Division 1

D1 District 9

Champion: Northview

Runner-Up: Rockford

This district will likely come down to three schools. The semi-final matchup between (13-7) FH Central and (18-2) Rockford should be a great game. Rangers seniors Jacob Bonnett and Conner Milton will look to upset the OK Red champion Rockford Rams. I believe that in the end Rockford will come away with the victory over the Rangers. Northview has quite an easy road to the district title with likely games against conference foes Lowell and FH Northern who were both swept in the regular season. That would setup a great district final matchup between (18-2) Rockford and (19-1) Northview. Mr. Basketball candidate Kyler Vanderjagt will lead Northview to victory in another big game, just as he did at Cornerstone a month ago against Brother Rice.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

FH Central over Greenville

FH Northern over Cedar Springs

Northview over Lowell

Semifinals

Rockford over FH Central

Northview over FH Northern

Finals

Northview over Rockford

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D1 District 10

Champion: Muskegon

Runner-Up: Grand Haven

Grand Haven enters district play (17-3) and will have an extremely difficult road to a district title. The Bucs will first have to defeat (13-7) Reeths-Puffer led by the sophomore duo of Travis Ambrose and Jaxson Whitaker. I believe they will win a close one just as they did in December. Then Grand Haven will play the winner of Union and Coopersville. I have Union winning that game as the Redhawks has won four of their past five games and will have the best player on the floor with Genesis Kemp. In the semi-finals I have Muskegon defeating Kenowa Hills and Grand Haven sneaking past a surging Union team. In the district final Muskegon will bounce back from their loss to K-Central and play their best game of the season. The versatility of Muskegon’s bigs along with strong guard play from Jordan Briggs and Anthony Sydnor III will lead the Big Reds to a district title.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Kenowa Hills over Mona Shores

Union over Coopersville

Grand Haven over Reeths-Puffer

Semifinals

Muskegon over Kenowa Hills

Grand Haven over Union

Finals

Muskegon over Grand Haven

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D1 District 11

Champion: West Ottawa

Runner-Up: Grandville

With the exception of Holland and Zeeland East, this district is completely wide open. In the quarterfinals I expect West Ottawa and Jenison to easily take care of business. Grandville will have a tougher assignment with (10-10) Zeeland West, but the Bulldogs were playing better basketball towards the end of the season. In an all OK-Red semi-final I am going to roll with West Ottawa to turn the season around and pull off the upset over Hudsonville. These teams split the season series while West Ottawa closed the season on a five game losing streak. Between seniors Brady Bosma and Kobe Haglund, the Panthers will sneak by Hudsonville. Grandville will have home court advantage and defeat Jenison in the other semi-final. In the district final I have West Ottawa pulling off another upset on the road defeating Grandville to earn a district title in one of the rather weak division one districts.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

West Ottawa over Zeeland East

Jenison over Holland

Grandville over Zeeland West

Semifinals

West Ottawa over Hudsonville

Grandville over Jenison

Finals

West Ottawa over Grandville

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D1 District 12

Champion: Wyoming

Runner-Up: East Kentwood

I would look for OK Red schools to flex their muscle in the quarterfinals with Caledonia defeating Ottawa Hills and East Kentwood defeating Byron Center as they do most years in districts. (10-10) Caledonia will host (13-7) Wyoming in the semi-finals which could be an upset spot for the Scots, but I have to choose Ramere Draper and the Wolves. I expect (6-14) East Kentwood to defeat (9-10) East Grand Rapids as the Falcons have too much talent with Marshaun Flakes and Jah Hatchett. The Pioneers have had a rather disappointing season and will finish with a loss in the semi-finals. In the district final I once again have the Wolves earning a victory. Wyoming is a fantastic program that exceeds expectations every season, look for the Wolves and Ramere Draper to take home the district title.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Caledonia over Ottawa Hills

East Kentwood over Byron Center

East GR over Middleville-TK

Semifinals

Wyoming over Caledonia

East Kentwood over East GR

Finals

Wyoming over East Kentwood

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D1 District 13

Champion: Lakeshore

Runner-Up: Portage Central

This is likely another wide-open district. I do have (9-11) St. Joseph beating (9-10) Sturgis, the Bears closed the season winning three of their past four games. Mattawan should be able to handle one-win Portage Northern in the other quarterfinal. In the semi-finals (13-7) Portage Central will play St. Joseph for the third time this season. Portage Central should complete the sweep and advance to a district title. Lakeshore will have to avenge a loss to Mattawan late in the season when they face the Wildcats in the semi-finals. I expect the Lancers to produce a better result and advance to the title game. Lakeshore has had Portage Central’s number as of late, sweeping the Mustangs this season. I do not see Portage Central getting over the hump and defeating the talented Lancers led by TJ Mitchell and freshman phenom JJ Frakes.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

St. Joseph over Sturgis

Mattawan over Portage Northern

Semifinals

Portage Central over St. Joseph

Lakeshore over Mattawan

Finals

Lakeshore over Portage Central

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D1 District 14

Champion: Kalamazoo Central

Runner-Up: Gull Lake

Another strong division one district comes from Coldwater where the Cardinals have a first round bye. (12-8) Gull Lake will face (7-13) Loy Norrix in the first round and will look to defeat the Knights for the third time this season. A BC Lakeview team with renewed confidence will face (9-10) BC Central. I believe that Lakeview will ride the momentum from the win over Gull Lake a couple of weeks ago and advance to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals (17-3) Coldwater will face (12-8) Gull Lake in a tricky matchup. The Blue Devils have the talent in Tyler Corstange, Haidyn Garrison, and plenty of strong shooters. Gull Lake was fading at the end of the season losing three out of four while Coldwater won six straight without their best player Ethan Crabtree. I have Coldwater winning a close one at home led by another big game from Brandon Downs. Kalamazoo Central will finally reach their full potential this week with a district title as they build off the monumental victory over #3 Muskegon. Seniors Scott Hughes and Thomas Dillard IV along with junior wing Hutch Ward will lead the Maroon Giants to postseason success.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Gull Lake over Loy Norrix

BC Lakeview over BC Central

Semifinals

Coldwater over Gull Lake

Kalamazoo Central over BC Lakeview

Finals

Kalamazoo Central over Coldwater

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Division 2

D2 District 41

Champion: Spring Lake

Runner-Up: Fruitport

I am going with (8-12) Spring Lake as my pick to win this district as somewhat of a dark horse. The Lakers don’t have nearly as many wins as the other teams in this district but they have played highly ranked teams very close such as Reeths-Puffer or West Catholic. The other OK Conference team I could see making a run is Fruitport who enters (7-13) and will have to overcome a loss to Montague in their last regular-season game. The district is wide open and I will choose Spring Lake and senior Kaden George to get the job done.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Spring Lake over Orchard View

Fruitport over Montague

Semifinals

Spring Lake over Whitehall

Fruitport over Oakridge

Finals

Spring Lake over Fruitport

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D2 District 42

Champion: Comstock Park

Runner-Up: Fremont

This district is wide-open, I believe that all five teams could end up winning this title. The lone quarterfinal matchup between (6-14) Comstock Park and (8-12) Sparta may go a long way in deciding the champion. They split the season series but I’m going to lean on Comstock Park’s young talent to be in difference in the matchup. Although their records are strong I would still choose Comstock Park and Sparta over the three northern schools.

Quarterfinals

Comstock Park over Sparta

Semifinals

Comstock Park over Grant

Fremont over Newaygo

Finals

Comstock Park over Fremont

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D2 District 43

Champion: Catholic Central

Runner-Up: Unity Christian

This is a loaded district featuring four of my top 13 teams in the OK Conference. I do not expect either quarterfinal to be close with West Catholic and FH Eastern rolling. West Catholic may be able to catch Unity Christian in a look-ahead game and use the home court to their advantage. Although, I do not believe that West Catholic will be able to defeat Unity Christian who will defeat the Falcons for the third time this season. Catholic Central should be able to get past FH Eastern as they have done twice already this year by 28 points or more each time. In the district final, I would love to go out on a limb and choose Unity Christian, but the pure talent of Catholic Central in Jack Karasinki, Kaden Brown, Durral Brooks, and Jorden Brooks will put them ahead of Unity Christian. If we are able to get a matchup between Unity and Catholic Central it should be a sold-out event and one of the best games on Friday night.

Quarterfinals

West Catholic over Wyoming Lee

FH Eastern over Allendale

Semifinals

Unity Christian over West Catholic

Catholic Central over FH Eastern

Finals

Catholic Central over Unity Christian

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D2 District 44

Champion: South Christian

Runner-Up: GR Christian

This district opens with a solid rivalry game between (9-8) Godwin Heights and (11-8) Kelloggsville. I can’t see Jakhary Towns losing two in a row to Kelloggsville this season, so the Wolverines will advance to the semi-finals. Godwin has underachieved this season and facing (16-4) GR Christian will be a tough assignment. GRC has too many weapons between Jaylan Ouwinga, Dono Thomas, and many others. The Eagles will advance to the title game to rematch with South Christian. The Sailors closed the season winning ten of their past eleven games. Their young talent in Jake VerMaas, Carson Vis, and Jake DeHaan has improved as the season has gone on and will avenge an eight-point loss in the season opener.

Quarterfinals

Godwin Heights over Kelloggsville

WM Aviation over Grand River Prep

Semifinals

GR Christian over Godwin Heights

South Christian over WM Aviation

Finals

South Christian over GR Christian

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D2 District 45

Champion: Holland Christian

Runner-Up: Hamilton

This is a rather weak district with only one team with a record above .500. Holland Christian is a large favorite and I cannot see them being upset. Hamilton may be able to give them a decent game in the title, but I would be shocked to see Jalen Overway and company get eliminated in districts. The quarterfinal matchups will be competitive games and I believe that Wayland should be able to defeat Hopkins again this season, especially playing at home.

Quarterfinals

Wayland over Hopkins

Allegan over Hastings

Semifinals

Holland Christian over Wayland

Hamilton over Allegan

Finals

Holland Christian over Hamilton

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D2 District 46

Champion: Benton Harbor

Runner-Up: Berrien Springs

Benton Harbor is an overwhelming favorite in this district. The lone quarterfinal matchup between (5-15) South Haven and (8-12) Coloma will be a close game, but Coloma should advance on the road. Berrien Springs will make quick work of Coloma as they just did last week and Benton Harbor will defeat Dowagiac. The title game will be a rematch from a few weeks ago with Benton Harbor playing Berrien Springs. The Tigers won that matchup by 19 points and should defeat the Shamrocks once again.

Quarterfinals

Coloma over South Haven

Semifinals

Berrien Springs over Coloma

Benton Harbor over Dowagiac

Finals

Benton Harbor over Berrien Springs

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D2 District 47

Champion: Edwardsburg

Runner-Up: Vicksburg

I would be very surprised if Edwardsburg does not win this district. The (13-7) Eddies match up with Niles in the semi-finals who they have defeated twice this season. (6-14) Vicksburg has been playing well as of late with four wins in their past six games. I am taking them over Three Rivers who they just defeated by nine in the Wolverine crossover game. Overall, Vicksburg will be unable to stop Edwardsburg’s veteran lineup.

Quarterfinals

Vicksburg over Constantine

Semifinals

Vicksburg over Three Rivers

Edwardsburg over Niles

Finals

Edwardsburg over Vicksburg

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D2 District 48

Champion: Parchment

Runner-Up: Otsego

We have likely a two-team race in this district. (15-5) Otsego will have to sneak past rival Plainwell for the third time this season, but expect Ashton Atwater and Jacob Zartman to lead the way for the Bulldogs into the semi-finals. Otsego will then defeat Comstock who has a great player in Israel Patterson but the Colts do not play strong enough competition in the Southwest 10 to beat Otsego. Parchment will easily handle two-win Paw Paw and advance to the title game. This district title will be intense with (15-5) Otsego and (18-2) Parchment. The size of Kofi Barima will be tough for Otsego to combat and I believe that the Panthers will add a district title to their historical season.

Quarterfinals

Otsego over Plainwell

Semifinals

Otsego over Comstock

Parchment over Paw Paw

Finals

Parchment over Otsego

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D2 District 50

Champion: Marshall

Runner-Up: Pennfield

This district is another wide-open one. I do like Eaton Rapids to defeat Charlotte for the second time this season, although Charlotte is coming off two straight wins against Harper Creek and Jackson Northwest. I am going with Pennfield to avenge their two losses to Harper Creek as Aiden Burns and Luke Davis aren’t ending their careers losing to the Beavers again. Marshall and Eaton Rapids could go either way, but I will stick with (18-2) Marshall to take the game. I fully respect (19-1) Olivet, but will chose Pennfield to pull of the upset with their tournament experience and senior leadership. In the district final Pennfield and Marshall split the season series. I believe that Marshall will claim the district title as long as they are fully healthy.

Quarterfinals

Eaton Rapids over Charlotte

Pennfield over Harper Creek

Semifinals

Marshall over Eaton Rapids

Pennfield over Olivet

Finals

Marshall over Pennfield

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Division 3

D3 District 75

Champion: Pewamo-Westphalia

Runner-Up: NorthPointe Christian

This district features a few talented teams including a competitive semi-final matchup between (12-8) NorthPointe Christian and (17-3) Carson City-Crystal. NorthPointe Christian has great scorers in Brayden Wilkerson and Kayden Bird who will look to lead them past Carson City-Crystal. Ultimately, with NorthPointe's difficult schedule they will get past Carson-City Crystal and face Pewamo-Westphalia in the title. I believe Pewamo-Westphalia will top NorthPointe Christian in a close district final.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

NorthPointe Chr. over Saranac

Semifinals

NorthPointe Chr. over Carson City-Crystal

Pewamo-Westphalia over Wellspring Prep

Finals

Pewamo-Westphalia over NorthPointe Chr.

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D3 District 76

Champion: Calvin Christian

Runner-Up: Covenant Christian

One of the most loaded districts in division three should feature two great semi-final matchups. (16-3) Covenant Christian should defeat Potter’s House for the second time this season while Calvin Christian should sneak by a talented Fennville team. The rivalry game in the district title between Calvin Christian and Covenant Christian will provide a great atmosphere. I’m choosing Calvin Christian to overcome an overtime loss earlier in the season to Covenant Christian and continue their 17 game winning streak with a district title.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Potter’s House Chr. over Saugatuck

Fennville over Black River

Semifinals

Covenant Christian over Potter’s House Chr.

Calvin Christian over Fennville

Finals

Calvin Christian over Covenant Christian

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D3 District 77

Champion: Schoolcraft

Runner-Up: Kalamazoo Christian

I would be shocked if this district doesn’t feature Schoolcraft facing Kalamazoo Christian in the title game. Hackett Catholic has played well of late and finished the season with an (11-8) record, but will be no match for (18-2) Schoolcraft. K-Christian will get an easier semi-final matchup facing either Galesburg or Delton-Kellogg who they defeated by 20+ in each meeting. In the title game, Schoolcraft will defeat K-Christian for the third time this season. In the past few years, Schoolcraft has been the hurdle that K-Christian never seems to overcome. Tyler DeGroote will lead the Eagles past the Comets just like he did last month at home.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Hackett Cath. over Maple Valley

Galesburg Aug. over Delton-Kellogg

Semifinals

Schoolcraft over Hackett Cath.

Kalamazoo Christian over Galesburg Aug.

Finals

Schoolcraft over Kalamazoo Christian

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D3 District 78

Champion: Lawton

Runner-Up: Hartford

Lawton is the team to beat in this district, entering with a (13-7) record including a win over SAC-Lakeshore co-champion Fennville. Decatur should easily handle one-win Bangor but will fall short to Hartford for the third time this season. Lawton should advance to the final over Bloomingdale and will beat Hartford as long as they contain senior forward Kaden Johnson who has put up massive numbers this season. Overall, expect the Blue Devils to repeat as district champions.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Decatur over Bangor

Semifinals

Hartford over Decatur

Lawton over Bloomingdale

Finals

Lawton over Hartford

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D3 District 79

Champion: Watervliet

Runner-Up: Brandywine

This is my favorite area district in division three, it features all five teams with at least 12 wins and four of the five teams are within my top ten small schools in the area. I expect Cassopolis to continue their 15 game winning streak and overcome an early-season loss to Bridgman. Watervliet will face Cassopolis in a fantastic matchup and I have Watervliet winning in a close one. Watervliet’s blend of young talent and veteran leaders such as Andrew Chisek will help them get past the Rangers. Having coach Dan Hoff on the bench will also give the Panthers an advantage with his decades of experience. Brandywine will face rival Buchanan for the third time this season. The Bobcats are red-hot winning eight of their past nine games. I expect Brandywine to defeat Buchanan once again and advance to the district final against Watervliet. The title game could go either way between Brandywine and Watervliet, but I will put my trust in the Watervliet Panthers with veteran leader Andrew Chisek and soph. star Kaden Bierhalter.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Cassopolis over Bridgman

Semifinals

Watervliet over Cassopolis

Brandywine over Buchanan

Finals

Watervliet over Brandywine

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D3 District 80

Champion: Centreville

Runner-Up: Bronson

Union City enters district play on a six-game losing streak and will face (12-8) White Pigeon in the quarterfinals. I had higher hopes for White Pigeon this season, but they were unable to elevate themselves to the top of the Southwest 10. They should be able to defeat a spiraling Union City team. Reading should easily defeat Quincy for the third time this season in the other quarterfinal. Centreville enters at (17-3) and will have seniors Tyler Swanwick and Mason Lemings lead them to a third win over White Pigeon. Bronson closed the season on a six-game winning streak including a win over Reading who they will likely defeat in the semi-finals. Centreville will have too much height and talent for Bronson and take home their second straight district title.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

White Pigeon over Union City

Reading over Quincy

Semifinals

Centreville over White Pigeon

Bronson over Reading

Finals

Centreville over Bronson

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Division 4

D4 District 113

Champion: Muskegon Heights

Runner-Up: Calvary Christian

Calvary Christian draws the easier semi-final matchup with Libertas Christian. Muskegon Heights will face Muskegon Catholic who they defeated twice this season. The district final should be a great game with freshman phenom Bradley Richards trying to lead Calvary Christian to a district title. In the end, I believe Muskegon Heights will take the title in a close game.

Picks:

Semifinals

Muskegon Heights over Muskegon Catholic

Calvary Christian over Libertas Christian

Finals

Muskegon Heights over Calvary Christian

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D4 District 114

Champion: Tri-Unity Christian

Runner-Up: Martin

I’m going out on a limb putting Martin the district title. The Clippers will have to overcome a loss last week to Zion Christian and then defeat a (13-6) Climax-Scotts team. Climax-Scotts has not defeated many quality teams while Martin has been battle-tested with the difficult SAC schedule. Phoenix could potentially give Tri-Unity Christian a closer game than expected. They just defeated a talented Webberville team last week and enter tournament play with a (10-5) record. Overall, don’t expect anyone to upset Brady Titus and the Defenders who look to make their annual trip to the Breslin Center.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Martin over Zion Christian

Semifinals

Martin over Climax-Scotts

Tri-Unity Christian over Phoenix

Finals

Tri-Unity Christian over Martin

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D4 District 115

Champion: Lawrence

Runner-Up: Gobles

This district is arguably one of the worst in the state with three teams that have four or fewer wins. Marcellus should be able to defeat Howardsville Christian who has lost 13 straight. Gobles will look to earn another victory by defeating a subpar Heritage Christian team. Lawrence closed the season with two straight wins and is the only team with a .500 or better record in the district. The Tigers should take home some hardware in a weak district.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Marcellus over Howardsville Chr.

Gobles over Heritage Chr.

Semifinals

Lawrence over Howardsville Chr.

Gobles over Covert

Finals

Lawrence over Gobles

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D4 District 116

Champion: New Buffalo

Runner-Up: Eau Claire

This district features six of the ten BCS White teams including the conference champ New Buffalo. Neither quarterfinal should be close despite Lake Mich. Catholic defeating Countryside in an upset a couple of weeks ago. Both semi-finals have the potential to be competitive games although both New Buffalo and Eau Claire have defeated their opponents by double-digits in both meetings. New Buffalo should come away with the district title while they begin their Breslin run.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

River Valley over Michigan Lutheran

BH Countryside over Lake Mich. Catholic

Semifinals

Eau Claire over BH Countryside

New Buffalo over River Valley

Finals

New Buffalo over Eau Claire

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D4 District 117

Champion: Bellevue

Runner-Up: BC St. Philip

Bellevue should cruise through this district with their closest challenger being St. Philip. The Broncos defeated St. Philip in both meetings this season by double-digits. Quarterfinal games are both toss-ups, but none of those teams will be expected to win more than one game.

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Jackson Prep over Marshall Academy

Jackson Christian over Calhoun Christian

Semifinals

BC St. Philip over Jackson Christian

Bellevue over Jackson Prep

Finals

Bellevue over BC St. Philip

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D4 District 118

Champion: Colon

Runner-Up: Burr Oak

The semi-final matchup between Colon and Mendon is what I believe will settle the district title. Mendon enters with an abysmal (4-16) record but started playing more competitive basketball at the end of the season. The Hornets had a close loss to Hartford before handily defeating Bangor in their final game. They were defeated by 20 points in the first game of the season by Colon but will likely keep the game closer this time. I still believe that Colon will take this district quite easily with their top record of (15-4).

Picks:

Quarterfinals

Tekonsha over Athens

Semifinals

Burr Oak over Tekonsha

Colon over Mendon

Finals

Colon over Burr Oak

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