Michigan boys bball: D1 Sleeper teams with legitimate Breslin Center potential

Fall leaves twirling to the ground means football season is winding down and Michigan high school basketball is ready to begin.

Defending D1 state champs Orchard Lake St. Mary's returns four key members from last season's team, including five-star recruit Trey McKenney (6-4).

MHSAA announced district assignments in June, and recently followed up with full brackets for each division. That means we know the road every team faces as they prepare for a Breslin Center trip in March.

Every section of the bracket has its favorites to advance, but what about the teams sliding under the radar?

Here is one team from each quadrant capable of surprising some people in the postseason:

Portage Northern

There’s no way a Portage team makes it to at least the regional final in back-to-back seasons, right? I mean, they have to go through Kalamazoo Central and someone from the Battle Creek area. Just like Portage Central last season, Portage Northern looks primed for a long postseason run. Junior stars Amari Lewis (6-4) and Quinton Swanson (6-5) have taken large leaps as all-around players and have garnered plenty of college interest as a result. Their combination of size and shooting could make them one of the state’s best tandems over the next two years. Senior point guard Antwayn Spencer (5-11) is a physical, athletic guard who can score and dish. Senior forward Jaevian Barnes (6-6) has started receiving college offers. He adds even more length and height to the starting lineup. Depth might be an issue, but the starting lineup could be dominant.

East Kentwood

A lot has been made regarding three of last year’s starters transferring this summer, but that’s old-school thinking. Losing Jah Hatchett will sting. He was a terrific player and emotional leader. But the Falcons boast one of the best sophomore classes this state has ever seen. Sophomore C.J. Reynolds (6-3) is a superstar who should be a household name sooner than later. He’s a big lead guard with a plethora of skills and poise. Junior guard Randy Chapman (6-2) is an elite athlete with a solid all-around offensive game that has no real weakness. Sophomore guard trio Stephan Jones (5-7), Donnavin Jones (5-8) and Major Barnes (5-8) are lightning quick and nearly impossible to get by off the press. That alone would be a dangerous roster, but East Kentwood doubled down with an elite frontcourt composed of four South Sudanese foreign exchange students. Samuel Makaug (6-5), Andrew Kenyi (6-9), Majak Ajuong (6-6) and Dau Dau (6-5) are all college-caliber players. Makuag and Kenyi have taken some Power-5 D1 visits and could be future stars. This roster is very young, but extremely loaded. Up to seven players on the roster will likely play D1 or D2 college ball.

Birmingham Groves

Everyone knows of Groves, but based on some of the heavy-hitters on their path to the Breslin, they enter the season more as sleepers than favorites. Senior forward John Simpson (6-5) recently committed to Northwood University (D2). He’s a tremendous shooter and physical presence on both ends of the court. Senior guard Joshua Gibson (6-2) is the ultimate competitor who can light it up from deep and run the offense. He recently committed to Alabama-Huntsville (D2). Fellow seniors Landon McKinney (6-2) and Paul Hubbard IV (5-9) have also received college offers as dependable scorers and defenders. Sophomore forward David Jones (6-7) looked impressive over the summer and will allow Simpson the freedom to play on the perimeter.

Grand Blanc

What’s the main winning formula to a long postseason run? Great guard play, high effort and physicality on the boards. Grand Blanc should check all those boxes this season, even though most of their size is inexperienced. The Bobcats’ backcourt should be elite. Senior Donnie Huddleston (6-2) is a smooth athlete and dangerous outside shooter. Juniors Caseton Sendry (6-0), Georgyeon Cannon (6-2) and Angelo Diedalis (6-5) will all get major minutes and should contribute on both ends of the court. Malachi Evans (6-4) and freshman Max O’Mara (6-4) provide more height and athleticism. Watch out for sophomore guard Isaiah McCree (5-9). He has elite upside and looks like a potential top-20 sophomore in the state.