Breslin Contenders D1: East Lansing looking to get past quarterfinals hump

East Lansing

Record: 18-1

Starters

K.J. Torbert, 6-2, Jr.
Cameron Hutson, 6-6, Sr.
Kingston Thomas, 6-4, So.
J.L. Branson, 6-4, Sr.
B.J. Windham, 6-1, Sr.

Torbert, one of three kids of former MSU Spartans, has the look of a potential Mr. Basketball next year. He has no weakness to his offensive game and shares a lot of similarities with current Spartan freshman Jace Richardson. Hutson, a Saint Louis signee, has been more aggressive getting to the basket this season, and he’s also a great 3-point shooter. Thomas rounds out the Sparty kid trio as an elite athlete who plays above the rim and can put the ball on the floor. He has power-4 upside. Branson is another D1 talent who might start out at the JUCO level. His presence makes this team elite.

Bench

Dequarius Stewart, 6-7, Jr.
Cameron Essell, 5-11, Sr.
Paul VanDam, 6-5, Jr.

Essell is a college-level point guard and a great luxury to have come off the bench. Stewart has developed into a solid post presence and could be a breakout candidate next year. VanDam brings height and strength to the frontcourt.

Injured

NA

Key Wins

Waverly (2), Warren Lincoln, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Romulus Summit, Renaissance

Road to the Breslin

East Lansing will likely have to play Waverly again in the district final - a team they have just barely defeated twice. East Lansing would then likely face Okemos or Mason in the regional semifinal. The regional final would likely pit the Trojans against Kalamazoo Central, Loy Norrix or Battle Creek Lakeview. A quarterfinal rematch against Ann Arbor Huron could be in store as both teams are favored to advance. East Lansing is looking to snap a two-year losing streak in the quarterfinals.