Top 2 In Division 1 And 2
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There’s a nice mix of elite teams and a sense of parody among those at the top this season. I’m going to give you my top 2 from Division 1 and Division 2. This isn’t a prediction as far as…
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Continue ReadingThere’s a nice mix of elite teams and a sense of parody among those at the top this season. I’m going to give you my top 2 from Division 1 and Division 2. This isn’t a prediction as far as a state finals pairing or a 1-2 ranking, just the 2 teams that I think sit at the top right now.
DIVISION 1
This is probably the toughest Division to narrow down to 2. I could see possibly as many as 10 teams take home the title this year.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S
They just have so many weapons. If a star has an off night, they have a roster full of players that can step in and perform at a VERY high level. I know they lost last night, but when push comes to shove and you need to win a bunch of games in a row, they have the pieces.
Key Players:
JaVaughn Hannah JaVaughn Hannah 6'4" | SG Orchard Lake St. Mary's | 2022 State #221 Nation MI (2022, SG)
Hannah might be the most prolific scorer in the state. He’s a bona fide bucket getter that can score from basically anywhere on the floor.
Trey McKenney (2025, CG)
If you ask me, McKenney is one of the top freshman on a national scale. He’s primed for big games on a big stage and is already almost impossible to stop offensively. McKenney has a terrific mid range game.
Kareem Rozier Kareem Rozier 5'9" | PG Orchard Lake St. Mary's | 2022 State MI (2022, PG)
Rozier has been known for his grit and toughness since he arrived on scene as a freshman. He’s a true floor general and among the top 2 perimeter defenders that Michigan has to offer.
BROTHER RICE
Brother Rice has everything needed to walk away from this season with a state title. They have a roster that creates so many tough matchups that opponents often have to pick their poison.
Key Players:
John Blackwell John Blackwell 6'3" | CG Brother Rice | 2023 State #185 Nation MI (2023, CG)
Blackwell has been turning a lot of heads this season. There is talk of him being a high major perimeter prospect and I can certainly see why. Matching up with him and his ability to play on or off the ball will be a tough task come tournament time.
Xavier Thomas Xavier Thomas 6'6" | PF Brother Rice | 2023 State MI (2023, F)
Thomas is a silky smooth athlete that carries top notch height, length, and strength. He can create off the bounce and is a solid finisher that can use power and creativity under the rim.
Curtis Williams Curtis Williams 6'5" | SF Brother Rice | 2023 State #93 Nation MI (2023, SF)
Williams is a top 50 nationally ranked prospect for a reason. He has a next level build and skill set and has shown this season that he wants the ball in big moments.
Don’t forget about: Detroit King, , De La Salle, Hamtramck, Northview, UD Jesuit
DIVISION 2
GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL
GRCC has so much championship experience on their roster. They have a rotation full of consistent and steady high basketball IQ players. They’ll be tough to beat come tournament time.
Key Players:
Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI (2023, CG)
Brown has been playing excellent basketball this season. He’s established himself as a big shot maker and big shot taker. Brown has shown that he can be an elite scorer.
Durral Brooks Durral Brooks 6'2" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2024 State MI (2024, PG)
Brooks uses a strong frame and a high basketball IQ to stand out from the crowd. He has a terrific mid range game and is a terrific decision maker.
Jack Karasinski Jack Karasinski 6'5" | SF Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI (2022, SF)
Karasinski is an incredibly talented wing with underrated athleticism. He can play the game at any speed and both shoot and finish at an elite level.
WILLIAMSTON
Williamston has such a nice mix of talent. Each player does something different than another player, giving them a bit of everything when it’s all put together. They’re a veteran team that looks ready to make a state championship run.
Key Players:
Max Burton Max Burton 6'10" | SF Williamston | 2022 State MI (2022, SF)
Burton is a tough cover with his ability to play outside-in or inside-out. He can step outside and bury a jumper as well as battle for position under the rim and grab more than a handful or rebounds.
Mason Docks Mason Docks PG Williamston | 2022 State MI (2022, PG)
Docks is an elite point guard that gets the job done on both ends of floor. He creates chaos when he pressures the ball and he’s just so much quicker than most guards. Docks is an excellent passer that can penetrate the lane and dump the ball off to open teammates.
Jacob Wallace Jacob Wallace 6'4" | CG Williamston | 2022 State MI (2022, SG)
Wallace is a hard-nosed player that can attack the rim and finish through contact. He’s a 3 level scorer that defenses always have to be aware of.
Don’t forget about: Croswell-Lexington, Ferndale, Benton Harbor