Division 2 Quarterfinals Predictions And Key Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Michigan high school basketball state playoffs have reached the quarterfinals. There are great teams and players left vying for state championships. We're going to look at the Division 2 bracket and give predictions and key players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KINGSFORD VS. FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup could get interesting. Kingsford has shown a ton of heart and the ability to make big plays in the playoffs. Powers Catholic might be a different challenge for them when it comes to the level of power and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Flint Powers Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1504837' first='Morgan' last='Sleik']</strong> (Kingsford) - If Kingsford can match the Powers strength and physicality near the rim, it'd be Sleik. He's a good post defender and if he can challenge and alter shots near the rim it could bee a game changer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437572' first='Jesse' last='Cull']</strong> (Flint Powers Catholic) - Insert Cull brother here essentially. Jesse is physically strong, a top notch all around athlete and a threat to score from all over the floor. He's a tough matchup for Kingsford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WARREN LINCOLN VS. GOODRICH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This might be the most intriguing quarterfinal matchup of the 4. I went with a Warren Lincoln prediction, but either of these teams could walk away with a state title when it's all said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Warren Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437541' first='Markus' last='Blackwell']</strong> (Warren Lincoln) - Blackwell is nothing short of a premier guard in the state of Michigan. He can score in bunches, but also play as a grade A distributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437570' first='Parker' last='LePla'] </strong>(Goodrich) - Remember how above I said "insert Cull brother here"? Well, you could probably insert LePla brother here. Parker is an underrated all around athlete that can force mismatches with his size, athleticism and ball skills. Warren Lincoln is going to have to keep him from getting in the open floor and make him work for every bucket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL VS. GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is going to be a good one. Christian beat Catholic Central by 19 back in December, but that game seems almost irrelevant now. Catholic Central is healthier and playing their best basketball of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Grand Rapids Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112374' first='Durral' last='Brooks']</strong> (Grand Rapids Catholic Central) - He just took home the Michigan Mr. Basketball trophy, so of course he's a key player. Brooks power and mid range game are at a entirely different level. Who will match up with him?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223513' first='Jaylan' last='Ouwinga']</strong> (Grand Rapids Christian) - Ouwinga is an elite post prospect in Michigan. He has the ability to control the action in the paint on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CHELSEA VS. DETROIT UNIVERSITY PREP</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University Prep has heated up in the state playoffs and are in the midst of a magical run. We all knew 4 years ago that the senior guard combo of Stephens and Cabana was going to be special. It seems appropriate that they top off their senior season with a trip to the Breslin Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Chelsea</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223485' first='Jake' last='Stephens']</strong> (Chelsea) - Stephens has been on a heater so far in the playoffs. He's shot and scored at a high amount and at a high percentage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112302' first='Xander' last='Wedlow']</strong> (Detroit University Prep) - Wedlow is the X factor in this game. As talented as Chelsea is in the backcourt, they don't have a ton of size. If Wedlow has a huge game, UPrep could be booking tickets to the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->