MP 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 2: (not all difficult districts will be mentioned; only the toughest.)

District 43

Contenders:

Unity Christian – Potentially a state-title sleeper, Unity has a unique blend of size, shooters and point guards that are normally reserved for college rosters. Frontcourt duo Owen Vanderwaal (6-7) and Jake Chapman (6-7) might see a lot of time together, making the paint unfriendly for opposing foes. Both are also skilled on offense and in transition. Wings Jack Kamminga (6-4), Max VanKoevering (6-2) and Kyler Berghuis (6-2) display a nice blend of elite shooting and physicality. Kamminga and Berghuis excel offensively, while VanKoevering is one of the better defenders in the state. Brogan Sherd (6-0) will run the point; he will have plenty of options to choose from as he looks to set up the offense.

GR Catholic Central – The elite trio that helped them win a state title and lose another one in overtime have now all graduated, leaving a new era of talented players. Brieland Watkins (6-2) impressed over the summer as a strong wing who is very difficult to contain when he gets a head of steam. His shot also looked improved. Zay Larthridge (6-5) is an elite outside shooter who will look to continue rounding out his game. Tons of upside here. Jordan McCoy (6-0) is a quick, yet also strong point guard. He should be a perfect fit with the aforementioned wings. Collin Lott (6-4) and Jack Bowen (6-6) are solid defenders who will man the paint.

Sleeper:

Allendale – Although void of a sure-fire next-level talent, Allendale quietly has a well-rounded starting lineup. All indications point to Alex Genuise (6-2) leading the team in scoring and potentially raising his recruiting status. Jackson Fitton (5-10) and Jacob Devito (6-0) are two more crafty guards. Luke Vredeveld (6-5) is a physical force in the paint.

Prediction: Unity Christian

District 44

Contenders:

South Christian – This district has produced the state runner-up in consecutive seasons (SC, GR Christian), and they both have those same ambitions this season. Carson Vis (6-3) signed with Western Michigan. He’s a true combo guard who glides toward the basket and can finish in space and above the rim. Caleb Pleume (6-4) is a rising shooter starting to get some college offers. Charlie DeHaan (6-2) looked very impressive at times last season and this summer. He could be a breakout scorer. Isaac Schrotenboer (6-6) is a rugged post presence who won’t back down from anyone. He can also knock down the occasional 3-pointer.

GR Christian – Last year’s senior-dominated class has left (most of them to play in college), so a new era begins. Tyler Davis (5-11) displayed a unique ability to score and make teammates better off the bench last season. He has an effortless game that should catch the eye of scouts. Carl Thompson (6-3) is another smooth scorer. He can get hot in a hurry from outside. He has the look of a potential D1 recruit. Connor Johnson (6-6), Ador Mawut (6-6) and Ty Moody (6-5) provide the Eagles with size and versatility. I expet this team to get better as the season progresses.

Sleeper:

Godwin Heights – Junior shooter Isaiah Guyton (6-6) is close to becoming a statewide known name. He has perfect height and length to play on the wing at the next level. Lonnie Sanders (6-4) is another intriguing junior.

Prediction: South Christian

District 47

Contenders:

Edwardsburg – The Eddies quietly sit near the Indiana border, usually with a potent football team. This season, they might just make some boys basketball noise with a number of intriguing players. Matt Anders (6-5) controls the paint with an aggressive mindset, which usually helps set the tone. Brody Schimpa (6-3) is an unheralded star. He’s dynamic with the ball and is comfortable taking on defenders to score through traffic. Sophomore Blaise Crist (6-1) is another player who seems ready to help Edwardsburg through a tough postseason road.

Berrien Springs – The Shamrocks might have the most entertaining player in the entire state. JJ Frakes (6-4) is a human highlight reel who dunked some 10-15 times at the BCAM camp. Frakes is also a quality shooter who obviously does not fear contact. If you like acrobatic dunks, check out a Berrien Springs game in southwest Michigan. Brady Blasco (6-3) is another physical guard who can run the point or join Frakes on the wing. Most teams in the area won’t be able to handle both players.

Sleeper:

Benton Harbor – On paper, this doesn’t quite look like a vintage Tigers team, but the same was said about last year’s regional final squad. Sophomore Kesean Hobbs (6-4) has D1 upside as a silky athlete with a knock-down 3-point shot. Corey Sterling is one of the best coaches in the state and will have this team ready to take the court.

Prediction: Berrien Springs

District 51

Contenders:

Flint Powers – Javontae Ross (5-11) helped lead them back to the Breslin last year as a throwback point guard who has an extremely high basketball I.Q. and gets better as the game gets tougher. Dempsey Cull (6-6) and Jesse Cull (6-5) might be twins, but their games are very different. Jesse is more of a wing with a nice shot and better foot speed. Dempsey can also step outside, but he’s a more natural fit in the post. Tyler Wood (6-6) is another big body with a long wingspan. Eli Sturgess (6-0) and Brecklin Cicalo (5-6) are junior guards with savvy and tenacity.

Goodrich – If you like tall players, check out Goodrich. The Martians will have one of the tallest rosters in Division 2, starting with another pair of brothers. Parker LePla (6-8) is a true college-level post. He uses his strength to body defenders around the basket. He also has some guard skills, making him a versatile piece few high school teams can defend with just one player. Jenson LePla (6-5) is a lights-out shooter and underrated slasher. He’s among the best sophomores in the state. Guard play is a question mark, but Goodrich should be able to bully past most opponents.

Sleeper:

Flint Kearsley – Winners in 10 of their last 12 games last season, Kearsley returns a bevy of solid guards, led by senior Lucas Groulx (6-2). The other top teams in the district could struggle with Kearsley’s overall athleticism.

Prediction: Flint Powers

District 60

Warren Lincoln – The Abes will look to defend their state title with one of the most dynamic starting lineups in the state. Brothers Markus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7) are explosive guards with a great feel for the game. Markus is a natural scorer who can fill it up from anywhere on the court. Moses is a true point guard who can also get hot in a hurry from 3-point range. Both players have D1 offers. The Abes also picked up a huge boost in Oak Park transfer and Northern Iowa commit Geon Hutchins (6-4), a highly-skilled wing with a throw-back mid-range game. Christopher Morgan (6-7) is a long, rangy 3-point shooter with a lot of upside. Da’Marion Bozeman (6-5) has picked up some D2 college offers. He’s yet another rangy wing with a nice outside shooting stroke. This team is extremely loaded, but can they share the rock?

Ferndale – State champs two years ago, Ferndale is in the process of a deep rebuild with young talent at every position. Sophomore forward Eden Vinyard (6-7) has college coaches salivating at his athleticism and positional versatility. Consistency will be the next step in Vinyard’s progression. Dakkar Washington (6-5) is another athletic sophomore who is already a promising defensive player. Washington is developing his offensive game and could be a threat on the wing this season. Julian Cardinas (6-3) will start on the wing as an improving prospect now that he’s seeing regular playing time. Toriano Adams (6-1) is one of the best young point guards in the state.

Sleeper:

Detroit Pershing – The Doughboys were an annual threat to reach the Breslin in the 2000s as a Class A force. They then shrunk in size, falling down to Division 3 (Class C). Now back up a division, Pershing, who went 12-9 last season, could be back on the rise.

Prediction: Warren Lincoln