By BUTCH HARMON
CLASS B
Henry Ford, Milan, Otsego, Wayland
Top area teams
Big Rapids, Lansing Catholic, Lansing Sexton, Williamston
Top players statewide
Latin Davis, Milan; Seth Dugan, Otsego; Nick Perkins, Milan
Top area players
Brandon Allen, Haslett; Dylan Carl, Alma; Austin Gregory, Ionia; Riley Lewis, Williamston; Carlo Marble, Lansing Sexton; Tony Poljan, Lansing Catholic
Alma will be one of the places to be for interesting boys’ basketball this season. It features junior Dylan Carl (6’10), who is a multi-dimensional big man. Last year, he averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game, numbers that will go even higher this season. Throw in junior guard Justin Doyle, a three-year varsity player, and sophomores Konner Vedrode (6’0″), Ryan Cornejo (6’3″), and Anthony Humm (6’0″), and you have a talented squad that will only get better as the season progresses.
Clare won 15 games last year, and with several talented players back, another strong season is in store. Senior Scott Smith (6’4″) can pour in the points and rebound, while Connor Clickner is a productive point guard. Throw in veterans like Travis Vida (6’2″) and Max Swan (6’5″), and the Lumberjacks are deep and talented.
Big Rapids enjoyed a big season last year, and a number of talented athletes return this season. Senior Juwan Carlton (6’0″) can score, while junior Jeffrey Davenport (5’11”) can also pump in the points. Up front, sophomore Demetri Martin is capable of averaging a double-double in points and rebounds.
Lansing Catholic enjoyed a big football season, and that success will carry over to the hardwood this season. Junior Tony Poljan (6’7″) is an outstanding all-around player, while senior guard Matthew Fata (6’0″) is a talented floor general.
Lansing Sexton has another talented squad, led by junior Carlo Marble (6’5″), son of Roy and younger brother of RoyDevyn.
Haslett welcomes back sharp-shooting junior guard Brandon Allen (5’9″). The Vikings also have a solid post presence in John Hudgins (6’7″).
Williamston will also be among the top teams in the area. Junior Riley Lewis (6’0″) is a dynamic guard who can blister the nets. Senior Keyan Shepler (6’3″) is another talented returnee, while junior Curtis Kodet (6’3″) is a productive front court player who can clean the boards and score.
Ionia has one of the premier scorers in the area in senior guard Austin Gregory (6’1″), who opened the season by eclipsing the 1,000-point mark for his career.
Portland is led this season by the junior guard duo of Cole Schneider and Nick Salas.
At Lakewood, the Vikings will build around senior forward Colin O’Mara.
Corunna looks to be in a rebuilding mode this season, focusing on talented junior guard Spencer Mort (6’1″).
Perry is a team that will improve as the season progresses. The Ramblers will feature sophomore Reese Middleton (6″5″) along with junior guard Hunter King.
Graduation hit Hemlock hard, but with senior Brad Fleischman back in the lineup, it will have a proven point producer. The Huskies also have some talented young players ready to step up in junior center Conner Herrington (6’3″), junior forward Brady Rich (6’2″), and junior guard Tristan Siler.
Freeland is led by senior Jake Jankoska (6’1″), along with senior guards Parker Kubiak and Ryan Schauman.
Swan Valley suffered some key losses, but with the trio of seniors Nick Call, Preston Joiner, and Garrett Preston, it will still be a force to be reckoned with.
Carrollton has a talented big man in Henry Speight, while senior point guard Justin Cotton heads up the backcourt.
Ovid-Elsie returns a pair of all-conference players this season. Travis Fahey (6’6″) leads the front line, while junior Ben Stillwell (6’2″) returns at shooting guard.
Chippewa Hills has a solid backcourt this season in senior guards Michael Todd and Hunter Conley, who both averaged in double figures last season.
Lakeview will have a dangerous team this year, led by the trio of John Torres, Nate Shurlow, and Caleb Ruvalcaba, who are excellent all-around athletes.
Central Montcalm returns an experienced team. The Hornets are led by Lane Ledford up front, while Todd Switzer, Jesse Hoffman, and Mason Barnwell are other key returnees.
Expectations are high at Fowlerville. The Gladiators return all-conference guard Connor Collins (6’0″). Junior guard Clay Boak is another scoring option, while senior Drew Vielbig (6’4″) anchors the front line.