Michigan boys bball: D3 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.

Division 3 semifinalists Riverview Gabriel Richard return their top seven players from last year’s squad and will enter the season heavy state championship favorites - especially with Old Redford now in D2.

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:

Harbor Springs

The Rams may be home to one of the state’s most unique and picturesque football stadiums in the state, but this town could also soon be back on the map for boys hoops. Junior guard duo Braeden Flynn (5-10) and Rider Bartel (6-0) are an elite tandem who can push the pace and shoot from 3-point range. They play with a bit of flash, entertaining fans with their offensive skills. Now upperclassmen, both guards could take the next step as must-have college players. Flynn, especially, appears to be a special player. If the frontcourt can rebound and guard the paint, this team could get hot at the right time all the way down to East Lansing.

ATAP

A program some may not have even heard of, this Pontiac-based squad will be led by a quartet of intriguing guards. Sophomore Prince El (6-2) is an elite scorer with length and shooting skill. He’s a next-level athlete with upside to be special. Pershing transfers Terrance and Tayshaun Hicks (both 6-1) have enjoyed solid careers for the Doughboys and will now try to make a legitimate run to the Breslin Center. Lewis Lovejoy (5-8) is a highly-touted freshman with a versatile game. If they can all gel, this team will be a tough out come March.

Stockbridge

Any D3 team with a talent like Shannon Henderson (6-8) should be on the radar for a long playoff run. Henderson possess guard-like skills and an unrivaled wingspan. I’m not sure how he isn’t signed with at least a D2 school. Brock Rochow (6-3) is a great 3-point shooter with plus athleticism. A bevy of senior guards will vie for the point guard spot, which will be key to this team’s success.

White Pigeon

Those who attended the Breslin Center for last season’s semifinals and finals know just how good defending D3 state champs Niles-Brandywine was. Well, White Pigeon gave them all they could handle in the district final, losing 56-47. White Pigeon’s best player, Josh Davidson (5-10) is back and ready to show the state why he’s one of the most underrated players. Overall, this squad has potential to surprise some people in the postseason.