MHSAA January Rankings Update: Division IV
With the conclusion of the holiday and post-holiday showcases. The ides of January feel 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
Five More here
Final Preseason Top Ten here
Division IV Misses here
**current record according to the MHSAA listed in parentheses**
1. Detroit Douglass (9-4)
Why: They don’t have the best record. That being said, they are handling their gauntlet of a schedule much better than last year. Freshman guard Damani Oliver appears to have given an already talented team an extra jolt of juice. They don’t have a bad loss and plenty of impressive Division I victories already.
Games to Watch: 1/16 @ Detroit Cass Tech, 1/27 @ Detroit Denby
2. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (8-1)
Why: It appears to be pretty seamless transition thus far after the retirement of legendary head coach Mark Keeler. The Fruitport loss isn’t a bad loss. Like Douglass, they have plenty of good wins as well. The road is difficult this year. However, I cannot see a scenario where the two-time defending state champions are not a factor in this division.
Games to Watch: 1/29 Muskegon Mona Shores, 2/6 @ Schoolcraft
3. Allen Park Inter-City Baptist (7-1)
Why: Seeking a rare third straight trip to the Breslin Center. Senior leaders Ethan Esse and Carlos Jackson are off to a strong start. I watched them defeat a solid Division I Grosse Pointe South in overtime. The opening loss to Detroit Country Day doesn’t look as bad with the Yellowjackets resurgence in Division II
Games to Watch: 1/20 @ Riverview, 1/31 Grand Blanc (@Detroit Cass Tech)
4. Concord (10-1)
Why: The highest MPR (Michigan Power Ranking) of any team in the division. Most likely due to the gigantic swing they took in facing Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice. That is their only loss. They are balanced with good guards and a good big. At 6-6 and skilled,Trine (IN) commit Connor Stevens is major matchup problem.
Games to Watch: 1/17, @ Fowler 2/6 Stockbridge
5. Fowler (9-1)
Why: After losing a lot from a state final team. Fowler is moving into a “reload” and not “rebuild” program status. Losing to Pewamo-Westphalia might be second best loss in the division (see above) If they don’t like their placement below Concord, they could address that this weekend as they host them this coming Saturday.
Games to Watch: 1/17 Concord, 2/5 Pewamo-Westphalia
6. Dollar Bay (7-1)
Why: On the heels of the overtime victory against Crystal Falls Forest Park the Blue Bolts get the top spot in the Upper Peninsula. The backcourt laden squad’s only loss was to Division I Marquette. Senior Liam Tourtillott and junior Baron Colbert form just a portion of saud outstanding backcourt
Key Game: 1/12 @ Wakefield-Marenisco, 1/23 Bessemer
7. Crystal Falls Forest Park (7-2)
Why: I expected this to be the top Division IV team in the Upper Peninsula this year. Despite the two losses, I still believe this could be true. The presence of junior wing Vic Giuliani gives this squad so much upside. They also have an impressive win over Division II Kingsford
Games to Watch: 1/16 @ Gladstone, 2/17 Marquette (@ Northern Michigan University)
8. Genesee Christian (8-2)
Why: After an injury riddled down year. The Flint area parochial school is back in contention. Nice bounce back as well after an 0-2 start. I was very impressed with their neutral site holiday victory over Maple City Glen Lake. Senior guard Cooper Boike is having a big year after missing significant time last season
Key Games: 1/27 @ Lapeer, 2/5 @ International Academy of Flint
9. Traverse City Christian (9-0)
Why: I would love to rate this undefeated squad higher. However they lost their top player and point guard to a knee injury. There is still plenty of talent on this squad to justify this ranking. While it’s not a mercy placement, this will be a difficult loss for the Sabers to overcome. Watch out for the forward duo of senior Garrett Schultz and junior Ethan Johns. As you will see below, this independent school is playing a difficult schedule.
Key Games: 1/19 @ Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart, 2/6 Traverse City St Francis, 2/12 @ Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian, 2/14 Baldwin (@ Traverse City St Francis)
10. Mendon (10-0)
Why: Known more for their gridiron exploits historically. This familial group of Hornets are beginning to make some noise on the gridiron. Senior Ryder Gorham is a high scoring guard coming off an all-state season.
Key Games: 1/15 Colon, 1/28 Hillsdale Academy
Honorable Mention
Pickford (8-0) Baldwin (8-1) Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (7-2) Hillsdale Academy (8-2) Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian (8-1)
