D1 Quarterfinal Predictions And Key Players

<p>We are deep in the state playoffs and only 8 teams in each division are left standing. I’m going to give you my predictions and key players.</p> <h4>ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S VS. WARREN DE LA SALLE</h4> <p>3/22, 7pm at University of Detroit Mercy</p> <p>Prediction: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s</p> <p>Key Players:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1181896" first="Kareem" last="Rozier"] (2022, PG, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)</strong></p> <p>De La Salle has a lot of athletic playmakers on the perimeter. If Rozier can hinder them with his elite chest to chest defense, OLSM will have an instant advantage.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="986902" first="Michael" last="Sulaka"] (2023, F/C, De La Salle)</strong></p> <p>Sulaka’s game continues to grow on both ends of the floor. De La Salle will need him to crash the boards and to protect the rim on defense.</p> <h4>GRAND RAPIDS NORTHVIEW VS. KALAMAZOO CENTRAL</h4> <p>3/22, 7PM at Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg</p> <p>Prediction: Grand Rapids Northview</p> <p>Key Players:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="983528" first="Calvin" last="Hyde"] (2022, PF, Northview)</strong></p> <p>Hyde is a very good post player that is willing to win the small battles that lead to big victories. It will be very important that he hits the defensive glass and limits Kalamazoo Central 2nd chance points.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1077679" first="Hutch" last="Ward"] (2023, F, Kalamazoo Central)</strong></p> <p>Ward has exploded during Kalamazoo Central’s run to the quarterfinals. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If he continues shooting the way he is, KZoo Central is really tough beat.</p> <h4>GRAND BLANC VS. DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL</h4> <p>Prediction: Grand Blanc</p> <p>Key Players:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="985658" first="RJ" last="Taylor"] (2023, PG, Grand Blanc)</strong></p> <p>This is an incredible matchup between 2 elite lead guards. Taylor can pass his teammates open and is underrated in his efficiency scoring the ball.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140922" first="Chas" last="Lewless"] (2024, PG, Detroit Catholic Central)</strong></p> <p>Lewless is an elite point guard that any coach would want setting the table for their team. His game is mature beyond his years and he has a very high basketball IQ.</p> <h4>BELLEVILLE VS. DETROIT CASS TECH</h4> <p>Prediction: Detroit Cass Tech </p> <p>Key Players:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1359498" first="Trayvon" last="Parker"] (2022, SF, Belleville)</strong></p> <p>Parker is an underrated wing that has a game similar to Bowens below. He’s a bit more perimeter oriented, but he has good positional strength and can finish above the rim with power. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863926" first="Rylan" last="Bowens"] (2022, SF, Detroit Cass Tech)</strong></p> <p>Bowens is an extremely talented forward on both ends. Defensively, he can get off the ground, play vertical defense, and protect the rim. On offense, he’s one the most powerful finishers in the state and has very nice touch in his mid range game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>