MHSAA June Preview: Division II Teams to Watch

<p>With about a week to go before the BCAM Reaching Higher event. And with June team camps kicking into high gear. I thought I would provide a quick preview of all four classifications in Michigan. With four team capsule overviews for intriguing teams in each division.</p>   <p>Note: this is not a ranking. While top teams will most certainly be included, I am sticking to the "intriguing" qualifier used above. Teams in transition, have transfers, or are just going to be exciting teams to watch in June. After starting with the big boys in Division I, I'll move onto Division II today.</p>   <p><em>**Last year's record in parentheses**</em></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Warren Lincoln (8-18) </h2>   <p>When is a eight win season not a eight win season? How about this, when you are only one year removed from back-to-back state championships with a completley retooled and super young lineup. Furthermore, when that lineup jells late and advances all the way to regional final, I would say that constitutes as a pretty quick rebuild.</p>   <p>With virtually the entire rotation returning, The next type step the Abes can take developmentally is definitely a storyline to watch in June. [player_tooltip player_id='3602621' first='Igniire' last='Muhammad'] is the returning headliner. The 6-6 wing has had a nice spring with [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] and is beginning to attract high level Division I interest. Highly skilled with a projectable frame. A quick second jump makes him a major threat at the rim and on the glass. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='3663940' first='Julian' last='Edison'] is a 6-5 forward who has also played well with [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family']. Edison has a bigger frame but is similar wing prospect.</p>   <p>I caught [player_tooltip player_id='3621511' first='Coby' last='Bruce'] this past weekend in Dearborn. He is another rangy 6-5 2028 wing with potential. This isn't a roster capsule, so I will just stop listing players. The point being Lincoln has a lot firepower on the wing that is prepared to become upperclassmen. If the frontline and point positions can develop with the wings in June. The rebuild might be officially over and the Abes would be in the driver's seat as a preseason #1 squad. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Detroit Country Day (19-8)</h2>   <p>The dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2140483' first='Christian' last='Cast'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2139938' first='Isaiah' last='Marino'] will healine the Yellowjackets. That has not changed in the last three years. What has changed is health and national recognition. Cast missed the full spring/summer period last year with an injury. After a healthy junior campaign, he is starting wrack up Division I offers. Marino looks like he has fully completed the transition to the wing where he is matchup problem at 6-6.</p>   <p>So why did I just possibly put Warren Lincoln in the driver's seat for the top spot in the division? (don't worry I haven't forgot about Romulus Summit North) I an anxious to see if Cast can stay healthy and if the depth can develop around this dynamic duo. Cast did get hurt the last time I watched him play, so that is always a looming concern. Marino's skill level and surrounding front court options will allow to move to the wing as DCD will have post options.</p>   <p>What will those options be? That is where the questions lie. Will their BCS football recruit play in the second semester? Will 2029 frontline prospects [player_tooltip player_id='3628127' first='Ryan' last='Williams'] (6-9) and [player_tooltip player_id='3545787' first='Alan' last='Nyambio'] (6-6) be ready to contribute at the varsity level? Some of those questions won't be answered in June. However we can start to see them take shape. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benton Harbor (20-4) </h2>   <p>The story of this "pod" in this particular part of the state bracket can be broken up into two distinct eras. Pre COVID this pod was dominated by the team listed above. Post 2020, the four horsemen from a quadrant of parochial school teams in the Grand Rapids area have dominated (Christian, South, Catholic, and Unity) If the Tigers are going to reclaim their status. It appears they have the talent to do it this year.</p>   <p>Let's start with the returnees. [player_tooltip player_id='2140507' first='Kesean' last='Hobbs'] is going to be the rare four year player for this storied program. The versatile 6-6 forward is coming off a strong spring with Michigan Unified on the New Balance circuit. He will be joined by explosive guard [player_tooltip player_id='2454031' first='Zameir' last='Clayton'] who will join Hobbs in the four-year contributor category. Clayton might be a little under the radar as he does not play on a shoe circuit. That doesn't really sway my opinion. He has been electric with Harbor Impact and the 6-2 prospect is capable of playing with anyone. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2539854' first='Camren' last='Hull'] should be further acclimated in his second year in the program.</p>   <p>I don't generally write about transfers until they are official. By that I mean playing in November. The MHSAA portal has just been that unpredictable over the years. However, St Joseph's transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2442329' first='Ben' last='Varrie'] (pictured) told me he will be at Benton Harbor this year. The 6-4 2029 wing has been outstanding with the aforementioned Michigan Unified program. If he can carry that momentum into the regular season and adjust to new surroundings quickly. The Tigers four-pronged perimeter attack could make up for a smaller frontline.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ludington (24-3) </h2>   <p>A few weeks ago, the Orioles were the odds-on favorites to return to the quarterfinal round where they lost to the eventual state champion Freeland. They were slated to return virtually their entire rotation. Things can change quickly. Firstly, they appear to have lost three transfers in a familial transfer (once again, I will wait and see on transfers) Secondly their long... and I mean long time head coach Thad Shank retired. Lastly their "pod" toughened up with the addition of some downstate teams. </p>   <p>That is a LOT of change to what looked like a stable situation. Despite this... Ludington should still be very good next year. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2951459' first='Taj' last='Williams'] is a dynamic lefty with plenty of big game experience in his career already. The 6-0 guard will have no problem adjusting to being the sole primary scoring option. In fact, he might be freed up to have an eye-opening statistical season. If the senior frontline of [player_tooltip player_id='2448880' first='Steele' last='Stowe'] and<strong> JT Keith</strong> can step and replace some of the lost production. The Orioles might not miss a beat in the midst of transition.</p>   <p></p>

With about a week to go before the BCAM Reaching Higher event. And with June team camps kicking into high gear. I thought I would provide a quick preview of all four classifications in Michigan. With four team capsule overviews for intriguing teams in each division.