MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Will nationally ranked Orchard Lake St. Mary live up to expectations, or will someone else rise up in March?

Projected Final 4:

Muskegon – Perhaps the only team in the state deep and talented enough to beat OLSM in March. Muskegon graduated three college-level guards but return a plethora of D1 and D2 college talent. The Big Reds’ base nine-man rotation should start with Lake Superior State commit Terrance Davis (6-6) in the post along with rising junior Elija Langston (6-8). Senior Montrel Oliver (6-4) and explosive sophomore James Martin (6-3) could start on the wings, with two-sport star M’khi Guy (5-9) running the point. Sharpshooter Justin Watson (6-7), rugged forward Stanley Cunningham (6-5), athletic junior Keashawn Johnson (6-5) and lightning-quick sophomore Arquez Petty (5-8) should round out one of the best lineups in the state.

East Lansing – The Trojans have lost in the quarterfinals an unfortunate number of times since 2010, but this might be the year they get over the hump and play a virtual home game at the Breslin Center. Cameron Hutson (6-6), son of former MSU star Andre Hutson, has power-5 college upside as he can score from every level. Christian Dunn (6-7) is a two-way threat in the post with some nice athleticism. Recent transfer KJ Torbert (6-3), son of former MSU star Kelvin Torbert, and underrated junior Jace Branson (6-4) will likely start on the wing, with BJ Windham (6-1) running the offense. Cameron Essell (5-11), versatile Deunte Macey (6-4) and sharpshooter Charlie Baker (6-4) round out the rotation.

Warren De La Salle – I’ve been critical of this team’s style of play (holding the ball for very long possessions – can we please get a shot clock!) but this Pilots squad is built for March. A trio of next-level junior guards leads the squad. Phoenix Glassnor (6-0) is the leader. He just knows how to win, and he’s a tremendous three-sport athlete. Armoni Portis (6-2) has some D2 offers, and Braedon Holder (5-10) is a dangerous threat from beyond the arc. De La Salle also has an intriguing frontcourt, led by Army commit Nnaemeka Ikechi (6-7), Nicholas Speiser (6-5) and fast riser Spencer Scott (6-7). This is perhaps the most wide-open road to the Breslin, and the Pilots have the skill and depth to maneuver it.

Orchard Lake St. Mary – Can a team have too much depth and talent? This roster could potentially field two Breslin Center-quality teams. It’s that deep. Junior Trey McKenney (6-4) would have won Mr. Basketball last year if eligible after the incredible run in which he led his young squad to the Breslin. As a five-star recruit, he has his pick of the college litter. Here is a list of the other players OLSM has with D1 college offers: Sharod Barnes (6-2), Jayden Savoury (6-6), Isaiah Hines (5-11), freshman sensation Peyton Kemp (6-0) and fellow freshman Quincy Wright (6-6). OLSM also has a trio of D2-level seniors in Daniel Smythe (6-3), Mason Wisniewski (6-6) and Andrew Smith (6-2). But like we said, will just one ball be enough to go around?

Contenders:

Saginaw Heritage – Led by Toledo signee Tyler Ode (6-5), Heritage will start four seniors and then have their pick between two centers with tremendous upside in junior Tamarrion Kindle (6-7) or sophomore Noah Arnold (6-8).

East Kentwood – Junior Jah Hatchett (5-11) is among the most underrated in the state. He can shoot, drive and plays with passion. Christian Humphrey (6-9) is a D1 wing, and a young supporting cast has upside.

Byron Center – A combination of size, shooting, athleticism and upside, led by fast-rising recruit Camden Karel (6-9). Aquinas commit Jayden Brock (6-4) and Ben Heagle (6-6) are must-see dunkers.

Grand Rapids Northview – Potentially the best backcourt in the state with Western Michigan signee E.J. Ryans (6-3) handling the point with Cameron Ryans (6-4) and Brady Swartz (6-6) on the wing.

Ann Arbor Huron – Looked like a well-oiled machine during summer ball. D1 guard Macari Moore (6-3) will lead the way with Justin Latham (6-6), Mohammad Doubouya (6-4) and Kaleb Brown (6-3) showcasing versatility and a vast skillset.

U of D Jesuit – A pair of high-upside, future D1 guards in Leroy Blyden Jr. (6-1) and Xavier Johnson (6-4) headline an athletic group. Sophomore Jaden Garwood (6-5) could be special.

North Farmington – A pair of D1 senior wings and high-profile transfers Dylan Smith (6-8) and Robert Smith (5-8) could lead this squad to the Breslin. Niagra signee Landon Williams (6-4) is among the most versatile in the state, and Cleveland State signee Tyler Spratt (6-5) is an elite defender and shooter.

River Rouge – They return their entire starting lineup and will want to seek revenge after last season’s shocking early exit. Kendall Bentley (6-2), Keshawn Fisher (6-6) and James Weaver (5-11) will all likely play at the next level.

Brother Rice – Five-star recruit Elijah Williams (6-6) and Oakland University signee Warren Marshall IV (6-4) headline an uber athletic squad. Trevor Smith (6-8) and Luke Salkowski (6-7) have college offers as well. Guard David Williams (6-0) has flashed.

Preseason All-State:

Team 1:

Trey McKenney, 6-4, Orchard Lake St. Mary
Merritt Alderink, 6-7, Zeeland West
Jonathan Sanderson, 6-3, Saline
Macari Moore, 6-3, Ann Arbor Huron
Chas Lewless, 6-3, Detroit King

Team 2:

Elijah Williams, 6-6, Brother Rice
Warren Marshall IV, 6-4, Brother Rice
Greg Lawson, 6-2, Davison
Tyler Ode, 6-5, Saginaw Heritage
Cameron Hutson, 6-6, East Lansing

Team 3:

Tyler Spratt, 6-5, North Farmington
Leroy Blyden Jr., 6-1, U of D Jesuit
Phoenix Glassnor, 6-0, Warren De La Salle
Deunte Phifer, 6-5, Lansing Waverly
Lance Stone, 5-7, Detroit Renaissance

Team 4:

Landon Williams, 6-4, North Farmington
Carlos Medlock Jr., 5-11, Wayne Memorial
Geon Hutchins, 6-4, Oak Park
Mohammad Habhab, 6-9, Dearborn Fordson
E.J. Ryans, 6-4, Grand Rapids Northview

Team 5:

Mason Parker, 6-1, Troy
Camden Karel, 6-9, Byron Center
Jah Hatchett, 5-11, East Kentwood
Jaxson Whitaker, 6-4, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
T.J. Nadeau, 6-5, Detroit Catholic Central