CLASS A
Top teams statewide: Clarkston, Detroit Pershing, Muskegon, Ypsilanti
Clarkston won the D1 state title in football and has the athletes to do it in basketball, as well. Senior point guard Press Kampe is a coach on the floor, and Michael Nicholson (6’8″) is a talented post player.
Pershing is again a power in the Detroit Public School League. Senior Justin Tillman (6’7″) is a talented front court player, while Mory Diane (6’3″) is an explosive guard.
Muskegon is not just a football school, and quarterback Deshaun Thrower is one of the leaders of the hoops squad at a guard spot. Junior Deyonta Davis (6’8″) is a national top-100 recruit and may be the second-best junior in the state.
Ypsilanti has an excellent big man in University of Louisville recruit Jaylin Johnson. Sophomore point guard Corey Allen is another high-profile recruit in the making.
Top area teams: Holt, Lansing Eastern, Mt. Pleasant, Rockford, Saginaw, Saginaw Arthur Hill
Holt is one of the top teams in the Lansing area this year. Senior point guard Don’Quall Jackson (5’10”) is a talented floor general. Senior forward Colin Jones (6’3″) is a steady offensive threat, while freshman Jaron Faulds (6’8″) has potential and gives the Rams a presence in the post.
Lansing Eastern will give Holt a challenge. The Quakers have an experienced team, led by the inside-outside duo of senior guard Tameron Williams-Baker (6’4″) and senior forward DeQuandre Dentmond (6’8″).
Mt. Pleasant is another senior-dominated team and will be the best non-Saginaw team in the valley. Senior Jaleel Hogan (6’7″) is a load in the post and is a University of Detroit commitment. Anton Cotton, Aaron Leasher, and TJ Johnson add more talent to the Oiler lineup.
Rockford has a veteran squad, with seven seniors back. The Rams are solid up front, led by senior Chris Sunday (6’6″), who is a load in the post.
Saginaw captured the Class A state title in 2012, reached the state semifinal last year, and has the talent for another deep tournament run this year. Senior Keyon Addison is one of the best point guards in the state. Sophomore Algevon Eichelberger (6’7″) is a talented young big man who will team up with senior Jerry Smith (6’4″) up front. The backcourt is deep, with Malik Jordan (6’1″) returning and with promising freshman Ronquavious Southward (5’10”).
Arthur Hill is led by Eric Davis (6’3″), who is the premier junior in the state and who is being recruited by the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, and Kentucky. A host of veterans return along with Davis, and newcomers like 6’8″ center Josh Jones and explosive freshman Brian Bowen (6’6″) promise to make this a memorable season for the defending league champions, who will battle it out with Saginaw High once more in the league and at the district.
Top players in the state:
Daryl Bingham, sr., Detroit Southeastern; Deyonta Davis, jr., Muskegon; Jaylon Johnson, sr., Ypsilanti; Justin Tillman, sr., Detroit Pershing; Cassius Winston, soph., University of Detroit Jesuit
Top area players:
Keyon Adddison, sr., Saginaw; Brad Brechting, jr., Cedar Springs; Brian Bowen, fr., Saginaw Arthur Hill; Eric Davis, jr., Saginaw Arthur Hill; Algevon Eichelberger, soph., Saginaw; Jaleel Hogan, sr., Mt. Pleasant; Don’Quall Jackson, sr., Holt; Tameron Williams-Baker, sr., Lansing Eastern
CLASS B
Top teams statewide: Detroit Country Day, Detroit Douglass, Milan, Wayland Union
Country Day won the Class B state title last year, but change has come to the program. New coach Mark Bray is on the bench, and four starters are gone from last year. The Yellowjackets do return Edmond Sumner (6’4″), who is headed to Xavier University and is one of the top players in the state.
Detroit Douglass has a dynamic backcourt, with Darrell Davis (6’4″) and Terrell Hales (6’2″).
Milan has one of the top young teams in Class B. Junior guard Latin Davis (5’10”) is a talented point guard, while Nick Perkins (6’7″) is a dominating front court player.
Wayland Union has a talented one-two punch, with junior point guard Dilon Aten and junior power forward LJ James (6’7″).
Team area teams: Alma, Big Rapids, Corunna, Flint Southwestern, Lansing Catholic, Millington, Portland, Williamston
Alma captured a district title last year, and plenty of talent returns this year. It has a deep team with good all-around athletic talent.
Big Rapids reached the Class B state quarterfinals last season before falling to Cadillac. The Cardinals return a number of key players this year, led by sharp-shooting senior guard Quinn Tyson, who can fill it up from three-point land. Senior guard Nick Baldwin also returns to the backcourt.
Corunna turned in a 17-4 record last year and, with the bulk of its key players back, is primed for another big season. Senior MJ Myles and junior Mikhail Myles (6’3″) give the Cavaliers a dynamic one-two punch. Senior guard Josh Fattal is another talented backcourt player.
Flint Southwestern returns a talented squad this winter. Senior point guard Malik Young is a four-year veteran, while junior Jaire Grayer (6’5″) is an explosive wing who can fill it up in a hurry.
Lansing Catholic returns a veteran crew with plenty of size. Senior David Poljan (6’8″) is a force in the middle, while sophomore Tony Poljan (6’7″) is a multi-talented forward who can hit from outside. Junior Matthew Fata (6’0″) is a talented guard with experience.
Millington has the most talented team in the TV East and is poised for a breakout year. The Cardinals have a solid senior class , and junior guard Austin Levan (6’2″) is one of the premier junior guards in the area. Levan averaged 20 points per game last year and is an outstanding all-around athlete.
Portland has a sizable lineup, led by 6’7″ guard Brodie VanRyper. The Raiders also feature a sizable front line, with senior Zac Gustafson (6’6″) and senior Jacob Pohl (6’5″).
Williamston may have the top big man in the CAAC White in senior Tom Cotter (6’7″). Sophomore guard Riley Lewis is a talented backcourt player who gives the Hornets a productive one-two, inside-outside game.
Top players in the state:
Jalen Brooks, sr., Cadillac; Darrell Davis, sr., Detroit Douglass; Nick Perkins, jr., Milan; Edmond Sumner, sr., Detroit Country Day; Khari Willis, jr., Lumen Christi Catholic
Top area players
Tom Cotter, sr., Williamston; Tommie Henderson, sr., Carrollton; Austin LeVan, jr., Millington; Mikhail Myles, jr., Corunna; MJ Myles, sr., Corunna; Tony Poljan, soph., Lansing Catholic; Corey Townsend, soph., Powers Catholic; Quinn Tyson, sr., Big Rapids; Malik Young, sr., Flint Southwestern