By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS A
Top teams statewide
University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, Detroit Western International, Muskegon, Saginaw Arthur Hill
Top area teams
Grand Ledge, Holt, Lansing Everett, Saginaw, Saginaw Arthur Hill
Top players statewide
Deyonta Davis, Muskegon; Cassius Winston, University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy
Top area players
Brian Bowen, Saginaw Arthur Hill; Brad Brechting, Cedar Springs; Eric Davis, Saginaw Arthur Hill; Trevor Manuel, Lansing Everett; Mikhail Myles, East Lansing; RonQuavious Southward, Saginaw
Basketball in mid Michigan will never be the same after this season. With the likely closing of Saginaw High School, one of the most storied rivalries in the state will be no more. This year’s swan song promises to be memorable, as both Arthur Hill and Saginaw have teams that boast plenty of talent.
For Arthur Hill, senior guard Eric Davis is back for his final season and has his sights set on the Mr. Basketball award and a state title. He is joined by super sophomore Brian Bowen (6’6″) to form the most dangerous inside/outside combo in the state. De’Qavion Johnson (6’5″) and Will Rogers (6’5″) add more strength up front, and freshman Jimmie Bell (6’9″, 315 pounds) has the kind of size that comes around rarely.
Saginaw High has a big-time talent of its own in RonQuavious Southward (6’6″). Sophomore Eddie Thigpen (6’5″) is another rising star, as is junior Terrance Crumpton (6’8″).
Elsewhere in the SVL North, Heritage has some talented players. Senior guard Jalen Young (5’6″) and junior shooting guard Quinn Erway (6’2″) can both score. Junior Elijah Aberth (6’7″) provides size in the paint.
Mount Pleasant was hit hard by graduation but has some talented youngsters ready to play. Junior Kalebb Perry (6’4″) is ready to take on a larger role this year. Sophomore Obie Ricumstrict is stepping in at the point, while fellow sophomore Noah Ingram is another talented guard.
Graduation hit Owosso hard, also, but the Trojans do return a pair of senior talents who will form an outstanding nucleus. Jalen Weekley (6’1″) can light it up from outside, while forward Gavin Barnes (6’2″) is a solid all-around talent.
The big news in Lansing is the return of Trevor Manuel. The former Sexton star, who played at Oak Hill Academy last year, is at Everett this season. The 6’10” Manuel, who is headed to the University of Oregon, instantly makes the Vikings a major contender. Veteran point guard Deshae Doll and junior shooting guard Jamyrin Jackson provide the outside threats.
Holt features one of the most talented young squads in the area. The Rams have a dynamic backcourt in juniors Trent Stone (5’10”) and Vontrell Jackson (5’6″), who provide plenty of high-octane offense. Junior Jaylin Cooper (5’10”) can fill it up also, and sophomore Jaron Faulds (6’9″) provides the size in the paint.
East Lansing will also be making a big impact this season. Senior guard Mikhail Myles (6’3″), a transfer from Corunna, can light it up with anyone. Sophomore Westin Myles (6’4″) returns with a year of varsity experience under his belt and will team up with his older brother. The Trojans also have Brandon Johns (6’7″), a multi-dimensional player who is already ranked among the top freshmen in the nation.
Grand Ledge also has its sights set on the CAAC Blue title. Senior guards Cassell Jones (5’11”) and J.T. Houghton (6’1″) head up a stellar backcourt that also includes junior standout Malek Adams (6’2″). Junior center Josh Horford (6’5″) provides the post presence.
Lansing Eastern has a dynamic one-two punch in senior forward Dontre Garrett (6’0″) and junior wing Zseale McCullough (6’5″).
Okemos is led by standout senior guard Conner George (6’3″). Junior guard Chaz Richardson (6’1″) is another talented guard on whom the Chieftains can call.
DeWitt again looks to be the team to beat in the CAAC Red. The Panthers return a pair of all-conference players in senior guard Ben Zamiara (5’11”) and junior forward Evan Conn (6’4″). DeWitt also boasts one of the best freshman players in mid Michigan in Tanner Reha (6’3″). A prolific outside shooter, Reha poured in 22 points in his varsity debut against East Lansing.
St. Johns has a team with impressive size and talent this season. Senior Austin Ervin (6’5″) is a force in the paint along with senior forwards Brett Mazzolini (6’5″) and Nick Niznak (6’5″). Sophomore Ben Feldpausch (6’1″) supplies a threat from the perimeter.
Cedar Springs boasts one of the premier centers in the state in Brad Brechting. The 6’11” senior is headed to Oakland University next year. The Red Hawks can also count on junior Taylor VanDyke (6’3″) and senior guard Nate Sorenson (6’0″).
Lowell has one of the premier shooters in the state in sophomore guard Matt Beachler (6’2″). Beachler is already drawing the attention of Division I colleges. Senior Ryan Stevens (6’2″) can also light it up, and senior Matt Brannagan (6’4″) provides a post presence.
Rockford boasts a talented backcourt, with point guard Nolan Bryant (5’7″) and shooting guard Casey Kelting (6’0″). The Rams also have good length up front with sophomore Ryan Gamm (6’6″), junior Austin VanRosmalen (6’6″), and Michael Peterson (6’5″).