Division 1: Manning and Hankamp Predict the Quarterfinals

Boys basketball has advanced to the quarterfinal round of play, and with just eight teams remaining, everyone has eyes on a state championship. The Prep Hoops Michigan staff will give you key players to watch and predictions for each game. Saginaw vs. Howell <h2>Zachary Manning</h2> Saginaw key player- Sir'Real Smith (2020, G): Smith is an excellent shooter with a silky smooth stroke. He impacts the game in so many ways and a tough matchup for any team. Howell key player- Josh Palo (2019, G): Palo can definitely score, but I love his ability to facilitate and rebound from the guard spot. The guard play in this game will be great. Prediction: Saginaw <h2>Scott Hankamp</h2> Saginaw key player- Freddie McIntosh (2020, PG): McIntosh is a scoring playmaker at the lead guard. He's an elite perimeter defender who uses his quickness to lock down his opponent. Howell key player- Tony Honkala (2020, G): Honkala is coming off an 18 point game against Orchard Lake St. Mary's. He's a good shooter that Howell will need if they are to advance. Prediction: Saginaw Ypsilanti Lincoln vs. Detroit Martin Luther King <h2>Zachary Manning</h2> Ypsilanti Lincoln key player- Emoni Bates (2022, F): It's a fairly easy pick for me on this one. This kid can do it all on the basketball court. He scores, he rebounds, he passes, he defends. He's truly a special talent. Detroit Martin Luther King key player- Jordan Whitford (2019, G): He's a great playmaker and really smart with the basketball. He will be key to King's success in this game. Prediction: Detroit Martin Luther King <h2>Scott Hankamp</h2> Ypsilanti Lincoln key player- Jalen Fisher (2019, PG): This kid has been lights out all throughout the playoffs. Without his ability to put up 15-20 points a game and facilitate, Lincoln might not be here. Detroit Martin Luther King key player- John Massey (2019, F): Massey is a tough as nails defender. He's a difference maker in the paint and may be calked upon to slow Emoni Bates. Prediction: Ypsilanti Lincoln Roseville vs. UD Jesuit <h2>Zachary Manning</h2> Roseville key player- Martell Turner (2020, G): Turner is great at getting to the bucket and finishing at the rim. I also love the way he controls the game. It'll be interesting to see him matchup with Jesuit's solid guards. UD Jesuit key player- Daniel Friday (2019, G/F): He can play anywhere on the court, and his versatility has been big for Jesuit all season. He's a do it all type of player, and a solid game from him usually means a Jesuit win. Prediction: UD Jesuit <h2>Scott Hankamp</h2> Roseville key player- John Ukomadu (2019, F): He's a leaper and an explosive finisher. Roseville will need him at his best to negate some of UD Jesuit's size and athleticism. UD Jesuit key player- Julian Dozier (2019, PG): Dozier is so fast and explosive with the ball. He gets to the lane at will and creates for himself and his teammates. Dozier vs. Martell Turner will be fun to watch. Prediction: UD Jesuit Okemos vs. East Kentwood <h2>Zachary Manning</h2> Okemos key player- Noah Pruitt (2020, G): Pruitt is just a solid all-around basketball player. He does everything necessary for his team to win and isn't afraid of the big stage. East Kentwood player to watch- Jamoni Jones (2020, G): Jones is a dynamic playmaker that can really take over a game. He's a threat to score 30 every time he steps on the court. Prediction: East Kentwood <h2>Scott Hankamp</h2> Okemos key player- Evan Thomas (2019, SG): Thomas is one of the best 3 point shooters in Michigan. He's tough to defend because of his size and the fact that he has no limit on his range. East Kentwood key player- Jordan Jackson (2020, G/F): Jackson is a playmaker on the wing and has a knack for putting the ball in the bucket. A big game from Jackson will go a long way in helping East Kentwood advance. Prediction: Okemos