MHSAA Pre BCAM Division III Rankings
Last year I did “way too early” series of divisional rankings. While the intention is never to be 100% correct. Rankings by their nature should be fluid and subject to change. I wasn’t 100% pleased with the results in retrospect.
I intend for them to be a snapshot of what I seeing from my time in the gym. A subtle roadmap for what to look for in the upcoming season. With a lot of transfer rumors flying in the upper divisions. I don’t feel I can accurately do that for Divisions I and II.
All that being said. I do feel pretty good about the roster stability in the lower divisions to give it go. Below you will find what I will call a not “quite too early” but a Pre BCAM Division III Top Ten.
**last years record in parentheses **
1. Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (21-2)
A better journalist than I described this group last year as “meteoric”. I think that is pretty appropriate description for a team that came out of nowhere to play in the Division III state finals. However it is also apt for some of the trepidation I have with placing the Lions here.
Let’s get the positives out of the way. If the core of sophomore Lewis Lovejoy (5-9) and junior De’Vontae Grandison (6-4) return, their might not be a more talented duo in the division. What they pulled off as underclassmen should not be overlooked.
However, returning to the meteor analogy. Just as soon as they arrive they can also disappear rather quickly. I’m concerned I haven’t seen them anywhere this spring. They also appear to have had a high profile underclassmen transfer out of the program.
Once again though, if Lovejoy and Grandison are still in the fold they might still be enough for the top spot. Lovejoy has had a big spring. Mostly out of state playing on the Puma circuit. He might be the top overall prospect in the division. That combined with last year’s resume is going to keep them in the early pole position.
2. Pewamo-Westphalia (24-4)
If Lovejoy isn’t the top player in he Division, the Pirates might have the answer. Senior guard Grady Eklund (6-3) returns to cap off what has been an outstanding career. While there isn’t much this versatile prospect cannot do. If you know the history of this program. Eklund will not have to do it alone.
The Pirates run disciplined sets that get everyone involved. They are a balanced unit with talent up and down t roster. Bulky 6-5 senior center Trent Piggott should be the second option. The x-factor could the contribution of 6-1 sophomore Logan Farmer.
A defending semifinalist, this group has a ton of big game experience. Can they take the next step and earn the program’s second state championship of the 21st century?
3. north Muskegon (23-2)
Like Pewamo, this talented bunch is on quite a two year multi sport run of success. Their senior backcourt will look to take the next step and get the Breslin Center for the first time.
It begins with 6-0 senior point Adam Dugener. Very talented but also loaded with winning intangibles. He will joined in the backcourt by Braylen Burrel. Both players have had nice spring runs with West Michigan Premier (or Northcoast, I confuse it) and the West Michigan Lakers respectively.
The missing piece could be down low. What type of improvements will sophomore David Markiewicz show? I was impressed with his play last year on varsity as a freshman. If the 6-5 prospect can be a presence in the paint. This is pretty close to a complete team.
4. Jackson Lumen Christi (23-4)
Titan fans might like this placement. However they might not like the early part of this capsule. Simply put, if Catholic league foe Riverview Gabriel Richard doesn’t exist. Last years team might have won a state championship. Three of their four losses came to Richard last year. Including the season ending loss in the quarterfinals.
They have graduated some production from last year. However, they are returning a strong of group underclassmen who should help this school more known for its gridiron exploits stay near the top of the division. Sophomore Ashton Callan (6-2) has been extremely impressive with The Academy playing on the Prep Hoops Circuit. If Lewis Lovejoy (see above) is the top sophomore in the division, Callan isn’t far behind. I have also been impressed with junior Jonathan Morgan (6-1) who should be more than ready to contribute. Morgan sat out last year after transferring from Vandercook Lake. There is plenty of depth in the backcourt as well with senior Amarion Clay (5-10) and sophomore Broden Burgess (5-11)
5. Detroit Loyola (13-13)
If history holds, more than one east side Catholic League squad is going to factor into state championship contention. I caught this unit at a Grand Valley team camp early in the month. I came away very impressed with their depth, skill, and athletic dynamism.
The positive impressions began before that weekend. Diminutive senior point guard Martez Davis (5-8) has had a strong spring run on the Prep Hoops Circuit with the Motor City Dragons. He will be the engine of this team.
In Allendale, I saw the size and long term potential of the roster. Senior Deandre Dann (6-5) and sophomore Donovan Clark (6-4) will form a nice twin tower duo that will tough to match in the division. Ignore the record. The Catholic League is gauntlet. If this this group gels, they should be a factor in March.
6. Ishpeming Westwood (22-6)
The surprise Breslin Center participant from this past March won’t sneak up on anyone this year. They return three starters and one of the top players in the Upper Peninsula.
That player would be junior Ethan Marta. Marta is a unique and dynamic prospect. A legitimate point guard skillset on an athletic 6-4 frame. He will be supported by returning senior starters Aaron Pizziola (5-9 and Caden Balzrini (6-2) I feel like ordering a pizza after that sentence— not sure why.
If they can replace the production of Tristan Miller the Patriots should stay in title contention. For what it’s worth. I spoke to coach who was upset by Westwood in March. He expects them to be better this year.
7. Maple City Glen Lake (24-3)
Although it’s come in two different division. This program in the shadow of the Sleeping Bear Dunes has made back-to-back deep March runs. If you are looking for the “biggest” team in the division. Look no further.
Notice the quotations. I didn’t say tallest. Simply put— if this was a Gus Macker. Birth certificates would be getting checked. The frontcourt is stacked by some… adults. Furthermore, only one is senior.
That senior would be 6-6 Jacob Plamondon. Plamondon might be the best low post scorer in entire state. I didn’t stutter and that isn’t a typo. I’m not sure how you stop him after a deep catch. Sophomore Max Lamersom (6-4) and junior Dominic Stein (6-3) are probably going to play football at the next level. However they are skilled, and aren’t just getting in some cardio out there.
The backcourt is young but improving. They have a state championship winning head coach and plenty of big game experience. They shouid be tough out in March.
8. International Academy of Flint (20-4)
Full disclosure here, I should have a better handle on this squad after this weekend’s BCAM Reaching Higher event. Right now this is big bet on what I have seen thus far from sophomore standout Ka’Shawn Gill.
The versatile 6-4 prospect has put together a nice spring with The Family on the EYBL. At 20-4 against a tough schedule. I doubt Gill did it alone as freshman. I’ve been given a lot names in the past year to watch from this program. Frankly too many to list.
We’ll see how they look this weekend. Then unpack the roster a little more in the next update.
9. McBain (23-3)
Death, taxes, and Rambler defense and rebounding. After losing some serious firepower from the program in the last two years. There is still plenty of talent and a Hall of Fame head coach on the bench.
Junior forward Clayton Heuker is going to shoulder a pretty heavy load. The skilled and powerfully built 6-5 forward should be more than up to the task. Fellow junior Josh Rodenbaugh (6-3) is a much different player than his recently graduated brother. That isn’t a bad thing. The younger Rodenbaugh can really shoot it and has the size to get it off over most defenders.
If the rest of the group can coalesce around this duo. Expect this historic program to play deep into March once again.
10. Menominee (13-12)
The record isn’t pretty. What does look good though is that fact that the Maroons return virtually their entire deep rotation. They also return 6-4 senior Tanner Theurkauf. Theurkauf should battle with Marta (see above) for top Upper Peninsula honors this year.
Theurkauf is bouncy and long prospect who led this group within a whisker of the semifinals as a sophomore. He should form a nice duo with fellow senior Darrent Butler (6-2)
This is a well coached unit that runs creative and effective offensive sets. After a one year hiatus. This school which is essentially a Green Bay suburb, should be back in the Mitten March mix.
