Boys Basketball Districts are Out-2023.
Written Tuesday June 21st at 11:15 PM
Hello to everyone, these are the Boys Basketball Districts. The Girls Basketball Districts will be out tomorrow.
If Basketball coaches want their thoughts on the districts posted on the blog, just DM me on Twitter and I’ll get them on there.
This article will be updated very often.
District 6 @ Clarkston
CLARKSTON
PONTIAC
AVONDALE
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Waterford Mott
DARKHORSE: Avondale
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: John Kaul-Clarkston
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. I’m still at a loss for words with how Clarkston didn’t get the top seed in the district last season and Waterford Mott ended up getting that spot. They should be the favorite in this district with home court and proven experience. The Wolves have Brayden Wiley, Desman Stephens, Brody Kosin, John Kaul, Zach Scherler, Cole Church, Zach Pflidger, and Cavanaugh Diton coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Waterford Mott won the Lakes Valley, had the top seed in the district, and home court but fell to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Corsairs have Dequantre Warren, Jacoby Menyweathers, Octave Lawerence, Davon Warren, Kalieb Osborn, Devin Lewis, Davis Ellis, and Jake Martin coming back for Coach Sean Moore. Waterford Kettering struggled last season with a late coaching change two weeks before the season started last season. The Captains have Tommy Knibbs, Isac Moore, Will Campbell, Kevin Meredith, and Christopher Bowman coming back for former Farmington Hills Harrison and Hazel Park coach Stefan Wilson. Pontiac really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back season. The Phoenix have Daveon Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglas coming back for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Avondale is a sleeper in this district. They have really improved and have played really well in the summer. The Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Justin Sykes, Terry Daniel, DJ White, Issac Gordon, Jeremiah Phillips, and Darren Pagel coming back for Coach Pat Clancy. This should be a rematch of the district finals from last season between the Wolves and the Corsairs but anything is possible.
District 5 @ Utica Eisenhower
LAKE ORION
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Utica Eisenhower
FAVORITE: Adams
NEXT: Utica Eisenhower
DARKHORSE: Lake Orion
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ethan Mychajulk-Utica Eisenhower
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Could this district be Macomb County revenge??? It looks like it but Oakland County could spoil things like what happened last season when Lake Orion played Rochester Adams. Utica Eisenhower really improved during the second half of last year but fell to the Dragons in the district semifinals last season. They have proven experience and home court in the district. The Eagles have Ethan Mychajulk, Braden Buza, Preston Crumm, Jackson McHale, Hayden Bills, Ethan Barker, Matthew Elias, and Kyle O’Reilly coming back for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo won the Macomb Area White last season but was blown out by Utica Eisenhower in the first round on their home floor. They have gotten past the first game once in the last four years (2021-Oxford.) The Bulldogs have Tim Kewey and Aiden Tague coming back for Coach Marv Cushingberry but someone has to step up for Romeo to take the next step. Stoney Creek really struggled last season. They have a new coach. The Cougars have Peyton Rummler, Tre Walker, Leo Kent, Tommasso Sincola, and Jonah McCay coming back for new coach Jeff Olind. Adams should be the favorite despite losing a lot of proven experience from winning the district crown last season. The Highlanders have Brady Prieskorn and Peter Karakasis coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. Rochester should be very interesting. They lost a ton of proven experience after falling to Adams in the district semifinals last season. The Falcons have Alex Bueno, Jaiden Bolden, Elijah Kalaj, Joe Lulgjaraj, Grant Calcagno, Rex Matoud, and Kharmani Potts coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Lake Orion is the sleeper in this district despite making the district finals and getting the top seed last season. When they are motivated and have that chip on the shoulder they are very dangerous. The Dragons have Nate Havrilla, DJ Morrow, J’Mari Wiggins, Jordan Morse, Kevin Tobe, Brady Harwood, and Blake Leidell coming back for Coach Jose Andreadas. This is a very interesting district as mentioned, anything is possible.
District 4 @ Grand Blanc
OXFORD
Grand Blanc
Davison
Lapeer
Flint Kearsley
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
NEXT: Davison
DARKHORSE: Oxford
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Lawson-Davison
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Grand Blanc has a ton of storylines. They have a new coach in Tory Jackson. Jackson has a ton of coaching experience at Bay City John Glenn. He takes over for Mike Thomas whom left to take the East Kentwood coaching job. Thomas led the Bobcats to two State Final appearances, winning the title in 2021 but they fell to Warren De LaSalle in the Division One State Finals last season. It will be very interesting to see how the transition goes at Grand Blanc but they will have home court. The Bobcats have Robert Williams, Tae Boyd, Amonte Allen-Johnson, Micah Welch, Anthony Perdue, RJ Taylor, Bryce O’Mara,Trevon Johnson, Jake Lindquist, Joe Nemeck, and Donnine Huddleston coming back for Jackson. Lapeer should be very interesting. They had a hot start but a cold finish last season. The Lightning have Owen Boyle, Matt Sierakowski, Alex Wells, and Matthew Smith coming back for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison has a very young core that had a ton of ups and downs last season. They have made a ton of strides this offseason. The Cardinals have Greg Lawson, Teon Armstrong, Buddy Williams, Zach Papadakis, Henry Carstaphen, and Braylen Himmelin coming back for Coach Mike Williams. Flint Kearsley should be very interesting. They relied heavily on the three point shot. The Hornets have Neely Dakari, Donovan Harrington, and Julienne Brandt coming back for Coach Joe Corkan. Oxford is a sleeper in this district. I wonder what Chicago Brothers Pizza Owner Dan Brown has to say about this district??? The Wildcats have Dominic Cassisse, Logan Rozanski, Lucas Botette, Jake Champagne, Kyle DiMalanta, Keaton Lynn, and Dylan Stone coming back for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Grand Blanc right now is the favorite but watch for Oxford and Davison as both teams could give the Bobcats some fits.
District 25 @ Berkley
BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK
OAK PARK
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Detroit Renaissance
FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
NEXT: Detroit Renaissance
DARKHORSE: Oak Park
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sonny Wilson-Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is the early favorite in this district because of their recent history and playing in the tough Catholic League will get you better for sure. They won the district and made the regional finals last season falling to Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Cubs have Sonny Wilson, Tarrance Reed, Juilan Robinson, David Herron, Xavier Johnson, Zavier Banks, Sebestian Randolph, and Branden Walker coming back for Coach Tim Connely. They have Leroy Blyden waiting in the wings as well. Detroit Mumford had a really rough season last year. The Mustangs should be better for Coach Anthony Woods. Detroit Renaissance should be Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit’s toughest challenger in this district. They won 15 games but fell to the Cubs in the district semifinals last season. The Phoenix have Lance Stone, Dion Stinson, Jayson Gamblin, Jacob White, and Jayden Savoury coming back for Coach John White. Berkley can’t seem to get a break with the district despite having home court for the district. They are a possible sleeper in this district. The Bears have David Rolands, Tamir Runekvich, Riley Shafritz, Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, and Ian Smith coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is a sleeper in this district. They will be looking to get that elusive district crown after falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the past two years (district semifinals in double overtime and in the district finals last season.) The Knights have Jason Harns, Robert Smith, Geon Hutchins, Kevin Tolliver, Soloman White, and LuJuan Holliday coming back for Coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak is another sleeper. They won the Gold last season and are looking for more. The Ravens have Camden Clark, Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, Brady Schrem, Rashad Wilson, and Nick Hoffman coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. This district has the makings of very similar to last season.
District 26 @ North Farmington
NORTH FARMINGTON
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Henry Ford
Livonia Stevenson
PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Detroit Henry Ford
FAVORITE: North Farmington
NEXT: Detroit Henry Ford
DARKHORSE: Livonia Stevenson
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Landon Williams-North Farmington
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Detroit Henry Ford comes into this district while Redford Thurston got moved to a different district. North Farmington should be the favorite in the district. They could be a possible State title contender with the proven experience they have coming back and they have home court for the second straight year. The Raiders have Landon Willams, Prince Jackson, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Ryan Hurst, Tyler Spratt, Donovan Williams, Dwayne Ray, Daemon Eubanks, Connor Childress, and Lamar Walls coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Farmington should be improved. The Falcons have DeAndre Green, Tony Tobert, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, Logan Robinson, Jaden Turner, and Luke Donehue coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. Southfield Arts and Tech has a lot of proven experience in Greg Davis, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Bryce Hewins, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey coming back. They don’t have a coach yet. Detroit Henry Ford won 11 games last season under Coach Ken Flowers. The Trojans should be North Farmington’s toughest challenger in the district. Livonia Stevenson won 12 games last season should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Bailey Way, Dominick Jentzer, Nate Curtis, Maek Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Lucas Young, John Toth, and Chuck Davidek coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. The Raiders won this district last season but Detroit Henry Ford could give them fits, something to watch.
District 27 @ Bloomfield Hills
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES
SEAHOLM
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Birmingham Brother Rice
Orchard Lake St. Marys
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. Birmingham Brother Rice
FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys
NEXT: Birmingham Brother Rice
DARKHORSE: West Bloomfield
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Williams-Birmingham Brother Rice
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district with all six very proven teams. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded after winning the district and making the State Quarterfinals where they were upset on a buzzer beater against Warren De LaSalle last season. They should be the favorite in this district for the second straight season. The Eaglets have Trey McKenny, Chase Tonnies, and Aidan Hanks coming back for Coach Todd Cobert. They have several players to watch in Brandon Thomas, Devon Lewis, Sharad Barnes, Geno Seets and Jack Janda as well. Birmingham Brother Rice has a ton of proven experience. They should be motivated after falling to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals last season. The Warriors have Xavier Thomas, Henry Garrity, John Blackwell, Luke Salkowski, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Tom Labruzzy, Curtis Williams, Keithan Gilmore, and Chasr Van Ameyde coming back for Coach Ricky Palmer. They also have Logan Hamana as well. Bloomfield Hills is the wildcard in this district. They have the district’s best shooter. The Blackhawks have Noah Adamcyzk, DJ Lee, CJ Jackson, Brandon Newland, Ahmad Taylor, and Henry Jackson coming back for new Coach Brian Canfield. Groves is very interesting. They have had a ton of ups and downs and they have a new coach whom is very familiar with the program. The Falcons have Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Elijah Yelder, Myles McClary, Brody Tushman, and Josh Gibson coming back for returning Coach Marc West. They also have Josh Simpson as well. Seaholm is always scrappy and mentally tough. The Maples have Ben Diskin, Findlay Sparby, Rishi Thota, Abe Miller, and Jeff Sheldon coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. West Bloomfield should be much improved after a rough year last season. They have a ton of proven experience. The Lakers have Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Andrew Shewcraft, Terrance Curry, Isiaiah Bryant, Tory James, Louis Johnson, and Mitchell Seay coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. They have Cory Pittman as well in the program. This will be a very interesting district as mentioned but the Catholic League stands out but watch for West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.
District 28 @ Sterling Heights Stevenson
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford II
Utica
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Sterling Heights Stevenson
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Sterling Heights Stevenson
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Zach Penoza-Troy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Troy is the early favorite in this district. The Colts have Darius Whiteside, Jon Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chase Kupier, Nate Liberty, Carter Cusmano, Kyle Parker, Bryce Parker, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Troy Athens should be very interesting. The Red Hawks has Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proefkee, Kyree Harper, Emmanuel Robinson, and Brogan Withun coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Sterling Heights Stevenson has a ton of proven experience and home court. The Titans have Austin Akrawi, Joesph Sotto, Justin James, Sam Kashat, Graham James, Caden Bollinger, Amuwha Mazino, Ronaldo Yaldo, Kryan Ross, Alex Moratalla, Daron Bobbitt, Joseph Malak, and Luke Sesi coming back for Coach Jeff Becker. Utica really struggled last season. The Cheiftans have Logan Davis, Mason Brodi, Trent McFarland, Sebastian Soriano, Jack Malone, Nick Bosilkovski, Nathan Silver and Austin Lemerise coming back for Coach Tom McDonald. Utica Ford II should be much improved. The Falcons have Dakari Rogers, Aaron Johnson, Diego Harden, Carson Strumn, Eli Miller, Gavin Gugliemetti, and Maid Kurjakovic coming back for former West Bloomfield coach Jeremy Dehna. Troy should be the favorite but Sterling Heights Stevenson and Troy Athens should have strong says.
District 59 @ TBA
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Old Redford
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Lincoln King Academy
FAVORITE: Ferndale
NEXT Detroit Lincoln King Academy
DARKHORSE Detroit Old Redford
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Chris Williams-Ferndale
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very difficult district to say the least when looking at the teams that are here. Ferndale went to the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years. They have a pretty strong team and program despite losing their two top players. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Caleb Renfroe, Maurice Booth, and Trenton Ruth coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Detroit Old Redford won 11 games last season. The Ravens have really toughened up their schedule for Coach Rashad Reeves. Ferndale University is a sleeper in this district. They have really improved winning seven games and will look to take the next step as a program. The Eagles have Chris Kendrix, Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Semaj Clark, Cordae McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Jonathan King, Zakaria Smith, Antione Owens, and Damir Orr coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Hazel Park is the weakest team in this district. They won three games last season. The Vikings should be better under Coach DeAndre Thomas. Detroit Lincoln King Academy won 14 games last season. The Wolves have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Chris Covington. This is a really tough district. Whoever wins this district and gets home court will be in line for a very competitive district.
District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North
HARPER WOODS
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Roseville
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Roseville, 2. St. Clair Shores Lakeview
FAVORITE: Roseville
NEXT: St. Clair Shores Lakeview
DARKHORSE: Harper Woods
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district which saw four teams that are in the district that won more than 10 games last season. Roseville is the early favorite coming into this district. They won 13 games but fell to Warren De LaSalle in the district finals last season. The Panthers have Brian Hunter, Amonti Greene, AJ Scott, Todario Payne and Isiah Mays coming back for Coach Greg Boler. Grosse Pointe North started off very well early but they went 1-10 in their last 11 games including falling to Hamtramck in the first round last season. The Norseman has Adam Ayrault coming back for Coach Andrew Ayrault. Grosse Pointe South won 11 games last season. The Blue Devils have Donovan Moody, Noah Stiyer, Karter Richards, Tommy Maccagnone, Griffin Adams, Brady Kennedy, and Alex English coming back for Coach Stephen Benard. St. Clair Shores Lakeview won 11 games last season. They should be in the mix in this district after falling in a heartbreaker to St. Clair Shores LakeShore in the first round last season. The Huskies has Matthew Ritter, Austin Stockett, Keonte Woolf, Tyler Griffin, Charrone Gordon, Bryce Ong, Easton Demeulenarere, and Zavier Hassan coming back for Coach John Carr. Harper Woods comes up from Division Two this offseason. They won a district crown in their first season in the OAA last season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams coming back for Coach TuJuan Porter. This should be a very interesting district as mentioned but three teams really stand out for now.
Here is the Boys Basketball Districts from the MHSAA Website