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 D3 quarterfinals matchups:

Ishpeming Westwood vs. McBain

Westwood knocked out two titans in Iron Mountain and MC Glen Lake. Can they slay another dragon? Ethan Marta (6-3) and Tristian Miller (6-2) earned first-team all-conference honors after great seasons and could power Westwood back to the Breslin for the first time since 2003. McBain reached the Breslin last year and will once again be led by sophomore Clayton Heuker (6-5) and senior Ben Rodenbaugh (6-4).

Prediction: Ishpeming Westwood 55, McBain 54

ATAP vs. Flint New Standard

ATAP twins Teyshaun and Terrance Hicks (6-1) made a successful transfer from Detroit Pershing, routinely scoring over 20 points. They are more athletic and quicker than most of their opponents at this level. Freshman point guard Lewis Lovejoy (5-9) is another scoring machine who is dangerous in the half-court offense. Flint New Standard is led by Jeffery Turner (6-1) who can score in a variety of ways and has the look of a future college player. Jhirnea Harris (6-5) is a powerful and versatile player.

Prediction: ATAP 63, Flint New Standard 61

Jackson Lumen Christi vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard

A rematch of last year’s quarterfinal, Riverview GR might have reached the Breslin in D2 this year. Wayne State commit Luke Westerdale (6-0) is a great shooter and passer with an excellent feel for the game. Saginaw Valley State commit Charles Kage (6-8) is a rangy forward with one of the longest wingspans in the state. Siena Heights commit Nick Sobush (5-10) is a great corner 3-point shooter and tough going to the basket. Lumen Christi is led by 1,000 point scorer Luke Tropea (5-10) and do-it-all forward Kadale Williams (6-2). Watch out for freshman Ashton Callan (6-0) – a new addition to this version’s matchup.

Prediction: Riverview Gabriel Richard 62, Jackson Lumen Christi 59

Schoolcraft vs. Pewamo-Westphalia

This matchup pits two of the best D3 players of the year: Schoolcraft’s Tucker Walther (6-4) is a tall point guard with a nice outside shot and does well getting to the basket. Pewamo’s Grady Eklund (6-4) is a future D1 prospect who can put up 30 every night. Both teams have solid supporting casts who could help in case their leading scorers get extra attention.

Prediction: Pewamo-Westphalia 58, Schoolcraft 53