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 4 Breslin group is poised to excite all fans in attendance. There’s a great mix of teams from all over the state: some familiar names and others trying ignite their program.

Here is a look at the quarterfinal matchups for Division 4:

Crystal Falls Forest Park vs. St. Ignace

Depth and a well-rounded rotation have helped them reach the quarterfinals in the tough U.P. quadrant. Junior Kevin Guiliani (6-5) is a physical force that will be tough for St. Ignace’s undersized lineup to handle. Freshmen Vic Guiliani (6-1) and Izaiah Tarter (5-11) are capable scorers who play beyond their years. Point guard Gavin Rintula (5-11) helps set the tempo and rarely turns the ball over.

Hitting 3-pointers is the name of the game for St. Ignace, who made it to the quarterfinals last season in D3. Down a division this season, St. Ignace is led by prolific scoring Johnny Ingalls (6-0) who has continued his family’s legacy with stellar all-around play. Ethan McLean (6-3) and Shawn Kingsbury (5-9) are also 3-point-shooting threats, while Trevor Visnaw (5-8) runs the point.

Prediction: St. Ignace 68, CF Forest Park 63

Wyoming Tri-Unity vs. St. Joe Our Lady of the Lakes

Why does it always seem like Tri-Unity’s players have been on the team for eight years? Probably because they make the Breslin all four years they play. The Defenders are heavy favorites to make the state capital trip once again. Led by sharp-shooting wings Jordan VanKlompenberg (6-1) and Owen Rosendall (5-11), Tri-Unity can light up scoreboards. Akais Giplaye (6-2) plays much bigger than his height, and Trey Rillema (6-5) provides athleticism and versatility.

St. Joe OLOTL has gone through a name change since it last reached the Breslin Center in the early 2000s. This team has been scrappy and determined throughout a quietly impressive tournament run. They have a chance to change the entire course of the tournament with an upset Tuesday night.

Prediction: Tri-Unity 55, St. Joe OLOTL 39

Maple City Glen Lake vs. Mount Plesant Sacred Heart

Glen Lake moved down from D3 and has arguably the best player remaining in the D4 tournament. Sophomore Jacob Plamondon (6-6) is a dominant force in the paint with a bevy of post moves, but he can also knock down 3-pointers. He has some D1 college interest and might just be good enough to lead this team to a state title. This isn’t a one-man show, though, as junior combo guard Benji Allen (6-3) is a crafty scorer and floor general. Dylan Cundiff (6-4) has a nice mid-range shot and adds another tall, athletic presence.

Sacred Heart has a young, quick, guard-heavy lineup. Junior point guard Grady Pieratt and sophomore Noah Zeien are volume scorers who also force a lot of turnovers. Junior guard Grady Cherry (5-11) and senior Luke Taylor (5-10) are also key offensive and defensive threats. This team has a hive mentality on defense, which can be tough for teams unfamiliar with that style of play.

Prediction: MP Sacred Heart 53, MC Glen Lake 52

Inter-City Baptist vs. Kingston

Inter-City has a three-headed scoring monster that has been lethal in the tournament. Sophomore shooter Ethan Esse (6-2) is an explosive talent at the D4 level who can change the game with his great 3-point shooting. Sophomore Carlos Jackson (6-3) and senior Andrew Frank (6-4) are also consistent double-digit scorers who work well together in the post.

Kingston is a relative unknown in this quarterfinal battle. Their road hasn’t been as tough, but they clearly deserve a shot to play at the Breslin. Kingston will have to be up to the task of defending the paint and the perimeter, which is tough for any team at any level.

Prediction: Inter-City Baptist 65, Kingston 53