MHSAA february Finals: Division IV 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
Five More: here
Final Preseason Top Ten: here
MHSAA Misfires Division IV Misses: here
Post Holiday Top Ten: here
** current record in paratheses**
1. Detroit Frederick Douglass (13-6)
How we got here: Simply put, I don’t think any other team in division would fare this well against a PSL schedule. Sporting a litany of impressive wins against much bigger teams. They are a very young unit. However, they have a state championship head coach in Pierre Brooks Sr. That could help compensate the inexperience. No one in the division can match the Hurricanes top level talent.
Key Players: Damani Oliver 6-0 Fr, Joshua Brooks 6-3 Soph (pictured) Quinn Davis 6-0 Soph, Kamari Howard 6-3 Jr
2. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (14-1)
How we got here: Defending state champions haven’t missed a beat after the retirement of a legendary head coach. Only loss was to a talented Division II squad (Fruitport) I wish the Muskegon Mona Shores game would have been played. That would have been a nice barometer. The upcoming Schoolcraft game should suffice.
Key Players: Cody Osbun, 6-1 Jr Caleb Hoffman 6-2 Jr, Brayden Nelson 6-1 Sr
3. Allen Park Inter-City Baptist (15-3)
How we got here: The most experienced group on this list is aiming for a third straight trip to the Breslin Center. Tri-Unity (see above) is attempting a similar feat. However they don’t feature the same stability in their starting five. They beefed up their schedule this year and have found similar sucess. They do not have a bad loss.
Key Players: Ethan Esse 5-11 Sr, Carlos Jackson 6-3 Sr
4. Fowler (16-2)
How we got here: The defending state finalist lost a lot from last year’s squad. Full disclosure, as the archives show. I thought they would be good. I didn’t think they would be this good. Only two losses have come to Pewamo-Westphalia. A legitimate Division III state title contender. They have defeated #6 Concord. Accordingly, they have the highest MPR in the divsion.
Key Players: Joe Epkey 6-3 Sr, Jonah Thelen 6-2 Sr
5. Cystal Falls Forest Park (14-3)
How we got here: Defending semifinalist got off to a bit of slow start with a two game December losing streak. They have countered it with some impressive victories as well. They appear to be peaking near tournament time. Recently avenging a loss in emphatic fashion. Experienced group that has done a lot winning in multiple sports.
Key Players: Vic Giuliani 6-3 Jr, Dax Huuki 6-0 Jr
6. Concord (15-3)
How we got here: The Hornets might have the best inside/out attack in the state. They don’t have a bad loss. Including a contest against Division I state championship contender Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice. Led by an experienced head coach and have mostly played Division III opponents.
Key Players: Connor Stevens 6-6 Sr (Trine commitment) Jett Smith 5-10 Sr, Darrell Dean Jr 5-11 Jr, Marcus Gill Jr 6-2 Soph
7. Traverse City Christian (17-0)
How we got here: Team that has been knocking on the door contention for quite some time. They blew down the door this year with an undefeated campaign thus far. Have done it against a difficult schedule. So what’s the rub, why a lower ranking? Program is dealing with less than ideal health. Hasn’t affected them yet. It might not this year, as this is a deep group.
Key Players: Garrett Schultz 6-3 Sr, Ethan Johns 6-3 Jr, Isaac Torbet 6-1 Soph
8. Pickford (17-0)
How we got here: Defending quarterfinalist has bounced back in major way after losing quite a bit of production. They have some good wins. Including a victory against Harbor Spring Harbor Light Christian to start the 2026 portion of their schedule. They will stay aggressive with an upcoming trips to Sault St Marie and Traverse St Francis.
Key Players: Gunner Bennin 6-0 Sr, Caden Wiltfong 6-0 Sr, Carter Yiirs 5-11 Jr
9. Genesee Christian (14-3)
How we got here: Flint area parochial school that I thought was going to be very last year. Injuries derailed that campaign. Back to full health, they have bounced back in a major way. Would have been easy to hang their head after an 0-2 start. Impressive holiday victory against Maple City Glen Lake on a neutral court. Have scheduled aggressively and are in the midst of seven game road stand. They should be ready for tournament play.
Key Players: Cooper Boike 6-4 Sr, Bryce Davis 6-0 Sr, Ethan Church 6-2 Sr
10. Dollar Bay (15-1)
How we got here: From deep in the far reaches of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Blue Bolts have had a strong year behind the strength of a good backcourt. They hold an overtime victory over #5 on this list. Only loss came to Division I Marquette. Program has had somewhat recent success in making it to the Breslin Center. History could repeat itself with this group
Key Players: Liam Tourtillott 6-0 Sr, Baron Colbert II 6-1 Jr
Honorable Mention
Hillsdale Academy (16-2), Felch North Dickinson (13-3) Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian (13-3) Mendon (15-1) Adrian Lenawee Christian (11-7) Saginaw Nouvel Catholic (11-7) Baldwin (14-3) Bear Lake (15-4) Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (12-3) Southfield Christian (13-5)
