MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

It’s no secret a final four trip to the Breslin Center is coveted by every team when the season starts. Thirty-two teams from four divisions still have that chance.

With districts finished, teams had an extended break in between regionals with games on Tuesday and Thursday this year instead of the usual Monday-Wednesday.

With the way the tournament is structured, (no seeding after the district), some of the best games can come as soon as Tuesday.

Here’s a look at elite matchups from each division that could ultimately produce a final four team:

Division 1

Muskegon vs. Saginaw Heritage

This could actually be a state-final deciding game. Muskegon finished runner-up last year and might be even better all-around this season. Super sophomore James Martin (6-3) has added ball-handling and shooting to his explosive dunks and looks like a future college star point guard. Davenport signee Montrel Oliver (6-4), Lake Superior State signee Terrance Davis (6-6), versatile-scoring junior Keashawn Johnson (6-5) and sharp-shooting Justin Watson (6-7) round out one of the best lineups in the state.

Heritage has a versatile lineup led by Mr. Basketball nominee and Toledo signee Tyler Ode (6-5), who is one of the best all-around scorers in the state. Ode is helped by Miami (OH) football commit Braylon Isom (6-3), who could have probably played D2 basketball as well. Point guard Gage Coonan (5-10) runs the show and can also add some scoring. Wings Joss Bradley (6-2) and Jaylin Cooper (6-3) have enjoyed breakout seasons. Heritage can also play big with Noah Arnold (6-7) and Tamarrion Kindle (6-7) coming off the bench.

U. D. Jesuit vs. Warren De La Salle

Two Catholic League schools face off for the third time to break a 1-1 split in the regular season. Both teams are led by future Division 1 guards. Jesuit’s Leroy Blyden Jr. (6-1) has a silky game and is tough when going to the basket. De La Salle is led by Phoenix Glassnor (6-0), who missed the first half of the season with an injury. Jesuit also relies on athletic wing Xavier Johnson (6-4) for scoring. The Pilots have struggled offensively this season, but Armoni Portis (6-2) and Nick Speiser (6-5) have scoring potential.

Ann Arbor Huron vs. Detroit Catholic Central

The River Rats have one of the most effective scorers in the state in junior Macari Moore (6-3). Moore is adept at getting to the basket and can also shoot from deep. He’s a 25, 30 point-game waiting to happen. The problem for Huron is no one has yet stepped up as a consistent second scorer. Justin Lathan (6-6) is a matchup problem but not consistent on offense. This team has a lot of nice pieces but could really use a second scorer.

Catholic Central is led by senior T.J. Nadeau (6-4) who earned a PWO offer from Arkansas. Catholic Central does have a second scorer, and a third. Uchenna Amene (6-2) knows how to get a basket, while Devin Lee (6-3) has emerged as a lethal shooter. Detroit CC has destroyed most of its non-Catholic League opponents this season. No Catholic League teams stand in their way to the Breslin.

Division 2

Saginaw vs. Arthur Hill

The Trojans will try to reach the Breslin Center one last time as its storied program folds after the season. Saginaw finished the season losing four of their last five games, however, the trio of Torrion Stevenson (6-1), Brandon McCune (6-3) and Fransco Lee Jr. (6-4) has the ability for a big run.

The Lumberjacks have had a good season, especially against D2 teams. They also beat Saginaw by 32 points just a couple weeks ago. Senior Lyna Brooks (6-3) is a criminally under-recruited guard who can jump out of the gym. Sophomore Boop Hardy (5-11) is another tremendous athlete who keeps improving as a player. Junior Tyler Dorsey (6-4) is this team’s ex-factor on both ends of the court.

Detroit University Prep vs. Romulus Summit Academy

University Prep has more talent than its regular-season record indicates, but scoring can be a problem for this team. Led by D1-prospect senior center Xander Wedlow (6-9), University Prep has the potential to be elite on defense. Yae Smith-Poe (6-0) is a great floor general who can also shoot, while sophomore Maurice Jackson (6-4) is a rising prospect. Right now, this team has better individual parts than team success. But that could change in a hurry.

Romulus Summit has the potential to score points in bunches, having scored over 70 points 12 times. Led by Saginaw Valley State signee Dontez Scott (6-1) and D1 prospect Dominic Krzesowiak (6-5), this team is versatile and dangerous from multiple levels on offense. Amir Perryman (5-10) is another volume scorer who has really gained confidence this season. Summit’s lack of size could be an issue against UPrep’s massive frontcourt, but they might also run away and hide long before it matters.

Division 3

Laingsburg vs. Chesaning

I just don’t think two 24-0 teams should be playing each other this early in the tournament. They also played respectable schedules. Laingsburg is led by scoring sensation Zander Woodruff (6-2), who even eclipsed 50 in a game this season. Ty Randall (6-2) provides Laingsburg with a solid second scoring option.

Chesaning is led by basketball and football star Mason Struck (6-6), who will be a matchup problem for a smaller Laingsburg team. Chesaning also has a second scorer in Chas Slankard (6-3). This team was kind of disrespected in a lot of polls this season. Chesaning is a tough, physical team that can make life difficult for teams unfamiliar with that style of play.

Old Redford vs. New Haven

Unlike the game above, these two teams suffered plenty of losses during the regular season while consistently playing elite D1 schools. Old Redford has one of the best young rosters in the state, led by four-star sophomore recruit Jaquan Stennis (6-8). Stennis is an over-sized wing who continues to gain more offensive consistency. Fellow next-level talent such as junior guard Kaeson Mayes (6-2) and sophomore Derrick Kilgore (5-11) give the team an inside-outside threat.

New Haven has a plethora of athletic guards, but shar-shooter Zander Smith (6-0) might be the most dangerous. New Haven almost exclusively played D1 teams and remained competitive in most games. Old Redford might have the big names, but don’t be surprised if New Haven is in East Lansing next week.

Pewamo-Westphalia vs. North Muskegon

North Muskegon went undefeated in the regular season, proving themselves as title contenders with a convincing win over a very solid Covenant Christian squad. Sophomore Adam Dugener (6-0) plays beyond his years as a smooth scorer and lock-down defender. This game will be played at Pewamo, but North Muskegon should not be overlooked.

Pewamo fans were likely sad when Jamison Eklund graduated last year, but sophomore Grady Eklund (6-3) has stepped up in his brother’s place and might end up an even more coveted recruit. Eklund is helped by guard Kash Pohl (5-10), who has my vote for the all-name team. Trevor Spitzley (6-4) adds some muscle in the paint.

Division 4

Britton Deerfield vs. Inter-City Baptist

Both these teams pulled off upsets in the district final and now the winner of this game will be the favorite to reach the final four. Inter-City Baptist is led by sweet-shooting sophomore Ethan Esse (6-2), who scored a game-high 16 points against top-ranked Taylor Trillium on Friday.

Deerfield is led by the potent brother combo of Logan Shiels (6-0), a 1,000 point scorer, and Brayden Shiels (6-5). The inside-outside threat might give Deerfield an advantage.

Saginaw Nouvel vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart

Nouvel provides some star power with twins Donny Yeager (5-10) and MJ Yeager (5-10) both receiving offers from Oakland. Preston Otter (6-4) is a star quarterback and solid basketball player, too. The difference maker could be Nouvel center Jack Wilson (6-6), who has really developed his overall game this season.

Sacred Heart is led by a group of young guards who are good at pressing and making 3-pointers. The winner of this game could certainly reach the final four.

Rudyard vs. Munising

The defending D4 state champs will look to make the long trip down to East Lansing again this year. Munising had three sophomore starters on its team last year and they are all back. Carson Kienitz (6-3), Jack Dusseault (6-4) and Trevor Nolan (5-8) provide a balanced offensive attack.

Rudyard has turned it up a notch over the past month with a number of impressive wins after a slow start. Led by Cameron Peterson (5-10), this team might ride the wave all the way to the Breslin.