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.

High School Basketball Playoff Update

I would normally just give my second playoff update before the quarterfinal round next week, but some of the brackets have been switched up which will affect the potential semi-final matchups.  On top of that, there were also two major upsets in Class A districts.

Upsets:

Saginaw vs #6 Saginaw Arthur Hill
The Lumberjacks appeared to be a team that was destined to break the March dominance of cross-town rival Saginaw, but for the third straight year the Trojans send Arthur Hill home early. Saginaw now becomes the favorite to advance to the Breslin for the third straight year.

Detroit Cass Tech vs #2 Detroit Pershing
The Technicians lost their fair share of close games this year, including a 6 point defeat to Pershing in January. However, Cass Tech was able to lead the Doughboys from the 2^nd quarter on and withstand a late game rally. This really opens the door for U-D Jesuit or Southeastern.

Marquee Monday Matchups

#3 U-D Jesuit vs #10 Detroit Southeastern (Class A)
Like I mentioned last week when I previewed this potential game, Cassius Winston is an elite sophomore point guard. However, there is very little help around him, and Jordan Morgan is not walking into their locker room tonight. Southeastern is an experienced team that seems to be peaking at the right time. The Jungaleers are in good position to make another run at the Breslin.

Holland Christian vs #1 Wyoming Godwin Heights (Class B)
Godwin Heights escaped the district matchup with fellow top ten team (South Christian), and will now move on to an under-the-radar Holland Christian team led by one of the best athletes on the west side (Kyle Steigenga).  This should be a very entertaining game, but Heights has the added advantage of playing this game on their home floor.

#2 Detroit Consortium vs #5 Detroit Allen (Class C)
Allen was able to beat a tough Detroit Loyola in district finals, but Consortium poses a whole other animal.  Josh Jackson is looking to cement his 2016 Mr. Basketball bid with this playoff run, and without a Monte Morris led Flint Beecher in the way there is not much that can stop the Cougars from claiming their first state title in school history.

#7 Baldiwn vs Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (Class D)
Brandon Childress is the best player in Class D not wearing a Southfield Christian jersey. Sacred Heart seems to always be a tough out in March.  This will be another game that pits together two opposing philosophies. Baldwin will run its offense through Childress and its backcourt, while Sacred Heart wants to feed the post.

Bracket Changes

Class A: Bloomfield Hills collision course with Clarkston has moved up one round. It is now the likely matchup in the Regional Finals.

Class B: Comstock Park and Godwin Heights can no longer both make the semi-final round because they are favored to battle in the Regional Finals. So, if I am allowed to replace one of my Class B final fours, I would choose the Jalen Brooks led Cadillac to make a return trip to the Breslin.

2014 B1G Champs!

It was Tuesday morning on April 9th of last year. The Michigan basketball team's dream season had reached a conclusion. It was as painful a loss as I have ever experienced as a sports fan, and while the sadness was present there was also an underlying joy associated with the realization of what Team 97 had accomplished. It was truly a dream run, and one that I wouldn't soon forget or take for granted. However, I knew this feeling wasn't something that could be bottled or replicated. As a fan I know that with winning comes expectations, and with expectations comes frustrations (see Michigan football).  The last 330 days have been a whirlwind.

Let's rewind to the start of my college career at the University of Michigan.  The basketball team was an afterthought, even though it had an impressive collection of talent.  Student tickets could be purchased as a package with football tickets for a bag of peanuts more than the football student shirt.  It was a time in the program that just a handful of games were played on national television. The athletic department craved more publicity, and in order to create a better environment for these national games they would give away free tickets to anybody with a student ID. Living on North Campus I didn't expect any hall mates to get season tickets with me, but I couldn't even convince neighbors to go to the free games. It was truly the doldrums of a once proud program.

Then after failing to even reach the NCAA Tournament for all 6 of his seasons, head coach Tommy Amaker was let go and Michigan was left searching for a coach to at least bring the program back to the mediocrity of making the field of 68. The athletic department made the unglamorous hire of John Beilein on April 3rd, 2007. He was sold to fans as the first step to rebuild the program. He was the career program-rebuilder (Canisius, Richmond, and West Virginia), but hanging banners back in Crisler wasn't even considered.  And at that point, just making the NCAA Tournament seemed like a substantial, but unlikely, step.

As we skip over the forgettable 2007-2008 season, the second year started with a little momentum building around the program.  Michigan was led by two former walk-on point guards, two over-looked freshman shooters, and two high volume scorers from Detroit. The team competed in the Preseason NIT, where the bracket was stacked for a top 5, tradition rich, championship game (UCLA vs Duke). The Wolverines showed the Madison Square Garden stage was not too bright as they knocked off UCLA and pushed Duke in the championship game. Then in a rematch at Crisler two weeks later Michigan was able to beat the #4 Blue Devils and enter the top 25 for the first time in 3 years. The program seemed on the upswing, and it was happening quicker than any fan even dreamed. With one win in the Big Ten tournament, the Michigan Wolverines had a 20 win season. On the evening of March 15th, 2009 Bursley Hall erupted when the basketball team was one of the last teams announced in the NCAA tournament. A ten seed, slated to play Clemson in the opening round. At the time, it felt like the pinnacle for this current state of the basketball program.  I am so glad I was wrong.

The expectations grew entering the 2009-2010 season with a preseason top 15 ranking and a national recruit from California. But the Wolverines stumbled out of the gate, and couldn't recover quick enough. The team never seemed to gel, Darius Morris did not meet the lofty expectations and struggled with the college game as a freshman, and without David Merrit and C.J. Lee the squad lacked the leadership it needed to live up to the new found hype around campus. The Big Ten tournament was the last hope. After beating the #9 seed Iowa, Manny Harris put the Wolverines on his back against the #1 seed Ohio State. Then Evan Turner knocked down a 40 foot runner as time expired to extinguish any remaining hope of consecutive tournament appearances. The general thoughts around Ann Arbor was that John Beilein was not the answer for this program.  In three years the team had reached their ceiling (a perennial bubble team). People were disgusted that the coaching staff could not recruit Michigan, specifically Detroit, national recruits wouldn't want to play for the gimmicky style of play, and even past players criticized the current staff stating that John Beilein's system would never win in the rough and tumble Big Ten.

There was no doubt that Coach Beilein heard the rumors and felt the pressure because in the off season he completely revamped the staff by adding Jeff Meyer, Bacari Alexander, and LaVall Jordan. The general consensus was that this was a move made to protect the head coach and keep him off the hot seat for at least one more season.  Little did we know that this move was the beginning of an unlikely transformation.

The Wolverines entered the 2010-2011 season with little expectations, and even less fan interest. The roster was left without its two best players from the previous year (Harris and DeShawn Sims), and no play makers to replace their production. The media even picked Michigan to finish 10th in the 11 team conference. The conference season began as expected, with a number of close losses and a 1-6 record. The young team headed to East Lansing and beat Michigan State in the Breslin Center for the first time since 1997. This sparked a remarkable turnaround as Michigan won 8 of its last 11 conference games to finish 9-9 and secured its second NCAA tournament bid in 3 years.

Most people know what happened next. Since that night in East Lansing over 3 years ago John Beilein has led this program to the best conference record (47-17 and counting), a surprise share of the Big Ten title, a National Championship game, and now a dominant outright conference title. Winning the outright conference title with a game to go has only happened one other time in the past 5 years. If that isn't impressive enough, the Wolverines have done so without their two first round draft picks from a year ago and an injured preseason All-American center. If you are counting, that is 3 banners in as many years with the possibility of a few more. Coach Beilein has developed under the radar talent into a National Player of the Year and 2 first round draft picks (with many more in the near future), and has built a program where 5 star recruits come off the bench. But most importantly, he has built a program to be proud of with the utmost class, respect of his piers, and integrity.

I didn't think the joy that last year's journey brought us fans, at least me in particular, would ever be neared in my lifetime, but somehow Coach Beilein has led Team 98 to a similar place in my memory. I know it will not always be like this, but as I write this, all I can do is to sit back and smile realizing this year's journey isn't over yet.

 

 

 

 

 

And if you like a video better: http://t.co/EJoSHmUUiV

High School Basketball Playoff Preview (Class A)

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:

Regionals could feature 4 top ten contests.

#6 Saginaw Arthur Hill vs #9 Flint Carman-Ainsworth (March 10)

Arthur Hill has the best guard in Class A (Eric Davis), and they also have a 6’6” freshman (Bryan Bowen) that is turning Division 1 coaches heads. The Lumberjacks have been tested over and over this season which should yield good results in March.

#3 U-D Jesuit vs #10 Detroit Southeastern (March 10)

Cassius Winston will be the next great high school point guard to come out of Michigan. It has been impressive to see how much he has improved since last year, but unfortunately there is not much help surrounding him.  How far U-D goes really depends on how broad the young sophomore’s shoulders are.  On the other end, the Jungaleers are fresh off of another trip to the state finals. However this year did not start as planned. Southeastern stumbled out to an 0-5 start, but they were just too experienced to pack in the season.  They finished just 1 point away from an unprecedented PSL championship, and will be looking to make another deep tournament run.

#5 Romulus vs #4 Ypsilanti (March 12)

Romulus finally got over the hump last year with their loaded senior class. After their coach left for Buffalo, it has felt like a rebuilding year for the Eagles. But even after another gauntlet schedule, here they are with only 4 losses. Even with the big names gone, this team knows how to survive and advance. Ypsilanti was my Class A pick before the season started, but it took star forward Jaylen Johnson a while to continue his AAU dominance. This could be the best regional final in the entire state.

#2 Pershing vs #3 U-D Jesuit (March 12)

Let’s be clear here, this is just a matchup that could happen if rankings hold out.  I think Southeastern is playing better than U-D right now, and the Cubs lack of size will be their downfall this year. I just don’t know which game that will be. Assuming this is the matchup, the sophomore guard duo for U-D will really test the more experienced Diane and Ingram. The only problem for the Cubs is that Pershing’s best player is center Justin Tillman.  The Doughboys are likely too long and explosive for Winston to overcome.

Quarterfinals could feature 2 top 10 games.

#2 Detroit Pershing vs #4 Ypsilanti

Things just don’t get any easier for these two teams. If they advance this far they would have likely beaten a top 5 team the week prior, and have to turn around and battle again.  This is one would be a rematch from Pershing’s early 3 point win. This game would feature two of the most balanced teams in the entire state. Two Mr. Basketball finalists and Division 1 forwards: Justin Tillman, VCU, and Jaylen Johnson, Louisville. Two Division 1 guards for each team: Mory Diane, Buffalo, Marquel Ingram, Corey Allen and Xavier Cochran.  It is a shame that this matchup would take place in the quarterfinals, and not at the Breslin.  Luckily for fans the more anticipated matchup will be for a trophy on March 22 (Muskegon vs Pershing).

#7 Bloomfield Hills vs #8 Clarkston

Clarkston is used to playing basketball this late in March, but even though Bloomfield will be new to the scene they will have one the best player on the floor, post Yante Maten. All he has done this year is put up huge numbers, and then get snubbed from the Mr. Basketball ballot. What a perfect time to play angry as this game will be played right after the above matchup on the same floor.

Final Four Predictions:

#1 Muskegon vs #6 Arthur Hill

#2 Detroit Pershing vs #7 Bloomfield Hills

Players to Watch:

Justin Tillman, Detroit Pershing (Mr. Basketball favorite)

Jaylen Johnson, Ypsilanti

Deshaun Thrower, Muskegon

Deyonta Davis, Muskegon

Eric Davis, Saginaw Arthur Hill

Yante Maten, Bloomfield Hills

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

High School Basketball Playoff Preview (Class C)

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

High School Basketball Playoff Preview (Class D)

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:

Regional Finals could feature 3 top ten contests.

#1 Southfield Christian vs #10 Allen Park ICB

These teams are bitter rivals that have played 3 times each of the past 2 years. Southfield Christian is looking for a three-peat, and look to be in the driver’s seat now that the Bakari Evelyn soap opera appears to be sorted out.  MHSAA all-time assist leader, Evan Kraatz, and ICB have been the biggest hurdle for the past two Eagle championship runs.  Why should this year be any different?

#5 Cedarville vs #9 Hillman

Hillman has been a nice story this year, but they have played the toughest schedule.  Their only loss coming at the hands of #3 Baldwin.  On the other hand, Cedarville has made deep March runs before and are primed again in 2014. They are led by all-state hopeful Dan Stenback. Couple him with the typical UP high-pressure up tempo system, and I think Cedarville should move on.

#2 Powers North Central vs #8 Crystal Falls Forest Park

Powers is looking to make a return trip to the Breslin, and finish what they started last year. They are playing the most consistent basketball in the entire class. North Central has also beat Forest Park twice this season.  I think they will make it a third.

Quarterfinals could also have 3 top ten matchups.

 

#1 Southfield Christian vs #4 Peck

Peck is a surprise team in 2014 with an inflated record from a subpar schedule.  However, they still are undefeated and cannot be overlooked for SC.  Class D is still the Eagles’ to lose.

#2 Powers NC vs #5 Cedarville

This game would be between two very experienced teams, and both have played on the Breslin floor in recent years. While Cedarville is the more well-known name, Powers NC owns the UP in 2014.

#3 Bellaire vs #6 Battle Creek St. Philip

It seems like St. Philip has finally surpassed Climax –Scotts for Class D supremacy in southwest Michigan.  Bellaire is technically the higher ranked team, led by guard Denny Hall, but St. Philip’s tougher regular season schedule has them primed to make a memorable playoff run.

Final Four Predictions:

#1 Southfield Christian vs #7 Baldwin (matchup of the two best players in Class D, Evelyn and Brandon Childress)

#2 Powers North Central vs #6 St. Philip

Players to Watch:

Basically the top 6 players for Southfield Christian (Evelyn, Hunter IV, White, Brown, etc)

Brandon Childress, Baldiwn

Evan Kraatz, Allen Parck ICB

David Loney, Frankfort

Mike Warren, Fuitport Calvary Christian