Class A: Manning and Hankamp Predict The Quarterfinals
Michigan High School Boys Basketball is through the regional finals. Only eight teams stand and the competition will get even more intense. Prep Hoops Michigan contributors Zachary Manning and Scott Hankamp will give you their key players and predictions for each Class A quarterfinal matchup.
Warren DeLaSalle vs. Detroit U-D Jesuit
Scott Hankamp:
Warren De La Salle Player to Watch- Justin Fischer (2018, PG). He’s a steady leader who can play at any pace. Fischer can dish and score.
Detroit U-D Jesuit Player to Watch- Jalen Thomas (2019, F). He’s got nice length and good feet. He’s active around the rim and solid defensively.
Prediction: Detroit U-D Jesuit
Zachary Manning:
Warren De La Salle Player to Watch- Luke Pfromm (2018, F). He is a very versatile player that can really shoot the ball, and once he get’s going, it’s very hard to slow him down.
Detroit U-D Jesuit Player to Watch- Daniel Friday (2019, F). He’s a phenomenal rebounder that can score in a variety of ways. He is very good at using his strength and length to battle down low.
Prediction: Detroit U-D Jesuit
Clarkston vs. Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Scott Hankamp:
Clarkston Player to Watch- CJ Robinson (2018, G). On a team loaded with talent, he’s the defensive stopper.
Flint Carman-Ainsworth Player to Watch- Ja’Kavien Lewis (2018, PG). Lewis is underrated. He might be the best perimeter defender in Michigan.
Prediction: Clarkston
Zachary Manning:
Clarkston Player to Watch- Foster Loyer (2018, PG). Loyer is arguably the best scorer in the state, but he impacts the game in a variety of other ways as well.
Flint Carman-Ainsworth Player to Watch- Omari Duncan (2018, G). Duncan has been playing the best basketball of his career down the stretch of the season. He’s a scoring machine that is capable of dropping 30 against anyone.
Prediction: Clarkston
East Lansing vs. Holland West Ottawa
Scott Hankamp:
East Lansing Player to Watch- Brandon Johns (2018, F). He’s always had elite talent nationally. This season he’s bigger and stronger and ready to make a run at a state title.
Holland West Ottawa Player to Watch- Tyler Bosma (2018, PF). He’s a solid all around athlete who can score and rebound.
Prediction: East Lansing
Zach Manning:
East Lansing Player to Watch- Malik Jones (2018, G). Brandon Johns gets most of the press, but Jones is a player that gets everyone involved and plays great defense. He can score when he needs to, but his court vision is outstanding.
Holland West Ottawa Player to Watch- Xavier Wade (2018, G). Wade is a really good all around player that doesn’t have to score to make an impact. He is a pretty good rebounder that has great court vision as well.
Prediction: East Lansing
Belleville vs. Novi
Scott Hankamp:
Belleville Player to Watch- Davion Williams (2018, G). He is so strong and smart as a player. Williams is a threat on both ends of the floor.
Novi Player to Watch- Tariq Woody (2018, PF). He’s a dynamic big who is severely underrated. He can shoot, handle the ball, and pass from the high post.
Prediction- Belleville
Zach Manning:
Belleville Player to Watch- Connor Bush (2020, F). Bush is an athletic freak that rebounds the ball very well. He also has a pretty good low post game that can give opponents trouble.
Novi Player to Watch- Traveon Maddox Jr. (2018, G). Maddox Jr. is a really great scorer that has in the gym range. He isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere, and his ability to drive and finish at the rim makes him tough to guard.
Prediction: Novi