MHSAA February Finals Division III Rankings
No long meandering into needed here. If you have been following along you are probably aware my methodology and thought process. One final February rankings before we get into the postseason bracketology rollouts. Accordingly, no bracket considerations here. Just who I think the top ten teams are based on what I have seen, what I know, and resumes (I can’t see everyone, no one can.. it’s a big state)
I’ll provide all the past links (beginning in June) if you want to track progress or look for your favorite team if they are not in the final ten. I’ve highlighted roughly thirty teams throughout the season.
Pre BCAM Top Ten: here
Six More: here
Final Preseason Top Ten: here
MHSAA Misfires Division III Misses: here
Post Holiday Top Ten: here
** current record in paratheses**
1. Arts & Technology of Pontiac (12-2)
How we got here: After graduation and transfer losses. I questioned if the Lions has enough to repeat their “out of nowhere” run to a state final appearance. The answer is a resounding yes. The top level talent, while still young is simply that good. The schedule is dotted with impressive victories. They added to their rotation by transfer after Christmas.
Key Players: Lewis Lovejoy 5-10 Soph De’Vontae Grandison 6-2 Jr, Jaiden Price 5-9 Sr, Aiden Reeves 6-1 Jr
2. Pewamo-Westphalia (14-2)
How we got here: Returning semifinalist features perhaps the top senior talent in the division. Their losses were to state title contenders in bigger divisions. As a group they have a load of big game experience. With deep tournament runs in multiple sports. The Lansing area school should have a pronounced home court if they were to make it back to the Breslin Center.
Key Players: Grady Eklund 6-3 Sr (Northwood commit) Trent Piggott 6-5 Sr, Logan Farmer 6-2 Soph
3. Detroit Loyola (16-3)
How we got here: Loyola has seized the Catholic League mantle from the defending state champions in the division. They have a boat load of good wins against a difficult schedule. Very close to being undefeated. All three losses came in overtime. Balanced unit with strong backcourt play and frontcourt size.
Key Players: Martez Davis 5-9 Sr, JaiRon Foster 5-10 Sr, DeAndre Dann 6-5 Sr, Donovan Clark 6-5 Soph
4. North Muskegon (19-1)
How we got here: The Norseman have simply continued their multi year run of excellence. Fueled by arguably the best senior backcourt in the division. Began the season by winning a weekend tournament against a solid Division I Walled Lake Western squad, and haven’t looked back. The win over Ludington is impressive, while the lone loss to Freeland shouldn’t count as a demerit. Both teams are Breslin Center contenders in Division II.
Key Players: Adam Dugener 6-0 Sr (Alma commit) Braylen Burrel 6-1 Sr, David Markiewicz 6-5 Soph
5. Ishpeming Westwood (16-1)
How we got here: A mild surprise semi final appearance last year. They are not sneaking up on anyone this year. Handling the role reversal of being hunted just fine. Like Pewamo, led by a versatile “do it all” prospect who is going to play Division II basketball. Not the biggest team along the frontline. Consequently I will be very intruiged by their game next weekend at a showcase in Traverse City. A rematch with their regional final foe Maple City Glen Lake await there. Glen Lake features a big strong powerful post presence. If they handle that test, I’m not sure what will slow them down in the tournament.
Key Players: Ethan Marta 6-4 Sr (Michigan Tech commit) AJ Pizziola 5-10 Sr, Caden Balzarini 6-2 Sr
6. Menominee (14-3)
How we got here: I expected a slow start after the Maroons won a football state championship. Despite an opening loss to Feeeland (there’s that team again) that slow start never really happened. They have played as much of gauntlet as a team from deep in heart of the Upper Peninsula can face. It will continue this weekend when they travel below the bridge to take on Traverse City Central. Deep rotation with success across multiple sports.
Key Players: Tanner Theuerkauf 6-3 Sr (Northern Michigan FB commit) Darrent Butler 6-1 Sr, Talan Woods 5-11 Jr
7. Jackson Lumen Christi (14-4)
How we got here: Young group who had a good and might be a year early in their development. Guard dominant group with a plenty of perimeter firepower. A two state championship head on the bench could help make up for this group’s youth. Well tested playing in the Catholic League. The two losses to Division II Dearborn Divine Child are good losses. They have a victory over #3 Detroit Loyola as well.
Key Players: Ashton Callan 6-3 Soph, Jonathan Morgan 6-1 Jr (pictured) George Grossbach 6-2 Sr Broden Burgess 5-11 Soph, Zack Tropea 5-6 Jr
8. New Haven (15-2)
How we got here: Team that was not on my rankings radar at the beginning of the season. Earned with an outstanding run through a MAC Gold conference loaded with Division I and II squads. Like the team directly above and below them on this list. They feature a state championship winning head coach. Uncommon size for the division along the frontline.
Key Players: Kayden Harmon 6-7 Soph, Ryan Auban 5-8 Sr, Irving Frizzell 6-3 Jr, Darrien Wilmer 6-1 Sr
9. McBain (15-1)
How we got here: Bounced back strongly after an early loss to Beal City (see below) Historic program with no fills time recipe for success. While they do not have the depth of previous teams. They right the right ingredients to win in March. Experienced big game group coming off back-to-back semifinal and quarterfinal appearances respectively.
Key Players: Clayton Heuker 6-5 Jr, Josh Rodenbaugh 6-3 Jr, Colton Haverkamp 6-3 Sr
10. Beal City (15-1)
How we got here: Got off to a very strong start on the season. Held firm in the top spot of the MPR rankings for much of the year. Physical group with a lot of gridiron success. You can tell by watching them play. Tournament experience after making a regional final last year. Not the tallest team, but they have plenty of bulk down low. They are not going to beat on the glass.
Key Players: Drake Gatrell 5-11 Sr, Eric Elias 6-1 Sr, Grady Gatrell 6-4 Fr
Honorable Mention
Niles Brandywine (14-4) Harbor Beach (13-3) Onsted (16-2) Elk Rapids (14-3) International Academy of Flint (15-2) Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic (13-5) Gobles (14-0) Beaverton (15-3) Springport (13-5) Leslie (14-5)
