MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Can anyone unseat Tri-Unity in their path to the Breslin? Will some intriguing teams dropping down from D3 be able to make a long run?

Projected Final 4:

St. Ignace – Star guard Johnny Ingalls (6-0) will look to lead this former D3 program to the Breslin Center. He will be helped by talented forward Ethan McLean (6-3). Located just past the Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace has a plethora of shooters. This group has been playing together for four years on varsity and should have the chemistry and firepower to contend for a state title.

Saginaw Nouvel – Twins Donny and M.J. Yeager (5-10) will look to torch the nets on their way to East Lansing. Nouvel also will get help from football star Preston Otter (6-3), giving them a well-rounded lineup. The Yeager wins are tremendous shooters and can both create their own shots as well as set up others.

Tri-Unity Christian – A constant at the Breslin Center come March, the Defenders return almost everyone from last year’s state runners-up finish. Keaton Blanker (5-9) will lead the offense with shooters Owen Rosendall (5-10) and Jordan VanKlompenberg (6-1) on the wings. Tri-Unity has options in the post in Akais Giplaye (6-2) and Trey Rillema (6-5).

Adrian Lenawee – Sophomore Jaxon Salenbien (6-4) is a name to watch as a potential high-major recruit. He could dominate at this level and lead his team to the Breslin Center. Lenawee will also get production from Brandon Summer (6-2), who is versatile on offense.

Contenders:

Watersmeet – You just have to root for the Nimrods. Guard Asher Garrison (5-10) could spark some late-season magic.

Munising – The defending state champs return three starters, including fiery competitor Trevor Nolan (5-8).

Brimley – Always solid, this Upper Peninsula squad will be led by tough lead guard Perry LeBlanc (5-10).

Bellaire – Dominated in the 2000s and might again with Jayden Hansen (6-5) and Drake Koepke (6-1) entering their junior seasons.

Frankfort – Made a final four run last season with Carter Kerby (5-10) and Bryce Plesha (6-5) returning to form a potent inside-out punch.

Taylor Trillium – Made the quarterfinals last year. Will get good scoring contribution from Keymarryon Fishburn (6-2) and Sharone Russ (6-2).

Detroit Douglass – They have a plethora of talented freshmen to choose from, plus a senior scorer in Anthony Buford (6-3).

Buckley – The Kulawiak brothers could lead the Bears back to the Breslin after a couple year hiatus.

Cardinal Mooney – Fresh off a final four trip, they could make it back if Brian Everhart (6-0) and Daniel Rice (6-1) get hot at the right time.

Waterford Lady of the Lakes – The senior trio of Ryan Robak (6-3), Dylan Larsen (6-5) and Aiden Gauthier (6-1) could make some real noise.

Preseason All-State:

Team 1:

Trenton Taratuta (6-4) Hillman
Johnny Ingalls (6-0) St. Ignace
Carter Kerby (5-10) Frankfort
Jaxon Salenbien (6-4) Adrian Lenawee
Donny Yeager (5-10) Saginaw Nouvel

Team 2:

Landon Kulawiak (6-3) Buckley
Jayden Hansen (6-5) Bellaire
M.J. Yeager (5-10) Saginaw Nouvel
Jacob Plamondon (6-6) Maple City Glen Lake
Bradley Richards (6-5) Fruitport Calvary Christian

Team 3:

Anthony Buford (6-3) Detroit Douglass
Brian Everhart (6-0) Cardinal Mooney
Kemarryon Fishburn (6-2) Taylor Trillium
Reece Broderick (6-2) Lansing Christian
Brandon Summer (6-2) Adrian Lenawee

Team 4:

Cameron Peterson (5-10) Rudyard
Cade Besonen (6-0) Ewen-Trout Creek
Perry LeBlanc (5-10) Brimley
Luke Bramer (5-11) Leelanau St. Mary
Asher Garrison (5-10) Watersmeet

Team 5:

Ryan Robak (6-3) Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
Jordan VanKlompenberg (6-1) Tri-Unity
Bryce Plesha (6-5) Frankfort
Dylan Larsen (6-5) Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
Garrett Mobley (6-9) Brethren