Game previews for The D Zone Playoff Tune-up Saturday, Feb. 8 at Grosse Pointe South

Hazel Park vs. L’Anse Creuse North 11:00 a.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

Hazel Park has been playing excellent basketball in the new year, winning seven of their nine games since the turn of the calendar. Guard trio Ki’shaun Stewart (6-3), Chris Hana (6-1) and freshman Jayce Goff (5-10) are capable of putting up big scoring numbers and have nice chemistry in the backcourt. Talk about good backcourts, LCN has a quartet of exciting players running the show. Juniors Julius Wilson (6-2) and Nehvir Njoku (6-2) have the most upside, but senior Ricky Sparks (5-11) remains the team leader and orchestrator of the offense. Brandon Thomas (5-7) is quick on both ends of the court and is another key piece to the squad. This will be a must-see game for those who like great guard play.

Center Line vs. Imlay City 12:30 p.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

The Panthers have a versatile lineup led by point-forward Terez Holmes (6-8), who has to be one of the best players in the state not yet signed. Holmes is averaging close to 27 points per game this season and recently joined the 1,000 point club. Kameron Higginbotham (5-9) and Isaiah Ashford (6-0) also average double-digit points per game as floor leaders and great shooters. Imlay has underachieved a bit this season but still possesses an entertaining lineup. Zander Nash (6-6) has numerous D3 college offers as a tall, lanky guard. He fills up the state sheet, constantly flirting with a triple-double. Isaac Sommer (6-1), Landon Jones (6-3) and Matthew Evans (6-3) are athletic wings who have garnered college interest and offers. Consistency can sometimes be an issue.

Saginaw Heritage vs. Warren Fitzgerald 2:00 p.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

This matchup is worthy of a featured game, as two contending D1 schools face off in one of the most anticipated matchups of the day. Heritage is led by a trio of juniors. Point guard Lamonte Ramon-Wiley (6-0) has enjoyed a couple breakout performances this season as a scorer and floor general. Jaylin Cooper (6-4) has college coaches watching as an athletic wing who can play off the ball or create his own shots. Noah Arnold (6-7) has developed into a force in the paint who still has tremendous upside. Fitzgerald is led by super junior Keandre Burtin (6-7), who has legitimate D1 college upside as a shooter and defensive stopper. Point guard Lydell Sewell (6-0) and combo guard Cyrus Mpeba (6-3) are tough to stop as rugged, physical guards. Fitzgerald is a top-20 team in the state, while Heritage continues to improve as they gear up for a postseason run in a very tough district.

Utica Eisenhower vs. Linden 3:30 p.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

Despite their record, Eisenhower provides plenty of excitement and intrigue. Sophomore forward Nolan Harbison (6-5) has enjoyed a breakout season as a solid shooter and explosive dunker. Juniors Randall Rice (6-0) and Trey Richardson (6-1) are athletic guards who can score in a variety of ways. This team should be very solid next year. Linden is led by star forward Jase Becher (6-7) who has improved their offensive game this season. Still uncommitted, he can make a statement to colleges hoping to acquire his signature. Landon Jones (6-2) is another key piece who provides some outside shooting.

Macomb Dakota vs. Flint Elite 5:00 p.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

A trio of proven scorers leads a Dakota team out to prove they’re ready for a long postseason run. Juniors Tovin Williams (6-2) and Brayden Lee (6-5) join senior Dekovan Thomas (6-2) as an underrated scoring group. Dakota has run into a tough patch, but still enter the showcase as one of the state’s top sleepers. Flint Elite remains a contender in Division 3 thanks to a versatile and deep lineup. Jeffery Turner (6-1) leads the way with scoring skills and the ability to read the offense. Jhirnea Harris (6-5) provides size and length which allows Flint Elite the ability to match up against most teams.

Adrian vs. Grosse Pointe North 6:30 p.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

Adrian is led by Milwaukee signee and Mr. Basketball hopeful Stevie Elam (6-2), who is usually good for around 25 points per game. He’s a powerful, skilled guard who can shoot, slash and create his own shot. Jaxson Francis (5-11) and Angelo Collins have also become reliable scorers this season. GP North has enjoyed a breakout season from center R.J. Williams (6-7), who looks like he could one day play in the NFL. Leo Perettie (6-0) is their leading scorer as a good shooter and floor general.

River Rouge vs. Grosse Pointe South 7:00 p.m. (all records and win-streak references are as of Tuesday, Feb. 4)

It’s been a tough season for GP South, who lost their D1 star Tory James before the season started. Nonetheless, they still have a talented roster led by sophomore guard Kooper Richards (6-0), who is quickly becoming one of the top underclassmen in the state. Freshman Jamison Spratt (6-5) also has a promising future, while Vince Vachon (5-8) is a great shooter. Junior center Julian Lancaster (6-10) is one of the tallest players in the state. River Rouge got off to a quick start, but have dropped a few games over the past month-plus. Transfer shooter C.J. Hearn (6-4) has been a revelation and one of the most improved players in the state. Shae Eggleston (6-4) holds down the other wing spot with a sweet jumper. Point guard Memphis McDowell (5-10) is a tough lead guard who has a nose for the ball on defense. Marquis Meadows (6-7) is an athletic forward with upside.