MP 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 2 teams most likely to make it to the Breslin Center next year:

Quadrant 1

Final Four Prediction:

Kingsford – The Flivvers have one of the most unique names in the state, and it would certainly be unique to see a U.P. team in the final four for Division 2. It hasn’t happened since Menominee upset Brad Redford’s Frankenmuth squad nearly 20 years ago. Kingsford will be led by bulk scorer Gavin Grondin (6-1) who captivates with his shooting prowess. Morgan Sleik (6-5) will take on more of a scoring role. He’s already a great defender. Jett Buckley (5-11) is an intriguing sophomore who could be the team’s second scorer. Owen Olkkonen (6-4) provides size and shooting.

Top Contenders:

Freeland – Wilson Huckeby (6-4) is one of the top pure shooters in the state. Tristian Comer (6-6) already has a number of football and basketball offers.

Boyne City – The Ramblers are always a threat for a deep run. This season’s squad will be led by junior Drew Neer (5-11) and senior forward Jaden Alger (6-6).

Bay City John Glenn – Few teams in this quadrant will be able to handle Sean Wesolek (6-6), a force outside and in the paint. If his supporting cast can come together at the right time, this squad could be headed to East Lansing.

Quadrant 2

Final Four Prediction:

South Christian – The Sailors finished state runner-up in 2023 and still have tons of talented players from that squad. Carson Vis (6-3) will lead the way. He is a crafty scorer who already has D1 college offers. Davis Kemper (6-7) might be the team’s best 3-point shooter. Caleb Pleume (6-4) is another tall shooter and great defender. Charlie DeHaan (6-2) might be the team’s x-factor. He could really blossom as one of the team’s top-three scorers. Isaac Schrotenboer (6-6) could also develop into a key piece.

Top Contenders:

Hudsonville Unity Christian – Always a tough out, Unity should feature a balanced starting lineup. Although this season’s squad might be void of a big name, or true go-to scorer, it should have enough firepower to contend. The starting lineup will likely be: Max Vankoevering (6-2), Jack Kamminga (6-3), Kyler Berghuis (6-2), Brogan Sherd (6-0) and Owen Vanderwaal (6-7).

Berrien Springs – The Shamrocks have quietly put together a potent squad with size and skill. J.J. Frakes (6-4) could emerge as one of the state’s best players. He’s arguably the state’s most explosive dunker. Brady Blasco (6-3) will run the show, while Alex Odell (6-7) provides a scoring presence in the paint.

Paw Paw – Yes, this small town near Kalamazoo has a reputation for producing NFL players. But they are also cultivating a pretty impressive basketball program. Juniors Truman Brennen (5-10), Eli Sonnenberg (6-1) and Aydn Roth (6-3) will be all-state candidates. Sophomore Kaelin Tate (5-11) has star potential. The post will be locked down by Darrin Strey (6-7).

Whitehall – Senior Camden Thompson Fall (6-6) might be the best dual-sport athlete in the state. He has basketball and football offers from D2 and D1 schools. He’s a threat for 20 points and 20 rebounds every game. Kal Koehler (6-5) is another athletic forward who provides a matchup problem.

Grand Rapids Christian – The defending state runners-up lost its entire starting lineup to graduation. A batch of new future stars were waiting in the wing for their chance to shine. Tyler Davis (5-11) will run the show. Carl Thompson (6-3) has some D1 interest as a lethal shooter. Declan Winstanley (6-5), Ador Mawut (6-6) and Connor Johnson (6-7) will man the paint.

Quadrant 3

Final Four Prediction:

Romulus Summit – Senior shooter Dominic Krzesowiak (6-5) has been picking up D2 offers. He expanded his offensive game last year and still has D1 upside. Amir Perryman (5-10) is a quick guard who could become a bigger scoring threat this season. Andrew Ashwood (6-1) rounds out the backcourt. Junior Chance Houser (6-3) and sophomore Jeremiah Smith (6-4) look poised to play a big role in the frontcourt. Though undersized, they are both tough matchups due to their versatility.

Top Contenders:

Adrian – Very similar roster dynamic to Detroit Renaissance where Adrian could start five guards. Division 1 prospect Stevie Elam (6-2) will compete for top scorer in the state. He can fill it up from anywhere with a powerful frame and great outside shot. Calvin Polley (5-10), Carson DeKeyser (6-0), Tristian Hayes (5-10) and Jaxson Francis (5-11) could all start. Expect a lot of high-scoring games from Adrian.

Lansing Sexton – This will be Sexton’s best squad since the Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes days. Junior guard Keyshawn Summerville (5-11) has started to pile up D1 offers as he displays his silky-smooth offensive game. Markese Murray (5-10) is another elite junior guard who can take over games. Hurley Young (6-4) adds athleticism and height.

Goodrich – After two straight quarterfinal losses in quadrant 4, Goodrich moves into quadrant 3 with hopes of reaching the Breslin Center. Brother duo Parker LePla (6-8) and Jenson LePla (6-5) will both play high-level college ball. Parker is a bruiser in the paint, while Jenson is more of a shooter/slasher prospect. Look out for sophomore Drew Aagesen (6-5) who could also develop into a college recruit. The Martians’ height could be a huge advantage with the other top teams in quadrant 3 featuring smaller lineups.

Flint Powers – They might have been a lock to reach the Breslin for a second straight year had they remained in quadrant 1, but this skilled roster will likely still make noise. Javontae Ross (5-11) has a master on the offense as a scoring lead guard who can also set up his teammates. Twins Jesse James Cull (6-5) and Dempsey Ray Cull (6-6) are rugged inside-out prospects with developing offensive games.

Quadrant 4

Final Four Prediction:

Detroit University Prep – Despite losing D1 center Xander Wedlow, this UPrep squad could be even more dynamic. Yae Smith-Poe (6-0) is a crafty point guard who has a great feel for the game. He has D2 offers. Darnel Murphy Jr. (6-1) was a top sophomore in the state last year but missed the season with an injury. Maurice Jackson (6-4) moved up from JV midway through the season and had some prolific scoring efforts. Ryan Neal (6-3) and Chris Byrd (6-4) are two more athletic forwards with scoring chops. Whichever team makes it out of this quadrant will thoroughly deserve it.

Top Contenders:

Warren Lincoln – Brothers Markus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7) are D1 college locks. Moses is a terrific 3-point shooter, while Markus has the well-rounded game of a future star at the next level. Da’Marion Bozeman (6-5) and Christopher Morgan (6-7) are great shooters and slashers. Fresh off a state title, the Abes could be right back at the Breslin.

Imlay City – Led by forward Zander Nash (6-7), who often plays more like a guard despite his height, Imlay City quietly has an overall solid starting five. Boston Vock (6-0) and Isaac Sommer (6-1) will likely make up the backcourt. Both are ranked by most scouting services. Matthew Evans (6-3) and Landon Jones (6-3) add length and versatility.

St. Clair – Rising star Braylon Frantz (6-1) showcased his scoring prowess last season as just a sophomore. He could be a 20-plus point scorer on a regular basis. Evan Trudeau (6-2) is another junior with college-level skills. He should be able to be the consistent second scorer this season. Drew McCartney (6-5) will likely man the post.

Old Redford – Last year’s D3 runners-up gets the bump up to D2. Pretty much every key player is back for them, including four-star guard/forward Jaquon Stennis (6-8). Stennis runs the point and has only touched the surface of his immense potential. Kaeson Mayes (6-2) also has a D1 offer, while Jaylin Muldrow (6-2) and Arkell Boyd (6-3) proved they can hit shots in key moments.