MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

First there was Nostradamus. Then came Confucius. More recently, the Son of Swami graced us with his visions. But now a new seer has emerged.

Where Nostradamus and Confucius squabbled over when the world would end, Senile Seer has followed in the Son of Swami’s footsteps to provide his prophetic powers to predict basketball games.

Here are his inaugural picks:

Division 1

Marquette vs. Rockford

Marquette returns to the regional final, where an athletic squad with good overall size looks to topple Rockford. Marquette guard Ford Richardson (6-2) leads the way with his experience and shooting. Juniors Joshua Marcotte (6-5), Brody Clements (6-3) and Winston Leonard (6-1) – including others – are capable of pulling off an upset. However, Rockford’s depth, shooting and size might make them the favorites to cut the the nets next week. Kalamazoo College commit Dylan Gross (5-9) is a great leader, floor general and shooter. Central Michigan commit Jake Bascom (6-6) will continue his stellar play, while proving he was one of the bigger Mr. Basketball snubs of the last decade. Eli Wolfe (6-1) will have double hip surgery after the season, but he’s still pouring in 15-plus points a night as a top-five sophomore in the state. Freshman Jace Opoku (5-11) and Josh Bascom (6-4) round out one of the best and most versatile starting lineups in the state.

**Prediction: We Will, We Will Rockford 68 – Pere Marquette 57

GR Northview vs. East Kentwood

The Seer’s senility might show up in this game, as the crystal ball is a bit cloudy. The Wildcats are led by Mr. Basketball hopeful and Western Michigan commit Cam Ryans (6-4), who has been on a personal mission to see his squad reach the Breslin this season. A host of juniors, including star shooter Brayden Williams (6-2) and defensive ace Izzy Hatibu (6-5) will support Ryans on his quest. Where Northview is led by star power, East Kentwood is driven by depth and well-rounded scoring. Saginaw Valley State commit Randy Chapman (6-2) can play and guard any backcourt spot and is a great shooter. Athletic marvel Samuel Makuag (6-5) has developed into a solid all-around scorer. Andrew Kenyi (6-10) is one of the tallest players in the state. He’s also highly skilled. Don’t sleep on Jeremiah Cook (6-1), who put up over 30 points last year against a very good Brother Rice squad. If CJ Reynolds (6-3) can stay healthy, this could be a state champions squad for the next two years.

**Prediction: Midnight in Kentwood 63 – Ryans U 62

Auburn Hills Avondale vs. Rochester Adams

Potential D1 college prospect Jakobe Liford (6-4) is a smooth, lean guard who glides past defenders and has really improved his outside shot. D2 Tuskegee University commit Maxwell Muhl (5-9) can get hot in a hurry from beyond the arc and his strong getting to the basket. Fellow guards Qualeeb Ross (5-10) and Jaidon Bourgeois (6-0) provide Avondale with one of the best backcourts in the state. Capable bigs Noah Bonds (6-5) and D’Kari Fields (6-5) add height and strength to the rotation. The Seer didn’t have Rochester Adams making it this far, but now that they have, star junior Cannon Flynn (6-5) will prove one of the state’s best names also has one of the state’s best games.

**Prediction: The Palace of Avondale 61 – Tommy Clufetos High 49

Roseville vs L’Anse Creuse North

Former Romulus great Rashard Porter has needed just one season to turn Roseville into a state-title contender. Sophomore guard Carter George (6-7) is a high-flyer with unlimited 3-point range and athleticism. Prince Miles-El (6-2) is a fun player to watch as a lead guard or scorer. The Seer promises Zion Curry (5-11) isn’t related to the great Steph Curry, but he also wouldn’t fault anyone for wondering while watching him drain 3-pointers. Wayne State commit Julius Wilson (6-1) is not only one of the best guards in the state, he’s also calm under pressure and poised on both ends of the floor. This team has suffered some very lop-sided losses, but are playing their best ball at the right time.

**Prediction: Roseville Really Smell Like Boo-boo, ooh 57 – French Crusaders 48

East Lansing vs. Kalamazoo Central

The Seer will be making a personal appearance at this spectacular matchup. Defending state champ East Lansing, led by Mr. Basketball favorite K.J. Torbert (6-2), again reaches this state as title favorites. Junior forward Kingston Thomas (6-4), a three-star national recruit, has an offer from Michigan State. Senior big D.Q. Stewart (6-6) has enjoyed a breakout season and recent D2 college offers. The Seer is very tempted to predict an upset here. The crystal ball points to many lead changes. Kazoo Central center Isaiah Theodile (6-7), an Oakland University commit, is a matchup nightmare with his skill and strength in the post. Four-star junior Davier White (6-6) has mastered the mid-range turnaround. He is also strong and skilled all over the court. Guard quartet Cameron Bean (6-0), Taveon Vaughn (6-2), T.J. Terrentine (6-3) and Jonathan Edwards (6-3) will all play college ball at some level.

**Prediction: H to the Izzo 65 – Home of Jeter & Jennings 63

Ann Arbor Pioneer vs. Canton

Pioneer went 4-1 against AA Huron and Detroit CC this year, including beating both in the tournament. Led by sophomore guard Conor Dunlap (6-0), junior wing Brandon Richardson (6-1) and intimidating post presence Anders Whitridge (6-8), this team could shock the winner of the game mentioned directly above in the quarterfinals. Canton has been relatively under-the-radar this season. Noah Tarquinto (5-11) is a capable point guard, and Liam Wilson (6-5) is a solid all-around post player. What this team lacks in star power, they more than make up for with discipline and grit.

**Prediction: Blazing Trails 63 – Football Hall of Fame 56

River Rouge vs. Wayne Memorial

The Seer was a little less senile on this one, as he knew River Rouge’s less than savory record didn’t really mean much. That’s because fantastic junior point guard Ken White Jr. (5-10) joined the team in January and they started rattling off quality wins afterwards. Very young, River Rouge also features future college players in Kordell Robinson (6-2), Shae Eggleston (6-4) and super sophomore Jayden Charles (6-5), all of whom consistently scored in double figures. Wayne Memorial is back to avenge last year’s state title loss, but they are down a future Spartan in Carlos Medlock Jr. In his place, Toldeo commit Jaylohn Allen (6-2) has taken his game to new heights and was honored as a Mr. Basketball candidate. Cyrus Goins (6-6) is an incredible shooter and one of the longest players in the state. Jeremiah Smith (6-3) adds toughness and rebounding, while freshman Jayvion Taylor (5-9) is a knock-down shooter. This should be a fun, up-pace game.

Prediction: Wayne’s World 68 – Zug Island 66

Brother Rice vs. Warren Fitzgerald

Freshman sensation Jordan McDaniel (5-9), a five-star recruit, has started to mesh nicely with Detroit Mercy commit and Mr. Basketball nominee Greg Grays (6-2). The two have blended scoring and teamwork, making this one of the toughest teams to defend in the state. Forwards Ivan Stojanovski (6-5) and Trevor Smith (6-8) are athletic in the post, and they are willing rebounders and shot blockers. Sophomore Adam Tribul (6-0) is one of the state’s best pure shooters. Fitzgerald might be the best defensive team in the state, but the Seer has not been impressed with their offense in his viewings. Keandre Burtin (6-6) is a mobile, athletic senior who can dominate the low block on both ends of the court. Marcellus Phelps (5-10) is an entertaining, but sometimes erratic guard. He can score in bunches when on. Junior Quenten Graham (6-3) has the potential to be a special player as he continues to improve from beyond the arc. Which team wins the tempo battle could dictate the outcome.

Prediction: MJ’s Point Guard 49, Edmund Fitzgerald 44