Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Like last year, D2 seems pretty wide open. Who will get on a winning streak at the right time? Will a tough Grand Rapids district produce the winner?

Projected Final 4:

Flint Powers – It’s been a while since the Chargers have made it to the Breslin Center – 2009 to be exact – but they have compiled a championship-caliber squad. Junior twins Dempsey Cull (6-6) and Jesse Cull (6-6) are eligible after transferring last season from Davison. Junior guard Javontae Ross (5-11) is poised for a breakout after a terrific summer. Connor Kelly (6-3) and Baylor Cicalo (5-9) should round out the starting lineup as the lead guard. Depth comes in the form of sophomores Tyler Wood (6-6) and Brecklin Cicalo (5-8), as well as seniors Grant Garman (6-0) and Christian Dedivanaj (6-3).

Grand Rapids Catholic Central – Last year, South Christian escaped the GR area on the less ominous side of the bracket. This year, GRCC gets that road. South Christian, Unity Christian and GR Christian are all in the same district. GRCC, led by Michigan commit Durral Brooks (6-2), look poised to make the Breslin for the fourth time since 2018. GRCC has tons of depth. The backcourt will be rounded out by Ferris State commit Carter Meerman (6-0) and D.J. Nystrom (6-2). The frontcourt has many versatile pieces including Isaiah Hamlet (6-8), Jami Williams (6-4) and Jack Bowen (6-6). Watch out for super sophomores Brieland Watkins (6-2) and Zay Larthridge (6-4).

Chelsea – Chemistry and terrific guard play often win out in March. Chelsea has both those things in spades. Joey Cabana (6-3) has multiple D1 and D2 college offers. He’s strong getting to the basket and he’s a great shooter. North Georgia commit Jake Stephens (6-4) can provide some muscle in the post, but he’s really a guard and a matchup nightmare at the high-school level. Junior point guard Drew Blanton (6-2) has college upside and could be in for a breakout season. Sophomore guards Beckett Boos (5-10) and Buck Allen (5-10) are solid shooters and can handle point guard duties.

Warren Lincoln – Junior brothers Markus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7) both have D1 offers, but they are very different players. Moses is a lightning bug who can weave in and out of tight spaces and shoot over taller guards. Markus is a great shooter and a bruiser when driving to the basket. Speaking of bruisers, Warren Lincoln has one in 6-6, 300-pound center T.J. Minor, who is quite nimble and athletic with a bevy of post moves. Kimari Barden (6-6), Jamari Culliver (6-4) and Chris Morgan (6-4) provide athleticism on the wings. If Orchard Lake St. Mary and Waterford Mott transfer Da’Marion Bozeman (6-4) is eligible, this team should be considered a major favorite.

Contenders:

Saginaw Arthur Hill – With Lyna Brooks (6-3) back from injury and Boop Hardy (5-11) emerging an elite player, this squad could have a long run in its future.

Ludington – This team is loaded with shooters, with all-state candidate Dave Shillinger (5-9) running the show. Sophomore Cam Gunsell (6-3) could have a breakout year.

Grand Rapids Christian – Toledo signee Jaylan Ouwinga (6-9) headlines one of the tallest teams in the state with Nathan Johnson (6-6) and Carter Goodyke (6-6) also poised to play next-level ball.

South Christian – Carson Vis (6-4) is back from injury and ready to team up with Jake Vermaas (6-1) to form an explosive backcourt.

Detroit University Prep – Perhaps the favorites to make it out of their quadrant with unsigned force Xander Wedlow (6-9) anchoring the post on a team with a myriad of talented guards including Tyler Lowry (6-1), Yae Smith-Powe (6-0) and Darnell Murphy Jr. (6-1).

Detroit Edison – Led by Ferris State signee Quron Williams (6-5), Edison boasts a deep lineup with solid shooters and great athletes. Watch out for junior Jace Petree (6-4).

Ferndale – Yes, they lost their entire starting lineup from last year’s state-championship team, but a new wave of talent led by senior Trenton Ruth (6-1) and super freshman Eden Vinyard (6-8) should have them contending again.

Saginaw – Fresh off a final four run, this historic program’s last year will be led by rising junior Torrion Stevenson (6-1) and sharpshooter Brandon McCune (6-4).

Preseason All-State:

Team 1:

Durral Brooks, 6-2, Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Markus Blackwell, 6-2, Warren Lincoln
Xander Wedlow, 6-9, Detroit University Prep
Carson Vis, 6-4, South Christian
Camden Thompson Fall, 6-6, Whitehall

Team 2:

Dylan Grant, 6-7, Warren Michigan Collegiate
Jaylan Ouwinga, 6-9, Grand Rapids Christian
Stevie Elam, 6-2, Adrian
Joey Cabana, 6-3, Chelsea
Ayden Davis, 6-10, Onsted

Team 3:

Dontez Scott, 6-1, Romulus Summit
Lyna Brooks, 6-3, Saginaw Arthur Hill
Keyshawn Summerville, 5-11, Lansing Sexton
Jakobie Boose, 6-2, Flint Hamady
Moses Blackwell, 5-7, Warren Lincoln

Team 4:

Jake Stephens, 6-4, Chelsea
Parker LePla, 6-8, Goodrich
Zander Nash, 6-7, Imlay City
Torrion Stevenson, 6-1, Saginaw
Javontae Ross, 5-11, Flint Powers

Team 5:

T.J. Fisher, 6-4, Unity Christian
Jalen Kampen, 6-4, Parchment
Dave Shillinger, 5-9, Ludington
Wade Robinson, 5-10, Notre Dame Prep
Trenton Ruth, 6-1, Ferndale