D1 And D2 Regional Semifinals: Players To Watch

<p>There is a lot of talent remaining in the Michigan state playoffs. Let’s look at some players from the Division 1 and Division 2 brackets that you should keep an eye on in this round. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="986250" first="Amonte" last="Allen"] (2023, PG, Hamtramck)</strong></p> <p>He’s a top notch perimeter defender that can be physical and make his opponent very uncomfortable. Allen’s D will be critical against an elite backcourt at UD Jesuit. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1067873" first="Derek" last="Bolton III"] (2022, CG, Roseville)</strong></p> <p>Bolton has been electric this season, scoring in bunches from multiple levels. If he can match De La Salle’s athleticism, it will help his team a ton. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1212739" first="Tae" last="Boyd"] (2023, SG, Grand Blanc)</strong></p> <p>Boyd and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="985658" first="RJ" last="Taylor"] </strong>have really developed a nice chemistry as the season rolled along. If Taylor can be that passing option that can hit jumpers and finish at the rim, Grand Blanc can take care of business.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1261068" first="Josh" last="Elliott"] (2022, SG, Freeland)</strong></p> <p>Elliott has been super consistent and a very important senior leader all season. If he continues to make high percentage plays, Freeland has a an opportunity to extend their undefeated season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1211157" first="Dayton" last="Henagan"] (2022, PG, Onsted)</strong></p> <p>Onsted can dominate the paint with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1223488" first="Ayden" last="Davis"]</strong>, but don’t get too focused on the big man. Onsted can feature a very good inside-outside combo with Henagan. He’s a shifty guard that can score and distribute. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863929" first="Tharren" last="Hill"] (2022, SG, Detroit Pershing)</strong></p> <p>Hill has been underrated by many for far too long. He’s a top notch scorer that can do it bunches with his jumper. Hill can get hot from the field and be a total game changer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="983504" first="DaJon" last="Johnson"] (2022, PG, Belleville)</strong></p> <p>Johnson is a veteran player that’s played a big role for Belleville for 3 years now. His poise and leadership on the perimeter will be incredibly valuable in an interesting matchup with an Ann Arbor Skyline squad that seems to play it’s best basketball at the end of the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1076004" first="Donovan" last="McDonald"] (2023, PF, Croswell-Lexington)</strong></p> <p>The matchup between McDonald and Goodrich’s <strong>Parker LePla </strong>will be interesting to watch. McDonald is a long and smooth moving forward that’s underrated athletically. If he can match up effectively on D, Croswell-Lexington is in great shape.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1067860" first="Jalen" last="Overway"] (2022, PF, Holland Christian)</strong></p> <p>Benton Harbor has elite athletes all over the floor, so Holland Christian will need their big man to control the lane and protect the rim. Overway is more than capable of hindering an offense when it comes to finishing at the rim.</p> <p><strong>Luke Stowasser (2022, PF, Edwardsburg)</strong></p> <p>Edwardsburg has leaned on their high energy defense for most of the season. That being said, they will need their talented scorer and rebounder to win the day. Stowasser has been solid in both facets all year long.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1349424" first="Gunner" last="Walters"] (2022, PG, Rochester Adams)</strong></p> <p>Walters has had a strong season on a very talented roster. He’s the guy that makes it go, standing out on both ends of the floor. His matchup with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863921" first="Keegan" last="Wasilk"] </strong>on the perimeter could be an instant classic.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1077679" first="Hutch" last="Ward"] (2023, PF, Kalamazoo Central)</strong></p> <p>Kalamazoo Central has been excellent all year defensively. When they’re making shots, they’re a top team in the state. Enter [player_tooltip player_id="1077679" first="Hutch" last="Ward"]. If he shoots like he did last game, they can punch a ticket to the next round.</p>