D1 District Semifinals: Top Matchups To Watch

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>Zeeland West (16-6) vs Grandville (15-8)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the most anticipated game on semifinal district night features a pair of teams that have had successful seasons in the Red and Green. Zeeland West is led by do-it-all forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1143391' first='Merritt' last='Alderink']</strong>, who has come into his own this season as one of the most skilled forwards in the state. He'll have his hardest test of the season against who I believe to be the best defending big in the area in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356986' first='Cameron' last='Regnerus']</strong>. Cam's length will challenge Merritt as will Merritt's overall size and strength. Whoever can anchor their team in this one will give the edge to the Dux or Dawgs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>East Kentwood (16-6) vs Ottawa Hills (15-8)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most exciting backcourt matchup to watch in West Michigan tomorrow night is undoubtedly between Ottawa Hills' <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1433257' first='Quadir' last='Hatchett']</strong> and East Kentwood's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett']</strong>. Both guards are electric playmakers and can take it to the rack or pick you apart from the perimeter. Both East Kentwood and Ottawa Hills seem to operate at their full potential when their respective Hatchett is aggressive with the ball in their hands. Buckle up for what should be an up-and-down track meet between two of the more skilled backcourts in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>East Grand Rapids (13-10) vs Byron Center (13-10)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two teams that know each other a little too well will tip off one last time this season in a winner-takes-all rubber match. The individual matchup I'm most looking forward to is between two talented frontcourt members in East Grand Rapid's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1077676' first='Simon' last='Neuhaus']</strong> and Byron Center's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300877' first='Jayden' last='Brock']</strong>. While they might not guard each other exclusively, Simon is the Pioneer's focal point offensively and Jayden is one of the most athletic and energetic two-way players in the area. Don't be surprised if both players put up big performances with their seasons on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>Muskegon (20-2) vs Union (15-7)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two contrasting team storylines converge tomorrow night as the proverbial favorites to make it to the Breslin from West Michigan, the Muskegon Big Reds take on an overachieving Union team who appears to fear no one. Union's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1824982' first='Marquan' last='Ross']</strong> has been outstanding all season and will need to pull off an all-timer if they hope to pull off the monumental upset over the Big Reds. Muskegon's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='987274' first='Jordan' last='Briggs']</strong> is no stranger to big games and quite frankly, I wouldn't want anyone else in the state leading my team in March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>Coopersville (15-8) vs Reeths-Puffer (14-9)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two programs that have made a name for themselves by pulling off big upsets in March will collide tomorrow night between Coopersville and Reeths-Puffer. [player_tooltip player_id='1356946' first='Travis' last='Ambrose'] is one of the more skilled forwards in the state in the 2024 class and figuring out how to limit his production will be Coopersivlle's biggest task. I expect Coopersville's unique zone defense will throw several different looks at the Rockets, but expect 6'5 Bronco forward Mark DeVries to see the bulk of the action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->