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<p>The 2026 MHSAA finals weekend was as thrilling of a chapter in recent memory. Mr Basketball playing like Mr Basketball. Upsets, freshman showing out, generational scoring performances, and clutch play. The weekend had it all.</p>
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<p>I'll provide boots on the ground all tournament teams for all four divisions. After giving you Division IV, we move up to Division III. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Team</h2>
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<p><strong>PG- [player_tooltip player_id='1588213' first='Jaiden' last='Price'] 5-10 2026 Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac </strong>(pictured) The Pontiac transfer made good use of his short time with the Lions. As he only became eligible after the holidays. Additionally earned this spot with his play off the bench. Stood out in a major way on Thursday. Keying ATAP's barrage of a second half comeback after trailing by nine at the break. I caught him with LOUD Academy this summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit. I was well aware that he could score quickly. But 27 points in only 24 minutes is taking it to the next level. Played well in more of a complementary role on Saturday. </p>
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<p><strong>SG- [player_tooltip player_id='2630702' first='Lewis' last='Lovejoy'] 5-10 2028 Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac </strong>Price's play was more complementary on Saturday, as Lovejoy completely took over the final. One of the better individual performances I have seen on the Breslin court in quite some time. A 41-point masterpiece that had the gym buzzing. Hit six threes that opened driving lines for the diminutive guard. Attacked the basket without fear and efficiently got to the line. Did this all after getting saddled with two early fouls. Not very big but has no problem getting his shot off with quick and unique release point. Crafty finisher at the rim with quick elevation and varied release points. I had another player in action this weekend pegged as my top point guard in the still developing 2028 class. Lovejoy's performance in his second straight appearance at the Breslin Center certainly has him knocking on the door of the top spot. </p>
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<p><strong>SF- [player_tooltip player_id='1588174' first='Grady' last='Eklund'] 6-3 2026 Pewamo-Westphalia </strong>A fitting end to a legendary Lansing career. The Northwood commit started off his weekend with a 27 point outburst against Flint New Standard. The definition of efficient scoring as he reached this mark in only 26 minutes of action. Followed it up with 26 points in the final. I've long held that his deceptive athleticism is the skeleton key for the fundamentally sound player. As he frequently posts the highest vertical at elite camps. Showed that in a major way early in the final. With an emphatic two hand flush in half court traffic. Also showed the touch from beyond the arc. Doesn't really have any weaknesses as a player. Has amassed quite a resume. Two straight trips to the Breslin Center, his school's all time leading scorer, the leading scorer in the Lansing area, and now a state championship. Impressive and very fun player to watch over the last four years. </p>
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<p><strong>PF- [player_tooltip player_id='2951449' first='De'Vontae' last='Grandison'] 6-3 2026 Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac </strong>Unlike Price, Grandison played with ATAP last year at the Breslin Center. The slender forward held up down low for a small Lions squad. Scored in double figures on Thursday and played good defense on Menominee's best player. Picked his spots well and was able to drive through seams that ATAP's perimeter attack opened up. Isn't a finished product but could develop late for the right type of patient developmental coach at the next level. </p>
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<p><strong>C- Trent Piggott 6-5 2026 Pewamo-Westphalia </strong>Two sport stand out from Pewamo whose basketball exploits have flown a bit under the radar. I have long been impressed with his perimeter touch for a player of his size. He didn't mess around on the perimeter this weekend, nor did he need to. Imposed his will down low with his wide and athletic frame. Put up a double double in both games. Posted 10 points and 14 rebounds on Thursday. While adding 11 and 12 on Saturday. Light on his feet for his size. Much more than just a small school bruiser though. Could have a home on the hardwood in the right system at the next level. <br></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Second Team </h2>
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<p><strong>PG- AJ Smith 5-8 2028 Flint New Standard </strong>While Smith played well on Thursday. This is a bit of a cumulative mention. The sophomore guard had a huge tournament run to get Flint Elite to this round. Including stone cold three at the buzzer to send the quarterfinal contest into overtime. Also put together a rare quadruple double. Similar player to Price (see above) Not very big but put plays with a low center gravity that makes him difficult to turnover. Advanced ball handler who got to his spots easily. Was the only Warrior in double figures, finishing with 17 points. </p>
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<p><strong>SG- [player_tooltip player_id='2539747' first='Logan' last='Farmer'] 6-1 2028 Pewamo- Westphalia </strong>The Pirates won a state championship with a special group of seniors. However, Farmer put together a big weekend and showed that the PW program isn't taking a step back anytime soon. Only a sophomore frequently handled ball handling responsibilities. Had no problem scoring when needed, but played within the offense like a veteran. The upside is immense as it appears his still has some growing to do. Put up 19 points in the semifinal, along 14 points on the final. Member of a talented [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] 2028 unit. If he continues to grow and develop. He could battle with his opponent, Lovejoy for top player in the division in two years. </p>
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<p><strong>SF- [player_tooltip player_id='2853275' first='Darrent' last='Butler'] 6-2 2026 Menominee </strong>The Upper Peninsula guard bounced back from a late season injury and helped the Maroons get back to the Breslin Center. Got off to a quick start and helped Menominee go into the half with a nine point lead. Is a good shooter and has a stocky frame that helps him as a strong driver. Coming off a strong spring/summer with the Wisconsin Blizzard. Finished with a team high 23 points in the semifinal loss. </p>
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<p><strong>PF- [player_tooltip player_id='2561784' first='Tanner' last='Theuerkauf'] 6-3 2026 Menominee </strong>After quarterbacking Menominee to a gridiron state championship in the fall. The Northern Michigan football commit wrapped up a stellar multi sport career on Thursday afternoon. Put up 14 points, but showed the versatility that makes him a special all around player. Was sniffing in the triple double zone with nine assists. Is an excellent shooter from beyond the arc with very deep range. However, that abandoned him during the loss. I've long held he is good enough to pursue basketball in Marquette. With a new head man and the usual uncertainty a coaching change brings. Perhaps that might still happen. </p>
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<p><strong>C- Razach Spillers 6-3 2026 Flint New Standard </strong>One of the Warriors few senior leaders He helped the Flint Elite get off to a quick start against the eventual state champions. Posted the first bucket and a quick block that showed off his defensive length. Continued to be presence defensively against Pewamo's big frontline despite a decided size disadvantage. <br></p>
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<p></p>
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The 2026 MHSAA finals weekend was as thrilling of a chapter in recent memory. Mr Basketball playing like Mr Basketball. Upsets, freshman showing out, generational scoring performances, and clutch play. The weekend had it all.
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