MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Everybody deserves a second chance, right?

Well, this article is about teams looking to bounce back after losing in their district last season. All the teams mentioned are possible state-title contenders this season.

Michigan high school basketball is stacked with great teams, so not everyone is going to win a district. We get that, so here’s a shoutout to some of this season’s top teams looking to bounce back from last season’s early exit.

Warren Lincoln – After losing in last season’s district final, Lincoln enters 2023-24 as potential D2 state championship favorites assuming everyone stays healthy through football season. Led by D1 college prospects Marcus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7), Lincoln possesses a deep and talented roster. Transfer Chandler Allen (6-5) has a big body in the post but is more of a wing due to his shooting and ability to create. Kimari Barden (6-5) and TJ Minor (6-6) should round out a balanced starting lineup.

Lansing Sexton – The old adage is “great guards lead to tournament success” in Michigan prep hoops. Mainly because the MHSAA stubbornly won’t implement a shot clock rule. But that’s a different topic. Sexton certainly has some great guards, albeit a tad young and small. Sophomore D1 college prospect Keyshawn Summerville (5-10) leads the way with dynamic handles and a developing knock-down shot. Fellow sophomores Markese Murray (5-10) and Mario Murray (5-10) could also start and provide even more quickness in the backcourt. Junior point guard Josiah Stewart (5-8) is another small guard who plays with passion and poise.

Imlay City – After losing to a tough, senior-laden Croswell-Lexington teams in last winter’s district final, Imlay City will look to bounce back with a dynamic roster. Junior forward Xander Nash (6-7) enjoyed a great summer and should get some college offers in the next couple years. Fellow junior Matthew Evans (6-3) has developed into a solid wing on both ends of the court. Sophomores Isaac Sommer (6-1) and Boston Vock (5-7) could play a huge role for this team, which might be playing deeper into March than many expect.

Watervliet – This team keeps coming up in my articles (I promise it’s not just because I live on Paw Paw Lake in between Watervliet and Coloma), but it’s well deserved. Watervliet narrowly lost to eventual Breslin-bound Niles-Brandywine in last year’s district final, and that was without superstar Jacob Pleyer (6-3). Pleyer is now back from injury, and so is last year’s top scorer Kaiden Bierhalter (6-3). Wyatt Epple (6-1) impressed last season, and Jacob Schaefer (6-4) could develop into a solid post option. The Panthers should have no trouble winning this year’s district, but a very difficult regional awaits.

Schoolcraft – This is one of the teams Watervliet could see in the regionals. Schoolcraft lost last year’s district final to a tough, battle-tested Kalamazoo Hacket squad. Schoolcraft has one of the best D3 players in the state in Shane Rykse (6-3) Rykse was on the Eagles team two years ago when they won a state title, and he’s now an elite shooter with all-around guard skills. Schoolcraft will also has another blossoming star in Tucker Walther (6-4). Another elite shooter, Walther and Rykse pose as one of the top wing duos outside of Detroit.

Burton Madison Academy – I was blown away by this team last year during a showcase at Kalamazoo Central. BMA absolutely destroyed an aforementioned solid K-Hackett squad. This team was young, athletic, deep. It had great shooters, drivers and rebounders. I immediately went home to look them up and saw they faced Flint Beecher in the districts and my excitement diminished. Yet, this season, BMA is in a new district with renewed hope at making a deep tourney run.

Jackson Lumen Christi – I see a potential quarterfinal run in their future. This team, led by coach’s son Luke Tropea (5-10), power forward Aidan Pastoriza (6-5) and guard Kasen Burgess (6-2), has the making of a Breslin sleeper. JLC will also be bolstered by multi-sport star freshman Lundon Hampton (6-1) who could be a big difference maker on the court. This quadrant in D3 is loaded with talent, but JLC might be among the deepest in the area.

Iron Mountain – Another team with Breslin Center upside who was quickly eliminated last season. Iron Mountain seeks vengeance with the family duo of Oskar Kangas (6-6) and Reece Kangas (6-1). Those two alone could lead Iron Mountain to the quarterfinals this season. Iron Mountain won’t be a two-man team, though, as point guard Gerald Sampoll Torres (5-10) and Kaden Sheldon (6-3) should also add quality to the starting lineup.