MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

We still have some time before the 2023-24 Michigan High School Athletic Association boys basketball season kicks off.

In between now and the start of the basketball season, student-athletes across the state will compete in fall sports with state titles on their mind.

However, with the AAU season winding down, and high school summer ball still just in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming season.

Here are four teams from each division that could surprise some people this season: (Players are mentioned based on last year’s rosters and any known transfers.)

Division 1

Forest Hills Northern – While they might still be a year away, the Huskies look poised to impress this winter with a young, athletic lineup. Sophomore guard Kyle Brown (5-10) proved to be an adept scorer last season. A year of growing and adding strength could make him elite. Juniors Justin St. Antoine (6-0), Mohammad Dahabra (6-3) and Joey Angok (6-8) all have immense potential and should take a scoring leap this season. John Bardelli (5-10) could be the lone senior in the starting lineup to provide leadership and versatility.

Belleville – Talk about athletic, Belleville continues to prove its not just an elite football school with great basketball teams, as well. The Tigers will be led by senior guard Jalen Jenkins (6-2), who can beat teams off the dribble or from beyond the arc. Junior forward Braylon Mannon (6-8) enjoyed a great summer and has the length and versatility to mold into an elite recruit. Belleville has three wings who could make or break its season. Juniors Shemar Woodson (6-3), Brighton Birangui-Booto (6-4) and Chinasa Agbaeze (6-4) all took a step forward this summer. If they continue that development, this could be one of Belleville’s best-ever squads. Point guard duties will likely be split between Deontray Gary (5-11) and Myles Gregory (6-1).

Dearborn – Not typically known for its basketball prowess, Dearborn enjoyed a solid season and tournament last winter. Most of that squad has returned in what could be one of the team’s most anticipated seasons in decades. Senior leader Nassim Mashhour (6-3) is a long and athletic shooter who doesn’t need much space to make a defense pay. Hamody Mashhour (6-2) should be an impact scorer as a junior, helping to stretch the floor. Seniors Ali Makki (6-3) and TayShawn Crosby (6-4) are solid on both ends of the court. Sophomore Hassan Makki (6-3) will be one to watch.

Port Huron Northern – Few in the basketball community had probably even paid attention to Port Huron Northern before the illustrious career of Tyler Jamison, who won last season’s Mr. Basketball award. But Port Huron Northern might be even better the next three years than the last three. The Huskies have a trio of exciting and potentially elite sophomores in Alex Jamison (6-3), Cam Harju (6-2) and Amir Morelan (6-1). They all had massive scoring efforts last season as freshmen, and look like future state title contenders. Junior forward Cam Cantrell (6-4) is another emerging prospect who could take a big step forward this winter.

Division 2

Berrien Springs – Famous for once housing Muhhamad Ali, Berrien Springs almost shocked the world in the 2006 Class C state finals in a close loss against Tory Jackson’s Buena Vista team. Now in Division 2 (Class B), Berrien Springs landed transfer J.J. Frakes (6-4), who is widely ranked among the top-15 players in the state’s junior class. Returning stars Alex Odell (6-7) and Brady Blasko (6-2) should help the Shamrocks stay competitive against some of the west side’s top squads.

Williamston – Two years removed from a state title, Williamston quietly has another solid team. After a rebuilding year, Williamston will be led by a trio of versatile seniors. Zachary Cribbs (6-3) could be the team’s lead scorer. He is solid from beyond the arc and can create his own shot. Ben Smith (6-4) is a lights-out shooter with great positional height. Hudson Hunt (6-5) mans the paint. He’s a plus defender and a solid in-and-out scorer.

Ferndale – Can the defending state champs really be considered sleepers? When they lose their entire starting lineup, I think they can. Ferndale’s fall may not be as hard as anticipated. Trenton Ruth (6-1) will still be around to lead the offense. He showed toughness and poise during the tournament last winter. Kaden Hutson (6-3) and Markiese Young (6-3) will start on the wings after being key role players last season. They can both shoot and get to the hoop. Ferndale’s ability to contend might rest on the knees of Darion Johnson (6-8). The powerful center has barely played for Ferndale the last two seasons, but he was once a ballyhooed recruit. If he can give 15-20 minutes of action per game, Ferndale might have a dangerous inside-out offensive attack.

Division 3

Benzie Central – Last season was a little rough for Benzie, but a trio of stars should equate to a quick bounce back. Senior guard Jaxon Childers (6-2) still has college upside has an elite shooter and solid getting to the basket. Fellow senior Miles Pritchett (6-6) is a load in the paint, particularly on defense where he can force opposing teams to take bad or hurried shots. Sophomore Rowan Zickert (5-11) could be the x-factor. If he develops into a consistent 15-20 point scorer, Benzie could pull up a few upsets.

Watervliet – They might be a little more than a sleeper at this point, but tiny towns on the west side are always a little bit of an underdog. Led by super sophomore Jacob Pleyer (6-3), Watervliet has Breslin Center upside this season. Pleyer can beat teams off the bounce, shoot from beyond the arc, or set up his teammates. But it’s not just a one-man show, Watervliet will also get plenty of scoring from Kaiden Bierhalter (6-3), a sharp-shooting wing getting next-level looks. Wyatt Epple (6-1) is another capable scorer, while Jacob Schaefer (6-4) provides some size in the paint.

Stockbridge – Led by seemingly overnight sensation Shannon Henderson (6-9), Stockbridge has emerged as a threat in Division 3. Henderson’s length is almost unrivaled by anyone Stockbridge would see until the Breslin Center, but guards win games in March not centers. Luckily, Stockbridge should be solid in the guard department as well, led by Kegan Collins (6-1).

Flint Beecher – The second reigning state title winner to show up in this sleepers story. No, Flint Beecher is not a sleeper in the general sense that a program with as many state titles as they have accumulated over the last decade, just never could be. However, like Ferndale, Beecher also lost most of its starting lineup. Kenyonta Menifield (5-9) is the lone returning starter. He’s a lightning quick guard who never grew to his brother’s height, but can still get the job done offensively. Beecher must get quality minutes from Wasir James (6-8) and Elijiah Pitts (6-8). They both needed to add weight and gain strength this offseason, but James is also a solid outside shooter. Demarcus Burke (6-0) could be the team’s leading scorer.

Division 4

Watersmeet – I wasn’t going to write a sleeper story and not mention the Nimrods. I’ve been rooting for the school with the best nickname in the country to reach the Breslin Center every year I’ve been going since 1999. I’d pay big bucks to own the program with the Nimrods in it. So again, I hope this is the year. Super senior Asher Garrison (5-10) might just be the man for the job.

Bellaire – It’s been a while since Bellaire has reached the Breslin Center, but the next couple years could bring another long run to the program. Led by a pair of potential next-level juniors Drake Koepke (6-1) and Jayden Hanson (6-4), Bellaire could quickly remind everyone its not just a great golf and ski destination.

Gobles – Last season was rough for Gobles, and this season could be more of the same, but Aden Newberry (6-6) is just a sophomore and already one of the most talented players Gobles has ever had. Gobles has more size with Jack Geiger (6-6) and Jayden Otis (6-4), but the key will be getting the ball up the court.

Taylor Trillium – Despite making it to the quarterfinals last season, I have Trillium as a sleeper because it lost its best player and scorer. Still, Trillium should be in contention for another long run with versatile scorers Keymarryon Fishburn (6-2) and Sharone Russ (6-2) leading the way.