Class B Power Rankings and Previ

Class B Power Rankings and Previews

I was convinced that either Flint Southwestern Academy or Flint Powers Catholic was going to come away from 2006 with a state title. Neither turned out, but they still look like the strongest contenders out of mid-Michigan this season. Another contender may be shaping out of Flint over at Northwestern Academy. They have the makings of a great team with great improvement from their 6'10" big man, LaMarcus Lowe. The TVC is always competitive with the triumvirate of Birch Run, Bridgeport and Frankenmuth. The former two may be licking their chops at the sight of a List-less Frankenmuth. The CAAC-3 also looks interesting with Haslett likely relinquishing their throne to either DeWitt, Fowlerville or Lakewood. Who will come out on top? Right now, this is how I see it:

1. Flint Southwestern Academy

2. Flint Powers Catholic

3. Flint Northwestern

4. DeWitt

5. Bridgeport

6. Fowlerville

7. Perry

8. Lakewood

9. Birch Run

10. Frankenmuth

Special Mention: Corunna, Hillsdale, Portland, Mason

Flint Southwestern Academy

Key Losses: Quintin Woods 6’6” C, Alex Hamo 6’1” G, Adrien Allen 6’5” F [Erie CC], Jaron Franklin 5’6” G, Adontis Sutton 6’5” F

Key Returns: Anthony Crater 6'0" Jr., Erving McFadden 5'11" Sr.

Not a whole lot is returning, but with Crater that might just be enough. He was fantastic as a sophomore and will be even better as a junior. McFadden is better than people probably give him credit for with his smooth shot and ball-handling skills. Plus the varsity inherits a fantastic group of JV players like 6'4" man-child Demarkus Bracy who was called up near the end of the season and 6'1" wing Erik Fields, a contributor off the bench last season. The return of 6’4” junior Tyrone Ward will help the Knights on the boards. If 6'4" senior Leviante Davis [right] is eligible he could dramatically improve their chances.

Flint Powers Catholic

Key losses: Tom Herzog 7’0” C [Michigan State], Chase Coulter 5’9” G, Matt Wittbrodt 5’11” G [Eldon Academy]

Key Returns: Laval Lucas-Perry [left] 6'2" Sr. [Arizona], Spencer Hickoff 6'3" Sr., Mike Zureikat 6'2" Jr., Andrew Charlesworth [right] 6'5" Sr.

How will Powers adjust from the loss of the big guy? Luckily the Chargers return one of the top players in Michigan with Lucas-Perry -- that's a pretty good start. Expect to see Spencer Hickoff make a larger contribution as well, once he returns from his injury. Tom's little brother, 6'6" senior, Jacob Herzog will probably be the starting center and although he doesn't bring what his older brother brought to the table, he isn't all too shabby either. Charlesworth is at his best inside but can do some damage outside too. Zureikat is a nice all around player that will likely run the point, but is capable of playing multiple positions. Plus the additions of the Morelands should add some depth to the perimeter. Tyler is a tough junior guard and Shane is a skilled sophomore. The JV has a couple of nice players to add like star running back Ronnie Lark and Andy Herman. Finally, talented 6’2” freshman Pat O’Brien might just crack the roster. Of course LLP will be the key, but the guys surrounding him are good enough to ensure another winning season at Powers.

Flint Northwestern Academy

Key Returns: Damon Franklin [right] 6’5” Sr. F, Jeff Grayer 6’3” Sr. F, Marcus Green 6’3” Sr. G, Deantio Shakir 5’10” Sr. G, LaMarcus Lowe 6’10” Sr. C

Franklin is on the cusp of becoming a great player – the Wildcats have to build around him. Guys like Green and Grayer can take the pressure off of him, but too many times last season they just took touches from him. Shakir has the talent to be a great point guard, but seems to be a bit inconsistent. Lowe has great height and a better touch than one would expect. He may be the most improved player in Michigan. This team also has a lot of fantastic young players who are ready to contribute off the bench like 5’8” sophomore Deandre Upchurch and 6’3” sophomore Chris Tiggs. Consistency was the biggest problem with this squad last season. Hopefully these seniors can leave that problem in the past.

DeWitt

Key Losses: Chadd Fletcher 5’9” G,

Key Returns: Sam Celentino [left] 6'4" Jr. F, Joshua Armstead 5’11” Sr. G, Justin Olson Sr. G, Dan VanDreumal 5’10” Jr. G, Cody Worden 6’1” Sr. F

DeWitt returns a lot of players from last season’s squad. With that said they should have a shot at getting back to their form of two years ago. Celentino performed at a high level as a sophomore, but for this team to be successful he needs some of his fellow classmates to step up as well like center JT Whitman and VanDreumal. Seniors like beefy 6’4” C Chris Starkey, equally beefy Worden and guards Armstead and Olson should provide good leadership and depth.

Fowlerville

Key Returns: Sean Romsek [right] 6’3” Jr. F, Garret St. Charles 5’10” Jr. G, Joe Lane 6’4” Jr. F, JR Ruddle 6’0” Sr. G, Ross Addison 6’4” Sr. C, Zack Kenniston 6’0” Sr. G

Fowlerville has a lot to smile about going into the season. Romsek is a fantastic talent, while St. Charles, Ruddle and Kenniston provide for a good and experienced backcourt. Lane and Addison at 6’4” should be able to handle the post. Lane is a good talent while Addison is an absolute beast. Fowlerville has a great opportunity to climb the ranks of the CAAC with eleven varsity players returning.

Bridgeport

Key Losses: Calvin Green 6’6” F

Key Returns: Jeremy Sewell 6’0” Sr. G, Josh Barnes 6’3” Sr. F, Rahamus Wingard [left] 6’3” Sr. F, Demarko Johnson 6’1” Sr. G

They should run the TVC with a loaded senior roster that includes Sewell, Barnes, Wingard and Johnson. Sewell is a big combo guard who’s tough on defense and is a great slasher. Barnes is athletic and tough in the paint. Johnson and Wingard are versatile and should excel running next to Sewell and Barnes. They could be potentially even more dangerous if 6’6” senior Calvin Green were to be eligible for the season, but at this moment that doesn’t seem likely. Youngsters like Ellester Brooks and Troy Cruz should figure in nicely.

Perry

Key Losses: Andy Clark 6’4” F [Lansing CC], Paul Martin 6’3” F

Key Returns: Jordan Sipkovsky [right] 6’1” Sr. G, Dennis Meaney 6’6” Sr. C, Elliott Hebden 5’8” Sr. G

Coach Hebden is one of the best around and he will again produce a fantastic team. Sipkovsky is an underrated talent who can lead the Ramblers. Meaney is a large presence inside, while Coach’s son Elliott is one of the finest defenders in the area. There could be additional trouble for opponents with another Sipkovsky, 6’0” sophomore Nate, ready to play a bigger role.

Lakewood

Key Losses: Kyle Rowland 6’3” F, Tyler Barnett 6’0” G, Matt Richardson 6’3” F

Key Returns: Alex Erickson 6'7" Sr. C. [Northwood], Michael Barbour 6'3" Jr. F, Brad Elliott 6'3" Sr. F, Nic Wieland 6'4" Sr. F

Lakewood will have an awful lot of size to offer this season. Erickson was already one of the top big men in the CAAC as a junior and as a senior he should have his way. He’ll be joined by another 6’6” presence with Dan Desgranges giving them a potential twin towers look. Forwards Barbour, Elliott and Wieland will give added balance and depth. Their success could hinge on the guard play of guys like 6’2” junior Nick Hilley.

Birch Run

Key Losses: Kyle Duby 6’0” G, Chad Allen 6’3” C, Pat Kettler 6’1” F

Key Returns: Jordan Duby [right] 6’3” Jr. G, Kyle Wilson 5’10” Sr. G

A new coach means a new offense for the Panthers. Last season this team was content to slow the ball in half-court sets. This season, they're set to run. Leading that charge will be Wilson and Duby. This pair will be one of the top backcourts in mid-Michigan. They will also enjoy some size with a pair of 6'5" bodies, including sophomore Dakota Ellis. Watch for Duby in particular to become a star. Don't expect a three-game sweep from Frankenmuth this season.

Frankenmuth

Key Losses: Jared List 6’3” F [Spring Arbor], Aaron List 6’4” F [Spring Arbor]

Key Returns: Brad Redford 6’0” Jr. G, Eric Nuechterlein [left] 6’2” Sr. G, Mark Kidd 6’1” Sr.

F, Dan Bernthal 6’1” Sr. F

The Eagles will not be able to replace the Lists. Who could? But they still have some talent left, namely Redford. The young point guard will have to average over 20 points per game for Frankenmuth to go very far this season. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move over to the wing [especially if he gets his brother’s 6’4” height] and Neuchterlein to the point. Bernthal and Kidd are workhorses inside but lack ideal size. Senior Travis Gilmour at 6’3” should be able to help the small Eagles’ team. Coach Crawford will have his work cut out for him.