MHSAA Quarterfinal Preview: Freshman to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>March heroics are usually reserved for seniors. However, I've held all year that Michigan's 2029 class has a chance to be a special group. As I survey the quarterfinal bracket. It seems my initial surface level take is correct.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are quick hitters on a group freshman who will be on display throughout the state on Tuesday night. Quick hitters because this is a long list.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division I </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2767770' first='Jordan' last='McDaniel'] <strong>5-10 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice</strong>(pictured) With a huge national reputation already. If you are talking freshman, this is the place to start. Not very big but is electric with the ball in his hands. From the jump this year, he has appeared ready for the moment. Scored in double figures in both rounds of the regional including a team high 19 points in the victory over Warren Fitzgerald. If he can get to the big stage at the Breslin Center. He will have more than lived to the ballyhooed attention he had coming into the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2844038' first='Jace' last='Opoku'] <strong>6-0 Rockford</strong> The Rams standout 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140494' first='Eli' last='Wolfe'] did not play in Rockford's regional final victory over Marquette. Opoku stepped in seamlessly and led his squad to a victory. Opoku has many of the similar lead guard attributes that McDaniel does (see above) However the West Michigan guard has a bigger frame. I thought he got off to a slow start on the season. He has settled in a major way in the second half. With or without Wolfe, Opoku shouid be a key factor in Rockford's quarterfinal matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2923099' first='Yamil' last='Jimenez'] <strong>6-5 Grand Rapids Northview</strong> The program will say <strong>Melo</strong> <strong>Garcia</strong>, our database says [player_tooltip player_id='2923099' first='Yamil' last='Jimenez']. I'm sure it will get straightened out soon. The Northview Wildcats feature a lot of talent. What they do not feature is a lot of size down low. Since coming up halfway through the season, Garcia has provided some pop on the block. Competed well in the first matchup with Rockford. If Garcia can help slow down the Ram's decided size advantage. He could open some eyes statewide.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division II </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Codey Bush</strong> <strong>6-3 Romulus Summit Academy North </strong>Not sure why Bush does not appear in out database. This is a top 5 player in the 2029 class. Nothing about his game says freshman. Approaches the game like a seasoned veteran. It was readily apparent at the loaded BCAM team event in June.&nbsp; He is a legitimate backcourt prospect, but is bigger than McDaniel or Opoku. Doesn't have the big stat lines of others on this list. As he plays in a very deep backcourt coming off a semifinal appearance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2673543' first='Drew' last='Cabana'] <strong>6-4 Chelsea </strong>Cabana doesn't have the production questions of Bush. The versatile wing has been the focal point of the Chelsea attack all year. Skilled enough to play the point. However I've been more impressed with his ability off the ball. Stays in motion and relocates within sets. Well schooled player who catches the ball in the shooting motion with a trigger quick release. Like McDaniel, put up 19 points in a regional championship win over a very good Lansing Sexton squad. Another top 5 prospect in this class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2792101' first='Miles' last='Burgin'] <strong>5-10 Grand Rapids Catholic Central </strong>The player on this list that looks like a freshman. With a slight and skinny frame. Until a transition opportunity presents itself. An explosive leaper who finishes well above the rim with relative ease. Good ball handler and shooter. The release on the outside shot is unique but certainly effective. Gets to play off the ball with Catholic's deep backcourt. As he moves to the one in the next few years, his recruiting status should increase exponentially. Appears to have plenty growing left to do. Consequently, might have the most long term upside on this list.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division III </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2847256' first='Grady' last='Gatrell'] <strong>6-4 Beal City </strong>From the player who looks like a freshman, to the most advanced prospect on the list. Gatrell is already a three sport standout. Started on Beal City's vaunted gridiron program in the fall. Also put up eye opening hurdling statistics in the spring. Much more than an athlete on the basketball court though. Coaches son, and more importantly plays like. Passes well out of the high post. Played good defense against McBain's college bound forward duo in the regional final. Skilled offensively, especially on the block. Had a strong spring/summer after playing up a grade level on the [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball']'s top 2028 club.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division IV </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Damani Oliver</strong> <strong>5-10 Detroit Douglass </strong>The Douglass program was already loaded with underclassmen talent coming into the season. After hearing about Oliver this summer, I wondered how he would fit into this deep rotation. Answered as he has quickly become one of the top options. He is seemingly playing his best basketball in the tournament as the stakes raise. After a four year absence. It would be nice to catch him and Hurricanes on Thursday night in the Breslin Center. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2468116' first='Bennett' last='Zeller'] <strong>5-10 Onekema </strong>Small Northern Michigan guard rose to the moment on Thursday night. With his team in major foul trouble. Went on a personal 6-0 run at a critical juncture late. Including a confident three pointer that showed he was not afraid of the moment. Coming off a nice spring/summer with HB Elite. Good ball handler who should easily slide into the point guard role as he ages. Northern Michigan has pretty strong 2029 class developing. Especially in Onekema's 20 mile radius (Frankfort, Brethren) Intrigued to see how this group develops.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->