MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

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.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association stubbornly won’t improve certain aspects of the game, like seeding deeper into the tournament or finally giving us a shot clock, but it did move some teams around to provide this year’s Division 1 tournament hope for four elite teams at the Breslin Center.

All four quadrants are stacked with talented teams and future Division 1 college prospects. It should be a fun year at Michigan boys high school basketball’s highest level this season.

Here is our projected D1 final four:

D1 – Quadrant 1

Winner: Muskegon

The Big Reds lost the state finals last season to Cass Tech, lost three college guards from that squad, but might be even better this season. Muskegon boasts D1 college prospects in 6-3 sophomore guard James Martin and 6-8 junior forward Elija Langston. The Big Reds also have D2 college talent in Terrance Davis (6-6), Montrel Oliver (6-4), Mykai Guy (5-9), Justin Watson (6-7) and Keashawn Johnson (6-5). In other words, this team is loaded and ready for another long run. The only real concern is backcourt depth, specifically in the area of ball-handling.

Contenders:

Saginaw Heritage – Heritage boasts one of the top seniors in the state in 6-5 forward, and University of Toledo commit, Tyler Ode. While Ode remains one of the best shooters in the mitten state, he can also run the offense if needed. Braylon Isom (6-3) is an elite football recruit who also has some skill on the basketball court. Gage Coonan (5-10), Joss Bradley (6-2) and Jaylin Cooper (6-3) will likely round out the starting lineup. Heritage can also play big with a pair of 6-7 forwards, Noah Arnold and Tamarrion Kindle.

East Kentwood – The Falcons’ program has been resurrected under superstar coach Mike Thomas. Kentwood has a trio of future D1 or D2 college players in 6-9 Christian Humphrey-Rembert, 5-11 Jah Hatchett and 5-10 Darryl Thompkins. The combo of speed, leadership, shooting and aggressiveness in those three players could beat most teams in the state. Kentwood will look to get production from role players such as Lual Abiel (6-3), Jaden Bowman (6-5), Mikey Wolford (6-1) and Landon Storms (6-2).

Byron Center – The golden age of Byron Center boys basketball has a couple more chances to get to the Breslin Center, but this season might be its best. Camden Karel, a 6-9 forward, is gaining traction as a top-100 player in the nation. Jayden Brock (6-4), who can jump out of the gym and has developed a solid jump shot, Isaac Lee (6-0), Ben Heagle (6-6) and Cassius Bont (6-2) combine to potentially form one of the most exciting and talented starting lineups in the state. Shooting guard Keane Hinkle (5-9) is the perfect, versatile sixth man.

Grand Rapids Northview – Few teams in the state will feature a more capable trio of stars than Northview. Brady Swartz (6-5), E.J. Ryans (6-3 Western Michigan commit) and Cameron Ryans (6-4) have size, physicality, great poise and terrific shooting. Swartz can light it up from outside or slash at the hoop. E.J. controls the tempo and boasts an excellent mid-range game. Cameron is a bruiser who gets to the rim, using his body to shed contact to get good scoring looks. There are quite a few question marks behind these three players, but three future D1 college guards is usually a good place to start.

Other teams to watch:

Zeeland West, Hudsonville, Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Cadillac, Grandville, Zeeland East, Ottawa Hills, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, Rockford, Traverse City Central

D1 – Quadrant 2

Winner: Saline

Few teams in the state are as loaded as Saline. Granted, some of Saline’s best players are still only sophomores, but I’m making this prediction assuming talent wins out regardless of grade. Led by 6-3 sophomore point guard Jonathan Sanderson, who already has a Big Ten offer from Illinois, Saline has tremendous size at every position. A possible starting lineup could include Sanderson, Tommy Carr (6-3), rising star Harrison Rogers (6-5), Dylan Mesman (6-5) and recent sophomore transfer Ghana Solongo (7-0). Saline also has tons of size and skill off the bench.

Contenders:

East Lansing – East Lansing seemingly reaches the quarterfinals every year, yet rarely gets over that hump. In this scenario, I’m predicting they suffer that fate yet again. Uber talented, East Lansing boasts future D1 college star Cameron Hutson (6-5), the son of a Michigan high school basketball legend, K.J. Torbert (6-3), a center with D2 offers, Christian Dunn (6-7) and a couple athletic guards in Jace Branson (6-4) and BJ Windham (6-1). East Lansing also boasts plenty of depth. The bench could be led by 6-5 Charlie Baker and 5-11 Cameron Essell.

Ann Arbor Huron – Like East Lansing, Huron never seems to be far from reaching the Breslin Center. Led by 6-3 junior Macari Moore, who has been piling up D1 college offers this summer, and a balanced attack behind him, Huron might be the most experienced and steady team in this quadrant, which usually pays off in the tournament. Forwards Justin Latham (6-6) and Mohammad Doubouya (6-4) can score in a variety of ways and are tenacious on defense.

Detroit Catholic Central – New coach Tory Jackson has a plethora of scoring options at his disposal this season. Future D1 guards T.J. Nadeau (6-5) and Uchenna Amene (6-2) can shoot and drive. Amene stepped up last season after Detroit CC lost star guard Chas Lewless. Nadeau has always been an elite shooter, but can now create his own shot. Devin Lee (6-4), Josh McKee (6-4) and Sam Howard (6-2) should round out the starting lineup. Detroit CC might not have a very inspiring record heading into the tournament, due to a ridiculous schedule, but that won’t mean anything with all the talent it has.

Lansing Waverly – Boasting one of the best and most underrated players in the state in 6-5 senior guard Deunte Phifer, Lansing Waverly could sneak up on some teams this season. Phifer is an electric player, who has NBA range and athleticism. He has a D1 college offer and could really see his recruitment explode throughout the season. Treyvon Miller, a 6-6 forward, could be in for a breakout season as well. He just needs to add some more toughness to his arsenal. At 6-3, Derek Thomas is an undersized post, but he’s savvy and tough. Guards DeShawnta Malone (5-10) and Keenan Harris (5-9) will lead the offense with quickness and shooting.

Other teams to watch:

Belleville, Wayne Memorial, Westland John Glenn, Canton, Mason, Kalamazoo Central, Portage Northern, Ann Arbor Pioneer

D1 – Quadrant 3

Winner: U.D. Jesuit

Is it possible to lose two D1 college prospects and still be better the next year? Jesuit will test that theory this season with young, hungry lineup ready to make its mark. Sticking with the “next up” approach, Jesuit will turn the reigns over to Leroy Blyden Jr., (6-1), who is yet another elite lead guard to run the offense. Gerrard McCoy (6-4) and Ryan Hatcher (6-2) are both lethal shooters on the wing, while slasher Xavier Johnson (6-4) has the athleticism most players dream of. Jesuit can then either start 6-7 center Sebastian Randolph, or go smaller with 6-4 shooter Jaden Garwood. Either way, it’s a potent squad capable of winning a state title.

Contenders:

Warren De La Salle – I’m not a fan of their style of play (holding the ball), but the Pilots have had a surge in talent over the last four years. Super junior Phoenix Glassnor (6-0) will lead the way this season. He picked up some D1 college offers this summer, using his blend of strength and shooting to wow coaches. The backcourt will be rounded out by college prospects Armoni Portis (6-2) and Braedon Holder (5-9), both of whom can drain shots from beyond the arc. The frontcourt will be comprised of Nnaemeka Ikechi (6-7), Nicholas Speiser (6-5) and Spencer Scott (6-6). It would not surprise anyone if they were back at the Breslin.

Cass Tech – The defending state champs have a top-25 national prospect in Darius Acuff (6-2). If it’s a university you’ve heard of, he probably got an offer from them this summer. But this team did lose its four other starters from last year’s team, making them something of an enigma. There have been rumblings that 6-7 D1 prospect Dylan Grant has made the move to Cass Tech. If true, this team could be right back at the Breslin Center. Derrick Miller (5-11) and Amari Johnson (6-6) should have much bigger roles this season.

North Farmington – Another team, like Jesuit, that loses its leading scorer from last season. But North Farmington has three D1-D2 college prospects remaining on its roster. Tyler Spratt (6-4) should take up more of the scoring load this season, as will fellow backcourt mate Landon Williams (6-3). Recent transfer Dylan Smith (6-8) should give the Raiders a much-needed post presence. Avi Meltser (6-0) could be a breakout candidate.

River Rouge – Don’t let last season’s early tournament exit fool you. This team can hoop. The backcourt trio of Memphis McDowell (5-10), James Weaver (6-0) and Kendall Bentley (6-2) is among the most underrated in the state. They have a blend of speed, power and shooting skill. Michigan State football commit Nick Marsh (6-3) could be the latest Spartan to play football and basketball in college. Keshawn Fisher (6-6) is the team’s X-factor. If he rises to D1 college prospect, the sky is the limit for this team.

Other teams to watch:

Birmingham Groves, Oak Park, Hamtramck, Detroit Renaissance, Grosse Pointe South, Dearborn, Warren Fitzgerald

D1 – Quadrant 4

Winner: Orchard Lake St. Mary

Spoiler alert: this might be the most talented roster from top to bottom Michigan has ever seen. Trey McKenny (6-4) is a top-25 national recruit who can shoot, rebound and score around the hoop. Peyton Kemp (6-1) starts his high school career after being a YouTube sensation since he was like five years old. Jayden Savoury (6-6), Sharod Barnes (6-3) and Isaiah Hines (5-9) all have D1 college offers, while seniors Daniel Smythe (6-3), Mason Wisniewski (6-6) and Andrew Smith (6-2) all have D2 college offers. The only real problem this team faces is playing with just one ball. Will it be enough to go around?

Contenders:

Brother Rice – Elijah Williams (6-6), the son of Pistons new head coach Monty Williams, is a consensus top-5 sophomore in the nation. Warren Marshall IV (6-4) exploded last season to pick up numerous D1 college offers. They should form a potent wing combo this season. Okemos transfer Trevor Smith (6-8) already has D1 college offers as a sophomore and has the potential to truly be special. Rising senior forward Luke Salkowski (6-7) gives Brother Rice one of the tallest lineups in the state. Point guard duties will likely be split between David Williams (6-0) and Logan Hamama (5-11). Brother Rice failed to win a district each of the last three years, despite having three D1 stars on their roster. They have all now graduated, but are coaching questions starting to creep up?

Clarkston – This team quietly reached the regional final last season and returns most of its best players. Football stars Desmon Stephens (6-3) and Brody Kosin (6-6) are tough, physical seniors who can score in a variety of ways. Junior John Kaul (6-2) and sophomore Cole Charter (6-3) are explosive guards with upside. Peyton Fitzsimonds (6-1) is a sharpshooter, and 6-7 sophomore Hayden Flavin has tons of potential.

Grand Blanc – The Bobcats will have their third coach in as many years and graduated long-time stars RJ Taylor and Tae Boyd. Yet, this program may be here to stay. Grand Blanc returns 6-7 wing Bryce O’Mara, 6-2 lights-out shooter Donnie Huddleston and 6-4 swingman Anthony Perdue. Grand Blanc will also welcome incoming guards Malachi Evans (6-3), Matthew Evans (6-3) and Tommy Pickens (6-2). Athletic and explosive, this team will hope to return to the Breslin for the fourth straight season.

Waterford Mott – This team might be a year or two away, but a series of transfers have made it one of the deepest and most athletic teams in the state. Sophomores Max Jansenvanvuren (6-6), Geno Sheets (6-4) and Damari Stephens (6-5) should make an immediate impact. Juniors Israel Anthony (6-4), Jacoby Menyweathers (5-9), Devon Lewis (6-3) and Gavin Ort (6-4) will also star for this squad, but 6-5 senior and football star Kalieb Osborne will run the show.

Others to watch:

Troy, Davison, Milford, West Bloomfield, Rochester Adams, Utica Eisenhower, Port Huron Northern, Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Final Four: Muskegon, Saline, UD Jesuit, OLSM