D3 Elite 8 Matchups to Watch

Jonathon Gilbert March 19, 2022 @ 11:31 PM

This years field of quarterfinalists in Division 3 features a surprising amount of losses among the teams. Along with a few familiar faces. Granted Ecorse’s high number of losses are skewed by eligibility forfeitures. But defending champ Flint Beecher and Schoolcraft (semifinalist) return along with some teams that are new to the division. Following are three individual matchups that will go a long way in determining who advances to the Breslin Center. Grayling vs Menominee [player_tooltip player_id="1068264" first="Dylan" last="Cragg"] vs Aidan Bellisle Both teams are rather surprising entrants into the Division “3” quarters. The three is in quotations as both of these programs have traditionally played in Division 2. Grayling is in its first year. While Menominee bowed out to Iron Mountain (no shame) in their maiden D3 voyage last year. Accordingly both teams have an abundance of big time athletes. None bigger than Cragg. The 6-4 dual sport Alma commit can run and jump with just about anyone in the state. In the tournament he has been shooting well. When his shot is falling he is difficult to stop. But offense is not what will be needed against Menominee. Bellisle is a 1,000 point scorer and the Maroons leading scorer in the tournament. He had 23 points and the decisive triple in the come from behind double overtime thriller against Benzie Central. Had a 29 point outing in the previous game as well so he can fill it up. The 6-1 guard has also tested himself in the offseason. Playing with Great Northern Elite on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Could the length and strength of Cragg slow him down? The answer to that question could be the determining factor in this game. Ecorse vs Bath [player_tooltip player_id="1277369" first="Malik" last="Olafioye"] vs DeVondre Chandler Olafioye is arguably the best individual talent remaining in this field. The junior guard will continue to be a matchup nightmare until he has to go up against Beecher’s [player_tooltip player_id="863936" first="Carmelo" last="Harris"]. The Bees will try and answer with DeVondre Chandler. A rising junior point guard of their own. While senior forward Nathan Swenson has led the way for most of the year. Chandler has been coming on strong of late. In the regional semi final victory over Homer. He led the way with 23 points. Including 16 in the second half. It will be quite a tall ask for Chandler to match Olafioye’s output. The Ecorse guard is just that good and is an early favorite for next years Mr. Basketball. But if he can slow him down that could allow Bath a path to pull the upset. Schoolcraft vs Pewamo-Westphalia [player_tooltip player_id="863986" first="Tyler" last="DeGroote"] vs [player_tooltip player_id="986252" first="Jamison" last="Eklund"] (pictured) A rare regular season rematch at the quarterfinal round. The first one was not particularly close. Schoolcraft the defending semifinalist won it handily. I caught it in person over the holidays at Cornerstone University. PW was not at full strength and early in the process of breaking in a new coach. Eklund a 6-5 do it all forward for the Pirates also struggled with foul trouble in that contest. I expect Eklund to play much better the second time around. The main evidence is his outstanding recent play in the tournament. Absolutely willed his team to an overtime victory over a good Grandville Calvin Christian team. Scored a game high 29 points including the the tying three to send the contest to the extra period. Standing in his way will be DeGroote who was impressive in the first contest. At 6-7 with a sturdy frame. He has the ability to get physical with Eklund. However DeGroote is more than just beefy post. Has the ability to stretch the floor from deep. Also has athleticism to finish above the rim. Had three dunks in the Christmas victory. It will be interesting to see if Eklund and the Pirates can flip the script.