MHSAA pre BCAM Division IV rankings

Last year I did “way too early” series of divisional rankings. While the intention is never to be 100% correct. Rankings by their nature should be fluid and subject to change. I wasn’t 100% pleased with the results in retrospect.

I intend for them to be a snapshot of what I seeing from my time in the gym. A subtle roadmap for what to look for in the upcoming season. With a lot of transfer rumors flying in the upper divisions. I don’t feel I can accurately do that for Divisions I and II.

All that being said. I do feel pretty good about the roster stability in the lower divisions to give it go. Below you will find what I will call a not “quite too early” but a Pre BCAM Division IV Top Ten

**last years record in parentheses **

1. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (27-2)

To the victors go the spoils. If you are regular reader, you know I have not picked this group often in the last two years. They have made me look silly both times with back-to-back state championships. On paper this might be the year not to pick the Defenders. Their long time and legendary head coach Mark Keeler has retired. They also graduated the core of those championship teams.

Fool me once.. fool me twice… Simply put, barring something drastic, this group is going to stay in the top spot for a while. New head coach Brandon Voorhees was on staff last year and is former star player at the school. He additionally won a state championship in his illustrative playing career. He knows the winning DNA of this program inside and out. I was also very impressed recently with the play this spring of Cody Osbun. (pictured) Only a junior, the 6-3 forward is the prototype of a successful player in this division. Watch out for Brayden Nelson (6-1) and junior Clayton Rowlader (5-10) as well.

If the supporting cast can mature and develop around Osbun. The blue blood of this division will live up to its mascot and defend their state championship.

2. allen Park Inter-City Baptist (24-4)

While the team at #1 is on a historic run of excellence. The Chargers have a strong chance to do something special as well. With the core of their team returning. ICB can make three straight trips to the Breslin Center.

In both prior years they were fronted by the dynamic duo of Ethan Esse and Carlos Jackson. Now seniors, that isn’t changing in year three. Esse is a dynamic 5-10 lead guard who can score in bunches and won’t be afraid of the moment after two deep runs. Jackson is jack-of-trades 6-3 forward who can play and guard multiple positions at this level.

The Chargers only had one senior on last year’s squad. As a school with a small enrollment even by this division’s standards. Can Caden Appel (5-8) step up as after earning some run as the rare eight grader coming a strong junior varsity season. Also watch out for 6-3 senior Mason Kowalski who provides additional size.

3. Detroit Frederick Douglass (12-13)

I still might a year or two early with this group. The Hurricanes are talented, deep, but also very young.

They are not young on the bench as experienced state championship coach Pierre Brooks is approaching thirty years in various locations.

The attack should be fronted by sophomore Joshua Brooks. Brooks is the coach’s son, but more importantly plays like it. A slender and versatile 6-4 prospect who had a nice spring with The Family on the EYBL circuit. Brooks could be a breakout prospect to watch in the division.

There is talent and size beyond Brooks. Watch out for 6-8 senior center Dontay Burks. Nobody else on this list will be able to match a frontcourt of that size. The backcourt is fully stocked as well with junior Jacodi Nathan (5-10) I have also heard a lot of good things about incoming freshman Damari Oliver.

4. Crystal Falls-Forest Park (25-3)

A young a very talented team from deep in heart of the Upper Peninsula looks primed to make a return trip to the Breslin Center. Junior Vic Giuliani is the headliner. The bouncy 6-3 wing enters the upcoming campaign having already scored 1,000 points. Even though the Trojans graduated three starters there is still plenty of returning talent around Giuliani.

Fellow junior Dax Huuki is the other returning starter. The 6-0 guard should play a larger role this year. Izaiah Tarter is another talented 6-0 junior who should be ready for a larger role. Sophomore Aiden Waldo (5-10) could also earn more time this year. As you can see, that is a lot of backcourt firepower. If they can replace their size this could be a special group. I’ve been told by someone I trust in the UP, that this will not be a problem.

5. adrian Lenawee Christian (22-5)

I won’t over complicate things with a unit that graduated some production from last year’s quarterfinal squad. If you have arguably the top overall senior prospect in the division. You have a case to be a top five team.

Senior Jaxon Salenbien is looking to finish off what has been an outstanding four-year career. The 6-4 multi-talented prospect is major matchup problem in Division IV. Frankly he has the skillset to be matchup problem in an all divisions. He amped up his spring participation by running with a talented REACH squad.

At 6-4, plays all five positions for the Cougars. Offensively plays a lot of point guard. Has the ball handling and play making ability to pull it off. Senior Daniel Scrupsky (5-8) isn’t very big, but is good shooter who gets open looks off of Salenbien’s penetration. If lanky junior Owen Kirkendall (6-0) can take the next step as an upperclassman. This could be a dynamic offensive unit.

6. Fowler (25-4)

After advancing all the way to the finals. The Eagles graduate a significant chunk of production that will be hard to replace. However, like the team that defeated them (Tri-Unity) this is a historic program that always seems to find a way to reload.

It’s a small school team from the Lansing area— so there is a Thelen here. Actually, double your fun. Two of them with Jonah and Isaac Thelen. Jonah is a senior who impressed me last year off the bench. He has some size (6-3) and a unique outside shot. Isaac cracked the Eagles rotation as a sophomore, so there is talent there.

Leading the way for the Eagles will be Joe Epkey. The 6-3 senior center is the lone returning starter. Accordingly, this placement is a big bet on the development of other players in the program.

7. Concord (17-10)

The record isn’t pretty, however the Yellowjackets played a difficult schedule against mostly Division II and III schools. The player to watch is skilled 6-6 senior Connor Stevens. I was very impressed with his play this spring. He tested himself with the Grand Rapids Storm on the new regional Grassroots Basketball League.

Stevens can play both inside and out. He shouldn’t need to do too much out on the perimeter though as the Yellowjackets will also feature two talented guards. Senior Jett Smith (5-10) and junior Darrell Dean Jr (6-0) aren’t very big. However, they make up for it with plenty of speed and multiple years of varsity experience.

8. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (20-4)

Like Fowler, this group loses a lot of production. I’m going to continue to bet on their coaching and historic program development. That being said there is still talent remaining. Senior guard Noah Zein (5-7) isn’t very big but is a dogged defender with plenty of big game experience. He had nice spring with REAL Basketball on the AAU circuit.

As for what will go around him. I’m not entirely sure yet. That being said, I have seen their talented JV team in action this June. Either way you look at it, they are probably set. If they can use those kids, they will be fine. If they have the type of program depth where they don’t need them. They should be equally fine as well.

9. Traverse City Christian (23-3)

As a parochial school in Northern Michigan’s largest town. I’ve long considered this program a bit of a sleeping giant. They fulfilled their potential in a major by advancing all the way to the regional finals last year.

They lose some production including one of the most prolific three-point shooters in MHSAA history. However, if junior point guard Asher Coates is still in the fold. The Sabers have a chance to be the top Division IV team in Northern Michigan. Senior Garrett Schultz will also return to give the Sabers some versatility. While senior Isaiah Willis will provide some size. If young players like junior Ethan Johns (6-3) and sophomore Isaac Torbet (6-0) can take the next step. The Sabers should be able to keep their program momentum going.

10. Vestaburg (12-9)

Going to go a little off the board for the last spot. This tiny district west of Alma has some intriguing young pieces. They share the same last name and are extremely similar in game and frame (they are brothers)

Junior Brehm and freshman Lucas Warczinsky are bulky but skilled guards. The older Warczinsky is a better penetrator. While the younger one is a better shooter with a trigger quick release. They have both tested themselves with a heavy AAU participation schedule. With the younger Warczinsky often playing up an age group.

I don’t know too much about the rest of team at the moment. However, I can almost guarantee you they will be very intense and play a hyper aggressive 1-3-1 half-court trap that will be tough for teams to crack.