Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

School bells will soon be ringing across Michigan, which means the 2024-25 sports seasons are about to begin.

Boys basketball is in for a special season if this summer was any indication. The state is loaded with individual and team talent. While we know most of the frontrunners and title hopefuls, there are also teams lurking in the shadows ready to make their mark.

Here are some of the state’s most underrated teams who could make some noise come March:

Traverse City West – Despite being two of the largest schools in the state, TC West and TC Central have had limited boys basketball success. That could change this season, as West boasts a well-rounded squad with possibly four next-level players. Lincoln Lockhart (6-1) leads the way as a poised point guard able to take on defenders and hit from beyond the arc. He’s a rising prospect. Winslow Robinson (6-2) and Mason Zimmerman (6-1) are athletic guards who add versatility on both ends of the court.

Forward Carter Grubb (6-6) broke out last week at the Ferris State Elite Camp, receiving rave reviews for his athleticism in the post. The Northern Michigan/UP district usually hits a roadblock by the regional finals, but West or Marquette could be in line for an historical run come March.

Holland West Ottawa – The Panthers haven’t really been heard from since reaching the state finals in 2018, but they possess a bevy of young studs. Seniors Ben Beetham (6-1) and Hudson Vellinga (6-2) should provide leadership this season, ushering in an exciting era behind them. Juniors C.J. Traylor (6-2), Elijah Reynolds (6-2) and Ronnie Ferguson (5-7) are tremendous athletes and fierce competitors. Freshmen J.T. Gill (5-9) and Darrien Stewart (6-5) could become serious recruits.

The Holland/Grand Rapids/Muskegon areas are loaded with talent this year (again), so West Ottawa might be a long-shot to make a deep run this March, but the future certainly seems bright.

Portage Northern – All the sudden, both Portage schools have found boys basketball success. Central reached the regional final last season, and now Northern looks dangerous. Juniors Quinton Swanson (6-4) and Amari Lewis (6-4) are top 50 2026 prospects in the state. Swanson is a strong wing with a nice outside shot. Lewis is a lanky wing who plays closer to 6-7. They are both in for major breakouts. Post Jaevian Barnes (6-6) has received college interest this summer as another tall, rangy prospect.

Northern has a solid point guard in senior Antwayn Spencer (5-11), but think about how special this team could be if it coaxed Central star junior Ben Johnson (6-0) to move across town.

Belleville – By now everyone should know the Tigers have a deep, entertaining and formidable lineup. But just how far can this team go? Rising sophomore Adam Coats (6-2) is a true star-in-the-making. I’m not exaggerating when I say he reminds me of a taller Cassius Winston. He’s going to be a special player. Wayne State commit Braylon Mannon (6-8) mans the post (pun intended) better than most big men. He’s long and agile; no rim is safe when he is on the court. Brighton Birangui-Booto (6-5) has seemingly shifted from athletic prospect to gifted playmaker. His emergence could spell trouble for Belleville’s opponents.

But it doesn’t stop there: the Tigers also have the poise and control of Shemar Woodson (6-3) leading the way. He showcased an improved outside shot this summer to go along with his elite intangibles. Senior Chinasa Agbaeze (6-4) and sophomore Antoine Cannon (5-11) provide depth as two more potential next-level players. This team definitely could reach the Breslin Center, though it would likely have to upset Ann Arbor Huron and East Lansing to get there.

Warren Fitzgerald – Seemingly always stuck in one of the state’s toughest districts, Fitzgerald doesn’t always make a ton of tournament noise. However, this squad is filled with intriguing pieces. Junior Keandre Burtin (6-7) has grown in height and in skill. He has unlimited potential as he continues to figure out his offensive specialties. Cyrus Mpeba (6-3) is a long point guard with a gliding stride and nice touch from mid-range and closer. Quentin Graham (6-6) is a highly-regarded sophomore who could become a dominant post presence.

Fitzgerald again is in the same district as Detroit Renaissance and state title contender U.D. Jesuit. If not this year, Fitzgerald’s time to shine could be just around the corner. If nothing else, they should be a very entertaining team to see play this winter.

Clarkston – Ever since the Loyers left, Clarkston hasn’t generated a ton of buzz. That should change this season. Clarkston has one of the most well-rounded rosters in the state, starting with stretch-4 junior Hayden Flavin (6-8). John Kaul (6-2) and Cole Charter (6-4) look like college guards. Both players can handle the ball and shoot from deep. Quinn Rosenberg (6-5) is the ideal high school player: great size, versatile and can guard almost any position. Sophomore transfer Ace Walters (6-0) could make this team special.

Bold proclamation: Clarkston has the talent and depth to potentially beat defending state champs Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the regional final should that matchup take place. Beware the Wolves.

Stockbridge – Two words, well names: Shannon Henderson (6-9). College coaches need to make an effort to see this kid play; they won’t be disappointed. Henderson has ball-handling skills which allow him to be a menace in transition and around the arc. He has long arms for blocking shots and he can score in bunches. He should be on D2 coaches’ radar.

Stockbridge also has some depth with Brock Rochow (6-3) providing outside shooting, while Jacob Dalton (5-9) could be in line for PG duties. This team is a definite D3 quarterfinal contender.

Lansing Catholic – The future seems bright for Lansing Catholic. State champs in 2008, it’s been a while since they’ve had a true Breslin-contending team. Seth Hahnenberg (6-6) has all the makeup of a true star. He’s strong in the paint, but also has guard skills and elite outside shooting. He’s a special player as just a sophomore. Freshman Titan Tillet (6-1) also impressed over the summer as a tall PG with poise and a smooth shooting stroke. Junior Joe Gulock (6-5) has nice post moves and displayed a penchant for grabbing boards.

Maybe a year away from a true Breslin run, keep an eye on this team as it gains confidence at the varsity level.

Crystal Falls Forest Park – Depending on your geographical location, Crystal Falls FP might not be a sleeper. However, for those who live south of Lake Charlevoix, they might be relatively unknown. Over the past two decades, Division 4 has seen U.P. dynasties: Cedarville in the late 2000s and Powers North in the 2010s. Crystal Falls FP has the makeup to become the 2020s’ U.P. unstoppable force.

Senior Kevin Guiliani (6-5) is too strong and physical for most D4 teams. Senior Matt Showers (6-2) is a gritty wing, and senior Gabe Quevedo (5-9) is a leader and tough defender. Now, the reason Crystal Falls FP could become a dynasty is because of their three returning sophomores. Vic Guiliani (6-1) has been hailed as a potential future U.P. player of the year. Izaiah Tarter (6-0) would be the best sophomore on almost any other U.P. team., and Dax Hakki (6-1) rounds out a sophomore trio pretty much any team in the state would welcome.

After reaching the quarterfinals last year, Crystal Falls FP might stake their claim to the Breslin Center for years to come, starting this season.