MHSAA: Postseason Primer

<p>With the state tournament starting a week earlier this year. I'll give the MHSAA postseason the “February Frenzy” moniker. To get ready for the madness. Let's take a look at some major overarching questions that will be a factor in deciding each division. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will it be all chalk in March? </h2>   <p>This question could addressed to all four divisions— three to be exact. In Divisions I, II, and IV. Last years state champions are arguably the favorites to repeat. Even in Division III the prohibitive favorite fell in overtime of the semifinals. </p>   <p>Expecting all four schools to go on similar runs in back-to-back years is asking a lot. Frankly it would be somewhat unprecedented. There are always upsets along the way. However, if the favorites hold serve (we'll cover them below) this could be a very “chalky” tournament. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division I: Health, health, health</h2>   <p>I do not recall a March where there were this many questions regarding key players. For defending champion Orchard Lake St Mary's. [player_tooltip player_id='1437536' first='Trey' last='McKenney'] (pictured) has already missed extended time with a wrist/hand injury.</p>   <p>He has returned to lead St Mary's to another Catholic League title. However he still appeared to be favoring the injury. The Eaglets have six losses against one of the more difficult schedules anyone in Michigan has played in a long time. They have had other injuries and lost players briefly to a recent suspension. Simply put, they haven't been a full strength in quite a while. Can seniors McKenney, [player_tooltip player_id='1437540' first='Sharod' last='Barnes'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1437987' first='Isaiah' last='Hines'] flip the experience switch in March to bring home another title?</p>   <p>On the west side of the state. Two main contenders are facing injury questions as well. Rockford's star junior [player_tooltip player_id='2218021' first='Jake' last='Bascom'] has missed time with a hamstring injury. While he has returned, a hamstring injury can certainly linger or reappear. A little further west, the Muskegon Big Reds are holding out hope for junior [player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin'] The high flying wing sustained a nasty arm injury. I don't believe he has returned yet. Muskegon has played well in his absence. However his return could give them an added boost in the backcourt. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division II: The David's versus the Goliath's </h2>   <p>I could have went with the geographically generic East vs West. But the old preacher's kid in me resorts to biblical analogies. The teams from east side are very good and probably considered the favorites. However Warren Lincoln (defending champs) Romulus Summit Academy North, and Detroit University Prep are all perimeter oriented and small along the frontline. </p>   <p>In contrast, teams from the west side have big front courts. Hudsonville Unity Christian features the 6-7 duo of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1373853' first='Jake' last='Chapman'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1806491' first='Owen' last='Vanderwaal'] While Grand Rapids South Christian sports the senior duo of <strong>Isaac<em> </em>Schrotenboer</strong><em> </em>(6-6) and [player_tooltip player_id='2353061' first='Davis' last='Kemper'] (6-7) </p>   <p>The Abe's of Warren Lincoln overcame this size disadvantage last year with their backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='1437547' first='Moses' last='Blackwell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1437541' first='Markus' last='Blackwell'] (Eastern Illinois) and [player_tooltip player_id='1468663' first='Da'Marion' last='Bozeman'] Does the addition Northern Iowa commit [player_tooltip player_id='1437985' first='Geon' last='Hutchins'] give them edge to do it once again?</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division III: Who steps into the “Beech” </h2>   <p>Stepping into the “breach” is someone who takes over a difficult task or responsibility. The play on words in the title is due to the departure of perennial power Flint Beecher down to Division IV. This is compounded by perceived favorite and defending finalist Detroit Old Redford moving up to Division II as well. Leaving a gigantic historic hole at the the top of the Division.</p>   <p>The Pioneers of Riverview Gabriel Richard appear poised to attempt this task. The senior next level talent in the their starting five is difficult to top. The inside out duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1266476' first='Luke' last='Westerdale'] (Wayne St) and [player_tooltip player_id='1438270' first='Charles' last='Kage'] (Saginaw Valley St) get a lot of the much earned attention. However don't forget about [player_tooltip player_id='1438256' first='Nick' last='Sobush'] (Siena Heights) Sobush also played a major hand in Richard's run to a football final and will not be scared of the moment. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division IV: Does History matter in March? </h2>   <p>I'm a former high school history teacher. So trust me when say that I have asked this particular question a LOT— can you get a high school student to care about history? That is pertinent to the Division IV race as Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian's longtime head coach Mark Keeler is retiring after this year.</p>   <p>Tri-Unity is the defending state champions and Keeler is looking for his seventh banner. Oddly enough, the Defenders have never gone back-to-back. They lost a lot from last year's squad and had a sluggish start to the season. However senior Grace Christian commit [player_tooltip player_id='2423654' first='Keaton' last='Blanker'] has the team rolling in the second half along with 6-6 senior <strong>Joey Mellon</strong> and out of state transfer <strong>Noah Silverton</strong>. </p>   <p>Is the pressure of Keebler's swan song a positive or negative for Tri-Unity? Returning the original question. Does the pressure even register for kids who were not even born when we the Defenders won their first title? I can tell you for sure who does NOT care about that history. Defending finalist Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart. They care about undoing the history from last years defeat. Fowler cares about more recent history. As the Eagles defeated Tri Unity earlier this season. <br></p>

With the state tournament starting a week earlier this year. I'll give the MHSAA postseason the “February Frenzy” moniker. To get ready for the madness. Let's take a look at some major overarching questions that will be a factor in deciding each division.