The grades are in: U.S. roads get a D+

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Transportation

The grades are in: U.S. roads get a D+

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/8082284

While the nation’s roads continue to decline, improvements in rail and some other categories raised the nation’s overall infrastructure grade to C-, a very modest improvement from the D+ grade in the 2017 report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

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Andy Herrmann, a professional engineer, past president of ASCE and a member of the report card committee since 2001, says he is optimistic that Congress can agree on an infrastructure package.

He echoed U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who told the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) last week, “I’m looking forward to a day when infrastructure week is no longer a ground hog’s day joke but something that delivers investments to the American People.”

In 11 of the report card’s 17 categories, the grade was in the ‘D’ range: aviation, dams, hazardous waste, inland waterways, levees, public parks, roads, schools, stormwater, transit, and wastewater.

The study concluded that, overall, the long-term investment gap continues to grow, as we lose value in our infrastructure.  That gap grew from $2.1 trillion over 10 years in the last report to $2.59 trillion, meaning the need now is $259 billion per year.

In terms of funding solutions, Herrmann explained why he thinks a shift away from the fuel tax and to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) makes the most sense. In his remarks to AASHTO, Sec. Buttigieg suggested a usage levy is necessary.

A Tax Foundation report in August, 2020, thoroughly explores the VMT option, observing that only three states raise enough dedicated transportation revenue to fund transportation spending.

The last Michigan-specific report card, in 2018, assigned a D- grade to roads and gave the state a D overall for infrastructure. That report concluded, simply, that “Michigan’s infrastructure is old and outdated. We’re now faced with pothole-ridden roads, bridges propped with temporary supports, sinkholes destroying homes, and closed beaches.” The report highlighted Michigan’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission conclusion that an additional $4 billion annually is needed to maintain our infrastructure.

“Michigan must support innovative policies leading to cleaner water, smoother highways, and a safe environment that will attract business and improve our quality of life,” the report said.

View a nationwide map of Dedicated Transportation Tax Revenue, fiscal year 2017.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

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Oakland County Marks One Year Since First COVID Case

Oakland County Marks One Year Since First COVID Case

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Marks One Year Since First Confirmed COVID Case

  • ​Oakland Together COVID-19 Tribute Walk Begins Wednesday at Waterford Oaks
  • Invites Public to Contribute to Oakland Together Remembrance Story Map and Oakland Together Gratitude Story Map
  • County Executive Dave Coulter and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist Engage Community Leaders Tuesday about COVID Vaccine and Equity

Waterford, Michigan – Oakland County and Oakland County Parks and Recreation are commemorating one year since the first confirmed COVID-19 case with the Oakland Together COVID-19 Tribute Walk at Waterford Oaks County Park. Bluewater Technologies, known for its Glenlore Trails in Commerce Twp., has designed a half-mile long immersive and interactive light trail for visitors to reflect on the impact of the pandemic, remember those who have lost their lives to coronavirus, and give thanks to the frontline workers who continue to risk their lives to keep us healthy and safe, and express gratitude for all of those who have helped us through the last year.

“We need this moment to remember and express our feelings as a community after enduring a year of pandemic challenges, heartbreak, and even instances of inspiration,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “The Tribute Walk will remind us of the lives who shine brightly whether they are still with us or have passed and will give us a glimpse of what we have to be thankful for as we move forward together past the pandemic.”

The Tribute Walk will kick-off Wednesday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. with a ceremony to serve both as a special thank you to county employees and a media preview. Brandy Boyd, a Parks and Recreation employee who lost both her parents to COVID-19, will be among the speakers. Other speakers include Coulter, Oakland County Commissioner and Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Gary McGillivray, and Bluewater Technologies Chief Revenue Officer Bob Marsh. The Tribute Walk opens to invited guests at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Oakland County Executive Office will broadcast the event live on its Facebook page (@OakGov.EO).

The journey through the illuminated half-mile wooded path starts behind Lookout Lodge at Waterford Oaks County Park, located at 1702 Scott Lake Rd. in Waterford Township. Organizations and individuals impacted by the pandemic, including those who contribute to the Oakland Together Remembrance and Gratitude Story Maps (more about the story maps below), will be invited to tour the Tribute Walk the evenings of Thursday, March 11 – Sunday, March 14.

“Oakland County Parks and Recreation is honored to host the Oakland Together COVID-19 Tribute Walk and have one of our parks become a place of remembrance and solace for those who have lost family and friends during the pandemic,” McGillivray said. “This is also a time to be thankful and express gratitude to our doctors, nurses, front-line workers and others who have helped us all manage this past year. Together, supporting one another, we are stronger and will never forgot those whom we have lost.”

Beginning Thursday, March 11, the public will be able to pre-register for limited tickets for the Tribute Walk from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Monday, March 15 – Sunday, March 21. Tickets are $5 per person. Bluewater Technologies will donate the net proceeds to an Oakland County charity which the company will announce later this week. There will be no walk-up admission. To register for tickets, go to oakgov.com/covid/tribute. To maintain social distancing protocols, tickets will be issued in half-hour increments through 9:30 p.m. A public livestream from the trail will be available online at oakgov.com/covid/tribute as well as streamed on the Executive Office Facebook page each night the Tribute Walk is open for those who are unable to make it in person.

“We are honored to have been recognized by Oakland County for our creation of Glenlore Trails. This was a wonderful example of the innovation that came from being under the challenges and pressures of a global pandemic,” Marsh said. “We’ve started many mini-innovations over the past year, and this is one of three different products and services that made a real impact and will shape the future of our company. This past year has been challenging to all of us both personally and professionally and I can’t wait for it all to be over, but in retrospect has also been a catalyst to try new things that otherwise we may not have and enabled us to come out of this even stronger.”

Ticket holders also are welcome to contribute to three tribute displays outside of Lookout Lodge each night the Tribute Walk is open. People can post photos of loved ones they have lost and add their name to a large Yellow Heart with Black Ribbon sign, the symbol for those lost to COVID-19. They can also write messages of gratitude for frontline workers on a large green heart. After the Tribute Walk, these tributes will become lasting memorials that will travel around public locations on the Oakland County government campus.

In addition to the Tribute Walk and tribute displays, Oakland County today launched both the Oakland Together Remembrance Story Map and the Oakland Together Gratitude Story Map for residents to honor friends and loved ones. Individuals can add the story or memory of someone they have lost to the pandemic on the Remembrance Map and share how they inspired others and contributed to our community. The Gratitude Map is an opportunity to express appreciation for those who have embodied the spirit of Oakland Together during the pandemic, from small acts of kindness for frontline workers to supporting local businesses and organizations.

Finally, on Tuesday, March 9, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will provide an update on vaccine distribution in the state and county and start a conversation on how the lessons learned from the last year can help strengthen our approach to equity beyond the pandemic. The discussion will occur over a Zoom meeting with leaders of non-profits, faith-based groups, and cultural organizations. The meeting is by invitation only. The media and the public, however, may watch the livestream from 4-5 p.m. on the Oakland County Executive Office Facebook Page (@OakGov.EO).

Editor’s Note: All media are welcome to attend the kick-off of the Oakland Together COVID-19 Tribute Walk at Waterford Oaks County Park on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. Please indicate your attendance by emailing [email protected]. Your onsite contacts will be Bill Mullan 248-202-9668, Kathy Gray 248-285-2496, or Desiree Stanfield 248-705-4108.

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Michiganders to Turn on Lights for One-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

March 8, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Asking Michiganders to Turn on Lights for One-Year Anniversary of COVID-19

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist are marking the one-year anniversary of the first cases of COVID-19 being diagnosed in Michigan by asking all Michiganders to turn on the lights outside of their homes on Wednesday, March 10th, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in remembrance of the Michiganders we have lost.

 

“We’ve had a difficult year and lost so many fellow Michiganders, “said Governor Whitmer. “On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and I urge everyone to turn on their porch lights for an hour, so that we can remember those we’ve lost and remind ourselves that even in times of darkness, we’re in this together. As we mark this occasion, we also look towards the light at the end of the tunnel. We have three safe, effective vaccines, all miracles of science, that will help protect you, your family, and others from COVID and help us get our country and the economy back to normal.”

 

“It’s been one year since COVID-19 was found in Michigan, and as a result, this virus has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives, but despite its darkness, we have seen the brightest light shine in the determined resolve of each other during these trying times,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “The simple act of turning on our lights is a way to remember and honor those we have lost and show that we’re all in this together and we will emerge from this crisis, together.”

 

View and download the anniversary flyer below:

 

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Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20

Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20.

Written Sunday March 7th at 6:00 PM

Here are the top 22 and top 20 for basketball throughout the OAA. I look at how teams are playing right now as we speak and the rankings tell themselves from my point of view. Here they are.

Boys Top 22.

  1. Ferndale (8-1) – Jack Kennedy has really surprised some folks.
  2. Adams (9-3) – Jaret Thomas has done a heck of a coaching job with the Highlanders.
  3. Clarkston (9-3) – Keegan Waslik is back with a vengeance.
  4. North Farmington (6-2) – Raiders no longer control their own destiny in the Red.
  5. Lake Orion (9-2) – Dragons are clicking on all cylinders.
  6. Bloomfield Hills (7-4) – Blackhawks control their own destiny in the White.
  7. Troy (4-2) – Something doesn’t seem right with the Colts.
  8. Stoney Creek (7-3) – Trevor Smith is really carrying the Cougars on his back.
  9. Troy Athens (7-3) – Jordan Sebaugh is the key for the Red Hawks.
  10. Groves (4-5) – Falcons are more than capable of pulling off an upset.
  11. Pontiac (6-0) – Phoenix are rising but would like to see them play some non league teams.
  12. Berkley (4-6) – It wasn’t a great week for the Bears.
  13. West Bloomfield (3-7) – Lakers have been very streaky lately.
  14. Farmington (3-8) – Falcons have been very inconsistent.
  15. Oak Park (3-6) – Knights have been a mystery team right now.
  16. Rochester (6-5) – Falcons no longer control their own destiny in the Gold right now.
  17. Oxford (4-7) – Wildcats are as good as Mason Mulholland takes them.
  18. Seaholm (3-7) – Maples are as good as Johnny Cross takes them.
  19. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-7) – Warriors are very suspect right now.
  20. Avondale (4-6) – Yellow Jackets haven’t been the same since the loss to Seaholm.
  21. Royal Oak (1-8) – Ravens picked up a monster win over Ferndale University this past week.
  22. Ferndale University (0-8) – Rising Eagles are still getting used to life in the OAA.

 

 

Girls Top 20.

  1. West Bloomfield (8-1) – Lakers looking strong on all cylinders
  2. Clarkston (9-2) – Wolves have been scoring in bunches lately.
  3. Stoney Creek (9-1) – Cougars rolling right now.
  4. Troy (7-4) – Colts holding strong in the White.
  5. Groves (7-5) – Falcons are going to be a dangerous team come postseason time.
  6. Royal Oak (6-4) – Ravens are starting to put things together.
  7. Oxford (7-3) – Myranda Wynnabego has been a difference maker for the Wildcats.
  8. Farmington (8-3) – Autumn Bartlett has been the glue for the Falcons.
  9. Adams (6-3) – Highlanders are still a really odd team to figure out.
  10. Lake Orion (6-6) – Dragons haven’t been the same team since losing to Oxford.
  11. Rochester (3-4) – Falcons are back on the court which is a good sign.
  12. Berkley (6-4) – Ashley Loon has been the key to the Bears success.
  13. Troy Athens (4-6) – Gillian Ciak has been playing well for the Red Hawks lately.
  14. North Farmington (2-7) – Heaven Rogers has played well for the Raiders in this stretch.
  15. Southfield Arts and Tech (1-8) – Warriors got their first win for new coach Shaquila Coltrane.
  16. Seaholm (2-8) – Maples struggling a little bit.
  17. Oak Park (2-2) – Knights have done well against Ferndale University but others not so much.
  18. Ferndale University (2-4) – It’s still going to take some time for the Rising Eagles to get used to the OAA.
  19. Bloomfield Hills (0-8) – Blackhawks really struggling right now.
  20. Avondale (0-7) – Yellow Jackets really struggling right now.
Weekly Thoughts

Weekly Thoughts

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Weekly Thoughts.

Written Sunday March 7th at 9:00 PM

Boys

Red

North Farmington might have lost all chances to win the Red with their home loss to Clarkston on Thursday night. The Raiders could still be a force in the Red and eventually in the postseason. North Farmington needs Basheer Jihad and Deon Hayes to play better. They have an opportunity ahead of them when they head to Ferndale this week. Coach Todd Negoshian needs to find a way to get some more scoring like they were earlier in the season.

Ferndale has played good basketball but a huge game looms on Monday when they head to Orchard Lake St. Marys to play the top ranked Eaglets. Orchard Lake St. Marys has looked vulnerable despite winning over Birmingham Brother Rice and Warren De LaSalle. Another storyline is that Jason Drake played for the Eaglets last season. He transferred to Ferndale during Christmas. The Eagles besides the Eaglets have Troy and North Farmington this week. It’s going to be an interesting week to say the least for Coach Juan Rickman and his team.

Clarkston looks to be back to being Clarkston as Keegan Waslik returned to the lineup after an ankle injury that was thought to be season ending. Waslik opens up players like Nathan Steinman to do well to go along with Mike DePillo and Luke Scherler. He means so much to the Wolves lineup and if he gets hurt again then Clarkston could be in some trouble.

West Bloomfield has really struggled lately which is very concerning heading into the final two weeks of the season. The Lakers need to get some wins under their belt heading into the postseason. The district won’t be easy especially with a red hot Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, and Orchard Lake St. Marys in there.

Oak Park is still a mystery team. They blew out Detroit Cody on Saturday but lost to Farmington and North Farmington this past week. The Knights need to find that consistency going forward if they want to make some noise. Bwanda Miller has played really well for Coach Durrand Sheppard along with the Henderson brothers but they need an interior person to step up.

Farmington played better against Ferndale even though they lost that game. The Falcons are more than capable of scoring points. Farmington will need to keep scoring in bunches despite beating Oak Park. If Coach Terrance Porter’s team can find that scoring then they could surprise some folks.

 

White

Troy has been very inconsistent despite being tied for the White however they are coming off losses to Bloomfield Hills and Stoney Creek despite beating Groves. The Colts need more from Jake Emerzian. I know they have played a tough schedule since coming off COVID protocol but Jake Emerizian needs to step his game up and help Brody Parker and Ethan Emerzian. If Coach Gary Fralick can get his big three along with D’Anthony Hamilton going then they will be a tough team to beat.

Stoney Creek had a huge hit with Alex Reiter in COVID protocol which has resulted in Trevor Smith doing more for the Cougars. Reiter is Coach Steve Norgrove’s defensive stopper but they had losses to Adams and Bloomfield Hills this past week. Stoney Creek will be fine but they need someone besides Smith to step up until Reiter returns.

Groves has been an odd team to figure out. They do have some players that have emerged. The Falcons have leaned on Daniel Lee but the play of Nick Lutz and Aaron Dubose has contributed for Coach Benny White. Groves has been a hit or miss team which makes them a dangerous team come postseason time.

Bloomfield Hills has had a really good week with wins over Stoney Creek, Troy, and Romeo. Noah Adamcyzk and Mason Canfield have been very good for Coach Phil Kurajian in the past week. The Blackhawks are in a very good spot right now in the White. Bloomfield Hills is peaking at the right time.

I think Jaret Thomas should be coach of the year in the White for what he has done with Adams in two years since taking over the program. They have a pipeline of proven talent for the now and in the future. The Highlanders had a good week by beating Stoney Creek, Groves, and Farmington. Adams has Justice Mims, Ben Churmside, Brady Prieskorn, Jon Urusy, among others and they have been playing really well. Adams is in a good spot.

Southfield Arts and Tech is a hard team to figure out. What helps the Warriors is their athleticism and they have Jaylen Mack and Caleb Banks. They lost a tough one to Clarkston and have lost five straight since beating Waterford Mott. That’s not a good sign for Coach Darreyle Buchanan and his team going forward. This team concerns me a bit.

 

Blue

Troy Athens has won three straight games since losing to Lake Orion. Michael Justice has played really well but the key players are Jacob Thornton and Jordan Sebaugh. If the Red Hawks can get consistent play from Sebaugh and Thornton then Coach Dave Scott’s team will be better in the long run especially heading into the postseason where they have a favorable district at home despite a huge challenge from Sterling Heights Stevenson.

Berkley had two tough losses to Lake Orion and Stoney Creek this week. The Bears are an interesting team going forward. Coach Joe Sermo is going to need players like Joey McNamara, Logan Thomas, and Jon Sherif to step up and help Arshad Walker. If they can find this then they could be a very dangerous team come postseason time.

Oxford is in an interesting spot. Mason Mulholland has led the Wildcats night in and night out but Coach Steve Laidlaw needs someone else to step up, could it be Trent Brown, Palmer Speck, etc. Oxford has really struggled to find that second scorer even though there are numerous others that can do that as well. It hasn’t been easy for the Wildcats.

Lake Orion got three huge wins including two of them over rivals Oxford and Lapeer and they control their own destiny in the Blue. The Dragons have been getting contributions from Andrew Bryant, Malachi Grandberry, Nick Fisher, Mark Smith, and Will McClear. Brennan Jones and Xander Blackney have really been playing better. Lake Orion has been playing loose which is a good sign not only for the team but Coach Joel Schroeder as well heading into the postseason.

Seaholm has struggled recently losing two straight games. The Maples have gotten contributions from Johnny Cross but they need to score more points. It’s been a challenging year for Coach Mike DeGetter but they are getting healther and they have Troy Athens and Oxford coming to Birmingham in the next two weeks. The Maples could play spoiler in the Blue.

 

Gold

Pontiac stands on top of the division after their huge win over Rochester on Saturday. The Phoenix have managed to improve each week which resulted in wins. Dionate Harris has played really well for Pontiac and Coach Dameon O’Neill. I would like to see Pontiac test themselves against non league competition because they would not see Gold competition in their district especially with Orchard Lake St. Marys, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Hills in there. It would prove to be a measuring stick for the Phoenix.

Rochester took a tough loss to Pontiac on Saturday afternoon at home and no longer control their own destiny. The Falcons have been getting contributions from Matt Stone and Mark Williams for Coach Vance Kirkwood. Rochester needs to hope Pontiac loses at least a game to get back in the league race.

Avondale has not been the same team since losing to Seaholm a few weeks ago. They fell to Rochester, Pontiac, and Warren Cousino. There are some serious concerns for Coach Pat Clancy’s team. The Yellow Jackets haven’t figured things out yet which is a concern heading into the postseason. Avondale is trending down right now.

Royal Oak has been competitive but they haven’t been able to put together wins. The Ravens picked up their first win of the season by beating Ferndale University on Thursday night. The schedule gets tough with games against Royal Oak Shrine, Berkley, Troy Athens, and Holly on the slate. It won’t be an easy ride for Coach Aaron Smith and company.

Ferndale University has been very competitive but they have struggled in their first year in the OAA. The Rising Eagles will be fine. They are scoring at a high rate but they are allowing more as well. Ferndale University should be fine as they settle into the OAA.

 

Girls

Red

West Bloomfield has been playing on a high level which resulted in an impressive blowout win over Clarkston on Wednesday night. Coach Bert Mosley got more good news as Myonna Hooper was just cleared to play and adds to an already very dangerous Lakers team come in the postseason. West Bloomfield and Birmingham Marian are on a collision course in the postseason.

Clarkston has played really good basketball despite the blowout losses to West Bloomfield including what happened on Wednesday night. The Wolves scored 58 points which normally wins you games. Clarkston has gotten contributions every night from different players. Coach John Weyer has done a very good job with this team. The Wolves are heading in the right direction.

Royal Oak has turned the corner a bit and they have seemed to found a Robin in Kira Vance. Vance has been filling the score sheet lately and has played well alongside Sarah Soroghan. The Ravens have won three of four which is a good sign heading into the postseason and if Soroghan doesn’t have to carry the load even though she is more than capable of putting a team on her shoulders than that would make the team that more dangerous heading into the postseason.

Groves has me very concerned despite losing three of their last four games. The foundation is there for the Falcons and Coach AntJuan Simpkins. The tough non league schedule can be very taxing on a young team. Groves is fine though but they are in a rut right now.

Southfield Arts and Tech won their first game of the season on Friday night but there are still some concerns defensively going forward. The Warriors have allowed over 70 points in five of the last six games. Getting their first win was a start but it’s the start of a long process.

 

White

Troy has been moving along but they have been putting the ball in the basket. Lauren Gumma has really taken off especially from three point land including in which the Colts made 14 threes against Troy Athens on Friday night. Kendal Zeiter hasn’t really needed to be “Super Girl” even though she is capable of taking over games also Charlotte Sobotka and Alyssa Matuza has also been productive as well. Coach Julius Porter if things are on track should be a team to watch moving forward and they control their own destiny in the White.

Stoney Creek has been rolling along which is a great sign for Coach Kellen James. The Cougars still control their destiny and they have Troy coming to Stoney Creek. Mia Carson and Milana Skoric has played really well for the Cougars. Stoney Creek also has a strong future as program strength is on the rise.

Adams has been a mystery team despite losing to North Farmington but they beat Farmington on the road behind their experience. I’m very concerned for the Highlanders despite the experience factor. If Coach Shay Lewis can get the less experience players on the same page then Adams could surprise some people

North Farmington has had a very tough week even though they beat Adams but lost to Stoney Creek and Walled Lake Northern. Heaven Rogers has played well for the Raiders but Coach Jeff Simpson needs more production from Sela Lefler. If Lefler and Rogers are on the same page and have double digit point totals then North Farmington will be in basketball games.

Bloomfield Hills has had a long year for first year coach Kristen Massey but Emila Johnson has played really well for the Blackhawks. Bloomfield Hills has had games where they looked good and games they looked bad. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Blackhawks going forward.

 

Blue

Avondale has been a disaster which has resulted in multiple blowout losses. It has been a very difficult ride for Coach Roy Christmon despite having Regian Lawrence and Savannah Schmidt. The Yellow Jackets are in a world of hurt right now.

Troy Athens had an interesting week but they are starting to score. Nitya Balsu has played well along with Ciara Shoales and Gillian Ciak for Coach Stacie Klumpp. The Red Hawks should be fine going forward. As long as they are scoring they are in good shape.

Rochester is back from COVID protocol and they battled Stoney Creek to the brink on Saturday afternoon. Megan Lorenzo had 16 points in that game but they need Jackie Hurst to also step up as well. It will be interesting to see what the Falcons do but right now Coach Bill Thurston has to be happy to be back on the court.

Berkley has been a very odd team to figure out even though they also control their own destiny in the Blue. The Bears have relied on three girls in Ry Sanom, Ashley Loon, and Ava Beard for Coach Kirk Carolan. Berkley has had some huge wins like Troy and Oxford but also some questionable losses. Will the real Bears please stand up???

Oxford has been red hot lately and controls their own destiny in the Blue. They have gotten confidence from Mackenzie Methner and Miranda Wymeniko. They did get some bad news with the season ending shoulder injury to Emma Morris. Wymeniko has really stepped up her game for Coach Rachel Bryer. The Wildcats are gaining a ton of confidence as a group especially with that district looming in Grand Blanc where they have to see Davison, Flint Kearsley, Grand Blanc, and Lapeer.

Lake Orion has lost two straight games which is a huge concern going forward but they still control their own destiny in the Blue. The Dragons need to find their confidence when they won four of five last week. Lake Orion if confident can be very dangerous going forward.

 

Gold

Farmington had been playing anyone no matter who the challenge is and that’s a good thing. I like what Coach Laura Guzman has done with the non league schedule. The play of Autumn Bartlett has been very good lately along with Kennedi Jones among others. The Falcons are doing the right things heading into the postseason.

Seaholm has lost five in a row which is not a good sign going forward. The Maples need to find a way to get back in the win column. Coach Chris Manchester’s team could be in some huge trouble going forward.

Ferndale University has struggled thus far. It’s going to take some time for them to make some noise in the OAA in their first year in the league.

Oak Park beat Ferndale University twice but they haven’t beaten anyone else which has hurt them. The Knights need to find that consistency against other teams besides Ferndale University especially with a tough district looming.