The Semifinals: D1 And D2 Predictions And Key Matchups
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The semifinals have some great games on tap. Within these games are some very intriguing matchups that could have a huge influence on the result of the game. I’m going to give you a key matchup and a prediction for…
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Continue ReadingThe semifinals have some great games on tap. Within these games are some very intriguing matchups that could have a huge influence on the result of the game. I’m going to give you a key matchup and a prediction for the Division 1 and Division 2 semifinals.
DIVISION 1
West Bloomfield vs. Rockford
March 18, Noon, at the Breslin Center
Key Matchup:
Alyssa Wypych Alyssa Wypych 5'10" | PG Rockford | 2023 State MI (2023, PG, Rockford) vs. Myonna Hooper Myonna Hooper PG West Bloomfield | 2022 State MI (2022, PG, West Bloomfield)
This will be a great matchup between savvy point guards. Both Wypych and Hooper are steady with the ball and play mistake free. The matchup will be especially interesting when Rockford has the ball. Wypych is counted on as a scorer while Hooper is a tough defender that can play in your face and shut down high caliber players..
Prediction: West Bloomfield
Hartland vs. Wayne Memorial
March 18, 2PM, at the Breslin Center
Key Matchup:
Lauren Sollom Lauren Sollom PF Hartland | 2022 State MI (2022, F, Hartland) vs. Davai Matthews Davai Matthews PF Wayne Memorial | 2022 State MI (2022, F, Wayne Memorial)
This is a great matchup between versatile forwards that can attack from multiple parts of the floor. They can both play inside-out or outside-in and both are usually superior athletically. Sollom moves so smoothly with great footwork on both ends ,while Matthews brings superior strength and physicality to the table. In my opinion, both will be very successful at the next level.
Prediction: Hartland
DIVISION 2
Grand Rapids West Catholic vs. Detroit Country Day
March 18, 5:30PM, at the Breslin Center
Key Matchup:
Cadence Dykstra Cadence Dykstra 5'9" | PG Grand Rapids West Catholic | 2023 State MI (2023, PG, Grand Rapids West Catholic) vs. Jaidyn Elam Jaidyn Elam 5'9" | CG Detroit Country Day | 2024 State MI (2024, CG, Detroit Country Day)
I don’t know if these 2 will match up directly, but either way, both will have a huge influence on the result of this game. Dykstra and Elam are both D1 caliber players at the next level (Dykstra is committed to Toledo). Dykstra has a terrific all around game and a high basketball IQ. Elam has been a force in the playoffs, making double-doubles a regular thing.
Prediction: Grand Rapids West Catholic
Detroit Edison vs. Ludington
March 18, 7:30PM, at the Breslin Center
Key Matchup:
Madisen Wardell Madisen Wardell 6'0" | PF Detroit Edison | 2022 State MI (2022, F, Detroit Edison) vs. Ryann Rohrer (2022, PF, Ludington)
Wardell is as versatile as they come and can influence a game from basically anywhere on the floor. She’s an underrated passer and an excellent rebounder. Rohrer has used a height and strength mismatch throughout much of the season. I hope we get to see Rohrer’s physicality go head to head with Wardell’s versatility.
Prediction: Detroit Edison