Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Boys Report Post-Break
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
January 5, 2026
Holiday break is showcase season for several basketball teams all over the state, and there’s plenty to catch up on as "Breslin Bound” returns for the start of calendar year 2026.
While championship hopefuls will continue to play in special events (mostly on Saturdays) over the next many weeks as well, there were 58 tournaments and one-or-several-day showcases over the last two weeks featuring Michigan boys hoops teams.
“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. Rockford 81, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 78 (2 OT) The Rams won a classic at the D Zone Showcase and remain undefeated at 8-0 while the loss was the second over three games for Brother Rice (7-3).
2. Auburn Hills Avondale 50, Grand Blanc 49 In another D Zone Showcase nail-biter, Avondale (8-1) bounced back from losing to Freeland two days before to hand Grand Blanc (8-1) its only defeat this season.
3. Grand Haven 77, Freeland 74 (OT) Grand Haven (8-1) handed Freeland (7-1) its lone defeat, during the Cornerstone University Holiday Showcase.
4. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley 69, Detroit Cass Tech 67 Chippewa Valley (7-1) has been consistently successful over several seasons, but defeating Cass Tech (5-3) at the D Zone Showcase certainly earned additional attention.
5. East Lansing 62, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 41 The reigning Division 1 champion Trojans (8-0) have had a few close calls this winter but impressed against one of their most highly-regarded foes.
Watch List
With an eye toward March, here are two teams in each division making sparks:
DIVISION 1
Grand Blanc (8-1) The Bobcats have won at least a District title every season this decade, and appear on the right track for another run with their only loss by a point to Avondale (see above). Grand Blanc also has navigated a one-point overtime victory over Hamtramck and three-point win over Saginaw United, and perhaps most impressively downed Clarkston 54-47 at its home Charlie Carmody Classic to begin this month. Friday’s game at Grand Haven (8-1) will be another that could shake up rankings.
Ypsilanti Lincoln (8-1) The Railsplitters have continued to roll after finishing last season 16-10 but with six wins over their last seven games including a District title clincher. After finishing fourth in the Southeastern Conference Red last winter, Lincoln is the early leader in the SEC White. Its lone loss was during the first week of December to Wayne Memorial, and the Railsplitters have four wins by one or two points.
DIVISION 2
Benton Harbor (10-0) The Tigers are among five teams statewide that have reached double-digit wins, with six of those first 10 coming during showcase games including by two over Detroit Douglass and three in overtime over Berrien Springs. Benton Harbor has several more matchups of note coming up; circle Jan. 13 at Niles Brandywine, Jan. 17 against Detroit Catholic Central at Westland John Glenn’s Rocket Classic and Feb. 7 against Warren Lincoln at Grand Rapids Community College’s 2K26 Showcase.
Grand Rapids South Christian (7-1) The Sailors are coming off a 20-5 season that included sharing the Ottawa-Kent Conference Gold title and winning their District despite opening 1-3. They’re off to a much faster start this winter, already avenging last-winter losses to Grand Rapids Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central – the latter which ended South Christian’s 2024-25 season. The Sailors shared last year’s league title with Grand Rapids Northview and will see the Wildcats for the first time Friday.
DIVISION 3
Beal City (7-0) The Aggies opened the new year with wins over Mason County Central and Vestaburg to win the Reed City Holiday Tournament, and total five of their seven victories have come over teams currently with winning records. Beal City handed Highland Conference rival McBain its only loss and sits tied atop the league standings with LeRoy Pine River, with their first matchup slated for Jan. 20. Beal City finished second in the league to McBain last season and ended their tournament run with a Regional Final loss to the Ramblers.
Menominee (7-1) The Maroons began this season with a defeat against Division 2 contender Freeland at Petoskey’s Sean Pollion Invitational, but haven’t lost again – a substantial bounce-back from last year’s 2-4 start on the way to a 13-12 finish. The difference in part has been wins over Negaunee, Crystal Falls Forest Park and Green Bay West (Wis.) – after losses to those opponents during last winter’s start – and it’s important to note as well that all seven wins this season have come by at least 23 points.
DIVISION 4
Dollar Bay (6-1) Although the Blue Bolts are coming off a loss to Division 1 Marquette last week, a 49-45 overtime win over Forest Park has highlighted this early run and avenged an 18-point loss to the Trojans a year ago. Dollar Bay went on last season to share the Copper Mountain Conference title and win its District, and the Blue Bolts will see the other two co-champions Wakefield-Marenisco and Ewen-Trout Creek this month, as well as Bessemer – which ended Dollar Bay’s 2024-25 season in a Regional Semifinal.
Pickford (7-0) The Panthers just missed out on a trip to Breslin last season, falling to Forest Park by two points in their Quarterfinal while finishing 23-3 overall. They’ve already avenged last year’s regular-season loss to Harbor Springs as they opened this winter with six wins by at least 18 points before handing Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian its only loss, 59-54 last week. Undefeated Cheboygan on Jan. 17 could present another intriguing challenge.
Can’t-Miss Contests
Be on the lookout for results of these games coming up:
Wednesday – Fowler (7-0) at Pewamo-Westphalia (5-1) – The only loss between these Central Michigan Athletic Conference rivals this winter was P-W’s by two points to Division 1 Grandville.
Friday – Detroit Loyola (8-0) at Dearborn Divine Child (8-2) – The Catholic High School League AA kicks off its second half with a rematch of a season-opening 62-56 win by league leader Loyola.
Friday – Frankenmuth (7-0) at Freeland (7-1) – These two are both undefeated in early Tri-Valley Conference Red play, with the only loss between them Freeland’s to Grand Haven noted above.
Saturday – Wayne Memorial (4-0) vs. Muskegon (4-0) at East Kentwood – These are two of 10 remaining undefeated Division 1 teams, and they face off at 4:45 p.m. in the Gottagetit Classic.
Saturday – Rockford (8-0) vs. East Lansing (8-0) at East Kentwood – These are two more of the Division 1 unbeatens, and they play in the 8:15 p.m. slot at East Kentwood.
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PHOTOS (Top) Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central senior Rahmaan Kelley Jr. drives to the basket during the third quarter for two of his team-leading 20 points in the Panthers’ 44-35 victory over Saginaw Swan Valley on Dec. 17. (Middle) Harbor Beach guard Benson Harper works his way through the paint toward a second-quarter basket in his team’s Jan. 2 game against Freeland. (Photos by Kolleth Photo.)
Breslin Bound: 2021-22 Boys Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 22, 2022
We have reached the final week of winter on the MHSAA calendar, and the final game before one more Breslin-bound trip closes our season.
Below is a look at all 16 Boys Basketball Quarterfinals that will be played across the state this evening. Times are included where two are at the same site – the rest tip-off at 7 p.m. EST. Click here for the full schedule.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid.
DIVISION 1
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (20-4) vs. Warren De La Salle Collegiate (17-7) at University of Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
No opponents playing Tuesday are more familiar with each other, as the Eaglets won these Detroit Catholic League Central rivals’ first two meetings by two in double overtime and then 13. St. Mary’s has a number of scorers including senior JaVaughn Hannah (16.5 ppg), freshman Trey McKenney (15.8) and senior Kareem Rozier (15.8), with Rozier a Mr. Basketball finalist. De La Salle can rely on a number of contributors as well with six players averaging between 8-11 points per game, led by senior Tamario Adley at 11.3 ppg. Six of its seven losses this season were in league play, and 12 of its 13 nonleague wins were by double digits.
Grand Rapids Northview (24-1) vs. Kalamazoo Central (16-7) at Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
Senior Kyler VanderJagt paces a Northview team set to play in its first Quarterfinal since 2006 and with its only loss this season to Grand Rapids Christian. The Wildcats’ tournament run has included impressive wins over Rockford and Muskegon. Kalamazoo Central started this season 2-4 but has gone 14-3 since with those three losses by a combined four points. Seniors Thomas Dillard IV and Scott Hughes and junior Hutch Ward all average between 14-16 points per game.
Grand Blanc (19-5) vs. Detroit Catholic Central (16-8) at Saginaw Heritage
The reigning Division 1 champion Bobcats have won 17 of their last 18 games, with junior RJ Taylor (16.8 ppg, 51 3-pointers) among standouts who’ve put Grand Blanc in position to return to Breslin. Similar to De La Salle, seven of DCC’s eight losses came to Catholic League Central opponents, which no doubt helped the Shamrocks further prep for this tournament run. Sophomore T.J. Nadeau (13.4) leads four DCC players averaging double-digit scoring, and he’s made 39 percent of his 3-point attempts for 43 total.
Belleville (18-6) vs. Detroit Cass Tech (21-3) at University of Detroit Mercy, 7:30 p.m.
The Technicians emerged from one of the strongest Districts in the state and added a pair of 20-point Regional wins to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time since 1998. Freshman Darius Acuff has made his presence immediately felt with team bests of 16.2 points and 6.1 assists per game. Four Belleville starters average at least 10 points apiece, with senior Da’Jon Johnson leading the way at 12.1 ppg. The Tigers’ first five losses were by a combined 12 points and included one double and one triple-overtime defeat before Belleville went on to win eight of its last nine.
DIVISION 2
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (23-1) vs. Benton Harbor (22-2) at Calvin University
The reigning Division 2 champion Cougars have lost only once this season, early to 2021 Division 3 champ Flint Beecher, and handed Hudsonville Unity Christian its only loss of the season on the way to this Quarterfinal rematch with the Tigers. GRCC won last year’s Quarterfinal 83-72. Four standouts average at least 11 points per game, with junior Kaden Brown tops at 21 and with 65 3-pointers. The Tigers have won 10 straight since their most recent defeat, to Division 3 quarterfinalist Detroit Edison, with the other loss to Division 1 Muskegon. Junior Grant Gondrezick II scores 21 points per game to lead four averaging at least 11 ppg.
Ferndale (20-3) vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (17-7) at St. Clair Country Community College
Ferndale is seeking to return to the Semifinals for the second-straight season and prepped again facing a number of the state’s best teams. All three of the Eagles’ losses came to teams playing in Division 1 Quarterfinals – De La Salle, St. Mary’s and Grand Blanc – and the De La Salle and Grand Blanc defeats were in double and single overtime, respectively. Notre Dame Prep is coming off its second Regional title and first since 1998. Seniors Jack Olis and Jonathan Risi and sophomore Wade Robinson all average between 15-16 ppg and have made at least 44 3-pointers apiece.
Williamston (24-0) vs. Detroit Edison (19-5) at Chelsea
Williamston has played one single-digit game all season as it returns to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2018 seeking its first Semifinal berth since 2016. The Hornets’ most notable postseason victory was a 57-38 Regional Semifinal win over previously-undefeated Onsted. Edison started this season 0-4 but its only loss since was in its league tournament semifinal against Romulus Summit Academy North – and Edison avenged that defeat with a 42-41 Regional Final win. Junior guard Bryce Eaton sets the scoring pace at 22.5 points per game.
Cadillac (19-5) vs. Freeland (24-0) at Central Montcalm
Cadillac has been on a roll with wins over Benzie Central (20-4) in the regular season finale and Standish-Sterling (21-2) and Escanaba (19-5) in last week’s Regional. But next up is Freeland, which has played three single-digit games all season on the way to reaching the final week undefeated. Senior Cole Jenema leads Cadillac with 19.8 ppg, while Freeland is paced by senior Josh Elliott (18.5) leading three who average 13.5 or more points per contest.
DIVISION 3
Menominee (21-3) vs. Grayling (15-9) at Sault Ste. Marie
The Maroons entered the postseason the No. 1 overall seed in Division 3 and reached the final week for the first time since 2008 with an overtime win in the Regional Final over Benzie Central. Senior Aidan Bellisle sets the pace at 15.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. Grayling will be playing in its first Quarterfinal since 1957 in part thanks to handing Mesick (21-1) its only loss this season in a District Final. Senior Dylan Cragg leads a balanced attack at 13.1 ppg.
Bath (17-6) vs. Ecorse (8-12) at Jackson Lumen Christi
A series of forfeits over the first two months of the season has left Ecorse with this record but didn’t diminish its status as a likely Division 3 contender. The Raiders have proved it handing Riverview Gabriel Richard (19-1) its only loss in a District Semifinal and edging Erie Mason (18-6) last week. Senior Ethan Swenson has led Bath back to the Quarterfinals for the first time since its Class C championship season of 2007.
Pewamo-Westphalia (20-4) vs. Schoolcraft (22-2) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
P-W has won 18 of its last 19 games, with the lone defeat during that time to Division 2 undefeated quarterfinalist Freeland. Junior Jamison Eklund scores 17 points as a 6-foot-5 post presence with perimeter game. One of the Pirates’ early losses came against Schoolcraft, 61-32 at Cornerstone University on Dec. 30. That victory started a 20-game winning streak for the Eagles, who get a double-double from 6-7 senior Tyler DeGroote (16.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg).
New Haven (17-7) vs. Flint Beecher (21-2) at Burton Bendle
Beecher is seeking a repeat this week with its only losses this season to Division 1 Detroit Martin Luther King (19-3) and Grand Blanc. Two starters and the top sub are back from last season’s championship team. New Haven’s five straight Quarterfinal appearances from 2015-19 were all in Class B/Division 2, and the Rockets played a schedule loaded with larger opponents this winter. Juniors Trevon Jeffery (11.6) and Dezmond Gilleylen (11.2) lead a lineup with five players averaging at least seven points per game.
DIVISION 4
Ewen-Trout Creek (21-3) vs. Rudyard (23-1) at Munising
Rudyard, a semifinalist last season, has lost only to St. Ignace by a point in overtime this winter and got past Onaway (22-2) in the Regional Final. Senior 6-8 center Tate Besteman (16.5 ppg, 10 rpg) teams with senior guard EJ Suggitt (15.9 ppg, 58 3-pointers) for a powerful inside-out punch. Ewen-Trout Creek advanced with a win over Powers North Central (19-5) to reach the final week for the first time since 2008. Senior Jaden Borseth (18.8 ppg) leads a strong perimeter attack.
Lake Leelanau St. Mary (20-4) vs. Fulton (14-11) at Lake City
St. Mary is making its first Quarterfinal trip since 1950, and second in program history. The Eagles’ three losses were to Rudyard and three Division 3 teams, and juniors Dylan Barnowski (21.2) and Shawn Bramer (20.4) are significant scoring threats. Fulton joins Bath and P-W from the Central Michigan Athletic Conference and has won seven straight. Senior Joe Iung leads at 16.6 ppg.
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (18-6) vs. Adrian Lenawee Christian (13-12) at Portage Northern
Tri-unity is the reigning Division 4 runner-up, having fallen to Detroit Douglass by six in last year’s Final. The Defenders have won 14 of their last 16 led by Brady Titus (29.8 ppg). Lenawee Christian played a tough schedule as well, and after finishing the regular season on a 2-7 stretch has pulled together three straight six-point wins including over Hillsdale Academy (18-5) and Bellevue (20-4). Senior Tyler VanEtten scores 20.5 points per game and has made 64 3-pointers.
Southfield Christian (20-4) vs. Genesee Christian (20-4) at West Bloomfield
The Eagles are returning to the Quarterfinals for the fifth season in a row (not counting COVID-abbreviated 2020). Sophomore Uchenna Amene leads this year’s contender at 22.3 points per game with 52 3-pointers. Genesee Christian is back at the Quarterfinals after most recently falling to Southfield Christian in this round in 2019. The Soldiers have won 10 straight over the last six weeks with all of their losses this season to Division 2 or 3 schools, including two to Beecher.
Second Half’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) Ewen-Trout Creek's Kelsey Jilek (24) blocks a shot by Powers North Central's Jesse Sampson (22) during last week’s Regional Final. (Middle) Edison's Jada Shepard (24) and Kyle Millender (2) wall off the basket this season against Davison. (Photos by Cara Kamps and Terry Lyons, respectively.)