District 26-A Preview
The regular season is coming to a close and the state playoffs begin next week. District 26-A is one that will be very interesting to watch. There is talent on every team and from every class, sophomores through seniors.
THE FAVORITE
Belleville has to be considered the leader of the pack. They are led Michigan State commit, Gabe Brown (2018, F). Brown is a high motor athlete who can score from deep or with a finish at the rim. Belleville is deep and athletic, being the home of five of Prep Hoops Michigan’s top 156 prospects in the class of 2018. They have a plethora of backcourt talent. Davion Williams (Michigan State football commit) is a tough hard nosed athlete. Belleville also relies on Devin Alverson (2018, G/F, Ranked #88), Kaevon Merriweather (2018, PG, Ranked #85), and Cameron Smiley (2018, PG, Ranked #156).
KEY PLAYERS
Belleville: Gabe Brown (2018, SF)
Monroe: Jalen Johnson (2019, G)
Saline: Trevor Arico (2020, G)
Bedford: Zach Lewandowski (2018, F)
Ypsilanti: Josh Perkins (2018, C)
Ypsilanti-Lincoln: Amari Frye (2019, G/F)
THE FIRST ROUND
Bedford vs. Belleville
Belleville will be highly favored simply because of their firepower. But be careful, because Bedford is the type of team that can never be counted out. They are disciplined and tough. Plus, they have Zach Lewandowski who has had a stellar senior season. Bedford will need to control the pace and that will be the responsibility of guards Dylan Blossom and Matt Kohler.
Saline vs. Ypsilanti-Lincoln
This could be a very intriguing matchup. Both teams have very good backcourts led by young players. Saline has Griffin Yaklich (2020) and Trevor Arico (2020). Yaklich is a smooth guard who can get to the paint and finish off a floater or get to the line. Arico is a sharpshooter who can get hot at any time. Lincoln is led by a trio of junior guards: Amari Frye, Tahj Chatman, and Jalen Fisher. Frye is a smooth scorer who is a spark plug on defense. Chatman is a smart leader and Fisher is quick and versatile.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Bedord vs. Belleville winner will face Ypsilanti in one semi final.
The Saline vs. Lincoln winner will face Monroe in the other semi final.
PREDICTIONS
QUARTERFINALS
Belleville over Bedford: The Belleville athletes take over and beat a hard nosed Bedord team.
Saline over Lincoln: This could go either way. Who’s backcourt wins the battle? Emmett Turner (2018, F, Saline) may be the difference maker.
SEMIFINALS
Belleville over Ypsilanti: Ypsilanti has to be extremely efficient on the offensive end and needs a huge game from Josh Perkins. Belleville may have too many weapons.
Saline over Monroe: Saline’s backcourt and depth proves too much for Monroe.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Belleville over Saline: Belleville’s combination of weapons, depth, and experience leads themselves to a title.