High School Basketball Playoff Preview (Class B)

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:

Districts could feature 2 top ten contests.

#1 Godwin Heights vs #4 GR South Christian (March 5)

Heights made a run to the Breslin last March, and will be looking to capture that same magic this year. They are led by a stifling defense that looks to hold every team under 40. South Christian has another good squad, but lacks the marquee college prospect they have had many years prior. The winner of this game will be in good position to make deep run.

#6 Yale vs #7 Imlay City (March 7)

Yale was unheard of before the season started, but raced out to a gaudy record until Imlay City handed them their only loss. Yale rebounded to give Imlay City their first loss.  This should be a great rubber match.

Regionals could feature 2 marquee games.

#2 Millington vs #6 Yale

Millington is led by coaches son junior Austin LeVan for three years now. They are loaded with backcourt options. Yale also has some weapons at guard, but I doubt they can keep up with Millington’s 3-headed monster (LeVan, Munson, Pardee).

#9 Detroit Country Day vs Detroit Douglass

Yes, both teams have some ugly records but they also have the best two players in Class B on their rosters.  This will be a great matchup between Mr. Basketball finalists and future A-10 rivals (Edmund Sumner, Xavier, and Darrell Davis, Dayton). When you have the best player on the floor, records don’t matter come March (just ask Detroit Community last year).

Quarterfinals could have 3 top ten matchups.

#1 Godwin Heights vs #5 Otsego

Heights is quick and athletic, while Otsego has a legitimate 7 footer. I have not been as high on Bulldog star Seth Dugan as some other people, but this game would be one he has to dominate to give Otsego a chance. I think Heights pressure on the outside would really frustrate with Otsego junior guard tandem of Pearl and Williams. Godwin Heights learned what it takes to win in March last year when the roster was full of under-classmen.  This could be Otsego’s launching pad into the 2014-15 season as Class B favorites.

#2 Millington vs #9 Detroit Country Day

Both teams previewed above. The strength of this matchup would be in the backcourt, but the likely x-factor would be which team could get more production from the post.

#3 Jackson Lumen Christi vs #8 Milan

Lumen Christi is another team with a loaded back court of athletic guards. Milan counters with college prospect big man Nick Perkins. 

Final Four Predictions:

#1 Godwin Heights vs #10 Comstock Park

#9 Detroit Country Day vs #3 Jackson Lumen-Christi

Players to Watch:

Darrell Davis, Detroit Douglass

Edmund Sumner, DCD

Kyle Steigenga, Holland Christian

Khari Willis, Lumen-Christi

Markese Mayfield, Godwin Heights