MHSAA Playoffs: Notes From Two District Semifinals

<p>Last night, teams across the state took the court for the MHSAA district semifinals. There were intriguing matchups across the area pitting conference rivals against one another and teams who played one another for the first time this season. I was lucky enough to get out to the South Christian-Godwin Heights game, and the Northview-Forest Hills Central game. Check out my notes below to see who stood out. Also, don’t forget to check back in tomorrow for my previews for the district championships across the area in Division 1 &amp; 2.</p> <h5>South Christian 79, Godwin Heights 49</h5> <p>Godwin Heights entered the playoffs with a perfect record while South Christian came in at 14-2 with its only two losses coming against undefeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central. On paper, the Sailors outsized the Wolverines at almost every position and have an upperclassmen-led group, whereas Godwin Height’s core is primarily made up of underclassmen. These two factors proved to play a large role in the outcome of what I expected to be a closer game.</p> <p><strong><em>South Christian’s Transition Offense</em></strong></p> <p>South Christian displayed what makes them one of the area’s best teams by the way of their transition offense. They have a sophomore point guard who plays well ahead of his years in Jacob DeHaan, a dominant forward in [player_tooltip player_id="811110" first="Connor" last="Dykema"], and knock-down perimeter shooters littered across the roster. Most importantly, they move the ball beautifully and almost always end the possession with an open shot.</p> <p><strong><em>Jacob DeHaan Has a Big Night.</em></strong></p> <p>Thursday night’s district semifinal showcased two of the point guards who will be running the OK Conference for the foreseeable future in Jacob DeHaan and [player_tooltip player_id="902884" first="Jakhary" last="Towns"]. DeHaan took the spotlight last night, scoring 17 of his 19 points in the first half. His feel for the game and decision-making is that of a senior. He’ll be a linchpin for this South Christian program for the next two years. </p> <p><strong><em>Elliott Grashuis and [player_tooltip player_id="811110" first="Connor" last="Dykema"]’s Length </em></strong></p> <p>What really makes this South Christian team special is the level of athlete that they have. Both Elliot Grashuis and [player_tooltip player_id="811110" first="Connor" last="Dykema"] are physically gifted athletes who move fluidly, which creates a glaring matchup problem for their opponents. Elliot stands 6’4 and Connor at 6’7 both have shown the ability to create their own shot, score in the paint, and can knock down jump shots. Not to mention, their length is very disruptive on the defensive end.</p> <p>Up Next: South Christian will face Grand Rapids Christian in a Division 2 District Championship on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at South Christian High School.</p> <h5>Forest Hills Central 56, Northview 49</h5> <p>The second game I caught in person last night was a Division 1 district semifinal between OK White rivals Northview and Forest Hills Central. The Rangers battled through adversity in their opening round win over Rockford and overcame a stellar performance from one of the area’s best players in Rockford’s [player_tooltip player_id="814588" first="Sam" last="Krist"]. Last night, they upped the ante, defeating a highly talented Northview team and another great player in [player_tooltip player_id="787685" first="Kyler" last="Vanderjagt"].</p> <p><strong><em>Jacob Bonnett Continues To Impress</em></strong></p> <p>Late in the fourth quarter of FHC’s district opener against Rockford, the Rangers desperately needed a boost of offense. Bonnett put matters into his own hands and penetrated the lane time after time. That was once again on display last night against Northview as he was able to make a move past his defender and penetrate the lane for high percentage looks at the rim. He has one of the better dribble packages I’ve seen this year, which he seems to continue to refine. His 20 points led the Rangers in scoring. </p> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id="787685" first="Kyler" last="Vanderjagt"] Shows Why He’s a Top-Level Recruit</em></strong></p> <p>Despite the loss, Kyler was able to score at all three levels despite facing constant traps and double teams all night. He finished with a game-high 21 points, which came from tough shots in penetration, from the mid-range, and beyond the arch. Standing at 6’5, Kyler is more physically developed than most his age and he should only continue to grow and develop in what I estimate as a legitimate power 5 prospect.</p> <p><strong><em>Jonah Spates Is Made For March</em></strong></p> <p>Much like the way Jacob Bonnett carried over his play from opening night to the district semis, Jonah Spates' big-time shot-making carried on as well. Northview went on a quick 7-0 run to get back within a possession of FHC late in the 4th. That’s when Jonah stepped in and buried a deep three to more or less put the game on ice. There are some players who shy away from the moment and some who relish in it. Jonah falls into the latter category without question.</p> <p>Up Next: Forest Hills Central will face Forest Hills Northern in a Division 1 District Championship on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Northview High School.</p>