by Becky Andrus | Feb 28, 2022 | 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.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Girls Basketball District Matchups and Early Thoughts.
Written by Sammy Taormina
Written Sunday February 20th at 12:00 PM
These are the Girls Basketball district matchups with early thoughts. More will be talked about on the podcast with me and co host Ian Locke.
District 4 @ Davison
Flint Kearsley vs Lapeer
Flint Kearsley/Lapeer vs Davison
OXFORD vs Grand Blanc
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Davison. Grand Blanc is the early favorite with their star power and experience. The Bobcats four losses were to teams that have a MPR of 600 or higher with their best wins over Saginaw Heritage and Saginaw. Davison doesn’t have a quality win despite having the second seed, home court, and a great path to get to the district finals. The Cardinals losses were to teams that were 565 or higher in the MPR. Oxford has been rolling but the MPR has not been kind to Coach Rachel Bryer and the Wildcats. They have a really difficult matchup with Grand Blanc in the district semifinals for the second straight season. Flint Kearsley and Lapeer have really struggled this season and they will meet each other in the first round. I’ve seen both teams play and really haven’t been impressed with either team. This district looks to be a Grand Blanc/Davison district finals but Oxford could spoil things which will be very interesting.
District 5 @ Lake Orion
LAKE ORION vs ADAMS
LAKE ORION/ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
Utica Eisenhower vs Romeo
Utica Eisenhower/Romeo vs ROCHESTER
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Lake Orion with three teams have 14 wins or above coming into this district. Stoney Creek and Rochester have the two seeds but Lake Orion is very dangerous coming into this district. They also have home court. The Dragons have the toughest road in the postseason. They have Adams in the first round and if they get by the Highlanders they will have to deal with Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. The Falcons have a great draw with the second seed. They will likely be seeing Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. The Eagles have been hot and cold lately which isn’t a good sign. Adams has struggled this season but they have put a win streak together at the right time. Romeo has had things very rough for them this season. I think this is a three team district with Stoney Creek, Rochester, and Lake Orion really having strong cases to win this district.
District 6 @ Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE vs PONTIAC
AVONDALE/PONTIAC vs Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like a complete mismatch on paper in Waterford. Clarkston has played a tougher schedule, they have star power, and are well coached under Coach Aaron Goodnough. The Wolves have earned the top seed in this district. Waterford Kettering is the second seed and they have a star player in Markayla Holland. Avondale is the potential spoiler. They have two proven players in Reigan Lawrence and Savannah Schmidt. The Yellow Jackets could pose a challenge to Waterford Kettering in the district semifinals. Pontiac and Avondale should be very interesting in the first round. Waterford Mott will have things really tough against Clarkston in the district semifinals. This district should be a Wolves/Captains district finals but the Yellow Jackets are possible spoilers but at the end of the day no one is touching Clarkston.
District 26 @ Detroit Renaissance
OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford
OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK vs Detroit Renaissance
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it’s a mismatch on paper. Detroit Renaissance has the top seed and has home court. They are very talented, battle tested, and well coached under Coach Shane Lawal. The Phoenix five losses were to teams that have an MPR of 621 or higher. Berkley has the second seed despite losing three straight games. The Bears win over North Farmington looks very strong at the moment. Detroit Mumford has not been very consistent but they should get by Oak Park in the first round. The Knights have really struggled this season. Whoever wins that matchup will have to play the Bears and star standout Ashley Loon in the district semifinals. Royal Oak will have it really tough with Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. This district looks to be Detroit Renaissance’s to lose but don’t count Berkley out.
District 27 @ Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON vs Redford Thurston
FARMINGTON/Redford Thurston vs Livonia Stevenson
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district has the two top seeds in Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson. The Marlins went through a very tough Catholic League and has earned the top seed in the district. Southfield Arts and Tech has been very inconsistent this season. The Warriors either blow out opponents or get blown out, that’s not a good combination. The win against Groves is why the Spartans have the two seed. Farmington is in a very nice spot despite not being seeded in the district. I really like their matchup with Redford Thurston in the first round and if they get by that game their matchup with Livonia Stevenson should be very interesting. The Falcons have experience and a player name Autumn Bartlett. I think Bartlett will carry this team to the district finals. I think this will be a Farmington vs Farmington Hills Mercy district final but at the end of the day this will be the Marlins district to lose.
District 28 @ West Bloomfield
GROVES vs SEAHOLM
GROVES/SEAHOLM vs WEST BLOOMFIELD
BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs NORTH FARMINGTON
BLOOMFIELD HILLS/NORTH FARMINGTON vs Birmingham Marian
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is setting up to be between West Bloomfield and Birmingham Marian in the district finals. Both teams have star power and well respective coaches. This is Mustangs coach Mary Cicerone’s last season on the sidelines. Birmingham Marian will be motivated and inspired to win this district and go as far as they can. The Mustangs won the Catholic League postseason tournament after having a very interesting season. The Lakers have their district on their home floor which helps but their depth besides the Davis sisters, Hendrix sisters, and Hooper will be key for them moving forward. Groves and Seaholm will be a very interesting rematch in the first round. Both teams played at Little Caesars Arena back in December with the Falcons winning over their arch rivals. Groves has been very inconsistent but they have started to turn some things around a little bit under new coach Alison Hidey. The Maples have really turned things around and is in the very thick of the Blue race. The winner will see West Bloomfield which will be a very difficult district semifinal matchup. On the other side of the bracket there is a North Farmington and Bloomfield Hills first round matchup which is very interesting. These two teams have had some close battles against each other but the Raiders have found ways to win both meetings. North Farmington has been much improved lately despite their inconsistencies this season. The Blackhawks are building for the future. They have a nice blend of youth on this team and in the program. Coach Kristen Massey has them heading in the right direction. I’m seeing it Birmingham Marian/West Bloomfield district finals which should be a great game to watch.
District 29 @ Troy
TROY ATHENS vs Warren Mott
TROY ATHENS/Warren Mott vs TROY
Warren Woods Tower vs Warren Cousino
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a make or break district for Troy for many reasons. They have lost three times in the opening round which is something they want to change and badly. Warren Cousino has had a stranglehold in this district with the top seed despite their best MPR win was over Trenton early in the season. The Patriots five losses were to teams that’s MPR were 560 and higher which says a lot. The two seed went to the host school despite the Red Hawks beating the Colts earlier in the season. Troy Athens has had very disappointing record wise despite their returning experience but they have played a tough schedule and have some wins that have helped them keep pace with their arch rivals until the final bracket matchups were released. The Colts have really struggled record wise but they have played a tougher schedule being in the Red this season. They got Alyssa Matuza back which is a huge deal for Coach Julius Porter. Warren Mott should struggle against Troy Athens in their first round matchup while likewise for Warren Woods Tower against Warren Cousino in the district semifinals. There is a ton of pressure on the host school when it comes to this postseason especially with the senior class as mentioned. Can they win the big one in the postseason??? That’s the question.
District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day
FERNDALE vs FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day
EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Detroit Country Day has everything lined up in this district. The Yellow Jackets have home court, star power, and the top seed in the district. Ferndale University has the second seed and a matchup with arch rival Ferndale in the district semifinals. Detroit Jalen Rose Leadership Academy has a very tough matchup with the host school in the district semifinals. It has been very difficult for the Eagles and Detroit Jalen Rose Academy this season. This should be a Ferndale University/Birmingham Detroit Country Day district final but in reality this district is the Yellow Jackets to lose.
District 60 @ Harper Woods
Detroit Denby vs Detroit Osborn
Detroit Denby/Detroit Osborn vs St. Clair Shores South Lake
Eastpointe vs Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
Eastpointe/Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs HARPER WOODS
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Wayne County. I didn’t think that St. Clair Shores South Lake would be in this conversation but they are. The Cavaliers have big MPR wins over Mount Clemens, Clawson, and Hamtramck and three losses were to Blissfield, Clawson, and Marine City. Harper Woods has played teams like Farmington, Seaholm, and Ferndale University but MPR wise Seaholm has been their best game and the Pioneers lost to them. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy could pose a huge challenge to Harper Woods in the district semifinals. Detroit Denby likewise to St. Clair Shores South Lake. Detroit Osborn and Eastpointe have really tough draws. This could be a Harper Woods vs St. Clair Shores South Lake district final but Detroit Denby and Harper Woods Chandler Park should have strong says in the district semifinals.
My Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-2-28-22wav
by Becky Andrus | Feb 28, 2022 | 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.
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Boys Basketball District Matchups and Early Thoughts.
Written by Sammy Taormina
Written Sunday February 27th at 11:45 AM
Here are the Boys Basketball district matchups and early thoughts. My co-host Ian Locke and I will talk these districts more on the podcast.
District 4 @ Davison
OXFORD vs Flint Kearsley
OXFORD/Flint Kearsley vs Davison
Lapeer vs Grand Blanc
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Davison. Grand Blanc is the overwhelming favorite despite being the defending Division One State Champs. There are some teams that could give the Bobcats some trouble. Davison and Lapeer have played the Bobcats very tough in the Saginaw Valley League. Oxford is the darkhorse with everything they have went through in the last four months emotionally and mentally. The Wildcats have a very interesting matchup with Flint Kearsley in the first round. If Oxford beats the Hornets they would play Davison in the district semifinals. They could give the Cardinals some problems. The Wildcats are playing with everything to gain and nothing to lose. Grand Blanc has a rematch with the Lightning in the district semifinals which is a very interesting matchup. Until otherwise though this is the Bobcats district to lose.
District 5 @ Romeo
STONEY CREEK vs ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK/ROCHESTER vs ADAMS
Romeo vs Utica Eisenhower
Romeo/Utica Eisenhower vs LAKE ORION
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is setting up to be a very interesting district at Romeo. Adams is the early favorite with the experience they have but the Highlanders have been around 500 most of the season in the tough Red despite having the number two seed. Lake Orion has been a very interesting story this season. The Dragons changed coaches during mid-season and have turned things around to be in the thick of the White race and the top seed in the district. Rochester had a rough patch of injuries but have turned things around and is in the thick of the Blue race. Stoney Creek will be a tough out for anyone. Romeo has been hot and cold despite winning the MAC White. The Bulldogs have been playing around 500 lately in the MAC Tournament. Utica Eisenhower has also been hot and cold this season and have also been playing 500 in the MAC Tournament. If Adams wants to get back to the district finals they would have to repeat their Rochester dominance against their city rivals to get there and the Falcons will be healthy if they meet in the district semifinals. Utica Eisenhower and Romeo split their MAC White matchups so that will be a very interesting first round matchup. Whoever wins that matchup will have a very interesting matchup with Lake Orion in the district semifinals. This should be a fun district to watch.
District 6 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering vs AVONDALE
Waterford Kettering/AVONDALE vs CLARKSTON
PONTIAC vs Waterford Mott
EARLY THOUGHTS: If you told me that Waterford Mott would be the number one seed in a district that includes Clarkston, I would had said “you’re kidding yourself” but here they are with the top seed and they host their district. The Corsairs have a very difficult district semifinal matchup with Pontiac in the district semifinals. The Phoenix are a Jekyll and Hyde team however they are always dangerous come postseason time. Clarkston is the number two seed in the district and have played a really tough schedule. The Wolves haven’t been themselves lately but that could change with them being healthy with Keegan Waslik back from an ankle injury. Avondale has Waterford Kettering in the first round with that winner seeing Clarkston in the district semifinals. I believe it will be a Waterford Mott/Wolves district final. When healthy Clarkston is the team to beat and they still are.
District 26 @ Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK vs Detroit Renaissance
ROYAL OAK/Detroit Renaissance vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
BERKLEY vs Detroit Mumford
BERKLEY/Detroit Mumford vs OAK PARK
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a fun district to watch at Royal Oak. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is the top seed in the district but keep an eye on Oak Park. The Knights are the second seed in the district and is motivated more than ever to get another shot at the Cubs after losing in double overtime in the district semifinals. They could get that chance in the district finals pending if they get there. Detroit Renaissance has been struggling which is a concern heading into the postseason. Despite their struggles they are a very dangerous team no matter where they are at and could pose problems for Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals pending if they get by Royal Oak in the first round. The Ravens are having a bounce back season and also have home court. They could upset the Phoenix if they are not careful in the first round. Berkley is having a good season as well. The Bears have a very interesting first round matchup with Detroit Mumford. The Mustangs are quietly having a good season. I think there are three teams that could win this district.
District 27 @ North Farmington
FARMINGTON vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
FARMINGTON/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston vs NORTH FARMINGTON
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a strong district when looking at the teams in this district. North Farmington is the favorite with their experience, home court, and talent. The Raiders should have no problem with Redford Thurston in the district semifinals. Livonia Stevenson is the second seed in the district despite having an average season. Farmington is the wildcard despite having a really rough season in the Red. The Falcons have the talent to get to the district finals. Southfield Arts and Tech has had a season to forget but could make up for it in the postseason.The Spartans need to be on upset alert in the district semifinals. I don’t really see any of the three teams mentioned beating North Farmington. This district is the Raiders to lose.
District 28 @ West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
WEST BLOOMFIELD/BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Orchard Lake St Marys
GROVES vs SEAHOLM
GROVES/SEAHOLM vs Birmingham Brother Rice
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really tough district when looking at the teams. The two Catholic League powers are be seeded but the team to really watch is Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks could pose a big problem for Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. Groves is another team to watch as they gave Birmingham Brother Rice everything they could handle last season in the district semifinals and it could be a repeat if they meet. Seaholm has surprised some folks especially with their league play but it’s a tough matchup for them against Groves in the first round. West Bloomfield has had a really rough year but they are talented and athletic. They gave Bloomfield Hills everything they could handle a few weeks ago and they will rematch on the blacktop in the first round. I know everyone has talked about the Eaglets and the talent they have but Birmingham Brother Rice, Bloomfield Hills, and Groves could have very strong says in this district.
District 29 @ Troy
TROY vs Warren Cousino
TROY/Warren Cousino vs TROY ATHENS
Warren Woods Tower vs Warren Mott
Warren Mott/Warren Woods Tower vs Warren De LaSalle
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very interesting district at Troy. Warren De LaSalle and Troy Athens are the seeded teams but Troy is very dangerous and they host the district. Troy Athens snuck into the second seed after the Colts fell to Lake Orion and the Red Hawks senior night blowout over Seaholm on Friday night. The Pilots are loaded with talent and experience and should be the favorite in this district however the Colts or Red Hawks could give them some trouble in the district finals. It should be an easy path for Warren De LaSalle. The Pilots should get by either Warren Woods Tower or Warren Mott in the district semifinals. The most interesting game should be the Colts and the Red Hawks in the district semifinals pending if Troy can get by Warren Cousino in the first round which is a tricky matchup. The Colts also beat Troy Athens earlier in the season. This should be a fun district to watch but three teams really stand out.
District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Detroit Old Redford vs FERNDALE
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district finals between Ferndale and Birmingham Detroit Country Day pending if both teams get there. The Eagles and Yellow Jackets are both senior heavy teams and are seeded in the district. Ferndale University is the wildcard in this district. The Eagles have been playing much better. They should beat Detroit Jalen Rose Academy in the first round. Ferndale University could pose some problems for the Yellow Jackets in the district semifinals. The Eagles should have no problem with Detroit Old Redford in the district semifinals. Until otherwise this is a two team district.
District 60 @ Eastpointe
Detroit Denby vs Detroit Osborn
Detroit Denby/Detroit Osborn vs Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
HARPER WOODS vs Eastpointe
HARPER WOODS/Eastpointe vs St. Clair Shores South Lake
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district at Eastpointe. St. Clair Shores South Lake has the top seed in the district while Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy has the second seed in the district. The Cavaliers and Eagles are also the favorites to get to the district finals. Keep a close eye on Harper Woods and Detroit Denby. They are more than capable of knocking off the seeded teams in the district semifinals if they can win their respective first round matchups. Eastpointe could give the Pioneers some trouble in the first round because of home court. Detroit Osborn and Detroit Denby know each other this season playing in the Detroit Public School League. I see four teams having good shots to win this district.
My Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-2-28-22wav
