D1 Quarterfinal Predictions And Key Players
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We are deep in the state playoffs and only 8 teams in each division are left standing. I’m going to give you my predictions and key players. ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S VS. WARREN DE LA SALLE 3/22, 7pm at University…
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Continue ReadingWe are deep in the state playoffs and only 8 teams in each division are left standing. I’m going to give you my predictions and key players.
ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S VS. WARREN DE LA SALLE
3/22, 7pm at University of Detroit Mercy
Prediction: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Key Players:
Kareem Rozier Kareem Rozier 5'9" | PG Orchard Lake St. Mary's | 2022 State MI (2022, PG, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s)
De La Salle has a lot of athletic playmakers on the perimeter. If Rozier can hinder them with his elite chest to chest defense, OLSM will have an instant advantage.
Michael Sulaka Michael Sulaka 6'8" | C Warren De La Salle | 2023 State MI (2023, F/C, De La Salle)
Sulaka’s game continues to grow on both ends of the floor. De La Salle will need him to crash the boards and to protect the rim on defense.
GRAND RAPIDS NORTHVIEW VS. KALAMAZOO CENTRAL
3/22, 7PM at Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg
Prediction: Grand Rapids Northview
Key Players:
Calvin Hyde Calvin Hyde 6'9" | PF Northview | 2022 State MI (2022, PF, Northview)
Hyde is a very good post player that is willing to win the small battles that lead to big victories. It will be very important that he hits the defensive glass and limits Kalamazoo Central 2nd chance points.
Hutch Ward Hutch Ward 6'8" | PF Kalamazoo Central | 2023 State MI (2023, F, Kalamazoo Central)
Ward has exploded during Kalamazoo Central’s run to the quarterfinals. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If he continues shooting the way he is, KZoo Central is really tough beat.
GRAND BLANC VS. DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Prediction: Grand Blanc
Key Players:
RJ Taylor RJ Taylor 6'0" | PG Grand Blanc | 2023 State #262 Nation MI (2023, PG, Grand Blanc)
This is an incredible matchup between 2 elite lead guards. Taylor can pass his teammates open and is underrated in his efficiency scoring the ball.
Chas Lewless Chas Lewless 6'3" | PG Detroit King | 2024 KS (2024, PG, Detroit Catholic Central)
Lewless is an elite point guard that any coach would want setting the table for their team. His game is mature beyond his years and he has a very high basketball IQ.
BELLEVILLE VS. DETROIT CASS TECH
Prediction: Detroit Cass Tech
Key Players:
Trayvon Parker Trayvon Parker 6'4" | SF Belleville | 2022 State MI (2022, SF, Belleville)
Parker is an underrated wing that has a game similar to Bowens below. He’s a bit more perimeter oriented, but he has good positional strength and can finish above the rim with power.
Rylan Bowens Rylan Bowens 6'7" | PF Cass Technical | 2022 State MI (2022, SF, Detroit Cass Tech)
Bowens is an extremely talented forward on both ends. Defensively, he can get off the ground, play vertical defense, and protect the rim. On offense, he’s one the most powerful finishers in the state and has very nice touch in his mid range game.