CLASS C
Top teams statewide: Consortium College Preparatory, NorthPointe Christian, Mt. Clemens, Negaunee
Consortium College Preparatory returns the premier sophomore in the state, Josh Jackson (6’6″). Jackson is a multi-dimensional player with big-time skills, who is considered one of the top two sophomores in the entire nation.
NorthPointe Christian is a deep squad that is led by sharp-shooting senior guard Drew Zuidema. Senior Zach Baker (6’5″) is a proven scorer in the paint, and the Mustangs will get a big lift from transfer Khadim Dieng (6’11”), who is coming from Oak Hill Academy in January.
Mt. Clemens is coming off a big season and has a dynamic backcourt in junior Josh McFolley and sensational freshman guard Jermaine Jackson, Jr.
Negaunee advanced to the Class C state semifinal before falling to Laingsburg last year. All-state point guard Tony Jandron returns to pace the team this year.
Team area teams: Carson City-Crystal, Beecher, Hamady, Ithaca, Laingsburg, Merrill, Pewamo-Westphalia, Nouvel Catholic Central
Senior point guard Arron Haines leads the way for Carson City-Crystal this year.
Beecher has captured the last two Class C state titles, but adding a third will be difficult. Graduation hit the Buccaneers hard and includes the loss of Mr. Basketball, Monte Morris, who is now at Iowa State University. However, sophomore Aquavius Burks (6’3″) is a good player around whom to build, as he made a big impact last year.
Hamady has another athletic team that will make a charge from the Flint area. Jamil Demps and Jalen Fykes lead the way for the Hawks.
The good times in Ithaca don’t end when football season concludes. The Yellowjacket boys basketball team went 13-1 and won the Tri-Valley Conference West last year. With plenty of talent back, another big year is in the cards. A trio of starters return, led by all-conference forward Logan Hessbrook (6’4″). Senior guard Eli Villalobos (5’9″) also returns, as does athletic senior forward Travis Smith (6’2″). Add transfer Josh Hafner and sophomore Jacob Smith, and the ingredients for a big season of Ithaca basketball are in place.
Laingsburg suffered heavy graduation losses from a squad that came within a point of winning the state title last year. The Wolfpack have some talented juniors to rebuild around this year, led by junior guard Ryan Wade.
Merrill is looking for a big season, thanks to some tall front court players. Hunter DeBeau (6’7″) gives the Vandals a big presence in the post, while Tyler Aldrich (6’4″) and Austin Glazier (6’3″) add more size at forward.
Pewamo-Westphalia suffered some heavy graduation losses, but an outstanding senior trio will keep it among the state’s elite Class C teams. Senior guard Nitck Spitzley averaged 19 points per game and is being heavily recruited by a number of GLIAC schools. Senior guard Adam Wesley is another outstanding backcourt player. The Pirates also have an outstanding big man in senior Lane Simon (6’5″), who is a strong rebounder who can score in the paint.
Nouvel Catholic Central returns all five starters from last year’s squad. It is a deep squad with plenty of versatility and is led by Garrett Graham, Nate Grapiel, Chris Rybinski, and Tyler Jaqmain.
Top players in the state
Josh Jackson, soph., Detroit Consortium Preparatory; Tony Jandron, sr., Negaunee; Josh McFolley, jr., Mt. Clemens; Luke Meyer, sr., Addison; Drew Zuidema, sr., NorthPointe Christian
Top area players
Aquavius Burks, soph., Beecher; Arron Haines, sr., Carson City-Crystal; Logan Hessbrook, sr., Ithaca; Lane Simon, sr., Pewamo-Westphalia; Nick Spitzley, sr., Pewamo-Westphalia; Ryan Wade, jr., Laingsburg; Adam Wesley, sr., Pewamo-Westphalia
CLASS D
Top teams statewide: Inter-City Baptist, North Central, Southfield Christian, Tri-Unity Christian
Inter-City Baptist from Allen Park has been a Class D power for years and has another solid squad led by senior guard Evan Kraatz.
North Central looks to be the power out of the Upper Peninsula this season.
Southfield Christian has won the past two Class D state titles. With a talented backcourt led by Lindsay Hunter (6’0″) and Bakari Evelyn (6’1″) and a talented front court , it will be the favorite to make it three in a row.
Tri-Unity Christian suffered some heavy graduation losses but will develop into another solid outfit by the end of the season.
Top area teams: Fowler, Fulton, Lansing Christian, Sacred Heart Academy, New Lothrop
Fowler was hit hard by graduation, but with junior guard Austin Cook (5’11”), the Eagles will still be dangerous. Senior forward Joe Smith also returns.
Fulton turned in a 17-5 mark last season. With four all-conference players back, another strong season is in the cards. Senior guard Dalton Trefil (5’9″) earned all-state honors last year, while sophomore guard Colton Antes (5’10”) is an outstanding all-around player. Senior Nathan Davis (6’2″) and junior Gregg Jones (6’2″) bring talent to the front court.
Lansing Christian is paced by standout senior guard Jordan Terry (5’10”) but will have to find replacements for key players who graduated.
Sacred Heart Academy has a dominating front line. Seniors Brooks Hyble (6’6″) and Kevin Gamble (6’6″) are a dominating pair of forwards.
New Lothrop will have another talented, athletic squad. Kyle White is an accurate outside shooter, while Brandon Green can also score points.
Top players in the state
Bakari Evelyn, jr., Southfield Christian; Lindsay Hunter, sr., Southfield Christian; Evan Kraatz, sr., Inter-City Baptist
Top area players
Colton Antes, soph., Fulton; Austin Cook, sr., Fowler; Kevin Gamble, sr., Sacred Heart Academy; Brooks Hyble, sr., Sacred Heart Academy; Griffin Lewis, sr., Morrice; Jordan Terry, sr., Lansing Christian; Dalton Trefil, sr., Fulton; Kyle White, sr., New Lothrop.