Michigan High School Basketball Sleeper Teams Per Division (Full Story)

Written by
Alec Brzezinski
Published
10/29/2024

Division 1

Hudsonville - Their brand-new, college-like gym is easily the best in the state. The team could also be top tier with an intriguing mix of youth and experience. Junior point guard Jovaan Daniels (5-9) is a next-level talent with an explosive first step and a great shooting range. Joey Miller (6-3) is an underrated player on an underrated team. He’s a fighter who can get hot from 3-point range. Griffin Baker (6-2) is another tremendous 3-point shooter, giving this team a dangerous backcourt. Transfer Isaiah Hamlet (6-9) could be a difference maker as a low-post scorer and shot blocker. He has shown glimpses throughout his high school career. Hudsonville also has tremendous depth with Seth Aukeman (6-0), Cole Williams (6-1), Justin Fisher (6-4), Jalen Oosting (6-4) and Alex Armstrong (6-5) all expected to produce with solid minutes. A long postseason run, despite a brutal road, is well within reach.

Rochester Adams - The Highlanders have flown under the radar throughout summer and fall ball games, but this team is brimming with next-level talent. Seniors Trenton LaGarde (6-0) and Luke Marcial (6-5) are ferocious competitors who bring skill to the backcourt and frontcourt. Langdon brothers could still be special. Junior Colin Langdon (6-8) is basically a tall shooting guard who projects well as a college wing, while sophomore Colin Langdon (6-5) has a well-rounded game. Cannon Flynn (6-5) is another stud prospect who provides the Highlanders with near unrivaled size. A couple of young guards give this team a promising future, as well.This team could definitely get hot at the right time and make a long postseason run.

Division 2

Big Rapids - The Cardinal might be one of the top Division 2 teams when all is said and done. After showing glimpses of greatness last season, four starters return, all of them ranked on one platform or another. Gabriel Njenga (6-7) already has D2 college offers as a long, versatile presence on both ends of the court. A true breakout season could be on the horizon. Ty Gielczyk (6-5) provides a true post presence and even more height. Junior wings Cole Haist (6-2) and Liam McLaughlin (6-2) are expected to take a step as scorers and creators on offense. If this team can find consistent point guard play, a Breslin Center trip could be within reach.

Berrien Springs - Senior wing J.J. Frakes (6-4) has garnered D1 attention, but remains shockingly under-recruited. He’s a high-flying athlete who dunked over 10 times in a summer-league game. He might be the best player in southwest Michigan. Brady Blasco (6-3) is a tall, athletic lead guard ready for a major scoring boost. He’s another next-level player who will be a terror to stop alongside Frakes. Forward Cooper Rice (6-5) has grown and added some nice offensive reliability to his game, giving this squad a three-headed monster with height, skill and athleticism. This team could reach the quarterfinal, where they would likely face one of the top Grand Rapids teams.

Division 3

Leroy Pine River - A team poised for a major breakout with three potential next-level players on the roster. Grace Christian commit Mason Gugle (6-4) is a solidly-built forward who is great at creating space in the post and finishing through traffic. Stone Walker (6-8) looks like a super sleeper stretch-4 who impressed during the offseason. He could take this team to the next level. Point guard Eli Smith (6-0) has also been mentioned as a key performer this summer and has crept up state-wide rankings. A tough game against McBain could await in the regional semifinals, but a win there could open the doors to a Breslin trip.

Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest - An experienced lineup with a lot of experience together returns for a legitimate shot at a final four finish. Led by do-everything point Guard Andrew Kasat (6-1) who has the size and skill usually seen in guards at higher levels, this team is dangerous in a region up for grabs. Preston Parmentier (5-11), Isaac Henry (6-0), Cullen Greene (6-2), and Nick Grams (6-3) will combine to make a versatile lineup that will be tough to beat, especially when the games start to mean even more.

Division 4

Traverse City Christian - Always in a tough district, TC Christian could make a nice run if they can break free early. One of the best shooters in northern Michigan, Reece Broderick (6-2) could flirt with 30 points more often than not this season. TC Christian went 16-7 last season, ultimately losing a close game to Frankfurt in districts. That could be another key matchup this postseason, as the two teams each have a stud guard who could play college basketball.

Kingston - Fresh off a quarterfinal appearance, Kingston returns trying to make it at least one game further and reach the Breslin Center. Senior Austin DeRoseau (6-5) earned a BCAM Best honorable mention nod after a great junior season and could be a dominant force in the paint this season. Kingston started last season 2-4 but caught fire and got healthy late for an impressive run. If some of the guards can lead the offense and limit turnovers, this team could again be a real threat in the postseason.