MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

One of the best things about summer hoops, is it introduces new, exciting names to watch in the upcoming high school season.

Some teams, like Orchard Lake St. Mary, were already known to be super deep. But a couple other teams emerged this summer with numerous next-level talents.

This article will feature four teams from each division with a combination of known great high school players and players with upside.

There are certainly more deep teams than the 16 mentioned in this story, but these are the ones I deem deepest at this point.

Here are the deepest teams from each division:

Division 1

Orchard Lake St. Mary – Perhaps too deep, OLSM possesses a roster comprised of at least eight next-level talents. Superstars Trey McKenny (6-4), Peyton Kemp (6-0), Jaydon Savoury (6-6), Isaiah Hines (5-9) and Sharod Barnes (6-3) all have Division 1 college offers, while Daniel Smythe (6-3), Mason Wisniewski (6-6) and Andrew Smith (6-2) all have D2 interest. Having just one ball to feed all those hungry mouths might be a problem. This team is so deep, it’s “second unit” could probably contend for a state title.

Muskegon – Another team with multiple players with high-level college offers, Muskegon could find itself right back at the Breslin Center after finishing state runners-up last season. The Big Reds will be led by Terrence Davis (6-6), James Martin (6-3), Montrel Oliver (6-4), Mykai Guy (5-9), Elija Langston (6-8), Justin Watson (6-7) and Stanley Cunningham (6-5). Only one problem: who will step up as the leading, go-to scorer after losing last seasons top-3 scorers?

Byron Center – Has the time finally come for this immensely talented roster to make a long postseason run? Byron Center possesses one of the most unique and dynamic rosters in the state. Forward Camden Karel (6-9) leads the way with the ability to dominate in the post or stretch the defense as a shooter and driver. Jayden Brock (6-4) and Ben Heagle (6-5) are powerful dunkers and athletic in the paint or on the wing. Cassius Bont (6-2), Isaac Lee (6-0) and Keane Hinkle (5-9) will combine to form a lethal backcourt trio.

East Lansing – The center of the state needs some love, too, and our state’s capital will feature some elite talent this season. East Lansing could be the best of the bunch with a rich core of next-level talent. Wing and elite shooter Cameron Hutson (6-5) will be a matchup nightmare. New transfer KJ Torbert (6-3) gives East Lansing its second son of a former Michigan State Spartans star. Christian Dunn (6-7) will man the paint. Jace Branson (6-4) is an athletic wing with upside. Guards BJ Windham (6-1) and Cameron Essell (5-11) are capable of running the offense, and Charlie Baker (6-5) is a versatile forward with a nice outside shot.

Division 2

Flint Powers – Elite basketball is back at Flint Powers for the first time since the Lucas-Perry brothers graduated. Led by transfers Dempsey Ray Cull (6-6) and Jesse James Cull (6-6), Powers should feature a nice blend of size and skill. Vincent Bates Jr. (6-4) provides the team with another athletic wing. Javontae Ross (5-11) is a tough lead guard who is adept at driving and slashing. Baylor Cicalo (5-8) and Brecklin Cicalo (5-6) are feisty guards who can shoot and distribute. Omar Young Jr. (5-9) is another crafty guard who can play multiple positions.

Hudsonville Unity Christian – South Christian, Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central could all take up this spot as well, but Unity Christian possess the best blend of experience and youth, size and shooting and overall depth out of the bunch. T.J. Fisher (6-3) will light up scoreboards with elite shooting from beyond the arc. Jake Chapman (6-7) will control the paint with the ability to stretch the floor. Colin Niewenhuis 6-3) will run the offense, while Hugo Vanderwaal (6-5) and Owen Vanderwaal (6-6) offer versatility and athleticism in the post or on the wing. Max VanKoevering (6-3) will challenge for a starting spot, and Unity has a couple more sophomores ready to make a big impact.

Detroit University Prep – Led by freak athlete Xander Wedlow (6-9), who already has multiple D1 college offers, Detroit University already has a leg up on its competition. Tyler Lowry (6-1) is an elite shooter and rugged competitor. Darnell Murphy Jr. (6-1), Yae Smith-Powe (6-0), Devin White (6-1) and Myron Brown (6-0) round out a very deep backcourt. Transfer Ryan Neal (6-4) gives University Prep another taller talent to take some pressure off Wedlow. A state title is a legitimate goal.

Warren Lincoln – Led by D1 college prospects Markus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7), Warren Lincoln looks poised to be among the favorites for a D2 state title. Chandler Allen (6-5), Kimari Barden (6-5) and T.J. Minor (6-6) provide size and some beef in the paint and on the wings. This is a very traditional starting lineup with spots 1-5 all filled. Rashid Clements Jr. (5-10), Jamari Culliver (6-4) and Chris Morgan (6-4) will provide valuable minutes off the bench.

Division 3

Clinton – Not only will Clinton be deep, it is also young. Juniors Jalen Stelzer (6-3), Preston Cruz (6-2) and Andrew Fair (6-0) should put up monster numbers this season, unencumbered by senior veterans. Sophomore Eli Turner (6-0) has sparked some major buzz this summer and should enter the scoring mix. Clinton has been good for a couple years now, and this team should push for a state title in the next year or two.

Riverview Gabriel Richard – This team could potentially compete in Division 2. Luke Westerdale (6-1), Nick Sobush (5-11), Charles Kage (6-8) and Drew Everingham (6-4) are all getting college looks, and they are all just juniors. Senior E.J. Bennett (6-2) could round out the starting lineup. This team will be Breslin favorites the next two years, and maybe even title favorites.

Old Redford – The Ravens competed in D2 last year, but moved down. They have, perhaps, the most exciting, young roster in the state. Forward Ja’Quan Stennis (6-8) is the headliner. He already has multiple D1 college offers and can control the paint or score from the wing. Kason Mayes (6-2) and Derrick Kilgore (5-11) can also take over games and will certainly play at the next level. Behind their big three, the Ravens boast an athletic lineup with some size.

Schoolcraft – This was a very young team last year, who lost in the district final to an experienced Kalamazoo Hackett squad. Just two years removed from a D3 state title, Schoolcraft might find itself right back at Izzo land. Shane Rykse (6-3) is one of the most underrated players in the state. He’s a lethal shooter who can also run the offense. Tucker Walther (6-4), now a junior, looks poised to breakout as another elite shooter. Behind these two studs, Schoolcraft has tons of juniors and sophomores ready to make a big impact.

Division 4

St. Ignace – Making the move back to D4 might be just the recipe St. Ignace needs to cross the Mackinaw Bridge and head down to the Breslin. Senior Johnny Ingalls (6-0) is a lights-out shooter with tremendous basketball pedigree. He has looked poised for a Breslin trip since starring as a freshman. Ethan McLean (6-3) provides some size and more shooting. Nick Halberg (6-2), Trevor Visnaw (5-9) and Shawn Kingsbury (5-9) all knock down shots at a high rate.

Tri-Unity – Void of any stars, Tri-Unity relies on depth to overwhelm opponents. Guards Owen Rosendall (5-11) and Jordan VanKlompenberg (6-1) are lethal shooters. Point guard Keaton Blanker (5-9) needs to be more aggressive, but he’s a solid floor general. Akais Giplaye (6-2) and Trey Rillema (6-5) could start in the frontcourt. Giplaye is a great rebounder and finisher, while Rillema is extremely athletic. Wesley Kaman (6-1) is a versatile sixth man.

Adrian Lenawee – Sophomore Jaxon Salenbien (6-3) is a much-watch prospect, especially at this level. He could lead Adrian Lenawee to the Breslin on his own, but he won’t have to. Brandon Summer (6-2) is another terrific wing who brings strength and shooting to the table. Adrian Lenawee also has some size in the post in Seth Davis (6-6) and Tim Favreau (6-4).

Frankfort – After making it to the Breslin Center last season, Frankfort will hope to return with its top-three players all back. Junior point guard Carter Kerby (5-10) plays with poise and confidence. He could be the teams leader in assists and points this season. Bryce Plesha (6-5) has made huge strides this summer. He could be a truly dominate post player. Emmerson Farmer (5-11) is a solid shooter and athletic defender. Frankfort almost always replenishes with talent, so expect another couple of impact players to develop.