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:

Kingsford vs. Freeland

Kingsford is back to the quarterfinals for a second straight year with largely the same lineup in place. Lake Superior State signee Gavin Grondin (6-1) is a tremendous player and athlete. Carroll University (WI) commit Morgan Sleik (6-5) is a good post player with solid offensive skills. He’s also a great rebounder. Jack Kreigl (5-11) is another athletic guard who excels on the break. Freeland has two D1 or D2 college players leading their offense. Wilson Huckeby (6-4) is a knock-down shooter with seemingly unlimited 3-point range. Tristian Comer (6-7) is a stretch-4 who can pound in the paint or run the offense. Freeland’s top eight players are all juniors.

Prediction: Freeland 57, Kingsford 55

Romulus Summit vs. Lansing Sexton

Summit seemed like a lock to reach the Breslin this summer when they were demolishing teams, but lost a key player to AA Huron and their star seemed to fade. Summit has six terrific players, led by seniors Amir Perryman (5-11) and Andrew Ashwood (6-2); as well as junior Chance Houser (6-5). Sexton is led by elite junior guard duo Keyshawn Summerville (5-11) and Mario Murray (5-9) who can really light up the scoreboard. This should be an entertaining game.

Prediction: Romulus Summit 63, Lansing Sexton 58

Grand Rapids Catholic Central vs. Marshall

GRCC has slayed some giants to get here. The junior-laden squad is led by point guard Jordan McCoy (6-1), Zay Larthridge (6-5) and senior post Jack Bowen (6-6). Brieland Watkins (6-2) has also stepped up in recent games. Marshall has flown under the radar but possess a deep rotation with great size. 6-5 duo Austin Burns and Austin Miller are tough matchups as versatile forwards. This will most likely be a tough, gritty game.

Prediction: GRCC 43, Marshall 38

Warren Lincoln vs. Notre Dame Prep

The status of Markus Blackwell (6-2), who suffered an ankle injury in the regional finals, will have a big impact on Warren Lincoln’s bid to repeat as state champs. Without him, they still have Northern Iowa commit Geon Hutchins (6-4) and two other high-level recruits. ND Prep is led by fantastic scorer Joey DeCasas (6-2), who is no stranger to 40-point games.

Prediction: Warren Lincoln 71, Notre Dame Prep 59