Breslin Bound: 2023-24 Boys Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 12, 2024
One more win.
It’s a lot at this time of year, but also all that 32 boys basketball teams need to reach our final destination this season – Breslin Center for Thursday and Friday’s MHSAA Semifinals.
We glance at all 16 of tonight’s Quarterfinals across four divisions below. 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, apg - assists per game, spg - steals per game, and bpg - blocks per game.)
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Grand Rapids Christian 61, Benton Harbor 51 The Tigers (24-2) entered the postseason No. 1 in Division 2 MPR, and Grand Rapids Christian (24-2) was No. 3 bringing even more prestige to this Regional Final.
2. Jackson Lumen Christi 53, Laingsburg 47 The Titans (22-4) continued to establish themselves among the elite, perhaps most loudly in this Regional Final against previously-undefeated Laingsburg (25-1).
3. St. Ignace 58, Munising 42 St. Ignace (20-6) repeated as a Regional champion in ending the season for last year’s Division 4 Finals winner Munising (20-5).
4. Crystal Falls Forest Park 66, Lake Linden-Hubbell 52 The Trojans (22-4) had fallen 66-54 to LL-H (22-4) just three weeks earlier but avenged to claim a Division 4 Regional championship.
5. Flint Becher 46, Cass City 35 Beecher (10-16) continued its postseason surge by ending Cass City’s run in the Regional for the second-straight year, this time with the Red Hawks closing at 24-2.
Quarterfinals at a Glance
DIVISION 1
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (24-1) vs. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (20-6) at University of Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m. - WATCH
After reaching the Division 1 Semifinals last season, and returning junior guard Trey McKenney (22.6 ppg, 10.1 rpg), St. Mary’s has been many people’s Division 1 favorite all winter long. The Eaglets defeated Catholic High School League Central rival Brother Rice three times during the regular season – 66-47, 59-41 and most recently 58-55 on Feb. 17, and the Warriors would love to reverse what happened last year when they defeated OLSM twice during the regular season but fell to the Eaglets in a District Final. Sophomore forward Elijah Williams leads Rice at 15.7 ppg.
East Lansing (24-2) vs. Ann Arbor Huron (21-4) at Holt - WATCH
East Lansing was able to get through three of its league opponents and another league champion in Portage Central on the way to a third Regional title over the last four seasons. Sophomore guard Kelvin Torbert Jr. (17 ppg) and junior guard Cameron Hutson (17.1 ppg) set the pace. Huron navigated a tough Regional last week defeating Detroit Catholic Central by a point and Wayne Memorial by three, and can turn to junior point guard Macari Moore (23 ppg, 3.6 apg) at crunch time.
Muskegon (23-2) vs. Zeeland West (19-7) at Grand Haven - WATCH
Last season’s Division 1 runner-up Muskegon has won 12 straight and 18 of its last 19 games, including 52-35 and 53-44 over Zeeland West as they finished tied for first and third, respectively, in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Green. Five Big Reds average between 7-9.5 ppg, with 6-foot-6 senior center Terrance Davis (9.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg) manning the middle. The Dux counter with 6-7 senior Merritt Alderink (13.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg).
River Rouge (16-10) vs. North Farmington (21-2) at University of Detroit Mercy - WATCH
River Rouge reached the season’s final week thanks in part to a 66-60 Regional Semifinal win over 2023 Division 1 champion Detroit Cass Tech. Senior forward Ke’Shawn Fisher (23.6 ppg, 51 3-pointers) keys the offense. North Farmington has been on the verge of this run the last few seasons and won its first Regional title since finishing Division 1 runner-up in 2016. Senior guard/forward Tyler Spratt leads four players averaging at least 13 points per game at 16 ppg with eight rebounds, four steals and three assists per contest as well.
DIVISION 2
Kingsford (21-4) vs. Flint Powers Catholic (21-5) at Gaylord - WATCH
Kingsford won its first Regional title since 1992 and has reached 21 wins for the second straight season. Junior guard Gavin Grondin leads at 21.4 ppg with 60 3-pointers, and three others add between 8-9 ppg. Powers is back in a Quarterfinal for the first time since 2013, continuing an impressive rise after finishing just 5-17 two seasons ago. Junior guard Javontae Ross (16.4 ppg, 5.4 apg) leads three Chargers scoring at least 12 ppg.
Warren Lincoln (21-4) vs. Goodrich (21-5) at Lake Orion - WATCH
Lincoln is seeking to take another step after upping its win total for the third-straight season and winning its first Regional championship. Junior guard Markus Blackwell leads four scoring at least 9.5 ppg at 17, and twin brother Moses Blackwell has 68 3-pointers. Goodrich has won 12 straight and all but one of those by double digits. The LePla brothers – junior center Parker and freshman guard Jenson – pace the scoring at 18.4 and 15.6 ppg, respectively.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (20-5) vs. Grand Rapids Christian (24-2) at Hamilton - WATCH
This is a rematch for Grand Rapids Christian’s 69-50 win Dec. 18 at the Cornerstone University Holiday Classic. That was the middle of three December losses for the Cougars, but they’re 19-2 this calendar year – and senior Durral Brooks (27 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 5.0 apg) was named this season’s Mr. Basketball Award winner Monday. Senior guard Nate Johnson (12.2 ppg) and senior forward Jaylan Ouwinga (11.7) lead a balanced Eagles effort as two of five senior starters.
Chelsea (20-6) vs. Detroit University Prep (17-8) at Ypsilanti Lincoln - WATCH
Chelsea has won 16 of its last 17 games – the only loss during that time by three to River Rouge – and can rely on senior guards Jake Stephens (25.3 ppg) and Joey Cabana (21.3) when in need of a big bucket. University Prep has won 10 of its last 12, and after finishing second to Romulus Summit Academy North in the Charter School Conference Gold avenged an 85-58 loss to Summit with a 60-54 Regional Semifinal win. Junior guard Dimaunye Smith-Powe sets the pace at 14 points and six assists per game.
DIVISION 3
Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (18-8) vs. Niles Brandywine (23-3) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix - WATCH
Covenant Christian is playing in its fourth Quarterfinal over the last eight years and first since 2021, and the Chargers are coming off their best win of the season – 46-45 over Pewamo-Westphalia (23-3) in the Regional Final. Junior center Ben Elzinga (13.2 ppg) and senior guard Carter Scholten (12.1 ppg) pace a balanced lineup. Brandywine has won 14 of its last 15 games as it pursues a second-straight trip to Breslin Center after making the Semifinals a year ago. Senior forward Jaremiah Palmer (13.8 ppg) and senior guard Byron Linley (13.4 ppg) lead four players averaging at least nine points per game.
Menominee (20-6) vs. McBain (24-2) at Gaylord, 5 p.m. - WATCH
The Maroons won their second Regional title in three seasons with wins over Iron Mountain (22-2) and Painesdale Jeffers (23-2) along the way and led in part by a handful of players who saw the floor briefly when the team finished Division 3 runner-up in 2022. Senior guard Trevor Theuerkauf (14.3 ppg) and sophomore forward Tanner Theuerkauf (15.7) are siblings and the team’s leading scorers. McBain is making its second Quarterfinal appearance in four seasons, paced by 6-9 senior center Evan Haverkamp (16.8 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg) and a balanced cast around him.
Detroit Old Redford (19-7) vs. Flint Beecher (10-16) at St. Clair County Community College, 5:30 p.m. - WATCH
Old Redford gives the CSC Gold another team playing this week as it makes its first Quarterfinal appearance. The Ravens are on an 11-game winning streak and have only one senior starter – forward Justin Austin – and two on the roster total. Beecher is the reigning Division 3 champion and as much a regular this week as any team, back after winning its 15th Regional title over the last 17 years. The Bucs forfeited eight wins during the regular season, but have rallied with senior guard Damarcus Burke Jr. (13.6 ppg, 3.3 apg) playing a lead role.
Jackson Lumen Christi (22-4) vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard (22-3) at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 5:30 p.m. - WATCH
These two couldn’t be more familiar with each other at this point, as they shared the CHSL AA championship and played a second time in the Cardinal Tournament championship game, with Richard winning that matchup 54-48 to even the season series. Lumen has jumped from 14-10 a year ago and handed Laingsburg its lone loss this season in the Regional Final, 53-47. Aside from falling to the Titans in their first meeting 62-49 on Jan. 26, Gabriel Richard’s only other defeats were to Division 1 Detroit Catholic Central and Cass Tech.
DIVISION 4
Crystal Falls Forest Park (22-4) vs. St. Ignace (20-6) at Gladstone - WATCH
Forest Park is coming off its first Regional title since 2007 and also has enjoyed a quick rise after finishing 9-12 just two seasons ago. The Trojans have won 16 of their last 18 games and avenged both of those losses during the postseason. Freshman forward Vic and junior forward Kevin Giuliani, another pair of brothers playing this week, are scoring a team-leading 15.5 and 14.5 ppg, respectively. St. Ignace is playing in its second-straight Quarterfinal after ending the repeat bid for 2023 Division 4 champ Munising in the Regional Final. Senior guard Jonny Ingalls (30 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 5.3 apg, 4.0 spg, 2.5 bpg) fills the stat sheet and is one of three Saints averaging double-digit scoring.
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (21-5) vs. St. Joseph Our Lake of the Lake Catholic (19-5) at Portage Northern - WATCH
Last season’s Division 4 runner-up Tri-unity has won 11 of its last 12 games and three of four during the playoffs by at least 29 points. Senior guard Jordan VanKlompenberg (12.8 ppg) and senior forward Wesley Kaman (10.5 ppg) are the lead scorers of another balanced attack. Our Lady has jumped from last season’s 7-15 finish to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2003. Owen McLoughlin is a big reason why averaging 27.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game with 68 3-pointers.
Maple City Glen Lake (22-4) vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart (24-2) at Houghton Lake - WATCH
Jason Bradford took over Glen Lake’s boys program this season after 15 with the girls varsity and after ending that tenure with last year’s run to the Division 4 title. Glen Lake’s boys have continued to build on their recent success with their first Regional title since finishing Class C runner-up in 2018. Sophomore center Jacob Plamondon averages 19.3 points 6.7 rebounds per game. Sacred Heart is seeking a second Semifinals berth in four seasons and has lost only to Tri-unity in December and Division 1 Cadillac in mid-February. Center Aidan Halliday is the lone senior starter for the Irish.
Allen Park Inter-City Baptist (22-4) vs. Kingston (18-8) at St. Clair County Community College - WATCH
Inter-City Baptist has won several District championships under longtime coach Mark Kraatz, and broke through last week for its first Regional title since 2012. The Chargers have won nine straight games to reach this point, with sophomore guard Ethan Esse leading with 20.2 ppg and 74 3-pointers this winter. Kingston also is coming off its first Regional title since 2007, with eight wins over its last nine games. Senior guard Owen Corlis sets the pace at 18.6 ppg, with junior center Austin DeRoseau adding 14.1 and nine rebounds per contest.
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PHOTOS (Top) Crystal Falls Forest Park's Vic Giuliani (32) dunks the ball against Lake Linden-Hubbell during last week’s 66-52 Regional Final win. (Middle) Isaiah Hines (11) applies defensive pressure during Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 61-39 Regional Semifinal win over Milford. (Top photo by Cara Kamps; middle photo by Terry Lyons.)
Kalamazoo United Teammates Personify Program's Friendly Rivalry After Fall is Done
By
Pam Shebest
Special for MHSAA.com
December 17, 2024
KALAMAZOO – Troy Ayotte was cheering on his son, Jack, at Kalamazoo Christian’s rivalry basketball game against Hackett Catholic Prep two weeks ago.
All of a sudden, he felt conflicted.
He found himself cheering for a couple of Hackett players.
Ayotte is head football coach of Kalamazoo United, a co-op team with players from both schools.
Three of those players – Keegan McCue, Gavin St. Martin and Elijah Brooks – were now wearing Irish green on the floor.
“I was like, ‘Oh no, (K-Christian) is getting beat, but then you see someone like Keegan or Elijah or Gavin, any of the football players over there and they make a shot and you go, ‘Yes!’” Ayotte said.
“It’s like, what’s wrong with me? Until you experience it, you don’t know how to explain it. You’re happy for them. They’re playing against kids you coached, and you’re just glad to watch them out there competing.”
Besides Jack Ayotte, K-Christian basketball players who also played for United are Jackson Herder, Carter Manion and Chris Daniels.
Hackett won the game, 79-35.
“It wasn’t the way I wanted (the game) to go, but it was fun,” Herder said. “It was fun to see all my football buddies without their helmets and football jerseys, playing another sport they work hard at.”
McCue quickly chimed in, laughing, “I liked the outcome.”
Continuing the bantering, Herder responded, “We’ve got one more game and maybe the postseason, so we’re coming Keeg.”
Being part of the football family in the fall – then rivals by winter – is no big deal, the juniors agreed.
“We go at each other during the (basketball) game, then after the game you’re talking to each other like best friends,” McCue said. “It’s an awesome place to be.”
The friendly rivalry started in eighth grade when United fielded two middle school teams, one for K-Christian players and the other for Hackett.
“We scrimmaged each other every week, and the one time we had an actual game, they beat us for the only time,” Herder said.
“It was fun. Ever since then, we’ve clicked both on the football field and off the football field.”
Clicking is an understatement.
McCue and Herder led United to a Division 5 Regional Final where the Titans lost to Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 21-14.
Both players put up monster numbers throughout the season.
Herder, a 6-foot, left-handed quarterback, amassed 2,615 total yards, 2,041 of them passing, with 33 for touchdowns including 28 through the air.
Many of those yards were with McCue, a 5-10 wide receiver who compiled 1,500 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns.
McCue not only piled up numbers on offense, but was also proficient on defense. The safety recorded 111 total tackles, many for loss, and snagged four interceptions. He also had six pass breakups, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two blocked punts.
McCue favors defense because “I love making plays on the ball and tackling people and hitting them hard. It’s so fun.”
Last week he was named Michigan Sports Writers Division 5 first-team all-state.
10-year anniversary
United had a bumpy start 10 years ago trying to combine players from two rival schools into one team.
Both Herder and McCue said they think that being faith-based schools helped the team mesh.
“We pray before every practice, after every practice, before games, after games,” McCue said. “Having that religious aspect to it definitely helps.
“It’s actually really awesome because those guys you don’t see every day during school, but you see then every day during practice during the season and it’s like you don’t go to a different school at all. You’re just family, just brothers, so it’s awesome.”
Troy Ayotte said the biggest challenge for him is answering to two schools.
As for the players, faith is an attribute, the coach said. “They all have common goals.
“Both schools share the same faith-based element, and there are a lot of similarities there. Athletically, both schools stand for the same thing, and that’s excellence.”
Ayotte is not surprised at the success of both Herder and McCue and expects even better things from them next season.
“These two take it upon themselves to become the great athletes they are, and it’s an honor to be on the ride for it,” he said.
Herder went through his lumps last year and he learned from them, Ayotte said. “That’s the highest compliment. Everybody’s going to fail; it’s how you succeed,” the coach noted. “He really put in the time and the effort and had a great junior year.”
Ayotte said there are other players in the system who want to play quarterback, which is good to keep people sharp.
For now, Herder is atop the depth chart.
“Jackson’s got great moxie and a boatload of confidence,” he said. “Saying he’s confident doesn’t mean he sits higher than the rest of the team. He’s very humble in the way he does it.
“It’s a unique thing. You just know when somebody’s ‘got that,’ the ability to lead but not be too boisterous, just have that nice combination.”
As for McCue, “Keegan brings the thunder,” Ayotte said. “He’s the vocal, he’s king hype. There’s nothing ingenuous at all. It’s not fake.
“What the kids see is the truth in it. Keegan plays with such heart and passion for the game, it’s undeniable.”
With football season over, Herder is translating those skills from the turf to the hardwood.
“I feel like the Lord has blessed me with the ability to lead,” he said. “All the work and dedication that fits that role fits the personality and attitude he gave me.
“It fits with my character and attitude off the field, too. Leader off the field, leader on the field.”
K-Christian basketball coach Seth Dugan appreciates that skill.
“We have seven seniors on our team and Jackson is a captain as a junior, which says a lot about him,” Dugan said.
“He’s good at getting guys in the right spot and sees the floor very well. He’s a natural leader and, as a quarterback, that comes pretty naturally. He puts the team first and is positive and vocal.”
McCue’s leadership on the football field also has carried over.
“He is a competitor who makes his teammates better by pushing them in practice,” Hackett basketball coach Ryan Basler said.
“He is a leader who is not shy to lead by example. I love that he leads our team in prayer many days; this shows his leadership and faith life.”
Pam Shebest served as a sportswriter at the Kalamazoo Gazette from 1985-2009 after 11 years part-time with the Gazette while teaching French and English at White Pigeon High School. She can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
PHOTOS (Top) Kalamazoo United football teammates Jackson Herder and Keegan McCue are rivals during basketball season playing for Hackett Catholic Prep and K-Christian, respectively. (2) United football coach Troy Ayotte. (3) Herder, right, directs the football offense at quarterback against Berrien Springs, with McCue his top receiver advancing the ball. (4) Herder, top, prepares to inbound the basketball, and McCue gets to the hoop against Constantine. (Top photo and headshot by Pam Shebest. Football photos by Kristin Browning. Herder basketball photo by Travis Long, and McCue basketball photo by Chris Ogrin.)