Mitten Prep 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 2 Breslin group is poised to excite all fans in attendance. There’s a great mix of next-level recruits, great coaches and come-back stories.

Here is a look at the quarterfinal matchups for Division 2:

Kingsford vs. Flint Powers

Kingsford possesses an intriguing blend of size, shooting and leadership. We don’t usually get an Upper Peninsula team in D2 at the Breslin, so this would be a special achievement for them. Kingsford is led by junior guard Gavin Grondin (6-1) who runs the show and puts up points. Fellow junior Morgan Sleik (6-4) provides versatility and upside. Senior Jacob Markworth (6-5) gives them a post presence, while Cardel Morton (6-2) is a great defender.

Flint Powers is back, people. It’s been a while since they have been in this position, but this Powers team could not only reach the Breslin but also contend once there. This squad is led by fast-rising junior point guard Javontae Ross (5-11), who is quick and strong going to the hoop. Transfer twins Dempsey Ray Cull (6-6) and Jesse James Cull (6-6) are stretch-4s who can really knock down 3-pointers. Connor Kelly (6-3) is an underrated glue guy who hits a lot of key shots.

Prediction: Flint Powers 62, Kingsford 49

Warren Lincoln vs. Goodrich

Not only do the Abes have one of the best nicknames in the state, but they also have one of the best rosters. Warren Lincoln is led by brothers Markus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7), who both have D1 college offers. Transfer Da’Marion Bozeman (6-5) is a lights-out 3-point shooter, while Kimari Barden (6-6) provides height and length in the post. The Abes have three other 6-5 players in their rotation.

Goodrich can match Warren Lincoln in size with junior Parker LaPla (6-8) looking more and more like a future D1 college player. His freshman brother Jenson LaPla (6-5) is more of a shooter and slasher who has burst onto the scene. Landon Brown (6-1) provides some backcourt scoring, while Landon Williams (6-4) is a versatile defender. This team reached the quarterfinals last year, as the program continues to ascend.

Prediction: Warren Lincoln 55, Goodrich 48

Grand Rapids Catholic Central vs. Grand Rapids Christian

Two teams less than 10 miles apart compete in a rare cross-town quarterfinal. GRCC is led by 2024 Mr. Basketball winner and Michigan commit Durral Brooks (6-2). Brooks is the strongest guard in the state, exemplified by his consistent 30-point scoring efforts despite not really shooting from outside. Ferris State commit Carter Meerman (6-0) shoots from deep often and seemingly rarely misses. Sophomore Zay Larthridge (6-4) is another knockdown shooter, while Jordan McCoy (6-0) has emerged as a sleeper scoring option.

Although it may not mean much come Tuesday, it’s worth noting GR Christian beat GRCC by 19 in the regular season. This Eagles team might be the second- best team in the state behind only OLSM. Led by senior Toledo commit Jaylan Ouwinga (6-9) who can score down low or step outside and hit 3-pointers, this team has almost unmatched size. Hope commit Carter Goodyke (6-6) is a great finisher around the rim. Nathan Johnson (6-5) is a senior who will likely be a late addition to a D1 college roster with his ability to handle the ball and get to the rim. Malachi Houser II (5-11) is a strong lead guard who has been lately playing his best ball of the season.

Prediction: Grand Rapids Christian 63, GRCC 62

Chelsea vs. University Prep

Chelsea reached the quarterfinals last year and have seemingly been knocking on the Breslin door for years. Senior guards Jake Stephens (6-4) and Joey Cabana (6-2) are scoring machines who can pour in points from all over the court. Stephens has committed to D2 North Georgia, while Cabana is still contemplating a plethora of D1 and D2 offers. Junior Drew Blanton (6-2) runs the show and can also contribute on the scoreboard. Hayden Long (6-5) provides some muscle and defense in the post.

University Prep has battled adversity and a brutal schedule this season to reach this point. Led by senior Xander Wedlow (6-9), arguably the best defender in the state, but still developing offensively, this team has every piece to contend for a state title. Junior transfer point guard Yae Smith-Poe (6-0) has been likened to Chauncey Billips for his smooth style of play. Senior shooter Tyler Lowry (6-1) is a basketball and football recruit, and sophomore Maurice Jackson (6-4) was brought up from JV early and has been a consistent scorer since.

Prediction: Chelsea 58, University Prep 55