Division 1 Semifinals Predictions And Players To Watch
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The Division 4 Final 4 bracket is set and the teams are preparing to play on the biggest of stages at the Breslin Center. We’re going to give you our predictions and players to watch in the semifinal games. Orchard…
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Continue ReadingThe Division 4 Final 4 bracket is set and the teams are preparing to play on the biggest of stages at the Breslin Center. We’re going to give you our predictions and players to watch in the semifinal games.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Ann Arbor Huron (March 15, 12PM)
Prediction: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s has a roster that can compare to some of the better teams nationwide in my opinion. Better yet, they have different types of players with different strengths and skill sets, making it tough for opponents to find a way to attack. Huron has their own star power though, and they have shooters, toughness and length as well.
Players To Watch:
Mohamed Doumbouya Mohamed Doumbouya 6'4" | PF Ann Arbor Huron | 2024 State MI (Ann Arbor Huron) – Macari Moore Macari Moore 6'2" | PG Ann Arbor Huron | 2025 State MI is the obvious answer here, but let’s take a different look. Doumbouya is a versatile forward with toughness for days. It would be huge if his physical defense can offset some of the OLSM athletes.
Sharod Barnes Sharod Barnes 6'2" | SG Orchard Lake St, Mary's | 2025 State #365 Nation MI (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s) – Barnes is one of the best perimeter defenders in the state. I have to imagine he’ll play a huge role in defending Moore. If he can slow him even the slightest bit, that greatly increases the odds of OLSM moving on to the finals.
Zeeland West vs. North Farmington (March 15, 2PM)
Prediction: North Farmington
You might want to DVR this one. There’s a Michigan Mr. Basketball finalist and one of the best backcourts in the state. People may say that Zeeland West winning would be an upset, but they hold the advantage in the only comparative score, a win against Northview. That being said, I think it comes down to Zeeland West slowing that North Farmington backcourt.
Merritt Alderink Merritt Alderink 6'7" | PF Zeeland West | 2024 State #245 Nation MI (Zeeland West) – I went chalk with this one. Alderink is a special player and special players do special things. The athletic forward will once again be a big time matchup nightmare.
Landon Williams Landon Williams 6'4" | PG North Farmington | 2024 State MI (North Farmington) – Williams is a versatile guard that does so many things well. It’s tough to find a weakness to attack. Williams can make plays with or without the ball in his hands.