WINGERT: Final 4 Previews and Predictions
The field has been set and fans from all over the state of Michigan have made plans to invade Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University. Now let’s take a look at what to expect and who to…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe field has been set and fans from all over the state of Michigan have made plans to invade Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University. Now let’s take a look at what to expect and who to watch this weekend at the MHSAA State Finals.
Not happy with my predictions and players to watch? Check out Scott Hankamp’s picks for some different thoughts on this year’s finals.
DIVISION 1
Howell vs. Ypsilanti Lincoln (March 15, Noon, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Tony Hankala – Howell (2020, G); Emoni Bates – Ypsilanti Lincoln (2022, F)
Prediction: Ypsilanti Lincoln
This marks the first-ever trip to the state finals for Ypsilanti Lincoln. Bates has played in front of capacity crowds all season long. Now he and the Railsplitters will get to play in front of fans from around the state who have only read about him.
UD Jesuit vs. Okemos (March 15, 2PM, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Jalen Thomas – UD Jesuit (2019, C); Noah Pruitt – Okemos (2020, SG)
Prediction: UD Jesuit
UD Jesuit is loaded with talent and they’ve won each of its playoff games by an average of 27 points.
Championship Game (March 16 at 12:15PM, Breslin Center)
Ypsilanti Lincoln vs. UD Jesuit
Prediction: UD Jesuit
DIVISION 2
Ludington vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (March 15, 5:30PM, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Joshua Laman– Ludington (2019, F); Ryan Takens – Hudsonville Unity Christian (2019, G)
Prediction: Hudsonville Unity Christian
It’s Ludington’s second semifinal appearance in the last three years but Unity Christian’s first since 1973. Destiny is on their side.
River Rouge vs. Harper Woods Chandler Park (March 15, 7:30PM, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Nigel Colvin – River Rouge (2019, SG); Tyland Tate – Harper Woods Chandler Park (2019, G/F)
Prediction: River Rouge
In my opinion, this is your Division 2 State Championship game.
Championship Game (March 16 at 6:45PM, Breslin Center)
Hudsonville Unity Christian vs. River Rouge
Prediction: River Rouge
DIVISION 3
Iron Mountain vs. DEPSA (March 14, Noon, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Marcus Johnson – Iron Mountain (2020, G); Raynard Williams – DEPSA (2020, F)
Prediction: DEPSA
DEPSA is one of the most well-rounded and deep teams I’ve seen all season. Crown ’em.
Erie Mason vs. Pewamo-Westphalia (March 14, 2PM, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Jake Trainor – Erie Mason (2019, G, Erie Mason); Collin Trierweiler – Pewamo-Westphalia (2019, PG)
Prediction: Pewamo-Westphalia
A tested Pewamo-Westphalia rolls on. But expect Joey Liedel (2020) and Erie Mason to put up a fight. Liedel hung 40 points in the Eagles quarterfinal victory.
Championship Game (March 16 at 4:30PM, Breslin Center)
DEPSA vs. Pewamo-Westphalia
Prediction: DEPSA
DIVISION 4
Dollar Bay vs. Southfield Christian (March 14, 5:30PM, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Davin Hill – Dollar Bay (2021, PG) ; Jon Sanders – Southfield Christian (2019, G)
Prediction: Southfield Christian
It’s the second year in a row these two teams will collide in the semifinals, but Southfield Christian is much more experienced on the floor of the Breslin Center. Guard play helps them cruise into the state title game.
Frankfort vs. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (March 14, 7:30PM, Breslin Center)
Players to Watch: Will Newbold – Frankfort (2019, G) ; Brady Titus – Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (2022, PG)
Prediction: Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian
Tri-Unity’s 1-2 punch of Bennett Sinner (2019) and Titus should give Frankfort fits all Thursday evening.
Championship Game (March 16 at 10:00AM, Breslin Center)
Southfield Christian vs. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian
Prediction: Southfield Christian