Michigan's Top 20 high school boys basketball teams for 2019-20

Former Free Press sports writer Mick McCabe selects the top 20 boys basketball teams in the state. (Last season's record is in parenthesis; all players are seniors unless noted).

1. Ypsilanti Lincoln (23-4): The defending Division 1 state champ lost four starters, but the one who remains is 6-foot-9 Emoni Bates, the No. 1 sophomore in the country. He carried Lincoln to the title by averaging 28.5 and 10.2 rebounds. DeCorion Temple, a 6-6 sophomore transfer from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, will provide inside toughness. Tate McKenzie will be a big body inside who will rebound and set killer screens. Junior Simon Wheeler, a transfer from Ferndale, is a good facilitator running the point. Freshman Braelon Green plays well without the ball and will add defense and scoring. Junior Gabe Damey will be the team’s defensive stopper.

Tournament route: Lincoln did not have an easy path to the final last season; this season will be the same. Ann Arbor Huron, Saline, Ypsilanti and Belleville all could give Lincoln fits in the district. A talented Cass Tech or River Rouge team should be waiting in the quarterfinals. 

2. River Rouge (23-2): The Panthers, who have won 14 state championships, all in Class B (now Division 2), are moving to Division 1, but they should be just fine. Junior Legend Geeter will dramatically improve his scoring (10 points). Brent Darby Jr., whose late father led Rouge to two state titles, is a 3-point threat and can lead the break. Ahmoni Weston had limited time last season but was waiting his turn and can hit perimeter shots and play the point. Junior Keyshawn Devlin is a combo guard, but as the season progresses he will play more at the point. Elijah Parrish will always draw the most difficult defensive assignment. Sophomore Jalen Holly will bring a degree of toughness to the lineup.

Tournament route: So much for easing into life in Division 1. This is a rough road for Rouge, which will have to contend with Detroit Cass Tech and Detroit Western in the district. Romulus or Wayne is a likely regional final foe. A spot in the quarterfinals probably will mean a game against defending champ Ypsilanti Lincoln, which Rouge beat, 63-53, in Monday’s opener.

3. Clarkston (17-3): Injuries have cost the Wolves some quality depth, but there is enough talent in the starting lineup to contend for the Division 1 title. Matt Nicholson (Northwestern) is an automatic double-double and will make an impact at both ends of the floor. Sophomore Fletcher Loyer (17 points) is one of the top shooters in the state and this season will be more than even that. Sophomore point guard Keegan Wasilk is healthy this season and will be more effective. Sophomore Mike DePillo will miss the first month because of mononucleosis, but he brings high energy to the game. Cole Donchez is a good defensive player who shoots well.

Tournament route: Oxford might be the toughest district opponent, and then things get interesting. The regional final foe should be either Waterford Mott or Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Grand Blanc or Saginaw should be waiting in the quarterfinals.

4. Grand Blanc (16-8): Look for a big improvement in the Bobcats, built around 6-7 Ty Rodgers, the state’s best sophomore not named Emoni Bates.  Rodgers, who averaged 16 points and eight rebounds as a 14-year-old freshman, gets everyone involved and gets to the basket with ease. Kevin-David Rice (15 points) is coming off knee surgery and he can take anyone off the dribble. Junior Nate Brown Jr., a transfer from Thurston, is a dangerous shooter. Freshman RJ Taylor will be the point guard and he can deliver the ball. Mark Miller will help with the rebounding and average in double figures without having plays run for him.

Tournament route: The first big test shouldn’t come until the regional semifinal, where the Bobcats likely will meet Saginaw. Mount Pleasant should be waiting in the regional final, and a quarterfinal game with either Waterford Mott, Clarkston or Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will be in the way of a trip to East Lansing. 

5. Muskegon (20-4): Nine veterans return to a team that should be the best on the state’s west side. Jarvis Walker (Purdue-Ft. Wayne) averaged 18 points and six rebounds and he is a 6-2 power guard who can post up smaller guards or step back and hit the 3-point shot when guarded by a bigger defender. Vern Nash (Saginaw Valley) gives the Big Reds a deadly shooter running the point. Billie Roberts (6-5, 270) and Jordan Porter (6-5, 250) are two powerful players in the post. Cameron Martinez is a quick combo guard and junior Michael Reed will help with the rebounding and serve as a rim protector.

Tournament route: The Big Reds have a challenging route to East Lansing. Grand Haven, Grand Rapids Union and Muskegon Reeths-Puffer all are good and in the same district. East Kentwood and Wyoming are possible regional opponents.

6. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (16-7): The Eaglets will attempt to end U-D Jesuit’s seven-year stranglehold on the Catholic League championship. While they are at it, they might do some damage in Division 1. Lorne Bowman (Wisconsin) averaged 20.8 points and is making better decisions with the ball. He can hit the 3, but he also has an excellent midrange game. Julian Roper can create off the dribble and he brings physical toughness. Sophomore Jason Drake is an excellent perimeter shooter. Sophomore Kareem Rozier is an exceptional passer at the point and is becoming a better shooter.

Tournament route: St. Mary’s could contend for the D-1 title, but finds itself in the same district as Waterford Mott. If it can somehow get past Mott, it likely will face Clarkston in the regional final. Then there will be Grand Blanc or Saginaw in the quarterfinals before the Eaglets can even think about Breslin Center.

7. Waterford Mott (16-4): Christmas came early when 6-9 Isaiah Jackson (Kentucky), the No. 1 senior in the state, returned from Spire Academy and enrolled in his home district. He is an elite defender who can handle the ball and shoot from 15 feet in. Damarion Bonds (16 points) is a good perimeter shooter. Junior A’Zion Price (14 points) is an exceptional leaper who finds ways to score at the rim. DeQuaveon  Washington (10 points) does a good job running the point and will have a field day feeding Jackson. Junior Trayale Solomon is the team’s best on the ball defender and he can score taking defenders off the dribble.

Tournament route: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s has eliminated Mott in each of the past two seasons, but the tables could be turned this time. A district title likely would mean a regional final against Clarkston. From there, a team like Grand Blanc or Saginaw would be the hurdle to reach East Lansing.

8. Benton Harbor (22-2): There are some new faces here, but the Tigers will be fine as long as Carlos Johnson (Butler) is around. After leading Benton Harbor to the state title as a sophomore, he averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds last season. He has improved his jump shot, but will likely need to be more of an inside scorer for the Tigers to be successful. Quindarius Davis returns to run the point and he is a good on the ball defender. Kentrell Pullian can drill 3-pointers.

Tournament route: Coloma may be the biggest test to win the district. The regional has changed a bit and there shouldn’t be much trouble advancing to the quarterfinals. That is where things could get interesting with Grand Rapids Catholic Central and defending champ Hudsonville Unity Christian as possible foes.

9. Detroit Cass Tech (16-5): The defending PSL champ isn't as deep as it was last season, but it will be talented enough to win the league again. Tyson Acuff (Duquesne), who averaged 16.6 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, is a terrific guard who is dangerous in transition and can finish in the paint. Kyle LeGreair (Detroit Mercy) is another playmaker in the backcourt who scores in a variety of ways. Isaiah Sanders is an inside scorer who also has a midrange game. Rylan Bowens should make an impact on the boards, junior Edwin Bell can drill 3-pointers, and junior  Kalen King has the potential to be a shutdown defender. Freshman Mekhai Walker will add toughness and he can finish at the rim.

Tournament route: Right off the bat, the Technicians will have to deal with River Rouge just to advance to the regionals. Waiting in the quarterfinals will be a likely date with defending champ Ypsilanti Lincoln.

10. Ann Arbor Huron (14-7): This was a young team last season and it is still young, but also much better. Junior Julian Lewis (12.9 points, 9.9 rebounds) is an athletic wing who is a tenacious rebounder and an elite defender. Junior point guard Devin Womack (14 points) hit 43% of his 3-point attempts, gets to the rim and creates opportunities for others. Junior Kingsley Perkins is another excellent defensive player who rebounds well and blocks shots. Junior Tyson Edmondson is a lights-out shooter — he hit seven 3s in a game and twice hit five.

Tournament route: There is not a single bad team in this district and any team is capable of emerging from it — but one of those teams is defending Division 1 champ Ypsilanti Lincoln with Emoni Bates. If Huron plays its best, it can win the district, but must recover in time for the regional, which can’t be nearly as challenging.

11. Detroit King (20-5): This could be the surprise team in the Detroit Public School League. In the past, King has relied on its toughness to win games, but this team also will have more than its share of talent. Junior Omar Zeigler will play all five positions and make plays for himself and others. Sophomore Chansey Willis Jr. scores from all three levels and will be one of the top point guards in the area. Junior Davin Walker will score points in bunches and play good defense. Junior Gelil Ward’s perimeter shooting will spread the defense for the Crusaders. Antonio Cowan will control the paint with his shot-blocking and rebounding.

Tournament route: The Crusaders should be able to skate through their district. U-D Jesuit or Renaissance will be a tough regional semifinal game and Warren De La Salle looks as if it could be waiting in the regional final. Unless some team on the east side emerges, King could wind up in East Lansing.

12. Warren De La Salle (14-10): Look for this team to contend for the Catholic League title and be a factor in Division 1. Josef Gjonaj is a complete player. He takes the ball to the basket, hits 3-point shots and midrange jumpers and plays dynamite defense. Junior Will Smythe is one of the best 3-point shooters in the state. Junior Linden Holder, who had a broken ankle that wiped out most of last season, returns to run the point. Nick Troszak can play in the post and makes all of the hustle plays. Ryan Buszka will help with the rebounding and be a tough defensive player. Sophomore Caleb Reese is super quick and penetrates the defense.

Tournament route: There is no one that can beat the Pilots in the district, but the regional will be fierce. North Farmington could be a regional semifinal opponent, and either King or U-D Jesuit will be there in the final.

13. Saginaw (22-4): Nine players return from the team that lost in the quarterfinals to Howell by a point. Sir’Real Smith (23 points, eight rebounds, four steals) has added a midrange game to go with his 3-point shooting and drives to the basket. Freddie McIntosh (Saginaw Valley) averaged 17 points and eight assists last season and is an improved point guard, making better decisions with the ball. Junior Lavell Brodnex grew three inches to 6-5, and his game has grown, too. He is a better shooter and rebounder. James Baber will be the guy protecting the rim and swatting away shots, but he can also handle the ball, and his vision makes him an effective passer.

Tournament route: If the Trojans get to the final four, they will have earned it because there is no easy path there. Arthur Hill and Heritage will be tough to get by just to get out of the district.

14. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (21-3): This team is still young but now it is experienced and ready for a long tournament run. Mykel Bingham is a skilled wingman who also can be a solid rebounder. Devon Boyd has made the move from shooting guard to point guard and the potential is there for him to have big scoring games. Sophomore Jack Karasinski,  now 6-2, had a breakout summer. He can get to the basket against anyone and finish. Ethan Lott, a key member of the football state championship team, brings toughness. Junior Gabe Quillian  will finish around the rim and contest shots all over the court. Sophomore Genesis Kemp is a slasher and active on the offensive boards, and junior Jace Williams can drill it from 3-point range.

Tournament route: Grand Rapids Christian will be a stiff test to get out of the district. Advancing through the regional will be difficult. Holland Christian is talented and defending state champ Unity Christian has good overall size. 

15. Detroit Douglass (10-13): Look for a big improvement here as junior Pierre Brooks II (23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds) runs the point. He can hit the deep 3, but is best at taking people off the dribble. One of the reasons for optimism is the improved play of junior Javante Randle, who will block shots and rebound. Zavion McClendon attacks the basket and can rebound. Junior Franklin Ezeoke will provide inside defense. Raphael Crayton will be a utility guy whileFred McNelly will add depth inside and on the perimeter.

Tournament route: University Prep will be difficult in the district; Summit Academy North and Dearborn Divine Child await in the regional.

16. Detroit Edison (19-8): All but one player from last season’s Division 3 semifinalist returns. Raynard Williams (14 points, seven rebounds) will score as well as play solid defense. The defensive stopper is Vincent Cooley (11 points, seven rebounds). Bryce George (19 points, seven rebounds) is coming off summer knee surgery and may not be available until mid-January. Sophomore Kyle Millender ran the point as a freshman and will be much improved. Look for a breakout season from junior power forward David Hughes, who will provide inside scoring.

Tournament route: Pershing is the biggest challenge in the district, but it won’t match up well size-wise with Edison. Detroit Loyola will be lurking in the regional. If all goes as planned, Edison and perennial power Flint Beecher will meet in the quarterfinals in what may very well be the state championship game.

17. Ferndale (16-9): The Eagles are going to rely on some youngsters to play important roles this season, but they are talented and could be a factor in Division 2. Colin Golson (Sienna) is going to be the anchor in the middle. He has a high motor and will lead by example. Jayshawn Moore will run the point and is a versatile player;  sophomore Treyvon Lewis will be on a wing and is the team’s best shooter. Freshman Caleb Renfroe is tough and will be able to score on perimeter jump shots and taking the ball to the basket.

Tournament route: Detroit CMA will be much improved this season and will be a good test in the district. The regional will be tough with Harper Woods as a possible semifinal game. Detroit Henry Ford would pose as the final obstacle before moving on to the quarterfinals.

18. Flint Beecher (23-3): Everyone returns from a team that spent most of last season ranked No. 1 in Division 3. Leading the way is all-state point guard Jalen Terry (22.5 points, five assists). He has improved his range to NBA level. Earnest Sanders (Kentucky, football) is shooting with more confidence and he is always a rugged rebounder and defender. Junior Keyon Menifield will provide perimeter shooting, and sophomore Carmelo Harris can run the point when needed. Sophomore James Cummings and JayVarion Peters will rebound and score inside. Sophomore Charlie Bell Jr. and freshman Robert Lee will provide depth.

Tournament route: With Flint Hamady moving up to Division 2, the district became easier. Burton Atherton could giver Beecher a game in the district, with Unionville-Sebewaing waiting for the fourth straight year in the regional.

19. Williamston (20-2): Mason Docks and Jacob Wallace started last season as freshmen and both have made big strides in their games. Docks (13 points, 6 assists) has improved his shooting and is a superb ballhandler. Wallace has expanded his range to beyond the 3-point arc. Mitchell Cook is a four-year starter who fills the do-it-all role that keeps the team rolling. Junior Brandon Hunt grew three inches (now 6-8) and has excellent post moves and a good jump shot. Junior Cade Conley is out six weeks with an injury but will be a 4-man who can pass and shoot. Sam Schikorra is a high-energy guy who will add rebounding and defense.

Tournament route: Lansing Catholic is a team that could end Williamston’s season early in districts. The region is certainly winnable, which should set up a quarterfinal game against Detroit Douglass.

20. Mount Pleasant (19-2): There is a wealth of experience and athleticism returning to what could be the top team coming from the north. Tyler Huenemann (6-3, 270) and Josh Schell (6-4, 250) provide the physical force.   Huenemann (who is going to Harvard in football) is also capable of hitting 3-point shots. Joe Ostrowsky is probably the school’s best player since Trey Zeigler, and he is an exceptional point guard. Mason Wojtusik attacks the basket like there’s no tomorrow. Alec Mills adds length, and his versatility makes him a mismatch with whoever is guarding him. Tyrone Rios will score from the wing and Jack Payton is an explosive athlete.

Tournament route: Midland Dow and Bay City Western will be better this season, and Midland is always a threat to win the district. Traverse City Central could be a regional semifinalist. The winner will likely face Grand Blanc or Saginaw with the winner looking at a quarterfinal game against either Clarkston or Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

Mick McCabe is a former longtime columnist of the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at mickmccabe11@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.