Class B had two top tier quarterfinal matchups that did not disappoint. As we move onto the final four, though, it looks like this class will be a one-sided final for the 4th straight year.
1. Detroit Country Day (23-3) Ranked AP #1
The Yellowjackets are making their 4th straight trip to the semifinals, and are the clear favorites in 2013. They are led by a trio of division 1 guards, Austin Price, Edmond Sumner, and Mory Diane. I will be working on my scouting report of Sumner next week; as he is one of the quickest rising juniors. DCD only lacks their normal stud center, or else they would be close to unbeatable. I was able to watch the Yellowjackets take on Harper Woods Chandler Park last week, and I saw the trio explode out of halftime to put up 33 points in the 3rd quarter alone. They use a high pressure man to man defense that switches any screens at the top of the key. Any three of their guards might be the best players left in Class B. With so many options to handle the ball, DCD is able to keep turnovers at a minimum. And if they get into the open court, just enjoy the show.
2. Wyoming Godwin Heights (23-2) Ranked AP #6
Godwin Heights has escaped the past two games to advance to the semifinals. They pulled off the upset of 2012 runner-up Stevensville-Lakeshore last night. The Wolverines are also led by depth on the perimeter, and their tallest front court player is 6'4". Godwin Heights like to play an aggressive man to man defense to showcase their quickness. Even though Lakeshore was much bigger than the Wolverines, the Lancers were held to only 3 scorers. Their past 4 games have been decided by an average of 5 points, so the late game execution could be a major advantage for the Wolverines. Godwin Heights is led by 6'1" Senior Quantrell Hastings, 5'10" Sophomore Jamal Bland, 5'11" Senior Braima Hall, and 6'2" Sophomore Delaney Blaylock.
3. Detroit Community (17-9) Not Ranked AP
The Hurricanes have the ugliest record of any semifinalist, but to their benefit, they have not lost to a Class B team yet. After Jackson Lumen-Chisti upset Lansing Sexton, I figured they would advance to the Breslin, but Detroit Community slowed down the tempo enough to come away with a 50-47 win. The Hurricanes used an aggressive 2-3 zone to stifle JLC, which could be pulled back out to offset the quickness of the Wolverines. Community is led by 6'7" Senior Byron Zeigler, who is heading to South Florida and 6'6" Senior Jarrell Martin.
4. Cadillac (21-4) Not Ranked AP
The Vikings finally advanced past the dreaded quarterfinals where their season has ended the past two years. They knocked off a one loss Big Rapids team 41-29. Cadillac plays a high pressure defense that forces almost 20 turnovers a game, but their offensive game leaves little to be desired. The Vikings are led by 6'4" Junior Jalen Brooks.
Detroit Country Day vs Cadillac 6:00 Friday
You just read me raving about the Yellowjackets. I defnitely think DCD is the best team in Class B, and I also think if they were to lose against Cadillac it would be one of the biggest upsets in the entire tournament. Some people might be rubbed the wrong way by head coach Kurt Keener, but he always has his team playing well in the Breslin. I think the guard trio has a huge game and DCD rolls into the finals.
Detroit Community vs Wyoming Godwin Heights 7:50 Friday
This is an intriguing game because while Godwin Heights has the superior record, Community has been battle tested all season. The Hurricanes will also have the best player on the floor, but they have been known to struggle with turning the ball over this season. That can be a major problem when playing against the Wolverines. I think this game will go down to the wire, and Godwin Heights recent late game experiences will be enough to propel them to a state title appearance.
Class B Final 6:30 Saturday
Detroit Country Day is one of the best teams in the entire state. The Yellowjackets are loaded with athleticism and play with good fundamentals. I think Edmond Sumner uses this weekend to propel him into a high major prospect in the 2014 class and stake claim to next year's Mr. Basketball.
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