MHSAA Preview: Five More for Division IV
Way back in the beginning of June. I rolled out a “Way to Early” top 10 for each of Michigan’s four classifications. With football just underway— it’s still a bit too early. However since that initial list I was able to attend as assortment of team camps and the July AAU period.
Consequently it feels like time to expand on that initial list. Just like the inaugural list. No numerical rankings yet. Teams are in alphabetical order with last years record in parentheses. This isn’t an honorable mention list. One or more from the group will be in the final grouping.
You can find the original group of ten at the link here
Buckley (15-10) Senior guard Landon Kulawiak looks poised to cap off what has been a stellar four year career for the Bears. As good of shooter as you will see anywhere and played with more elevation and bounce during the June team camp season. Last year’s 10 loss season is a little deceptive. They were breaking in a new coach and system while playing a difficult schedule. Of those losses, only two came against teams currently playing in Division IV. They were clicking late. Winning a district before falling to eventual quarterfinalist Glen Lake. (Glen Lake is now in Division III) Along with more system continuity. Buckley could also benefit from an influx of talent. If freshmen Parker Breithaupt (5-9) and Kaiden Proffer (6-3) are ready to contribute. The Bears could develop into something special in head coach Josh Gray’s second year.
Detroit Frederick Douglass (20-6) That little thing called a pandemic sure can mess with the perception of time. While it seems like a long time ago, this program is only three years removed from a state championship. They reloaded quickly and lost a close contest in the regional finals to Breslin participant Allen Park Inter-City Baptist. While they also lose some firepower from that squad. They have a nice trio of youngsters ready to keep the Hurricanes in the conversation at the top. There is not a Mr. Basketball contender like Pierre Brooks (Michigan St/Butler) on this years squad. But they do have another Brooks in the fold. 6-3 Freshman Joshua Brooks (pictured) is Pierre’s younger brother and is already showing intriguing long term potential. While he is a slender prospect with plenty of physical development still to come. The skill set is mature and he is more than ready for varsity action. He won’t be doing it alone either. As sophomores Jacodi Nathan (5-9) and Kamari Howard (6-2) have similar long term potential. As the youth shows. I might be little early with this group, but they have more than enough talent to be a factor this year as well.
Dryden (19-4) Feels like is been a minute since a Thumb area public school has contended for a state championship. Coming off an outstanding year, perhaps the Cardinals are ready to take that jump. The bad news— it’s going to be a lot harder after the graduation of Jacob Burgess (Northwood) However they have a solid group of returnees who did a lot of winning last year. Senior Sonny Coscione returns after earning second team North Central Thumb League honors. He will be joined by sophomore Gianni Cosicone who earned valuable experience last year as a freshman.
Genesee Christian (17-7) Something about the Tri-Cities area produces sweet shooting familial groups. While Saginaw Nouvel graduates the Yeager twins. There is another Boike scorching the nets at this Flint area parochial school. Junior Cooper Boike has a bit more size (6-3) than previous Boike’s, but with similar shooting bona fides. Cooper shot an eye opening 45% from beyond the arc and 50% from the field. While the Soldiers graduate a lot of firepower from last year’s squad. They have solid nucleus returning to surround Boike. Led by fellow juniors Dylan Lunney and Ethan Church. Like Douglass above, I might be a year early with this youthful bunch. However this program has shown the ability to reload and compete with Flint area public school powers like Beecher and Hamady.
Pickford (17-6) As I survey the previous top ten list from June. I have a hard time believing that there should only be one Upper Peninsula squad among the top 15. Last season the Panthers were competing and beating some of the best teams in the UP before a late five game swoon. The Panthers have what all coaches want. A duo of talented seniors to build around. Eli McDonald and Tommy Storey should lead a potent Pickford offensive attack. Further help and firepower will come from junior Gunner Bennin. Bennin has been contributing at the varsity level since his freshman season. Crystal Fall Forest Park is going to be really good. However, Pickford might have enough to challenge them for Peninsula superiority.
