The Mr. Basketball finalists have been announced, and for the first time in
its 35 year history only 3 players will be on the ballot. But to be honest, I
think it would be a stretch to try to put another senior on a similar level
with these guys.
The overwhelming favorite is Deyonta Davis, not only for his play on the
court but because of his state and national exposure. Davis is West Michigan's
first McDonald's All-American since 1988, and locked down the paint for the
2013-2014 nationally ranked, undefeated Muskegon Big Reds. He is a known name
among BCAM members and will likely be the runaway winner giving Muskegon
back-to-back Mr. Basketball winners like Detroit Pershing in 2009-2010. Deyonta
is a lanky 6'10" center that controls games more on the defensive end of
the floor, and does most of his damage on offense from put-backs. His stat line
is: 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Davis will be heading to Michigan
State next year.
Next on the voting ballots will likely be Eric Davis from Saginaw Arthur
Hill. As a side note, this is the player that Michigan could have really used
next year. As John Beilein and the Wolverine coaching staff were going after
more high profile national players Davis was able to develop a better
relationship with the Texas coaching staff and escape the state of Michigan.
Luckily for coach Beilein, Davis will not be haunting him for 2+ years in the
B1G. Eric Davis is an elite scorer. At only 6'3" he will likely need
to develop more into a point guard, but being able to get your own shot and put
the ball in the basket cannot be overlooked. Davis' averages 26 points, 7 rebounds,
6 assists, and 3 steals for the Lumberjacks. And in case you were hesitant of
him being a high volume scorer like James Young, Davis shoots 59% from the
floor. It will be sad to see two of the better players around the Big 12 next
year from Michigan.
Trevor Manuel brings up the last vote-getter on the ballot simply because he
is not as well known. Manuel started his high school career at Lansing Sexton,
but then transferred to basketball factory Oak Hill. Then he decided to
transfer back to Lansing Everett for his senior season where he averages 24
points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Manuel is a 6'9" wing that has to play
out of position for Everett. A few seasons in a college strength program at
Oregon could vault Manuel into a fringe NBA level player simply because a
6'9" skilled small forward does not come around all that often.
The landscape of high school basketball around Michigan has changed
drastically this year. Class C & D will be crowning new champions as
Detroit Consortium and Southfield Christian moved up in class. Also, the best
players for each transferred (2016 top recruit Josh Jackson is now in
California and the problematic 2015 point guard Bakari Evelyn spurred a chance
at the elusive 4-peat for a chance to play for Kurt Keener in Arizona). While
Class A & B will be looking for repeat champions from favorites Muskegon
and Milan. As we move on from the disappointing fact that Michigan continues to
lose some of its top talent to national basketball powerhouses, this year's
state tournament is shaping up to be the most exciting in years.
As I scanned the brackets I realized that this is the first year in my
memory that the top two challengers in each class fall on opposite sides of the
tournament. This means that potentially (though unlikely) every game of the
state finals on March 28th could match up the best two teams in each class. Are
you excited now?
I know I can't wait to see how these 3 weeks play out.
Class A preview
Class B preview
Class C preview
Class D Preview
Friday, March 6, 2015
Class A Preview
Instead of making a really detailed preview of each class I am
going to highlight my top two choices in each bracket, and highlight their path
to the Breslin Center.
Favorite: Muskegon
The Big Reds lost the 2014 Mr. Basketball, but still have an experienced roster featuring the likely 2015 Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American Deyonta Davis. Muskegon has again played an extremely tough schedule, and dropped one game by a single point back in December. Even though the Big Reds are the favorite again they have an extremely difficult side of the bracket which could include the other two Mr. Basketball finalists (Eric Davis and Trevor Manuel).
Where they could stumble:
Muskegon’s only loss came at the hands of undefeated East Kentwood which could be awaiting in the Regional Finals. The Big Reds would also have to get by undefeated Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central in the Regional Semifinal. The best basketball in this tournament could happen on March 16th at West Ottawa. If Muskegon is able to escape those two tests, they would likely face Lansing Everett in the quarterfinals, and then Saginaw Arthur Hill in the semifinals. My guess is that Arthur Hill would give them the stiffest test as Muskegon beat them earlier this season by just 2 points.
Top Challenger: Detroit Western International
Finally we get to a PSL team. You cannot have a Class A preview without including at least one, and this year is a good one. Western International went through their grueling schedule undefeated which included the PSL slate along with Arthur Hill and Romulus. The Cowboys arguably have the deepest roster in the state, and are led by two Mt. Clemens transfers and University of Detroit recruits (Josh McFolley and Gerald Blackshear). Their athleticism will overwhelm most opponents.
Favorite: Muskegon
The Big Reds lost the 2014 Mr. Basketball, but still have an experienced roster featuring the likely 2015 Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American Deyonta Davis. Muskegon has again played an extremely tough schedule, and dropped one game by a single point back in December. Even though the Big Reds are the favorite again they have an extremely difficult side of the bracket which could include the other two Mr. Basketball finalists (Eric Davis and Trevor Manuel).
Where they could stumble:
Muskegon’s only loss came at the hands of undefeated East Kentwood which could be awaiting in the Regional Finals. The Big Reds would also have to get by undefeated Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central in the Regional Semifinal. The best basketball in this tournament could happen on March 16th at West Ottawa. If Muskegon is able to escape those two tests, they would likely face Lansing Everett in the quarterfinals, and then Saginaw Arthur Hill in the semifinals. My guess is that Arthur Hill would give them the stiffest test as Muskegon beat them earlier this season by just 2 points.
Top Challenger: Detroit Western International
Finally we get to a PSL team. You cannot have a Class A preview without including at least one, and this year is a good one. Western International went through their grueling schedule undefeated which included the PSL slate along with Arthur Hill and Romulus. The Cowboys arguably have the deepest roster in the state, and are led by two Mt. Clemens transfers and University of Detroit recruits (Josh McFolley and Gerald Blackshear). Their athleticism will overwhelm most opponents.
Where they could stumble:
A potential rematch looms against Romulus in the quarterfinals. The Eagles have improved dramatically throughout the season and could push Western. The semifinal matchup could feature Cassius Winston and U-D Jesuit.
Player to Watch:
While I really want to highlight top Wolverine target Winston again here I will go with a lesser known senior heading to Kent State. Jaylin Walker, Romulus, has always been a great athlete but things have started to click in his senior season. Like usual, the schedule was chalked full of the state’s best teams. This year Romulus even traveled to Indianapolis to play against an elite recruit and one of Indiana’s best squads. All Walker did was score 44 to upset Indianapolis Central. He is one of a very few players that can almost single-handedly lead a team to a Class A finals berth.
Class B Preview
Instead of making a really detailed preview of each class I am
going to highlight my top two choices in each bracket, and highlight their path
to the Breslin Center.
Favorite: Milan
The Big Reds return 4 starters from the state championship team from last year, including two Division 1 players (Latin Davis and Nick Perkins). Even though Milan has lost two games this season, both have been to talented Class A squads. They are definitely on the tougher side of the bracket, but have enough fire power that they should be playing on March 28 for a chance to repeat.
Where they could stumble:
There are two very tough regionals on Milan’s half of the bracket. One will funnel into the Big Red’s quarterfinal, and the other will be in semis. The quarterfinal could potentially be a rematch of last season’s state final game (Benton Harbor) or any of 3 other talented teams (Otsego, Harper Creek, Dowagiac). If Milan is able to get through the Marshall quarterfinal they will likely meet the winner of Wayland and Wyoming Godwin Heights. My guess is that their toughest game will be in the semifinals.
Top Challenger: New Haven
The Rockets boast the tallest roster in the state which has led them to an undefeated (though relatively untested) record. New Haven has been led by protecting the rim and blocking 10+ shots per game. Since their schedule was not extremely difficult, it will be interesting to see how they respond to playing top level guards.
Favorite: Milan
The Big Reds return 4 starters from the state championship team from last year, including two Division 1 players (Latin Davis and Nick Perkins). Even though Milan has lost two games this season, both have been to talented Class A squads. They are definitely on the tougher side of the bracket, but have enough fire power that they should be playing on March 28 for a chance to repeat.
Where they could stumble:
There are two very tough regionals on Milan’s half of the bracket. One will funnel into the Big Red’s quarterfinal, and the other will be in semis. The quarterfinal could potentially be a rematch of last season’s state final game (Benton Harbor) or any of 3 other talented teams (Otsego, Harper Creek, Dowagiac). If Milan is able to get through the Marshall quarterfinal they will likely meet the winner of Wayland and Wyoming Godwin Heights. My guess is that their toughest game will be in the semifinals.
Top Challenger: New Haven
The Rockets boast the tallest roster in the state which has led them to an undefeated (though relatively untested) record. New Haven has been led by protecting the rim and blocking 10+ shots per game. Since their schedule was not extremely difficult, it will be interesting to see how they respond to playing top level guards.
Where they could stumble:
As I mentioned earlier, tough guard play will be a drastic style difference from the Rockets scheme, and their first major test falls right into this definition. New Haven will likely play Yale in the Regional Semifinal (which is also played at Yale). The Bulldogs are led by 6’1” shooter Josh McClelland, 6’0” Cody Kegley, and 6’4” Austin Genther.
Player to Watch:
Latin Davis, Milan, had his coming out party last year on the biggest stage. He played his best game of the season to clinch a state championship for the Big Reds. While he hasn’t been able to duplicate that performance every night this season (which cannot be expected since last March was something special) he is the most polished guard in the state this season and has multiple ways to beat the opposition.
Class C Preview
Instead of making a really detailed preview of each class I am
going to highlight my top two choices in each bracket, and highlight their path
to the Breslin Center.
Favorite: Flint Beecher
BucTown is at it again. A year after they had to adjust without Mr. Basketball, Monte Morris, Beecher is undefeated and the overwhelming favorites in Class C. This year they are without a highly recruited player, but they are still winning with aggressive lock down defense and getting out on the fast break after forcing turnovers. Most Class C teams aren’t used to this lateral quickness and relentless effort the Bucs play with on defense.
Where they could stumble:
There will be a very tough Regional Semifinal at Adrian Madison likely between Lumen Christi and Hillsdale that could be a tough out for Beecher in the semifinals, but I am going out on a limb to say that Southfield Christian could put a scare into Beecher in the Regional Finals. I know SC lost its best player, and are adjusting to the increased competition in Class C, but they are honestly the only team in this entire bracket that has the experience against Beecher-level athleticism. Marlo Brown has grown into a very good high school basketball player and could really cause matchup nightmares for Beecher.
Top Challenger: Beaverton
Beaverton is a little unknown right now, but they have a pretty good resume considering their location. The Beavers have 2 20+ point wins against perennial Class D power Sacred Heart Academy and 2 close wins against Clare. Another thing going for Beaverton is that their path is relatively safe until the semifinal round.
Favorite: Flint Beecher
BucTown is at it again. A year after they had to adjust without Mr. Basketball, Monte Morris, Beecher is undefeated and the overwhelming favorites in Class C. This year they are without a highly recruited player, but they are still winning with aggressive lock down defense and getting out on the fast break after forcing turnovers. Most Class C teams aren’t used to this lateral quickness and relentless effort the Bucs play with on defense.
Where they could stumble:
There will be a very tough Regional Semifinal at Adrian Madison likely between Lumen Christi and Hillsdale that could be a tough out for Beecher in the semifinals, but I am going out on a limb to say that Southfield Christian could put a scare into Beecher in the Regional Finals. I know SC lost its best player, and are adjusting to the increased competition in Class C, but they are honestly the only team in this entire bracket that has the experience against Beecher-level athleticism. Marlo Brown has grown into a very good high school basketball player and could really cause matchup nightmares for Beecher.
Top Challenger: Beaverton
Beaverton is a little unknown right now, but they have a pretty good resume considering their location. The Beavers have 2 20+ point wins against perennial Class D power Sacred Heart Academy and 2 close wins against Clare. Another thing going for Beaverton is that their path is relatively safe until the semifinal round.
Where they could stumble:
The toughest test the Beavers will have to go through to play on March 28 will be in the semis. The winner of the Beal City regional (Shelby, Laingsburg, and Heights Academy) will challenge Beaverton in the Breslin Center.
Player to Watch:
Shawn Pardee, Millington, has had to carry the load at times this season when Austin LeVan was out with injury. The 5’11” point guard has been scoring at an elite level this season (27 ppg) and could help Millington scare Beecher in District Finals.
Class D Preview
Instead of making a really detailed preview of each class I am going to highlight my top two choices in each bracket, and highlight their path to the Breslin Center.
Favorite: Cedarville Trojans
It seems like Cedarville teams have been dominant for the past decade in Class D. They can always score a ton of points in the standard UP way, and usually have one main guy capable of hanging 30 on almost anyone. This year's squad is no different. The Trojans have scored over 70 points in every game, and Joey Duncan has been on a mission for his senior campaign. However, this year the UP is oozing with talented Class D teams that will push Cedarville before they even can think of crossing the bridge.
Where they could stumble:
Considering that 10 of the 13 top teams in the AP poll are on the Trojan's half of the bracket nothing is guaranteed, but it does help that 5 of these teams will be in the same Negaunee regional. The winner of the potential Regional Semifinal between Powers North Central and Munising (Munising's only loss is at North Central by 2) will meet Cedarville in the quarterfinals.
Top Challenger: Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
OLL is looking to be the 8th straight private school to win the Class D crown. The Lakers are led by two wing athletes: 6'3" senior Nick Robak and 6'4" junior Andrew Kline. A matchup with any of the UP powers would be fun to watch, as both teams would like to extend pressure for the full court and outshoot each other from behind the 3 point line.
Where they could stumble:
Allen Park Inter-City Baptist will be a stiff regional finals test for OLL. ICB might have been the 2nd best Class D team in the state for the past 3 seasons, but just couldn't find a way past the loaded Southfield Christian teams. While the reigning Class D POY (Evan Kraatz) has graduated, it is his younger brothers turn at the helm. As usual they have played a much tougher schedule than OLL up to this point with losses to Southfield Christian and Allen Park.
Player to Watch:
Brandon Childress, Baldwin, is the best player in Class D and is headed to Central Michigan in the fall. If he gets hot for a couple of weeks, don't be surprised to see Baldwin in the semi-finals.
Favorite: Cedarville Trojans
It seems like Cedarville teams have been dominant for the past decade in Class D. They can always score a ton of points in the standard UP way, and usually have one main guy capable of hanging 30 on almost anyone. This year's squad is no different. The Trojans have scored over 70 points in every game, and Joey Duncan has been on a mission for his senior campaign. However, this year the UP is oozing with talented Class D teams that will push Cedarville before they even can think of crossing the bridge.
Where they could stumble:
Considering that 10 of the 13 top teams in the AP poll are on the Trojan's half of the bracket nothing is guaranteed, but it does help that 5 of these teams will be in the same Negaunee regional. The winner of the potential Regional Semifinal between Powers North Central and Munising (Munising's only loss is at North Central by 2) will meet Cedarville in the quarterfinals.
Top Challenger: Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
OLL is looking to be the 8th straight private school to win the Class D crown. The Lakers are led by two wing athletes: 6'3" senior Nick Robak and 6'4" junior Andrew Kline. A matchup with any of the UP powers would be fun to watch, as both teams would like to extend pressure for the full court and outshoot each other from behind the 3 point line.
Where they could stumble:
Allen Park Inter-City Baptist will be a stiff regional finals test for OLL. ICB might have been the 2nd best Class D team in the state for the past 3 seasons, but just couldn't find a way past the loaded Southfield Christian teams. While the reigning Class D POY (Evan Kraatz) has graduated, it is his younger brothers turn at the helm. As usual they have played a much tougher schedule than OLL up to this point with losses to Southfield Christian and Allen Park.
Player to Watch:
Brandon Childress, Baldwin, is the best player in Class D and is headed to Central Michigan in the fall. If he gets hot for a couple of weeks, don't be surprised to see Baldwin in the semi-finals.
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