MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

BCAM once again put on a tremendous event over the weekend, showcasing some of the state’s premier boys high school basketball teams and players. It has become a staple event for anyone looking to get an early look at how teams are shaping up for the winter.

I attended all day Saturday, and was able to watch almost every team there for at least part of a game.

Here are 10 teams that really stoop out as potential Breslin contenders next season:

Division 1:

Brother Rice – I really liked their mix – even with Trevor Smith (6-7) out of action working his way back from injury. Freshman point guard Jordan McDaniel (5-10) was electric getting to the basket and knocked down some shots. He has the look of a future superstar. Jacob Lamb (6-1) is a good all-around combo guard, while D1 college prospect Greg Grays (6-2) could flirt with 20 points per game. Adam Tribul (6-1) is a sharpshooter with improved strength. Ivan Stojanovski (6-5) looked solid in the post, and picked up a couple offers. Junior Ian Newble (6-5) brings another rebounder and shot blocker off the bench. Overall, the Warriors might just have the right blend to earn Rick Palmer his first state title as head coach.

GR Northview – This team looked like a future state-title contender. Cam Ryans (6-4) was locked in as a Mr. Basketball favorite and highly sought-after recruit. Izzy Hatibu (6-5) was a dangerous post presence on both ends of the court, and point guard Anthony Willis (6-3) looked poised and aggressive when he needed to be. I was hoping to see more of transfer Jaylen Perry (6-5), but transfer Brayden Williams (6-2) looked like a great addition and fit into the mix immediately. Tyrin Thomas (6-2) and Julian Charity (6-2) add veteran leadership and breakout potential. Freshman Yamil Jimenez (6-5) should also factor into the mix.

Wayne Memorial – While watching Wayne, I kept noticing a lot of names I’d heard of before but had not seen play in a while. This collection of transfers to team up with D1 prospect Jaylohn Allen (6-2) looked athletic and skilled. Allen will take on the lead scorer role now that Carlos Medlock has transferred out of state. Flat Rock transfer Cyrus Goins (6-6) is a long, lanky shooter with nice overall upside. Jeremiah Smith (6-3) returns after sitting out a year coming over from Romulus Summit and looked strong in the post. Chase Dyer (6-2) takes over at point guard. He’s a smooth athlete who takes what defenses give him. Cayden Shock (6-4) is the team’s x-factor as a super athlete who has some nice post skills.

East Lansing – fresh off a state title, the Trojans return Mr. Basketball favorite Kelvin Torbert Jr. (6-2), one of the most well-rounded players in the state. Fellow D1 college prospect Kingston Thomas (6-4) is also back as one of the best overall athletes in the state. A host of solid role players could be led by DQ Stewart (6-6) and senior Henry Peck (6-3). A reported transfer boost from junior center Quincy Wright (6-8) could also be in the fold. This team has star power, good shooters and plenty of height.

Detroit CC – The Shamrocks’ 2027 class is among the best the state has seen in over a decade. Wycell Davis (6-3) will likely play D1 basketball as an elite combo guard with no real weakness. Grand Blanc transfer Isaiah McCree (5-11) plays with poise and patience and can be an explosive scorer. Forwards Andrew Walker (6-4), Lindon Bojaj (6-5) and Gideon Gash (6-4) are all athletic and skilled. Walker already has a D1 offer, and Gash might not be far behind. Senior Jackson Bowden (6-3) brings leadership, versatility and strength to the roster.

Kalamazoo Central – This senior-laden team has been playing together for years, and the chemistry stands out right away. Star forward Isaiah Theodile (6-7) hasn’t played much this summer, but he has D1 college offers as a dominant post presence. T.J. Terrintine (6-3) and Jonathan Edwards (6-3) will also play college basketball as tall, athletic guards. Kameron Bean (5-11) and Taveon Vaughn (6-2) are quick guards who play with a high I.Q. Watch out for junior Jeramy Buford (6-6). He’s a load in the post and rapidly improving. This team’s only weakness is outside shooting.

Division 2

Romulus Summit – Back with a vengence after a state runner-up finish, the Dragons look poised to be among the favorites in D2 again this upcoming season. Marquan White (6-1) is a potentially elite scorer who plays taller than his listed height. Chance Houser (6-6) has propelled into D1 college territory as an elite shooter with great length and athleticism. Demetri Campbell (6-3) is a do-everything forward who never takes a play off and offers tons of versatility. A host of tall forwards including: Bryce Mumford (6-5), Tylon Pitts (6-5) and King Pierce-Black (6-7) could make this team special if they all continue to develop. Freshman Codey Bush (6-1) is the x-factor. He’s regarded as the best freshman in the state, but will he enroll here or make a late switch?

Ferndale – Might be able to compete in D1 for a state title. Junior Eden Vinyard (6-7) could already be the state’s best player. He’s a freak athlete with an advanced skillset. Transfer Peyton Kemp (6-2) has been racking up D1 college offers as an elite combo guard. Tall point guard Toriano Adams (6-3) has gained consistency and also has D1 offers. Kari Ouwinga (6-5) has an enviable wingspan and effortless grace on the court. He just needs to add strength and consistency. But he, too, has D1 college offers. Seniors Darelle Cochran (6-3) and Julian Cardinas (6-3) provide leadership, size and skill to the rotation.

GR Christian – Carl Thompson (6-3) looks effortless when he’s gliding through the paint. He’s also a good outside shooter with solid height and a long wingspan. Connor Johnson (6-6) oozes potential, but he needs to refine his skills a bit and become more consistent. But he has star potential. Braylon Taylor (5-8) might lead this team in scoring most nights as an electric point guard with lightning quickness and a quick release on his shot. Will Doezema (6-7) adds another big body, while Ajak Gieu (6-0) plays with relentless energy.

Division 3

Schoolcraft – Center Jimmy Miller (6-9) has exploded this summer with a series of fantastic performances – which earned him his first D2 college offer. He’s athletic and determined. With fewer post players across the state, he’s a clear matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Ty Goddard (6-2) and Kodee Bienz (6-2) are also good guards who play with confidence. Schoolcraft has to be thought of among the top state-title contenders in Division 3.