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:

Here are teams most likely to contend for a state title this upcoming season:

Elk Rapids – Point guard Tyler Sandfest (6-4) won’t blow by many defenders, but he’s calm, patient and always seems to find a hole to the basket. He could be a big-time scorer and also has terrific vision. Drew Plum (6-2) provides quickness and athleticism on the wing, while also showcasing the ability to shoot outside. Caden Schlickler (6-5) is a strong post presence who can finish through traffic and track down area rebounds. Jacob Moore (6-3) is another strong player who can hit mid-range corner jumpers.

Beal City – Sophomore forward Grady Gatrell (6-5) was already very good as a freshman, but he appears to have improved even more. He could be a special player, especially at this level. Avery Small (5-11) is a good outside shooter and great compliment to Gatrell. Cuyler Smith (5-11) is another good guard who can run the offense and knock down shots. It will be a tough road, but Beal City has the ability to navigate through it.

McBain – Guard play could be a bit of a question mark, but any D3 team with a duo like Clayton Heuker (6-6) and Josh Rodenbaugh (6-3) will be tough to beat. The Ramblers have some solid 3-point shooters, but Heuker will be the team’s leading scorer almost every night as a D3 college prospect. Rodenbaugh brings size and versatility to compliment Heuker’s skillset.

Calvin Christian – It’s a widely believed concept that smaller schools can be difficult to defeat with a quality point guard and post presence. Clavin Christian has a future college guard in junior Fisher Dykstra (5-11) and forward in senior Levi Heeringa (6-8). Both are capable of big performances that other D3 teams will find a tough matchup. Eli Built (6-6) is another intriguing player to watch this season.

Pewamo-Westphalia – It is not hyperbole to say junior Logan Farmer (6-3) could wind up a D1 prospect. He’s a great shooter who can also play as a tall point guard. His game is rapidly improving to the point he could become a top-10 prospect in the class. Grant Thelen (6-2) and Sam Thelen (6-2) are good shooters and defenders who will be counted on for more offense this season. The Pirates also have a couple more players around 6-3 who will make an impact on both ends of the court.

Schoolcraft – Despite some coaching and AD controversy, this remains one of the best basketball programs in the state. The Eagles return two future college players. Senior sharpshooter Kodee Bienz (6-3) can get hot in a hurry. He can also create his own shot, but needs to be a little more consistent against other top opponents. Ty Goddard (6-2) is an all-around scoring threat. He’s a little more rugged than Bienz, and offers up some position-less basketball around the perimeter. Sophomore Parker Luteyn (5-10) could be ready for a big leap after earning minutes last season.

Jonesville – It’s rare for a D3 team to have a pair of future college forwards on its team, but Jonesville will start senior Alex Dunn (6-9), a transfer from Quincy, and sophomore riser Brooks Nichelson (6-7) in what could be an unstoppable duo. In addition to the post giants, Jonesville also returns senior point guard Caleb Blonde (5-9) who can orchestrate the offense and score. This is an entertaining team to root for if you attend the Breslin every year for the state semifinals and finals.

Lumen Christi – Junior forward Ashton Callan (6-3) really impressed over the summer as a strong wing/forward with an aggressive play style. Jonathan Morgan (6-2) is a volume scorer who should be a key piece tom potentially leading this team on a deep tournament run. Broden Burgess (5-11) is another talented guard with a nice outside shot and solid ball-handling skills. Zack Tropea (5-6) is small, but packs a punch as a smart player with terrific point guard instincts.

Leslie – Junior small forward Roman DeRose (6-4) is an elite scorer with D2 college upside. His turnaround jumper is almost unguardable with his size and length. He’s also a good 3-point shooter and slasher. Joel Cranmore (6-2) is a criminally underrated player. He’s a tall and solidly-built point guard who can shoot, slash and score. The pair will have many games this season where both eclipse 20 points. Braydin Johnson (6-0) provides the team with a quality third scorer who specializes from beyond the arc. Jackson Fossitt (6-2) is a good defender and rebounder.

ATAP – The Lions will attempt their third straight trip to the Breslin Center. Junior guard Lewis Lovejoy (5-10) is a threat to score 40 – yes you read that right – points any game. He’s silky off the dribble, lighting quick and has seemingly unlimited range despite a funky release. This team is going to be tiny, with shooting guard Aiden Reeves (6-2) likely their tallest starter. Sherrod Magee (5-6), freshman Dakari Thurston (5-8) and Deshaun Payton (5-11) should round out the starting lineup.