Here are some of the best bets for some exciting early season action in the opening week of Michigan’s high school season.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Ann Arbor Skyline @ Novi: Shots will be flying between these two top 10 Class A teams. Novi’s Traveon Maddox is going to Oakland and Skyline’s Brandon Wade to Duquesne, but the guard talent goes well beyond that with Novi senior Trendon Hankerson and for Pioneer senior Jack Ammerman and juniors Ryan Wade and Christian Knox.
West Ottawa @ Godwin Heights: After Class A runner-up Grand Rapids Christian, these were the two best squads in West Michigan last winter. WO graduated all-state forward Jake VanTubbergen to Grand Valley State, where he recently sunk 7-of-8 shots against Davenport, but has three high-end starters back: Versatile 6-5 forward Tyler Bosma who is headed to Miami-OH for baseball, 6-2 all-state receiver Xavier Wade at point guard and 6-2 shooter Drew Pedersen on the wing. Godwin may not have the depth of recent teams, early on at least, but with Lamar Norman at guard and Markeese Hastings up front, firepower won’t be an issue.
Clarkston @ Wayne Memorial: All-state transfer Thomas Kithier won’t be suited up for this one. The Zebras aren’t shedding any tears though for the defending Class A champs who will suit up only two Big Ten recruits. Senior guards Foster Loyer and Rashad Williams could net 75 points between them.
DeWitt @ East Lansing: East Lansing has posted back-to-back 20-0 regular seasons. So Brandon Johns will have to wait until March to put an exclamation mark on his prep career with a trip to the Breslin Center to complement the regular season success. DeWitt underachieved last year but regroups with a pair of GLIAC seniors, Tanner Reha (Northwood) on the wing and Luke Hyde (GVSU) up front.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
Detroit U-D Jesuit @ Detroit Edison: Both these teams were hurt losing transfers to out-of-state schools. But the cupboards are fare from barren. U-D Jesuit guard Daniel Friday is among the most improved prospects in the state’s 2019 class, while Edison has three D1 seniors and is our pick to win the Class C state title.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Flint Carman-Ainsworth @ Clarkston: More Clarkston? Well yeah, as this one features two top 10 teams in Class A. While Carman’s junior center Mike Fletcher is a big-time football recruit, he’s really good on the hardwood too. D2 coaches would be wise to check out two of the top remaining point guards in Michigan’s senior class, Clarkston’s CJ Robinson and C-A’s Jakavien Lewis. There very similar, leaders and lockdown defenders, with Robinson getting the edge as a shooter.
Friday, Dec. 8
Davison @ Grand Rapids Christian: This one looked better on paper six months ago, before Terry Armstrong left for Arizona without ever playing a game for Davison and Duane Washington moved to California but with at least a very accomplished high school career in GR to look back upon. Some consolation at least as two of the state’s top available wing prospects suit up, Eagles 6-5 senior Seth Millner and Davison’s 6-5 junior Cade Coleman.
Holland Christian @ Grand Rapids South Christian: Homecoming for first-year Holland Christian coach David Kool, who won two state championships and Mr. Basketball when he played for the Sailors over a decade ago. It won’t be a friendly welcome, on the court at least, as South Christian has a junior class full of length, skill and shooters and could contend in Class B in 2019.
Manton vs. Traverse City West @ Petoskey: These are two of the best teams in the North. Manton has the explosive backcourt of Jayden Perry and Hunter Ruel from last year’s state Class C semifinalist and bring in 6-7 senior Ethan Ancick. West has won three straight Class A district crowns and has two talented guards of its own, junior Miigwaanhs Barrientoz and senior Brady Stoerkel, and Michigan football commitment 6-7 senior Ryan Hayes.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Flint Beecher @ Detroit Cass Tech: This is the nightcap of what could be the nightcap of six hopefully entertaining games with approximately 20 future D1 players at Cass, starting at noon with Detroit Western vs. River Rouge; Renaissance vs. Carman-Ainsworth; East English Village vs. Hazel Park; Pershing vs. Southfield Christian; and Belleville vs. Detroit Edison.
Benton Harbor vs. Goodrich @ Lakeland: 2020 talent abounds in this one, the second of four games at Lakeland starting at 2 p.m. with Detroit Loyola vs. Grand Rapids Union; Detroit Osborn vs. Dansville; and Lakeland vs. Henry Ford Academy.
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