The D Zone Midseason Report: Toughest District in Each Division

They say time goes by fast when you’re having fun; well, we are now just over a month away from the start of districts.

Several of The D Zone’s top-100 teams are lumped together in the same district, making a long postseason run difficult from the very beginning.

Here’s a look at what could be the toughest district from each division:

Division 1

District 4 at Reeths-Puffer - A lot of options here, including UD Jesuit’s district, but District 4 might be one of the toughest we’ve seen in at least a decade.

Top Contenders:

Muskegon - Despite recently losing two games, Muskegon remains a top-10 team in our ranking. The Big Reds are led by fierce guard Darryl Thompkins Jr., (5-10) who is starting to rack up D2 and D3 college offers. Ferris State commits Keashawn Johnson (6-4) and Elija Langston (6-7) have struggled a bit lately but remain a focal point and are important pieces to this team. Muskegon’s best wins are against East Lansing and Hudsonville. They lost to Brother Rice and Warren Lincoln - two top-10 teams.

Rockford - The Rams are one of the deepest teams in the state with up to nine impact players entering the game. Junior forward Jake Bascom (6-6) is the focal point of the offense, boasting impressive low-post footwork and finishing skills at the basket. Junior guard Dylan Gross (5-9) can lead the offense and knock down 3-pointers. His outside shooting ability helps space the floor for Bascom. Freshmen Josh Bascom (6-3) and Eli Wolfe (6-1) could be very special players who already have some double-digit scoring games. Both have D2 offers from Ferris State. Their best wins are against Grand Rapids Northview, Byron Center and Hudsonville. Their lone loss was against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

Mona Shores - The season hasn’t gone as planned for Mona Shores, who was due for a breakout year. Despite a disappointing 6-7 record (not counting a forfeit), Mona Shores remains a dangerous team still highly competitive most nights. Senior leader Jordan Bledsoe (6-0) recently surpassed 1,000 points and junior shooter Milo Barangan (6-6) has major upside. Consistency has been an issue for this team, but they could find their groove at the right time.

Greenville - Perhaps the forgotten team out of the group, Greenville currently sits 13-0, although they are void of any signature victories. Playing outside Grand Rapids’ top conferences helps and hurts Greenville. Their record is phenomenal, but their competition level is lacking a bit. Led by smooth junior point guard Michael Lindquist (5-10) and junior shooter Braden Latimer (6-4) this team could be a factor this year and beyond. Do not count them out just because of their schedule.

Division 2

District 51 at Flint Kearsley - For some reason this district got moved down to the Lansing/Jackson area - not sure how/why - but separating them from Flint Hamady and Freeland might end up being a good thing. This district only has five teams and two of them have a combined one win. But the winner between the other three could be the favorite to reach the Breslin Center.

Top Contenders:

Flint Powers - Ranked 10th in our latest ranking, Flint Powers is hoping for a second straight trip to Sparty land. Point guard Javontae Ross (5-11) is healthy and scoring at an impressive clip. Clarkston transfer Andrew Caldwell (6-3) has been a revelation as a tremendous shooter and slasher from the wing. Dempsey Cull (6-5) and Jesse Cull (6-5) are big, powerful forwards with tremendous outside shots. Powers has key wins against Riverview GR, Goodrich and Saginaw United. They are not just Breslin contenders, but also state title hopefuls.

Goodrich - Injuries led to a slow start, but Goodrich is back to full health and destroying opponents. Goodrich has won five straight games, including a double-digit win against Saginaw United. They have averaged 76.4 points per game during that stretch, after averaging just 65.7 points per game during their 3-4 start. Indianapolis commit Parker LePla (6-8) is a throwback true post who dominates in the paint and on the glass. Sophomore Jenson LePla (6-5) recently returned as a potential 20 ppg scorer with shooting and driving skills from the wing. Landon Williams (6-3) is another impact player on both ends of the court.

Flint Kearsley - Currently 7-4, Kearsley has been a bit inconsistent this season, but did beat Goodrich to open the season. They also lost by just four points to a very good Port Huron team, proving they can hang with ranked opponents. Kearsley will not go quietly into the night, making this district that much harder for the team who has to play two tough games instead of just the final. Watch out for rising senior guard Lucas Groulx (6-2).

Division 3

District 93 at Burton Bendle - It’s tough to imagine a more difficult district in D3. All four teams have Breslin Center aspirations with the talent to back it up. Someone will survive this group, but then will likely have to play a road game against Millington (9-1) in the regional semifinal.

Top Contenders:

Burton Bendle - Senior point guard Milas Firman (5-11) leads an athletic group who have won eight of their last nine games. Firman is a master craftsman leading the offense, where wings Juma Mkalile (6-0) and Caleb Bingham (6-1) do a lot of scoring. Bendle recently beat Bentley, but did lose by 28 to International Acd. of Flint on the road in December.

International Acd. of Flint - Blowout victories over Bendle and Bentley early in the season put this team squarely on the map. A fast-paced squad with good guards and tough defense makes it hard for other D3 teams to compete. When shots are falling, this team can win big. Their only losses have come against ranked D2 teams, so watch out for Flint International this postseason.

Flint Elite - Injuries have hampered arguably the most talented squad in this district. Flint Elite sits just 5-2. The losses are against Brother Rice and Flint Hamady - elite D1 and D2 teams. Star junior guard Jeffery Turner (6-1) has missed time this season, but is a menace when healthy. Jhirnea Harris (6-5) gives the team some size and athleticism, while freshman AJ Smith (5-11) has developed into a reliable scorer.

Burton Bentley - Led by one of the best and most athletic players in D3, Bentley at 7-6 will need to improve to survive this district. McReco McFadden (6-5) has a flurry of college offers as a big-time dunker who has developed other aspects of his game. However, the rest of the team has lacked the firepower to contend in big games so far this season. Winning five of their last seven games is a good start.

Division 4

District 107 at Suttons Bay - Always a tough district, this year pits three teams capable of getting hot and making a long run. All three teams have a stud guard who will likely play at the next level. This legitimately is a toss up that may come down to which team is in the best shooting form at the time.

Top Contenders:

Traverse City Christian - Led by fantastic senior guard Reece Broderick, this team could reach the quarterfinals where either Fowler or Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart would likely be waiting. Very solid offensively, having eclipsed 70 points four times.

Frankfort - Senior guard Carter Kerby (6-0) is a fantastic shooter and leader who can run the offense and put up 30 points if need be. He’s been on the map since reaching the Breslin as a sophomore. Now he’s an elite D4 player ready for one final run.

Lake Leelanau St. Mary - Perhaps the most impressive resume out of the bunch, St. Mary has already beat Frankfort and TC Christian this season. A very low-scoring team who relies on defense. They say defense travels, which would be good for St. Mary, who won’t play a home game throughout the tournament.