Division 1, Regional 3 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MHSAA state playoffs continue tonight as we begin the regional round with 32 teams looking to take one step closer to the Breslin. For the first time in years, the area's biggest conference in terms of enrollment is sending three teams to a Division 1 regional. Muskegon joins the likes of Hudsonville, Rockford, and East Kentwood in what should be a highly competitive three games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>Game 1: Rockford (18-7) vs. Hudsonville (17-7), 5:30 p.m.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockford and Hudsonville play in game one as the Rams will look to sweep the Eagles after winning the first two matchups by a combined 4 points. Hudsonville knocked off Jenison 59-48, and Zeeland West 59-51 to win a D1 district, while Rockford beat Lowell 49-47, and Northview 53-49 to win theirs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockford has a deep rotation of lanky wings that can make life hard on opposing shooters. [player_tooltip player_id='1431590' first='Caden' last='Pokorzynski'] is the Ram's best two-way player and is someone who can go and get you a bucket in high-leverage situations. Other frontcourt members to keep an eye on are [player_tooltip player_id='986581' first='Charlie' last='Deutsch'], Drake Irwin, and [player_tooltip player_id='1438856' first='Lucas' last='Pitsch']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The individual matchup I'm most looking forward to is in the backcourt between point guards [player_tooltip player_id='1359511' first='Brayden' last='Szamrej'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1824978' first='Andrew' last='Landis']. Szamrej has been outstanding all season and has continued that level of play in the playoffs, scoring 21 points against Jenison in a district semi, and 13 against Zeeland West in a district final. Brayden will match up with one of the most dangerous shooters in the area in [player_tooltip player_id='1824978' first='Andrew' last='Landis']. Landis scored 13 points in the second quarter against Northview, which ultimately provided a boost the Rams needed to get past the Wildcats. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudsonville's [player_tooltip player_id='1439043' first='Griffin' last='Baker'] is an x-factor type player for Hudsonville. If he has a big night offensively, the Eagles are a tough team to beat. Griffin has a bounce to his step that sets him apart from similar athletes. I'd expect Rockford to key in on Brayden and Griffin as the two guys who can make the Eagle's offense go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction: Rockford 53, Hudsonville 51</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>Game 2: East Kentwood (18-6) vs. Muskegon (22-2), 7 p.m.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game two might just be the single-best regional semifinal across all four divisions. East Kentwood comes into the regional as the OK Red champs and has won 9 of it's last 10 games. The Falcons cruised to wins over Ottawa Hills, 75-58, and Byron Center, 62-45 in a division 1 district. Muskegon, who won the OK Green outright, enters the regional round after dispatching Union 72-34, and Reeths-Puffer 51-47.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muskegon has one of the best backcourts in the state, led by Wayne State commit [player_tooltip player_id='987274' first='Jordan' last='Briggs'], and Ferris State commit Anthony Sydnor. The backcourt battle with East Kentwood's [player_tooltip player_id='1214779' first='Marshaun' last='Flakes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett'] will be fascinating to watch and should give us plenty of highlight plays and exceptional shot-making. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Kentwood's frontcourt received a huge boost mid-season with the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1825126' first='Christian' last='Humphrey-Rembert']. Humphrey-Rembert holds a handful of Division 1 offers and is a guy who can change the game at any moment due to his next-level athleticism. Muskegon freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin'] opened some eyes with 18 points and 14 rebounds in his playoff debut performance against Union. I'd expect Martin to be a guy who might get matched up with Humphrey-Rembert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction: Muskegon 65, East Kentwood 59</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->