Breslin Contenders D1: Muskegon hopes depth, speed leads to another long run

Muskegon

Record: 16-2

Starters

Darryl Thompkins Jr., 5-9, Sr.
David Cross, 5-10, Sr.
James Young, 6-2, Sr.
Keashawn Johnson, 6-4, Sr.
Elija Langston, 6-7, Sr.

This is a unique group of speed, shooting and power in the paint. We’re not going to say Young is a better overall player than Martin - because the latter might be playing in a D1 uniform in a couple of years - but he might be a better fit for this team. Young’s presence as a knockdown shooter and energy rebounder helped lead Muskegon to a 20-point win over Ann Arbor Huron. Ferris State commits Johnson and Langston are starting to rediscover their form after a mid-season lull. Thompkins also has D2 college offers as a shifty playmaker with improved scoring chops this season.

Bench

Arquez Petty, 5-9, Jr.
Dee Lawrence, 5-10, Sr.
Keyshawn Hinkle, 6-3, Sr.
Kyren Noble, 6-4, Jr.

More speed and shooting. Petty can run the point, Lawrence is a knockdown shooter and Noble is an intriguing junior returning from injury. This team can play 11 deep, so depth is a major plus as the playoffs near.

Injured

James Martin, 6-3, Jr. (Questionable to return this season)

Key Wins

East Lansing, Hudsonville, Byron Center (2), AA Huron

Road to the Breslin

One of the toughest any team in the state has to face. Muskegon will likely have to beat top-10 Rockford in the district final. Then, a meeting against either fast-surging Saginaw United or Flint C-A looms in the regional semifinal. Northern Michigan’s best awaits in the regional final, likely meaning Marquette, Traverse City West or Cadillac. The quarterfinals would likely pit Muskegon against one of Grand Rapids’ best teams such as Hudsonville, GR Northview, Byron Center or East Kentwood.