MHSAA Division II Post June Outlook
In the midst of the June team camp season. I surveyed the outlook of Michigan’s two smallest classifications. With the team camp season completed, and with somewhat (emphasis on somewhat) of a handle on the MHSAA transfer portal. Let’s take stock of the two largest classifications.
Just as I did with divisions III and IV. I’m going to give what I believe are the ten top teams based on available information. I’ll list them in alphabetical order without rankings. As we get closer to the season we’ll attach some numbers and make this a traditional top 10.
**last years records in parentheses**
Detroit Old Redford (21-8) After a slow start against an absolute gauntlet of a schedule. Old Redford advanced all the way to the Division III championship game. It’s natural to assume a bit of transition moving up a division. Personally I don’t see it. They already play a difficult schedule. They also won the Charter School League which featured Division II perennial powers like Romulus Summit Academy North (see below) and Detroit University Prep. They return virtually their entire rotation. Led by still developing 6-7 junior JaQuan Stennis. With recent departures, Stennis might be the top overall player in Michigan’s 2026 class. There is a ton of depth beyond Stennis that I will expound on a later date.
Ferndale (14-9) Only one removed from a senior laden stare championship squad. The Eagles have reloaded and are back in the championship conversation. They will be led by arguably the top prospect in Michigan’s still emerging 2027 class in Eden Vinyard. The 6-7 post has physical skills that simply can’t be taught. He has shown emerging perimeter ability with The Family on the prestigious EYBL. There is backcourt support in the form of junior Julian Cardenas and sophomore Toriano Adams. As you can see this is still a young team. I’m also monitoring some possible transfers that I saw them playing with in June.
Flint Powers Catholic (22-6) I won’t be delicate about it. I wasn’t blown away by this group in June. They did not look as dynamic athletically as I would have hoped from a Division II semifinalist. I’m still listing them for a few reasons. Frankly they were not that impressive physically last year either. This is team that wins with execution and deep shooting. That should not change in the coming year. You know what you are getting from the Cull twins (Jesse and Dempsey) They should be even more comfortable in the second year playing in the program. The x-factor is the development of point guard Javontae Ross. If he takes the next step he could be one of the better point guards in the entire state.
Freeland (20-4) I fully acknowledge I might be year early with this group. As they are led by two juniors. They might feature the best inside-out combo in the entire state. Both Tristan Comer and Wilson Huckeby have had excellent grassroots campaigns. The only question with Comer’s recruitment is what sport the physically advanced 6-7 post will play. Huckeby (6-3) is as good of a shooter as you will see anywhere— period. There is a solid rotation around this duo in this well established program that is only two years removed from an undefeated season and Breslin Center appearance.
Grand Rapids Christian (26-3) Going into June I did not anticipate including this group in a top 10 list. Losing five senior starters is a lot for a program to absorb. However it’s a testament to their depth that I do not anticipate too much of a drop off. Senior point guard Tyler Davis is more than ready to take the reins. However it is the wing scoring that could make this group special next year. Junior Carl Thompson (6-3) was one of the breakout performers of the spring for me. I have yet to see the smooth and effortless scorer have an off day. While Thompson earned varsity time last year. Connor Johnson was developing down on JV. The lengthy 6-6 wing has also had an excellent spring and could really breakout as a junior. If he does, this program might not miss a beat.
Grand Rapids South Christian (19-6) Western Michigan basketball commit Carson Vis will look to put a bow on one of the more accomplished two sport careers in recent Michigan history. Despite losing of lot firepower, Vis shouldn’t have to do it by himself. The recent Sailor run of excellence has been marked by excellent backcourt play. Next year there will be a legitimate two pronged post attack to complement Vis. Seniors Davis Kemper (6-7) and Isaac Schrotenboer (6-6) are a punishing duo on the block. I haven’t seen much of Kemper as he has been focused on baseball this spring. However Schrotenboer has shown growth and improvement.
Kingsford (21-5) It’s been a minute since a team from the Upper Peninsula has had a case for state contention. The Flivvers (great mascot) have a chance to make some noise down state. They nearly made the Breslin Center last year. The 81-77 quarterfinal defeat to Flint Powers (see above) was one the best games I saw last year— period. As that score shows they have no problem putting up points. They also return most of their rotation. Headlined by Lake Superior St commit Gavin Grondin. Grondin is an explosive 6-1 guard who can play both backcourt spots. Outside of Grodin they have size and backcourt depth. The size comes from 6-5 senior Morgan Sleik. While the backcourt depth could up from the JV program. Sophomore Jett Buckley more than lives up to his first name.
Romulus Summit Academy North (22-3) With some off court controversy happening extremely close to the start of the season. It’s telling that this program still managed to produce a two loss regular season. They will have their third coach in three years. However as they showed last year. They more than enough talent and depth to overcome it. Led by 6-5 senior wing Dominic Krzesowiak the Dragons will feature one of the deepest backcourt rotations in the entire state. I have been impressed with the improvement shown by guard Andrew Ashwood this spring. There is potential in the front court rotation. How fast that develops will be the marker for success in this program.
Warren Lincoln (24-4) A defending state champion that returns three dynamic starters. I think you could imagine the number that will eventually be next to this group. That being said, I had some concerns about their depth after June. They did lose a lot along the frontline. However those concerns might be alleviated with news of a high profile transfer. If Northern Iowa commit Geon Hutchins ends up suiting up for the Abe’s. This could be a historic level of backcourt production. While Hutchins won’t help in the paint, this could be some serious offensive firepower. My favorite scoring law firm of Blackwell, Blackwell & Bozeman will be fine with or without reinforcements.
Whitehall (22-1) Coming off the increasingly rare undefeated regular season. Whitehall returns virtually their entire rotation. They should be highly motivated after getting upset in districts. Dual sport Western Michigan commit Camden Thompson is headliner. Health will be key for one the best rebounders in the state. As he has been a little banged up of late. He will be supported down on the block by Kal Kohler. That gives the Vikings two active and skilled 6-5 posts. The key for Whitehall will be how there replace dynamic point Camar Ready.
