MHSAA January Rankings Update: Division III
With the conclusion of the holiday and post-holiday showcases. The ides of January feels like an appropriate time to update the rankings for each of Michigan’s four classifications. To show my work I will provide links for previous lists below
Pre BCAM Top Ten here
Six More here
Final Preseason Top Ten here
Division III Misses here
**current record according to the MHSAA listed in parentheses**
1. Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (4-1)**
Why: This isn’t the most talented, deepest or biggest roster in the Division. So why #1? The duo of sophomore Lewis Lovejoy and junior Devontae Grandison is just that good. I watched them defeat a solid Detroit University Prep squad over the holidays. They also hold a one-point victory over a rebuilding Warren Lincoln squad that is still very talented. The asterisks correspond to the one above. The record is according to what the MHSAA lists. They have some other good wins as well.
Key Games: 1/16 Harper Woods Chandler Park, 1/23 Detroit Edison
2. Detroit Loyola (10-2)
Why: They are talented and appear to be one of the top teams this year in the Catholic League AA division. The best team in that league walked to a state championship last year. They have good guards, size, and have been well tested already. Senior leader Martez Davis (pictured) is a small but talented point guard who will be key to Loyola’s postseason success.
Key Games: 1/23 Jacson Lumen Christi, and the Catholic League tournament
3. Pewamo-Westphalia (7-2)
Why: I like the depth and experience of a team coming off a semifinal appearance. If they would have beaten either Grandville or Grand Rapids Catholic Central (both close) I might have put them at #1. Senior Grady Eklund (Northwood) recently became the all-time leading scorer in this program’s storied history.
Key Games: 2/5 @ Fowler, 2/13 Detroit Country Day
4. North Muskegon (10-0)
Why: The train just keeps rolling along. They keep toughening up the schedule, and the Norseman just keep winning. An early win over an improving Division I Walled Lake Western squad was impressive. The schedule will tighten up even more in the second half (see below) Experienced next level senior point guard Adam Dugener (Alma) should help North Muskegon navigate choppier waters.
Key Games: 1/17 Freeland @ Fowler, 1/20 Ludington
5. Menominee (8-1)
Why: Excellent record against a difficult slate with virtually no practice time after winning a football state championship. Balanced squad that has a little bit of everything. Tanner Theuerkauf and Darrent Butler form a nice senior duo. The bright lighrs won’t intimidate this group that has plenty of big game experience.
Key Games: 1/30 Marquette, 2/6 @ Ishpeming Westwood
6. ishpeming Westwood (10-0)
Why: Defending semifinalist has gotten off to a perfect start. Like Pewamo-Westphalia, one of the few schools led by a Division II commitment. Senior Ethan Marta fits the prototype of a Michigan Tech player. He can cap off an outstanding career with another deep March run.
Key Games: 2/6 Menominee, 2/14 Maple City Glen Lake (@ Traverse City St Francis)
7. new Haven (8-1)
Why: Not too long ago, the Rockets were a regular state championship contender… in Division II. This might be their most talented squad since they slid down a classification. Kayden Allen (6-7) is in the early conversation for top players in Michigan’s still emerging 2028 class. There is plenty of talent and experience surrounding him.
Key Games: 1/14 @ St Clair, 2/11 Walled Lake Western
8. International Academy of Flint (8-0)
Why: Feels like the division is still trying to fill their Flint area hole after Beecher slid down to Division IV. Backcourt oriented squad who thrived after a high profile transfer out of the program. Led by junior guards Darrio Felder and Angel Santiago, they already have a good early win against Fint New Standard. Also went perfect on a recent Upper Peninsula two game swing.
Key Games: 1/20 Flint Hamady, 2/5 Genesee Christian
9. Beal City (8-0)
Why: Perfect start against a difficult schedule. They already hold wins over strong teams like McBain and Mount Pleasant Sacred. Did it on back-to-back days as well. Accordingly, they currently have the highest MPR in the division. Also won a holiday tournament in Reed City. Might have one of the top freshman in the division with 6-4 Grady Gatrell
Key Games: 2/3 McBain, 2/19 @ LeRoy Pine River
10. Onsted (11-0)
Why: One the biggest Division III schools by enrollment enjoying success in their first run through the division. No surprise as they were very good in Division II as well. Rylan Henagan is physical 6-2 senior guard who has been a part of this run of success as a four-year contributor.
Key Games: 1/20 Adrian, 2/12 @ Ida
Honorable Mention
Jackson Lumen Christi (7-3) Niles Brandywine (7-3) Gobles (8-0) McBain (7-1). Harbor Beach (6-1)
