<p>Boys basketball has advanced to the quarterfinal round of play, and with just eight teams remaining, everyone has eyes on a state championship. Prep Hoops writers Zachary Manning and Scott Hankamp will give you key players to watch and predictions for each game. </p>
<p><strong>Iron Mountain vs. Sanford Meridian</strong></p>
<h2>Zachary Manning</h2>
<p>Iron Mountain key player- <strong>Foster Wonders (2021, F)</strong>: He's one of the top players in the state for a reason. He can score from anywhere on the court and rarely makes mistakes. </p>
<p>Sanford Meridian key player- <strong>Trey Plichta (2020, G)</strong>: He's a very good shooter who is deadly from outside. If he gets hot from three, it's tough to slow him down. </p>
<p>Prediction: Iron Mountain</p>
<h2>Scott Hankamp</h2>
<p>Iron Mountain key player- <strong>Marcus Johnson (2020, G)</strong>: Johnson is already a 1000 point scorer. He's very accurate from behind the arc and handles the ball well. </p>
<p>Sanford Meridian key player- <strong>Lucas Laeder (2019, SF)</strong>: Laeder is a good rebounding wing. He has a knack for finding buckets and he is an unquestioned leader.</p>
<p>Prediction: Iron Mountain</p>
<p><strong>Detroit Edison vs. Flint Beecher</strong></p>
<h2>Zachary Manning</h2>
<p>Detroit Edison key player- <strong>Brian Taylor (2019, G)</strong>: Taylor is an outstanding player with a high basketball IQ. He's got great athleticism with a silky smooth jump shot. </p>
<p>Flint Beecher key player- <strong>Earnest Sanders (2020, G)</strong>: He's a freak athlete who can ignite a crowd with a single dunk. I love his ability to get to the basket and finish with both hands. </p>
<p>Prediction: Flint Beecher</p>
<h2>Scott Hankamp</h2>
<p>Detroit Edison key player- <strong>Bryce George (2020, PF)</strong>: George provides toughness and grit in the paint. He's an excellent post defender who always finds a way to impact the game. </p>
<p>Flint Beecher key player- <strong>Jalen Terry (2020, PG)</strong>: Terry is an elite athlete who attacks the basket off the dribble. He's a superb ball handler and finisher that plays above the rim. </p>
<p>Prediction: Flint Beecher</p>
<p><strong>Hanover-Horton vs. Erie-Mason</strong></p>
<h2>Zachary Manning</h2>
<p>Hanover-Horton key player- <strong>Jack Brockie (2020, G)</strong>: Brockie is a great scorer who knows how to get his shot. He'll play at the next level. </p>
<p>Erie-Mason key player- <strong>Jake Trainor (2019, G)</strong>: Trainor is a guy that knows his role and plays it well. He scores when he needs to and makes all the right plays on the court. </p>
<p>Prediction: Hanover-Horton</p>
<h2>Scott Hankamp</h2>
<p>Hanover-Horton key player- <strong>Luke Laketa (2020, G/F)</strong>: Laketa is a high percentage shooter from almost anywhere on the court. He has the ability to alter shots at the rim on defense. </p>
<p>Erie-Mason key player- <strong>Joey Liedel (2020, G)</strong>: Liedel can flat out score in bunches (had a 32 point game against Detroit Loyola). He's active on the glass and strong with the pass. </p>
<p>Prediction: Hanover Horton</p>
<p><strong>Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Cassopolis</strong></p>
<h2>Zachary Manning</h2>
<p>Pewamo-Westphalia key player- <strong>Andre Smith (2019, G)</strong>: He's a big guard who knows how to use his size to his advantage. His athleticism is also a key part to his game. </p>
<p>Cassopolis key player- <strong>Brayden Saxton (2021, G/F)</strong>: He's not the best player on the team, but he makes his presence known when he's on the floor. He's a solid defender who can score when given the opportunity. </p>
<p>Prediction: Cassopolis</p>
<h2>Scott Hankamp</h2>
<p>Pewamo-Westphalia key player- <strong>Collin Trierweiler (2019, PG)</strong>: Trierweiler is a solid ball handler who commits very few turnovers. He puts the ball on the floor and gets to the rim.</p>
<p>Cassopolis key player- <strong>Tyrese Hunt-Thompson (2019, G)</strong>: Hunt-Thompson is a 3 level scorer who can create off the dribble. He can finish at the rim or pull uo for a mid range jumper. </p>
<p>Prediction: Pewamo-Westphalia</p>
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