Breslin Bound: Boys Quarterfinal Preview
March 12, 2019
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
After nearly four months, we’ll know by the end of tonight which 16 Michigan boys basketball teams will be “Breslin Bound” this weekend to play for this season’s championships.
We’re already guaranteed at least two new title winners when Saturday’s Finals are done, and there are plenty of storylines as a number of teams reached tonight’s Quarterfinals for the first time in a long time – or first time in their program’s histories.
Our final “Breslin Bound” report of 2018-19 – powered by MI Student Aid – takes a glance at all 16 Quarterfinals, which tip off at 7 p.m. unless noted. All Quarterfinals will be broadcast and viewable with subscription on MHSAA.tv. Come back Wednesday night for a more in-depth look at our 16 finalists as they head into this weekend.
DIVISION 1
Saginaw (22-3) vs. Howell (19-6) at Grand Blanc
After a rare down season a year ago, Saginaw is back at the Quarterfinals for the fourth time in eight seasons under coach Julian Taylor. Howell, coming off its first Regional title since 2014, follows talented senior guard Josh Palo (17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game).
Ypsilanti Lincoln (20-4) vs. Detroit Martin Luther King (20-4) at University of Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
Lincoln freshman Emoni Bates has been perhaps even more exciting than anticipated, with game-winning shots in both of last week’s Regional wins just the latest highlights as he’s led the team to its first Regional title. King rebounded from two losses to end the regular season to win a District title for the second straight season and first Regional title since 2000.
Detroit U-D Jesuit (23-2) vs. Roseville (20-4) at University of Detroit Mercy, 7:30 p.m.
Jesuit will play in a Quarterfinal for the sixth straight season, this team with senior forward Daniel Friday (16.9) leading an attack with four scorers averaging at least 9.6 ppg. Roseville also lost its final two games of the regular season, but has won all five of its postseason matchups by at least 11 points on the way to its first Regional title since 1952.
East Kentwood (16-9) vs. Okemos (22-2) at Caledonia
Led by junior guard Ja’moni Jones (17.6 ppg), East Kentwood has bounced back from four straight losses to end the regular season and defeated a pair of league champions last week in Muskegon and Hudsonville to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time since 1998. Okemos held off DeWitt for the third time this season in their Regional Final to advance to the final week for the first time since 2012. Senior Evan Thomas (17.3 ppg) is the lead scorer.
DIVISION 2
Ludington (13-10) vs. Alma (19-3) at Mount Pleasant
Alma stunned previously-undefeated Bridgeport in a Regional Semifinal last week and will play its first Quarterfinal since 1999. Senior guard Camden Sutherland (11.1 ppg) is the high scorer for a balanced attack. Ludington, the Class B runner-up two seasons ago, lost five of its last six regular-season games but rebounded by winning a third straight District title. Senior Joshua Laman (15.8 ppg) leads in most statistical categories.
Grand Rapids South Christian (22-3) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (23-2) at Calvin College
The Sailors are coming off their first Regional title since winning the Class B championship in 2005, thanks to a two-point win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central on Thursday. The Sailors have their share of 3-point aces, and senior guards Luke Schrotenboer and Peyton Vis both score between 13-14 ppg. South Christian won its Dec. 21 meeting with Unity Christian 63-61, but the Crusaders are riding high after downing 2018 Class B champ Benton Harbor to win their second Regional title in four seasons. Senior TJ VanKoevering (13.8 ppg) is the leading scorer and rebounder.
Haslett (20-5) vs. River Rouge (21-2) at Chelsea
Haslett, in its first Quarterfinal since 2006, beat league champions Williamston and Parma Western on the way to the final week. Senior guard Ty Andrades (14.1 ppg, 65 3-pointers) leads four players averaging double-digit scoring. River Rouge, a Class B semifinalist last season, has wins over Ypsilanti Lincoln and Flint Beecher among others. Senior guard Nigel Colvin (13 ppg) leads three scorers averaging in double figures.
Harper Woods Chandler Park (20-0) vs. New Haven (24-1) at Ortonville Brandon
Newly-awarded Mr. Basketball Romeo Weems (27.9 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 4.1 apg, 4.2 spg) is looking to lead New Haven to its third straight Semifinal and second title in three seasons as the Rockets won Class B in 2017. Senior guard Ronald Jeffery III (21.9) also is a major contributor. Chandler Park can claim impressive wins over Detroit Edison, Macomb Dakota, Detroit Henry Ford and Ferndale as it moves from its first Regional title into the final week.
DIVISION 3
Iron Mountain (25-0) vs. Sanford Meridian (23-1) at Petoskey, 6 p.m.
Iron Mountain won a Regional title for the second straight season and is now a combined 48-2 over the last two. Junior guard Marcus Johnson and sophomore guard Foster Wonders are both scoring just above 23 points per game. Meridian is also playing in a Quarterfinal for the second straight season, entering tonight a combined 44-5 over the last two winters after handing previously-unbeaten Oscoda a 21-point defeat in the Regional Final.
Detroit Edison (18-7) vs. Flint Beecher (23-2) at St. Clair County Community College
This Quarterfinal pits the Class C champions of the last two seasons, both with similar success this season. Reigning champ Edison has wins over Benton Harbor and Canton and is led by senior forward Brian Taylor (16.6 ppg). Beecher has beaten Detroit Renaissance, Grand Blanc and Flint Carman-Ainsworth among others, keyed by junior guard Jalen Terry, and is seeking its fourth MHSAA title in five seasons.
Hanover-Horton (23-1) vs. Erie-Mason (22-2) at Tecumseh
Hanover-Horton will play in its third Quarterfinal over the last five seasons and first since 2016, with its only defeat this winter to Ohio’s Toledo St. Francis de Sales. Junior Luc Laketa scores 14 ppg to lead five averaging at least 9.3. Erie Mason won its first Regional title since 1973 and has wins over league champs Detroit Loyola and Petersburg Summerfield over the last two weeks. Junior guard Joe Liedel pours in 28 points with 5.1 assists per game.
Pewamo-Westphalia (25-0) vs. Cassopolis (23-1) at Richland Gull Lake
P-W has emerged from winning a league that produced three District champs and then defeated league champions Morley Stanwood and Carson City-Crystal during these playoffs. Senior Andre Smith has helped the Pirates reach the final week for the first time since 2014 by averaging a team-high 14.1 ppg. After going 24-1 a season ago but falling in the Regional Final, Cassopolis has broken through to make its first Quarterfinal since 1989. Senior guard Tyrese Hunt-Thompson scores 22 points per game, and sophomore forward Brayden Saxton adds 18 ppg.
DIVISION 4
Dollar Bay (20-4) vs. Pellston (23-2) at Escanaba
Dollar Bay finished second in its league but has won 13 of its last 14 games and defeated that league champion, Chassell, on the way to reaching the Quarterfinals again after making the Semifinals in 2018. Junior forward Ashton Janke (16.4) leads three scorers at 12 ppg or higher. Pellston won its first Regional title since 2012, downing previously-unbeaten Brimley in last week’s Regional Semifinal. Senior guard Tanner Byard scores 25.9 ppg and junior guard Blake Cassidy adds 23.
Southfield Christian (18-6) vs. Burton Genesee Christian (18-7) at West Bloomfield, 6 p.m.
Southfield Christian is the reigning Class D champion and has won 16 of its last 17 games. Senior guard Jon Sanders and junior guard Da’Jion Humphrey both average 16.5 points per game. Genesee Christian is coming off its first Regional title since 2005 and is 17-3 after a slow start in December.
Frankfort (19-5) vs. Big Rapids Crossroads (23-1) at Cadillac
Frankfort fell in its regular-season finale and then won its District opener by just two points in overtime, but has surged ahead to claim its first Regional title since 2015. Senior guard Will Newbold and sophomore guard Jack Stefanski both average 14 points per game. Crossroads won its first Regional title last week, with its only defeat of the season all the way back on Dec. 5 to Manistee Catholic Central. Senior guard Britton Angell leads at 26 ppg.
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (21-3) vs. Bellevue (24-1) at Charlotte
In its third straight season with at least 22 wins, Bellevue has reached the final week for the first time after claiming its first Regional title. Senior guard Wyatt Waterbury scored 16.4 ppg to lead the way. Tri-unity is a regular at this stage but also back after missing out on the Quarterfinals last season after three straight appearances. Senior forward Bennett Sinner and freshman guard Brady Titus both score 12 ppg to lead a balanced effort.
Second Half’s weekly “Breslin Bound” reports are powered by MI Student Aid, a part of the Student Financial Services Bureau 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, including various student financial assistance programs to help make college more affordable for Michigan students. MI Student Aid administers the state’s 529 savings programs (MET/MESP) and eight additional aid programs within its Student Scholarships and Grants division. Click for more information and connect with MI Student Aid on Facebook and Twitter @mistudentaid.
PHOTO: Okemos junior Noah Pruitt gets to the basket during the Chiefs’ Regional Final win over DeWitt last week at Holt. (Photo by Terry Lyons.)
TC Christian's Broderick Approaching Records, But Team Goals Top His List
By
Tom Spencer
Special for MHSAA.com
January 10, 2025
If Reese Broderick falls short of the main goal this season, he may never forgive himself.
Rest assured he‘ll likely go easier on his Traverse City Christian basketball teammates.
Broderick is the Sabres’ senior sharpshooter with defensive prowess. The most career 3-pointers in MHSAA history and the school’s scoring record could be his when the dust settles on this season.
But neither feat is at the top of his season goal list.
Broderick has his eyes set on helping his team win the school’s first boys basketball District championship. That outcome might also include a postseason win over the school’s biggest rival, Lake Leelanau St. Mary.
The Eagles ended Broderick’s freshman and sophomore seasons. They also ended his older brother Brock’s career in 2022 as the Brodericks were playing varsity together as a freshman and senior, respectively.
The older Broderick finished that season as the school’s all-time scoring leader, setting the bar at 1,528 career points.
The younger Broderick entered the 2025 calendar year with 284 career 3-point shots made is about to top the 1,300 career scoring mark. He connected on four 3-pointers in the first game of 2025 in a loss to Onekama. He had six the next time out in a win over Leland and finished this week with three more in a win at Bear Lake.
He is now at 297 career 3-pointers made, ranking him fifth in MHSAA history. Matt Kitchen, who starred for Mayville and Unionville-Sebewaing, owns the career mark of 340.
But hosting a District trophy is of far greater importance to Broderick. The Sabres are 9-2 on the season and collecting wins is their focus.
“I am already on the list, so that’s not too high of a priority and it’s an honor to be on the list,” said Broderick, who joined the 1,000-point club a year ago. “As a school, we haven’t won a District yet, so that’s definitely the big goal and after that just keep going."
Points from Broderick, a second-team all-state selection the past two seasons, are not counted on as much this winter.
“His points are probably 12 points per game — it could be 25, but we’re not worried about (that),” said Sabres coach Rene LaFreniere. “We’re got four guys that any one of them could be all-state selections if we made the push — with Reece being one of them — but at the end of the day, they want to win the District trophy. That’s their focus.’
LaFreniere, now in his fourth year at the school with an enrollment barely topping 100, has seen the Sabres rotate scoring leaders all season. Senior guard Austin Miller – who gets points in transition and is considered the team’s top defender – junior power forward Garret Schultz, and sophomore Asher Coates, a newcomer who can score but focuses on distributing the ball, have all had a few double-digit nights already this season.
Schultz led the Sabres in scoring in their win over Bear Lake with 18 points. Coates kicked in 17.
The team’s stingy defense though has been a bigger contributor to the Sabres’ success, noted LaFreniere. They held Bear Lake to just 32 points this week.
“We’re holding teams to 38-42 points per game,” LaFreniere said. “Right now defensively is what they’re more focused on.”
And while the Sabres play tough defense, Broderick draws the opponent’s best defender every time. It’s not really anything new though.
And while the Sabres are not focused on Broderick getting the career mark, they’ll take every 3-pointer he can muster. The offense relies on screen actions and inbound passes to get the 3-point opportunities.
“I get the ball, but it’s tough,” said Broderick, who missed two games due to illness this season. “I’ll take whatever I can get at the end of season.”
Broderick is rarely hesitant to take the shot whenever it presents itself on the court. He always takes a look at how the team is set for rebounding before making the shot decision.
“The thought is I want to shoot it every time,” he said with a little laugh. “Honestly, it’s just flow — whatever I am feeling.”
Mistakes and shortfalls are tolerated a lot more for teammates than by Broderick himself. “I am pretty easy going — hard on myself though,” he said. “But easy on others, I think.”
LaFreniere loves the intensity his quiet leader plays with at both ends of the court.
“He doesn’t say much,” LaFreniere said. “He’s definitely hard on himself, but most people don’t realize that Reece is one our better defenders on the floor. He likes to play defense. He understands the little nuances of the game.”
The Sabres have 11 games left during regular season. They’d love to ride some hot shooting and strong defense deep into the postseason. Suttons Bay will host the District, which also features Leland, Buckley and Frankfort in addition to St. Mary.
Traverse City Christian will try to take one game at a time, but is looking ahead to a rematch with the rival Eagles. Christian will host them Feb. 7, a part of their unwritten agreement to play each other twice during the regular season. In addition to each school gaining a quality local opponent, the need is greater as neither school currently competes in a league.
St. Mary won 36-27 in front of a large audience in December, as the Sabres shot as they often do in their rival’s gym.
“They got us up there at their place because historically we never shoot well in their gym, and I don’t know why,” LaFreniere said. “But the good side is they don’t shoot well in our gym either. We can’t wait to see.”
A full gymnasium is expected when the Eagles venture south to Traverse City.
“I think it’s a good rivalry – it’s healthy and it’s respectful, and we kind of feed off of it — it’s fun,” LaFreniere said. “When we go to their place it’s a packed house, and when they come to our place it’s a packed house.”
Tom Spencer is a longtime MHSAA-registered basketball and soccer official, and former softball and baseball official, and he also has coached in the northern Lower Peninsula area. He previously has written for the Saginaw News, Bay County Sports Page and Midland Daily News. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Iosco, Alcona, Oscoda, Crawford, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Traverse City Christian’s Reese Broderick is approaching the MHSAA record for career 3-pointers. (Middle) Broderick looks for an open dribbling lane this winter against Manton. (Below) Broderick gets up a shot last season against Bear Lake. (Top photo courtesy of Traverse City Christian High School. Action photos by TC Rick Sports Photography.)