MHSAA Misfires: Division II Misses

Despite what my penchant for missed personal deadlines might belie. I spend a lot of time on my preseason ranking rollouts. Accordingly, I feel pretty good about them and I’m not going update the lists until after the holidays.

That being said, there will invariably be mistakes and oversights. Do not consider these to be amendments or full-scale mea culpas. It’s still very early in the season. However, following are seven more teams that deserve early recognition. I will provide the links for the previous lists. If you put them all together you will have full watch list of 20 plus teams for the season in Division II.

Final Preseason Top 10 here

Additional group of Seven here

…and if you want the first group of ten from way back in the summer you can find that here

Chelsea (4-1)

The recent close loss to Division I Ypsilanti Lincoln is not particularly concerning. I initially did not include this team because of their youth. The quick start erased these concerns. The headliner is freshman Drew Cabana. The 6-4 swingman’s huge spring/summer has carried over to the start of his career. He put up 26 points in his opening contest and appears more than ready for the varsity level. While Cabana is the new name, the Bulldogs are anchored by veteran guard play in seniors Buck Allen and Beckett Boos. Senior Wyatt Matusik (6-6) heads up the frontcourt with versatile sophomore Josh Stephens. The Bulldogs were thought to take a step back going into last after graduating two Division II college players from their Breslin Center run. They didn’t and a miraculous shot kept them from a quarterfinal appearance. It appears the Bulldogs are the type of program that is done taking steps back.

Cheboygan (6-0)

Do I think Cheboygan is one of the top 20 or so teams in the division? Not necessarily, however these early ranking additions are meant to serve as snapshots for teams playing well to start the season. Additionally, the Northern half of the Division II bracket is wide open. If this young teams jells, they could be one of the last 16 teams playing if the bracket breaks right. They have a good point guard and a good post. Both juniors Gavin Smith (5-10 point guard) and Noah Schley (6-2 post) have gotten off to fast starts. Neither have ideal size for their positions but are both productive improving players. They have senior leadership and depth in the backcourt with Landon Gahn and twins Andrew and Carson Kiefer.

Detroit Country Day (5-1)

Unlike Cheboygan, I am fairly certain that the Yellowjackets are one of the top 20 teams in the division. So why didn’t I rank then initially. Simply put, health uncertainty. Junior guard Christian Cast appears to be back to full health after missing an extended period of time with a knee injury. Going into last year, the lanky 6-3 guard was considered one of the top overall players in the 2027 class. He should be motivated to get back and get to that lofty status. Cast forms a dynamic duo with versatile 6-6 junior Isaiah Marino. Marino has expanded his game in Cast’s absence and can play both on the perimeter and in the post. It is much more than a two man show. As 6-4 sophomore Roman Allen should be a factor for this young squad with a bright future.

Frankenmuth (5-0)

Team that did not seem to be generating much attention going into season. Perhaps due to their prevalence of multi-sport standouts. What is getting attention now is the eye opening margin of victories this squad has been racking up. Andrew Schoenow is a 6-7 defensive anchor. The junior is also a standout on the soccer pitch (did I say that right) Further size comes from senior gridiron (I know what that is) standout Lleyton Hoard. The 6-4 senior has committed to Northern Michigan to play quarterback. Senior Cash Tedford is another gridiron standout who plays bigger than his size. Senior Caden Sommerfield is a productive 6-1 guard who has committed Saginaw Valley St for baseball. This team nearly beat a nearby and more lauded Freeland three times last year. If they can get over that hump, this squad loaded with next level athletes could surprise.

Fruitport (4-2)

Fruitport did not get off to as good of a start as I thought they would. However, I think this young but talented group will improve as the year continues. Sophomore Dexter Lillmars is an outstanding shooter who doesn’t play like an underclassman. Senior point guard Day Day Williams is quick and explosive penetrator whose skillset complements Lillmars well. The frontcourt has an equally balanced mix of experience and youth. Hudson Hazekamp is a 6-4 junior who is skilled and played on the varsity last season. The x-factor will be the development of freshman Garrett Olson. Olson is a 6-5 lefty loaded with potential who already plays easily above the rim. If it all comes together, the Trojans could step into the Lakeshore void dominated by Whitehall for the last few years.

Grand Rapids South Christian (4-1)

I write often of the West Michigan parochial school hegemony in Division II. I referred to it this year as a triumvirate. Perhaps I moved too soon in excluding the Sailors from this club. They go into the holidays already holding victories over two members in Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. The catalyst of the Sailors strong play has been the improvement shown by 6-6 senior JJ Modderman. Modderman is joined down low from fellow senior Josh Fles. Strong guard play is a familial affair. As both Owen (Sr) and Austin Burgess (Jr) have had breakout seasons to go along with the duo of Max (Jr) and Crew Zichterman (Fr). As you can see from the parentheses. Both the future and present are bright with plenty of youth on the roster. Also watch out for sophomore Brody Shilts.

Ludington (7-0)

As an alum of the defunct Seaway conference. Perhaps I am showing a little bias by including both the Orioles and Fruitport on this list. At 7-0 though this guard heavy team has forced my hand. Senior Cameron Gunsell is a 6-3 is versatile athlete with three years of varsity experience who can play all over the court. He flies a little under the radar as he has committed to play football at Grand Valley St next year. Junior Taj Williams (pictured) heads up a deep and talented backcourt. Williams had strong spring/summer testing himself nationally with the Grand Rapids Storm. Further depth comes from juniors Steele Stowe and Messiah Himes. At 6-2, Stowe has the size and frame to play down low as well.