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 3:

Quadrant 1

Final 4 Prediction: Iron Mountain (21-1)

Iron Mountain seems to always have some tall, athletic college prospect on its roster. This year it’s junior Oskar Kangas (6-6), who is versatile on offense and dominant on defense at this level. Gerald Sampoll Torres (5-10) is a great small-school lead guard. He can handle the ball, create for others and knock down some shots. Senior Reece Kangas (6-1) is a solid shooter and defender. Kaden Sheldon (6-3) gives them another athletic forward who can score and defend. Iron Mountain lost to Menominee, who is in their district, but overall, they have been the most consistent team in the U.P.

Top Contenders: McBain (19-2), Benzie Central (18-4), Harbor Springs (15-7), Menominee (16-6), Sanford Meridian (18-4), Painsdale Jeffers (21-1), Charlevoix (17-5), Traverse City St. Francis (9-12)

McBain, when fully healthy, starts Evan Haverkamp (6-9), Ben Rodenbaugh (6-6) and Darrious Pena (6-5), with freshman Clayton Heuker (6-5) coming off the bench. Few teams can match that size at this level. But the Ramblers play very slow at times. Benzie and Painsdale are sleepers with great records. Charlevoix and Harbor Springs have young, undersized scorers who can really play. I just can’t count out St. Francis. Max Ogden (6-2) is a terrific player and they made it to the Breslin Center last year.

Quadrant 2

Final 4 Prediction: Niles-Brandywine (19-3)

Brandywine might be even better this year than last season’s final-four squad. Twins Jaimer and Jeremiah Palmer (6-1) can score, defend and lead the team. Sophomore point guard Nylen Goins (5-11) is one of the most underrated players in the state. Grant Mason (6-2) is a shooter and slasher who doesn’t get enough credit for his impact. The addition of Jaytee Smith (6-7) to this lineup gives Brandywine height and length. Smith is a knock-down shooter and active shot blocker. He scored 10 points in the second half in Brandywine’s come-back victory over Benton Harbor.

Top Contenders: Pewamo-Westphalia (20-2), Schoolcraft (19-3), North Muskegon (22-0), Watervliet (17-5), Covenant Christian (14-8)

This is a talented group of teams filled with next-level stars. Schoolcraft is just two years removed from a state title. Shane Rykse (6-3) has signed with Spring Arbor, while Tucker Walther (6-4) has a next level shot from beyond the arc. Watervliet is led by super sophomore Jacob Pleyer (6-3) and underrated senior Kaden Bierhalter (6-3). Pewamo has sophomore Grady Eklund (6-4) who is already scoring at a rapid clip. A dd an undefeated North Muskegon and this should be a fun quadrant to watch.

Quadrant 3

Final 4 Prediction: Riverview Gabriel Richard (18-3)

A star-studded, junior-laden roster that could win two state championships before its all said and done. But Gabriel Richard will have a tough task getting out of this quadrant, however, they will avoid most of the teams listed below. Gabriel Richard is on the other side of the bracket from every team listed below, so they will only have to beat one of them in the quarterfinal. Luke Westerdale (6-1) leads Gabriel Richard with his prolific scoring and leadership. Nick Sobush (5-11), Charles Cage (6-8) and Drew Everingham (6-4) are all potential next-level players who provide this team with size and skill.

Top Contenders: Laingsburg (22-0), Chesaning (22-0), Jackson Lumen Christi (18-4), Stockbridge (16-6), Concord (17-5), Michigan Center (19-3), Napoleon (19-3), Jonesville (16-6),

This side of the bracket is going to be interesting: two undefeated teams, Lumen Christi who beat Gabriel Richard and hosts the regional, a couple 19-3 teams and a Stockbridge team with a lot of talent and some quality wins. Whomever makes it out of this side of the bracket will certainly deserve it.

Quadrant 4

Final 4 Prediction: Old Redford (15-7)

Early-season injuries led to some lop-sided losses, but this team has been clicking with seven straight wins, including a conference title win over D2 contender Romulus Summit Academy. Sophomore wing Jaquon Stennis (6-8) already has an offer from Penn State, while fellow sophomore Derrick Kilgore (5-11) has deep shooting range. Junior guard Kaeson Mayes (6-2) has been banged up a bit, but he, too has D1 offers. This trio has the potential to wipe through D3 if healthy and in form.

Top Contenders: Flint Beecher (5-16), New Haven (12-10), Cass City (21-1), Harbor Beach (19-3), Clintondale (18-4), Flint New Standard (15-6), Rochester Lutheran Northwest (18-4)

Flint Beecher was forced to forfeit multiple games due to playing an ineligible player, so they are much better than their record. New Haven played mostly D1 teams, so they are also more talented than their record indicates. Cass City and Harbor Beach are in the same district. The winner could be a wild card poised for an upset or two.