Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Boys Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 10, 2026
One. More. Win.
That’s all that’s needed as 32 boys basketball teams take the floor tonight for Quarterfinals across the state and with a trip to East Lansing and Breslin Center on the line.
Below are quick glances at all 16 matchups. Games tip off at 7 p.m. unless noted. Details on tickets, brackets and more can be found on the Boys Basketball page. To watch all 16 games online, visit the NFHS Network.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com. (Abbreviations below denote ppg - points per game, rpg - rebounds per game and apg - assists per game.)
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Grand Rapids Northview 52, East Kentwood 50 Cam Ryans drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send Grand Rapids Northview (22-4) past East Kentwood (22-3) in a Division 1 Regional Final.
2. Harbor Beach 64, International Academy of Flint 62 (2 OT) Harbor Beach (23-3) won its first Regional title, edging IAF (19-5) in Division 4.
3. Colon 49, Battle Creek St. Philip 40 The Magi (22-4) also clinched their first Regional title, in Division 4, by adding to two regular-season wins over St. Philip (16-9).
4. Onsted 42, Ecorse 40 Onsted (24-2) clinched its first Regional title since 1983, advancing in Division 3 with a close win over Ecorse (19-6).
5. Onekama 46, Traverse City Christian 40 Onekama (17-10) handed Traverse City Christian (25-1) its only loss in a Division 4 Regional Final.
Quarterfinals at a Glance
DIVISION 1
Rockford (22-3) vs. Grand Rapids Northview (22-4) at Hudsonville
These two met Jan. 31 at the 2K26 Showcase, with Rockford winning 48-45. Senior 6-foot-6 forward Jake Bascom is a tough matchup averaging 17.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. But so is Northview senior guard Cam Ryans, a Mr. Basketball Award finalist averaging 24.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
Auburn Hills Avondale (25-1) vs. Roseville (19-6) at Detroit Mercy
Avondale is coming off its first Regional title since 2002 with senior forward Jakobe Liford (15.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg) leading three players averaging double-digit scoring. Roseville last won a Regional in 2019 and returns to the season’s final week with junior guard Terrell Owens (17.3 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.9 spg) setting the pace.
East Lansing (25-1) vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer (21-4) at Lansing Eastern’s Don Johnson Fieldhouse
Reigning Division 1 champion East Lansing celebrated senior guard KJ Torbert winning the Mr. Basketball Award on Monday, and he’s an especially impressive shooter making 52 percent of his shots from the floor – including 39 percent of his 3-point tries – on the way to averaging 25 points per game. Pioneer is back at the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2007, with senior guard Jordan Harrison a potent scorer (18.1 ppg) and distributor (3.9 apg).
Wayne Memorial (23-3) vs. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (21-5) at Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
The Zebras are also playing for a return trip to Breslin after finishing Division 1 runner-up a year ago, and they’re also led by a Mr. Basketball Award finalist in senior guard Jaylohn Allen (23.3 ppg, 6.0 apg). Brother Rice won its second Regional title over the last three seasons, keyed by a high-powered backcourt of senior Greg Grays (14.9 ppg) and freshman Jordan McDaniel (19.3 ppg).
DIVISION 2
Ludington (24-2) vs. Freeland (23-3) at Mount Pleasant
Junior guard Taj Williams (18.8 ppg) and senior forward Cameron Gunsell (18.2 ppg) have led Ludington to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2017, as the Orioles advanced with a Regional Final win over 2025 semifinalist Kingsford. Freeland has won nine straight games to reach the Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. Senior guard Wilson Huckeby is making almost 39 percent of his 3-pointers, drilling 81 this season while averaging 18.9 points per game.
Chelsea (20-5) vs. Romulus Summit Academy North (25-1) at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 5:30 p.m.
Summit is one win away from returning to Breslin after finishing Division 2 runner-up a year ago, its only loss to an Ohio opponent and with three players averaging double-digit points per game led by senior guard Jordan Fuller at 15.4. Chelsea has won nine of its last 10 games, with a big one over Lansing Sexton (23-3) in a Regional Final. Freshman Drew Cabana is averaging 21.8 points per game and senior Buck Allen adds 17.4 – and both have made at least 50 3-pointers.
Detroit University Prep (16-9) vs. Detroit Country Day (19-7) at Detroit Renaissance
University Prep has won nine of its last 10 games and edged reigning champion Warren Lincoln by two points in their Regional Final to reach this week. Senior guards Chris Byrd and Maurice Jackson are a 6-5 tandem averaging 19.6 and 14.6 ppg, respectively. Country Day has made a jump from 11-12 a year ago, winning nine of its last 10 games with junior guard Christian Cast (20.9 ppg) and 6-6 junior forward Isaiah Moreno (16.5) setting the pace.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (20-6) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (23-3) at Hamilton
Grand Rapids Catholic Central is playing in its third-straight Quarterfinal and reached the Semifinals a year ago, and can turn to senior guards BB Watkins (14.4 ppg) and Jordan McCoy (15.5 ppg) for scoring punch. Unity Christian has won 19 of its last 20 games, its only defeat during that time against Freeland, and has five players averaging between 7-12 ppg topped by senior guard Brogan Sherd (12.2), who also has made 61 3-pointers.
DIVISION 3
Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (17-3) vs. Harbor Beach (23-3) at St. Clair County Community College
ATAP is a game away from a Breslin return as well after finishing Division 3 runner-up last season, and the Lions will take on a first-time Regional champ in Harbor Beach. Sophomore point guard Lewis Lovejoy paced last year’s ATAP run and leads again at 26.5 points and 7.6 assists per game. Senior guard Benson Harper leads three Harbor Beach players scoring in double digits at 17.3 ppg, and he and senior forward Skiler Krus (13.2 ppg) were also among stars on the Pirates’ Division 8 football championship team.
Menominee (22-4) vs. Beal City (24-2) at Boyne City
After a year away, Menominee is playing in its second Quarterfinal in three seasons and third over the last five – in part thanks to avenging a regular-season loss to 2025 semifinalist Ishpeming Westwood in their Regional Semifinal. Senior forward Tanner Theuerkauf quarterbacked the Division 7 football championship team and leads at 17.8 ppg, with senior guard Darren Butler at 15.2. Beal City is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 2013 and has reached 20 wins three straight seasons. Junior guard Cuyler Smith (15 ppg) leads three players averaging at least 11 points per game.
Flint New Standard Academy (20-4) vs. Onsted (24-2) at Ypsilanti Lincoln
New Standard is playing in its second-straight Quarterfinal and with its only losses this season to teams that all reached Regional Finals. Sophomore guard AJ Smith (12.4 ppg) and senior guard Jeffery Turner (12.0) lead four players averaging at least 10 ppg. As noted above, Onsted is back in the season’s final week for the first time in more than four decades, and after just missing with some very strong teams over the last 10 years. Mason Chesser (13.9 ppg) leads four averaging at least nine points per game who have helped the Wildcats push through.
Pewamo-Westphalia (24-2) vs. Schoolcraft (16-10) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
These two have met two other times in Quarterfinals this decade, with P-W advancing last season with a 50-45 victory. The Pirates have been regulars at this stage with this their fourth Quarterfinal over the last five seasons. Grady Eklund sets the pace for P-W at 20.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. Senior 6-10 forward Jimmy Miller leads three Schoolcraft players scoring at least 15 ppg with 19.3, plus nine rebounds per contest, and junior guard Kodee Bienz (15.1 ppg) has drilled 68 3-pointers.
DIVISION 4
Dollar Bay (23-2) vs. Pickford (25-0) at Gladstone
These two guarantee at least one Upper Peninsula team will be heading downstate, with Pickford making the attempt after losing a Quarterfinal last year by two points and Dollar Bay seeking its first Breslin trip since 2018. Gunner Bennin averages 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game for the Panthers. Senior forward Liam Tourtillott (20.2 ppg, 73 3-pointers) and junior guard Baron Colbert (16.9 ppg) are strong perimeter options for Dollar Bay.
Detroit Douglass (19-7) vs. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (19-6) at West Bloomfield, 6 p.m.
Douglass has made its run after tying for second in a Detroit Public School League Blue filled at the top with Division 1 teams, and defeated 2025 semifinalist Allen Park Inter-City Baptist in a Regional Semifinal last week. Freshman guard Damani Oliver averages 22.5 ppg and senior guard Jeremiah Thurman adds 16.1. Our Lady started this season 2-4 but has surged since the start of January, with senior center Jack Miller (12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and senior forward Latane Ware (11.3 ppg) pacing a balanced attack.
Colon (22-4) vs. Concord (22-4) at Portage Northern
As noted above, Colon is coming off its first Regional title, and the Magi also defeated league rival Mendon (22-2) in a District Final. Seniors forwards Dalton Williams (22.1 ppg) and Quincy Blair (17.7) lead four players averaging double-digit scoring. Concord is coming off its first Regional title since 1990 and has celebrated senior guard Jett Smith and senior forward Connor Stevens both reaching 1,000 career points this winter.
Onekama (17-10) vs. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (24-1) at Big Rapids
Onekama stunned previously-undefeated Traverse City Christian with a 46-40 Regional Final win to advance to the season’s final week for the first time since 1997, and the Portagers now get to take on the reigning Division 4 champion Defenders. Center Luke Bradford sets the pace at 15 ppg and is one of three senior starters. Tri-unity has replaced four starters from last season’s title winner, with the lone returner junior center Cody Osbun leading at 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
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PHOTOS (Top) Roseville’s Terrell Owens (4) blocks a shot during his team’s 71-68 overtime win over Clinton Township Chippewa Valley in last week’s Regional Semifinal. (Middle) Freeland’s Tristan Comer (13) scoops a shot during the Falcons’ Regional Final win over Flint Hamady. (Roseville/Chippewa Valley photo by Adam Sheehan. Freeland/Hamady photo by Terry Lyons.)
Morenci Rallies to Support 3-Sport Standout
By
Doug Donnelly
Special for MHSAA.com
March 22, 2021
MORENCI – It would have been easy for Rodney Zimmerman to take a night off and no one would have thought twice.
But the three-sport athlete at Morenci High School in Lenawee County wouldn’t even consider it. Even while his mom was going through cancer treatments, battling COVID-19 and pneumonia, Zimmerman hit the weight room every morning, showed up for practice every afternoon and, now, has taken a step toward his dream of becoming a college athlete.
Zimmerman committed this week to Saginaw Valley State University to run track.
“He’s just one of those kids that everyone rallies around,” said Morenci track and football coach Stefan Wilkinson. “He works really hard at everything he does. He goes all out, every time he’s on the court or field or track. He’s a very humble kid.”
Outside of his own community, few people were aware that his mother was going through cancer treatments in the fall, causing her to miss some of his games. Morenci rallied around the quiet senior.
“Everyone knew what was going on,” Zimmerman said, reluctantly. “Morenci is a small town. The parents and coaches were great to me. They would cook meals for us. That was really nice.
“Sports is a way for me to put that out of my mind,” he said. “I just go out and play the game. It is hard, but you have to do it. Football became my escape from all of that. That really helped. It wasn’t too hard to focus. Well, it was, but I just had to do it. I wanted to keep playing.”
Sports has been a part of his life since grade school. He grew up near Waldron in Hillsdale County and attended Pittsford until seventh grade when he moved schools and started going to Morenci. It was a good fit for him and the community.
His first interest was basketball, but he decided to pick up other sports as well.
“At first when I came here, I just played basketball, but I eventually picked up football and then track,” he said. “The coaches always told me it was good to play all of the other sports.”
He’s a familiar face at Morenci events because he stands out in three sports. He also wears a signature headband.
Zimmerman was a running back for the Morenci football team in the fall, is a point guard for the Bulldogs basketball team as they head into next week’s Division 3 postseason, and he can’t wait to return to the track this spring. He’s a sprinter and a good one.
As a sophomore, Zimmerman finished second at the Tri-County Conference meet in both the 100 and 200 meters. At the Division 4 Finals, he placed fourth in the 100 and helped the Bulldogs 400 relay team place fourth as well. He also qualified in the 200.
He likes how track is somewhat of an individual sport.
“I like all of the sports, but I like that in track I have total control,” he said. “The only one responsible for your performance is you. It’s all up to you.”
He missed his junior year of track due to the season being canceled because of COVID-19.
“I was really disappointed that I missed my junior season because that’s a big season for recruitment,” he said. “I was thinking we were going to still have a season. I was working out and getting ready, then it was canceled. I was still lifting and trying to stay ready.”
He has goals for this season.
“I want to go to state again, and I want to be in the top three in my events,” he said.
He committed to Saginaw Valley State, a Division II college, after visiting the campus and finding out the Cardinals were able to give some scholarship money.
“They made the best offer,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to go to college. That’s been my plan. I want to do something in business, maybe own my own gym.”
College is still a while away. Right now, there is the District tournament looming for Morenci, then track season. His mother had a scan recently to find out where she stands with cancer.
For now, he’s happy to have her in the stands, watching him compete. The community continues to rally around him. His teammates do, too. During football season, Zimmerman and other players wore green on their shoes or wrist – a lime green ribbon promotes Lymphoma cancer awareness.
“It’s nice to have her watching again,” he said. “She missed some football games. She just had a pet scan last week to see if it is all gone. We are hoping for the best.”
Doug Donnelly has served as a sports and news reporter and city editor over 25 years, writing for the Daily Chief-Union in Upper Sandusky, Ohio from 1992-1995, the Monroe Evening News from 1995-2012 and the Adrian Daily Telegram since 2013. He's also written a book on high school basketball in Monroe County and compiles record books for various schools in southeast Michigan. E-mail him at [email protected] with story ideas for Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) Morenci's Rodney Zimmerman sprints toward the finish of a preliminary race during the 2019 Track & Field Finals. (Middle) Zimmeran was named this winter's Homecoming king. (Top photo by RunMichigan.com; middle photo submitted.)