MHSAA January Rankings Update: Division I
With the conclusion of the holiday and post-holiday showcases. The ides feels like an appropiate time to update the rankings for each of the Michigan four classifications. To show my work I will provide links for previous lists below.
Post Summer Top Ten here
Eight More here
Final Preseason Top Ten here
Division I Misses here
**Current record according to the MHSAA in parentheses**
1. east Lansing (11-0)
Why: Um… why not? Defending champions on a historic winning streak. Led by one the fiercest competitors I have seen in quite some time in this state. I’m not crazy about the depth. However as long as Bowling Green commit KJ Torbert is standing on the court during winning time, it’s hard to pick against this group. What he did against Rockford this past Saturday was a sight to behold.
Key Games: 2/6 @ Lansing Waverly 2/7 Grand Rapids Northview (that is quite the 24 hours to say the least)
2. Rockford (9-1)
Why: If you saw the kitchen sink that Rockford threw at East Lansing on Saturday. It would be hard not to place this team at #2. They appear to have mostly come through the injury concerns I had at the beginning of the year. Jake Bascom (Central Michigan) has worked his way into the Mr Basketball conversation. While they are at different grade levels. The Rams can essentially run out lineups with four Division I players. Few teams can say that in a given year. A fifth player, the vastly underrated Dylan Gross just committed to Kalamazoo College.
Key Games: Not going to overthink it…. the entire OK Red conference. That’s all you need to know
3. Muskegon (6-0)
Why: Tempted to put this unit at #2 with an unblemished record. However, with only six games so far, I’m going to give the Rams the slight edge. If you are a bracket watcher, the Big Reds will have a chance to state their case on their home court in the tournament. Detroit-Mercy commit James Martin is having a banner senior campaign thus far. They are not as big as last year down low (few are) However they might have even more depth in the backcourt. They looked very good in beating Wayne Memorial this weekend.
Key Games: 1/31 @ Kalamazoo Central 2/17 @ Hudsonville
4. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (10-3)
Why: Seemingly have had a full season already. Got off to a quick start with an exciting group of new freshman and transfers. Dealt with a three-game losing streak. Appeared to have quickly righted the ship this weekend. Greg Grays Jr (Detroit-Mercy) leads a lineup loaded with size and firepower. Trevor Smith (6-8) appears to back to full health down low.
Key Games: 1/17 Kalamazoo Central (@ Horatio Williams Invite) Catholic League Tournament
5. Wayne Memorial (6-1)
Why: Have dealt with early injuries and a high profile transfer out of the program rather seamlessly. They have been aided by a transfer into the program. Cyrus Goins is a unique wing prospect. A legitimate 6-6 with extreme length and fluid release from beyond the arc. He has fit in nicely with Zebras. Toledo commit Jaylohn Allen appears to back to full strength. He is more than comfortable in a new primary scorer role. Not a lot of size along the frontline. That did not stop from a state final appearance last year. They might have enough to do it once again.
Key Games: 1/17 Hamtramck (@ North Farmington) 2/10 @ Belleville
6. Hudsonville (10-0)
Why: Undefeated against a very difficult slate. Led by two extremely underrated players in senior point guard Jovaan Daniels and junior wing Alex Armstrong. They have solid mix of youth and experience up and down the roster as well. They won’t stay undefeated in the OK Red this year. If they somehow do, this ranking will be markedly higher in February.
Key Games: Like Rockford, the OK Red slate will be enough and… 2/17 Muskegon
7. Auburn Hills avondale (10-1)
Why: Similar to Hudsonville. An excellent starting lineup, fronted by underrated players, that has performed well against a difficult schedule. Also dealt with a late coaching change without a blip. Only loss was to Freeland in what essentially a road game at Saginaw Valley University. Strong senior forward duo Jakobe Liford and Noah Bonds. Rochester transfer Max Muhl has added deep shooting to the winning equation.
Key Games: 2/10 Ferndale 2/13 @ Clarkston (second time they meet, first one tonight)
8. East Kentwood (8-1)
Why: One of the deepest junior classes in the state appears to be putting it together after some growing pains last year. It helps to have experienced senior and Saginaw Vallet St commitment RJ Chapman at the front of the attack. Like Hudsonville and even Rockford, I would think they will take on some losses in the OK Red. Whatever the record says, this will be one of the deepest rotations in the state at the end of the year.
Key Games: Once again simply put… the OK Red
9. Ann Arbor Huron (9-1)
Why: The River Rats got off to lightning quick start despite some key graduation losses. The dynamic backcourt of senior Kaiden Morning and junior Nate Sidney has led the charge. The sound defeat of a strong Bloomfield Hills team (see below) was particularly impressive. After multiple deep runs in the last few years. It will be interesting to see what the top team in the Ann Arbor area can do in the postseason this year.
Key Games: 1/24 Detroit University Prep (@ Belleville) 1/31 Holland West Ottawa (@ 2K Classic in Grand Rapids)
10. Grand Haven (11-1)
Why: I have extolled the virtues and depth of the OK Red conference this year. At the beginning of the year, I did not think the Buccaneers would be a factor. Their resume begs to differ. Victories over Grand Blanc (see below) and Freeland have been particularly impressive. Backcourt laden group that is very well coached.
Key Games: One last time… the OK Red conference. the entirety of Grand Haven’s 2026 slate is within conference. Buckle up…
Honorable Mention
Grand Blanc (9-2) Grandville (8-0) Grand Rapids Northview (8-2) Clarkston (9-2) Detroit Martin Luther King (5-4), Bloomfield Hills (8-2) Kalamazoo Central (6-1) Lansing Waverly (7-2) Greenville (9-1) Macomb Dakota (9-2)
