Michigan high school boys basketball: Predicting the state championship games

Son of Swami

Special to Detroit Free Press

EAST LANSING — After a terrific start to semifinal play Thursday with a perfect 4-0 record, the Son of Swami comes limping into Saturday’s four state championship games at the Breslin Center.

SOS was 2-0 in Division 3 and 2-0 in Division 4, which was a good way to start the semifinals.

Then we got to Friday and SOS started 0-2 in Division 1 with minor upsets by Detroit Cass Tech and Muskegon moving into the finals.

SOS got back on track when Ferndale handled Saginaw, but then Grand Rapids South Christian beat Summit Academy in overtime.

MICK McCABE:Why Darius Acuff's tying 3-pointer in Michigan boys basketball D-1 semi was no surprise

That leaves SOS with a 16-8 record heading into the finals. But SOS is resilient if nothing else — we’re betting on nothing else — and the All-Knowing One is certain he has all four winners right here for you.

Detroit Cass Tech guard Corey Sadler Jr. makes a layup against Grand Blanc guard RJ Taylor during the second half of Cass Tech's 62-56 overtime win in the Division 1 semifinal at Breslin Center on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Division 1

Detroit Cass Tech (26-1) vs. Muskegon (26-2), 12:15 p.m. Can the Big Reds do it twice in a row? Do what? Shut down a terrific sophomore like Orchard Lake St . Mary’s Trey McKenney, who was wreaking havoc in this tournament until running into Jordan Briggs, Anthony Sydnor and David Day. Well, here comes another super soph in Cass Tech’s Darius Acuff, who also has been sensational this month. SOS thinks Acuff will have a bit more help than McKenney did. Momma Cass 70, Muskie’s Gone 66.

Division 2

Ferndale (20-8) vs. Grand Rapids South Christian (25-3), 6:45 p.m. South Christian better get used to faster paced game than it had in the semifinals because Ferndale wants to play an up-and-down game. You would, too, if you had guards like Caleb Renfroe and Cameron Reed. Jacob DeHaan needs to control the tempo for South Christian. Fernwood Tonight 55, David Kool High 51.

Flint Beecher guard Jacoby Holliday Jr. dribbles against Ecorse guard Malik Olafioye, left, during the second half of Beecher's 64-53 win in the Division 3 semifinal at Breslin Center on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

Division 3

Flint Beecher (23-4) vs. Traverse City St. Francis (24-4), 4:30 p.m. It is no surprise these two teams are here. Both teams played hellacious schedules for D-3 schools. Beecher has the tradition on its side, but Robert Lee Jr. will have to look to score from the tip and Jacoby Holliday Jr. must keep St. Francis’ shooters from lighting it up early. If Beecher isn’t careful St. Francis guard Wyatt Nausadis is more than capable of leading the Glads to the promise land. Beechnut 61, Majerle City St. Esper 59.

Division 4

Munising (26-1) vs. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (22-6), 10 a.m. Tri-unity is going for its second straight and sixth overall state title. The aptly named Defenders need Roy Fogg and Akais Giplaye to not only score but also own the backboards. Munising is going for its first-ever state title and these Yoopers are a determined bunch. Kane Nebel will have to find ways against Tri-unity’s tremendous defense. United Nations 55, Menacing 54.

Mick McCabe (err, Son of Swami) is a former longtime columnist for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at mick.mccabe11@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1. Save $10 on his new book, “Mick McCabe’s Golden Yearbook: 50 Great Years of Michigan’s Best High School Players, Teams & Memories,” by ordering right now at McCabe.PictorialBook.com