D1 And D2 Semifinal: Previews, Players And Predictions

<p>The semifinals are here and great teams and top talent are ready to square off for the opportunity to play for a state title. I’m going to give you key players and my prediction for the semifinals in Division 1 and Division 2. Please comment and give us your prediction and key players as well!</p> <h2>DIVISION 1</h2> <h3>WARREN DE LA SALLE VS. GRAND RAPIDS NORTHVIEW</h3> <p>PREVIEW: Both teams are coming off thrilling last second shots to advance to the semis. Both teams feature elite athletes and excellent depth of talent. </p> <p>KEY PLAYERS:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="986902" first="Michael" last="Sulaka"] (2023, C, De La Salle)</strong></p> <p>The talented post player was huge in the quarterfinal win and could be a huge factor again. He can be a dependable post scorer as well as a rim protector. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787685" first="Kyler" last="Vanderjagt"] (2022, SG, Northview)</strong></p> <p>Vanderjagt is becoming a legend in the state of Michigan. He continues to hit big shot after big shot this season. His leadership and shooting are key in this matchup. </p> <p>PREDICTION: Grand Rapids Northview</p> <h3>GRAND BLANC VS. BELLEVILLE</h3> <p>PREVIEW: Belleville is an upstart squad, but don’t be fooled because they are rich in talent and have a trio of athletic playmakers. For Grand Blanc, it’s been a long time since they lost a playoff game. They have the talent and composure needed to repeat. </p> <p>KEY PLAYERS:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1212739" first="Tae" last="Boyd"] (2023, SF, Grand Blanc)</strong></p> <p>The easy player to put here would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="985658" first="RJ" last="Taylor"]</strong>, but I’m going to put Boyd. A lot of that is because of the chemistry that Boyd and Taylor have shown. If Boyd gets rolling, we know Taylor will get him the rock. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="983515" first="Mario" last="Johnson"] (2022, SG, Belleville)</strong></p> <p>Johnson is a solid athlete that can make plays in a set as well as in isolation. His length and athleticism can give his defender fits and he will be relied upon as a veteran playmaker. </p> <p>PREDICTION: Grand Blanc</p> <h2>DIVISION 2</h2> <h3>GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL VS. FERNDALE</h3> <p>PREVIEW: This matchup is of no surprise. Catholic Central and Ferndale have been 2 of the top teams in the state all season long. Buckle up, because this will be a good one. </p> <p>KEY PLAYERS: </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="987270" first="Kaden" last="Brown"] (2023, PG, Grand Rapids Catholic Central)</strong></p> <p>Brown has been playing terrific basketball. He’s been a consistent big shot taker and big shot maker for Catholic Central. If he handles the ball efficiently and is feeling his jumper, it will go a long way for his team.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863920" first="Jason" last="Drake"] (Ferndale)</strong></p> <p>There’s a rhyme and rhythm to Ferndale. When [player_tooltip player_id="863920" first="Jason" last="Drake"] plays well, they usually win. Drake is an elite athlete that’s beyond tough when he gets downhill. </p> <p>PREDICTION: Grand Rapids Catholic Central</p> <h3>WILLIAMSTON VS. FREELAND</h3> <p>PREVIEW: These 2 teams come into the semifinal matchup with a combined 50-0 record. Can Freeland’s toughness and team chemistry come out on top of Williamston’s size and athleticism? </p> <p>KEY PLAYERS:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1349419" first="Mason" last="Docks"] (2022, PG, Williamston)</strong></p> <p>Docks is super fast with the ball in his hands and can change direction on a dime. His speed and explosiveness have been an issue for opponents all season long.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1261068" first="Josh" last="Elliott"] (2022, SG, Freeland)</strong></p> <p>Elliott is an excellent shooter that has a great recognition of quality looks at the rim from outside. He’s smart with the ball and is willing to sacrifice a good shot for a great one.</p> <p>PREDICTION: Williamston</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>