The 2026-27 school season is either back under way or fast approaching across the state, which means we’re that much closer to hoops season.
High school hoops hits differently than AAU, where coaches and players have to face stringent game-planning defenses all winter.
Here are teams we think have the best chance to push for a state title this upcoming season:
Detroit Catholic Central – Any team with two D1 college seniors left on their roster after the prep school exodus will be a major threat, and the Shamrocks will be led by top-8 players in the class, Central Michigan commit Wycell Davis (6-3) and Andrew Walker (6-4). Davis is a floor general who can get to the basket and run the offense. Walker is a shooter with athleticism. Both can carry a game if necessary. Isaiah McCree (6-1) is a future upper-level college player with a great feel for the game and playing strength for the position. Lindon Bojaj (6-5) has a preferred walk-on offer from Toledo as a solid, but slightly undersized post. Super athlete Malachi Clayton (5-11) rounds out this prolific starting lineup with energy and great defense. Somehow this group has never reached the Breslin, so can they get over the hump as seniors?
Rockford – Fresh off a state title, Rockford will have every opportunity to repeat. The Rams feature arguably the best guard duo in the state in sophomore sensation Jace Opoku (6-1) and junior Eli Wolfe (6-2) Both are tremendous shooters, ball-handlers and play aggressively getting to the basket. They will both eventually play D1 college basketball. Junior forward Josh Bascom (6-4) also has D1 college offers as a jack-of-all-trades type player who competes with a supreme motor. Senior post Drew Ferwerda (6-7) will control the paint with great length and a developing offensive game. He has some lower-level offers, but could see his stock rise. Chase Fisher (6-3) will likely round out the starting lineup as a threat from beyond the arc. Rockford got a huge boost late in the summer when former North Farmington junior star Troy Waldron Jr. (6-1) joined the fold.
East Kentwood – The tallest team in the state also has one of the most successful coaches from the last two decades. Mike Thomas has six seniors who will play at least D2 college basketball, and five of them stand at least 6-3. Andrew Kenyi (6-10) is the tallest among them. He’s developed an all-around offensive skillset that could lead to a major breakout season, potentially on the national level. Samuel Makuag (6-5) will remind many MSU fans of current Spartans forward Coen Carr. Makuag is a dynamite athlete who still needs to refine his skills a little, but his upside is unlimited. Dau Dau (6-7) enjoyed a breakout summer that led to an offer and ultimate commitment to Wayne State. CJ Reynolds (6-3) might be the best of the bunch, but injuries have derailed much of his high school career, leaving colleges hesitant to give him an offer. Jeremiah Cook (6-1) will also start as a combo guard who can put up 30 points, but lacks consistency. If high school basketball had a 6th-man award, Jaxon Tabor (6-4) would win it. He’s a D2 talent who would lead a lot of schools in scoring.
Hudsonville – The Eagles looked dominate at times this summer, led by rapid riser Alex Armstrong (6-6), who played his way into multiple D1 offers as a long, skilled wing with a versatile skillset. Levi Vanderveen (6-5) plays on the other wing as a good shooter and slasher. Will Dawson (6-4) and Luke Brodnicki (6-4) will likely start in the post. Dawson is more versatile, but Brodnicki is a load with a nice touch around the basket. Sophomore point guard Cortae Towns (5-11) will be given the reins to the offense. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for with quickness and confidence as a point guard college coaches should keep an eye on as he develops.
Grand Blanc – Despite a shocking loss in the districts last season, this Bearcats team remains among the most talented in the state. Juniors Emmanuel Cooley (6-0) and Max O’Mara (6-5) are likely future D1 college players. Cooley has a tremendous feel for the game, and can score at every level. O’Mara can bang in the post, or step outside and knock down shots. He’s a little shorter than his brother was, but he’s also quite a bit stronger. Reed Cotton (6-0) joins the team from Ohio. He has a reputation as a lethal 3-point shooter. Football phenom Jace Stinson (6-4) is also one of the best rebounders and defenders on the hardwood. Senior guard Aaron Williams (6-0) will likely round out the starting lineup as another versatile piece.
River Rouge – This upperclassmen-laden squad has multiple D1 and D2-level players in uniform this season. Point guard Ken White Jr. (5-10) is an explosive playmaker who can dish or score 20-plus. He’s a dynamo and very entertaining to watch. Junior Jayden Charles (6-5) is an explosive athlete who has taken some Big 10 visits, as his stock continues to rise. Combo guard Cordell Robinson (6-4) made big strides this summer, and will now likely play D1 college basketball as a tall, lanky guard with smooth athleticism. Shae Eggleston (6-5) is a tall wing and a 3-point threat with some skills off the dribble as well.
Cass Tech – Stevie Hall (6-2) is an explosive combo guard who could flirt with 30 points per game this season. His speed and discipline leading an offense is unrivaled in the state, leading to multiple Power-4 offers. Ransom Thomas (6-3) has blossomed into a great running mate to Hall, developing his all-around skillset to earn D1 and D2 offers this summer. Zavier Scott (6-4) provides offensive and defensive versatility. He also improved his ability to create his own shot this summer. Armani Wright (6-8) adds length in the post, making this a complete team. Junior Deonte Burton (6-2) is a high-upside guard who will likely garner D2 college interest before its said and done. The technicians also feature three underclassmen (all standing 6-5) who will likely play a major part in the rotation.
Clarkston – This is quietly the most talented roster since Foster Loyer won the Wolves back-to-back state titles close to a decade ago. Senior Ace Walters (6-0) has fully come into his own, and honestly remains underrated as a score-first guard with great strength and shooting ability. Sophomore Brody Champagne (6-6) has grown four inches and vaulted into top-5 contention in his class. The lanky guard uses his long arms to shoot over smaller guards and finish above forwards in the paint. Definitely a future D1 college player. Smith Wasilk (5-9) is a solid distributor and shooter, making him a great NAIA recruit. Max Harmon (6-3) is a strong wing with a nice outside shot. He’s usually good for 8-13 points per game. Owen Poole (6-5) is a well-built post with nice footwork, rebounding energy and touch around the basket.
West Ottawa – Perhaps he most entertaining team in the state to watch. West Ottawa features an elite dunker in Darrien Stewart (6-6) who has really improved his overall motor and skillset. Makai Campos (6-1) improved his body to become a must-have D2 recruit, recently tying the knot with Wayne State. He’s a score-first point guard and extremely dangerous from anywhere on the court. Junior J.T. Gill (5-11) is another high-upside player with no real weakness to his game. If he improves his shooting consistency, he too could be a no-doubt D2 prospect. Twins Sam and Jay Watson (5-11) are tremendous 3-point shooters and sneaky in a full-court press.
Muskegon – Although maybe not quite a vintage Muskegon squad, head coach Keith Guy has a blossoming superstar on his hands in sophomore A.J. Lambers (6-1). Lambers captivated the state with some elite 3-point shooting performances last season, but he’s now a well-rounded guard very similar to Cass Tech’s Stevie Hall. Ty Worthington (6-3) and JJ Burmeister (6-3) are talented wings both garnering JUCO and NAIA offers. William Whyms (6-5) takes over the post as an elite dunker and athlete. He also seems much more confident than he did as an underclassman. Demetrio Dockery Jr. (5-11) is more than capable of taking over the offense. He can shoot, drive and dish. He enters the starting lineup as an underrated junior.
Brother Rice – Junior sharpshooter Adam Tribul (6-0) is the lone holdover from last season’s Breslin run and subsequent exodus. He’s ready to become a better all-around player. The Warriors have three top-8 freshmen entering the fold, including top-ranked Braylan Davis (6-1) who could be relied on from Day 1 to be the team’s go-to scoring option. Elijah Gilbert (6-7) is another top-ranked freshman with length and athleticism. He has a solid command on offense and is already elite on defense. Jeremiah Jackson (6-2) rounds out the talented freshman trio as an aggressive wing with a high motor. He excels at getting to the basket through traffic. Brother Rice might have jumped into the favorites when Warren Lincoln junior transfer Igniire Muhammad (6-5) – our No. 1 ranked junior – switched to the Warriors.
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