Inside the OAA

Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.

Friday, June 11, 2021

Girls Volleyball Districts Are Out for 2021.

Written Friday June 11th at 9:45 PM

Hello everybody, the MHSAA released the districts for Girls Volleyball. Here are my early thoughts on each district and insight as well. Most districts are in Division One with the last one being in Division Two for the postseason.

Usually in the past the volleyball districts are the prelude to the basketball districts but it hasn’t always been the case.

Here they are. This blog will be updated periodically once we get updated information.

District 5 at Lakeland

CLARKSTON

Holly

Walled Lake Northern

Waterford Kettering

Lakeland

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lakeland

WILDCARD: Walled Lake Northern

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Paige Giethbrock-Clarkston

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in White Lake. Clarkston should be the favorite in this district and is loaded for new coach in Alison Smith. The Wolves have Skylar Jidas, Elizabeth Adams, Kaitlyn Hoffman, Ella Post, Anna Kuebler, Cali Bordine, Sheeva Hajimirza, Kendall Lozzi, Emily Kuebler, McKenna Hempton, and Paige Giethbrock back from a team that went to the Division One state semifinals last season. Lakeland should be Clarkston’s toughest challenger in this district. The Eagles have Rachel Zurack, Eve Martin, and Julia Fledderjohn back for Coach Meghan Polce. Walled Lake Northern is an interesting team to watch. The Knights have Alyssa Bashir, Ava Epley, Olivia Bonkowski, Hannah Tims, Sarah Tims, Isabella Harding, Abby Zang, and Kayla Budziak back for Coach A’Jhanne Smith. Waterford Kettering has Emily Nuttall and Naomi Hilliard back for Coach Rod Armstrong. Holly should be the darkhorse in this district. The Bronchos lost a ton of experience from last season and will have a new coach. They have Delaney Jenkinson, Isabella Smith, Mary Grace McAninch, Selah Beeler, Marissa Walker, and Macy Martin coming back. This should be an interesting district to say the least as mentioned.

 

District 6 at West Bloomfield

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Novi

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

 

FAVORITE: Novi

NEXT: Walled Lake Central

WILDCARD: West Bloomfield

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Charlotte Warner-North Farmington

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district that has two OAA teams, two Lakes Valley League teams, and a Kensington Lakes Activities Association team. West Bloomfield has a new volleyball coach in Nancy McKowen. McKowen has Kalin McCoury, Cara Hartley, Lily Wardle, Paige Geiser, Marissa Bovo, Kate Horvath, Kennedy Knox, Arianna Hood, Nicole Albani, and Nadia Smith back. There is some experience but the coaching transition will have to happen during the season which will be a challenge for the Lakers.  The early favorite in this district is Novi. The Wildcats have a few players coming back in Grace Dziedzic, Ally Sharnowski, Charlotte Stoy, Sarah Calanchi, Lauren Trainor, Rachel Karr, Reganne Bennett, Sarah Vellucci, and Katie Harpenau. They had a deep postseason run getting to the Division One State semifinals last season for Coach Kacy Bryon. North Farmington has Amelia Scarchilli, Giseele Kassab, Charlotte Warner, Erica Fetterman, Jenna Lee, Maya Weisberger, Emma Berlanger, Nyla Peter-Koyi, Grace Garrett, and Mary Dadisho coming back for Coach Michael Love. Walled Lake Central should be an interesting team to watch with Dru LeValley, Ella Sechrist, Kate LeValley, Gabbi Hajji, Mya Arafat, Alison Karana, Ava Wojciechowski, and Ashlyn Campbell back for Coach Sarah Schmidt. Walled Lake Western has Julia Orando, Alyssa Samp, Jordan Baetz, Kylie Dickinson, and Ryah Dewey back for Coach Gino Salciccori. Novi is the early favorite as mentioned but this is the gray court of West Bloomfield and upsets have happened in the past.

 

District 7 at Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

Birmingham Marian

Farmington Hills Mercy

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy

WILDCARD: Seaholm

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Brizard-Birmingham Marian

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district especially when there are two Catholic League powers that met three times last season (regional final) and they could very much meet again three times this season with both teams being in the same district which is very odd for volleyball standards. Birmingham Marian won the Division One State Championship last season. They are loaded again and have home court for the district this season. The Mustangs have a ton of experience in Sarah Sylvester, Ava Brizard, Ava Sarafa, Sophia Treder, McKenzie Swanson, and Lauren Heming coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Farmington Hills Mercy has Ella Shelds, Erin Kline, Leah LaFontaine, Amina Robinson, Liz Kitchen, Lauren Smiley, and Lauren Mullan. Back for Coach Loretta Vogel. The Marlins are coming off a very tough loss to the Mustangs in the regional finals last season. Seaholm whom could be a darkhorse if things go right has a ton of experience coming back in Audrey Brown, Makena Justice, Maggie Liebler, Ella Stangland, Katie Sullivan, Jessie Rebock, Jordan Lindner, Sydney Ryan, Lily Fischer, Katrina Ness, and Makayla Bolnick for Coaches Jason and Heather Gambone. Farmington has some questions after losing a ton of talent from last season for Coach Kate Drews. Bloomfield Hills has Lauren Chioini, Hannah Teer, Ava Petrucci, Grace Siepierski, Danielle Rasi, Alex Voss, Ashlea Nwabueze, and Gabrielle Jefferies for Coach Larry Wyatt. I don’t see anyone beating the Catholic League powers unless they are in the same side of the bracket then anything is possible.

 

District 8 at Oxford

AVONDALE

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

PONTIAC

ADAMS

Waterford Mott

 

FAVORITE: Lake Orion

NEXT: Oxford

WILDCARD: Adams

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mandy Knieper-Lake Orion

INSIGHT: This should be an interesting district that features a couple of powerhouse programs. Adams has been very successful as of late making deep district postseason runs despite being in a district with Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower. The Highlanders run has ended in districts with Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower but the MHSAA moved Adams to another district. Adams beat the Dragons and the Wildcats in the regular season last year which should give them some confidence. The Highlanders have Jenna Jenkins, Rosalia Simon, Jacoby Fylnn, Ella Pease, Alyssa Edwards, Nikitha Srikrisha, and Gracie Teolis for Coach Terry Baughman. Lake Orion has proven postseason experience despite falling to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Dragons have Nina Horning, Hannah Lynch, Anna Wandrie, Lauren Peters, Kara Delventhal, Piper Talaga, Anja Roedenback, Kayla Chen, Mandy Knieper, Malinda Brunk, and Jada McCauley back for Coach Tony Scavarda. Avondale is an interesting team despite really struggling last season. The Yellow Jackets have Emily Beckas, Anna Lubman, Ariyana Ingall, Laila Hammond, Madison Grenier, and Marissa Zoller back for Coach Andrew Stepp. Oxford is an interesting team to watch and they are at the Ian Smith Gym which helps a lot. The Wildcats have been a proven power and have improved each season. Oxford has Raegan Bell, Baylee Proctor, Ava Wiscombe, Ashley Horne, Rachel Townsend, Carleigh Turek, Margaret Feltz, Kealey Kolp, and Paige Hasselbring back for Coach Brian Kim. Pontiac struggled last season and they could very well do so again. Waterford Mott has struggled in the Lakes Valley Conference. The Corsairs have Sophia Vue, Dylan Chamberlian, and Kinsley Lamb back for Coach Kirk Bagg. I’m seeing this district right now being a three team district but could be a four teamer if things work out in someone’s direction.

 

District 27 at Detroit Renaissance

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

Warren Fitzgerald

 

FAVORITE: Berkley

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

WILDCARD: Warren Fitzgerald

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sawyer Jones-Berkley

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Wayne County. The early favorite has to be Berkley in which they shocked a ton of experts. Coach Eric Wachterhauser has done a remarkable job turning the program around in his first season coaching the program. Wachterhauser is looking for more in his second year. Berkley has a ton of experience from their district championship team which won their first crown since 2012. The Bears have Hannah Roddis, Jordan Budzinski, Sawyer Jones, Claire Leonard, Ella Schneider, Ava Beard, Ariel Gibson, Sammi Withrow, Sophia Dawkins, Lily Keefe, Skylar Walter, and Amayah Watkins to give them that experience. Detroit Renaissance should be the Bears toughest challenger in this district. The Phoenix fell to Berkley in the district finals last season. Detroit Renaissance should be a team to watch with Summer Hutchins, Mackenzie Flowers, Trinity Loundmon, Mackenzie Jarvis, Sydney Hall, Lauren Greene, Keiana Burr, and Brooklyn Jones back for Coach Louis Mitchell. Southfield Arts and Tech and Oak Park did not field teams last season. Warren Fitzgerald was decent despite being in the Macomb Area Conference Bronze last season. Detroit Mumford really struggled and could do so again this season. As of right now this looks to be a two team district between Berkley and Detroit Renaissance.

 

District 29 at Stoney Creek

ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

 

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

WILDCARD: Port Huron

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julia Gilbert-Port Huron

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district over on Tienken and Sheldon Road which features two Oakland County teams, two Macomb County teams, and two St. Clair County teams. Stoney Creek has to be the early favorite because of the talent they have coming back and home court as well. The Cougars have Sydney Tomlak, Kierra Shanahan, Tiffany Tang, Lucie Hranacova, Kathleen Brown, Sydney Bell, and Grace Lombardo coming back for Coach Ross Talbott. Port Huron comes into this district after being with New Baltimore Anchor Bay and Macomb Dakota for a long while. They shared the Macomb Area Blue title last season with Utica Ford II. The Big Reds have Julia Gilbert, Mia Jacobs, Lainey Lochota, and Ella Jacobs coming back back for Coach Derek Arena. Rochester made some noise in the postseason. They upset Romeo in the district semifinals but fell to Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. The Falcons have Leah Stone, Abigail Carballo, Marissa Gallagher, Maddie Nikolic, Lilly Pratt, and Jasmine Savoi coming back for Coach Kirk Gibbs. Utica Eisenhower lost two really talented players who were all state from last season’s district championship team. The Eagles have Ava Wolfe, Izzy Biermann, Gianna Jakubowski, Nina Tabaka, Santa Kalaj, Katie Smith, and Santina Fioritto coming back for Coach Kaitlyn LaPratt. Romeo had a decent season last year and will look to be better. The Bulldogs have Trista Ameel, Caitlyn Jaskowski, Cassidy Banach, Ella Lackowski and Elizabeth Fowler back for Coach Stacey Williams. Port Huron Northern whom is a newcomer to this district struggled last season. The Huskies should be better this season. They have Allison Caughel, Kylie Guyette, Hailey Guilloz, Marley Patterson, Abby Landschoot, Lilly Knowlton, Cooper Manuillow, Jersey McHregor, Madison Palmer, and Anna Kerhoulas back for Coach Randi Kaufmann. This district is looking very interesting to keep an eye on for sure.

 

District 30 at Troy Athens

GROVES

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Warren Mott

 

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Troy Athens

WILDCARD: Groves

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Madison Kinsman-Troy Athens

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district with a ton of storylines coming into the season and once the postseason starts. Groves has a blend of youth and experience with Lauren Brown, Lydia McKeever, Mara Chalifoux, Ava Kirchinger, Lauren Sample, Dajah Mines, Becca Apsey, and Heaven Harris back for new coach Madison Clouse. Troy has some questions but never count out a Coach Tom Viligant squad. The Colts have Savannah Baranowski, Aliya Walters, Tessa Johansson, Sam Watson, Alvina Zaitona, Lauren Boehmer, and Lindsey Van Buhler back. Warren Mott had a great year making it to the district semifinals before falling to Berkley in the district semifinals last season. The Marauders should be a player this season in the Macomb Area Silver for Coach Camisha Coleman. Troy Athens should be an interesting team to watchas they have home court. The Red Hawks has proven experience in Madison Kinsman, Gillian Ciak, Alexa Withun, Anneliese Schriber, Ally Moscone, Casey Gruber, and Nya Mays back for Coach Jeff Williams. Royal Oak should be interesting to see as Coach Ciara Schultz has done well heading into her third season with the Ravens. This is shaping up as mentioned to be an interesting district to keep an eye on for sure.

 

District 57 at TBA

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Hazel Park

Detroit Pershing

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Ferndale

WILDCARD: Hazel Park

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Emily Foster-Ferndale

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district whomever hosts this district, most likely it could be Birmingham Detroit Country Day that hosts. Birmingham Detroit Country Day looks to be the favorite with whom they have back along with the proven postseason experience. The Yellow Jackets have three all state players in Nyla Muskovin, Morgan Lockhart and Serena Nyambio for Coach Kim Lockhart. Ferndale should be Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s toughest challenger in this district. The Eagles have some district championship experience of their own in Emily Foster. Foster has done really well in her career for Coach Stella Johnstone. Hazel Park is another interesting team to watch. The Vikings have some talent and are well coached under Coach Sherry Rietz. I don’t expect much from Ferndale University or Detroit Pershing in this district but you never know. The Eagles are well coached under Julie Patterson despite the struggles. It will be interesting to see if Ferndale University will make some noise. I see this district for now being a two team district.

MHSAA Districts

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2021-Districts