MHSAA June Preview: Division IV Preview

And then there was one... 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.   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. We will wrap things up with Michigan's smallest classification, Division IV.   **Last year's record in parentheses**   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Concord (25-4) </h2>   Similar to the first team I chose in Division III. It's not really going out on a limb to pick the defending state champions as an intriguing team. That being said, Concord graduated two outstanding players at the most important positions on the court. They lost a dynamic point guard in Jett Smith and a next level post in Connor Stevens (Trine)   Hoever the cupboard is far from empty for the Yellowjackets. There is still plenty of perimeter punch in the form of senior [player_tooltip player_id='2829102' first='Darrell' last='Dean jr'] and junior Marcus Gill Jr. Dean is an explosive scorer who played the two this past year. As a good ball handler he should slide seamlessly into the point guard slot. Gill should move from his bench scoring into Dean's two spot. Giving Concord one of the more explosive backcourts in the division.   If the hole in the paint can be filled by 6-6 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='3667916' first='Zack' last='Stevens'] this team could look similar to last year's squad. Stevens was impressive as a freshman. Making key contributions off the bench in both the semifinal and final round. He is quite slender but has a ton of upside with an extremely lengthy frame. He has been active in grassroots basketball this spring. If this participation can help him take the next step as a prospect. Concord could in for multi-year run of excellence.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Traverse City Christian (25-1) </h2>   A small parochial school in Northern Michigan with virtually no postseason success in its history. That has changed mightily in the last two years with back-to-back regional final appearances. While that is good for the burgeoning program. Now the bullseye is firmly on their back after an undefeated regular season. Additionally, the undefeated feat was accomplished in the face of major injury adversity.   Chief among them was the season ending knee injury to see point guard [player_tooltip player_id='3668071' first='Asher' last='Coates'] Due to the injury and lack of grassroots participation. The 5-11 point guard is an extremely under the radar prospect. Fully healthy, he can play with anyone in the state. I did not stutter, and that is not some home region hyperbole (I'm from the area) He is that good. After his loss a group of forwards took over as plus sized point guards. One has since graduated but 6-4 senior [player_tooltip player_id='2873437' first='Ethan' last='Johns'] will return for what could be a big senior year in his natural position. Further backcourt help will come from junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2844376' first='Isaac' last='Torbet'] who is wired to score with ample varsity experience.   If they come back healthy, they should be the top Division IV team in the region by a pretty healty margin. That is the rub. They are going to get everybody best shot all year. As an independent school they play a difficult and unique schedule. Didn't faze them last year. If they can pull off another undefeated season they should be poised for an even deeper March run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hillsdale Academy (22-3) </h2>   Like the team directly above, this is another "not going to sneak up on anyone" special. The Colts put together a strong year led by an eighth grader. No matter how good that player that is. It is going to lead to doubts from your opponents. Now that [player_tooltip player_id='2844069' first='Jackson' last='Huffman'] is officially in high school the spotlight is going to burn even brighter this year.   Fortunately, the 6-7 freshman is more than capable of handling it. Simply put there isn't much he can't do on the basketball court at the Division IV level. While they lose six seniors from last year's squad. Huffman should get support from 6-3 sophomore Logan Knirk. When you look at the youth, I might be a few years early in expecting this squad to contend. Despite that, last season ended in the regionals with a single digit loss to eventual state champion Concord (see above) So the championship level talent is certainly there. How it develops in June will be a storyline to watch.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vestaburg (16-7) </h2>   If you believe grassroots success can carry over to June or the regular season (which I do) Then few schools had a better April/May than Vestaburg. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2850784' first='Lucas' last='Warczinsky'] (pictured) has led his Michigan Ignition squad to a banner campaign on the Prep Hoops Circuit. The 5-10 guard runs the point and has played well against some of the top shoe circuit teams in the Midwest. He has been joined by sophomore teammate Jackson Kilmer in the Ignition backcourt.   While those two are talented. Vestaburg's leader and best player is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140475' first='Brehm' last='Warczinsky'] Lucas' older brother. Brehm doesn't pass the initial eye test. However, he is a good shooter who also passes the ball very well. Coache's son, but more importantly plays like it with a fundamentally sound game. If the frontcourt can develop around Kofee Arntz, the Wolverines could surprise this year.

And then there was one... 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.