MHSAA January Division II Power Poll

ByJonathon Gilbert

With the recent conclusion of a slew Holiday showcases and tournaments. Most teams are now at least a third of the way through their season. So while it’s not exactly the “quarter pole”. It’s as good of a time as any to check in on all four classifications. Important note, this is not Bracketolgy. Just a look at this scouts humble opinion of the top teams in each division. After giving you Divisions III and IV near the conclusion of last week. I’m going to move on to the largest classifications.

Division II (current record in parentheses)

  1. Grand Rapids Christian (7-0) I’m not saying they are a shoo-in for a title. However when you combine the roster and resume. Probably the easiest call at #1 among the four classifications. Every single win has been against a quality opponent. Of those wins, only one has been in single digits. They have a Division I commit in the post with Jaylan Ouwinga (Toledo). Nate Johnson is playing like a Division I prospect on the wing. They have depth in the backcourt. They also have a full week off from their gauntlet before a big one against Northview.
  2. Warren Lincoln (6-1) A similar start to Christian against a gauntlet of a schedule. A loss to Orchard Lake St Mary’s is their only blemish. Most know about the Blackwell backcourt. However junior Da’Marion Bozeman (6-4) has stepped up to fill in some injury holes. They also have size that is developing with seniors Kimari Barden and TJ Minor. I’ll do a quick plug for the Gotta Get It Hoop Classic. If the teams hold serve we could see #1 versus #2 on January 20th in East Kentwood.
  3. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-3) Yep, the record is not great. However I have a hard time going against a Mr Basketball candidate with a solid supporting cast. Of the three losses. One was to #1 on this list. I attended the other two losses. They were very winnable games against teams that will be ranked in Division I (Davison and Grand Rapids Northview) The x-factor could be the emergence of 6-4 sophomore Zay Larthridge. They seem to be rounding into form after just earning 57-54 road victory over…….
  4. Grand Rapids South Christian (5-3) You could accuse me of recency bias in placing Catholic above them. Frankly I wouldn’t have much of a retort. The Sailors three losses were to very good teams. They also have impressive wins. Simply put, I have them here in the slimmest of margins. If 6-7 junior Davis Kemper can continue to develop into a third offensive option in the post. This ranking could look foolish in March.
  5. Romulus Summit Academy North (8-1) When you consider the coaching uncertainty this squad faced at the start of the season. Their start is impressive. Especially the opening decisive victory against Detroit Renaissance. Dropping a close one to Riverview Gabriel Richard is not a bad loss at all. Don’t be surprised if the Dragons end their season the same place last season did— the Breslin Center.
  6. Whitehall (9-0) Speaks to the depth of the division that we don’t find our first undefeated team until outside of the top 5. The Vikings are a deep and talented squad led by do it all junior 6-5 forward Camden Thompson (pictured) Thompson has been rebounding at an absurd clip this season. Thompson isn’t alone though. Fellow 6-5 junior Kal Koehler is also a player to watch down low. Is it enough to break the West Michigan parochial school hegemony come tournament time. We will see in March. They have a big one on January 23rd when they travel to undefeated Cadillac.
  7. Flint Powers Catholic (8-1) This isn’t a team that isn’t going to wow you in warmups or blow you away with measurables. What they are is a real solid unit that plays well together. They put together a nice bounce back win after dropping their first game over the holidays to Warren De La Salle. Defeating Saginaw Arthur Hill 72-67. There is talent up and down the roster. However I think they will go as far as dynamic junior point guard Javontae Ross will take them.
  8. Benton Harbor (9-0) Considering what they graduated. The Tigers undefeated start might be considered a bit of a surprise. As an older scout (cue the Durant meme) this is Benton Harbor? They don’t rebuild, they just reload. They are getting contributions and senior leadership from the trio of Mustapha Muhammad (6-5), Josiah King (6-4), and Antwan Callahan Jr (6-1)
  9. Saginaw Arthur Hill (7-2) The Lumberjacks are off to a good start behind one of the states hottest players, 6-4 senior Lyna Brooks. A little under the radar after a knee injury derailed his season last year. Beyond the production, he is providing strong leadership. I witnessed it first hand when I got stuck in a post scrimmage huddle in Grand Rapids (long story) Brooks is getting help from sophomore guard Boop Hardy as well
  10. Saginaw (5-4) Am I taking the easy way out by placing both Saginaw teams here? No, I really think the Trojans are this good. They didn’t have great record last year. They still made run to the semis and were a state championship caliber team. I’m not crazy about some of the losses. However I really like some of their wins. Only good teams are going to beat Division I state contenders like Davison and East Kentwood. They have a good point guard in 6-2 junior TJ Stevenson who is in his third year on varsity. They also have scorers and experience all over the court.

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