Michigan high school boys basketball: Predictions for the Division 3 state tournament
Michigan high school boys basketball: Predictions for the Division 2 tournament
2023 Michigan (MHSAA) Boys Basketball State Tournament Brackets
Michigan high school boys basketball: Ranking the teams remaining in the MHSAA state playoffs
Michigan high school boys basketball: Predictions for the Division 1 state tournament
The final week of the high school basketball season in Michigan. The beginning of the season somehow feels like it was just yesterday but also ages ago, all at the same time.
Nonetheless, a champion will be crowned in all four divisions of boys basketball.
Here are my predictions for the rest of the Division 3 bracket:
Quarterfinals (3/21)
Detroit Loyola (25-1) vs. Flint Beecher (21-4)
We start with Detroit Loyola, who is tied for most wins out of the remaining teams, squaring off with Flint Beecher. Only one team has been able to take down Detroit Loyola so far this season. Could Flint Beecher hand it another loss?
I’m saying no. Detroit Loyola has looked too impressive this season for me to pick a loss.
WINNER: Detroit Loyola
Laingsburg (25-0) vs. Ecorse (19-4)
All eyes will be on Laingsburg during the quarterfinals. As the only undefeated team left, all of the pressure is on. Completing a perfect season is one of the toughest feats in all of sports.
Will Ecorse be the first team to take down Laingsburg, or will perfection continue? I’m taking Laingsburg. That team has come so far and I think it has at least one more victory in the tank.
WINNER: Laingsburg
St. Ignace (22-4) vs. Traverse City St. Francis (22-4)
This bracket is loaded with great matchups and we have another one right here. The best teams from throughout the year are still alive and the championship is anyone’s to grab.
In this matchup, I’m picking Traverse City St. Francis. This was the hardest game for me to pick. Wouldn’t be surprised at any result, but I’m taking TCSF nonetheless.
WINNER: Traverse City St. Francis
Pewamo-Westphalia (19-6) vs. Niles Brandywine (24-2)
It would take a complete A-game effort from Pewamo-Westphalia to take down Niles Brandywine in this one. But that’s how Pewamo-Westphalia has made it this far. Every team is playing its best ball.
However, I think Pewamo-Westphalia runs out of gas in the quarters, and Niles Brandywine snags the final spot in the semis.
WINNER: Niles Brandywine
Semifinals
Detroit Loyola vs. Laingsburg
I hope my predictions are right for the quarterfinals because this is a matchup that I really wanna see. And I think Detroit Loyola spoils the perfect season for Laingsburg and heads to the championship game.
It’s so hard to go undefeated. The pressure mounts more and more each game, and I think the road ends here for Laingsburg.
WINNER: Detroit Loyola
Traverse City St. Francis vs. Niles Brandywine
In the other semifinal matchup, I’m taking Niles Brandywine to advance to the championship. In my eyes, Niles Brandywine is just built for these high-intensity tournament games.
I think it will be a great game, but Niles Brandywine pulls away late to set up what would be an awesome championship game at the Breslin Center.
WINNER: Niles Brandywine
Championship (3/25)
In my opinion, I think that the championship will come down to whoever wins the semifinal matchup between Detroit Loyola and Laingsburg. Because of that, I’ve got Detroit Loyola cutting down the nets on the 25th.
I can’t say enough good things about Niles Brandywine and I think it will make a great push for a title, but I think it comes up just short.
WINNER: Detroit Loyola
