MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Can anyone unseat Flint Beecher? Will height or guard play lead to deep postseason runs throughout the state?

Projected Final 4:

McBain – So, when a D3 program has four starters standing 6-3 or taller, including a 6-9 center, it garners attention. Evan Haverkamp (6-9) has developed into a college-level post player and still does all the dirty work. Freshman Clayton Hueker (6-5) has star potential and shooter Ben Rodenbaugh (6-3) is a key offensive threat. Darrious Pena (6-4) and Aidan Koetje (5-11) could round out the starting lineup. If McBain can get even somewhat decent guard play, it should return to the Breslin Center.

Watervliet – The Panthers barely lost to Breslin-bound Niles-Brandywine in last year’s district final, and that was without star guard Jacob Pleyer. Pleyer (6-3) enters his sophomore season fully healthy and ready to prove he’s one of the most dynamic players in the state. Watervliet will also get key contribution from Kaden Bierhalter (6-3), who has garnered small-school college interest, and guard Wyatt Epple (6-0). Jacob Schaefer (6-4) will start in the paint.

Riverview Gabriel Richard – If this team stays together, they should be considered favorites to win a state title each of the next two seasons. This team’s junior class is insanely talented, especially at this level. Luke Westerdale (6-1) will play at least D2 college ball, while Charles Kage (6-8) is emerging as a coveted post recruit. Guard Nick Sobush (5-11) is not to be overshadowed with his steady production on both ends of the court. Drew Everingham (6-4) could emerge as a college recruit. E.J. Bennett (6-2) is the only senior starter.

Old Redford – This team has three future D1 college players, including super sophomore Jaquon Stennis (6-8). Stennis already has an offer from Penn State (he also has a football offer from Michigan), and his star continues to rise. Fellow sophomore Derrick Kilgore (5-11) is an elite scorer with a quick first step. Kaeson Mayes (6-2) broke out this summer and should help Old Redford make a deep tournament run.

Contenders:

Iron Mountain – The Kangas brothers will pair with underrated guard Gerald Sampoll-Torres (5-10) to form a legitimate title threat.

Benzie Central – Jaxon Childers (6-2) and Miles Pritchett (6-6) should provide veteran leadership, with Rowan Zickert (5-11) and Carson Case (6-1) providing a glimpse of the future.

Pewamo-Westphalia – I’m still shocked they lost in the quarterfinals last year. Grady Eklund (6-3), Kash Pohl (5-10) and Trevor Spitzley (6-4) should have them contending again.

Schoolcraft – Although most of the team is unproven, Spring Arbor commit Shane Ryske (6-3) is one of the best shooters in the state, as is junior Tucker Walther (6-4).

Niles-Brandywine – Four starters return from last year’s state semifinals run (Nylen Goins (5-10), Jaimer Palmer (6-1), Jeremiah Palmer (6-1) and Grant Mason (6-1). Lack of height could be an issue.

Chesaning – Mason Struck (6-6) and Chaz Slankard (6-3) form one of the best offensive duos in Division 3.

Clinton – My dark hose to make the Breslin. Clinton is led by do-all forward Jalen Stelzer (6-3), and he has plenty of help with Preston Cruz (6-2) and Eli Turner (6-0) poised for a breakout season.

Jackson Lumen Christi – This deep squad will be led by a mixture of experience and youth. Luke Tropea (5-8), Lundon Hampton (6-1) and Kasen Burgess (6-3) should lead the way.

Flint Beecher – Don’t call it a rebuilding year because a D3 roster with Kenyanta Menifield (5-9), Wasir James (6-8) and Demarcus Burke (6-0) still has plenty of talent. It’s just not quite a vintage Bucs squad.

Preseason All-State:

Team 1:

Shane Rykse (6-3) Schoolcraft
JaQuan Stennis (6-8) Old Redford
Oskar Kangas (6-6) Iron Mountain
Mason Struck (6-6) Chesaning
Luke Westerdale (6-1) Riverview GR

Team 2:

Evan Haverkamp (6-9) McBain
Derrick Kilgore (5-11) Old Redford
Kaeson Mayes (6-2) Old Redford
Zander Woodruff (6-2) Laingsburg
Jacob Pleyer (6-3) Watervliet

Team 3:

Charles Kage (6-8) Riverview GR
Jaxon Childers (6-2) Benzie Central
Shannon Henderson (6-8) Stockbridge
Derek Sanders (6-5) Brooklyn Columbia Central
Grady Eklund (6-3) Pewamo-Westphalia

Team 4:

Matt Elderkin (6-5) Calvin Christian
Brody Johnson (6-5) Hartford
Tucker Walther (6-4) Schoolcraft
Kenyanta Menifield (5-9) Flint Beecher
Levi Frahm (6-1) Painsdale Jeffers

Team 5:

Bryce Brockhuizen (6-7) Kalamazoo Christian
Jonah VanderMeer (6-2) Holland Black River
Luke Tropea (5-8) Jackson Lumen Christi
Jalen Stelzer (6-3) Clinton
Max Ogden (6-2) Traverse City St. Francis