We’re picking South Christian to again reach the Breslin due to toughness, skill and coaching.

Spring Lake has a solid roster, and Parchment has two future college wings. Either could spoil the party for one of the Grand Rapids teams if clicking at the right time.

D2 – Quadrant 3

Winner: Detroit University Prep

Contenders: Chelsea, Williamston, Onsted, Romulus Summit, Flat Rock, Adrian, Lansing Sexton

Key Players:

Xander Wedlow, 6-9, University Prep
Tyler Lowry, 6-1, University Prep
Darnell Murphy Jr., 6-1, University Prep
Yae Smith-Powe, 6-0, University Prep
Joey Cabana, 6-3, Chelsea
Jake Stephens, 6-4, Chelsea
Drew Blanton, 6-2, Chelsea
Ayden Davis, 6-10, Onsted
Dontez Scott, 6-0, Romulus Summit
Dominic Krzesowiak, 6-5, Romulus Summit
Amir Perryman, 5-10, Romulus Summit
Graham Junge, 6-1, Flat Rock
Stevie Elam, 6-2, Adrian
Keyshawn Summerville, 5-10, Lansing Sexton
Markese Murray, 5-10, Lansing Sexton

Chelsea has been too good for too long to not make the Breslin, right? Well, this may be its best chance with a semi-light road and three terrific upperclassmen in the backcourt. But University Prep has been moved over from Quad 4 to steal the show. Chelsea may not have an answer for Wedlow in the paint, and University Prep boasts a star-studded backcourt as well.

Lansing Sexton, led by sophomores, might be a year or two away. But Summerville and company could be a sleeper as they grow and mature throughout the season. Never count out Williamston. The Hornets have two 6-5 forwards in Hudson Hunt and Ben Smith, who can score inside and out.

D2 – Quadrant 4

Winner: Warren Lincoln

Contenders: Notre Dame Prep, Detroit Edison, Harper Woods, Ferndale, Imlay City, Center Line, Goodrich, Sr. Clair

Key Players:

Markus Blackwell, 6-2, Warren Lincoln
Moses Blackwell, 5-7, Warren Lincoln
Chandler Allen, 6-5, Warren Lincoln
Kimari Barden, 6-6, Warren Lincoln
Jacob Tuttle, 6-1, Notre Dame Prep
Wade Robinson, 5-11, Notre Dame Prep
Jace Petree, 6-3, Detroit Edison
Trenton Ruth, 6-1, Ferndale
Parker LePla, 6-7, Goodrich
Braylon Franz, 6-1, St. Clair
Xander Nash, 6-7, Imlay City
Julian Young, 6-2, Harper Woods

Warren Lincoln is loaded. They have elite guards, athletic wings and a 6-5 bruiser in the paint (TJ Minor). Lincoln suffered a disappointing district final loss last season, so it likely will be hungry this season. Ferndale graduated its entire starting lineup, so Lincoln could have a pretty clear path to playing the final weekend of the season.

Final Four: Flint Powers, South Christian, University Prep, Warren Lincoln