MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

It’s never too early to make some predictions.

Although March Madness is still a ways away, with summer ball and the (cough) transfer season wrapped up, we can start to get a clearer look at which teams will be leading the pack next season.

District assignments have been posted since June, allowing us to see each quadrant and what it will take for teams to go all the way to East Lansing.

Here is our projected D1 final four:

Grand Rapids Northview – They have everything a team needs to make a long run in modern Michigan high school basketball: a star in Cam Ryans (6-5), great guards, some 6-5, 6-6 post players and depth. Ryans is an elite scorer and defender who will play at Western Michigan in college next year. Fellow seniors Julian Charity (6-2) and Tyrin Thomas (6-2) are athletic wings who have patiently awaited their time to shine. Juniors Brayden Williams (6-2), Anthony Willis (6-3), Jaylen Perry (6-5) and Izzy Hatibu (6-6) equal one of the best 2027 classes in the state, each with a unique and important skillset. Freshman Yamil Jimenez (6-5) has a versatile game with plenty of athletic upside.

Lansing Waverly – Sometimes you just get a feeling about a team. Waverly has a plethora of talented guards – always a good recipe for tournament success. They also have two dominant post presences in Derek Thomas (6-3) and Xavier Pendergrass (6-6). Thomas is undersized but plays much taller and has a penchant for finishing over taller defenders. Pendergrass is a freak athlete with a developing game, but he needs to become a little more consistent, offensively. CJ Gomez (5-11) has star potential as a quick guard with seemingly unlimited 3-point shooting range. Cayden Ali (6-0) and DJ Pope (6-1) are steady, versatile guards with the ability to score in bunches. A quartet of potentially difference-making sophomore guards are ready to provide depth off the bench.

Detroit King – George Ward is one of the best coaches in the state, and his Crusaders squad just missed the Breslin last season, losing in the quarterfinals. This senior-laden squad is among the most complete in the state and should have tons of chemistry and depth. Starting guards Drew Floyd (5-10), Steven Jones (6-2) and Derrick Kilgore (6-2) are all capable of big scoring games. Gabe Hawkins (6-2) is a great shooter off the bench, and Braylen Stinson (5-9) is a crafty backup point guard. Mareon Knott (6-4) has been compared to a shorter Draymond Green due to his frame, versatile game and passion on the court. Junior center Tyler Hunter (6-9) has a rapidly growing list of D1 college offers. David Bailey (6-5) is an athletic front-court player off the bench.

Macomb Dakota – This is quietly one of the most complete teams in the state. College bound guard Tovin Williams (6-2) is a threat to score 20-plus points every game. He’s aggressive getting to the basket and can finish above the rim. Forward Brayden Lee (6-6) has started collecting college offers. He has great touch in the post and has developed into a solid area rebounder. A consistent 10-foot jump shot would make him nearly unstoppable. Senior transfer Nehvir Njoku (6-3) is a big guard who excels at getting to the basket. He’s a solid shooter who does a nice job creating good looks for himself and others. Justin Washington (6-2) is an athletic wing who’s stock rose with consistent standout showings this summer. Benji Jackson (6-0) is another aggressive scorer who can knock down shots from beyond the arc. Omar Kasmikha (6-0) and Alfonso Eguia (6-1) provide backcourt depth, while sophomore Alex Mikanga (6-5) has upside in the frontcourt.