MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

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:

Benton Harbor – The Tigers have a quartet of next-level players who all seemed to play well together this summer. Sophomore forward Benjamin Varrie (6-4) transferred across the river from St. Joe. He’s a top-20 player in a stacked class. Zamier Clayton (6-2) has seen his stock skyrocket with consistently dominant performances. He’s a smooth and tall lead guard who can also shoot. Senior Kesean Hobbs (6-3) once looked like a D1 recruit, but has seen his stock fall a touch with some inconsistent performances. Still firmly on the D2 or high-level JUCO radar, he could be in store for a big season. Cameron Hull (6-1) is technically a guard, but he’s so strong that he often plays as a shorter post for the Tigers.

South Christian – It’s going to be a family affair with Indiana Weslyn commit Max Zichterman (6-3) and sophomore Crew Zichterman (6-2) leading the way. Both players are athletic combo guards capable of putting up big scoring numbers. Max is also a tremendous rebounder and defender. Austin Burgess (6-1) is a crafty lead guard who superbly runs the offense and is sneaky good at getting to the basket. Senior post Peyton Kool (6-6) is starting to rack up NAIA and D3 offers as an athletic post who makes an impact on both ends of the court. Sophomore forward Dax Blackport (6-4) should round out the starting lineup; he might end up being the best player on the team.

Lansing Sexton – It’s safe to say this has become an annual contender and top program. Senior Waverly transfer Martez Jackson (6-4) never seemed to be in favor at his old school, but the college prospect should thrive here as an athletic slasher. Zion Mathis (6-0) is a high-upside junior with a great outside shot. Willie Brown (6-2) is a freak athlete with a solid overall skillset. He could enjoy a truly breakout season. Carmine Henderson (5-11) will run the point, while Korey Jackson (6-6) will have college coaches on high alert manning the paint.

Romulus Summit – Sophomore Codey Bush (6-3) is the best player in the state, and he just received an offer from Kansas. Bush is a long, athletic point guard who has tremendous vision and scoring instincts. Sophomore Maddox Roberts (6-4) has a nice mid-range jumper and always seems to be around to grab rebounds. Junior King Pierce-Black (6-6) is an intriguing prospect who is a competent shot blocker and low-post scorer. Raemere Roberts (5-10) and Rashard Euseary (6-2) are upperclassmen who should get a major boost in nminutes this season.

Divine Child – Already one of the most fun teams to watch in the state, Divine Child received a major boost when D1 college prospect Devin Brown (6-2) joined the team. Brown is a powerful guard and electric dunker, capable of taking over games. Malik Bush (6-3) is starting to rise and could become a D2 college prospect as a long guard with a nice outside shot. Juniors Denham Butler (6-2) and Joe Arnold (5-11) are also future college players. Butler is long and athletic. He can also knock down 3-pointers. Arnold is a true point guard who always seems to have the offense organized. A two-man rotation of Gabe Hourani (6-4) and William Meehan (6-4) will occupy the post. Meehan, especially, has college-level upside.

Warren Lincoln – Despite losing I.G. Muhammad (6-5) – our No. 1 ranked player in the junior class – to Brother Rice, Warren Lincoln could still be in line for its third state title in four seasons. The Abes have two players with D1 college offers on their roster. Julian Edison (6-3) is a smooth guard who is known as a great outside shooter. Adding a little more consistency could make him truly elite. Codey Bruce (6-5) also has D1 offers as a lanky forward with unlimited upside and potential. Getting a little stronger could make him a matchup nightmare. Rashad Clements (6-0) is a terrific outside shooter who can also handle the ball and create his own shot. Jacob Wood (6-0) will run the offense as a strong lead guard who plays fearlessly. Chase Moore (6-1) is a well-rounded guard who should take up more of a scoring role this season.

Ferndale – Could enter the season as the top-ranked team regardless of class. Four-star point guard Peyton Kemp (6-1) is back in the state after recently committing to D1 Robert Morris. He’s an explosive combo guard with great scoring instincts. Eden Vinyard (6-7) is also a national recruit with dozens of D1 offers. He’s one of the most versatile players in the Midwest, and could have NBA upside. Kari Ouwinga (6-5) reportedly has an offer from Oakland University as a lanky forward who just needs to be a bit more aggressive and consistent. Tyler Hunter (6-9) has multiple D1 offers as a sturdy post presence with a nice finishing touch and mid-range shot. He needs to give top effort more consistently, though. Toriano Adams (6-1) rounds out the starting lineup as a four-year varsity veteran who plays with a toughness that belies his frame.

Country Day – Losing Christian Cast (6-4) was a major blow, but the Yellowjackets still have enough talent to make some noise if the pieces come together. Isaiah Marino (6-6) will now he the team’s leader as he tries to cement his status as a next-level player. Brother Rice transfers Ian Newble (6-6) and Clifford Brown (6-4) are high-upside athletes who should flourish with more playing time. Jaidyn Martin (5-9) and Caleb Owens (5-11) will likely start in the backcourt as quick guards with solid vision and defense.

Pontiac – Jeremiah Claudio (5-11) and Timothy Ewing (6-3) are important and solid senior leaders on this young, talented squad. Claudio will run the point, while Ewing will man the paint. Sophomore wings G’amir Lyles (6-2) and Caden Covington (6-1) are the headliners as likely next-level players. Both made a big impact last year as freshmen, and will be asked to become two of the state’s best all-around players this season.

Goodrich – This team might be slightly off the radar, but do not be surprised if this team ends up at the Breslin Center. Senior forward Jensen LePla (6-5) has already committed to Grand Valley State and might be a D1 player sooner than later. Senior guard Colt Maynard (5-9) is a jack of all trades who specializes in 3-point shooting. Junior Isaac Valley (5-11) is another quality guard who can shoot, run the offense and is solid on defense. Cash Miller (6-5) adds more length and rebounding, giving this team everything it needs to compete.