MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

It happens every year, teams either gain or lose students and move up or down a division.

It helps shake up the districts and infuses some fresh blood into each division. This year, quite a few Breslin Center hopefuls jumped a division.

It’s almost always easier moving down, but every once in a while, a team moves up and makes some noise.

Of course there are also schools, like Orchard Lake St. Mary, who decide to play up a division. This list will exclude those teams. This article is just about teams who were forced to move up or down.

Here are some impact movers ahead of the 2023-24 season:

Cadillac – The Big North Conference stars have been a near permanent fixture in the D2 quarterfinals or beyond over the past decade, but they just squeaked into Division 1 this year. Cadillac will be led by a very competent forward trio, including Charlie Howell (6-6), Gavin Goetz (6-5) and Kyle McGowan (6-6). Instead of facing teams like Ludington and Boyne City in the regional, Cadillac would now be looking at teams like Muskegon and Flint Carman-Ainsworth. It’s not exactly ideal, but Cadillac has the size and athleticism to compete at this level.

Warren Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald moved from D2 to D1. The increase will certainly be a challenge, but Fitzgerald has a deep lineup. Led by senior Malachi Irving (6-4) and junior Cyrus Mpeba (6-3), Fitzgerald has a solid backcourt. Lydell Sewell (6-1) and Brighton Gavin (6-2) will handle most of the ball-handling duties. They are also knock-down shooters. Watch out for freshman Quintin Graham (6-5). He is physically imposing with great skills around the rim. Fitzgerald is in a brutal district, but it will also be the most physical team out of the bunch.

Saginaw Arthur Hill – The Lumberjacks moved down to D2 from D1. Not only will they be playing down a division, the Lumberjacks might have their most talented roster since the Dar Tucker days. Super senior Lyna Brooks (6-4) was recently cleared for basketball activities after tearing his ACL last season. Tyler Dorsey (6-4) is another athletic forward and a great rebounder. Sophomore Boop Hardy (5-11) is an electric guard who can jump out of the gym and also shoot the lights out. Watch out for sophomore guard Dion Quavis (6-0), who looks like he could be an impact scorer this season.

Detroit Edison – This school has gone back and forth between D2 and D3 each of the last three seasons. Edison has settled in D2 this year and should be a tough out at the regional level. Junior sharpshooter Jace Petree (6-3) still has star potential and should be the focal point of the offense this season. Khalil McCree (6-3) and Quron Williams (6-5) are two more shooters with size. Jordan Anderson (6-2) provides versatility, while Jamaar Browner Jr. (5-10) and Noah Myers (5-9) will split point guard duties.

Harper Woods – Slightly overmatched in D1 last season, Harper Woods is a team no one will want to face in D2 this year. The return of Julian Young (6-3), a rising prospect with a tremendous outside shot, would be enough to cause excitement. Add in the transfer of James Phillips Jr. (6-3) from Grosse Pointe North, and this team could make a lot of noise in D2.

Chesaning – Chesaning was a sleeper team in D2 last year. Now, they look downright dangerous in D3. Led by power forward Mason Struck (6-6) and fellow senior Chaz Slankard (6-3), Chesaning should have the size and skill to make a deep impact in the tournament. They are in a competitive region for D3 this season, but should still be among the favorites to reach the quarterfinals.

Old Redford – A little too young to compete in a deep area in D2 last season, Old Redford might just be the favorites to cut down the nets this season in D3. Old Redford has three Division 1 college prospects on their roster, led by sophomore Jaquan Stennis (6-8). Junior Kaeson Mayes (6-2) received a D1 offer this summer, and sophomore Derrick Kilgore (5-11) impressed as a lead guard last year. If Old Redford can get past Flint Beecher, a state title could be waiting.

St. Ignace – The Saints reached the D3 quarterfinals last season, and are now among the favorites to win the D4 state title. Led by tremendous senior Johnny Ingalls (6-0), St. Ignace is hoping to shoot its way to the Breslin. Forwards Ethan McLean (6-3) and Nick Halberg (6-2) can shoot and rebound, while guards Trevor Visnaw (5-9) and Shawn Kingsburg (5-9) can shoot and lead the offense.

Saginaw Nouvel – Another team that made a deep run in D3 last season and are now favorites for a D4 state title. MJ Yeager (5-10) and brother Donny Yeager (5-10) have been nicknamed the “Sniper Bros.” for good reason: they are two of the best shooters in the state. Major football recruit Preston Otter (6-3) will add another element to the lineup.