MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Michigan boys basketball state quarterfinals take place Tuesday, as teams vie for the coveted trip to East Lansing.

Making the Breslin Center his every Michigan high school basketball player’s dream and the remaining teams are just one win away from that accomplishment.

Here are the Seer’s second round of predictions:

Division 1

Rockford vs. Grand Rapids Northview

The Seer predicted Rockford to reach the Breslin from the very start, and he sees no reason to change. Rams sophomore guard Eli Wolfe (6-1) is a future D1 prospect playing at a very high level despite some painful hips. Jake Bascom (6-6) will soon join Central Michigan, but first he’s out to prove he’s the best post player in the state. The Seer would also like to remind people that Rockford goes six players deep in scorers, whereas Northview really only has two. However, one of those two is Western Michigan commit Cam Ryans (6-4). The Seer still thinks Ryans might be on a Power-4 roster by his sophomore year, as he is an elite player with athleticism, strength and shooting skills. Junior Brayden Williams (6-2) is his wingman, but can a third scorer step up?

**Prediction: Rocky Road 58, Ryans U 54

Auburn Hills Avondale vs. Roseville

The Seer predicted Avondale to win the state title before the tournament started. Avondale possesses arguably the best backcourt quartet in the state, led by Jakobie Liford (6-4). Liford is a lanky guard with a nice 3-point shot and a smooth athleticism getting to the hoop. Qualeeb Ross (5-10) is a sturdy, but quick guard who plays with tremendous instinct. Tuskegee commit Maxwell Muhl (5-9) is a squat but quick guard with dangerous 3-point range. He very active on and off the ball. Jaidon Bourgeois (6-0) is the least heralded of the bunch, but also often leads the team in scoring. Roseville might be a year away from true greatness but certainly could win this game. Carter George (6-7) has the look of a player who should become a nationally-ranked sophomore. Prince Miles-El (6-2) and Terrell Owens (5-11) split lead guard and lead scorer duties, while Zion Curry (5-11) might be the best pure shooter in the state’s junior class.

**Prediction: The Palace of Avondale 63, Roseville Really Smell Like Boo ooh, ooh 61

Brother Rice vs. Wayne Memorial

Brother Rice star Jordan McDaniel (5-9) is the best freshman the state has produced since Trey McKenney, and like the U of M star, he already has Big Ten offers. Detroit Mercy commit and Mr. Basketball candidate Greg Grays (6-2) is strong with unlimited range. Ivan Stojanovski (6-5) has relentless energy and sneaky athleticism, while center Trevor Smith (6-8) is one of the best rebounders and post defenders in the state. The Seer can’t help but wonder just how amazing this Wayne team would be had MSU signee Carlos Medlock Jr. stayed for his senior year. Regardless, Toldeo commit and Mr. Basketball candidate Jaylohn Allen (6-2) is an impeccable all-around scorer. The Seer thinks Cyrus Goins (6-6) moonlights as Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic 4 because his arms seem to stretch for miles when he’s knocking down 3-pointers all across the arc.

**Prediction: Brother Bear 58, Wayne’s World 53

East Lansing vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer

East Lansing won the state title last year, still have the frontrunner for Mr. Basketball in K.J. Torbert (6-2), who is committed to Bowling Green, and have one of next year’s Mr. Basketball frontrunners in Kingston Thomas (6-4), who has an offer from Michigan State. Not only that, power forward D.Q. Stewart (6-6) has enjoyed a breakout season resulting in rising D2 college interest and offers. Ann Arbor Pioneer has flown under the radar this season, but they have legitimate upset potential. Sophomore Gian Dula-Ogon (5-10) and 1,000-point scorer Jordan Harrison (6-0) can light up the scoreboard, while Andres Whitridge (6-8) cleans up the glass and swats opposing shots away.

**Prediction: H to the Izzo 65, Trail Blazers 58

Division 2

Unity Christian vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Most of Unity Christian’s team will be in a Calvin University uniform next year, with Kyler Berghuis (6-2), Jack Kamminga (6-3), Owen Vanderwaal (6-7) and Luke Tubergen (6-9) all committed to the Knights. With that being said, shooting guard Brogan Sherd (6-1) is often the team’s leading scorer. GRCC has a tremendous backcourt trio in Jordan McCoy (6-1), Brieland Watkins (6-2) and freshman Miles Burgin (5-11), but the Seer wonders if their frontcourt is up to the task against Unity’s immense height and strength in the post.

**Prediction: Rick James’ Ring 47, The GRCC Won’t Let Me Be 44

Detroit University Prep vs. Detroit Country Day

Despite losing nine games in the regular season, the Seer still picked UPrep to reach the Breslin. So far, they have lived up to expectations after playing a brutal schedule. Maurice Jackson (6-4) is a great scorer as a combo guard with a versatile skillset. Chris Byrd (6-3) has put up some 30-point games with an improved all-around game. Kamari Northfleet (6-3) is another scorer who can take over a game, making them very hard to defend. Tony Dent (6-0) capably runs the offense with intelligence. Country Day has one of the best young squads in the state. Junior point guard Christian Cast (6-3) is an incredible talent as a tall lead guard who can shoot and score from almost anywhere. Junior forward Isaiah Marino (6-6) also looks like a D1 college player. Sophomore Roman Allen (6-3) is a smooth guard who could also vault himself into a D1 prospect.

**Prediction: UPrep 61, Kurt Keener’s Legacy 58

Romulus Summit vs. Chelsea

The reigning state runners-up have been ranked No. 1 all season and look poised to play in that fateful game again this season. Tiffin University commit Jordan Fuller (5-11) is an excellent shooter and court leader. Marquan White (6-2) and freshman Codey Bush (6-3) are athletic, versatile guards who can score 15-plus any night. This is one of the best backcourts regardless of division. Chelsea will certainly put up a fight with freshman Drew Cabana (6-4) looking like a nationally-ranked player. Wyatt Matusik (6-6) could be a tough matchup for Summit, but the Seer just doesn’t think Chelsea has quite enough firepower.

**Prediction: Remus & Romulus Mountain 63, Jeff Daniels’ Biggest Fans 58

Ludington vs. Freeland

Freeland senior and Saginaw Valley commit Wilson Huckeby (6-4) is a lights-out shooter who can create his own shot. MSU football commit Tristian Comer (6-6) is a rugged post who can also step out and shoot. Tucker Hileman (6-2) has become an excellent third scorer, while senior point guard Cooper Wagner (6-1) also has college offers. Ludington is a fun team to watch. They start four very athletic guards with Ferris State football commit Cam Gunsell (6-3) in the post. Junior point guard Taj Williams (6-0) is an immense talent.

**Prediction: Home of the Brave 72, Luddites 67

Division 3

Menominee vs. Beal City

Freshman Grady Gatrell (6-5) is a force of nature at this level and might be enough to get Beal City to the Breslin. Avery Small (5-11), Drake Gatrell (5-11) and Cuyler Smith (5-11) can heat up from beyond the arc if the defense keys on the freshman. Tanner Theuerkauf (6-4) is a tremendous athlete who can take over games. Talan Woods (6-1) is a capable shooter and floor leader. Darrent Butler (6-2) is another wing with good size and skill, who can be a tough matchup at this level.

**Prediction: Bradley Beal City 55, My Nominee 53

Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Schoolcraft

Pewamo has destroyed some pretty impressive teams this year. Northwood commit Grady Eklund (6-3) is a crafty scorer who plays within himself and also works his teammates into the mix. Trent Piggott (6-6) is a load in the paint, who will give Schoolcraft star and Wayne St. commit Jimmy Walker (6-9) all he can handle. That matchup should be fun to watch. Sophomore Logan Farmer (6-2) has really broken out this season and could be the x-factor in this game. The Seer thinks Schoolcraft wing Kodee Bienz (6-2) is one of the best shooters in the junior class, highlighted by the 10 he made in one game last week. Eagles guard Ty Goddard (6-2) is a great all-around player, but he tweaked his ankle against Brandywine.

**Prediction: Pewamo Be There 52, The Magic Schoolcraft 47

Flint New Standard vs. Onsted

Flint’s guard quartet runs most teams out of the gym. A.J. Smith (5-10) is the floor general who can also shoot. Razach Spillers (6-0) and Jeffery Turner (6-1) can be big-time scorers with versatile games. Deion Wright (6-0) is great on defense and can also affect a game on offense. This group is short, but very active and aggressive. Onsted has enjoyed its drop down to Division 3, instantly flirting with a Breslin trip. Rylan Henagan (6-4) is an athletic forward who might be too strong for Flint. Cole Wells (6-1), Bryce Adams (5-11) and Bryson Sutherland (6-3) are also solid pieces on a team with no real weakness.

**Prediction: Onsted, Ho! 58, Flint Old Ways 56

ATAP vs. Harbor Beach

Despite a late-season coaching change, ATAP remains as the favorite to cut down the nets at the Breslin. Sophomore Lewis Lovejoy (5-10) is one of the state’s best players, routinely scoring over 30 points. De’Vontae Grandison (6-3) is an athletic win who can move around to different spots on offense and can put up 20 points a game if needed. Jaiden Price (5-8) is another electric guard capable of scoring in bunches. Harbor Beach has battled to get here, with Benson Harper (6-0) leading the way. They will enter has heavy underdogs but just beat a similar team in Flint International.

**Prediction: Lewis C.K. 73, Shipwreck Cove 64

Division 4

Detroit Douglass vs. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

Douglass has one of the best D4 rosters the Seer has seen in some time. Joshua Brooks (6-4) already has an offer from Butler, while freshman Damani Oliver (5-11) is a sweet shooter and quick off the dribble. Quinn Davis III (6-1) is another elite scorer who has gelled nicely since transferring over. Kimari Howard (6-3) and Deontay Burkes (6-7) provide height and muscle in the post. Waterford has been on a great run, but it might take a Herculean effort to complete this upset.

**Prediction: Brooks U 67, Haunted Lakes 55

Tri-Unity Christian vs. Onekama

Another D4 matchup that seems a little lopsided on paper. Tri-Unity is going for its state-best 15th trip to the Breslin Center since 2000. Even though a new era has been ushered in, Tri-Unity plays extremely hard and has a plethora of good shooters. Onekama shocked the Seer when it beat TC Christian in the regional finals. Maybe it has some more magic in store tonight?

**Prediction: Tri-State 54, Karaoke Springs 41

Concord vs. Colon

Concord has two 1,000-point scorers in point guard Jett Smith (5-10) and Trine University commit Connor Stevens (6-6). Both can take over a game on their own, but Concord is deep with multiple scorers and athletic defenders rounding out their rotation. Colon has been excellent all season, finally getting past Mendon in the districts after losing twice in the regular season. This should be a very close game.

**Prediction: Flight of the Concords 56, Colon Cleanser 54

Pickford vs. Dollar Bay

Dollar Bay is led by junior scorer Baron Colbert (6-2), who is athletic and versatile enough to cause matchup problems. Liam Tourtillot (6-1) is an excellent shooter who can get hot in a hurry, highlighted by his great second half last week. Pickford hasn’t lost all season, led by 1,000-word scorer Gunner Brennin (6-0), who has been on tear of late. This could be a high-scoring shootout with Dollar Bay hoping to make its third Breslin trip in the past decade.

**Prediction: Dollar, Dollar Bay, Y’all 62, Picking Apples 59