MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The Michigan High School Athletic Association starts its postseason tournament in just over two week (Monday, February 26th), and a number of teams are winning at the right time.

The teams featured in this story might have struggled a bit early in the season, but have recently found their winning ways.

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has built a legacy off losing early and getting his team’s to play their best basketball at the end of the season.

These teams will be looking for the same success:

Division 1

Rockford – This team is not talked about nearly enough. Rockford started the season 2-3 with losses against Byron Center, GR Christian and Muskegon. Since, Rockford has won 12 straight games to move to 14-3. Led by Oakland University baseball commit Andrew Landis (6-1) and sophomore forward Jake Bascom (6-5), Rockford has a great blend of steady guard play, 3-point shooters and physicality around the rim. Lucas Pitsch (6-7) was injured early, but he has been draining 3-pointers upon his return. Senior Drake Irwin (6-3) and sophomore sharpshooter Dylan Gross (5-9) are also key scorers. Junior Michael DeKuiper (5-11) runs the point.

Davison – The Cardinals lost their first two games but have since gone 11-1. Davison has won six straight games, including convincing victories over Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Flint Powers and Grand Blanc. Junior Greg Lawson (6-3), ranked nationally as a four-star recruit, can score over 25 any given night. Junior forward Amari’Yunn Blythe (6-4) and junior center Warren Cain (6-6) give the Cardinals a great blend of talent. Senior transfer Terrence Coker (5-9) has been a steadying presence. Sophomore guard Jackson Bowden (6-3) is also starting to pick up his scoring.

West Bloomfield – Hyped as a potential state-title contender, West Bloomfield had four losses before Christmas. The arrow has started to point up in a hurry, recently with seven straight wins, including a two-point upset over North Farmington. West Bloomfield is now 12-5 and certainly looks like a potential bracket buster. Led by sophomores Drew Wilson (6-2) and Curtis Britton (6-2) as well as junior Corey Pittman (6-2), this guard-heavy team can get hot in a hurry. Seniors Donnie Watts III (6-0) and Keithan Gilmore (6-5) are great leaders who help on both ends of the court.

Division 2

Hudsonville Unity Christian – My dark horse to make it to the Breslin Center. Unity has had a tough season. Starting center Jake Chapman (6-6) was thought to be lost for the season when he suffered a heart attack during a football game. He has just recently been cleared to play. Leading scorer T.J. Fisher (6-3) was injured in December when he broke his neck on a dunk. He has also just recently returned. Now at full health, Unity Christian has won nine straight games to get to 13-4. Colin Niewenhuis (6-1) runs the point, Max VanKoevering (6-3) and Jack Kamminga (6-3) provide athleticism and shooting on the wing, while Hugo Vandeewaal (6-6) and Owen Vanderwaal (6-5) provide power in the paint.

Stevensville-Lakeshore – If you want a deep sleeper, look no further. Lakeshore started the season 2-7, which in most cases would mean the team just isn’t very good. That assumption would be wrong, however, as Lakeshore (9-7) has won its last seven games, six of which against D1 foes. Guards Jack Carlisle (6-1) and Cohen Hurdle (6-1) have helped Lakeshore improve drastically on offense. Wing Zachary Ort (6-3) provides versatility, while center Spencer Gostin (6-9) can be a matchup nightmare. Next week’s matchup against Benton Harbor (19-0) could clear up where this team really stands.

Chelsea – The Bulldogs were bitten by a tough early-season schedule, losing five of their first nine games. Chelsea has recently caught fire, winning seven straight to enter a Friday night matchup against Jackson at 11-5. The Bulldogs have defeated Adrian twice and Saline during their winning streak, cementing their status as a D2 Breslin contender. Chelsea has two of the best seniors in the state in Joey Cabana (6-3) and Jake Stephens (6-4), who has signed with D2 North Georgia.

Division 3

Schoolcraft – The Eagles got off to a 3-3 start, losing some tough games. Schoolcraft has two of the best shooters in the state: senior Spring Arbor signee Shane Rykse (6-3) and junior Tucker Walther (6-4). The slow start did nothing to diminish their confidence, as the Eagles have rattled off 11 straight wins. Schoolcraft has big games against Kalamazoo Hackett and Battle Creek Lakeview coming up. Wins would cement them as Breslin Center hopefuls.

Flint Beecher – Don’t look now, but the mighty Bucs are starting to find their groove. After starting the season 4-4 with some very lopsided losses, Beecher has won eight of their last nine games. Perhaps not as talented in the guard department as former Bucs teams, this Beecher squad is led by an all-senior starting lineup of Keyonta Menifield (5-9), Demarcus Burke (6-1), Eric Jones Jr. (6-4), Aijalon Williams (6-5) and Ferris State commit Wasir James (6-8).

Division 4

Adrian Lenawee Christian – Perhaps the most talented D4 roster in the state, top to bottom, Lenawee started the season 3-2. Despite being beatable early, Lenawee has since won 10 straight, including a massive victory over D3 title contender Jackson Lumen Christi. Lenawee is led by senior guard Brandon Summer (6-2) and super sophomore Jaxon Salenbien (6-3). Senior Tyler Salenbien (6-5) and sophomore Daniel Scrupsky (5-7) also provide a scoring touch.

Fulton – Perhaps the only team who can challenge Tri-Unity’s quest for yet another Breslin Center appearance. Fulton (13-6) has won six of its last seven games. The only loss was by three points to No. 1 ranked Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (17-1). This is a sleeper team who has proven capable of hanging with the state’s top D4 squads.