The D Zone Rising Team Tip-off Classic Preview & Team Analysis

The D Zone will host four fantastic basketball showcases this winter, starting with a December 8, seven-game event at Auburn Hills Avondale.

Here is a breakdown of the teams as they will be matched up that day:

Detroit Central vs. Milford

Fresh off a 17-8 season that ended with a regional semifinal loss to D1 state champ Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Milford returns with a solid senior backcourt duo. Carson Lutz (5-11) and Owen Stark (6-2) should help Milford compete for another district title this winter. Lutz is a knockdown shooter, while Stark can do a little bit of everything from the wing. Milford seemingly always plays good defense and could be a sneaky sleeper team this season.

Although Detroit Central hasn’t had a winning season since 2022, they almost always have some entertaining athletes. After starting last season 4-0, Central struggled the rest of the way, ultimately producing a 9-11 record with the season ending with a loss to Detroit Loyola in districts. However, the future is bright with Tyre Acuff (6-1) starting to emerge as a go-to scorer. Sophomore Amari West (5-11) also has a promising future, possibly providing this team with a breakout 1-2 punch.

Romulus vs. Walled Lake Central

WL Central flew under the radar last season with a 19-3 record, eventually losing a close game to West Bloomfield in districts. Small forward Jake Nellett (6-5) proved to be a versatile scorer, surrounded by a solid backcourt. This year, he will likely be asked to carry even more of the scoring load as a sleeper all-state contender. Losing Vish Das and Nick Hopkins will hurt in the immediate future, but Central has some intriguing young players who could be ready to step up.

It seems like a long time since Romulus was an annual state-title contender with now Alabama head coach Nate Oats leading the program. Oats was replaced by former Romulus and Michigan star Jerret Smith, who took Romulus to the final four in his first season in 2016-17. Romulus hasn’t made a run since, but they have over 15 straight winning records. It will be interesting to see if the program can get back to its elite status. But for now, they offer entertaining basketball with a solid group of athletes.

Mona Shores vs Flint Carman-Ainsworth

An intriguing matchup against two sleepers who will have ambitions of long tournament runs. Mona Shores is powered by program-changing senior and junior classes. Jordan Bledsoe (6-0) is a strong, yet quick point guard who can score or set up teammates. He’s picked up some offers after an impressive summer. Watch out for wing Milo Barangan (6-6). He looked long and athletic, plus a couple inches taller than last winter. He’s a good 3-point shooter and on the rise as an overall prospect. Jonathan Pittman (6-4) and Landyn Smith (6-6) operate in the paint. Smith is long and lanky, while Pittman is a star football player and looks the part. Ryan Opsommer (6-2) and Luke Forrest (6-2) are highly-rated junior wings who could be poised for a breakout season.

Carman-Ainsworth has a number of quick guards. Led by Senior Deuce Weston (5-10), who is starting to receive college attention as a shifty and aggressive lead guard, this team can go 10 players deep. Donovan “Hawk” Hamlin (6-4) is a two-sport star. He uses his height and muscular frame to bully players in the post. Freshman Isaiah Mull (5-11) impressed over the summer. He’s a little bigger than some of their other guards and projects as an elite scorer.

Grand Ledge vs. Detroit University Prep

This showcase is named up-and-coming teams for a reason. Grand Ledge is the perfect example of a team with immense talent, however, were not quite able to put it all together last season. Junior center Braden James (6-8) has battled injury, but he’s showcased possible D1 or D2 college skills when healthy. Izaiah O’Dell (6-6) is tall and strong, making him an ideal post defender with an improving offensive game. Guard trio Carson Daly (6-2), Alex Moran (6-1) and Hayato Yoshida (6-1) are solid all-around players who should be confident and determined this season. Daly has committed to Northwood, while Moran has started receiving offers.

University Prep has flirted with a Breslin Center appearance for the last half decade, consistently getting next-level skilled players. Point guard Dimaunye Smith-Powe (6-0) is one of the most poised players in the state. He can light a team up for 25 points and dish out 12 assists, and he can do either in an efficient manner. He has an offer from Wayne State, but more are likely on the way. Ryan Neal (6-3), Chris Byrd (6-4) and Maurice Jackson (6-4) provide size and athleticism. Any or all of them could break through as consistent scorers this season.

Grosse Pointe North vs. Oxford

Oxford was the darling of summer ball, consistently beating quality opponents with a blend of skill, determination and focus. If you have not yet seen Jake Champagne (6-2) play basketball, this would be a great event to watch him compete against a quality opponent. A big guard, Champagne is a bully when driving to the basket. He also has a nice pull-up jumper and court vision. Luke Stoffan is another 6-2 guard who helps keep defenses honest with his shooting ability and penchant for snagging rebounds. Overall, Oxford is just a solid, well-built team.

Grosse Pointe North also has a stud guard in Leo Perettie (5-11). Perettie is flashy, yet still efficient. He can get to the basket and finish over and through much larger defenders. Very crafty on and off the ball, always working to get open or create scoring opportunities. Champagne and Perettie are two players who won’t play D1 college basketball, but they are amazing high school players who should succeed in college at some level. Dequan Howell (6-3) is an athletic forward to watch.

North Farmington vs. Hamtramck

Fresh off a state runner-up finish, North Farmington still qualifies as a rising team because they will have undergone an almost one hundred percent rebuild. Landon Williams (Niagara), Tyler Spratt (Cleveland State) and Dylan Smith (Davenport) are all gone, but a bevy of quick, explosive guards are now ready to step up. Robert Smith (5-10) has picked up some college offers as a great leader and strong point guard. Avi Meltser (6-0) is a 3-point shooter with athletic upside, and Brandon Jackson (6-2) brings size and athleticism to the backcourt. Freshman Troy Waldron Jr. (6-0) is highly regarded as a scorer and playmaker. This team has gone from elite size to elite speed.

Always a well-coached team, the Cosmos lack the star power of a couple seasons ago when Chuck Bailey and Amari Allen graced the court, but will still be competitive. Guards Devin Mixon (6-1), Carrion Polk (5-9) and some key newcomers will cause opponents fits with their blend of quickness, strength and aggressiveness. Hamtramck plays what looks like a version of Shaka Smart’s havoc defense. They create a lot of turnovers and are quick to capitalize on fast breaks. This game should be a great backcourt clash.

Auburn Hills Avondale vs. Ann Arbor Skyline

This is the perfect game to match the point of the event. Avondale was by far the surprise of the summer; everyone was raving about their tenacity and skill. Justin Greer-Sykes (6-2) is a solid forward who mans the paint. Also a good football player, he brings physicality to the roster. Jordan Clayton (6-3) is a tremendous athlete who will likely lead the team in scoring. One of the strengths of Avondale’s roster is its versatility. Almost everyone getting major minutes can play and defend multiple positions.

Skyline has become a DZone darling, now featured in two major showcases. Forward Noah Silkworth (6-5) is an impressive late-bloomer who can throw down some gnarly dunks, but also shows finesse around the rim. He’s starting to collect college offers. Guards Ben Solomon (5-11) and Jake Rademacker (6-1) are dependable shooters who are also gaining traction on the recruiting circuit. Alex Brabec (6-2) and Braylan Brown (6-5) add more size and depth as solid rebounders and scorers. Although neither team is filled with house-hold names, this could be one of the best matchups of the year.