MHSAA June Outlook: Teams to Watch
June is now upon us. After two straight months on of freeways, wristbands, and way too many trips to Raising Cane’s (didn’t think I could get to that point but I did) June allows me to stay a little closer to home for the team camp season.
After a nice opening Saturday spent at Hudsonville and a swing through the alma mater at Grand Valley. My hope is to see as many teams as possible this month. While trying to decipher what is true, untrue, and ultimately allowable in the MHSAA “transfer portal”.
With so many teams and story lines to watch. It’s hard to narrow down a list of teams to see. I’ll do my best below while including their schedules for the summer as well.
Detroit Old Redford Academy
Full disclosure, in my world the AAU season is kind of “diamond in the rough” exercise. You don’t need me to tell you that a top 100 player nationally is good. There are plenty of other national publications doing that. I try to find that unknown prospect in the auxiliary gym playing in the early morning.
Come team camp season, you want to see the best taking on the best. With Carlos Medlock’s out of state transfer, and the coaching uncertainty at Grand Rapids Northview. Jaquan Stennis is the lone top 100 player nationally that I have definitive schedule for.
Stennis isn’t the only reason to catch the Ravens. However the talented and versatile 6-9 forward is a good place to start. After doing the EYBL portal run through Chicago’s Meanstreets club, and then back to Michigan’s The Family. Stennis should be ready to go with his more familiar teammates.
Senior 6-2 combo guard Drew Wilson should be more comfortable in his second year in the program. Also watch out 6-2 junior guard Devin Brown. Brown is physically imposing wing who had nice spring with United Persuit on the Puma Circuit.
A good spring could cement Old Redford’s case as the early preseason #1 team in Division II.
East Kentwood
There is no delicate way to say it. The Falcons were a program in transition last year. Their promising rotation was gutted by both graduation and transfers. It led to a rebuilding year with an extremely young rotation.
That rotation of mostly 2027 prospects should be ready to make noise as they become upperclassman. They have had a jump start by playing together for most of the spring already. As Jeremiah Cook (6-2), Samuel Makaug (6-6), Andrew Kenyi (6-9) have been playing together with The Family on the prestigious EYBL circuit.
The Falcons talent goes well beyond that triumvirate. Fellow 2027 CJ Reynolds wasn’t healthy at this time last year. While senior RJ Chapman is the talented elder statesmen who has been playing well with the Grand Rapids Storm. With a little more roster stability. I’m intrigued to see how the Falcons look this June.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Another West Michigan program that dealt with a lot of change and turnover. Both on and off the court. As successful state champion head coach TJ Meerman resigned his post (he is back in the saddle at Muskegon Mona Shores after a year off) They also graduated a four-year starter and Mr. Basketball winner in Phat Phat Brooks (Michigan/Central Michigan)
The Cougars seemingly thrived in the face of the post June coaching change. Ending their season in the state semifinals with a close loss to eventual champion Warren Lincoln. They were able to do this under the steady hand of new coach Chris Pearl and a wealth of young talent.
Much of that young talent is returning led by seniors Zay Larthridge (6-5) and Jordan McCoy (6-0) They have both had strong springs, with Larthridge accumulating Division II interest. Senior Brieland Watkins also had nice spring. The versatile 6-3 prospect has been showing more backcourt skills in the spring and should complete what will be a tough three-pronged Catholic attack. Additionally, they have plenty of underclassmen talent as well. Led by promising 2028 prospect Emani Hinkle (6-3)
With all the changes and some early season losses. One could argue they were the underdogs heading into a March regional loaded with traditional Grand Rapids parochial school powers.
With the returning talent mentioned above, that will not be the case this year. They will begin the year with the target will firmly be on their back. How do they handle success and being perceived as the possible favorite?
Pewamo-Westphalia
If you are a regular reader. You probably know I’ve been high on this program for quite some time. I even picked them to win the Division III title in my yearly Bracketology series. While they didn’t ultimately raise a banner. They didn’t necessarily disappoint. Advancing to the state semifinals where they fell to the eventual state champions.
Perhaps I’m fiercely loyal or amazingly stubborn. My executive editor probably has an opinion on that. I’m not going to foolishly make a final pick right now. That being said, don’t be surprised if I ride with the Pirates once again in March.
With both Grady Eklund (6-3) and Trent Piggott (6-4) returning for their senior seasons. They should also add some underclassmen firepower from 2028 guard Logan Farmer (6-1) I use the “should” qualifier as Pewamo is so deep, he might not be needed.
Like Old Redford (see above) A strong June could allow the Pirates to stake their claim to a preseason #1 spot.
