In our college basketball previews last month, we were able to take a close-up look at every college team in the state. Obviously, with mainly a staff of one right now, that same strategy won’t work for previewing high school basketball, so instead, I’ve broken the state up by regions and have asked a few guests who are familiar with those areas to share some thoughts on the best teams and players in those areas for our previews this week in a roundtable format.

Paul Carmona, a longtime analyst familiar with Saginaw area basketball, agreed to give his thoughts on Saginaw area hoops for us below. Make sure to check out Next Generation Sports and . — P.H.

Top five players in the Saginaw area:

1. Eric Davis (Saginaw Arthur Hill SO G) - After a strong freshman campaign Davis took over the summer playing AAU and standing out at elite camps. He is ranked in the top 20 nationally for his class. Davis will be depended on to run the show and produce points for the Lumberjacks this season.

2. Julian Henderson (Saginaw High SR G) - Maybe the most complete player from last year’s state championship team as he was second in scoring and led the team in steals.  “Ju” has the ability to slash his way to the basket and can score in bunches at 6-foot-2.  He may be the state’s best on-ball defender.

3. Joe Powell (Saginaw High JR G) – After coming off the bench on last year’s state championship team much will be expected of the 6-7 swing man this year.  Powell is just as effective on the perimeter as he is on the block.  Powell is being recruited from colleges on the MAC level to the Big East.

4. Malik Garner (Midland Dow JR G) – Garner returns as the starting point guard for the chargers. He’s always been a productive and a solid floor general but expect to see him focus on scoring more this season.

5. Lance Monroe (Bridgeport SR G) – Monroe made the Saginaw News Dream team as a junior.  As a 6-foot-2 point guard, Monroe can fill the stat sheet. He is explosive and likes to play above the rim.

Top five teams in the Saginaw area:

1. Saginaw High - After loosing a handful of players to graduation, the Trojans simply reload and again have their sights on another state title. The Trojans are easily 10 deep and will look to wear teams down.

2. Arthur Hill - The Lumberjacks return their starting backcourt in Davis and Jalen Adams but the rest of the team lacks experience. Coach Greg McMath’s team will rely on toughness to win games.

3. Bridgeport - After an unexpected loss in last year’s regionals, the Bearcats will be plenty motivated as Monroe will lead them for another season. The Bearcats will try to out-run teams this season with their team speed.

4. Saginaw Heritage - Heritage again brings an overall solid team to the table but continues to get overshadowed by Arthur Hill and Saginaw High, understandably so.  After loosing their top four scorers from last year’s team, Heritage will be young but talented.

5. Midland Dow - With a Division I prospect like Garner at the point, Dow will be able to play with the rest of the Saginaw Valley League. If another player can emerge for the Chargers, Dow may have a big season.

One under the radar player to watch:

Algevon Eichelberger (Saginaw High) - The freshman is more of a new face for the Trojans than an under the radar guy. As a freshman, “Big Al” has already made a name nationally and now he’ll start to make a name at The High.  At 6-foot-6 he can run the floor as well as score with a variety of moves.  He’ll see plenty of court time this season.

One under the radar team to watch:

Saginaw Buena Vista - Tory Jackson has taken over as head coach of the Knights and he hopes to build the same success he had as a player at Buena Vista. The four-year starter at Notre Dame is starting from scratch but is showing the Knights how to play the game the “right way.”

Previously

• 2012-13 Oakland County high school basketball preview
• 2012-13 Flint area high school basketball preview

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