MHSAA June Outlook: Teams to Watch (Part 2)
After giving a preliminary list of four teams to watch entering the June team camp season. I realized something strange had happened. Call it writer’s block or an odd case of Deja Vu. After going through the archives, I discovered that two out of the four teams I listed were in this very same article from last year.
While everything I wrote about said teams is true. I thought it would be more appropriate to diversify things a little and go a little deeper down my interest bench. Below are some brief team capsules and graphics containing their respective June schedules.
Detroit Catholic Central
The Catholic League has evolved into much more than just football league in the 21st century. It’s depth has been staggering the last few years. If you are going to include a team you could go in a variety of directions. A McDonald’s All American is being replaced. Teams are bringing in new head coaches. One team is bringing is some high upside 2029 talent.
After highlighting Grand Rapids Catholic Central in our first installment. For the sake symmetry, I’ll just head down I-96 and turn my eyes towards another blue and white clad team. In all seriousness, I wonder if the Shamrocks have the right mix of coaching and roster stability to break through this year.
Third year head coach Tory Jackson has some serious firepower in the backcourt. While that’s to be expected with team helmed by a legendary guard himself. These guards have what Jackson did not have… size. Led by 6-4 junior Wycell Davis (pictured) The explosive lefty is vastly underrated and can play anyone in the state.
He will be joined by senior Jackson Bowden (6-4) and junior Andrew Walker (6-3) Bowden should be more comfortable in his second year in the program after transferring from Davison. He is coming off a nice spring with D-Rice Elite. Walker is an explosive wing who has played with Davis on the Puma circuit. If Jackson can develop strong point guard play (I think he knows a thing or two about that) The Shamrocks could be tough out in March.
Rockford
Perhaps I am showing my age here. When think of the Rockford program historically. I think of big men. Some of my earliest basketball memories are of Steve Polonowski (Michigan St) I was in college when RC Douglas and noted West Michigan referee Alex Briggs won a 2003 state championship.
While the current Ram iteration still has size. This year’s version will have guards for days. The elder statesman, senior Dylan Gross is statistically one of the best three point shooters in the state. He’s not very big (5-9) but gets plenty of open looks in this system.
At the time of writing they will also have not one… but two of best underclassmen point guards in the state. Sophomore Eli Wolfe (6-0) is coming off a breakout inaugural campaign. While they are also slated to add 2029 prospect Jace Opoku-Agyeman (5-10)
That’s a lot of talent, but it’s not a lot of size. About that aforementioned size. Senior Jake Bascom (6-6) should more than be enough to compensate for a smaller backcourt. The versatile post is well on his way to the next level after earning a Division I offer from the new staff at Central Michigan. There are also questions about health and how a talented JV program is intergrated
These will interesting storylines to watch develop in June and beyond. For what it’s worth, they looked really good this past weekend at Grand Valley St.
Holland West Ottawa
I already discussed East Kentwood’s 2027 talent earlier this week. You can read about Rockford’s young core directly above. That being said, the best collection of underclassmen might come from a different OK Red program. The Panthers surprised last year with a district title and are loaded with talent in the 2027 and 2028 classes.
The 2027 class is headlined by a trio of dynamic small guards. Makai Campos and twin brothers Jay and Sam Watson all stand about 5-10. They are jet quick with the ball in their hands. And while true point guards, are more than capable of scoring when needed.
The 2028 class is where the size is found. Darrien Stewart is 6-5 post who passes the eye test in a major way. Vast potential in his athletic and bouncy frame. JT Gill is 6-0 backcourt prospect who can play both on and off the ball. Both players have had strong springs playing with West Michigan based Swish Athletic Club.
Put it all together with an experienced head coach in Jared Redell. This could be an interesting team to watch develop in June. Like Rockford, they looked good this past weekend in Hudsonville.
Detroit Central
Detroit Central is an interesting team for a variety of reasons. They had a successful season last year. I even pegged the alma mater of Antonio Gates to advance to the Breslin Center in Division III.
That didn’t happen and my prediction was a bit off. I feel pretty safe in saying they will not advance to the Breslin Center in III this year. Why, because the Trailblazers are playing up in Division II now.
They have the type of talent to make this transition seamless. Led by standout senior guard Tyre Acuff. If 6-7 senior Jeremiah Gray holds off his gridiron dreams for his semester they will the size to do it as well. Also watch for 6-0 senior guard Jaden McDonald.
They have some intriguing young talent and an experienced head coach. Division II in the Motor City has been a gauntlet of late. Can the Trailblazer break into this crowded group this year? They can start the process with a strong June.
