by Becky Andrus | Dec 23, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Schroeder and Lake Orion Part Ways.
By Sammy Taormina
Written Wednesday December 22nd at 10:00 AM
Lake Orion and Coach Joe Schroeder are parting ways.
Schroeder stepped down on Tuesday morning in a move which shocked the boys basketball world.
Jose Andraedas was named the interim coach. He was an assistant at Stoney Creek and Lake Orion along with coaching at Seaholm and Almont.
Schroeder finished with a 21-22 record in his two and a half years coaching the Dragons. He went 11-5 last season which included a share of the Blue. Lake Orion was 2-3 this season prior to the school and Schroeder parting ways. The Dragons fell to 2-4 falling 63-54 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep on Tuesday night.
“I enjoyed coaching at Lake Orion but it was the right time to step away. I want to thank all of my players, the administrators, and members of the community that supported me in my two plus seasons here” Schroeder said to MIPrepZone’s Scott Burnstein.
Lake Orion football coach and athletic director Chris Bell mentioned to Burnstein that he is wishing for him nothing but the best moving forward. “I appreciate everything Joel did with our boys basketball team. He accomplished a lot and did right by us. There was no major incident that led up to this, there was some stress in the program and it’s just best for everyone involved to move on.”
Lake Orion is off until the New Year when they host Lapeer on Tuesday January 4th.
The Dragons have been through a lot in the last few weeks however their goals are still in front of them. It’s important for them to stay together in this very difficult time.
Andraedas brings a ton of coaching experience which helps. He led the Dragons in their opening night win over Rochester Lutheran Northwest to kick off the season.
It will be up to Andraedas to fix Lake Orion’s issues. This has been a program with a ton of questions coming into the season. Program strength is a big concern and still is right now.
It’s going to be very important especially next season whoever the coach is to build and address program strength.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the column from Burnstein.
https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2021/12/21/joel-schroeder-steps-down-as-lake-orion-boys-basketball-coach/
by Becky Andrus | Dec 22, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Statement on FDA Authorization of Pfizer Pill to Keep Michiganders Safe, Out of Hospital
Effective at-home pill will help high-risk, COVID-positive patients recover without hospitalization
LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the FDA authorized a pill manufactured by Pfizer that offers effective, in-home treatments for Michiganders who test positive for COVID-19, alleviating the burden on our health care workers and hospitals.
“This pill is a powerful new tool in our arsenal to keep Michiganders safe. With it, we will be able to help high-risk Michiganders who test positive for COVID-19 recover effectively at home without requiring hospitalization, alleviating the burden on our hospitals and health care workers.
“Michigan also welcomes the federal emergency response team headed our way that will backstop our health care system to ensure hospitals remain operational. In January, the federal government will also set up a website where you can request free, at-home rapid tests to be mailed to you.
“There are steps every Michigander can take to protect themselves. First, get vaccinated and if you are eligible, get your booster. Early data indicates that the booster offers greater protection against the Omicron variant and will help keep you out of the hospital. If you plan on traveling for the holidays or attending an indoor gathering, please get tested beforehand and stay home if you’re sick. If you test positive, especially if you are in a high-risk group, contact a medical professional and find out if the new Pfizer pill is right for you, or if you qualify for monoclonal antibody treatments.
“We are facing a difficult surge, but I know we can get through it if we all do our part. We all know how to protect ourselves against COVID-19 as we enter our third calendar year of dealing with this virus. We have incredible tools in the form of life-saving vaccines and new pills. Take action to keep yourself safe.”
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 22, 2021 | Recreation
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– DNR News –
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| Dec. 22, 2021
Contact: Cpl. Mike Hearn, [email protected]
Winter recreation safety tips for outdoor adventurers
 As many people start venturing outside for the holiday break, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to consider seasonal safety tips before enjoying their favorite winter activities.
“People often get caught up in the excitement of the moment and overlook general winter safety,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s Recreational Safety, Enforcement and Safety Section. “We want to send out a beginning of the season reminder to please keep safety in mind this winter. Dress for the weather, check the forecast before you go out and, if you’re snowmobiling, please ride sober and at a safe speed.”
Regardless of your favorite winter activity, prepare before you leave the house by checking, dressing and packing for the weather. That means:
- Wear light layers that can easily be added or removed – it is possible to overheat even during the winter.
- Carry the appropriate equipment for your activity, such as a flashlight, rope, ice picks or ice claws.
- Have spare equipment available in case something breaks.
- Stay hydrated and fueled – bring water and snacks.
- Bring a buddy.
- Inform others about where you will be and how long you plan to be gone and schedule check-in times.
- Carry a two-way communication device that receives service in remote areas.
- Be aware of your health – if you’re not feeling well, don’t go out.
In Michigan, all snowmobile operators between ages 12 and 16 are required to obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate without a legal guardian or to cross a highway or street. Earn your snowmobile safety certificate or purchase a trail permit online at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.
The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile safety campaign emphasizes the importance of riding sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail. Speed is the main factor in fatal and serious injury snowmobile accidents. There were 12 fatal accidents during the 2020-21 snowmobile season.
If you plan to plan to be around ice, always use extreme caution, as there is no reliable way to test ice thickness.
For more ice safety tips, including what to do if you fall through the ice, go to Michigan.gov/IceSafety. |
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
Ice: When on or near ice, always use extreme caution because there is no reliable way to test ice thickness. For more safety tips, including what to do if you fall through the ice, go to Michigan.gov/IceSafety. |
| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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| The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR. |
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
Omicron Variant Identified in Oakland County
Vaccination, Masking, and Distancing are Vital to Reducing Spread
Pontiac, Michigan – The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is present in Oakland County, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) alerted Oakland County Health Division today. A county resident tested positive for COVID-19 on December 5 and a lab identified the strain as the Omicron variant on December 16, then notified MDHHS.
A case investigation determined the resident, who was vaccinated but did not have a booster dose, had travelled internationally. The resident denied having any close contacts since returning home. MDHHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the agencies that look into any possible exposures while traveling.
“The bad news is that Omicron is here. The good news is our main tools still work as with any variant – masking regardless of vaccine status, distance, and vaccinations including booster doses,” Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said. “Even if Omicron is slightly resistant to immunity to other variants, increasing your immunity through vaccinations will help prevent infection, hospitalization, and death.”
According to the CDC, the Omicron variant will likely spread more easily, but how easily Omicron spreads, compared to the Delta variant, remains unknown. The CDC expects that anyone with the Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, however, are likely to occur. Vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
“Emergence of Omicron in our area further emphasizes the importance of primary vaccinations and boosters, especially before any upcoming holiday gatherings” Oakland County Director of Health and Human Services Leigh-Anne Stafford said. “Vaccination, masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged to help slow spread of Omicron and all COVID-19 viruses.”
The following prevention strategies will reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus and help limit variants:
- Get anyone age 5 and older vaccinated and a booster shot when eligible
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings
- Physically distance from others
- Stay home whenever symptoms appear
- Get tested for COVID-19, especially before gatherings
- Self-isolate properly if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Follow recommendations for traveling
COVID-19 cases continue to be prevalent in Oakland County and Michigan. There were more than 11,800 new confirmed and probable cases from November 29 – December 12, 54 percent of whom were ages 39 years old and younger. The seven-day case average was 657 new cases per day in Oakland County as of December 15. The seven-day percent positivity for COVID-19 tests dropped to 15.38 percent from 16.60 percent the week before.
Most new cases in Michigan continue to be among individuals who are not fully vaccinated. They comprised 85.1 percent of cases, 88.1 percent of hospitalizations, and 85.8 percent of deaths from January 15-December 4, according to the MI COVID Response Data and Modeling Update.
Visit www.oaklandcountyvaccine.com for information about upcoming COVID vaccination sites and who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments when available are strongly recommended online or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 during business hours.
More information about COVID-19 can be found on the Health Division’s website at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.
by Becky Andrus | Dec 22, 2021 | High School Sports
MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association
THIS WEEK
Our final edition for the 2021 calendar year leads off with the announcement of an exciting opportunity to support Oxford as a statewide sports community. We also look back at the week in girls and boys basketball, celebrate competitive cheer in “Title IX at 50” and discuss an important issue in officiating as we move into a new year.
Do you know a high school sports fan who would enjoy this weekly newsletter? Share this link to register on MHSAA.com and be added to the MHSAA NOW mailing list.
AROUND THE STATE
Schools across Michigan will be dedicating February to “Oxford Strong” in support of Oxford Community Schools as the district continues to mourn the deaths of four students during a shooting at the high school Nov. 30. The Oakland Activities Association – of which Oxford is a member – as well as the Kensington Lakes Activities Association and Detroit Catholic High School League, with merchandise vendor E.A. Graphics, have been primary organizers of this effort.
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How last season ended can affect how next season begins – and among trends this season are a number of girls basketball programs picking up again after strong finishes last winter. That’s also a theme among headliners in our Breslin Bound report this week, as we cruise into a holiday break that will slow things down for some – but still include a number of notable matchups, as we’ve also covered here.
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No school for the next two weeks hardly means no basketball for many teams across the state. Holiday showcases, classics, tournaments, etc., canceled last season because of the COVID-related late start are returning to close this calendar year, and they’ll surely clue us in more on the teams to watch once we return and turn to 2022.
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From its start in 1994, competitive cheer has given tens of thousands of athletes an opportunity to present an impressive array of athleticism, stunts and enthusiasm in a competitive format, while being cheered by hundreds of thousands during one of the MHSAA’s best attended tournament sports.
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The Zeeland girls bowling team fell short in its bid for back-to-back Division 1 championships last season. However, Zeeland isn’t short on talent this winter as it returns everyone from March’s run to the quarterfinals. “I think having everyone back is great, and also having a full season,” said Zeeland coach Tony DiLaura, whose team lost to eventual runner-up Belleville at the Finals after qualifying fourth to match play.
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Kalkaska and the rest of the Lake Michigan Conference may not know much of the basketball family history of Harbor Springs point guard Olivia Flynn. But likely they know all of her high school basketball history. Flynn, just a freshman for the Rams, has already racked up three 30-point plus performances – over just five career games – entering tonight’s LMC game at home with the Blazers.
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It’s time to call it what it is … a major crossroad and tipping point. For more than a decade, the numbers of registered MHSAA officials have steadily declined from a high of about 13,000 to, today, around 7,700. While the COVID pandemic has certainly exacerbated those figures over the last two seasons, two of the top reasons officials give for leaving the avocation remains adult spectators and coach behavior.
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Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials. Here is this week’s segment – Ball Over Backboard – Listen
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GAME TIME
MHSAA TV
For a complete list of all games and streaming options go to mhsaa.tv.
Click here for a schedule of available student broadcast video streams.
