MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The MHSAA revealed Monday the 2026-27 district pairings, and there are a lot of changes from last year.

Here’s a look at an early final four prediction for divisions 1 & 2 based on the 2026-27 district pairings:

DIVISION 1

East Kentwood – Perhaps the deepest team the state has seen in a long time, East Kentwood has as many as seven future college players on their roster. C.J. Reynolds (6-3), Samuel Makuag (6-6) and Andrew Kenyi (6-10) all have D1 college upside as rising talents ready to prove they are top-15 players in the senior class. Jeremiah Cook (6-1), Jaxson Tabor (6-3) and Dau Dau (6-7) will also play next-level basketball as athletic players for their respective positions who can also score if needed. It’s a tough road with Rockford, West Ottawa, Hudsonville, Grandville and Muskegon all in their quadrant, but East Kentwood looks primed for their first Breslin appearance.

Detroit Catholic Central – Another deep, senior-laden squad, Detroit CC will have to shake off some under-performing postseasons. D1 prospects Andrew Walker (6-3) and Wycell Davis (6-4) form one of the best wing duos in the state. Malachi Clayton (5-11) and Isaiah McCree (6-1) are next-level guards capable of running the offense or scoring in bunches. The post will be occupied by by a combination of seniors Gideon Gash (6-4), Lindon Bojaj (6-5) and intriguing freshman Austin Ockerman (6-8). Their toughest game could be the quarterfinal, likely against either East Lansing, Lansing Waverly or sleeper Jackson Northwest.

Cass Tech – Stevie Hall (6-2) is a tremendous scoring guard who has a plethora of D1 offers, including some from power-4 programs. He’s quick with great awareness and the ability to knock down shots from all over the court. Ransom Thomas (6-3) is a rising senior with growing college interest as an outside shooter. Dylan Young (6-3) is another rising guard who enjoyed a big summer. Zavier Scott (6-4) and Armani Wright (6-8) add some size and length to help balance the starting lineup. Potential games against Renaissance and River Rouge will be tough tests.

Roseville – Already a talented team with No. 1 junior Carter George (6-7) on the roster, head coach Rashard Porter added No. 1 sophomore and five-star recruit Jordan McDaniel (5-10) to the fold. McDaniel scored over 30 points for Brother Rice in the state semifinal last season, but will he be able to gel with so many other good players on the roster? Prince Myles-El (6-2) and Terrell Owens (5-11) are also college prospects as tremendous combo guards who can score or dish. Zion Curry (5-11) is one of the best 3-point shooters in the state, and sophomore Charles Stewart (6-3) has immense upside. Grand Blanc and Clarkston are also very skilled teams ready to make a deep run.

DIVISION 2

Fruitport – Junior guard Dexter Lillmars (6-2) might go down as the best player in school history as a solid D2 college recruit. Sophomore Garrett Olson (6-6) is another elite talent with upside but is also ready to contribute now. Hudson Hazekamp (6-4) provides more size, and the team has a number of backcourt options to lead the offense. GRCC, NorthPointe and Ludington will also be key contenders in this re-vamped quadrant.

South Christian – Depth and shooting could inspire South Christian to make another Breslin appearance. Led by brothers Max Zichterman (6-2) and Crew Zichterman (6-1) – elite 3-point shooters – the Sailors have a tremendous backcourt. Austin Burgess (6-1) is a crafty guard, while Brody Shilts (6-1) could step up into a bigger role. Peyton Kool (6-6), Dax Blackport (6-3) and Charlie Vermaas (6-4) are solid frontcourt options. Benton Harbor and a slew of talented Lansing teams could provide potential roadblocks.

Warren Lincoln – The Abes could be right back at the Breslin with just a one-year hiatus after winning two straight state titles in 2024 and 2025. This young squad will be led by stud junior forward I.G. Muhammad (6-5), who has D1 college offers. Juniors Julian Edison (6-4) and Cody Bruce (6-5) are also college prospects. The backcourt is deep with Rashad Clements (6-1), Jacob Wood (6-0), Chase Moore (6-1) and Robert Neal (5-9) all capable of big games. This is a deep quadrant with Chelsea, Divine Child and Romulus Summit all very capable of making a Breslin run.

Detroit Country Day – Point guard Christian Cast (6-4) has picked up over a dozen D1 college offers this summer as a tall, lanky lead guard who can shoot lights out from beyond the arc. Isaiah Marino (6-6) is an imposing forward who can score in bunches and lead the defense. Anthony Cartwright (6-5) is an athletic playmaker and great rebounder. Ethan Bray (5-11) is a knock-down shooter, while Jaidyn Martin (5-8) is a quick combo guard and good on-the-ball defender. Ryan Williams (6-9) and Alan Nyambio (6-5) are sophomores who could be special. Ferndale, Goodrich and Pontiac will be tough competition.