Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

In spirit of the Copa America and Euros wrapping up, here’s a preview of potential “groups of death” for the upcoming boys basketball season.

For those unfamiliar with large soccer tournaments, countries are separated into a group stage. The toughest group is called the “group of death” by pundits.

Michigan boys high school basketball almost always has its own “group of death” with cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit unable to completely separate their best teams (on a different note: seed the whole tournament!).

Here are some of the toughest districts in Division 1: (not all difficult districts will be mentioned; only the toughest.)

District 4

Contenders:

Muskegon – They have reached the state finals and quarterfinals each of the last two seasons. Junior James Martin (6-3) will now be counted on to lead the team, offensively. He has a growing stack of D1 college offers. Elija Langston (6-7) has a D1 offer and a couple D2 offers as a swingman with great defense and versatility. Keashawn Johnson (6-5) looked comfortable and dangerous against top-tier competition this summer. Recent transfer Darryl Thompkins Jr. (5-9) will provide Muskegon with both the point guard and senior leadership the Big Reds needed.

Mona Shores – The senior trio of Jordan Bledsoe (6-0), Jonathan Pittman (6-4) and Landyn Smith (6-6) possess a mix of speed, power and length. Mona would be a threat even if this trio was all they had, but luckily for them, the junior class is just as potent. Milo Barangan (6-6) could be this year’s breakout star. Luke Forrest (6-2), Ryan Opsommer (6-2) and Cameron Smith (5-5) are also ranked by most scouting sites.

Rockford – It’s been a while since the Rams have reached the Breslin Center, but this squad might be their best one yet. Incredibly deep and versatile, Rockford has potential stars at every position. Junior Jake Bascom (6-5) is a double-double lock most nights. He has a vast array of post moves and a soft touch around the basket. Senior Lucas Pitsch (6-7) has enjoyed a breakout summer. He’s a long, athletic wing with a dangerous 3-point shot. He can score at every level. Starting guards Michael DeKuiper (6-0) and Dylan Gross (5-9) are next-level athletes who rarely turn the ball over and can knock down outside shots. Watch out for freshman Eli Wolfe (6-0).

Sleeper:

Greenville – Probably not deep enough to survive the aforementioned teams, but the junior duo of Michael Lindquist (5-10) and Braden Latimer (6-3) has a lot of potential.

Prediction: Rockford

District 8

Contenders:

Byron Center – Bowling Green commit Camden Karel (6-9) will control the paint as one of the tallest and most skilled players in the state. Guard trio Isaac Lee (6-1), Cassius Bont (6-3) and Keane Hinkle (5-11) are all versatile with dangerous 3-point shots. Lee, a top football recruit, is the strongest of the group. Transfer Jaden Bowman (6-6) shows nice touch around the rim. He’s also a solid rebounder and shot blocker who could see more looks at his new school.

East Kentwood – The Falcons have been hailed as having the “best 2027 class in the state”. We will see, but right now it’s all about senior guard Jah Hatchett (5-11). If you regularly read my stories, you know I think Hatchett is severely underrated. He’s the fiercest competitor I’ve seen in the state, and he has few, if any, weaknesses. Landon Storms (6-3) and Randy Chapman (6-2) are athletic wings who can shoot and drive. Sophomores Samuel Makuag (6-4), Andrew Kenyi (6-6) and Majok Ajuong (6-5) will split post duties.

Wyoming – Check out Wyoming if you like guard play. Tarren Calvert (6-0), Avonte Wiggins (5-11), Jack Hogan (6-2), Warren Williams (6-1) and Brayden Williams (5-11) will all either start or play significant minutes. A quintet of fast, aggressive guards will almost always be on the court. Zy Deboose (6-4) will offer a post presence, but the Wolves’ quickness will be their strength. Calvert and Wiggins could be college players. Hogan is a great shooter.

Prediction: Byron Center

District 11

Contenders:

East Lansing – The Trojans have been stuck at the quarterfinals over the past decade, but this team is primed for a Final Four appearance. Senior wing Cameron Hutson (6-5), son of a former MSU star, is a top-3 shooter in the state and electric around the rim. He keeps piling up D1 college offers. KJ Torbert (6-2), also the son of a former MSU star, might have the most complete game in the state for his junior class. JC Branson (6-4) was unstoppable at Grand Valley this summer. He’s known to throw down some rim-damaging dunks in transition. Sophomore Kingston Thomas (6-3) picked up a D1 offer this month, adding to East Lansing’s vast riches.

Lansing Waverly – The darlings of the BCAM camp after knocking off some state champ favorites. Waverly has an enticing blend of quickness, power and athleticism. Senior De’Shawnta Malone (5-10) leads the way with stifling defense and leadership. He can get to the basket in a hurry and his outside shot is improving. Cayden Ali (5-11) and Louis McCloud (5-8) help Malone create turnovers. They can also both knock down 3-pointers in bunches. Derek Thomas (6-3) is the heartbeat of the team as an under-sized post. He has great positioning and seemingly never misses. Xavier Pendergrass (6-6) has breakout written all over of him. Classic stretch-4 with punishing power at the rim.

Sleeper:

Grand Ledge – This team confuses me. They have a lot of talent but seem to get blown out quite a bit. Braden James (6-9) and Izaiah O’Dell (6-6) are virtual locks to play at the next level. Carson Daly (6-2) and Hayota Yoshida (6-1) have upside in the backcourt. This team could gel and go on a winning run at any time.

Prediction: East Lansing

District 15

Contenders:

Ann Arbor Huron – Don’t discount this team just because some seniors graduated from last year’s semifinal squad. Iowa State commit Macari Moore (6-3) is back for his senior season and could flirt with 30 points per game. He would likely be Mr. Basketball in a non-Trey McKenney year. Jayden Keefer (6-4) is better than anyone else who started for the River Rats last season. He’s a confident shooter from 3-point- and mid-range. Kaleb Brown (6-4) is another athletic wing who can guard any position on defense. Yaseen Issa (6-1) is a skilled guard who will add versatility on both ends of the court. Junior KG Morning (6-0) will learn under Moore and then be the face of the team in 2025-26. He’s a multi-skilled guard who could easily score 20 points a game given the necessary looks.

Ann Arbor Skyline – An all-senior starting lineup filled with late bloomers and college hopefuls will be a squad no one wants to face in the tournament. Noah Silkworth (6-5) is the heart of the team. He’s an offensive workhorse and great area rebounder. Braylon Brown (6-5) and Alex Brabec (6-3) provide further size and strength with offensive upside. Guards Ben Solomon (5-11) and Jake Rademacher (6-0) are solid shooters and leaders. Skyline has never reached the Final Four, but this team is a sneaky threat to end that trend.

Sleeper:

Saline: They were very close to being state finals favorites, but four-star junior guard Jon Sanderson (6-3) will likely be gone after his dad was hired by Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Transfer center Gan-erdene Solongo (7-0), who has multiple Big Ten offers, was also set to take the court for the Hornets this season, but that no longer will happen, either. Instead, Saline will likely start one senior and four juniors, all of whom might continue their athletics at the next level…just not in basketball. Lincoln Keyes (6-6) and Tommy Carr (6-2) will likely vie for lead scorer. LaDanion Woods (6-0) and Isaiah Harris (6-2) are physical athletes who are tough to stop on the move. Chris Cotuna (6-5) could step into the starting lineup and add another physical presence in the paint.

Prediction: AA Huron

District 20

Contenders:

Cass Tech – An ever-present tournament threat over the last five years, the Technicians should again contend for a long run. Sophomore Stevie Hall (6-1) is one of the best players in the state. He’s a knockdown 3-point shooter and confident at the basket. Sneaky quick, smooth athlete who already has D1 offers. Corey Sadler (5-11) is a top-20 nationally-ranked junior football recruit, but he has some serious game on the court as well. Jacob Figaro (6-3) looked like a breakout candidate this summer as a long guard and great defender. Aaron Graves (6-5), Lee Harris (6-5) and Connor Rolack (6-3) will provide length and muscle in the post.

Detroit Martin Luther King – King might have several next-level players on this young squad, but they didn’t seem to yet gel this summer when I saw them. The pieces are there, led by electric guard Derrick Kilgore (6-1) and sophomore center Tyler Hunter (6-8), both of whom have D1 ambitions. Mareon Knott (6-4) is a solid presence who can drive to the basket and lock down the other team’s post threat. Steven Jones (6-2) and Drew Floyd (5-8) can run the offense or play on the wing, giving this team a lot of depth and versatility. Might be a year away as all five players are juniors or younger.

Grosse Pointe South – Senior Tory James Jr. (6-1) has the sweetest shooting stroke in the state. It’s effortless and efficient. James is also physically strong and able to finish at the basket. I see more D1 offers in his future. Kooper Richards (5-11) is an intriguing sophomore who can also knock down 3-pointers and run the point. Vince Vachon (5-10) rounds out this team’s trio of great deep-range shooters. Jaiden Spratt (6-10) is a little raw, but he will almost always be the tallest player on the court.

Sleeper:

Grosse Pointe North – As long as Leo Perettie (5-11) is in uniform, this team has a chance to cause some tournament chaos.

Prediction: Cass Tech

District 23

Contenders:

Detroit Renaissance – The parts are greater than the whole here, as Renaissance might have the best backcourt in the state, but the Phoenix really struggle on defense. Lance Stone (5-7) has been one of the best and most entertaining players in the state since his freshman season. He could be a D1 college star. Jordan Sigmon (6-1) will also likely suit up on a D1 court in the future. He has the speed, strength and shooting to take over games. Malachi Jackson (6-2) is an underrated shooter who can get hot in a hurry. The frontcourt is young and raw, but sophomores Laviance Gales (6-6) and Alfonzo Harris (6-4) have significant upside.

U.D. Jesuit – The Cubs are known for cultivating great point guards. Senior Leroy Blyden Jr. (6-1) will likely be a Mr. Basketball candidate and he already has a slew of D1 college offers. He’s a wiry, athletic lead guard who can put up 30 points or dish out 15 assists. He can basically do it all. Xavier Johnson (6-4) is a freakish athlete who can rise over defenders and finish at the hoop in a variety of ways. Likely a consistent outside shot away from becoming a major recruit. David Herron III (6-3) rose to the occasion last season when injuries plagued the team. He’s a strong guard who is difficult to maintain when he gets into the paint. Jaden Garwood (6-6) is ready to make himself a household name throughout the state. Has the potential to be an incredible scorer. Sebastian Randolph (6-7) is a load in the paint with a soft touch and agile feet.

Sleepers:

Warren Fitzgerald – Seniors Cyrus Mpeba (6-3) and Lydell Sewell (6-0) will handle the backcourt, while junior Keandre Burtin (6-8) and sophomore Quenten Graham (6-6) provide tons of upside in the paint.

Hamtramck – One of the best-coached teams in the state, and they seem to play up to their competition. Often play a controlled chaos style that makes other teams uncomfortable.

Prediction: U.D. Jesuit

District 27

Contenders:

Clarkston – In the wake of losing legendary coach Dan Fife, Clarkston is a sneaky Breslin Center pick. John Kaul (6-2) has enjoyed a tremendous summer as a lead scorer finding his stride. Cole Charter (6-4) is a long, athletic guard who can be a menace in the mid-range area. Hayden Flavin (6-8) is a developing force. Incredibly athletic, Flavin has D1 upside with his current trajectory. Quinn Rosenberg (6-5) is a good shooter who can play and guard multiple positions. Sophomore transfer Ace Walters (6-0) has big time game already.

Waterford Mott – One of the deepest teams in the state. They don’t really have a high-profile basketball recruit, but almost everyone on the roster will play some sport at some level. Jacoby Menyweathers (5-9) is a great lead guard who doesn’t back down from any challenge. The wing quartet of Geno Seets (6-4), Israel Anthony (6-4), Greg White (6-3) and Gavin Ort (6-4) are all plus athletes and threats from 3-point range. Top football recruit Max Jansenvanvuren (6-6) will man the paint with power and tenacity.

Auburn Hills Avondale – One of the most impressive teams at the BCAM camp, routinely beating teams with more clout. The roster is similar to the one that saw them win a state title in 2002 – no real star but great team chemistry and no real weaknesses. I’m very high on Clarkston, but Avondale could also be a sneaky team if they can advance out of this brutal district.

Sleeper:

Lake Orion – Zachary Parks (6-5) displayed rapid improvement this summer and is rising faster than any player in the state. Ryan Rocheleau (6-4) is another great athlete.

Prediction: Clarkston