MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Monday starts the most exciting three weeks of the year: the Michigan High School Athletic Association boys basketball tournament.

In the end, 16 teams will travel to East Lansing to play in the semifinals and potentially the finals over a jam-packed three-day stretch.

This year’s tournament seems completely up for grabs with numerous teams proving they have a realistic chance at a final four run.

Here are the four teams we think will prevail in Division 2:

Quadrant 1

Final 4 Prediction: Saginaw Arthur Hill (15-5)

None of these teams enter the tournament in great form, but the dynamic duo of Lyna Brooks (6-3) and Boop Hardy (5-11) might just be enough to power through to the final four. The Lumberjacks also get major contributions from Tyler Dorsey (6-4) and Dequavion Terry (6-1). Arthur Hill has quality wins over DEPSA, Grand Haven, Grand Blanc, Flint Carman-Ainsworth and Saginaw. But they have also lost three of their last seven games.

Top Contenders: Ludington (16-6), Saginaw (13-9), Flint Powers (17-4), Freeland (19-3), Essexville-Garber (12-10), Kingsford (17-4)

Ludington is known for making recent long runs. They feature a guard-heavy lineup that scored over 100 points in a game this season. Powers and Saginaw looked like the favorites to make the final four but have struggled in February. The Trojans have lost four of their last five games. Garber and Freeland are sleepers (Garber just blew out Freeland last week). Kingsford, like the others, hasn’t played its best basketball in February.

Quadrant 2

Final 4 Prediction: Hudsonville Unity Christian (18-4)

Upset alert: Unity hosts one of the toughest districts in the state with defending D2 runner-up South Christian and top-ranked GR Christian also involved. However, Unity has fought through adversity all season and have battled to win 14 straight games. Always tremendously coached, this team has a great blend of size and shooting. T.J. Fisher (6-3) leads the squad after returning from a broken neck. Colin Niewenhuis (6-2) and Max VanKoevering (6-3) have also been consistent scoring threats. The frontcourt has plenty of depth with Hugo Vanderwaal (6-6), Owen Vanderwaal (6-5) and Jake Chapman (6-6) providing size and strength in the post.

Top Contenders: Grand Rapids Christian (19-2), South Christian (17-5), Whitehall (22-0), Benton Harbor (21-1), Grand Rapids Catholic Central (15-5), Niles (17-5)

There’s a lot to like about this group. Whitehall has some impressive wins and one of the best juniors in the state in Camden Thompson-Fall (6-6). Benton Harbor is one of the quickest and most athletic teams in the state. GR Christian enters the tournament as the D2 title favorite. Led by Toledo commit Jaylan Ouwinga (6-9) they have all the tools to do just that. South Christian hasn’t always looked its best, but have more than enough talent to go on another title run.

Quadrant 3

Final 4 Prediction: Romulus Summit Academy (20-2)

Summit Academy is led by Saginaw Valley State signee Dontez Scott (6-1), who can hit from outside or drive through the lane. Junior D1 recruit Dominic Krzesowiak (6-5) has always been a great shooter, but he’s added some slashing ability to his game this season. Undersized guards Amir Perryman (5-10) and Andrew Ashwood (5-10) provide quickness and some more scoring pop. Sophomore Chance Houser (6-3) and freshman Jeremiah Smith (6-4) add some size on the glass.

Top Contenders: Chelsea (15-6), Onsted (17-5), Flat Rock (19-3), Adrian (19-3), University Prep (13-8), Lansing Sexton (17-4)

Chelsea played a tough schedule and had five early losses but have flexed their dominance since the turn of the calendar. Onsted is led by Mr. Basketball candidate Ayden Davis (6-10), who has signed with Wright State. Flat Rock and Adrian both have one elite scorer apiece, while Lansing Sexton has a compilation of talented sophomore guards.

Quadrant 4

Final 4 Prediction: Ferndale (13-8)

True fact: Ferndale played all 21 games against Division 1 opponents. That’s right. Not one game against D2 or lower competition. In other words, they are battle tested. Also, their record doesn’t really mean much. The Eagles lost their entire starting lineup from last year’s state title, however, they quickly replenished with three impact freshmen. Ferndale is led by the senior trio of Trenton Ruth (6-3), Kaden Hutson (6-3) and Markiese Young (6-3) and freshmen phenom Eden Vinyard (6-6). A variety of length and skill of the bench makes this team difficult to handle.

Top Contenders: Warren Lincoln (17-4), Detroit Edison (13-8), Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (16-5), Imlay City (17-5), Goodrich (17-5)

Warren Lincoln and Ferndale will likely face off for a district title. The winner of that game will be heavily favored to reach the Breslin Center. WL is led by Moses Blackwell (5-7) and Marcus Blackwell (6-2), although they have been a bit inconsistent this season. Edison has an explosive starting lineup but not much depth. Notre Dame Prep could quietly be a final four contender with an intriguing group of guards. Imlay City and Goodrich have unrivaled size, but might still be a year away from a serious run.