D2 Elite Eight Matchups to Watch

Jonathon Gilbert March 21, 2022 @ 12:07 AM

Of the four division classifications. Division 2 is arguably the deepest in terms of high level talent. Like divisions 1 and 3. The defending champion returns along with some historical perennial contenders. Accordingly I could have went in a few different directions with the game defining matchups. With the full knowledge that I could be wrong. Following are three matchups that will help determine who moves on to the Breslin Center. Grand Rapids Catholic Central vs Benton Harbor [player_tooltip player_id="1112374" first="Durral" last="Brooks"] vs [player_tooltip player_id="987285" first="Grant" last="Gondrezick"] How deep is this quarterfinal? Let’s just say I could have went with a different backcourt duo and still had a highly compelling matchup. But I’m going to stay true to the “board” and go with the highest ranked players. Brooks (pictured at top of article) is firmly in the conversation for the top overall statewide prospect in the class of 2024. Already has a state championship to go along with the individual accolades. Unlike a lot young players. It all starts with his defense. He really gets after it and has no fear. On more than one instance I have caught him in foul trouble this year. Catholic has more than enough depth to overcome it. Fierce penetrator who who scores easily at the basket. Gondrezick is the polar opposite. One of the best scorers in the 2023 class. He does it in a smooth and effortless manner. Glides around the court and has excellent elevation on his jump shot. Has the talent to put the Tigers on his back and pull the upset. But if Brooks can slow him down or simply make him uncomfortable. The Cougars could be making a return trip to East Lansing. Honorable Mention- If the Brooks/Gondrezick matchup doesn’t materialize. The point guard duel between [player_tooltip player_id="987270" first="Kaden" last="Brown"] (GRCC and [player_tooltip player_id="863960" first="Trucel" last="Singleton"] (Benton Harbor) could be highly consequential. Ferndale vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep [player_tooltip player_id="863927" first="Treyvon" last="Lewis"] vs [player_tooltip player_id="1068124" first="Jon" last="Risi"] Two high level senior scorers. Two different statewide reputations. Lewis is a Loyola-Illinois commitment in the midst of a huge senior season. There might not be a player left in the field who can match his level of size and skill out on the perimeter. He has also done it against one of the more difficult schedules in the state this year. He should not be afraid of the moment as he led the Eagles to the semifinals last as well. Notre Dame is the plucky upstart led by [player_tooltip player_id="1068124" first="Jon" last="Risi"]. Risi is a smooth and aggressive scorer. Will pull up from anywhere. Especially out in transition. Moves with well without the ball and has a trigger quick release. While not in Lewis’ class as an athlete has a lanky 6-5 frame. I watched him put up a 20 piece in a victory over Davison. Did this after post [player_tooltip player_id="1211143" first="Jack" last="Olis"] went down with an injury. Will probably need to score more than 20 for the Irish to pull the upset. Williamston vs Detroit Edison <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Bryce-Eaton.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1187797" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Bryce-Eaton-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1349419" first="Mason" last="Docks"] vs [player_tooltip player_id="986241" first="Bryce" last="Eaton"] This matchup only requires one adjective. Speed, speed, and then some more speed. Both of these point guards have that coveted extra gear. Docks a Maryland-Baltimore County commit has a little more size and a little more experience. But like Brooks (see above) really makes his presence felt primarily on the defensive end. Also similarly to Brooks and Catholic Central. His team is deep enough offensively that he can focus on this area. That being said he might not even be the fastest player in this contest. 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="986241" first="Bryce" last="Eaton"] (pictured) is a straight up jet. Was simply electric in the Pioneers decisive 20 point victory over a very good Benton Harbor backcourt (see above) earlier this season. Despite his frenetic pace. Also plays under control with the proverbial “ball on string” handle. Eaton will not be intimidated by Docks’ D1 pedigree. As Eaton has high level experience playing with The Family on the EYBL. If Docks can slow Eaton down that could be huge. As the undefeated Hornets probably have a little more firepower at the 2-5 positions.