Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The Michigan High School Athletic Association revealed the 2024-25 boys basketball district pairings Monday, with plenty of movement from last year’s tournament.

Christmas comes early when districts are released, usually during team camp season, and we can start longing for scraping ice off the windshield after leaving yet another exciting basketball game.

Although it’s way too early, here’s a look at the Division 1 teams most likely to make it to the Breslin Center next year:

Quadrant 1

Final Four Prediction:

Muskegon – The Big Reds finished state runner-up in 2023, and then lost in the quarterfinal in 2024. Head coach Keith Guy replaces talent better than any other public-school coach, and this season’s squad will be no different. James Martin (6-3) is a rising junior with a penchant for incredible, stadium- rocking dunks. His overall game vastly improved last season. He could end up a D1 college point guard. Senior wing Keashawn Johnson (6-5) is a great shooter who can also get to the basket and post up. He might be one of the state’s top breakout candidates. Center Elija Langston (6-8) has an offer from Central Michigan, but he hasn’t earned much playing time for Muskegon. He should get significant playing time this year to showcase his skills.

Top Contenders:

East Kentwood – The backcourt duo of Jah Hatchett (5-11) and C.J. Edwards (6-1) will be one of the best in the state.

Byron Center – They have had talented teams the last couple years but have underachieved in the tournament. Senior D1 prospect Camden Karel (6-9) will lead the way, with three electric guards: senior Isaac Lee (6-1), junior Cassius Bont (6-3) and senior Keane Hinkle (5-11) ready to give the Bulldogs one last chance.

Grand Rapids Northview – Senior shooter Brady Swartz (6-6) and junior Cameron Ryans (6-4) are two of the state’s top players. Recent transfer Jaylen Perry (6-6) is one of the state’s top-ranked sophomores.

Rockford – Junior forward Jake Bascom (6-5) has emerged has a must-have D2 college prospect. Lucas Pitsch (6-7) is a solid shooter; Dylan Gross (5-9) adds versatility, and Michael DeKuiper (6-0) is a steadying presence.

Muskegon Mona Shores – Seniors Jordan Bledsoe (6-0) and Jonathan Pittman (6-4) are as underrated as they come. Junior trio Milo Barangan (6-4), Luke Forrest (6-2) and Ryan Opsommer (6-2) have long been heralded and should be ready to compete against the best teams.

Quadrant 2

Final Four Prediction:

East Lansing – They’ve reached the quarterfinals each of the last two years only to lose just before the Breslin Center. Not this time. East Lansing gets over the hump, led by D1 prospect Cameron Hutson (6-5), who rarely misses from beyond the arc. The Trojans have another D1 prospect in junior guard K.J. Torbert (6-3), who can get to rim and is especially dangerous in transition. Jace Branson (6-4) is highly athletic with a well-rounded game. Sophomore Kingston Thomas (6-4) has D1 upside. Point guard was a bit of a problem spot at times last season. Seniors B.J. Windham (6-1) and Cameron Essell (5-11) will look to add more consistency.

Top Contenders:

Ann Arbor Huron – Iowa State commit Macari Moore (6-3) led his team to the Breslin last season, and he has the skill and pieces around him to return.

Detroit Catholic Central – Asher Suardini (5-10) and Devin Lee (6-3) will lead the backcourt, while Ominisi Sadiq (6-4) and Jack Janda (6-6) provide the muscle in the paint.

Belleville – Potentially one of the most exciting lineups in the state, but can they put it all together? Senior forward Braylon Mannon (6-8) might lead the state in dunks. Chinasa Agbaeze (6-4) and Brighton Birangui-Booto (6-5) have breakout potential.

Quadrant 3

Final Four Prediction:

U of D Jesuit – Potentially the best starting lineup in the state (although defending champs Orchard Lake St. Mary’s would disagree). Leroy Blyden Jr. (6-1) is the next Cubs point guard to receive multiple D1 offers. Xavier Johnson (6-4) is an ultra-athletic wing who could gain recruiting momentum. David Herron III (6-3) proved he could become a true third scorer last season, while Jaden Garwood (6-5) and Sebastian Randolph (6-7) are formidable in the post.

Top Contenders:

Brother Rice – Sharp-shooter Elijah Williams (6-6), son of Pistons head coach Monty Williams, will lead a team that reached the quarterfinal last season. Trevor Smith (6-8) has an offer from Central Michigan, but he still needs to improve offensively. David Williams (6-1) is a strong, versatile guard who had multiple games with 10-plus assists last season. Brother Rice has reportedly also added transfers Sebastian Thrower (6-1) from New Orleans, who has D1 offers, and Greg Grays Jr. (6-3) from Farmington.

Wayne Memorial – After almost defeating Ann Arbor Huron in the regional final last season, Wayne moves into quadrant 3, which, on paper, seems a little unfair. Junior backcourt duo Jaylon Allen (6-1) and Carlos Medlock Jr. (5-10) both have multiple D1 offers. Allen is a pure shooter from 3-point and mid-range. Medlock is powerfully built and almost impossible to stop when he gets a head of steam. Cayden Shock (6-4) and Moussa Sidime (6-5) will be important frontcourt pieces.

Detroit Renaissance – Those who have not yet seen senior point guard Lance Stone (5-7) play basketball need to change that in a hurry. He’s electric with the ball, will shoot from anywhere beyond halfcourt and is quicker than anyone else in the state. He has multiple D1 offers, including one from Vanderbilt. Jordan Sigmon (6-1) is another high D1 recruit with a silky-smooth game. Lack of size has been a problem for this team.

Birmingham Groves – Injuries plagued them last year, but their top three players return. Guards Landon McKinney (6-2) and Joshua Gibson (6-2) are great shooters with the ability to take over games. John Simpson (6-5) plays power forward in high school but will be on the wing in college.

Detroit MLK – They might be a year away, but this team has some exciting pieces. Transfer Derrick Kilgore (6-1) is an explosive guard with a nice outside shot. Drew Floyd (5-10) and Steven Jones (6-2) round out the backcourt. All three juniors have college upside. The paint will be occupied by junior Mareon Knott (6-4), with potential Big Ten prospect sophomore Tyler Hunter (6-8) waiting in the wings.

Quadrant 4

Final Four Prediction:

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – Trey McKenney (6-5), a five-star prospect and one of the best players in Michigan’s history, looks to help the Eaglets repeat as Division 1 state champs. He’s a lock to win Mr. Basketball. Sharod Barnes (6-2), Isaiah Hines (5-11) and Jayden Savoury (6-6) also have D1 offers, although Savoury might choose football. Five-star Peyton Kemp (6-1) missed his freshman season with a knee injury, but he became a YouTube sensation at a young age for his near unrivaled skills. He could start or be the team’s top option off the bench.

Top Contenders:

Warren De La Salle – A full season of Phoenix Glassnor (6-0) could help this team be special. Fellow backcourt mates Armoni Portis (6-2) and Braedon Holder (5-9) also have college offers. Julius Wilson (6-2) is a top-ranked junior who provides a glimpse for the future. Spencer Scott (6-7) will likely start in the post.

Clarkston – It will be an emotional season following the passing of legendary coach Dan Fife. Clarkston quietly has one of the most intriguing rosters in the state. John Kaul (6-2), Cole Charter (6-4), Quinn Rosenberg (6-5) and Hayden Flavin (6-8) are all versatile players who could become big-time college recruits.

Waterford Mott – Perhaps an even better bet to make a long football run, this young squad could be hard to beat on the court as well. Senior PG Jacoby Menyweathers (5-9) might be the most underrated player in the state. Greg White (6-3) and Geno Seets (6-4) can really shoot it, while Israel Anthony (6-4) and Max Jansenvanvuren (6-6) add athleticism and strength.

Grand Blanc – It looks like this program is here to stay even after losing two great coaches. The Bobcats might start five guards, including sharpshooter Donnie Huddleston (6-2), Tommy Pickens (6-2) and Caseton Sendry (6-0) who should all play college ball.

Port Huron Northern – The junior trio of Alex Jamison (6-2), Cam Harju (6-2) and Amir Morelan (6-1) has the chance to be truly special. Harju sometimes looks like Steph Curry from beyond the arc. Jamison can run the point and score from almost anywhere on the court. Morelan is strong and aggressive heading to the basket. Kaiden Cantrell (6-4) adds length and versatility.