MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The final week of the 2023-24 Michigan boys high school basketball season is upon us.

Quarterfinals teams are set with a chance to battle for a coveted Breslin Center destination.

This year’s Division 1 Breslin group is shaping up to be the strongest since 2015 when Detroit Western, Arthur Hill, UD Jesuit and Lansing Everett graced the court.

Here is a look at the quarterfinal matchups for Division 1:

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Brother Rice

OLSM beat Brother Rice three times during the regular season. Brother Rice lost by just three the last time they met, so this game should be very competitive. OLSM is led by five-star recruit Trey McKenney (6-5), who is the overwhelming favorite to win Mr. Basketball next year. Fellow juniors Sharrod Barnes (6-2), Jayden Savoury (6-6) and Isaiah Hines (5-11) all have Division 1 college offers as well. This is a deep and talented group.

Brother Rice is potentially the only team in the state to match OLSM’s next-level talent. Five-star sophomore Elijah Williams (6-6) is a versatile scorer and the son of Pistons head coach Monty Williams. Oakland University commit Warren Marshall IV (6-5) is a knockdown shooter and great defender. Senior Luke Salkowski (6-6) and sophomore Trevor Smith (6-8) will also play college ball. The winner of this game will have to make some clutch shots down the stretch.

Prediction: OLSM 52, Brother Rice 47

East Lansing vs. Ann Arbor Huron

The Trojans will get a lift with junior Jace Branson (6-4) back on the court. East Lansing possesses one of the deepest and most dynamic rotations in the state. Junior sharpshooter Cameron Hutson (6-5) looks like a Big Ten talent, which makes sense because his dad played for Michigan State. Speaking of sons of former Spartans, K.J. Torbert (6-3) is an electrifying scorer as just a sophomore. Christian Dunn (6-7) provides some muscle in the post.

Unlike East Lansing, which features a variety of scorers, the River Rats feature one elite scorer in junior Macari Moore (6-3), who is a threat to drop 30 any given game. Huron has a solid group of role players with Justin Latham (6-6) offering versatility, post Mohammad Doubouya (6-4) providing strength and senior shooter Jackson Keefer (6-4) known for making big shots at key moments. This team lacks an established second scorer, but their physicality and versatility are nearly unmatched.

Prediction: East Lansing 55, AA Huron 52

Muskegon vs. Zeeland West

Zeeland West may seem like the Cinderella story of the D1 tournament, but this team is loaded with talent. Indiana State commit Merrit Alderink (6-6), who is one of four Mr. Basketball finalists, is a matchup problem who can shoot from deep, drive and score in the post. He’s also a great rebounder and passer. Shooter Lukas Baker (6-5) is committed to Hope, while point guard Myles Steffon (6-3) is committed to Cornerstone. Orion Yant (6-5) also has D3 offers.

Muskegon finished runner-up last year and might be even more dangerous this season. The Big Reds are led by four-star sophomore James Martin (6-3) who has added a more well-rounded game to go with his monstrous dunks. Senior 3-point specialist Justin Watson (6-7) has been on fire all season as he looks to raise his recruiting stock. Lake Superior State commit Terrance Davis (6-6) is a great rebounder and finisher, while Davenport commit Montrel Oliver (6-4) possesses a versatile offensive skillset. Muskegon beat Zeeland West twice in the regular season, both times by double digits.

Prediction: Muskegon 62, Zeeland West 49

River Rouge vs. North Farmington

River Rouge lost 10 games in a brutal regular-season schedule. That’s over with now, as they are playing inspired basketball having knocked out undefeated Dearborn and defending state champs Cass Tech. Led by D1 recruit Keshawn Fisher (6-6) who plays a little like Draymond Green, combo guard Kendall Bentley (6-2) and quick lead guards James Weaver (5-11) and Memphis McDowell (5-10), this team is tough and dynamic.

The Raiders are led by two seniors who have signed with D1 college schools. Cleveland State commit Tyler Spratt (6-5) and Niagra commit Landon Williams (6-5) are playing determined basketball after being left out of Mr. Basketball consideration. Transfers Dylan Smith (6-8) and Robert Smith (5-11) have given this team a well-rounded lineup that can win low and high scoring games.

Prediction: North Farmington 58, River Rouge 53