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 4:

Quadrant 1

Final 4 Prediction: St. Ignace (16-6)

After losing their D3 quarterfinal last year, St. Ignace was moved down a division due to enrollment numbers. The change might help St. Ignace take the next step. Led by prolific scorer and shooter, Johnny Ingalls (6-0), this team can fill it up from beyond the arc. Ethan McLean (6-3) and Nick Halberg (6-3) provide some size, but this team’s main goal is to make as many 3-pointers as possible. Shawn Kingsbury (5-9) is a crafty lead guard and Trevor Visnaw (5-8) is another shooter.

Top Contenders: Rudyard (16-6), Norway (17-5), Munising (17-4), Lake Linden-Hubbell (19-3), Crystal Falls Forest Park (18-4), Pickford (16-5)

Rudyard and Norway are dangerous teams with quality wins this month. They both have tough districts, so they should be focused from the start. Lake Linden-Hubbell just beat Forest Park by 11 points. Both are capable of a long run. Pickford and defending D4 state champs Munising have suffered some recent losses yet remain a threat in an area where there are a lot of good teams but no clear front runner.

Quadrant 2

Final 4 Prediction: Wyoming Tri-Unity (17-5)

Tri-Unity plays at the Breslin Center annually. It’s basically just a game on their schedule at this point. It would be semi-shocking if they weren’t there again this March. Shooters Jordan VanKlompenberg (6-1) and Owen Rosendall (5-11) have been varsity contributors for the past four seasons. Junior point guard Keaton Blanker (5-10) has made a step forward as a scorer. Trey Rillema (6-5) and Akais Giplaye (6-2) provide height and muscle in the post. Expertly coached and deep as always, this Tri-Unity team will once again challenge for a state title.

Top Contenders: Fulton (16-6), Hillsdale Academy (18-4), Bellevue (16-4), Battle Creek Academy (16-6), Marcellus Howardsville Christian (17-5), St. Joe Our Lady of the Lakes (15-5)

Fulton is a dangerous squad capable of making a long run with some upsets along the way. Hillsdale Academy has reached the Breslin Center in the last decade, as their program continues to gain consistency. Howardsville and Battle Creek Academy have big-time scorers who could get hot enough for a deep run. Bellevue almost always has a great regular-season record but hasn’t been able to turn that into consistent tournament success.

Quadrant 3

Final 4 Prediction: Saginaw Nouvel (17-5)

Like St. Ignace, Nouvel dropped down from Division 3 this season. Lights-out shooting twins MJ Yeager (5-11) and Donny Yeager (5-11) recently picked up offers from Oakland University. This team lost its first three games but have been strong since. Football star Preston Otter (6-4) provides athleticism and strength, while center Jack Wilson (6-6) has developed his overall game this season. If Nouvel can reach the Breslin, it would add some star power to what could be a very strong Thursday D3-D4 semifinal.

Top Contenders: Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (20-2), Maple City Glen Lake (18-4), Frankfort (15-7), Hillman (20-2), Baldwin (17-4), Bellaire (18-4)

Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart has received accolades all season from opposing coaches, but I keep going back to their 30-point loss to Tri-Unity. Glen Lake might have the best player in D4, s sophomore Jacob Plamondon (6-6) is nearly unstoppable. Hillman has a 2,000-point scorer in Trenton Taratuta (6-4), and Frankfort has started to regain form with Carter Kerby (5-11) and Bryce Plesha (6-6) clicking again after a Breslin trip last year. Bellaire also has two players with next-level potential in Jayden Hanson (6-5) and Drake Koepke (6-1). This quadrant is loaded with team and individual talent.

Quadrant 4

Final 4 Prediction: Taylor Trillium (21-1)

This could be a revenge run for Taylor Trillium, who lost a close game in the quarterfinal last year. Led by dynamic scoring guards Keymarryon Fishburn (6-2) and Sharone Russ (6-2) gives this team the chance to outscore almost anyone. Ameir Carter-Gunter (6-3) provides some muscle, but overall, this team is very deep, quick and athletic.

Top Contenders: Adrian Lenawee Christian (19-3), Petersburg-Summerfield (18-4), Marine City Cardinal Mooney (13-9), Dryden (19-3), Detroit Douglass (17-5), Allen Park Inter-City Baptist (17-4)

Lenawee and Trillium would play in the regional semifinal. The winner has a great chance at the Breslin Center. Lenawee is led by talented duo Brandon Summer (6-2) and sophomore Jaxon Salenbien (6-4). Cardinal Mooney made the final four last year and return their best player Brian Everhart (6-1). Dryden is a sleeper to watch out for if they can escape a tough district.