I have been away from blogging for some time now. I have to
admit, the Michigan football season really did a number on my desire to analyze
every game. I needed break from
something that started to feel like a job, instead of a fun way to throw out my
opinions. I will probably ease my way back into new posts, but wanted to start
with a high school basketball update since the playoffs start tonight!
I will give a quick breakdown of how each class’ bracket
breaks down with: marquee matchups to watch for before the semi-finals, my
final four predictions, and some players to keep an eye on.
Interesting potential
matchups:
District Finals could feature
2 top ten contests.
#6 Leroy Pine River vs #9 Meridian
I have to be honest, I do not know much about either team. Pine
River played in a much tougher conference, and should be more prepared to move
onto regionals.
#5 Detroit Allen Academy vs #10 Detroit Loyola
Allen Academy is led by a stable of guards including high
scorer Pakiya Ellis and super sophomore Jason Williams. The high pressure and
relentless energy that Allen can bring at opponents should overwhelm most Class
C opponents, but Loyola is not one of them.
Playing in the Detroit Catholic League, they held their own against an
array of Class A and B teams and are forcing over 20 turnovers a game. I do think Allen has better overall talent,
but if Williams cannot handle the pressure well there could be an early upset.
Regionals could
feature 2 top ten games.
#2 Detroit Consortium vs #5 Detroit Allen (March 10)
While I just bragged up Allen’s guard play, they do not have
a player that can even think about matching up with Josh Jackson. While he is only a sophomore, he is likely the
best player in the state right now (which includes 6 other top 100 players in
their respective classes) and could be one of the best in the country overall.
With Monte Morris gone from Class C, it is Jackson and Consortium’s time to
shine.
#3 Boyne City vs #6 Leroy Pine River
Boyne could be one of the longest teams in Class C with
multiple players over 6’5” with college level talent. They also play in one of
the best small school conferences. Pine River’s experience should be enough to
get them by Meridian, but I doubt they will be advancing past Regionals.
Quarterfinals could also
have 2 top ten matchups.
#1 Mount Clemens vs #2 Detroit Consortium
While a nice rivalry grew the past two years between Beecher
and Consortium, a bigger one might start this year in the same quarterfinal
that Consortium fell last year. Mount Clemens is one of the deepest teams Class
C teams in recent memory. They can play 4 different 6’6”+ players, which could
really push Josh Jackson around. I doubt
that they will be able to keep up with his athleticism, but coach Jermaine
Jackson will have a solid 16 fouls to throw at the state’s best player. This
game should be a really good barometer for Jackson, and the winner will be in
the driver’s seat for a state championship.
#3 Boyne City vs #4 Negaunee
Another great early matchup in Class C. As I mentioned above, Boyne City is big and
strong and wants to run their offense through the post. The Miner’s are built
like the prototypical UP team. Loaded with backcourt players. This game will
pit Class C’s best back court (above Detroit) against Class C’s best front
court (above Detroit).
Final Four
Predictions:
#2 Detroit Consortium vs #4 Negaunee
(side note: 6 of the top 7 Class C teams are on Mt
Clemens/Consortium side of the bracket)
#5 Shelby vs #7 Muskegon Heights Academy
Players to Watch:
Josh Jackson, Detroit Consortium
Corey Redman, Boyne City
Pakiya Ellis, Detroit Allen
Tyler Jandron, Negaunee
Aaron Sydnor, Muskegon Heights
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