Breslin Contenders D1: Byron Center hoping to take advantage of talented group

Byron Center

Record: 15-5

Starters

Camden Karel, 6-9, Sr.
Isaac Lee, 6-1, Sr.
Cassius Bont, 6-2, Jr.
Keane Hinkle, 5-11, Sr.
Jaden Bowman, 6-5, Sr.

I put Bowman as a starter because he plays major minutes (and should start), but this team has kind of been notorious for starting questionable players over the last couple years. Karel, a Bowling Green signee, is a perfect stretch-4 who can knock down shots, dribble and bang in the post. Hinkle might be the best overall shooter in the state and certainly has the quickest release. Bont is a strong lead guard who can also shoot. I’d like to see him be more aggressive getting to the basket, though. Lee, a D1 football commit, is a great shooter and backcourt leader, who allows Byron Center to contend with quicker teams.

Bench

Connor Jenks, 6-0, Jr.
Landon Conrad, 6-2, Sr.
Easton Wychers, 6-2, Sr.

Wychers is a good shooter and Conrad brings football toughness to the court. Jenks is a suitable backup point guard. Depth is a bit of an issue for this team.

Injured

NA

Key Wins

South Christian, Warren Lincoln, Grand Blanc, Hudsonville

Road to the Breslin

A tough district final against East Kentwood could await for the fourth straight year. Byron Center is 1-2 in those games. The regional semifinal would likely be against GR Northview. The regional final could be a road game at Hudsonville or teams like Grandville or Grand Haven could make a run. The quarterfinal would likely be against Muskegon - who has defeated Byron Center twice this season - Rockford, Saginaw United or sleeper Marquette. This has been the golden age in basketball talent for Byron Center with little tournament success to show for it. The window is closing, and this might be their last chance for a while at a Breslin-type run.