To Early 517 District Predictions – Div 2 MHSAA Boys Basketball
Published On: February 16, 2024
- District 44 – Portland (11-6)
- Portland is another lone 517 team in their district this year. The Raiders started off their season strong with a 9-1 record, but have hit some turbulence during conference play. The current MPR has Portland seeded above a (14-5) Belding team. There is a good chance we will see a shake up in the seeding of this district as Portland finishes their regular season with 3 home games vs teams they have struggled with this season. The final matchup in District 44 should see Ionia moving on with a win over Portland
- District 49 – Sexton (12-4), Charlotte (14-5) Eaton Rapids (9-10), Lansing Catholic (6-12), Haslett (3-15)
- We should be able to keep this district short and sweet with Sexton potentially securing their first District Title since 2013. Charlotte has had a great season this year and deserves a lot of recognition for their accomplishment. However, we cannot ignore the J Dubbs dominance in conference play and the strong statement they are sending to all other D2 schools in their way. Sexton is currently on a 10 game win streak since taking down basketball powerhouse Flint Beecher back in December and have also secured at least a share of their first Conference Title since 2012. With a big down year for Eaton Rapids, Lansing Catholic and Haslett the 2 seed in this district will be a toss up between Olivet and Charlotte. With a head to head matchup between the two and Charlotte having the tougher schedule to finish the season, we should see the two spot go to Charlotte if they can close out the regular season 3-0. In a district final matchup, Sexton will have to defeat either Olivet or Charlotte for a 3rd time this season in order to move onto the next round. In the end we expect to see Charlotte host Sexton at home in the district final with Sexton coming out on top in a close matchup.
- District 50 – Williamston (11-10), Fowlerville (4-15)
- As Williamston continues to rebuild their State Championship program, they have struggled with a lot of ups and downs this season. The Hornets have been floating around .500 all season and we do not expect the post season to be much different. Unfortunately for Williamston they share the district with a very tough and talented Chelsea team, but we do not expect them to go down easy. But, before Williamston meets up with Chelsea, they will more than likely have to face off with Father Gabriel Richard. In this matchup the Hornets are the more skilled and better developed team, and should come out victorious in a very close battle in Ann Arbor. Without dressing it up, District 50 goes to Chelsea convincingly.
- District 52 – Onsted (15-4), Adrian (15-3), Columbia Central (13-6), Tecumseh (14-4), Parma Western (14-5), Adrian Madison (10-10)
- This district is the epitome of To-Early Predictions, and will be the toughest district to gauge in 517 this season. Starting off Onsted should take the #1 seed with a tough schedule to finish the season playing teams like Blissfield and Saline. Adrian takes the 2 spot with Parma Western and Columbia Central falling in line. If Adrian pulls the #2 spot they will have an opportunity to right a loss at the hands of Parma Western from earlier in the season, in this matchup a more battle tested Adrain is our favorite to win this game. On the other side Tecumseh will take on Columbia Central. The Eagles are one year away from a district title game meaning Tecumseh takes the win in this matchup and then falling to Onsted. The District finals will come down to two teams, Onsted and Adrian. In a head to head battle Onsted leaves Adrian with no size answer for Senior Center, Ayden Davis. Even though Onsted should be able to control the paint, we believe the bigger challenge will come from Adrian’s transition offense, led by Stevie Elam and their fast paced full court game. In this matchup we have Adrian defeating Onsted in a very intense game.
