Takeways from the Legends Classic

Michigan fell just short of another preseason tournament trophy for the second straight year. John Beilein has built this program to a point where there are no ‘moral victories’ anymore, and it is just another realization about how far it has come (and how vast of a difference there is between Michigan football and basketball right now). However for some reason I am struggling to temper my excitement about Team 99 after the young Wolverine’s let a win slip away.

Maybe it was the way this game eerily resembled the 2013 matchup with Charlotte, with the major difference being that Villanova will be at or around a top 10 team all season. Maybe it is the pride I feel from this team, mainly filled with new faces, getting punched in the mouth and responding with a fierce and explosive comeback when Dan Dakich exclaimed that Michigan had quit. Maybe it is the overwhelming trust that I have in this coaching staff to continue to develop this basketball team to reach their potential. Maybe it is just because today is the last work day of a short holiday week, my house regained power before temperatures reached the 40s, I am excited to stuff my face for the next 4 days, and I have had a lot of coffee today (thanks to the late game last night... I echo Coach B’s anger about it). Whatever the reason, I am extremely hopeful and excited about yet another Michigan basketball team.

1.Ricky Doyle has moved to the forefront of the center rotation

After watching practice earlier this month I thought Ricky Doyle would be the starting center by the B1G season, but after the two games in New York big number 32 needs to be in the starting rotation by Saturday. He is starting to feel comfortable on the offensive end by using his huge body to screen, collect critical offensive rebounds, and even throw in a few slip screens for good measure. On defense he is starting to understand positioning better, and is far and away the best hedger on the team right now. Doyle is the prototypical center in Beilein’s pick and roll heavy offensive scheme.

2. I think the Points per Possession (PPP) difference will be on par with last season

Last year the Wolverines bested their 2013 record setting offense by scoring 124.1 points per 100 possessions or 1.24ppp. However the defense regressed to 1.02ppp. While it is a tall task for this year’s Michigan team to even come close to last year’s offensive production I think the .22ppp difference will still be there. So far this year, Team 99’s defense has actually been a strength. The offense has yet to find a consistent rhythm, but is still averaging 1.09ppp, while the defense is yielding only .925ppp (numbers have been updated after 2 very solid high major opponents). The 2014-2015 number would be lower too if Michigan was limiting offensive rebounds better. Their ‘first shot’ defense has been superb thus far, and I expect the defensive rebounding to improve.

3. Backcourt is top 5 in the country

Dick Vitale released his top 6 backcourts in America, but somehow missed Michigan. As I watch college basketball from around the country I am hard pressed to find 3 better backcourts than the one Michigan currently boasts (let alone 6). Derrick Walton, Caris LeVert, and Zak Irvin are all future NBA players. Couple that with a veteran back-up point guard in Spike. The Wolverines could be the class of the country with their 1-3 positions. Try to find a back court that you trust more in regards to scoring, leading, setting up teammates, defense, and rebounding… It’s ok, I will wait…

4. Derrick Walton is the best all-around PG in the B1G

To go along with the above statement, I believe Derrick Walton is the best overall point guard in the B1G (and it is not really all that close). I thought he would be by the end of the year, but I am confident in saying that today. Not only does Walton run the offense smoothly and confidently, he is able to flip a switch into aggressive scorer mode. Derrick also plays good defense, usually on one of the opponent’s better players, and he is the best at high pointing a rebound on the team right now. The added strength and increased jumping ability has really shown in the rebounding department, as well as finishing through contact.

5. Kam Chatman showing signs of confidence and understanding

I am not saying that Chatman is the best freshmen in the conference, or even on the team, but he did show some glimpses of what his role can be on this team. His on ball defense has been better than expected, he transitions from pulling down a rebound to leading the fast break with no hesitation, and his court vision is a major plus. I know he is still struggling with his jump shot, but I was really impressed that even through this shooting slump Kam called for the ball on 4 different occasions (that I saw) in 4 different positions (transition, post, left corner, right corner) and didn’t hesitate to shoot 2 corner jump shots in the 2^nd half against Villanova. His shot can only improve under this coaching staff, and if he can improve even to GRIII levels this offense will be even more terrifying.

6. Rotation is solidifying

A big discussion in the preseason was what the rotation would look like. Coach Beilein kept insisting that none of the freshmen would redshirt this season, however he usually likes to run a very short bench. We are starting to get a better picture of how minutes will be distributed. Derrick, Spike, Caris, Zak, Kam, Mark, and Ricky are mainstays. The last 1-2 spots will fight over 5-10 minutes a game and be dependent on the situation.  Max, DJ, and Aubrey are the main candidates for this playing time.

7. Caris will be in discussion for B1G POY

Frank Kaminskey and Wisconsin have been unanimous choices to win POY and the conference, but Caris LeVert will have a say in that outcome. There have been times this year that he has been able to take a game over by scoring, but I have been even more impressed by his impact when not scoring. LeVert’s added strength has made him a plus defender and more willing rebounder. He is starting to look more comfortable initiating the offense and running pick and roll sets. He is also a very capable passer. When he is able to initiate a play, it leaves two of the best spot up shooters free (Walton and Irvin).  Caris is going to flirt with a triple double, especially during the nonconference season. Coach Beilein calls it pace. Both Trey and Nik had it, Caris is next in line.

8. Upper classmen in John Beilein’s system are a beautiful sight

Villanova’s biggest strength is their experience. Their starting five is all upperclassmen. Each player is so familiar with Coach Wright’s system that they don’t have to waste time thinking while trying to play, the schemes are just so engrained that is has become second nature. Now, just look at Michigan. Two of the most reliable players on the roster are Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht, both upperclassmen.

Spike isn’t trusted with so much playing time because his athleticism forces him onto the floor. It is because he knows his role perfectly. He executes the complex offense, doesn’t turn the ball over, and doesn’t get rattled in any circumstance since he has seen every situation before.  It is really fun being able to see this coaching staff develop players into early-entry NBA draft picks, but it is intriguing to consider the NCAA installing the 3 year rule like football.

9. Big Three = Big Time NBA players

I know I have discussed Derrick in more detail already, and mentioned that Michigan’s backcourt are NBA players. However, I just wanted to give specific examples, just from last night, at why I believe all three can be first round draft picks.

Caris had back-to-back possessions where Michigan ran a straight NBA style isolation, and he converted over good defensive positioning both times. The first was an unorthodox twisting fade away from the right baseline, and the second was a shot fake and spin for an open short look. At the time I noted that the offensive set seemed different for Michigan, and then realized that it was very unusual. Sure, Stauskas had plenty of plays called for him, but each one involved a screen. This is partially due to the fact that Nik is one of the best pick and roll players I have ever seen, but also due to his lack of true first step separation ability. The coaching staff trusts Caris to flat out beat whoever is in front of him one-on-one. When he converts like last night, how can you blame them?

Derrick also had two possessions where NBA scouts would have to take notice. The first was when he called for a screen, went the opposite way, and then pulled up for a contested, unbalanced elbow jumper. He was confident in this shot because he knew the defender was not going to stop as quickly as him, nor could he elevate with Derrick. The second was without the use of any screen. It was just a matter of Derrick dribbling and shooting where he wanted. He drove to the right baseline, then used a behind the back/ step back move to create space to knock down a 16 footer. Because he dictated where the defender went (not vice-versa) he was able to have the upper hand on two well defended possessions.

Finally, Zak also had two opportunities during the huge second half run. The first was immediately after Michigan came out of their 3^rd timeout in 18 seconds. They looked lost, and could have been on the verge of packing it in. Coach Beilein drew up a play for Zak (even though he was shooting poorly up to that point). He took the inbounds pass and drove his defender to a spot he felt comfortable (free throw line) and just elevated over him to snap a 10+ minute scoring drought. That is a lot of trust from the coaches to call his number at time in the game. The second came when Zak used a high ball screen and drove all the way to the hoop with his left and finished over the late rotating help defense. For being just a jump shooter last year, there was no hesitation in this drive and a quick understanding that the defense was out of position. If he can do this regularly 20 points per game might not be out of reach.

10. Team 99’s ceiling is extremely high

All of this to say that I am very excited about Team 99. I think Villanova is a very experienced and skilled basketball team that plays in a weak conference. This means they should be in or around the top 10 all season and be in the running for another top 3 seed. On a day that the Wolverines went 10+ minutes with scoring they had this victory in their grasp, but couldn’t finish. I also think that Michigan’s ceiling is much higher than Villanova. How much better can such an experienced team really get? Team 99 is already a solid tournament team, but just think of all of the ifs that can make them even better.

I know this is a really long post about a lot of positive points from a team that just lost, and I know there are countless areas that need to improve. However, New York provided a learning experience that the coaching staff will undoubtedly use to make a good team get better. It is going to be another fun ride this year!

Michigan Basketball Open Practice Thoughts

 

Another football season is almost over, and with it another blog absence. Last year I forced myself to get through most of the atrocious season, and this year I stopped caring before the leaves changed. However, as the football team blindly stumbles to a finish it brings the start of the basketball season.  Coach Beilein held an open practice for Team 99, and I was lucky enough to attend. Even though many writers have posted their opinions of the 60 minute practice, I wanted to throw out some of my impressions.

 

First thing that I noticed was just how much I enjoyed sitting with a friend listening to John Beilein coach the game that I love. This was not just a shoot around or midnight madness type event. The B1G’s best coach used the hour to actually coach and try to make his team better. From running ‘warm-up’ drills that had most of the team reaching for towels to sending a few players up the stairs for playing ‘pretty’ basketball.

The practice started with a series of drills and then ended with a few minutes of light scrimmaging.  While there may be questions about the team’s physicality or defense, there is absolutely no question about their athleticism. It seems like Michigan is preparing to run a 9 man rotation with Biefeldt and likely MAAR inserted in times of foul trouble or injury, with 10 of those 11 players being extremely athletic. Right now it appears to be Coach Beilein’s most athletic roster since coming to Ann Arbor. Athleticism doesn’t equal wins (just ask Kentucky), but this program has been rebuilt.

Some quick individual notes:

Aubrey Dawkins will play valuable minutes for this year’s team.  I really don’t understand how his major offer was Dayton until Michigan came calling late in the recruiting period. He jumps out of the gym, runs well, has a very repeatable/smooth release that is unblockable thanks to his jumping ability, seemingly has a high IQ being the son of a coach, and has a very solid 6’6” frame.  He is light years ahead of where Caris LeVert was at this point of their freshman seasons. Of course I need to note that Dawkins took a prep year, while Caris is extremely young for his age so NBA scouts would look at both of them as ‘sophomores’. I am going to go out on a limb and say, with this coaching staff, Dawkins has the ability to develop into an all-conference type performer that will get a shot in the NBA. Not bad for another late recruiting find.

A lot of players worked extremely hard this summer with Strength Coach John Sanderson. Derrick Walton, Zak Irvin, Spike Albrecht, Caris LeVert, DJ Wilson, and Ricky Doyle all have different bodies than they did in April.  Most notably Derrick, Zak, and Spike put on a lot of muscle which should help them withstand the physicality of the B1G schedule.

Kam Chatman looks very comfortable with the ball in his hands. This should add another dimension to Michigan’s fast break game as the Wolverines will likely have 4 players on the floor that can handle the ball and push the tempo. Having this versatility should create a lot of open transition threes (remember most of Irvin’s shot attempts?). Of course he is still a freshman and will likely be looking to add 15 pounds of muscle next summer, but he will be your starter at the 4 spot from day 1.

The Center position still looks up for grabs. Mark Donnal got the run with the first team last night but is still struggling with his confidence, especially when catching the ball in the post. Ricky Doyle seemed to be dealing with some sort of minor injury, and was only able to participate in roughly half of the practice. However, when healthy Doyle offers a much bigger body which will really help in the pick and roll game, but will likely be limited by conditioning (think freshman McGary). DJ Wilson also got some playing time at the 5, and immediately his length impacts the game. He is the lone true rim protector on the team, but his strength will be put to the test against some of the bigger players in the conference. Each player brings a different specialty to the table, and all three will see the floor this season.  All Michigan needs is a passable center that can hold his own on the glass and is not a complete defensive liability, and I think these guys will be able to offer this by the end of the season.  But watch out when these guys feel comfortable in their roles because John Beilein’s last two offenses have been some of the best college basketball has seen the past 20 years, and that is without a center that can stretch the floor.

Coach Beilein ended practice by pointing out this team’s potential, and said ‘watch this team grow.’ I don’t know what Team 99’s ceiling is or how they will finish in the B1G, but I do know  they will continue to improve and it will be another fun ride.

Utah Preview

Utah visits Ann Arbor this weekend, likely, as the best opponent to play in the Big House this season. Although this game doesn’t mean too much for the Wolverines, getting a little winning streak going can’t hurt the confidence of a young team. Regardless if this game doesn’t factor into the B1G Championship it is a very intriguing matchup on paper and should be one of the best games around the country this week.   

When Michigan has the ball…
Utah’s defense is extremely untested so far on this young season. The Utes have played two cupcakes and have dispatched with them as expected. Even though Utah has been known to have a stout front 7 the past few years, this year’s squad seems undersized and vulnerable to be overpowered by competent offensive lines. The jury is still out on whether Michigan fits into that category, but so far results tend to be leaning towards yes.  While the Utah run defense will not be the most formidable the Wolverines will face this season, consistent offensive line push would be another step towards separating from the 2013 disaster. I expect Michigan to be able to run the ball reasonably well.  Since Utah’s base defense is the 4-2-5, the offensive line could be confused in their blocking schemes in the beginning, but by the 2^nd half Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith should have room to run.  Perhaps the most interesting matchup when Michigan has the ball will be how the Wolverines block Nate Orchard.  A 6’4” 255 pounds DE/LB hybrid type player, Orchard is Utah’s version of Jake Ryan. We have seen the terror Ryan can cause while rushing the passer. If Cole and Braden can hold up to the speed rushes on the edge Devin should be able to keep his eyes downfield where big completions await (even if Funchess is kept on the sidelines again). Utah’s coaching staff knows their weakness is in their man coverage in the secondary and will try to bring many different look blitzes at the young offensive line and Gardner. This should be a great stepping stone test for the big uglies up front as Michigan State week gets closer.  The line will need good communication to stop free blitzers on Devin, and if this can happen Michigan should top 30 points. If Gardner is getting flushed from the pocket consistently.. well we all know what can (and probably will) happen.

When Utah has the ball…
Michigan should be able to move the ball reasonably well against Utah, but the most anticipated matchup comes when Michigan is on defense. Utah is scoring nearly a point a minute en route to their 2-0 start. Yes the competition has been lacking, but nearing a 60 point average is impressive. The Utes will run a high tempo spread offense (think 2013 Indiana). Remember how the Wolverine’s defense looked in that one? Utah has two receivers that complement each other really well. Dres Anderson is one of the best receivers in the country and is the definition of speedy deep threat, and Dawan Scott is an under-rated possession receiver. After the cornerbacks continually got beat by Notre Dame’s 2^nd and 3^rd options, these two should terrify any Michigan fan. It will be interesting to see how the Wolverines adjust their coverage. Press coverage was drastically reduced last week against an inferior opponent, so look for Michigan to drop more into zone coverage to try to have turnover prone Wilson orchestrate long drives down the field. The pass rush has been consistent so far this season, but has yielded little results in the score book. Look for the sack numbers to increase this week as Utah wants to run long routes with Anderson and Scott down the field. I expect Frank Clark to finally break into the sack column, and possibly for one of the inside guys to join him as well.  I am very excited to see how the young corners (Peppers and Lewis) match up with two of the best receivers they will see all season. The Peppers hype could reach even more insane proportions if he holds his own tomorrow.

Even though portions of the Miami game were frustrating, I didn’t think the Wolverines came out flat. Beating a bad MAC team by 50+ would have been more enjoyable, but I do think the Maize and Blue got better last weekend.  At this point that is a bigger win than the one on the scoreboard. This week will offer a good measuring stick to see if the embarrassment in South Bend was a fluke or this Wolverine team really has no chance of beating the other two rivals later on this year.

Around the Country: Week 4

I have learned my lesson, after two completely embarrassing weeks of Big Ten football I will refrain from including any B1G games in this weekend’s preview.  This week shifts its focus mainly to the SEC, where I would guess that it will stay for most of the remaining weeks. Say what you want about the media’s SEC infatuation, but I don’t remember the league producing a game like Penn State and Rutgers (which featured such hilariously terrible football that you couldn’t turn away from). Anyways, moving on to this weekend; you will notice that there aren’t any noon games to really keep an eye on again. Hopefully some will be coming soon.

Florida @ Alabama 3:30 CBS

I know, I know, I know… Florida almost (should have) lost at home to Kentucky last weekend.  They have yet to show any improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Side note: Michigan fans should take a moment to realize just how good our situation is. The Wolverine quarterback could be Jeff Driskel, who was higher rated than Devin and has been playing all 4 years. Yet, he still has no idea how to play the position.  Alabama has been less than impressive so far this year, and it looks like Lane Kiffen doesn’t really know how to utilize Blake Sims.  The Tide should be settled on one signal caller moving forward, which could help with offensive continuity.  If Alabama starts getting their offense comfortable and confident this game could be a laugher by halftime. I know the Tide have some inexperience questions about the backend of their defense, but seriously, do you expect Driskel and the Gators to capitalize? I’m going to take: what is no, Alex for $10000.

Mississippi State @ LSU 7:00 ESPN

The Tigers are tough to beat at home, especially when they get to play in Death Valley at night.  LSU has loads more talent that Miss St, but their offensive skill players are very inexperienced.  If the Bulldogs can rattle the young quarterback early, it could be the recipe to remove the crowd as a factor. I expect LSU to win this game, but I do think it will be closer than rankings would suggest.

Oklahoma @ West Virginia 7:30 FOX

It’s the second week in a row that the Sooners are featured in my weekend preview. Last week’s surgical disassembly of Tennessee was not as impressive as I expected, but this week Oklahoma has to travel to Morgantown to play one of the positive surprises of this young season.  West Virginia held their own against Alabama in the season opener, and overcame multiple turnovers and special teams gaffs to beat rival Maryland last weekend. Clint Trickett is gaining confidence with each throw and the Mountaineers might have enough weapons on the outside to test the Sooner secondary.  If you remember, the last time these two teams met in West Virginia it resulted in one of the best games of the 2012 season (OU won 50-49). I think the Sooners eventually wins this game, but they will be tested more than last week.

Miami (OH) Preview

Michigan comes back home after an embarrassing showing last week at Notre Dame. Luckily for the Wolverines they get to face one of the worst teams in college football. However, unluckily for them there is absolutely nothing the coaching staff or players can do tomorrow that will make fans forget South Bend or even regain any optimism about the remainder of the year.  I wish I could give them the benefit of the doubt (like when the basketball team lost at Penn State in 2013 or when they forgot to show up at Iowa in 2014), but at this point I am running out of hope that this regime is able to turn the program around.  


When Michigan has the ball…
There aren’t really any particular matchups that are intriguing this week, but there are definite areas that I would like to see Michigan improve upon.  The first thing is the general game plan. In the past cupcake games under Brady Hoke the Wolverines have come out in MANBALL formations and run an extremely vanilla set based on the power run game. That is fine and all, but this Michigan team will not be successful against real opponents using this mindset. However, the Wolverines do seem to have something in a pass-to-run offense. I am looking for a similar game plan to App St (start with short passes to attach the edges and then attack over the middle).  Moving to specific position improvement, the first priority tomorrow has to be improving the running back’s pocket presence. As MGoBlog said, last week might have been the worst running back game that they have witnessed. Both Green and Smith repeatedly left chunks of yards on the field by not hitting the designed hole and instead trying to gain yards by running over offensive linemen engaged in blocks. I am just looking for one of the backs to look more comfortable in the zone running scheme. Yes, Miami is horrible and likely both backs will be over 100 yards again, but I really want to see confident runs and the use of the holes the offensive line will create.  Finally in the passing game, of course an easy answer would be Devin Gardner remembering to throw the ball to the team with the winged helmets. However, even before bad Devin surfaced last week I think the bigger problem is ball distribution.  I understand Funchess is the best receiver on the team (possibly in the country), but Michigan is chocked full of athletic receivers that had quite the recruiting hype and a true slot ninja. If Funchess is 100% tomorrow he could have 20 catches for 1000 yards and 17 touchdowns, but I would rather see some of the younger guys feel a part of the game plan and gain some confidence. If Michigan is going to make any noise in the B1G they will need to use more than 1 receiver. Yes, I want to see Minitron unleashed again tomorrow, but at this point, even if Funchess is 100% it might be better for this team moving forward if he didn’t play just to force Gardner to create some chemistry with someone else.

When Miami has the ball…
Again this section isn’t so much about specific matchups with the RedHawks, but more how the ravaged defense responds to their first (albeit massive) bout of adversity. Similarly to the offense, it will be interesting to see the defensive game plan tomorrow. Will Mattison just scrap all of the offseason work of being more aggressive, mainly with press coverage, or will he run it out there again looking for any improvement? I know this game doesn’t require the full arsenal of players, but if Taylor and/or Peppers are able to play it would be really nice seeing them back on the field. Both need more reps in this new defense, and I don’t know how much more Hollowell I can stomach.  The defensive line looks to be very good. They were consistently beating their man against one of the best offensive lines the Wolverines will face this year. It will be fun to see Frank Clark actually get to a quarterback tomorrow. I also thought the linebackers looked much more comfortable last weekend, but it will be important to continue to get Jake Ryan snaps in his new position.  The big area to watch is the secondary, particularly the cornerbacks.  Michigan will likely be in their Nickel package all afternoon again, but which cornerbacks see the most snaps? If Taylor and/or Peppers is back I would like to see more of them and Jourdan Lewis on the field. I know Countess will still see a lot of snaps, but he just isn’t able to be a physical, press type cornerback.  So much for giving Charles Woodson’s number to a player who doesn’t fit in the new defensive system at all.  The other thing I want to see are some turnovers. The defense was supposed to carry the team in the beginning of the year while the offense caught up, but so far that hasn’t been the case. There is no way that a defense full of this many talented players should go two games without forcing a turnover, and if they really aren’t that good than how haven’t they at least lucked into one yet?

Michigan football is a funny/frustrating thing. It took me all offseason to get the turd flavored season cleaned out of my mouth, then teased me with some improvements and optimism in week 1 only to take this new hope and proceed to torture it for 60 minutes as if I was being questioned by Jack Bauer. The Penn State game broke me last year, but a lackluster performance tomorrow could just get me there a few weeks quicker this year.

Around the Country: Week 3

There is an immense drop off of marquee games this week compared to last, but even during ‘down weeks’ college football is known to entertain.  This week will travel coast to coast, but will only cover two time slots again.  Hopefully with the non-conference season coming to a close soon there will be a few noon games to actually pay attention to.

Georgia @ South Carolina 3:30 CBS

Both teams had impressive opening weekends. Georgia flexed their muscles against a young Clemson team as star running back Todd Gurley vaulted into many Heisman discussions. The Dawgs comfortable victory also put them in a similar breath as Florida State as favorites to nail down a playoff spot. On the other hand, South Carolina was impressively embarrassed at home against a Texas A&M team breaking in a new quarterback.  The Gamecocks were again tagged as an SEC power, one with national title aspirations but the beat down they took in week 1 abruptly ended those conversations. USC desperately needs a win tomorrow to keep their season on the ledge of disappointment, still leaning towards utter failure. There was a ton of issues in the backend of South Carolina’s defense that I doubt have been patched, and I think Gurley is hands down the best back in college football and should break the slump of running backs going in the first round of the NFL draft. Look for the Gamecocks to put up a better fight, but the Dawg’s to ultimately escape with another building block to the final four.

Minnesota @ TCU 4:00 FS1

In the first interesting B1G game the Gophers travel to Texas for a game that is pretty underrated. I think Coach Kill would love to model the Minnesota program after what Coach Patterson is doing at TCU (play hard nose defense and run the ball).  Minnesota can definitely run the ball, but they are still a work in progress in the other areas.  The Gophers are reportedly going to be without their challenged starting quarterback so now all of the work load falls on rising star running back David Cobb instead of just 90%.  Minnesota can make a statement tomorrow evening with a win, and put themselves in the discussion for B1G West contender, however I think the Horned Frogs defense will be too athletic and able to key on the Gopher run game too much for Minny to get any consistent offense established.

Illinois @ Washington 4:00 Fox

The Illini have been the door mat of the B1G for a few years now, and it didn’t look like that would change this year. However, with the addition of Oklahoma State transfer Wes Lunt Illinois looks to have a dangerous offense. They aren’t extremely talented yet and will likely still struggle in the B1G, but the Huskies pass defense is one of the worst in the nation.  They have surrendered over 700 yards in the air in just two weeks. While the B1G was busy getting steam rolled on national television last weekend they have an opportunity to stop the embarrassment tomorrow. Two wins from Illinois and Minnesota aren’t likely, nor will they change the overwhelmingly negative perception of the conference but it should stop the flood of bad publicity… at least for a week.

Tennessee @ Oklahoma 8:00 ABC

This game being featured here seems like a stretch. Oklahoma is a legitimate playoff contender, while the Volunteers are still in rebuild mode.  Let’s get this prediction out of the way quickly. I don’t think the outcome will ever be in question as I expect the Sooners to dominate every aspect of this game. But the reason that it intrigues me so much is that Oklahoma is ranked in the top 5, but seem to be flying under the radar. Nobody is really talking about the Sooners, and I think that will change tomorrow night as Coach Stoops will be looking to make another statement at the expense of a big bad SEC school.

Notre Dame Preview

I would like to try a new format this year for the game previews. Instead of looking at each aspect of the game (rush offense vs defense, etc), I want to take more of a step back and just point out a few of the matchups to watch out for. Hopefully this new format can be more sustainable moving forward. 

Michigan heads to South Bend for what appears to be the last time for at least 15 years.  While it is a storied rivalry that has been chocked full of instant classics, I am excited to see Michigan try to replace the Irish with other big name programs (Florida, Oklahoma, UCLA, Virginia Tech). I think fans will miss these games more after we go a few years without.  This year looks to be an interesting matchup. Michigan desperately wants to put last year’s miserable season behind them and prove that they are in fact a B1G championship contender. Notre Dame wants to stay on the national scene from their BCS Championship game berth 2 years ago, but seem to be sliding backwards with an array of injuries and academic suspensions.

When Michigan has the ball…

There are two major matchups here that will swing tomorrow night’s game one way or the other. First off, Sheldon Day against Michigan’s interior offensive line.  While Jaylon Smith is the Irish’s best defender, Day is by far the most important. With Notre Dame’s depleted secondary they will be looking to put pressure on Gardner any way possible. This game plan starts with Day. He is capable of single-handedly dominating an offensive line. The interior defensive line is Day’s usual position, however they do split him out as a rush end at times as well.  I think the biggest area of concern for Michigan in this entire game is keeping Gardner protected.  Day will likely be able to overpower the left side of the Wolverine line (Cole/Magnusson), and is much quicker than the right side of the line (Glasgow/Kalis/Braden). He also lines up directly over the center at times, and will give Miller or Glasgow all they can handle.  If Day is consistently putting pressure on the quarterback, it will likely force Devin to rush some decisions and throws. And while he under attack all of last year but somehow still had one of the all-time great performances, Michigan cannot count on that again. On the flip side, if Day is not able to break into the backfield it will force Notre Dame to blitz linebackers because if the new 98 has time he will pick the Irish secondary apart. This leads me to the matchup number 2: Devin Funchess vs however Notre Dame tries to cover him.  Funchess repped the number 1 jersey perfectly last weekend. His performance showcased most of his incredible skills, and now Brian Kelly should be having nightmares of the future NFL-er.  If Gardner feels confident in the pocket tomorrow night it will not matter if the suspended Irish players are back or if Funchess is bracket covered all night, the Devin-Devin connection will be strong again. 

When Notre Dame has the ball…

The Irish offense starts and ends with Everett Golson. He is a much different (and better) quarterback than the one the Wolverines faced two years ago.  He has a very strong arm, and can keep plays alive with his feet. I would compare him to Russell Wilson. Of course both can beat you with their feet, but they choose to use their speed to allow more time for their receivers to break open.  Michigan will need to be very disciplined to contain him. This will be a struggle since many of the Wolverine defenders can be too aggressive sometimes (Clark, Henry, and Ryan come to mind). A breakdown in the front seven will result in a big play for Notre Dame. The matchup that I am also looking forward to seeing if how Michigan’s new found press coverage fairs against a real opponent. The Wolverine secondary depth is impressive, and I think they have the advantage on the outside if Notre Dame is indeed without Daniels.  Look for the corners to have a big game, even though the pass interference flags might be flying (remember MSU vs ND 2013).

Michigan seems to have a lot of the advantages across the board. The Irish offense is definitely their strength, but the Wolverine defense has all of the tools to be elite. The Michigan offensive line will still try to find their footing with the new schemes, but Notre Dame’s defensive depth is less than ideal. However, if the Wolverines can find some consistency in the trenches they have a stable of skill players who can shred the Irish back 7. Which team will be able to exploit the other’s biggest weaknesses?

Around the Country: Week 2

The B1G is on the nation’s center stage this week with 3 marquee matchups.  The only problem for fans is that all 3 games will be on at the same time. Not only does this mean that a certain fan base will have to miss two of the best non-conference contests, but also that the first 6.5 hours of football feature little to no excitement.  On top of the 2 B1G games (ND vs Michigan will get a more detailed preview), I was able to find 2 others that peak my interest.

USC @ Stanford 3:30 ABC

Even though both teams are ranked in the mid-teens, a win here could spring board a top 10 season.  USC is absolutely loaded with top end talent, but there are still questions about their overall depth. Stanford has built their very own powerhouse program, and the roster should be much more comfortable with the scheme at this point in the season than the young Trojans.  The Cardinal have to replace a lot up the middle of their defense, and I think USC will be able to take advantage with their superior skill players. While I do think Stanford is still a top tier program, I don’t think they will be able to keep up with the high flying Trojans.

MSU @ Oregon 6:30 FOX

This is a classic matchup of speed vs ball control, finesse vs power, West coast vs Midwest.  We didn’t learn too much from either team’s opening game, but the winner on Saturday will be a heavy favorite to be a part of the first college football playoff. Michigan State is trying to replace a lot of production on defense, and while the Spartans should still be very good I think it is nearly impossible for them to match last year’s output. Oregon on the other hand is trying to replace a lot of production on offense. The Ducks have been able to reload instead of rebuild in past years, but they seem to be lacking their normal elite level skill position players outside of Mariota. Oregon has struggled against talented power teams over the past couple of years, and it will be very interesting to see if that stereotype has changed this year. I think Oregon will be very aggressive on defense, and try to get a lot of pressure on Cook. This should set up a few big plays for the Spartans. On the other side of the ball, I don’t know if MSU has enough speed on the back end to be successful in their hyper-aggressive quarters defense to restrict Oregon’s sideline-to-sideline spread attack.  This game should be higher scoring than MSU would prefer, which makes me favor the Ducks. However, ESPN will have you believe that everyone in the B1G footprint will/should be cheering for the Spartans (as seen on their front page)

B1G Opportunity In Eugene

Everyone in Big Ten country is pulling for Michigan State this week against Oregon.

I just cannot willingly cheer for an outcome that would put MSU even more in the national spotlight.

East Carolina @ South Carolina 7:00 ESPNU

I know, I know, this game is not on the same level of magnitude as the other 3 highlighted, but I do think it can be a close game. South Carolina just got embarrassed at home in their opener, and just like that all of the talk about SEC East favorites or national title contender has been thrown out the window. The Gamecock defense brought a plastic knife to a gun fight, and Texas A&M was able to do anything they wanted all night.  On top of the disappointing outcome, South Carolina has to face Georgia next week. The Dawgs are now the heavy favorite in the SEC East.  I think the Old Ball Coach will have his hands full to stop the letdown.

Virginia Tech @ Ohio State 8:00 ESPN

I know the Hokies aren’t ranked heading into Columbus this week, but the Buckeyes barely looked like a ranked team last week when they squeaked by Navy.  It could be very dangerous to be a quarterback in this game as both defenses look to dominate and control the field position battle. I think Bud Foster will have the Hokies’ D firing on all cylinders which will confuse the inexperienced offensive line and force the Buckeye freshman quarterback into more mistakes than last week.  Look for a defensive or special teams touchdown to change momentum and determine the outcome.

Even though the B1G will be featured this week, I don’t think they will find much success. Will the outcomes hurt the conference’s national perception more?  Frankly, I’m not sure 3 wins would even help much at this point.

Roudtable Discussion: Team 135 Breakout Players

I admit last year’s tire fire of a football season really drained me of any excitement towards this season. However, thanks in large part to the 4 letter network, I have once again bought into the hype of college football.  And as my welcome back post I thought I would try a different approach. I asked a few of my friends to help me ease back into the blogging world. Also, if they are up for it I definitely would like to continue this roundtable throughout the season (and possibly into basketball). Anyways, without further rambling I would like to thank Chad and Shawn for helping me with this welcome back/breakout player article.

Koehn’s Lane asked me (Chad) to help kick off the college football season by predicting my breakout player on offense and defense.  No need to discuss special teams because we all know that will be Will Hagerup!

The break-out player is one of the great debates of any pre-season.  The time when we all try to take in the coach speak and random practice clips to discern who the next big thing is going to be.  There are a handful of guys you want to break out or at least match their pre-season hype.  My list of hopefuls for this season is Freddy Canteen, Mason Cole, Dennis Norfleet, Taco Charlton, Ondre Pipkins, and James Ross.  I’m not sure Canteen and Cole can really be considered break-outs even if they perform well as true freshman.  I also don’t find it very likely that they will outperform their pre-season hype.  Pipkins seems to be buried in the depth chart and, coming off of injury, I don’t think he’ll get enough playing time to break out.  James was given every opportunity to shine last year with mixed results.  I’ll listen to the past and lean to the side that he will again provide mixed results.  So that leaves me with Norfleet and Charlton as my picks for break out players for this year.  Both have seen limited playing time thus far but will be given a lot more opportunities and will be featured in a lot more standard looks.  Their athletic abilities got them on the field in the past but their technique and experience will keep them from being only situational players.

Offense
Dennis Norfleet (Chad)
Last year Norfleet had a very hard time finding any open space on the field once he got the ball.  This was obviously due to the fact that he got the ball pretty much anytime he was in the game.  I believe he should have been awarded entire series in which he could’ve been a part of the offense when he was in and not THE offense when he was in.  This year it seems he’ll have his chance to be a PART of the offense as the starting slot receiver.  This will force opposing teams out of “target Norfleet” mode and he should see him himself in space and with the ball a lot more often.  Another change that should greatly improve the predictability of not only Norfleet but the entire offense is a new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.  Maybe it was due to Al Borges attempting to blend the power and spread schemes but it seemed from my untrained eye that he only ran certain types of plays from certain formations.  With a change to a more cohesive scheme opposing defenses will be guessing more often and with less certainty.  My prediction…not worth much…41 catches 510 yards 4 TDs + 6 carries 60 yards 1 TD.

Derrick Green (Shawn)

Even though the offensive line will likely still remain a major question mark, I think the slimmed down sophomore version of Derrick Green is primed for a breakout season.  His freshman season reminded most people of Kevin Grady.  Green came in with other-worldly expectations and then he showed up for camp overweight and a power back without power.  Most of the grumblings around Ann Arbor have already written this youngster off, and have people wondering why Michigan can’t get production from their last two 5 star backs. Green had a major offseason where he lost weight, reduced his body fat, and from reports has regained his quick feet.  Another encouraging aspect that we can hopefully pull from coach speak is Derrick’s improvement in the pass protection area.  It was considered the major reason why he was slotted 3^rd on the depth chart behind Drake Johnson and DeVeon Smith. Fred Jackson has mentioned that the running back blocking assignments last year were very complex, and didn’t allow the true freshmen backs to be able to play without thinking too much.  Nussmeier has apparently reduced a lot of the expectations on the running backs in pass pro. All of the talk has said Green has really excelled in this new look offense.  I think Green eclipses the 1,000 yard mark this year.

Devin Gardner (Justin)

My original choices were Derrick Green and Dennis Norfleet, so I figured I should give people someone else to keep in mind.  You might be thinking how a 5th year senior quarterback could be considered my breakout player, but just stay with me for bit. Remember how many people were calling for Devin’s head by the end of last year, and all he did was play a half of football on a broken foot against our biggest rival? While converting that 2 point conversion would have cemented the legendary performance, it was still an incredible performance.  Devin showed glimpses of being a first round NFL talent while also resorting to high school mechanics, sometimes in the same drive. He has all of the tools to be the best quarterback in the B1G, even if Braxton Miller was healthy.  On top of that Michigan now has an offensive coordinator that has a track record of being a great quarterbacks coach.  In the first year of all of his coaching stops the quarterback play has greatly improved (Michigan State, Washington, Alabama, etc), and after he left the signal caller’s production slipped back. Devin spent last season either running for his life or getting crushed like a pop can, and he still finished near or at the top of the B1G in most quarterback stats.  When Devin wins B1G Offensive Player of the Year remember you heard it here first.

Defense
Taco Charlton (Chad)
Charlton enrolled early last year and had some hype coming out of spring camp.  He turned that into 8 game appearances but only 2 tackles.  Not anywhere close to what was hoped for out of him.   He’s behind Brennen Beyer on the depth chart but Beyer didn’t exactly fill up the stat sheet last year, recording 0 sacks in B1G play plus ND.  If Charlton has improved his run defense, which at 6’6” 275, shouldn’t be too difficult, he should be primed for some serious production.  I don’t see a scenario besides injury where he hasn’t taken over playing during crunch time by B1G games.  With the change to the 4-3 over we’re expecting more sacks and TFLs all around and I don’t think Charlton will disappoint in these categories.  My prediction...again worth nothing…37 tackles 8 TFL 4 Sacks 2 ff.

Taco Charlton/ Mario Ojemudia (Shawn)

First I will start with a bonus pick. Even though Frank Clark came on a lot at the end of the season to warrant a lot of this offseason hype, I still think he will leave us wanting more. We will look back and think: what a great athlete, but could have felt him more as a football player. So it makes sense that my breakout performer would be along the defensive line (or at least I am hoping they will be). Even though Charlton and Ojemudia play different positions now (SDE and WDE respectively), I am looking for either one to get major snaps by midseason.  I don’t have any prediction stats, but I think either (or both) will be a much more consistent defensive lineman than they were last season. This will probably kick off the unrealistic offseason hype train for 2015.

Jourdan Lewis (Justin )

Charlton is a great pick, but I am going to focus my attention on the secondary.  Michigan suddenly has some of the best defensive secondary depth in the country.  When did that happen?!? The scheme is to be much more aggressive on the outside which plays more into Lewis’ skill set than the returning starters.  JD broke onto the scene last season as the most college ready prospect from Cass Tech in recent memory. He was consistently in good position only to get beat by perfect throws (I am looking at you Akron QB). The added strength and press coverage should really bring Lewis into the spotlight. The other side of the field will be manned by an upperclassman (Taylor or Countess), so expect teams to test Lewis early. My estimation is that the scouting report by B1G season is to avoid his half of the field.  

Again I would like to thank Chad and Shawn for their help with this post, and hopefully you will get to read more of their predictions, analysis, and opinions. Now, who do you think will be the breakout players this year?

High School Basketball Finals Preview

It’s that time of year again! It’s a weekend that is just overloaded with great basketball, and the conclusion of the high school basketball season.  This year’s run featured many upsets along the road to the Breslin, but the favorites are still standing.  It is also a very special weekend in East Lansing because of the overall talent remaining in the tournament. Not only did the 2014 Mr. Basketball winner, Deshaun Thrower, lead his top ranked Muskegon team to the semifinals, the favorites for the 2015 and 2016 awards will be on hand (Deyonta Davis, Josh Jackson, and Cassius Winston).

Class A:

Mount Pleasant (22-4) vs Muskegon (26-0)

This will be a marquee post matchup with Detroit-bound Jaleel Hogan and future pro Deyonta Davis. Hogan is a strong bodied 6’6” Mack truck that should be able to push around the still developing Davis. Hogan has put the Oilers on his back throughout this playoff run. He is averaging 17 points per game, but over 20 in the postseason.  The difference maker here is that Muskegon also has the Mr. Basketball to initiate the offense and be a leader. While Hogan should still have a good game, look for Thrower to bounce back from his average scoring night on Tuesday and have a big game.

U-D Jesuit (22-2) vs Bloomfield Hills (23-3)

Another matchup for U-D against a post-centered team.  Their lack of size was supposed to trip them up before now, but 2016 elite point guard Cassius Winston continues to lead his team to victories. They are led by 19 ppg from Winston and 13 from King a 6’4” senior forward. In the school’s first year, Bloomfield Hills has made quite a statement. B-H is led by 6’8” Mr. Basketball snub Yante Maten. He is coming off of a 31 point, 18 rebounds, 10 blocked shots, and 7 assists. You can bet he wants a shot at proving his value against Thrower and 2015 MSU commit Davis.  I keep picking against U-D, and it continues to bite me, but either team playing Muskegon would feature an intriguing matchup. 

Class B:

Benton Harbor (16-9) vs Cadillac (19-6)

Both teams with underwhelming records, but Benton Harbor is fresh off of beating two top 5 teams (Otsego and Godwin Heights). The Tigers are led by super sophomore Jator Gunn and 6’6” senior forward Cortez Moore.  BH is getting 40 points between these guys. Cadillac is making a return trip to the Breslin Center, and are still led by 6’4” Jalen Brooks and his 18 points and 8 rebounds. The Tigers have played the much tougher regular season schedule and have had the more difficult playoff road. I don’t think Cadillac will be able to stop both Gunn and Moore, and Benton Harbor should be playing Saturday night.

Detroit Douglass (17-9) vs Milan (23-3)

These teams were the Class B preseason number 1 and 2, then they both stumbled out of the gate and were mostly forgotten about. Both are hitting their stride now, and have pulled off upsets to make the semi-finals. Douglass is led by two division 1 guards. Mr. Basketball finalist, Darrell Davis, averages 25 points and 7 rebounds and Terrell Hales 15 points. Milan is led by a dynamite junior point guard-post combination. Latin Davis is only 5’9”  but averages 16 points while 6’7” Nick Perkins averages 15 point and 9 rebounds. I will stick with my preseason number 1, and think that the Class B final will be a matchup of athletic 9 loss teams.

Class C:

Pewamo-Westphalia (23-2) vs Muskegon Heights (20-3)

P-W plays in the best Class C conference, and are looking to put back-to-back entries into the finals.  They are one of the most experienced and best defensive teams left in the tournament. They are led by 5 senior starters, and 4 more off the bench. P-W is led by 6’2” guard Nick Spitzley who has had a memorable playoff run. While he leads the team with 19 points per game, he also has hit game winners over both Beecher and Shelby. And then there is Heights, who seem to live at the Breslin Center. You can close their school and change it to a public charter academy, yet here they are again.  Per usual, the Tigers have played a tough schedule and are very battle tested. They are led by multi-dimensional 6’3” guard Aaron Sydnor and 12 points a game from Eddrick Tornes.  While P-W has made it further than expected on the back of their defense, I just think Heights will be too athletic in this one.

Detroit Consortium (23-2) vs Negaunee (24-1)

Consortium finally made it past the quarterfinal round, and are making their first appearance at the Breslin. They are led by the best player in the state, regardless of class, Josh Jackson.  He is averaging 25 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 4 blocks, but is scoring more than 30 during the playoffs. On top of that, Consortium has a senior point guard that nearly averages a double double (12 points and 8 assists). Negaunee is making a return trip to the Breslin, but will run into another buzz saw in the semifinal round. They are led by all-state guard Tyler Jandron who averages 17.5 points a game and Eric Lori averaging 17 points a game. The Miners are a typical UP team that will look to push the pace and shoot a lot of threes. Detroit Consortium will not be overwhelmed by the quick pace, and will gladly go up and down the court. Consortium is just too athletic for Negaunee and most Class A teams.

Class D:

Frankfort (20-6) vs Southfield Christian (24-1)

Frankfort is led by all-state forward David Loney who averages 20 points and 11 rebounds, and they are making their first appearance to the semifinal round. On the other side, Southfield Christian is looking to be a 3-peat champion. The Eagles are just absolutely loaded with talent and experience. Bakari Evelyn (16 ppg & 8 apg), Lindsey Hunter IV (15 ppg), Damarco White (10 ppg & 8 rpg), and Marlo Brown (12 ppg & 9 rpg). The athleticism and experience will just overwhelm Frankfort as SC should capture another title.

Cedarville (23-2) vs Adrian Lenawee Christian (20-4)

Cedarville has run its way through a loaded UP crowd, and have advanced back to the Breslin for the first time since 2009. They are led by Joey Duncan at 21 ppg and 6’5” big man Dan Stenback 18 ppg.  Both scored 34 on Tuesday night to get past #2 Powers North Central.  ALC is led by Grant Holbein and a stifling 2-3 defense. The 2-3 is meant to pack the middle and stop dribble penetration, but Cedarville will be happy enough to launch threes. I don’t think ALC will be able to keep up with the scoring pace of Cedarville.

High School Basketball Regional Finals Preview (Class A)

The Regional Finals were scheduled for tonight, but with most of Michigan getting hit with snow-pocalypse 18.0 some have been delayed until tomorrow. Regardless of when the games will be played, here is a preview of all 8 Class A Regional Final matchups.

Howell (18-5) vs Grand Blanc (22-2)

Neither team has played a great schedule, but Grand Blanc has beat Howell twice this season. I think the Bobcats make it a third.

Mount Pleasant (20-4) vs #9 Flint Carman-Ainsworth (21-3)

C-A surprised a lot of people Monday by dominating Saginaw 80-51. Even though they lacked the size of the Trojans, the Cavaliers were able to neutralize Saginaw’s height advantage. They will have to use a similar strategy against Detroit bound, Jaleel Hogan. I think they will find a way to do it again behind the backcourt of Justice Green and Cameron Morse.

Ann Arbor Skyline (16-7) vs Kalamazoo Central (20-3)

While this isn’t the Central squad loaded with Division 1 talent, they are going to be a tough out.  After beating a very good Holt team, the Giants shouldn’t have as much problem with Skyline. 

#1 Muskegon (24-0) vs Hudsonville (15-8)

Muskegon's path to the Breslin could not be much easier as Hudsonville will do little to challenge the Big Red. 

#5 Romulus (20-4) vs #4 Ypsilanti (21-2)  

This is probably the best game of the night, regardless of class. Romulus is the defending champions, while Ypsilanti was my preseason choice to win in Class A.  After getting a wake-up call from losing to cross town rival Ypsilanti Lincoln, Community has just been dominant. Jaylen Johnson anchors one of the best defenses in the entire state, and the underclassmen backcourt will provide a lot of problems for the Eagles. I like Ypsilanti to move on. 

#3 U-D Jesuit (20-2) vs Detroit Cass Tech (18-5)

I keep saying U-D's lack of height will bite them at some point in this tournament, but they keep finding ways to win.  They can complete an impressive week sweep of PSL teams with a win over the Technicians. Jesuit has the dominant backcourt while Cass Tech is another team with length.  I think Cassisus Winston finds a way to lead his team into the quarterfinals. 

Utica Eisenhower (18-6) vs Warren Mott (20-4)

These two teams have played a lot of the same competition, but strangely haven't squared off themselves. I like Mott to advance in this game. 

#8 Clarkston (20-4) vs #7 Bloomfield Hills (21-3)

Bloomfield Hills has already given Clarkston two of their losses, but beating Coach Fife three times in one season is extremely tough to do. BH will have the best player on the floor, Yante Maten (A recent Georgia offer and MSU target). I think Maten is looking to make a statement after being left off of the Mr. Basketball ledger.  

High School Basketball Regional Finals Preview (Class B)

The Regional Finals were scheduled for tonight, but with most of Michigan getting hit with snow-pocalypse 18.0 some have been delayed until tomorrow. Regardless of when the games will be played, here is a preview of all 8 Class B Regional Final matchups.

#5 Otsego (21-2) vs Benton Harbor (14-9)

Otsego overcame a slow start on Monday, and after trailing by 20+ they managed to recover and survive. The Bulldogs are very talented, and should advance to the quarterfinals.

Spring Lake (18-6) vs #1 Wyoming Godwin Heights (24-0)

Spring Lake is playing its best basketball right now, but they haven’t faced a team as talented as Godwin Heights. The Wolverines struggled with Holland Christian on Monday, but should win in a much more comfortable way tonight.

Big Rapids (19-4) vs Saginaw Swan Valley (15-6)

Neither team played a particularly tough schedule, but Big Rapids has been tested more. They should be able to use that experience to carry them into Finals Week.

Cadillac (17-6) vs Mason County Central (19-4)

Cadillac’s Jalen Brooks will be the best player on the floor, and even though MCC has the better record I like the Vikings to keep playing.

#9 Detroit Country Day (17-7) vs Detroit Douglass (14-9)  

Both teams are playing like we expected them to before the season, and both Mr. Basketball candidates are shouldering most of the load.  Douglass has more overall backcourt talent, but the Edmund Sumner vs Darrell Davis matchup will be very exciting. I think Davis can play more physical than Sumner at this point in their careers, which could lead to a surprise upset.

#2 Millington (22-1) vs Goodrich (19-5)

Millington is led by another coaches son, and has a lot of weapons in their back court. I doubt Goodrich will be able to keep up.

Detroit Community (14-7) vs #8 Milan (21-3)

Community is trying to bottle the magic from last year’s title run, but the talent level is not nearly the same. Meanwhile has their own college prospect this year in Nick Perkins. I think Milan keeps rolling on.

Wayland Union (20-4) vs #3 Jackson Lumen Christi (23-1)

This should be a very exciting basketball game. Both teams are led by junior guards (Dilon Aten, Wayland and Khari Willis, JLC). Wayland’s claim to fame this year was that it gave South Christian their only regular season loss of the season.  Outside of that, they look like a team primed to be a favorite for the next few years as they play 3 freshmen.  Lumen-Christi has been here before, and are the more experienced team.  Look for Willis and Aten to even each other out, and the difference to be JLC’s senior forward Matt Bullinger.

High School Basketball Regional Final Preview (Class C)

The Regional Finals were scheduled for tonight, but with most of Michigan getting hit with snow-pocalypse 18.0 some have been delayed until tomorrow. Regardless of when the games will be played, here is a preview of all 8 Class C Regional Final matchups.

 Montrose (20-3) vs Flint Beecher (20-3)

Another game where the same records do not equal the same talent. Beecher has beat Montrose twice this year, and should advance to their 5^th straight quarterfinal.   

#5 Shelby (22-2) vs Pewamo-Westphalia (20-2)

P-W plays in a very good conference, and they boast a very experienced team and an elite defense. Shelby will have the best player on the floor, Jason Beckman, who just scored 37 on Monday. I think team defense will be able to limit a great individual performance, but Beckman has been outstanding so far in the playoffs and I think that will continue.

#7 Muskegon Heights (18-3) vs New Buffalo (16-8)

Heights has been a fixture in the Breslin for the past decade, and that was when they were in Class B. Even though a lot of their talent and coach left for Muskegon, they are still one of the teams to beat in Class C. The Tigers should be moving on.

Vermontville Maple Valley (20-4) vs Hillsdale (23-1)

Hillsdale hasn’t lost a game in over 4 months, and just dispatched a very good Hanover-Horton team.  Look for the Hornets to keep their win streak alive.

#2 Detroit Consortium (20-2) vs Ottawa Lake Whiteford (19-4)  

Consortium is one of the best teams in the state, with the best player in the state. I will say it again, this was like Chris Webber in Class C.

#1 Mt. Clemens (21-1) vs Madison Heights Bishop Foley (12-11)

Mt. Clemens is on a collision course with Consortium while Bishop Foley is just happy to still be playing.

East Jordan (18-4) vs Beaverton (21-2)

East Jordan has had some impressive wins in the playoffs, and are led by coaches son Jordan Weber. Beaverton has the more impressive record, but little quality wins to back it up.  They are led by coaches grandson Spencer Johnston. I think East Jordan will continue playing quality basketball, and beat another good opponent.

Ironwood Luther L. Wright (20-3) vs #4 Negaunee (22-1)

The Tyler Jandron led Negaunee is experienced and knows how to win in March.  I don’t think this game will be all that close.

High School Basketball Regional Final Preview (Class D)

The Regional Finals were scheduled for tonight, but with most of Michigan getting hit with snow-pocalypse 18.0 some have been delayed until tomorrow. Regardless of when the games will be played, here is a preview of all 8 Class D Regional Final matchups.

 Mt Pleasant Sacred Heart (19-3) vs Fulton (21-2)

Sacred Heart just knocked off Baldwin on Monday, which was one of my semi-final picks. Their height proved too much. Fulton plays in one of the toughest small school conferences. This should be an exciting and close defensive battle. Sacred Heart also played some tough out of conference teams to prepare them for March. I think Fulton is the more experienced team, and would be my pick to advance to the semi-finals.

Au Gres-Sims (15-6) vs Frankfort (18-6)

Two of Frankfort’s losses came to Suttons Bay, the team they just beat by 19 on Monday. The Panthers have played an extremely tough schedule, and appear to be on a roll. Look for David Loney to have another big game.

#1 Southfield Christian (22-1) vs #10 Allen Park Inter-City Baptist (18-6)

This has become the best small school rivalry in southeast Michigan.  Southfield Christian is looking for their 3^rd straight state championship, and ICB is the team that has given them the most trouble each of the last two playoff runs. Even though the Eagles have beaten ICB twice this year, it is Evan Kraatz’s last time against SC. I expect him to have a big game, but it likely will not be enough to knock off the champs.

#4 Peck (21-0) vs Burton St. Thomas More (20-1)

Even though More Academy has a great record, it is inflated with an incredibly weak schedule. Meanwhile, Peck hasn’t played murderer’s row, but there schedule is full of schools that I have heard of.

#5 Cedarville (21-2) vs #9 Hillman (21-1)  

This is a rematch of the 2013 Regional Final when Cedarville outlasted Hillman in double OT. Both teams return their best players. Hillman’s strength is in its backcourt with Mason VanPamel, while Cedarville’s best weapon is down low Dan Stenback. This should be the game of the night in Class D with both teams wanting to press and push the tempo.  I think Hillman will really struggle with Cedarville’s size.

#8 Crystal Falls Forest Park (20-3) vs #2 Powers North Central (24-0)

This features another rematch game. Powers beat Crystal Falls twice already this year. Both times CFFP managed to keep it under 15, but I don’t think they have enough weapons to slow down the Jets.

#6 Battle Creek St. Philip (23-1) vs Covert (14-1)

Nobody ever really knows how good Covert is these days, but they haven’t been overly impressive so far in the playoffs. On the other hand, St. Philip ran past Climax Scotts this year as the premiere team in southwest Michigan.  I expect them to continue their 2014 dominance.

 

Morrice (17-5) vs Adrian Lenawee Christian (18-5)

ALC has played the tougher competition this year, and seem to live in the quarterfinals as a program. I don’t know much about this year’s Cougars squad, but I will pick them based on a good friend being an alumnus.