by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Girls Tennis Regional Projections.
Written Thursday May 13th at 10:10 AM
Here is my projections of the girls tennis regionals.
Top Four Teams Go To States, Bold: Projected Team Regional Champions.
Region 4 @ Livonia Churchill
FARMINGTON
SEAHOLM
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Dearborn
Dearborn Edsel Ford
Farmington Hills Mercy
Wayne Memorial
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Stevenson
TEAMS I SEE ADVANCING TO THE FINALS: SEAHOLM, Dearborn, Farmington Hills Mercy, and Livonia Churchill.
Region 5 @ Grosse Pointe South
TROY
TROY ATHENS
ROYAL OAK
Dearborn Fordson
Detroit Cass Tech
Fraser
Grosse Pointe South
Warren Mott
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
TEAMS I SEE ADVANCING TO THE FINALS: TROY, Grosse Pointe South, TROY ATHENS, and Dearborn Fordson.
Region 6 @ Utica Eisenhower
STONEY CREEK
Chippewa Valley
Macomb Dakota
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
Anchor Bay
Port Huron Northern
Romeo
Utica
Utica Eisenhower
Utica Ford II
TEAMS I SEE ADVANCING TO THE FINALS: Utica Eisenhower, Port Huron Northern, STONEY CREEK, Anchor Bay.
Region 7 @ Clarkston
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Lakeland
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern
TEAMS I SEE ADVANCING TO THE FINALS: BLOOMFIELD HILLS, ROCHESTER, ADAMS, CLARKSTON.
Region 12 @ North Farmington
AVONDALE
BERKLEY
GROVES
NORTH FARMINGTON
Detroit Renaissance
Dearborn Heights Crestwood
Redford Thurston
Livonia Franklin
Birmingham Marian
TEAMS I SEE ADVANCING TO THE FINALS: GROVES, BERKLEY, Birmingham Marian, NORTH FARMINGTON.
Region 13 @ Grosse Pointe North
FERNDALE
Detroit Mumford
Grosse Pointe North
Hamtramck
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Port Huron
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Warren Woods Tower
Warren Cousino
TEAMS I SEE ADVANCING TO THE FINALS: Grosse Pointe North, St. Clair Shores Lakeview, Warren Woods Tower, Macomb L’Anse Creuse.
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Boys Golf Regional Projections.
Written Thursday May 13th at 10:20 AM
Here are my projections for the boys golf regionals.
Top Three Go to States. BOLD: Projected Team Regional Champions.
Region 2 @ Saginaw Valley Public Golf Course
CLARKSTON
OXFORD
Alpena
Davison
East Lansing
Fenton
Flint Carman Ainsworth
Flushing
Grand Blanc
Grand Ledge
Lansing Holt
Lansing Sexton
Lapeer
Midland
Midland HH Dow
Okemos
Saginaw Heritage
Swartz Creek
Traverse City Central
Traverse City West
TEAMS I SEE GOING TO STATES: CLARKSTON, Lapeer, and Traverse City Central.
Region 4 @ Fieldstone Golf Course
AVONDALE
BERKLEY
GROVES
SEAHOLM
LAKE ORION
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Detroit Cass Tech
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Detroit Western International
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson
TEAMS I SEE GOING TO STATES: LAKE ORION, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, and ADAMS.
Region 11 @ Huron Meadows Golf Course
FERNDALE
Armada
Birmingham Brother Rice
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Croswell-Lexington
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Eastpointe
Goodrich
Holly
Imlay City
Madison Heights Lamphere
Marysville
North Branch
Orchard Lake St Marys
Brandon
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
St. Clair
St Clair Shores Lake Shore
Warren Woods Tower
Yale
TEAMS I SEE GOING TO STATES: Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Birmingham Brother Rice, and Orchard Lake St. Marys.
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | Health and Wellness
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2021
CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov
More Michigan households are eligible for additional food assistance
in response to COVID-19
LANSING, Mich. – The number of Michigan families eligible for additional food assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be increasing in May with everyone who is eligible now receiving an increased amount, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced.
An additional 350,000 families will receive the extra food assistance under approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, bringing the total in Michigan receiving extra benefits due to the pandemic to more than 700,000.
“Michigan has made great progress towards getting ‘Vacc to Normal’ thanks to the safe, effective vaccines and efforts by millions of Michiganders who have gone above and beyond through the pandemic,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “However, many families are still facing food insecurity due to the health and economic challenges of the last 14 months. No one should go hungry in Michigan, especially in the midst of a pandemic, and I am proud of this step we are taking to continue helping families put food on the table.”
Beginning this month, all households that receive food assistance benefits, will be eligible for the additional amount. Previously families already receiving the maximum monthly amount of assistance were not eligible for additional benefits, while others received an increase bringing them to the maximum monthly allotment. Now all households will receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received over $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount.
Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance beginning in March 2020 – and now that is being extended for May 2021 with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in May to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount.
Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card May 15-25. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
More than 1.3 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program.
“We have worked with our federal partners throughout the pandemic to provide more access to food assistance because no one should have to worry about feeding their families – especially during these challenging times, said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “I appreciate the USDA for working with us to help families who are need.”
Below are the maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:
- One Person: $234
- Two Persons: $430
- Three Persons: $616
- Four Persons: $782
- Five Persons: $929
- Six Persons: $1,114
- Seven Persons: $1,232
- Eight Persons: $1,408
The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. |
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Girls Soccer District Preview.
Written Sunday May 16th at 11:30 AM
Here is my preview for the girls soccer districts.
District 6 @ Lapeer
Lapeer vs. Davison
CLARKSTON vs. LAKE ORION
OXFORD vs. Waterford Kettering
OXFORD/Waterford Kettering vs. Grand Blanc
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a very tough district when looking at the teams at Lapeer. I think there are three teams that have great chances and are state ranked. Grand Blanc has been there and done that. Lake Orion has had a very good season. Davison has been playing well as of late. Keep an eye on Oxford and Clarkston both teams are sleepers in this district. I think the Bobcats should do just enough to get to the regionals. PICK: GRAND BLANC.
District 7 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Mott vs. Walled Lake Western
Milford vs. Walled Lake Northern
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. Lakeland
WEST BLOOMFIELD/Lakeland vs. Walled Lake Central
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a wide open district when looking at the teams that are here. I think West Bloomfield has a shot to win this district but Walled Lake Central could be a very tough out and they are the top seed coming into this district. Lakeland, Waterford Mott, and Walled Lake Northern are darkhorses. I like the Vikings to get to the regionals. PICK: WALLED LAKE CENTRAL.
District 8 @ Northville
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON vs. Novi
Northville vs. South Lyon
Northville/South Lyon vs. Livonia Stevenson
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: It’s going to be very tough for the teams that are in this district especially when the defending Division One State Champions are in this district in Novi. Livonia Stevenson and Northville could give the Wildcats some trouble in this district. Novi really haven’t missed a beat and look primed for another long postseason run yet again. PICK: NOVI.
District 13 @ Berkley
SEAHOLM vs. GROVES
BERKLEY vs. TROY
ROYAL OAK vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
ROYAL OAK/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district at Hurley Field with four teams at or over 500 in the Michigan Percentage Rankings index. When looking at this district, Seaholm despite having the third most in the MPR looks to be the favorite but they will certainly be challenged. Troy has really picked it up as of late and is gaining some confidence to go along with Bloomfield Hills whom is also gaining confidence as well. Royal Oak and Groves are wildcard teams to keep an eye on in this district. I think the Maples will overcome and move on in this district. PICK: SEAHOLM.
District 14 @ Warren Cousino
St. Clair Shores Lakeview vs. Warren Cousino
Roseville vs. TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson
Fraser vs. Warren Mott
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district in Macomb County. Sterling Heights and Sterling Heights Stevenson could make some noise in this district. I just don’t see anyone touching Troy Athens especially with the experience they have. PICK: TROY ATHENS.
District 15 @ Adams
Utica vs. Romeo
ROCHESTER vs. ADAMS
Utica Eisenhower vs. Utica Ford
Utica Eisenhower/Utica Ford vs. STONEY CREEK
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is likely the toughest district in the State. There are five teams that are more than capable to winning this district. Stoney Creek, Rochester, Adams, and Romeo are currently or have been ranked in the State. Utica Eisenhower is not that far behind. Utica Ford II and Utica are also solid teams that could play spoiler. Whoever wins this district should have a deep postseason run in my opinion. I think the Cougars are in a better position to win this district but don’t be surprised if the Falcons, Highlanders, or Bulldogs win this district. This is going to be a tough district for sure. PICK: STONEY CREEK.
District 25 @ Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Holly vs. AVONDALE
FERNDALE vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
Holly/AVONDALE vs. Birmingham Marian
FERNDALE/Madison Heights Lamphere vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This should be a very interesting district in Bloomfield Hills. The favorite has to be Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. The Cranes have home field and a very talented team. Birmingham Marian should be their toughest challenger in this district although Avondale, Holly, and Ferndale could have strong says despite seeing the two seeded teams in the district semifinals. I think that the Mustangs will get past the Cranes on their home field to get to the regionals. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Baseball District Preview.
Written Sunday May 16th at 12:00 PM
Here is my preview and projections for baseball districts that will happen in a few weeks.
District 21 @ Livonia Franklin
Livonia Churchill vs. Redford Thurston
Livonia Churchill/Redford Thurston vs. Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson vs. FARMINGTON
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This should be a very interesting district in Livonia. I see two teams that could do very well in Farmington and Livonia Stevenson but they will see each other in the district semifinals. The Spartans have been solid this season. The Falcons have improved as the season has gone on. Livonia Franklin is the darkhorse as is Livonia Churchill. This district should go down to the wire but end of the day I got to give the edge to Livonia Stevenson but very slightly. PICK: LIVONIA STEVENSON.
District 22 @ Birmingham Brother Rice
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Birmingham Brother Rice
NORTH FARMINGTON/Birmingham Brother Rice vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
SEAHOLM vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is an interesting district at Birmingham Brother Rice. The Warriors look to be the best team on paper but Seaholm, North Farmington, and West Bloomfield have shown that they are more than capable of getting things done. Bloomfield Hills is always a darkhorse. This should be a competitive district but when in doubt go with the home team. PICK: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE.
District 23 @ TBA
Detroit Mumford vs. Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not as strong of a district as many would think but the two top teams are Detroit Renaissance and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. I see these two teams in the district finals but end of the day the Cubs should move on. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.
District 24 @ Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK vs. BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY vs. GROVES
Warren Mott vs. FERNDALE
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This should be a fun district when looking at the teams. Berkley and Groves really stand out but Ferndale is a darkhorse. The Falcons have been struggling a little bit and the Bears have gotten better. I think this is shaping up to be a Groves/Ferndale district final but end of the day I see the Falcons moving on because of pitching and experience. PICK: GROVES.
District 29 @ Adams
ADAMS vs. STONEY CREEK
ADAMS/STONEY CREEK vs. Romeo
ROCHESTER vs. Utica Eisenhower
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very good district at Adams. There are two state ranked teams in Stoney Creek and Romeo. Adams and Utica Eisenhower are darkhorses. Rochester might be on the outside looking in but they are still very dangerous. I see this district going either way with the Cougars and Bulldogs but Stoney Creek has struggled a little bit heading into the final stretch of the season. I think the Bulldogs will move on to the regionals over the Eagles. PICK: ROMEO.
District 30 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering vs. Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering/Waterford Mott vs. AVONDALE
TROY ATHENS vs. TROY
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is an interesting district at Waterford Mott. Waterford Kettering looks solid but Troy Athens has played really well thus far. Avondale is a darkhorse and has a victory over Oxford in the regular season. This is a pretty even matched district but I think the Red Hawks should move on to the regionals over the Yellow Jackets. PICK: TROY ATHENS.
District 31 @ Lapeer
Davison vs. CLARKSTON
Davison/CLARKSTON vs. OXFORD
LAKE ORION vs. Lapeer
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district at Lapeer. The best teams are in Oakland County with Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Oxford. Lapeer and Davison have really struggled and could be in some trouble. The Dragons got the best draw not seeing either the Wildcats or Wolves until the district finals. I think Lake Orion is in a good spot then others to move on to the regionals. PICK: LAKE ORION.
