Breslin Bound: 2022-23 Boys Quarterfinal Preview

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

March 21, 2023

It finally feels like spring, at least here in East Lansing. And tonight, 32 teams will attempt to build into their spring breaks a trip to Breslin Center.

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Below is a glance at all 16 of tonight’s Quarterfinals across four divisions, with all games tipping off at 7 p.m. unless noted. Winners advance to Thursday and Friday’s Semifinals, and we’ll detail the teams more then as we preview those concluding rounds of this year’s tournament.

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Division 1

Ann Arbor Huron (23-2) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (25-1) at University of Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.

After an early postseason exit last season, 2021 Division 1 runner-up Huron has put together another deep playoff run. Sophomore guard Macari Moore leads three players averaging double-digit scoring at 17 points per game. After winning its first Regional title last season since 1998, Cass Tech is back at the Quarterfinals for a second straight March. Darius Acuff is another super sophomore, also leading three double-digit scorers at 21.6 ppg to go with 5.8 assists per contest.

Grand Blanc (24-2) vs. Rochester Adams (17-8) at Lake Orion

Last season’s runner-up is two wins away from playing for another title, but this time the Bobcats are led by first-year coach Tory Jackson. Seniors Tae Boyd (15.4 ppg) and RJ Taylor (14.3) are a strong 1-2 punch. Adams is coming off its first Regional title in this sport, with junior 6-foot-7 football standout Brady Prieskorn among top contributors for a Highlanders hoops team that has won seven of its last nine games.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (14-10) vs. Warren De La Salle (17-8) at University of Detroit Mercy

These Detroit Catholic League Central rivals will meet for the third time, with St. Mary’s winning the first matchup by 17 on Jan. 10 and the reigning Division 1 champion Pilots taking the rematch by 12 on Jan. 31. Sophomore Trey McKenney is a force at 25.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for the Eaglets, while Phoenix Glassnor is another sophomore standout leading De La Salle at 18.4 ppg.

Muskegon (24-2) vs. East Lansing (16-9) at Caledonia

East Lansing has won six straight and 12 of its last 14 games, with three of those wins over opponents responsible for four of their losses this winter. Only one starter is a senior, and sophomore Cameron Hutson leads the way at 19.3 ppg. Muskegon is in the midst of a ninth 20-win season over the last decade and earned its first Regional title since 2015. Senior Jordan Briggs (18.7 ppg) has qualified for the MHSAA single-season record list with 84 3-pointers, connecting on nearly 40 percent of his tries from beyond the arc.

Division 2

Cadillac (22-4) vs. Saginaw (20-6) at Alma

The Trojans are seeking their first Semifinal appearance since 2013 and have lost only to Division 1 opponents this season, with guard Javarie Holliday leading a mostly senior-powered lineup at 15.8 ppg. Cadillac also won its Regional last season and is seeking to return to the Semifinals for the first time since 2015, with 6-6 junior Charlie Howell the leading scorer (15.3 ppg) and rebounder (7.4 rpg).

Ferndale (18-8) vs. Goodrich (22-4) at Lake Orion, 5:30 p.m.

The Eagles are working to reach Breslin and the Semifinals for a third-straight season and have won 13 of their last 14 games while navigating a power-packed schedule again this winter. Senior Chris Williams leads a balanced lineup at 13.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Goodrich is a combined 93-20 over the last five seasons and playing to make the Semifinals for the first time with senior Jack Locey (18.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.0 spg, 45 3-pointers) among those filling the stat sheet.

Hudsonville Unity Christian (18-9) vs. Grand Rapids South Christian (23-3) at Calvin University

These rivals will be filling Calvin for a rematch after South Christian won the regular-season meeting 58-50 on Dec. 16. The bad news for the Sailors is they lost leading scorer Carson Vis (17.7 ppg) to injury in the Regional Final, but senior Jacob DeHaan (13 ppg) leads three others averaging at least 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Unity has won 11 of its last 12 games, with two-point upsets of Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Grand Rapids Christian along the way. Juniors Trayton Fisher and Colin Neiuwenhuis both average about 11.5 points per game and have combined for 97 3-pointers.

Chelsea (21-5) vs. Romulus Summit Academy (24-2) at Milan

These are two more teams looking to reach the Semifinals for the first time, Summit having played in a Quarterfinal as recently as 2021 and Chelsea’s last trip to the season’s final week in 2000. Juniors Jacob Stephens (22.7 ppg) and Joseph Cabana (22.2) set a strong pace for the Bulldogs. The Dragons have doubled up all four of their postseason opponents so far and done the same in 16 wins total this winter.

Tri-unity Christian’s Roy Fogg pulls in a loose ball during his team’s Regional championship victory over Lansing Christian.

Division 3

Detroit Loyola (25-1) vs. Flint Beecher (21-4) at Waterford Mott

A 67-58 loss to Division 1 Flint Carman-Ainsworth on Jan. 29 remains the only defeat on Loyola’s list this winter. All five starters are seniors, with Dashawn Martin (15.1 ppg) leading three averaging double-figure scoring. Beecher’s losses were to Division 1 and 2 opponents, including three playing tonight. Robert Lee leads a senior-dominated lineup at 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as the Bucs attempt to make the Semifinals for a third-straight season.

Laingsburg (25-0) vs. Ecorse (19-4) at Ypsilanti Lincoln

The Wolfpack’s closest game this season was seven points, its Regional Semifinal win against Jonesville, as it attempts to reach Breslin for the first time since 2013. Junior Zander Woodruff is averaging more than a point per minute of playing time, leading at 24.4 ppg. Ecorse is seeking a return trip to the Semifinals and has won 17 of its last 18 games. Senior guard Malik Olafioye also is putting the finishing touches on a high-scoring career.

St. Ignace (22-4) vs. Traverse City St. Francis (22-4) at Gaylord

St. Ignace is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 2001, seeking to reach the Semifinals for the first time since 1983. Junior Jonny Ingalls (22.4 ppg) leads three Saints averaging at least 13, plus he’s dishing 5.4 assists per game. St. Francis has won 11 of its last 12 games with that lone loss to Cadillac (see above) in overtime in the regular-season finale. Senior Wyatt Nausadis has paced the scoring at 20.1 ppg after quarterbacking the football team to a Division 7 runner-up finish in the fall.

Pewamo-Westphalia (19-6) vs. Niles Brandywine (24-2) at Portage Central

Brandywine has reached the final week for the first time with its first Regional title, and its only losses this season remain against Division 2 Benton Harbor. Junior Jaremiah Palmer leads a lineup with four players averaging at least 9.7 ppg at 12.9 per game. P-W is making its second-straight Quarterfinal appearance after edging North Muskegon by three and then Grandville Calvin Christian by two last week. Senior Jamison Eklund is averaging 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Division 4

Painesdale Jeffers (25-1) vs. Munising (24-1) at Negaunee

The Upper Peninsula is guaranteed to send a one-loss team downstate to the Division 4 Semifinals, and for both programs it would be a first-time trip. Jeffers is playing its first Quarterfinal, and Munising its first since 1954. Junior Levi Frahm leads four Jets scoring in double digits at 20.5 ppg, while senior Kane Nebel is surrounded by a similar balanced attack and leads four double-digit scorers at 15.8 ppg.

Taylor Trillium Academy (21-3) vs. Marine City Cardinal Mooney (15-11) at West Bloomfield

Trillium is another first-time Regional champion, taking this step after falling just a four-point loss shy of reaching the Quarterfinals a year ago. Senior DaMaryon Fishburn is averaging 22.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for the Wildcats, and junior Keymarryon Fishburn adds 15.3 ppg. Cardinal Mooney has won seven of its last nine games to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2016 and after falling in Regional Finals the last two seasons – avenging the 2022 loss to Genesee Christian to advance. Senior Trent Rice leads three double-digit scorers at 12.9 ppg.

Frankfort (17-8) vs. Hillman (22-4) at Gaylord, 5 p.m.

Frankfort is another team on a nice streak with eight wins over its last nine games including 50-44 over 2022 semifinalist Lake Leelanau St. Mary in last week’s Regional Final. Senior Emmerson Farmer and sophomore Carter Kerby supply the backcourt with between 10-11 ppg apiece. This will be Hillman’s fourth Quarterfinal over the last nine seasons as the Tigers seek their first Semifinal trip. Trenton Taratuta is a big-time scorer averaging 27.4 ppg with 60 3-pointers but also 9.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 5.2 steals per game.

Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (20-6) vs. Kalamazoo Phoenix (17-2) at Richland Gull Lake

This is a familiar spot for Tri-unity Christian, the reigning Division 4 champion. All five starters average between 6-13 ppg and four have high games of at least 20 points this season; senior Roy Fogg tops both lists at 13 ppg and 25, respectively. This is new territory for Phoenix, which won one game just two seasons ago but has won 10 in a row heading into this week. Senior Cameron Lewis-Atkins (19.9 ppg) leads five players averaging 11 or more points per game. Phoenix avenged one of its losses, to Eau Claire, in the Regional Semifinal.

MHSAA.com's weekly “Breslin Bound” previews and reviews are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning located within the Michigan Department of Treasury. MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 college savings programs (MET/MESP), as well as scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Connect with MI Student Aid at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid and find more information on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.

PHOTOS (Top) A fan holds up a sign supporting Painesdale Jeffers between the third and fourth quarters of last week’s Regional Final win over Stephenson. (Middle) Tri-unity Christian’s Roy Fogg pulls in a loose ball during his team’s Regional championship victory over Lansing Christian. (Top photo by Cara Kamps; middle photo by High School Sports Scene.)

Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Boys Report Week 1

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

December 8, 2025

Winter has certainly arrived in Michigan over the last few weeks – at least from a snowy standpoint – and right on the time to signal the start of boys basketball season and our first report on the annual march to Michigan State's Breslin Center.

MI Student AidBig matchups already are happening, and every game against an MHSAA Tournament opponent counts toward seeding for District brackets, and once again we're diving into the results you need to know from the previous week, teams that are showing up big in each division and matchups coming up that you won't want to miss.

“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com.

Week in Review

The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:

1. Grand Rapids South Christian 75, Grand Rapids Christian 71 The Sailors (2-0) opened by adding to last season’s District Final win over Grand Rapids Christian (1-1), and after having lost to the Eagles 72-55 in their season opener a year ago.

2. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 71, Detroit U-D Jesuit 42 Brother Rice (2-0) enjoyed some significant payback after falling to Jesuit twice last season, during the regular season in what eventually decided the Catholic High School League Central title and then in their Regional Semifinal matchup.

3. Saginaw United 67, Detroit Catholic Central 57 The Phoenix (2-1) opened their new fieldhouse with a notable season-opening victory over the Shamrocks (2-1), who defeated United 69-55 in their opener a year ago.  

4. Grand Blanc 76, Hamtramck 75 (OT) The Bobcats (2-0) opened the season with this notable win at the Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic.

5. Warren Fitzgerald 41, East Kentwood 40 This was another exciting finish at the Horatio Williams event, again in a faceoff of teams with high aspirations this season.

Watch List

With an eye toward March, here are two teams in each division making sparks:

DIVISION 1

Grand Haven (3-0) The Buccaneers finished an opening week of road games without a loss, defeating Coopersville 65-42 and then Traverse City Central 83-71 and Traverse West 79-77 over the weekend. Grand Haven improved from 11-12 in 2023-24 to 18-6 last season and will have some opportunities to get rolling heading into the new calendar year with a Dec. 22 matchup against Freeland and its Lake Michigan Cup on Dec. 29-30.

North Farmington (2-0) The Raiders are coming off a 12-10 finish and third place in the Oakland Activities Association Red last season, and got off to a fast start under first-year coach Peter Mantyla with a 41-35 win over Canton and a 62-47 victory over Davison while hosting the Horatio Williams Tip-Off Classic. Reigning league champion Birmingham Groves is up next, on Friday, and the first matchup with Farmington – which ended the Raiders’ season last winter – is Dec. 19.

DIVISIION 2

Dundee (3-0) The Vikings appear on track to bounce way back after going 21-5 in 2023-24 but then only 5-18 last winter. They opened last week with a 12-point win over Saline Washtenaw Christian, a 47-46 victory over Milan and a 51-45 triumph over Britton Deerfield – and after losing to Washtenaw Christian by six points during the early going a year ago.

Freeland (3-0) The Falcons are coming off a 22-4 finish and run to the Division 2 Quarterfinals last winter, so a fast start isn’t a surprise. But it was still impressive; Freeland opened with a 22-point win over Bridgeport, then defeated Menominee by 22 and Petoskey by 15 at the latter’s Sean Pollion Invitational. Showcase games against Auburn Hills Avondale and Grand Haven later this month will be opportunities to impress.

DIVISION 3

Ishpeming Westwood (3-0) The Patriots reached the Semifinals last season for the first time since 2003 with Ethan Marta leading the way, and he’s doing so again to begin his senior year as Westwood opened with sizable wins over West Iron County and Hancock. They finished a perfect first week with an 83-64 victory over rival Ishpeming.

North Muskegon (3-0) The Norsemen are off to the right start as well after last season’s 23-2 finish and Regional Final run. They won all three of their games last week by at least 20 points, defeating Division 1 Walled Lake Western 64-44 in the championship game of the Will Lynch Invitational at Benzie Central. And they celebrated senior Adam Dugener reaching 1,000 points in the season-opening win over Holton.

DIVISION 4

Clarkston Everest Collegiate (2-0) A Regional finalist and 24-2 overall last season, Everest jumped 10 wins from 2023-24 and is off to a fast start again. The Mountaineers opened with a 61-42 win over Livonia Clarenceville and followed with a 59-42 victory over Flint Beecher. Clarenceville is a Division 2 team, and the great majority of Everest’s regular-season opponents play in Division 2 or 3 with a date as well against Division 1 South Lyon East on Feb. 19.

Eben Junction Superior Central (3-0) Two of last season’s first four losses came to Hannahville Nah Tah Wahsh as Superior Central went on to finish the season 9-14 – after going 16-8 in 2023-24. But the Cougars got on the right track immediately this winter with a 57-42 win over Nah Tah Wahsh to open last week before defeating Cedarville 42-41 and Mackinaw City 48-41 on successive days to win the Battle of the Bridge hosted by the latter.

Can’t-Miss Contests

Be on the lookout for results of these games coming up: 

Monday – Ishpeming Westwood (3-0) at Kingsford (2-0) – These two both made it to Breslin Center last season, Westwood reaching the Division 3 Semifinals and Kingsford the same in Division 2.

Tuesday – Flint Powers Catholic (2-0) at Bay City John Glenn (1-1) – These two Division 2 hopefuls both won 20 games last season.

Friday – Grand Rapids Catholic Central (0-0) at Rockford (1-0) – The Division 1 Rams may have won their matchup last season 70-43, but the Cougars went on to finish their season in the Division 2 Semifinals.

Saturday – Warren Lincoln (1-0) vs. Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (0-0) at Detroit Mercy – These two also both reached Breslin Center last season, Lincoln winning the Division 2 title and ATAP finishing Division 3 runner-up, and they will face off at the U-D Mercy Showcase.

Saturday – East Lansing (1-0) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (0-1) at Lansing Eastern – The reigning Division 1 champion Trojans should get a strong challenge at the Moneyball Tip-Off Classic from King, which made the Quarterfinals last winter.

MHSAA.com's weekly “Breslin Bound” reports are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and X @mistudentaid.

PHOTO While being defended by Ishpeming's Dax Kakkuri on Friday, Ishpeming Westwood's Ethan Marta makes a move to the basket. (Photo by Cara Kamps.)