D1 And D2 Semifinal: Previews, Players And Predictions
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The semifinals are here and great teams and top talent are ready to square off for the opportunity to play for a state title. I’m going to give you key players and my prediction for the semifinals in Division 1…
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Continue ReadingThe semifinals are here and great teams and top talent are ready to square off for the opportunity to play for a state title. I’m going to give you key players and my prediction for the semifinals in Division 1 and Division 2. Please comment and give us your prediction and key players as well!
DIVISION 1
WARREN DE LA SALLE VS. GRAND RAPIDS NORTHVIEW
PREVIEW: Both teams are coming off thrilling last second shots to advance to the semis. Both teams feature elite athletes and excellent depth of talent.
KEY PLAYERS:
Michael Sulaka Michael Sulaka 6'8" | C Warren De La Salle | 2023 State MI (2023, C, De La Salle)
The talented post player was huge in the quarterfinal win and could be a huge factor again. He can be a dependable post scorer as well as a rim protector.
Kyler Vanderjagt Kyler Vanderjagt 6'4" | 195 lbs | SF Northview | 2022 State MI (2022, SG, Northview)
Vanderjagt is becoming a legend in the state of Michigan. He continues to hit big shot after big shot this season. His leadership and shooting are key in this matchup.
PREDICTION: Grand Rapids Northview
GRAND BLANC VS. BELLEVILLE
PREVIEW: Belleville is an upstart squad, but don’t be fooled because they are rich in talent and have a trio of athletic playmakers. For Grand Blanc, it’s been a long time since they lost a playoff game. They have the talent and composure needed to repeat.
KEY PLAYERS:
Tae Boyd Tae Boyd 6'3" | SF Grand Blanc | 2023 State MI (2023, SF, Grand Blanc)
The easy player to put here would be RJ Taylor RJ Taylor 6'0" | PG Grand Blanc | 2023 State #262 Nation MI , but I’m going to put Boyd. A lot of that is because of the chemistry that Boyd and Taylor have shown. If Boyd gets rolling, we know Taylor will get him the rock.
Mario Johnson Mario Johnson 6'4" | SG Belleville | 2022 State MI (2022, SG, Belleville)
Johnson is a solid athlete that can make plays in a set as well as in isolation. His length and athleticism can give his defender fits and he will be relied upon as a veteran playmaker.
PREDICTION: Grand Blanc
DIVISION 2
GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC CENTRAL VS. FERNDALE
PREVIEW: This matchup is of no surprise. Catholic Central and Ferndale have been 2 of the top teams in the state all season long. Buckle up, because this will be a good one.
KEY PLAYERS:
Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI (2023, PG, Grand Rapids Catholic Central)
Brown has been playing terrific basketball. He’s been a consistent big shot taker and big shot maker for Catholic Central. If he handles the ball efficiently and is feeling his jumper, it will go a long way for his team.
Jason Drake Jason Drake 6'2" | CG Ferndale | 2022 State MI (Ferndale)
There’s a rhyme and rhythm to Ferndale. When Jason Drake Jason Drake 6'2" | CG Ferndale | 2022 State MI plays well, they usually win. Drake is an elite athlete that’s beyond tough when he gets downhill.
PREDICTION: Grand Rapids Catholic Central
WILLIAMSTON VS. FREELAND
PREVIEW: These 2 teams come into the semifinal matchup with a combined 50-0 record. Can Freeland’s toughness and team chemistry come out on top of Williamston’s size and athleticism?
KEY PLAYERS:
Mason Docks Mason Docks PG Williamston | 2022 State MI (2022, PG, Williamston)
Docks is super fast with the ball in his hands and can change direction on a dime. His speed and explosiveness have been an issue for opponents all season long.
Josh Elliott Josh Elliott SG Freeland | 2022 State MI (2022, SG, Freeland)
Elliott is an excellent shooter that has a great recognition of quality looks at the rim from outside. He’s smart with the ball and is willing to sacrifice a good shot for a great one.
PREDICTION: Williamston