District Semifinal Matchups To Watch

<p>The most exciting night of the boy’s basketball season tips off in just a few hours as teams across the state hope to punch their tickets to the District Finals on Friday night. In West Michigan, there are a handful of matchups featuring teams that have had their fair share of success this season and have legitimate aspirations of playing for another two weeks. Check out below who my picks are for the best individual matchups to watch in the district semis.</p> <h4>Division 1, District 9</h4> <h5><em>Rockford (18-2) vs Forest Hills Central (14-7)</em></h5> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1211148" first="Jacob" last="Bonnett"], Forest Hills Central 2022”</h6> <h6>Kyle Varady, Rockford 2022”</h6> <p>Two teams with a ton of history match up in what I consider the most anticipated district semifinal game in the area between Forest Hills Central and Rockford. The Rangers upset the Rams in last season’s districts on the Rams homecourt, and this season Rockford has the opportunity to return the favor. This low-key rivalry has been as tight as it gets with the Rangers holding the 16-15 edge over the Rams dating back to 1994. In my opinion, this game will come down to two playmaking guards in [player_tooltip player_id="1211148" first="Jacob" last="Bonnett"] and Kyle Varady. Both are the main facilitators of two potent offenses and both can get a bucket in a variety of ways. My best guess is whichever guard has more of an impact will come out on the winning side.</p> <h4>Division 1, District 12</h4> <h5><em>East Grand Rapids (10-10) vs Byron Center (6-15)</em></h5> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1077676" first="Simon" last="Neuhaus"], East Grand Rapids 2023”</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1300877" first="Jayden" last="Brock"], Byron Center 2024”</h6> <p>Two talented wings will square off tonight in what should be a highly competitive game between two OK White foes in East Grand Rapids and Byron Center. The Pioneers swept the season series, winning each game by double-digits. However, I wouldn’t count out the Bulldogs after they picked up some momentum following a gritty 54-53 win over East Kentwood in a district opener on Monday. Keep an eye out for one of the most talented juniors in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="1077676" first="Simon" last="Neuhaus"]. Simon is lethal in the mid-range due to his size and skillset. I’m expecting Byron Center to throw several different defensive looks at Neuhaus, including the lanky sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="1300877" first="Jayden" last="Brock"]. Brock has the size to limit Neuhaus’s production, which will be necessary if Byron Center hopes to march on.</p> <h4>Division 2, District 43</h4> <h5><em>Catholic Central (19-1) vs Forest Hills Eastern (16-5)</em></h5> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="787680" first="Jack" last="Karasinski"], Catholic Central 2022”</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1067859" first="Owen" last="Hardy"], Forest Hills Eastern 2022”</h6> <p>The best two-game slate in the area belongs to district 43 out of Division 2. The four teams are a combined 71-11 this season and are littered with future collegiate athletes. The odds-on favorite to win in Division 2 is reigning champ Catholic Central, who is led by Mr. Basketball finalist [player_tooltip player_id="787680" first="Jack" last="Karasinski"]. Jack can carry a team deep into March and will be matched up against one of the taller matchups he’ll face this season in Forest Hills Eastern’s [player_tooltip player_id="1067859" first="Owen" last="Hardy"]. Catholic Central’s arsenal is as deep as anyone’s in the state and slowing down Karasinski will go a long way in pulling off what would be a monumental upset. Owen can help the Hawks’ chances with a big game on both ends of the court.</p> <h5><em>Unity Christian (20-0) vs West Catholic (16-5)</em></h5> <h6>Cameron Chandler, Unity Christian 2022”</h6> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="863963" first="Michael" last="Morris"], West Catholic 2022”</h6> <p>One of two 20-0 teams in Division 2 will look to continue their streak of perfection as Unity Christian comes in as a heavy favorite against a very talented West Catholic squad. I’m expecting a ton of points in the one as both teams have multiple guys that can put up 20+ on any given night. The most intriguing matchup, in my opinion, will be between two highly talented two-way players in Cameron Chandler and [player_tooltip player_id="863963" first="Michael" last="Morris"]. Both Chandler and Morris have the size to score it both inside and out, and the length to be disruptive on the defensive end. West Catholic will need a huge night from its combination of [player_tooltip player_id="983513" first="Kobe" last="Kambestad"] and [player_tooltip player_id="863963" first="Michael" last="Morris"], but it’s Morris who can make the biggest impact defensively.</p> <h4>Division 2, District 44</h4> <h5><em>Godwin Heights (10-8) vs Grand Rapids Christian (16-4)</em></h5> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="902884" first="Jakhary" last="Towns"], Godwin Heights 2023”</h6> <h6>Delon McCloud, Grand Rapids Christian 2022”</h6> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="902884" first="Jakhary" last="Towns"] has been on a tear as of late, scoring 30+ points on an almost nightly basis, helping Godwin extend its season. The Wolverines match up with a talented Grand Rapids Christian team that features a plethora of shooters and guys that can attack the lane. Christian’s most important piece offensively in my opinion is senior guard Delon McCloud. Delon has the size to overpower opposing guards in the paint, and the shooting touch to knock down perimeter and mid-range jumpers. Jakhary will need to have another big night and help slow down Delon among others if the Wolverines hope to keep dancing.</p>