MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

We are one week away from the three-day Breslin Center season finale.

We have reached the quarterfinals stage, where the remaining teams are just one win away from glory.

Below is a deeper dive and predictions into the four D1 quarterfinals matchups:

East Lansing vs. Ann Arbor Huron

A rematch from last year when the Trojans were defeated in the quarterfinals for a second straight year. This year’s East Lansing squad has three sure-fire D1 stars in senior Saint Louis commit Cameron Hutson (6-6), 2026 Mr. Basketball frontrunner KJ Torbert (6-2) and 2027 Mr. Basketball contender Kingston Thomas (6-4), which have proven tough to beat this season. Ann Huron boasts Mr. Basketball finalist and Iowa State signee Macari Moore (6-3), one of the state’s most prolific scorer, and Lake Superior State commit Dominic Krzesowiak (6-5). Junior guard KG Morning (6-0) has also stepped up his game in recent weeks, making this an intriguing matchup against two title contenders.

Prediction: East Lansing 65, Ann Arbor Huron 63

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. L’Anse Creuse North

The defending state champions boast one of the loaded lineups in the last 25 years, led by Michigan signee and Mr. Basketball favorite Trey McKenney (6-4). Despite missing five games with an injury, he’s consistently scored over 25 points in big games. Western Michigan commit Sharrod Barnes (6-2) and Michigan State football commit Jayden Savoury (6-6) are also stars who can dominate games. L’Anse Creuse North made an improbable run after losing eight regular-season games, but juniors Julius Wilson (6-2) and Nevhir Njoku (6-3) are potentially special talents.

Prediction: OLSM 68, LCN 53

Wayne Memorial vs. Detroit King

Carlos Medlock Jr. (5-11) had a memorable game in a minor upset over UD Jesuit, and star guard running mate Jaylohn Allen (6-2) was also impressive. Both juniors have D1 offers and that will surely grow. Austin Tory (6-6) has a D2 offer from Wayne State and has provided height and length on the wing and in the post. I thought Detroit King was a year away from this type of run, as seven of their eight rotation players are back next year. Steven Jones (6-2), Derrick Kilgore (6-2) and Mareon Knott (6-4) are tough, gritty and skilled juniors who will be very tough to beat.

Prediction: Wayne Memorial 49, Detroit King 48

Flint Carman-Ainsworth vs. Byron Center

Two teams few likely predicted to be in this game, but both are extremely dangerous once they get to the Breslin. The slow, methodical Flint C-A teams that made the Breslin 20 years ago are no longer. This team can get up the court in a hurry. Deuce Weston (5-11) and Hawk Hamlin (6-4) are next-level players who are consistent on both ends of the court. Byron Center possesses one of the best starting lineups in the state, led by Bowling Green signee Camden Karel (6-9) who is a force in the paint. Keane Hinkle (5-11) might be the best pure shooter in the state. Cassius Bont (6-2) is a physical point guard with a versatile skillset, while Pennsylvania football commit Isaac Lee (6-0) brings power and shooting to the lineup.

Prediction: Flint C-A 59, Byron Center 58