Breslin Bound: Class D
Each day brings us closer and closer to the start of the regular season here in Michigan. While we’re certainly quite some time away from the state championship, the beginning of the road to the Breslin Center will be here before we know it. Plenty of things can and will happen to make things interesting as the season progresses – breakout seasons, impact underclassmen, upsets and injuries are just a few possibilities that could make the season interesting. That, however, remains to be seen. Let’s take a preseason look at some Class D teams that have a legitimate shot at playing in the Breslin Center this year:
Southfield Christian – Southfield Christian should be the clear-cut favorite to take home the Class D state championship this year. Last year, the Eagles made the move from Class C to class D, making it all the way to the final four. It appeared as though they were poised to win the state championship – that was until eventual champion Powers North Central hit a go-ahead, game-winning layup as the clock expired. Despite losing 1,000-point scorer Brock Washington, Southfield Christian returns a 1,000-point scorer in Bryce Washington, as well as Harlond Beverly, who holds high-major D1 offers already, and Caleb Hunter, who holds D1 offers as well. This talented big three will be an overwhelming match for most teams in Class D – especially given the fact that any of these players would be a number one option on another team. Outside of their top three, another solid option will be 2020 guard Daijon Humphrey, a tough perimeter defender who will give the Eagles a lot of energy. If any, this season will be state title or bust for Southfield Christian.
Fowler – Last year, Fowler was one of the top in Class D before falling to Southfield Christian in the playoffs. They take a big loss with the graduation of big Jeremy Pung, who now plays at Saginaw Valley State. However, they return many of their key pieces outside of Pung, including 6’7″ forward Mason Pline, who’s committed to Ferris State. Pline will be a matchup problem for most, if not all, teams in Class D due to his combination of size, strength, mobility and skill. Fowler will have good size as Pline’s little brother, 6’6″ forward Carter Pline, looks to step up after gaining valuable experience as a freshman last year. Fowler also returns a pair of guards who will be instrumental in their success this year. If Mason Pline plays aggressive and takes control of the game like his talent will allow him to, and Carter Pline can step up and be a reliable second option, Fowler will be a legitimate threat in Class D this year.
Buckley – Last year, Buckley went undefeated until the final game of the season, suffering a loss to Powers North Central in the state championship game. They return their core from last year’s state runner-up team – led by Denver Cade and Austin Harris, the Bears will be dangerous from beyond the arc. These two alone will be enough firepower to push them through the early rounds of the playoffs, however, Buckley also returns the other three starters from last year’s squad. With the entire starting five having gained valuable playoff experience, the Bears should be even better this year. Expect them to make a deep run yet again.
Frankfort – Frankfort will be led by the talented duo of Jaylon Rodgers and Matt Loney. Rogers, who will be Frankfort’s number one option, is a 6′ guard with above-average athleticism. He is a jack-of-all-trades type of player who is capable of defending the opponent’s best player. Loney should be the number two option and will look to take the next step in his final year as a high school hooper. Frankfort also has another solid player in Griffin Kelly, who had multiple good games last season. Frankfort has the ability to make a deep run in the playoffs and pull off an upset against some of the more favored teams in Class D.
Other notable Class D contenders: Muskegon Heights, Norway, Plymouth Christian