There were three evenly matched quarterfinals in Class C, and in two of them a minor upset occurred. The final four has 2 expected names and 2 surprises.
1. Flint Beecher (25-1) Ranked AP #1
I don't know why I doubt the Bucs anymore. I really expected the more talented Detroit Consortium to finally beat them last night, but Mr. Basketball Monte Morris wouldn't allow it. In another low scoring contest Beecher prevailed with a 46-44 win, and Man-Man scored 28 of those points. He even stole the ball with 3 seconds left to seal the victory. Beecher has one loss in the past two seasons, and it came to Detroit Pershing after the Bucs blew an 18 point lead. This is one of the best teams in the entire state, and they are led by the best high school player in the entire state. I am sorry for doubting.
2. Laingsburg (23-2) Ranked AP Honorable Mention
The Wolfpack have been Class C's hottest team. They have played the toughest playoff schedule and just continue to win. Laingsburg has defeated 4 teams ranked in the final AP poll, including a 42-32 win over Beaverton last night. The Wolfpack are now headed to their first semifinal appearance in school history. They are led by 6'2" Senior Jake Zielinski, 6'3" Senior Sean McKinney, and 5'10" Sophomore Ryan Wade. Laingsburg plays at an extremely slow tempo, and they expend a lot of energy playing defense.
3. Negaunee (24-1) Ranked AP #3
If you are familiar with high school basketball, you probably have heard of the Negaunee Miners. They are returning to the Breslin after losing back to back quartefinals. I could copy and paste the style of play from Powers North Central in Class D, the Miners like to press and shoot the three. Negaunee is led by 6'3" Senior Tanner Uren.
4. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (23-2) Ranked AP Honorable Mention
The Falcons are coming off of a minor upset of Schoolcraft in the quarterfinals, but Monroe SMCC has had the easiest path to the final four in Class C. The Falcons are led by 6'2" sharp-shooting senior Kevin Woodson's 33 points. Monroe will need to find a secondary scoring option to pull off the major upset in the semifinals.
Flint Beecher vs Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 1:00 Thursday
The Bucs proved again why they are one of the best teams in the entire state. They seem to be focused and on a mission of defending their state championship. Monte Morris is one of the most talented high school players coming out of Michigan in the past 10 years, and I just love his game. Woodson will have to have another career day to keep the Falcons in this game. I think Beecher is just too much and will advance to another final.
Laingsburg vs Negaunee 2:50 Thursday
This game is very interesting to me. Lainsgburg wants to play at a crawl-like pace, but Negaunee will look to push the tempo a little bit with the full court press and quick triggered shots. I doubt the Miners have seen a team with the defensive prowess of the Wolfpack, or one as confident. It is hard to imagine Laingsburg faltering on the door step of making their first state championship after defeating so many quality opponents.
Class C Final 4:30 Saturday
Even though Laingsburg finished just outside of the AP top 10 and Negaunee was at number 3, I think the Wolfpack are the team to beat in the second semifinal. I expect the winner to take on Beecher to try to slow down the high powered Bucs. Laingsburg's slow-it-down, grind it out style, could keep them competitive against the more talented Beecher, but I doubt for very long. Monte Morris is a clear division 1 player that has already played 4 games (not including Thursday's semifinal game) on the Breslin floor. It is very hard for any Class C team to contain that kind of talent, and I don't think Laingsburg can do it for 32 minutes. I like Man-Man's chances to bring home another state title and secure his legacy as one of the all-time greats to come out of Flint.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Class D Semifinal & Final Preview
The top teams mostly held serve last night around the state in Class D, and it has been whittled down to the final four. Let's take a look at the quarterfinal outcomes and preview tomorrow's semifinals.
1. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (24-2) Ranked AP #1
The Defenders are led by Class D player of the year Joey Blauwkamp. He contributes to every aspect of the basketball game, and is really tough to guard on the Class D level because of his strength and basketball IQ. Tri-Unity will be making their 9th trip to the semifinals, and will be looking for their 5th state title. The Defenders dispatched of Frankfort last night 57-33 in a game they never trailed. This is one of the best high school programs in the state, and they play a slower tempo but extremely physical style of ball.
2. Southfield Christian (21-4) Ranked AP #3
The defending champions have had a drastically different run to the Breslin in 2013. Last year the Eagles suffocated opponents with their 3 senior all-state guards and freshman division 1 prospect. This year SC has had to scrape out 2 come-from-behind wins in a row against rival Allen Park Inter-City Baptist and 2012 runner-up Climax Scotts. I expected the Panther size to really affect Southfield last night, and it did, but the Eagle bench along with Bakari Evelyn were too much and SC was able to escape with a 51-49 victory. The Eagles have played the toughest schedule of any Class D team this season, and they are using those experiences to advance to the semifinals. If the Eagles can frustrate their opponent with the high pressure full court defense, SC will be tough to beat.
3. Lansing Christian (21-4) Ranked AP #11
The Pilgrims are the hottest team in Class D right now. They have rolled over all of their competition in the postseason, and are currently riding a 17 game winning streak. Lansing Christian jumped out to a 24-2 lead last night against a tough Beal City team that couldn't handle the trapping press. Skylar Ross, a 6'3" guard, led the way with 25 points. He is the team's leading scorer on the season.
4. Powers North Central (23-3) Ranked AP #10
The Jets can claim the biggest upset in Class D quarterfinals when they pounced on Cedarville early and cruised to a 71-57 victory. Powers is a standard UP team in that they like to press and shoot a lot of threes. When the deep ball is falling the Jets will be very tough to beat. They are led by 6'2" Junior Trevor Vincent, 6'1" Sophomore Rob Granquist, and 6'3" Freshman Caleb Martin. In other words, get used to hearing about this school.
Wyoming Tri-Unity vs Powers North Central 6:00pm Thursday
Powers has been a great story coming from the UP, but they haven't seen a team like Tri-Unity yet. While the Defenders are lacking their usual tall front court depth, they make up for it in experienced guard play. The Jets will look to press, but I think Blauwkamp is good enough to limit the turnovers which will lead to easy buckets for Tri-Unity. If the three point shot is falling for Powers they can hang around, but I like the team with the experience and the best player on the floor. Be prepared for Powers to be back here next year though.
Southfield Christian vs Lansing Christian 7:50 Thursday
This should be a very high tempo, exciting, game between the Eagles and Pilgrims. SC will have the best player, Bakari Evelyn, but if LC can force the ball out of his hands Southfield becomes very beatable. I think 6'5" freshman stud Marlo Brown will have a breakout game agaisnt the smaller Lansing team. If Southfield can protect the ball, which I still have my questions after seeing them struggle with turnovers against Allen Park, the Eagles are the more athletic team and should pull away for the win. But there is a reason that the Pilgrims have won 17 games in a row, and haven't had a close one in the playoffs yet. If Skylar Ross can continue to knock down shots LC will have a very good chance in this one, playing in front of their home fans. In the end I will go with the team that has been here before and has the luxury of the best player on the floor.
Class D Final 10:00AM Saturday
I expect Wyoming Tri-Unity and Southfield to advance in a battle of the previous two state champions. Of course the three point line is the great equalizer, and Powers and Lansing Christian can knock them down in bunches. A Defender-Eagle final matchup is the most expected. I would be very excited to see the matchup between all-staters Evelyn and Baluwkamp (probably the 2013 and 2014 Class D POY). Last year the focus was mainly on the star senior guards for Southfield Christian, and Saturday could be Evelyn's coming out party. It will be the classic disciplined style against free-flowing athletic basketball. Maybe I am putting too much hype on Evelyn, but I do think he is a legitimate division 1 point guard and has the ability to take this game over to give SC the repeat.
1. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (24-2) Ranked AP #1
The Defenders are led by Class D player of the year Joey Blauwkamp. He contributes to every aspect of the basketball game, and is really tough to guard on the Class D level because of his strength and basketball IQ. Tri-Unity will be making their 9th trip to the semifinals, and will be looking for their 5th state title. The Defenders dispatched of Frankfort last night 57-33 in a game they never trailed. This is one of the best high school programs in the state, and they play a slower tempo but extremely physical style of ball.
2. Southfield Christian (21-4) Ranked AP #3
The defending champions have had a drastically different run to the Breslin in 2013. Last year the Eagles suffocated opponents with their 3 senior all-state guards and freshman division 1 prospect. This year SC has had to scrape out 2 come-from-behind wins in a row against rival Allen Park Inter-City Baptist and 2012 runner-up Climax Scotts. I expected the Panther size to really affect Southfield last night, and it did, but the Eagle bench along with Bakari Evelyn were too much and SC was able to escape with a 51-49 victory. The Eagles have played the toughest schedule of any Class D team this season, and they are using those experiences to advance to the semifinals. If the Eagles can frustrate their opponent with the high pressure full court defense, SC will be tough to beat.
3. Lansing Christian (21-4) Ranked AP #11
The Pilgrims are the hottest team in Class D right now. They have rolled over all of their competition in the postseason, and are currently riding a 17 game winning streak. Lansing Christian jumped out to a 24-2 lead last night against a tough Beal City team that couldn't handle the trapping press. Skylar Ross, a 6'3" guard, led the way with 25 points. He is the team's leading scorer on the season.
4. Powers North Central (23-3) Ranked AP #10
The Jets can claim the biggest upset in Class D quarterfinals when they pounced on Cedarville early and cruised to a 71-57 victory. Powers is a standard UP team in that they like to press and shoot a lot of threes. When the deep ball is falling the Jets will be very tough to beat. They are led by 6'2" Junior Trevor Vincent, 6'1" Sophomore Rob Granquist, and 6'3" Freshman Caleb Martin. In other words, get used to hearing about this school.
Wyoming Tri-Unity vs Powers North Central 6:00pm Thursday
Powers has been a great story coming from the UP, but they haven't seen a team like Tri-Unity yet. While the Defenders are lacking their usual tall front court depth, they make up for it in experienced guard play. The Jets will look to press, but I think Blauwkamp is good enough to limit the turnovers which will lead to easy buckets for Tri-Unity. If the three point shot is falling for Powers they can hang around, but I like the team with the experience and the best player on the floor. Be prepared for Powers to be back here next year though.
Southfield Christian vs Lansing Christian 7:50 Thursday
This should be a very high tempo, exciting, game between the Eagles and Pilgrims. SC will have the best player, Bakari Evelyn, but if LC can force the ball out of his hands Southfield becomes very beatable. I think 6'5" freshman stud Marlo Brown will have a breakout game agaisnt the smaller Lansing team. If Southfield can protect the ball, which I still have my questions after seeing them struggle with turnovers against Allen Park, the Eagles are the more athletic team and should pull away for the win. But there is a reason that the Pilgrims have won 17 games in a row, and haven't had a close one in the playoffs yet. If Skylar Ross can continue to knock down shots LC will have a very good chance in this one, playing in front of their home fans. In the end I will go with the team that has been here before and has the luxury of the best player on the floor.
Class D Final 10:00AM Saturday
I expect Wyoming Tri-Unity and Southfield to advance in a battle of the previous two state champions. Of course the three point line is the great equalizer, and Powers and Lansing Christian can knock them down in bunches. A Defender-Eagle final matchup is the most expected. I would be very excited to see the matchup between all-staters Evelyn and Baluwkamp (probably the 2013 and 2014 Class D POY). Last year the focus was mainly on the star senior guards for Southfield Christian, and Saturday could be Evelyn's coming out party. It will be the classic disciplined style against free-flowing athletic basketball. Maybe I am putting too much hype on Evelyn, but I do think he is a legitimate division 1 point guard and has the ability to take this game over to give SC the repeat.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Class D Quarterfinal Preview
First off, this is my 300th post so thank you for sticking with me for this long. All of the favorites in Class D survived the regional week, but there were a couple of very close, surprising calls. The heavy favorite, Wyoming Tri-Unity, needed a near miraculous comeback against 12 loss Muskegon Catholic Central, and Beal City was able to advance from a cold shooting night from Saginaw Buena Vista.
Cedarville vs Powers North Central 7:00pm @ Marquette
Cedarville is at it again and has cruised to another quarterfinal appearance. Powers has had a few close games so far. It will be a good matchup between 6'2" guards: Trevor Vincent and Josh Hester. I think the Trojans have been here enough to know what is needed to win, and that experience should be enough of an edge to book another trip to the Breslin.
Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian vs Frankfort 7:00pm @ Comstock Park
The Defenders have been on this stage numerous times, and at this point anything less than a state championship is considered a failure for Tri-Unity. Frankfort is a surprising quarterfinalist, and have knocked off a number of better teams just to make it to the final 8. Tri-Unity is led by all-everything senior guard, Joey Blaukamp, which should be enough to get the Class D power back to the big stage.
Climax-Scotts vs Southfield Christian 7:00pm @ Battle Creek Central
This is my pick for the best quarterfinal matchup in the state's smallest class because it is a rematch of last year's state final game and Climax should be looking for revenge. Christian lost a trio of all-state guards from last year's team, but have been led by Division 1 talent Bakari Evelyn and intriguing freshman Marlo Brown. Climax meanwhiles returns its two 6'7" senior forwards, Aaron Cook and Malachi Satterlee. After seeing Southfield Christian struggle with Inter-City in the regional final, I think the height from Climax will really bother the smaller Eagles. The question will be whether Evelyn can convert enough drives in the lane because he will be the best player on the floor, even though he is only a sophomore. I definitely don't think Southfield will run away with another 30 point win, like last year. I am going to pick the upset in this game, and go with Climax advancing to the Breslin for the 2nd year in a row, even though I would rather watch Evelyn play again.
Lansing Christian vs Beal City 7:00pm @ Waterford Kettering
This is a very close 2nd must-see game in Class D. Lansing Christian has just cruised to its quarterfinal berth, but Beal City has played the toughest schedule to get to this point. I think Christian is the better team, but Beal City is by far more battle tested. In the end, I think Lansing Christian will win a close game.
Cedarville vs Powers North Central 7:00pm @ Marquette
Cedarville is at it again and has cruised to another quarterfinal appearance. Powers has had a few close games so far. It will be a good matchup between 6'2" guards: Trevor Vincent and Josh Hester. I think the Trojans have been here enough to know what is needed to win, and that experience should be enough of an edge to book another trip to the Breslin.
Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian vs Frankfort 7:00pm @ Comstock Park
The Defenders have been on this stage numerous times, and at this point anything less than a state championship is considered a failure for Tri-Unity. Frankfort is a surprising quarterfinalist, and have knocked off a number of better teams just to make it to the final 8. Tri-Unity is led by all-everything senior guard, Joey Blaukamp, which should be enough to get the Class D power back to the big stage.
Climax-Scotts vs Southfield Christian 7:00pm @ Battle Creek Central
This is my pick for the best quarterfinal matchup in the state's smallest class because it is a rematch of last year's state final game and Climax should be looking for revenge. Christian lost a trio of all-state guards from last year's team, but have been led by Division 1 talent Bakari Evelyn and intriguing freshman Marlo Brown. Climax meanwhiles returns its two 6'7" senior forwards, Aaron Cook and Malachi Satterlee. After seeing Southfield Christian struggle with Inter-City in the regional final, I think the height from Climax will really bother the smaller Eagles. The question will be whether Evelyn can convert enough drives in the lane because he will be the best player on the floor, even though he is only a sophomore. I definitely don't think Southfield will run away with another 30 point win, like last year. I am going to pick the upset in this game, and go with Climax advancing to the Breslin for the 2nd year in a row, even though I would rather watch Evelyn play again.
Lansing Christian vs Beal City 7:00pm @ Waterford Kettering
This is a very close 2nd must-see game in Class D. Lansing Christian has just cruised to its quarterfinal berth, but Beal City has played the toughest schedule to get to this point. I think Christian is the better team, but Beal City is by far more battle tested. In the end, I think Lansing Christian will win a close game.
Class C Quarterfinal Preview
It was not a good week to be a heavyweight in Class C with 4 potential contenders falling. Laingsburg has become the hottest team in any class by winning one of the toughest districts and then taking down 2 favorites in the regionals, Grandville Calvin Christian and Muskegon Heights. They now become favored to make it to the Breslin next weekend.
Schoolcraft vs Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 7:00pm @ Bangor
The Eagles have made a living in the Breslin Center the past few years because of Luke Ryskamp, but this might be Randy Small's least talented team. Luckily the brackets have shaped up nicely for Schoolcraft, and they will be favored to make another semifinal trip. I don't think Monroe has anybody that can slow down Ryskamp, and playing in Bangor should favor Schoolcraft.
Detroit Consortium vs Flint Beecher 7:00pm @ West Bloomfield
This is the easy choice for the must-see matchup. Beecher is the defending champ, and have made it to the final weekend the past 3 seasons. However, Consortium might be the most talented team in the class for the second straight season. 2 of the state's top seniors will be going against each other, Vincent Hunter and Monte Morris, but a freshman might be the most talented on the floor. Josh Jackson has the makings of being the highest regarded prospect from Michigan in 20 years, and will be looking to jump start his coming out party with a trip to the state's biggest scene. I am really excited to take in this contest, and I have a feeling Consortium will be able to end the Buc's semifinal run.
Laingsburg vs Beaverton 7:00pm @ Delta College
Like mentioned above, Laingsburg has become the hottest team in the entire state with their unlikely quarterfinal run. This Tuesday matchup could be their easiest since the playoffs have begun. I will take Laingsburg to extend their hot streak into a semifinal berth.
Maple City Glen Lake vs Negaunee 7:00pm @ Gaylord
The Miners are looking for another Breslin trip, and Glen Lake will be happy just make the quartefinals. I think Negaunee's experience will lead them to another semifinal appearance.
Schoolcraft vs Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 7:00pm @ Bangor
The Eagles have made a living in the Breslin Center the past few years because of Luke Ryskamp, but this might be Randy Small's least talented team. Luckily the brackets have shaped up nicely for Schoolcraft, and they will be favored to make another semifinal trip. I don't think Monroe has anybody that can slow down Ryskamp, and playing in Bangor should favor Schoolcraft.
Detroit Consortium vs Flint Beecher 7:00pm @ West Bloomfield
This is the easy choice for the must-see matchup. Beecher is the defending champ, and have made it to the final weekend the past 3 seasons. However, Consortium might be the most talented team in the class for the second straight season. 2 of the state's top seniors will be going against each other, Vincent Hunter and Monte Morris, but a freshman might be the most talented on the floor. Josh Jackson has the makings of being the highest regarded prospect from Michigan in 20 years, and will be looking to jump start his coming out party with a trip to the state's biggest scene. I am really excited to take in this contest, and I have a feeling Consortium will be able to end the Buc's semifinal run.
Laingsburg vs Beaverton 7:00pm @ Delta College
Like mentioned above, Laingsburg has become the hottest team in the entire state with their unlikely quarterfinal run. This Tuesday matchup could be their easiest since the playoffs have begun. I will take Laingsburg to extend their hot streak into a semifinal berth.
Maple City Glen Lake vs Negaunee 7:00pm @ Gaylord
The Miners are looking for another Breslin trip, and Glen Lake will be happy just make the quartefinals. I think Negaunee's experience will lead them to another semifinal appearance.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Class B Quartefinal Preview
The Class B favorite is still alive even though Spring Lake, Harper Woods Chandler Park, and River Rouge all fell last week. Country Day is still on track to take home another state championship.
Big Rapids vs Cadillac 7:00pm @ Houghton Lake
These are two of the weakest teams left in the Class B bracket. Big Rapids took down Sparta in the regional final, and Cadillac continues to roll over their competition. I think Big Rapids has been tested more and will advance to the semifinals.
Detroit Country Day vs Flint Powers Catholic 7:00pm @ Imlay City
Powers is the worst team left in Class B, and possibly in the the playoffs regardless of class. On the other hand, Country Day is one of the best teams left in any class. They are led by 3 Division 1 caliber guards, the headliner of which is Edmond Sumner. I will have my in depth scouting report of Sumner coming soon, but he is a very smooth point guard type player at 6'4" that puts his teammates into great positions for success. Country Day will force the tempo and the pressure and will likely run away with this game early.
Jackson Lumen-Christi vs Detroit Community 6:30pm @ Chelsea
Community is led by South Florida bound Bo Zeigler, and Lumen-Christi has become the dark horse in Class B. They just dispatched of two time defending champion Lansing Sexton, and are riding a lot momentum into the quarterfinal. Community escaped River Rouge and Trenton in the regionals and are also playing their best basketball of the season. I think Lumen-Christi's depth, momentum, and fan base will lead them into the semifinals for the first time in recent memory.
Stevensville-Lakeshore vs Wyoming Godwin Heights 7:00pm @ Middleville
This game brings together two of the top 5 teams in the class. The winner should be the favorite to advance to the final game. Lakeshore has needed the final possession in two games so far in the playoffs to advance to the quarters. Godwin Heights survived a scare against Unity Christian in the regional finals. It will be another match up for Lakeshore involving contrasting styles. Godwin Heights is a small, but lighning quick team while Lakeshore is a bigger, stronger, and more deliberate team. I question the difficulty of Godwin Heights schedule, and since Lakeshore is looking for a return trip to the state finals, I will give them the edge in a low scoring, close game.
Big Rapids vs Cadillac 7:00pm @ Houghton Lake
These are two of the weakest teams left in the Class B bracket. Big Rapids took down Sparta in the regional final, and Cadillac continues to roll over their competition. I think Big Rapids has been tested more and will advance to the semifinals.
Detroit Country Day vs Flint Powers Catholic 7:00pm @ Imlay City
Powers is the worst team left in Class B, and possibly in the the playoffs regardless of class. On the other hand, Country Day is one of the best teams left in any class. They are led by 3 Division 1 caliber guards, the headliner of which is Edmond Sumner. I will have my in depth scouting report of Sumner coming soon, but he is a very smooth point guard type player at 6'4" that puts his teammates into great positions for success. Country Day will force the tempo and the pressure and will likely run away with this game early.
Jackson Lumen-Christi vs Detroit Community 6:30pm @ Chelsea
Community is led by South Florida bound Bo Zeigler, and Lumen-Christi has become the dark horse in Class B. They just dispatched of two time defending champion Lansing Sexton, and are riding a lot momentum into the quarterfinal. Community escaped River Rouge and Trenton in the regionals and are also playing their best basketball of the season. I think Lumen-Christi's depth, momentum, and fan base will lead them into the semifinals for the first time in recent memory.
Stevensville-Lakeshore vs Wyoming Godwin Heights 7:00pm @ Middleville
This game brings together two of the top 5 teams in the class. The winner should be the favorite to advance to the final game. Lakeshore has needed the final possession in two games so far in the playoffs to advance to the quarters. Godwin Heights survived a scare against Unity Christian in the regional finals. It will be another match up for Lakeshore involving contrasting styles. Godwin Heights is a small, but lighning quick team while Lakeshore is a bigger, stronger, and more deliberate team. I question the difficulty of Godwin Heights schedule, and since Lakeshore is looking for a return trip to the state finals, I will give them the edge in a low scoring, close game.
Class A Quarterfinal Preview
The regionals were full of extremely close games, and the state's biggest class was not immune. It has set up this year's quarterfinals to be full of must-see match ups. There was only one significant upset in the regionals. The under-rated Detroit Southeastern upset L'Anse Creuse North. They were a favorite to make the semi-finals.
Let's take a look at all four quarterfinal match ups, and I will do my best to predict the winner. My choice for best match up will be in bold.
Detroit Pershing vs Romulus 5:00pm @ University of Detroit
Of course this is the best game in Class A because it puts together the two best teams in the entire state. Romulus' only loss this season came against the Doughboys, but the Eagles have responded with blow out after blow out. These two teams will spotlight at least 7 Division 1 players between them. Pershing has had one of the toughest roads to the quarterfinals with last second wins against Cass Tech and U-D Jesuit. Romulus got a scare in the regional final when Missouri bound Wes Clark went down with a knee injury. It is unknown if he will play on Tuesday, but I have to imagine if he is even 60% the senior will be on the floor. The Doughboys have gotten big postseasons from Khalil Felder, Justin Tillman and Martez Walker. I am excited to see the match up between Louisiana Tech bound Edwards and Tillman, and of course the extraordinary guard play. If Wes Clark plays, I have to think the momemtum Romulus has had will carry over and take them to the Breslin Center for the 2nd straight year. If Clark cannot go, or is not nearly himself, look for Felder to have a big game and lead Pershing to the semi-finals.
Grand Rapids Christian vs Muskegon 7:00pm @ Lansing Eastern
Christian is led by Drake Harris who is having an amazing post season so far, including going off for 37 in the regional final against Holt. Even though he is rated as the best football prospect from Michigan in the 2014 class, he is making a case for Mr. Basketball as well. The Big Reds have been the benefactor from Muskegon Height's financial problems as many players and head coach transferred over to Muskegon. They are led by star quarterback Deshaun Thrower and super-sophomore Deyonta Davis. It will be interesting to see how Christian can defend the size from Davis, but I think Harris will just be too much for Muskegon in this one.
Detroit Southeastern vs Rochester 7:00pm @ University of Detroit
Both teams are surprise quarterfinal contestants. Southeastern pulled off the biggest upset in the regional finals, and continue to be an underrated PSL team. While Southeastern is lacking the Division 1 talent that they had a few years ago when they made the state finals, they have a very balanced attack,. Rochester is led by McDonald's All-American James Young. Personally, I am hoping Rochester can keep their cinderella run going just so the Breslin can see Young in the finals. I don't think Rochester is on the same level as Romulus and Pershing, but James Young is playing some of the best basketball in the entire state. He is averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds and is still nursing a sore calf. I think Young is just too much for Southeastern and will lead Rochester into the semifinals.
Saginaw vs Ypsilanti 7:00pm @ Grand Blanc
Ypsilanti is playing their best basketball right now as they are finally buying into their coaches system. They are led by rising prospect Jaylen Johnson and star freshman Corey Allen, the problem is Saginaw has been here before and I think Ypsilanti is a year away from making a deep run in the tournament. The Trojans are the defending champions, and again are led by a balanced scoring attack and not a dominant player like Draymond Green. I think Saginaw will find a way to advance to the Breslin Center, yet again.
Let's take a look at all four quarterfinal match ups, and I will do my best to predict the winner. My choice for best match up will be in bold.
Detroit Pershing vs Romulus 5:00pm @ University of Detroit
Of course this is the best game in Class A because it puts together the two best teams in the entire state. Romulus' only loss this season came against the Doughboys, but the Eagles have responded with blow out after blow out. These two teams will spotlight at least 7 Division 1 players between them. Pershing has had one of the toughest roads to the quarterfinals with last second wins against Cass Tech and U-D Jesuit. Romulus got a scare in the regional final when Missouri bound Wes Clark went down with a knee injury. It is unknown if he will play on Tuesday, but I have to imagine if he is even 60% the senior will be on the floor. The Doughboys have gotten big postseasons from Khalil Felder, Justin Tillman and Martez Walker. I am excited to see the match up between Louisiana Tech bound Edwards and Tillman, and of course the extraordinary guard play. If Wes Clark plays, I have to think the momemtum Romulus has had will carry over and take them to the Breslin Center for the 2nd straight year. If Clark cannot go, or is not nearly himself, look for Felder to have a big game and lead Pershing to the semi-finals.
Grand Rapids Christian vs Muskegon 7:00pm @ Lansing Eastern
Christian is led by Drake Harris who is having an amazing post season so far, including going off for 37 in the regional final against Holt. Even though he is rated as the best football prospect from Michigan in the 2014 class, he is making a case for Mr. Basketball as well. The Big Reds have been the benefactor from Muskegon Height's financial problems as many players and head coach transferred over to Muskegon. They are led by star quarterback Deshaun Thrower and super-sophomore Deyonta Davis. It will be interesting to see how Christian can defend the size from Davis, but I think Harris will just be too much for Muskegon in this one.
Detroit Southeastern vs Rochester 7:00pm @ University of Detroit
Both teams are surprise quarterfinal contestants. Southeastern pulled off the biggest upset in the regional finals, and continue to be an underrated PSL team. While Southeastern is lacking the Division 1 talent that they had a few years ago when they made the state finals, they have a very balanced attack,. Rochester is led by McDonald's All-American James Young. Personally, I am hoping Rochester can keep their cinderella run going just so the Breslin can see Young in the finals. I don't think Rochester is on the same level as Romulus and Pershing, but James Young is playing some of the best basketball in the entire state. He is averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds and is still nursing a sore calf. I think Young is just too much for Southeastern and will lead Rochester into the semifinals.
Saginaw vs Ypsilanti 7:00pm @ Grand Blanc
Ypsilanti is playing their best basketball right now as they are finally buying into their coaches system. They are led by rising prospect Jaylen Johnson and star freshman Corey Allen, the problem is Saginaw has been here before and I think Ypsilanti is a year away from making a deep run in the tournament. The Trojans are the defending champions, and again are led by a balanced scoring attack and not a dominant player like Draymond Green. I think Saginaw will find a way to advance to the Breslin Center, yet again.
Wisconsin Recap
Just like the MGoBlog recap, this is not going to be full of warm and fuzzy feelings with me trying to find the lessons this Michigan team can learn. Any lessons should have been learned by now, and I think it is safe to say that what we are seeing on the floor is actually what this team is. Forget the 30 point drubbings to open up the B1G season against Northwestern and Iowa, that team is not coming back. Forget the team that made winning the Preseason NIT look easy, those superb rebounding efforts aren't coming back. What we have seen the past 6 weeks is what this Wolverine team is. They have too many glaring holes to fix before the tournament to be a realistic Final Four team. I know the Michigan program is on the up and up, and hopefully the days of waiting nervously for Selection Sunday are in our rear-view mirror, but it is frustrating to have seen this team's potential as a clear top 3 team to what is now being put on the floor.
Yesterday's game was just a perfect showing of most of Michigan's problems. When Wisconsin showed their amazing offensive prowess in the first half by shooting 17% from the field, making 5 field goals, and scoring 17 points, Michigan managed to have just a 3 point lead. The killer instinct still has not grown from the beginning of the year when they let Pittsburgh have a chance at tying the game in the Preseason NIT semifinals. The Wolverines failed to convert any of their 4 FREE throw attempts, and missed all 5 3 pointers. If Michigan had just played an average first half, the game might have been out of reach by halftime. Instead, Wisconsin went on to score 51 second half points. Let me say that again, the Badgers who don't even average 65 points per game scored 51 in one half. If Michigan is making their jump shots, they can, and will, beat any single team in the entire country, but when there is a lid on the hoop and the team needs some post presence they can lose to anyone.
I continue to harp on how brutally bad the defense can be. Don't be fooled, Wisconsin's first half struggles had little to do with Michigan's porous defense. The Badgers went 2-13 in the first half, and then came out and hit 6 of 9 chances in the second. The most unexplainable part is that Michigan couldn't even get a hand up in the face of most of those 9 shots. In addition to terrible perimeter defense, Wisconsin continually whittled down the shot clock and converted with layups inside of 5 seconds. Since Jordan Morgan came back from injury, I think the majority of the defensive problems have been on the perimeter, but yesterday Michigan couldn't guard the ball handler, the weak-side shooters, or the post. This resulted in a terrible offensive team putting on a clinic in the second half. Wisconsin was scoring at a .51ppp at halftime, but because of their number of easy looks in the second that number grew to 1.00ppp.
Offensively Michigan becomes too predictable for long stretches. I understand that Wisconsin is the best defensive team in the conference, but Michigan has some of the most athletic scorers. Yet, for most of the 2nd half, the Wolverines looked to Trey Burke to facilitate and score. Nik Stauskas stopped attacking the rim, Glenn Robinson worked on his disappearing act, and Tim Hardaway was limited to an ankle injury. On top of that, the Michigan bigs responded to one of their best games against Penn State to being completely useless in the second half. Jordan Morgan couldn't catch the ball, and when he did it was taken from him. McGary couldn't bring the same spark as the day before, and Horford went back to looking average at best.
Looking ahead, maybe Michigan has just been a victim of bad match ups in the nation's top conference. I think the B1G season has just exposed the Wolverine's weaknesses. They are a soft team that settles for jump shots too often because the post lacks offensive ability. They still do have one of the best back courts in the country, and the National Player of the Year in my mind, so depending on how the brackets play out, the Wolverines can make a decent run in the tournament. The problem is we have seen what this team can be when clicking, and anything less than a National Championship Game appearance might be a disappointment. At this point I will pleasantly surprised with a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Yesterday's game was just a perfect showing of most of Michigan's problems. When Wisconsin showed their amazing offensive prowess in the first half by shooting 17% from the field, making 5 field goals, and scoring 17 points, Michigan managed to have just a 3 point lead. The killer instinct still has not grown from the beginning of the year when they let Pittsburgh have a chance at tying the game in the Preseason NIT semifinals. The Wolverines failed to convert any of their 4 FREE throw attempts, and missed all 5 3 pointers. If Michigan had just played an average first half, the game might have been out of reach by halftime. Instead, Wisconsin went on to score 51 second half points. Let me say that again, the Badgers who don't even average 65 points per game scored 51 in one half. If Michigan is making their jump shots, they can, and will, beat any single team in the entire country, but when there is a lid on the hoop and the team needs some post presence they can lose to anyone.
I continue to harp on how brutally bad the defense can be. Don't be fooled, Wisconsin's first half struggles had little to do with Michigan's porous defense. The Badgers went 2-13 in the first half, and then came out and hit 6 of 9 chances in the second. The most unexplainable part is that Michigan couldn't even get a hand up in the face of most of those 9 shots. In addition to terrible perimeter defense, Wisconsin continually whittled down the shot clock and converted with layups inside of 5 seconds. Since Jordan Morgan came back from injury, I think the majority of the defensive problems have been on the perimeter, but yesterday Michigan couldn't guard the ball handler, the weak-side shooters, or the post. This resulted in a terrible offensive team putting on a clinic in the second half. Wisconsin was scoring at a .51ppp at halftime, but because of their number of easy looks in the second that number grew to 1.00ppp.
Offensively Michigan becomes too predictable for long stretches. I understand that Wisconsin is the best defensive team in the conference, but Michigan has some of the most athletic scorers. Yet, for most of the 2nd half, the Wolverines looked to Trey Burke to facilitate and score. Nik Stauskas stopped attacking the rim, Glenn Robinson worked on his disappearing act, and Tim Hardaway was limited to an ankle injury. On top of that, the Michigan bigs responded to one of their best games against Penn State to being completely useless in the second half. Jordan Morgan couldn't catch the ball, and when he did it was taken from him. McGary couldn't bring the same spark as the day before, and Horford went back to looking average at best.
Looking ahead, maybe Michigan has just been a victim of bad match ups in the nation's top conference. I think the B1G season has just exposed the Wolverine's weaknesses. They are a soft team that settles for jump shots too often because the post lacks offensive ability. They still do have one of the best back courts in the country, and the National Player of the Year in my mind, so depending on how the brackets play out, the Wolverines can make a decent run in the tournament. The problem is we have seen what this team can be when clicking, and anything less than a National Championship Game appearance might be a disappointment. At this point I will pleasantly surprised with a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
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