MHSAA Preview: Five More for Division I
With the season tipping off Monday. Going into to OT on my preseason preview series. Moving onto the two largest classifications in Michigan is tough. As larger enrollments means more good teams. It’s not bias, just simple math. I’ll embed my way-to-early previews from May. Then give you five more teams to watch. There will be changes in these lists as the high school transfer portal works its way out. I’ll release a final preseason top 10 before the big tip off events kick off this weekend. (Last years record in parentheses)
Division I
North Farmington (22-2) Like a blue blooded college team. They lose a lot of production, but they gain a lot as well. When you have a backcourt populated by Division I basketball commitments you are definitely a state championship contender. Landon Williams is a 6-4 point guard committed to Niagara. The scariest part of his skilled game is that he might be able to move off the ball this year (more on that later). Tyler Spratt will look to step into the Ryan Hurst (Detroit-Mercy) alpha scoring role. The 6-5 Cleveland St commit should be more than up to the task. Williams’ability to move off the ball might be necessitated by the addition of transfer 2025 point guard Robert Smith. I was impressed with Smith’s ability in a loaded Oak Park backcourt last year. Front court help will come in the form of 6-7 Walled Lake Western transfer Dylan Smith.
River Rogue (17-5) This is a bet on one of the more underrated players in the state. Senior 6-6 prospect Keshawn Fisher can do just about everything from the wing spot. I was throughly impressed by his July performance with DTO Elite in Grand Rapids and on the Under Armour circuit. The Panthers have guards for days and a head coach in Joe Carr who knows how to use them. When you have the history and tradition of the Rogue program. It’s tough to fly under the radar. This team has the talent to raise a trophy or two (or three) in March.
Saginaw Heritage (16-8) The prototype for the 21st century basketball player could best be described in the Steph/Trae “small ball” mold. Even the big guys trend towards super skinny and play away from the basket (Vic/Chet) The duo leading Heritage are old school rough and tumble forwards similar to the players I grew up watching in the 90’s. Don’t take that analogy too far though. Toledo commit Tyler Ode is extremely skilled on the perimeter. However complements that skill with a ferocious competitiveness and willingness to punish defenders on the block. Braylon Isom doesn’t need me to spill much ink on his toughness. His gridiron exploits speak volumes on their own. One of the best statistical receivers in MHSAA history in on his way to play football at Miami (OH) Don’t let the position fool you. While he has the speed and explosiveness to play wideout. He built like a truck with broad shoulders. If by some chance Isom decides to begin his football career ASAP and graduate early. There is still plenty of young talent to keep Heritage a factor. Particularly 6-8 sophomore Noah Arnold.
Davison (17-7) Like their parochial counterparts in Flint Powers Catholic. Might be a year early with this bunch as most of their contributors are juniors or underclassmen. When Mike Williams came over Flint Beecher you knew he would eventually win big. Now starting year three. It looks like he might have the type of team to do just that. Led by nationally ranked junior point guard Greg Lawson. Lawson has excellent size (6-3) for a lead guard prospect and does so many things well. Beyond Lawson the Cardinals have depth and weapons all over the court. I really like the game of 6-4 sophomore Jackson Bowden. They also appear to be slated to add Flint Hamady transfers Warren Cain and Amari’yunn Smith Blythe. I say “appears” because I have already messed up a few times having these guys with other squads. That being said, I did attend a Davison football game and they were both on the roster— so I feel pretty safe for now. However with the MHSAA transfer process, you never know. Speaking of said football team. It will be p interesting to see how this group starts as many of the aforementioned players played in the semi final run. They aren’t ducking anyone early as they take on defending Division II champ Ferndale this Saturday.
Hudsonville (18-8) Coming off a regional final appearance. The Eagles return most of their rotation and have everything you need expect size. They have an elite passer and floor general in Division II commit Brayden Szamrej (Tiffin). When the outside shot is falling for the 6-2 prospect there is really not much defenses can do. If he needs to play off the ball for a bit. They can slide emerging sophomore Jovaan Daniels into his spot without missing a beat. Like the rest of his team Daniels is only missing size at this point of his development. These two guards are surrounded by good shooters who know how to pick their spots. The x-factor is 6-4 senior Breylan McPhaul. As a next level baseball prospect he is a little under the radar. However when he is clicking he provides much needed size and dynamic athleticism.
