MHSAA January Division IV Power Poll
With the recent conclusion of a slew Holiday showcases and tournaments. Most teams are now at least a third of the way through their season. So while it’s not exactly the “quarter pole”. It’s as good of a time as any to check in on all four classifications. Important note, this is not Bracketolgy. Just a look at this scouts humble opinion of the top teams in each division. We’ll start will probably the toughest division to peg— the smallest.
Division IV (record in parentheses)
- Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (6-1) The most “blue blooded” program in the division is also its most talented. Off to a good start against a schedule loaded with teams in bigger divisions. The victories against Calvin Christian and Godwin Heights are particularly impressive. I don’t anticipate any other team coming for this spot this year. That being said the schedule isn’t getting any easier in 2024
- Taylor Trillium Academy (7-1) Program that feels like it has been knocking on the door of the Breslin Center the last few years is off to a fast start. There is no shame in losing to Riverview Gabriel Richard on the road. I am slightly concerned about their schedule the rest of the way.
- St Ignace (5-2) I might be a little higher with this group than others. I’m just a big believer in a team that appears in a Division III quarterfinal and returns most of their rotation. They also feature what I feel is the top talent in the division in senior guard Jonny Ingalls. They were without their second leading scorer Ethan MacLean through Christmas with an injury. Losing to Menominee and Detroit Voyageur are not bad losses and there are good wins in there as well.
- Adrian Lenawee Christian (6-2) While Ingalls might be the top player in the division. LCS’ senior guard Brandon Summer (6-2) and sophomore forward Jaxon Salenbien (6-3) could be the top duo division. Both of their losses were nail biters to good squads. Shaking off the rust from a 8-man football state championship might be a factor in their slower start. Speaking of football state champions. The recent victory over Jackson Lumen Christi is a quality win.
- Britton-Deerfield (8-0) The first undefeated team on this list (Danny Kanell would not be happy with me) The Patriots are off to a better start than their New England brethren (last football reference— I promise) Winning the Clinton holiday tournament against all Division III teams is definitely eye opening. They could open even more eyes by defeating Lenawee Christian on Thursday night.
- Frankfort (4-2) The Panthers are as close to a complete team you will see in Division IV. Dynamic point guard play with junior Carter Kerby. Shooting with Emmerson Farmer. Solid post play with Bryce Plesha. Ended the year with a decisive victory over undefeated (at the time) Ubly in a Holiday tournament at Lake Leelanau St Mary’s.
- Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (4-3) Got off to a surprising 0-3 start. However they seem to have righted the ship a bit with a four game winning streak. They were impressive in defeating a solid Imlay City team at the Motor City Roundball Classic over Christmas. You know what you are going to get from the sharpshooting duo of MJ and Donny Yeager. However the frontline of Jack Wilson and Preston Otter stepped up against Imlay City. That will be Nouvel’s x-factor.
- Pickford (6-0) Second undefeated team on the list. They sport an impressive overtime victory against the defending Division IV state champion Munising. They have a tough upcoming slate with Rudyard and St Ignace back-to-back. Get through that unscathed and this ranking will be too low.
- Maple City Glen Lake (4-2) A mid season coaching change is never ideal. That being said when the new coach is a battle tested state championship leader. That takes the sting off a bit. Jason Bradford fresh off of winning a state championship with the girls program moves over to boys side. The Lakers have uncommon size for the division. They also own good victories over Elk Rapids and Alpena. They have only played one home game so far and they are in their first year in Division IV. They could be in line for a big 2024. They have a chance to make a big statement by hosting Frankfort on Friday night.
- Fruitport Calvary Christian (4-3) Started the poll with a member of the Alliance conference. We’ll end it there. Bradley Richards, a 6-5 junior is one the best athletes, if not players in the entire division. Could this be the year they break Tri-Unity’s stranglehold on the conference. As these rankings show, I don’t think it is this year. However this is a young team to watch going forward and in March.
